Financial and Non-financial Conflicts of Interest Among the Japanese Government Advisory Board Members Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (preprint)

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the extent of conflicts of interest among the Japanese government COVID-19 advisory board members and elucidate the accuracy of conflicts of interest (COI) disclosure and management strategies. MethodsUsing the payment data from all 79 pharmaceutical companies in Japan between 2017 and 2018 and direct research grants from the Japanese government between 2019 and 2020, we evaluated the extent of financial and non-financial COI among all 20 Japanese government COVID-19 advisory board members. ResultsJapanese government COVID-19 advisory board members were predominantly male (75.0%) and physicians (50.0%). Between 2019 and 2020, two members (10.0%) received a total of $819,244 in government research funding. Another five members (25.0%) received $419,725 in payments, including $223,183 in personal fees, from 28 pharmaceutical companies between 2017 and 2018. The average value of the pharmaceutical payments was $20,986 (standard deviation: $81,762). Further, neither the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare nor the Japanese Cabinet Secretariat disclosed financial or non-financial COI with industry. Further, the government and had no policies for managing COI among advisory board members. ConclusionsThis study found that the Japanese government COVID-19 advisory board had financial and non-financial COI with pharmaceutical companies and the government. Further, there were no rigorous COI management strategies for the COVID-19 advisory board members. Any government must ensure the independence of scientific advisory boards by implementing more rigorous and transparent management strategies that require the declaration and public disclosure of all COI.

Pharmacy patronage: identifying the roles of Nepalese pharmacists in tacking COVID-19. (Special Issue: Coronaviruses and COVID-19- Past, Present, and Future.)

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the dire issues currently worldwide. With increasing death tolls every day and with new information regarding disease every minute, it is very important to disseminate the updated and reliable information to the public. Along with other health care professionals, the pharmacists' role is crucial in preventing the spread and management of the disease. The involvement of pharmacists from clinical trials, drug evaluation to providing pharmaceutical care and other basic pharmacy services in the frontline in this health emergency is undeniable. This commentary focuses on the role of pharmacists in different settings of the health care system and the degree of recognition of the work in Nepal.

Sleep Disorder During the Third Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic among Malaysian Adults (preprint)

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus posits deleterious consequences on global healthcare system while affecting human life in every aspect. Despite various measures undertaken to limit the socio-economic effect of coronavirus, various challenges remain pervasive, and one such challenge is mental health, particularly sleep disorders. Therefore, this study examines the prevalence and determinants of sleep disorders among Malaysian adults. Methods: : An online survey was conducted from 11 January to May 2021. Structured questionnaire link using Google form was sent to the adults through E-mail in Malaysia. The study utilized Holland Sleep Disorder Questionnaire (HSDQ) to screen out the various sleep disorders, namely; Insomnia, Parasomnia, Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder (CRSD), Hypersomnia, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS/PLMD), and Sleep-disordered Breathing (SDB). Percentage distribution and logistic regression analysis were used as study tools. Results: : Around 70% of the surveyed population had one or another sleep disorder. One-third reported RLS/PLMD (34.8%) and CRSD (33.9%). More than one-fourth of the adults reported Insomnia (29.7%) and Hypersomnia (25.8%). Increased risk of sleep disorders was found to be associated with being unemployed (OR=2.4, C.I.=1.17-4.89). The risk of insomnia and hypersomnia was higher among female adults (OR=1.6, C.I.=1.11-2.3) and unemployed adults (OR=2.4, C.I.=1.23-5.04), respectively. Conclusion: Immediate interventions to prevent aggravation of sleep disorders should be promoted. It is recommended to bring forth psychiatric and psychological support to those suffering from various sleep disorders in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Government shall impart counselling through various online channels consisting of psychologists and sleep experts to improve the quality of sleep.