Prevalence and Associated Factors of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Among Tuberculosis Patients in Muscat, Oman, 2017-2020.

Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) are global public health concerns and leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Coinfection is known to complicate TB control and outcomes. However, there is no national study regarding the prevalence of DM among TB patients in Oman. The objective of the current study was to assess the prevalence of DM and its associated factors among TB patients in Muscat, Oman. Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study using secondary data from the electronic system of the Ministry of Health (Al-Shifa 3+). It includes all adult TB patients in Muscat, from 2017-2020. Sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics, and comorbidities of TB patients were collected. SPSS with 95% CI and p-value ≤ 0.05 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Of 426 TB cases, the prevalence of DM was 27.0%. The associated factors of DM were age group 40-54 years (odds ratio (OR) = 9.08, 95% CI: 4.16-19.84) and ≥ 55 years (OR = 11.35, 95% CI: 5.19-24.82), male (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.45-3.81), being married (OR = 13.18, 95% CI: 4.72-36.84), being employed (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.19-4.47), and Bangladeshi (OR = 7.08, 95% CI: 2.50-20.12) or Indian (OR = 6.14, 95% CI: 2.40-15.70) nationality. The absence of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin scar (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.19-3.56), death (OR = 7.08, 95% CI: 1.26-7.82), and cured after TB treatment (OR = 3.02, 95% CI 1.71-5.31) showed significant association. Also, smoking (OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.81-4.76), drinking alcohol (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.10-2.91), hypertension (OR = 10.45, 95% CI: 5.29-20.64), heart disease (OR = 8.50, 95% CI: 1.69-42.77), and renal disease (OR = 4.84, 95% CI: 1.71-13.64) contributed to the study's comorbidities. Old age (adjusted OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.72-3.06) and hypertension (adjusted OR = 5.21, 95% CI: 2.28-11.87) were found to be predictors of DM among TB patients. Conclusions: The prevalence of DM among TB patients in Muscat is high. Integrated systematic bidirectional TB-DM screening is needed. Furthermore, special attention is required for associated factors when managing these comorbidities.

A second local dengue fever outbreak: A field experience from Muscat Governorate in Oman, 2022.

Background: Dengue fever is an infectious disease of global health concern. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and field experience of a locally transmitted outbreak of dengue fever in Muscat Governorate, Oman from mid-March to mid-April 2022, and the multi-sectoral approach to control the outbreak. Methods: Data were collected from an electronic e-notification system, active surveillance and contact investigations. Results: Of 250 suspected and probable cases, 169 were confirmed as dengue fever with DENV-2 serotype. Of these, 108 (63.9%) were male and 94 (55.6%) were Omani. The mean age was 39 years (standard deviation 13 years). Fever was the most common symptom and occurred in 100% of cases. Haemorrhagic manifestations occurred in 10% (n=17) of cases. Hospitalization was required for 93 cases (55.1%). The field investigation included 3444 houses and other suspected sites. Breeding sites for Aedes aegypti were identified in 565 (18.5%) sites visited. Interventions to control the outbreak included environmental and entomological assessment of the affected houses and surrounding areas (400 m radius of each house). Conclusion: Outbreaks are expected to continue, with the possibility of severe cases due to antibody-dependent enhancement. More data are required to understand the genetics, geographical spread and behaviour of A. aegypti in Oman.

Importance of Tuberculosis Screening of Resident Visa Applicants in Low TB Incidence Settings: Experience from Oman.

INTRODUCTION: For Oman, a country targeting tuberculosis (TB) elimination, TB among expatriates is a major challenge. Thus, screening for active TB using chest X-ray was made mandatory for expatriates' residency renewals. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of bacteriologically confirmed TB and assess impact of chest X-ray based TB screening among expatriates in Muscat Governorate. METHODS: Applicants for residency and renewals were mandated for chest X-ray-based TB screening in 2018. We collected data of screened subjects with radiological suspicion of TB who were subjected to further bacteriological evaluation. RESULTS: Of 501,290 applicants screened during the study period, 436 (0.09%) had X-ray findings suggestive of TB. Among the 436, TB was confirmed in 53 (12.2%; 95% CI 9.2-15.6), giving an overall prevalence of 10.6 (95% CI 8-13.9) per 100,000 applicants (number needed to be screened 9458). Among renewals, the point prevalence of TB was 10.5 per 100,000 expatriates screened (95% CI 6.9-14.04 per 100,000), with a mean follow-up period of 11.8 years. CONCLUSION: Our findings are consistent with the recommendation for utilization of chest X-ray as a preferred tool for active case finding in the setting of expatriate screening. Our findings are also suggestive of the need for latent TB screening and ruling out TB prior to latent TB treatment.

Reporting at Least One Adverse Effect Post-COVID-19 Vaccination From Primary Health Care in Muscat.

Introduction Vaccinations against COVID-19 were licensed with limited testing assurances to the public triggering a widespread hesitancy around expected adverse reactions. Limited data was reported from Arabian Gulf countries on vaccine adverse effects. Objectives This study looked at the rate of reporting at least one side effect post-COVID-19 vaccination and its associated factors (sociodemographic characteristics, clinical condition, and type of vaccines). Additionally, questions about safety and willingness to recommend them were included. Study design Phone interviews on post-COVID-19 vaccination adverse effects were utilized to record responses related to reporting at least one side effect post vaccinations across the studied variables. Data collection continued for two months (from 1st March to 30th April 2021). Methodology Participants were adults (Omani citizens and non-citizens) who received AstraZeneca (AZ) or Pfizer (PF) vaccines from primary care facilities in Muscat and were randomly selected from the health information system. Responses were saved in a bespoke Google form/questionnaire. Chi-squared tests were utilized to determine potential factors associated with the dependent variable. Results A total of 753 participants completed the phone interviews. The mean age was 52 (3.5), males (54.1%), and 65.1% were Omanis. Hypertension (39.7%), diabetes (34.1%), and asthma (16.7%) were the commonest comorbidities. AZ and PF were administered to 78% and 22% of the participants. Of them, 49.8% reported at least one adverse effect post-COVID-19 vaccination. The proportion of participants with at least one adverse effect was significantly more in individuals who were younger, females, with more than secondary education, and employed (p value < 0.001, 0.01, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). There was no severe reaction (anaphylactic shock) to the vaccines, and most adverse effects were mild-moderate. The proportion of individuals who reported adverse effects were higher with AZ vs PF (53% vs 38.6, p = 0.001). The most common reported localized adverse effects were pain and tenderness (28.3% and 12.1%). Fever and body aches were the commonly reported systemic adverse effects (33.5% and 29.2%). The safety of COVID-19 vaccines was well perceived, and most participants were willing to recommend them to others. Conclusions The current study confirms findings from existing literature on the mild to moderate adverse effects of AZ and PF vaccines. Despite the subjective nature of this study, it is reassuring that the studied COVID-19 vaccines can be administered safely. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to test their efficacy in disease prevention.

Responses to the Pandemic COVID-19 in Primary Health Care in Oman: Muscat Experience.

OBJECTIVES: As coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was pervading different parts of the world, little has been published regarding responses undertaken within primary health care (PHC) facilities in Arabian Gulf countries. This paper describes such responses from January to mid-April 2020 in PHC, including public health measures in Muscat, Oman. METHODS: This is a descriptive study showing the trends of the confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 and the undertaken responses to the evolving epidemiological scenario. These responses were described utilizing the World Health Organizations' building blocks for health care systems: Leadership and governance, Health workforce, Service delivery, Medical products and technologies, and health information management. RESULTS: In mid-April 2020, cases of COVID-19 increased to 685 (particularly among non-nationals). As the cases were surging, the PHC responded by executing all guidelines and policies from the national medical and public health response committees and integrating innovative approaches. These included adapting comprehensive and multi-sectoral strategies, partnering with private establishments, and strengthening technology use (in tracking, testing, managing the cases, and data management). CONCLUSIONS: Facilities in the Muscat governorate, with the support from national teams, seemed to continuously scale-up their preparedness and responses to meet the epidemiological expectations in the management of COVID-19.

The Experiences and Perceptions of Health-Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Muscat, Oman: A Qualitative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Predominantly, studies on COVID-19 report quantitative data that often miss the social implications and other determinants of health. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of health care workers (HCWs) in primary health care in the management of COVID-19 with respect to medical response experiences, socio-cultural and religious reforms, psychological impressions, and lessons learned. METHODS: This was a qualitative study using an empirical phenomenological approach. Six focus group discussions were conducted across various stakeholders working frontline in the management of COVID-19 (managerial, public health/field/community and primary care health centers). They participated in semi-structured, in-depth group discussions from 11th to 20th May 2020. All discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Forty participants were involved in this study. Three themes emerged related to the medical response experiences, including the rapid re-structuring of the PHC services, use of technology and challenges of working on COVID-19. Perceptions on the socio-cultural and religious reforms included changes in social and religious norms, and anticipated gaps in accessing health care among the vulnerable groups (elderly, expatriates, and individuals with low economic status). Perceptions on psychological disturbances were themed as consequences of social distancing, management of dead bodies, exhaustion among the health care workers, and risk of exposure. Finally, lessons learned were centered around building on the existing epidemiological and public health capacities, improving access to health care and overcoming resistance to change. Most participants labelled their experience in COVID-19 as an "experience of wisdom" in which learning was a continuous process. CONCLUSION: This qualitative study amongst primary HCWs revealed certain aspects of response to COVID-19 in Muscat, Oman. Results has unfolded various aspects of COVID-19. The situation was perceived by primary HCWs as a new experience that challenged the primary health care; enforced the utilization of public health/epidemiological skills, and linked to unfavorable socio-religious and psychological events.