Prevalence, Knowledge and Potential Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability Among University Students in the United Arab Emirates: Findings and Implications.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence, knowledge, attitude and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccines and related factors among university students in the United Arab Emirates. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study undertaken among a convenient sample of medical and non-medical colleges of Ajman University using a self-administrated questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic data as well as assessing knowledge of COVID-19, attitudes and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. RESULTS: A total of 467 students participated in the study and completed the questionnaire. A total of 181 (38.8%) participants reported that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, principally with the Sinopharm vaccine (84%). Vaccination against the COVID-19 virus was less prevalent among Arabic nationalities compared to other nationalities, but more prevalent among students from health science colleges compared to those from non-health science colleges. The acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine among study participants was 56.3%, exacerbated by worries regarding unforeseen problems (65.5%, 306), general mistrust (47.3%, 221) and unforeseen impacts (35.1%, 164). The average knowledge score was 60.1%, with 142 (30.4%) having poor knowledge, 127 (27.2%) acceptable knowledge and 198 (42.4%) good knowledge. There were common misconceptions about symptoms including nausea and diarrhoea, as well as the route of transmission, with half believing antibiotics are effective treatment. CONCLUSION: There was variable knowledge of COVID-19 among students. Misconceptions need addressing going forward. To enhance COVID-19 vaccination uptake in the country and worldwide, health education targeting diverse sociodemographic categories should be prioritized.

Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Knowledge and Perception of Dental Care Providers at Ajman.

AIM: This study aimed to improve our understanding regarding attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) awareness among dental care providers of Ajman University (AU), and also to identify factors that are highly associated with an increased awareness toward ADHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey study designed and carried out among convenience sample of dental care providers. The survey was carried out by using a self-administrated questionnaire. The questionnaire was composed into demographic, socioeconomic, and ADHD information. RESULTS: The study shows low level of awareness toward ADHD. Moreover, participants who provided treatment for a patient with ADHD were found to show higher degree of awareness toward ADHD. DISCUSSION: The existing results will be used in developing a well-planned program and clear polices to increase the level of awareness regarding ADHD.