Fear of Needles and Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Acceptance Amongst Adults in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study and Implications for Nursing.

Introduction: Seasonal influenza remains a challenge in the United Arab Emirates, and vaccination is an important preventive measure. However, fear of needles may be an obstacle in vaccination efforts. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine, in a non-clinical sample obtained from the UAE, how much of an impact fear of needles has on the decision to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. Methods: In the period September-December 2022, 372 participants were surveyed on their willingness to be vaccinated, their level of vaccine knowledge, and their level of fear of needles. Logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of fear of needles and vaccine knowledge on the decision to accept the seasonal influenza vaccine. Results: Fear of needles and vaccine knowledge are significant predictors in the decision to receive the vaccine. There were no gender or ethnic differences in fear of needles, but there were differences in the decision to receive the vaccines, with women and non-Arabs being more hesitant. Conclusion: Fear of needles may be an important variable to account for in public policies designed to improve vaccination rates in the UAE. For public health policy in the UAE, this implies that authorities must dedicate efforts to manage fear of needles in the general population. Efforts to address fear of vaccines in the general population must be made with proper training of nurses. Alternatively, authorities may need to seek oral alternatives for the administration of the seasonal influenza vaccine.

Phone addiction, cyberbullying, and mental health amongst young adults in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Smartphone addiction is a common phenomenon worldwide and within the UAE. It is related to many factors, including gender and ethnicity, and can lead to mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This study investigates these factors concerning smartphone addiction among young adults in the UAE. METHODS: 421 participants answered a questionnaire of validated and reliable scales measuring smartphone addiction, cyberbullying experiences, mental health, and demographic information. The average age of the participants was 21 years, and the age groups were divided into two groups. Group 1 consists of participants who are 20 years or younger, and group 2 consists of participants aged 21 or older. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between smartphone addiction with both anxiety and depression. A positive correlation was also found between cyberbullying victims, anxiety, and depression. Females were found to have higher levels of anxiety and smartphone addiction in comparison to males. CONCLUSION: Smartphone addiction is a problem that connects to disorders like anxiety and depression. Conversely, cyberbullying is not directly related to smartphone addiction but is also strongly related to anxiety and depression.

Primary sternal osteomyelitis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Primary sternal osteomyelitis is a rare condition that is frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It is often confused with other cardiac and pulmonary conditions. Early antimicrobial treatment and surgical debridement is the cornerstone of treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old male adult came to the emergency room (ER) with a 2-week history of chest pain, fever, and malaise. His past medical history was unremarkable. Examination revealed a tender anterior chest wall swelling. White Blood Cells (WBCs) (21.6 × 104)/mm3) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (294.10 mg/L) were elevated. Pus from the swelling and blood samples were sent for culture and sensitivity. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was normal and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed a large dense anterior chest wall abscess extending deep in the chest and to both axillae which caused bony erosion of the sternum. Incision and drainage of the abscess were performed, followed by surgical debridement of the wound. Cultures along the course showed both Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus. The patient improved gradually and 2 months after his initial presentation, he became free of symptoms, and CT has shown complete resolution. DISCUSSION: Osteomyelitis usually happens after an external bacterium seeds the bone where it begins to grow and thrive, leading to the destruction and pus accumulation under the periosteum. For the treatment, identifying the causative agent is critical in giving intravenous (IV) antibiotic. Thereafter, incision and drainage of an abscess can be performed, similar to what was done with the patient mentioned. Radiography, specifically a CT scan, is crucial as it clearly reveals bony margins and can differentiate between a sequestrum and an involucrum. It also identifies cortical erosion, intraosseous gases and periosteal reactions. CONCLUSION: Sternal osteomyelitis can have a nonspecific clinical presentation. Laboratory investigations and radiological findings are crucial for a prompt diagnosis. To prevent the progression of the disease and complications, early intervention is vital to ensure a good prognosis.