Knowledge and barriers to hepatitis C screening among social media users in United Arab Emirates.

Background: Hepatitis C affects nearly 58 million people worldwide, the majority of whom live in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. There is limited data about hepatitis C disease or its knowledge in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aim: This study assessed knowledge about hepatitis C and barriers to screening for it in the UAE. Methods: This exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study evaluated 1083 participants using a convenience sampling method. Participants aged 18 and above, literate in English or Arabic, were included in the study. The validated questionnaire was administered online and distributed across social media platforms from November 2020 to February 2021 and responses were analysed using Python. Results: Mean knowledge score was 11.83 (SD = 7.28). Knowledge was average with 57.52% (n = 489 of 850) of respondents achieving a moderate knowledge score, but poor awareness about treatment options were noted. Only 54.12% (n = 460 of 850) were aware that treatment was possible and 24.10% (n = 205 of 850) knew that there was no vaccine for hepatitis C. Field of work (P < 0.001), marital status (P < 0.001) and perceived knowledge (P < 0.001) were statistically significant predictors of knowledge score. Lack of insurance coverage for testing and limited knowledge about hepatitis C were identified as the most common barriers to getting tested. Conclusion: The UAE community has moderate knowledge about hepatitis C but a poor understanding of available preventive and treatment options. Targeted outreach programmes, particularly for high-risk groups, are needed to improve community awareness of hepatitis C.

Attitudes and practices to adult vaccination among physicians before and after COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates.

Introduction: Vaccination remains underutilised worldwide with low vaccine uptake rates across the board with many adults remaining unprotected. Across the Arab world, attitudes towards vaccines vary but high rates of vaccine hesitancy have been found. This study aims to explore the adult vaccination attitudes and practices by physicians in the UAE, both before and after the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccines. Methodology: This cross-sectional, descriptive study used convenience and snowball sampling to collect comprehensive data from UAE physicians. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed in two stages: the first (pre-COVID-19 vaccines) between the months of June and October 2020 and the second between the months of November 2022 and March 2023. Results: 1000 responses, 500 from each time period, were collected. Nearly a third were family physicians or internists with more than 70% of the physicians working in governmental hospitals. 95% agreed that vaccines are safe in both cohorts but 74.4% reported not having enough time to advise about vaccines. 80.8% of physicians in the 2022 cohort reported safety concerns as the most common reason for patients to refuse vaccines. The most recommended vaccines were influenza (68.6%), Hepatitis B (66.0%) and HPV (61.4%), with pneumococcal coming in close at 57.8%. Family medicine physicians showed the highest utilisation of preventive practices across both cohorts. Nearly half of all family medicine physicians did not regularly evaluate both the influenza and general immunisation status of their patients. 54.6% of physicians reported having patients with VPDs in the last five years (not including COVID-19) in 2022. Conclusion: Physicians have overly positive attitudes, but their practices reflect a more superficial appreciation of vaccines and lack of initiative. Physicians need to adopt a pro-vaccine stance, armed with the proper tools and the right mentality and beliefs.

Emirati Adolescents' and Young Adults' Usage of Social Media for Health Information.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and in the years after, adolescents' and young adults' (AYAs) usage of social media increased. Social media has been shown to influence both the physical and mental behaviour of AYAs. The Emirates' AYAs are among the world's heaviest consumers of social media. This study aims to explore the usage of social media networks by AYAs for sharing and looking up health information, as well as interacting with local health systems, with a special focus on doctors and social media. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was used to collect comprehensive data from Arabic- and English-speaking Emirati students in grades 7 through 12 and university students between the months of December 2022 and April 2023. A total of 876 out of 930 responses were included. Of the responses, 27.71% were university students, with another 46.46% in grades 11 and 12. Three-fourths had a hospital or clinic visit in the last 6 months and 79.11% had good health perception. Smartphones were the most commonly used devices, at 92.12%. A total of 74.7% reported being able to obtain useful health information, with 40% having had a health decision influenced by it. Posting information on social media was not common, with only 32% posting such content (most commonly mood-related). Health information on social media by health authorities was considered the most trustworthy, with celebrities being the least trustworthy. More than half of AYAs searched for a physician before a visit, and the majority would not mind having a rash picture being posted on a public website if consent (verbal or written) was taken. Social media can influence the various health decisions an AYA might take and which doctors they might choose to see. Physicians should consider their presence and the content they present on social media carefully.

Medical Students' Syndrome among Medical Students in the University of Sharjah, UAE.

Background Medical students' syndrome (MSS) is a set of psychosomatic symptoms that affect students due to their medical background knowledge. Objectives This study aims to measure the prevalence and assess the knowledge about MSS among medical students at the University of Sharjah. It also aims to compare the attributed characteristics of MSS between different years of study. Methods A self-administered 24-item questionnaire was distributed to 503 students enrolled in the College of Medicine at University of Sharjah using nonprobability convenience sampling during June 2021. A total of 472 responses were completed and analyzed using descriptive studies and chi-squared test. Results The prevalence of MSS in this study was found to be 70.8% ( n = 334). Clinical year students were 1.75 times more likely to have felt they had a disease they studied about (95% confidence interval: 1.05-2.90, p = 0.03). Conclusion Medical students are more likely to experience MSS as their education progresses.

Breast cancer knowledge and practices amongst women in Algeria.

PURPOSE: The present study aims at investigating how Algerian women feel about Breast Cancer (BC) and Breast Self-Examination (BSE) in terms of knowledge and attitude and to determine the factors associated with performing BSE and its reluctance. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional survey between October 14, 2021 and November 14, 2022, targeting Algerian females aged more than 18 years and living in the country using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 436 participants were involved in this study among which 41.28% were aged between 21 and 30 years and 34.86% were aged between 31 and 40 years. The average level of correct responses with regard to knowledge about BC was estimated at 51.31%, whereas it was 32.93% concerning knowledge about BC risk factors. Family history was the less reported incriminating factor for developing BC among the asked women (7.34%). Concerning alarming signs of BC, the current study revealed that Algerian women were less knowledgeable about breast dimpling-puckering (44.27%), breast inward traction (50.23%), breast redness (54.13%), and nipple position change (54.13%). In terms of belief in the utility of BSE in the early detection of BC, almost all the participants (97.98%) were convinced of its utility, whereas 96.33% of them showed an interest in learning more about it. In what concerns the early screening tests, approximately, four-fifth of the participant (77.52%) heard about them, while 94.72% believed that its early detection could reduce the disease's severity and mortality. CONCLUSION: These findings revealed an insufficient level of knowledge concerning BC, especially in regard to its risk factors and some alarming signs as well as a lack of knowledge about BSE and other BC screening tests; hence the necessity of awareness campaigns about this disease that should target categories with the lowest level of knowledge.

The Usage and Trustworthiness of Various Health Information Sources in the United Arab Emirates: An Online National Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: The increase in the quality and availability of health information as well as the accessibility of Internet-based sources, has driven growing demand for online health information. Information preferences are influenced by many factors, including information needs, intentions, trustworthiness, and socioeconomic variables. Hence, understanding the interplay of these factors helps stakeholders provide current and relevant health information sources to assist consumers in assessing their healthcare options and making informed medical decisions. Aims: To assess the different sources of health information sought by the UAE population and to investigate the level of trustworthiness of each source. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive online cross-sectional design. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from UAE residents aged 18 years or above between July 2021 and September 2021. Health information sources, their trustworthiness, and health-oriented beliefs were explored through univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis in Python. Results: A total of 1083 responses were collected, out of which 683 (63%) were females. Doctors were the first source of health information (67.41%) before COVID-19, whereas websites were the first source (67.22%) during the pandemic. Other sources, such as pharmacists, social media, and friends and family, were not prioritized as primary sources. Overall, doctors had a high trustworthiness of 82.73%, followed by pharmacists with a high trustworthiness of 59.8%. The Internet had a partial trustworthiness of 58.4%. Social media and friends and family had a low trustworthiness of 32.78% and 23.73%, respectively. Age, marital status, occupation, and degree obtained were all significant predictors of Internet usage for health information. Conclusions: The population in the UAE commonly obtains health information from doctors who have been shown to have the highest trustworthiness; this is despite it not being the most common source used.

The Effects of Medications and the Roles of Pharmacists on the Recovery of Patients with COVID-19 Infection: An Epidemiological Study from the United Arab Emirates.

Patients infected with coronavirus have new experiences and hence new needs from the healthcare sector. Acknowledging patients' experiences can exhibit promising outcomes in coronavirus management. Pharmacists are considered a vital pillar in managing patients' experiences during their infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the experiences of COVID-19-infected individuals and the roles of pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates. The survey was face- and content-validated after being developed. Three sections were included in the survey (demographics, experiences of infected individuals, and the roles of pharmacists). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The study participants (n = 509) had a mean age of 34.50 (SD = 11.93). The most reported symptoms among participants were fatigue (81.5%), fever (76.8%), headache (76.6%), dry cough (74.1%), muscle or joint pain (70.7%), and sore throat (68.6%). Vitamin C was the most used supplement (88.6%), followed by pain relievers (78.2%). Female gender was the only factor associated with symptom severity. About 79.0% agreed that the pharmacist played an important and effective role during their infection. The most reported symptom was fatigue, with females reporting more severe symptoms. The role of the pharmacist proved to be vital during this pandemic.

COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection Among Vaccinated Population in the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: Despite significant efforts to contain the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic through mass vaccination, numerous nations throughout the world have recorded breakout infections. The incidence and severity of COVID-19 breakthrough infections in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain unknown despite extensive COVID-19 vaccine coverage. The goal of this research is to establish the characteristics of COVID-19 breakthrough infections in the UAE's vaccinated population. METHODS: Between February and March 2022, we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in the UAE with 1533 participants to examine the characteristics of COVID-19 breakthrough infection among the vaccinated population. RESULTS: The vaccination coverage was 97.97%, and the COVID-19 breakthrough infection rate was 32.1%, requiring hospitalization in 7.7% of cases. The bulk of the 492 COVID-19 breakthrough infections reported was among young adults (67%), with the majority experiencing mild to moderate symptoms (70.7%) or remaining asymptomatic (21.5%). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 breakthrough infection were reported in younger age, male sex, non-healthcare professions, vaccination with inactivated whole virus vaccine (Sinopharm), and not receiving a booster dose. Information on breakthrough infection in the UAE might influence public health decisions and motivate measures such as providing additional booster doses of the vaccines to the people.

Recent Updates on the Functional Impact of Kahweol and Cafestol on Cancer.

Kahweol and cafestol are two diterpenes extracted from Coffea arabica beans that have distinct biological activities. Recent research describes their potential activities, which include anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties, among others. The two diterpenes have been shown to have anticancer effects in various in vitro and in vivo cancer models. This review aims to shed light on the recent developments regarding the potential effects of kahweol and cafestol on various cancers. A systematic literature search through Google Scholar and PubMed was performed between February and May 2022 to collect updates about the potential effects of cafestol and kahweol on different cancers in in vitro and in vivo models. The search terms "Kahweol and Cancer" and "Cafestol and Cancer" were used in this literature review as keywords; the findings demonstrated that kahweol and cafestol exhibit diverse effects on different cancers in in vitro and in vivo models, showing pro-apoptotic, cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and anti-migratory properties. In conclusion, the diterpenes kahweol and cafestol display significant anticancer effects, while remarkably unaffecting normal cells. Our results show that both kahweol and cafestol exert their actions on various cancers via inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell growth. Additionally, kahweol acts by inhibiting cell migration.

Knowledge and Awareness of Algerian Students about Cervical Cancer, HPV and HPV Vaccines: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Cervical cancer is one of the most recurrent and dangerous female cancers in Algeria and worldwide. It is mainly caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV), which can induce other cancers as well. Although it can be fatal, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and manageable cancers. While HPV vaccination is the key weapon to win the battle against this pathology, it is still not approved in Algeria. Therefore, we set up a cross-sectional survey to assess the knowledge and awareness of students from Algerian universities concerning cervical cancer and HPV and to understand their attitudes towards HPV vaccination. The results reveal that, out of 715 students, the majority of students were aware of cervical cancer (84.6%). However, only 46.2% of students had heard about HPV. Furthermore, willingness to get the HPV vaccine was estimated at 26.7% among students with prior knowledge of HPV, and 21.5% of these students claimed to be willing to pay to get the HPV vaccine if available. Nevertheless, HPV vaccine hesitancy was estimated at 37.5% among the students aware of HPV. The main causes of HPV vaccine reluctance were: complacency (30.6%), refusal of vaccination in general (20.2%) and belief in the rarity of HPV-induced infections in Algeria (19.4%). Moreover, the embrace of vaccine conspiracy beliefs among students were significantly related with their HPV vaccine rejection. Overall, these findings encourage the establishment of a social education policy concerning the fight against HPV-induced cancers, particularly that of the cervix, and the implementation of a national HPV vaccination program targeting young people.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the United Arab Emirates population towards Herpes Zoster vaccination: A cross-sectional study.

Herpes Zoster is a viral infection that occurs due to reactivation of the Varicella Zoster virus. A vaccine has been approved for adults aged 50 and above for the prevention of Herpes Zoster and its complications. This study aims to assess the at-risk population's awareness of the disease and its vaccine, and attitudes and practices toward the vaccine. A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 adults above the age of 50. Non-probability, convenience sampling was used to select participants from public venues. SPSS-25 was used to analyze the data. 64.3% (n = 270) of participants heard of Herpes Zoster. 78.3% (n = 329) did not recognize the link between chickenpox and Herpes Zoster. Multiple linear regression showed that being female, Arab expatriate, or healthcare professional were the only positive predictors of Herpes Zoster knowledge. 14.8% (n = 62) heard of Herpes Zoster vaccine but 96.7% (n = 406) had not taken it. Participants with chronic diseases were 2.064 times more likely to hear about the vaccine than healthy participants (p = 0.026). Multiple linear regression showed that being a healthcare professional was the only significant predictor of Herpes Zoster vaccine knowledge. 28.1% (n = 118) were not willing to take optional vaccines. Those reluctant to take optional vaccines were 26.023 times more likely to take them if recommended by a healthcare professional (p < 0.001). Attitudes toward Herpes Zoster vaccine were generally positive; however, due to lack of knowledge, poor practices were observed. Nationwide campaigns aimed toward at-risk groups can raise awareness on Herpes Zoster and its vaccine, subsequently improving Herpes Zoster vaccination rate.

Adult Vaccination in the United Arab Emirates-A Physicians' Knowledge and Knowledge Sources Study.

Background: A lack of knowledge on adult vaccination has been documented among physicians. They play a critical role in promoting adult vaccines. This study aimed to review the status of adult vaccination in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and evaluate physicians' knowledge and knowledge sources regarding adult vaccines. Methods: Local, regional, and global adult vaccination guidelines were reviewed. A 40-item questionnaire was used to collect data from physicians from June to October 2020, using convenience and snowball sampling. Knowledge score was calculated, and predictors identified using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H-tests. Ordinary Least Squares regression was used for Multivariate Analysis. Results: A total of 500 responses were included. A quarter were internists, and another quarter were family physicians. Fifty-seven percent were medical interns and residents. Both perceived and actual knowledge of adult vaccination were low. Bivariate analysis showed knowledge depending on department, level of training, workplace, and perceived knowledge. All remained significant after multivariable regression except workplace. International and local guidelines were the most common knowledge sources. Forty-two percent were unable to access the local guidelines. Conclusions: Physicians' knowledge was poor and local guidelines were not clear or easily accessible. Participants were highly receptive to guidance and practice with adult vaccines.

Determinants of healthcare workers perceptions, acceptance and choice of COVID-19 vaccines: a cross-sectional study from the United Arab Emirates.

Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among health-care workers (HCWs) is crucial for controlling the pandemic and ensuring HCW and patient safety. Information on the acceptance of different COVID-19 vaccines is lacking. Despite the United Arab Emirates (UAE) having vaccinated most of its population, vaccine acceptance still raises concerns. This study explores COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, vaccine choice, and associated factors among HCWs in the UAE. An online national cross-sectional study was conducted among 517 HCWs. Acceptance and choice of COVID-19 vaccines were assessed, and logistic regression analysis identified predictors for vaccine acceptance. More than half (58%) of HCWs were willing to take the vaccine and give it to their family. Reasons for taking the vaccine were concerns for families contracting COVID-19 (67%) and social responsibility (64%). Reasons for refusals included concerns with side-effects (61%). Most HCWs knew of the Pfizer (79%) and Sinopharm (57%) vaccines; however, acceptance was higher for Pfizer (35%) and AstraZeneca (21%) vaccines. Being male and being influenza vaccinated predicted willingness to take the vaccine (aOR: 2.34; 95% CI:1.34-4.08; p ≤ 0.001) and (aOR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.29-3.51; p ≤ 0.001), respectively. HCWs who expressed concerns with inadequate safety data were less likely to take the vaccine (aOR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.10-0.30; p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, side effects, perception of risk, and level of trust of company and country of manufacture predicted acceptance and choice of vaccines. Effective vaccine policy campaigns to improve acceptance should target HCW's knowledge and awareness of perceived risks of COVID-19, safety data, social responsibility, and individual preferences for vaccine choice.

Web-Based Reporting of Post-Vaccination Symptoms for Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccines in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The perception of COVID-19 vaccines as being unsafe is a major barrier to receiving the vaccine. Providing the public with accurate data regarding the vaccines would reduce vaccine hesitancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data on the side effects experienced by the vaccinated population to assess the safety of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS: The majority of the study participants (n = 386) were female (71.9%), and 38.6% of them were under 30 years old. Around half of the participants (52.8%) reported side effects after receiving the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine. Fatigue (85.1%), a sore arm at the site of the injection (82.1%), and discomfort (67.2%) were the most commonly reported side effects after the first dose. Reporting side effects was significantly associated with the female sex (p-value = 0.027). Significant associations between being female and experiencing chills, muscle or joint pain, anorexia, drowsiness, and hair loss were also found, as well as being above the age of 30 and experiencing a cough. Being a smoker was significantly associated with experiencing a cough, and a headache. Furthermore, chills, and a sore throat were significantly associated with individuals who had not been infected before. CONCLUSION: Mild side effects were reported after receiving the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine. Fatigue was the most commonly reported side effect. Females, older adults, smokers, and those who had never been infected with COVID-19 had a greater susceptibility to certain side effects.

Evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of the influenza vaccine in healthcare professionals: A cross-sectional study from the United E

Background: Influenza, a yearly epidemic, can present with a wide array of symptoms ranging from mild rhinorrhoea and cough to life-threatening superadded bacterial infections. It affects the lives of around 12.5% of the world’s population every year and accounts for almost half a billion deaths. With growing populations, these numbers will follow a similar growth resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Currently, the recommended method to prevent influenza is through the administration of a yearly vaccine that entails the suspected strains of the virus for the year and region. Objective: This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the health care professionals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding Influenza vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional study, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, was distributed amongst health care professionals in the four largest emirates in the UAE, via convenience sampling. 417 responses were completed and analysed using SPSS-24. Results: 54.1% (n=225) of participants continue going to work while being sick despite 67.6% (n=282) reporting they are aware of the recommendations published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Multiple linear regression showed that age and profession were the only significant predictor of influenza vaccine knowledge. 54.2% (n=226) of the participants reported receiving the vaccine; of those, only 38.9% (n=88) receive it annually. One of the most commonly reported barriers to taking the vaccine was the uncertainty of its effectiveness. Those using a reminder system were 2.044 times more likely to take the vaccine regularly. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the attitudes and practices towards taking the influenza vaccine as recommended are suboptimal. Campaigns targeting health care professionals regarding the influenza vaccine and the CDC recommendations would perhaps positively skew the results in the future (AU)

Evaluating the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the UAE community on microbiota composition and the main factors affecting it: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding microbiota and the main factors affecting its composition. DESIGN/SETTING: A cross-sectional study, using a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted from May 2018 to September 2018, recruiting participants in public venues via convenience sampling. PARTICIPANTS: UAE residents (aged 18 years and above) who spoke either Arabic or English. RESULTS: 419 responses were completed and analysed using SPSS V.24. Only 29.3% (n=94) of the participants who defined microbiota correctly had good knowledge. There was a significant difference in knowledge among different age groups (p=0.004) and educational levels (p<0.001). Multiple linear regression (MLR) model indicated that being a university student and a healthcare professional (HCP) are the only significant predictors regarding microbiota knowledge (p=0.014 and p<0.001, respectively). Of the respondents who claimed to be aware of probiotics, only 9.1% (n=15) exhibited good knowledge. MLR model showed that being a postgraduate and an HCP are the only significant predictors for probiotics knowledge (p=0.016 and p<0.001, respectively). 42.4% (n=143) and 34.6% (n=28) of the non-medical and HCP participants, respectively, use antibiotics without a prescription. None of the respondents, with or without a medical background, demonstrated good attitudes and practices toward the use of antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that the participants had a basic understanding of microbiota and probiotics, the overall knowledge was substandard. Additionally, the respondents engaged in improper practices that alter the microbiota composition, especially via antibiotics misuse. Campaigns should target the general population as well as HCPs to upheave their overall KAP.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Adults in the United Arab Emirates Regarding Helicobacter pylori induced Gastric Ulcers and Cancers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the current level of knowledge, as well as the attitudes and practices (KAP) of the adult population in Sharjah, UAE with regards to H. pylori induced gastric ulcers and gastric cancers. METHODS: A cross sectional study of 500 participants was conducted in public venues in Sharjah, UAE through the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire English and Arabic speaking residents aged 18 years and above of both sexes were invited to participate in this study via convenience sampling. Responses were collected and analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: General knowledge about H. pylori was poor, only 24.6% had heard of H. pylori. 61% of the participants did not know the link between H. pylori and gastric cancer. Only 3% of the participants associated psychological stress with gastric ulcer development. Females had higher knowledge scores (p = 0.008*). Participants with a medical background typically had higher knowledge scores than their peers in other fields of work (p < 0.0001*). Participants' attitudes towards H. pylori were suboptimal with only 33% willing to seek medical help If they get symptoms. Majority of participants with an approximate of 84% showed an overall average to excellent practices towards H. pylori. CONCLUSION: General awareness about H. pylori induced gastric ulcers and cancers is poor. The results of this study can be a starting point to devise new education programs and campaigns that raise awareness of this health issue which could be easily avoided with prevention, early detection, and intervention.
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Readiness of physicians and medical students to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), is the defining global health crisis of this time. It is responsible for significant morbidity and has had severe socioeconomic consequences. This study aims to assess the knowledge, preparedness and attitudes of medical students, physicians and faculty members in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on COVID-19 and their perspective on the roles of educational and healthcare institution towards improving pandemic preparedness and enabling optimal care. METHODOLOGY: An exploratory, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 444 participants, using a non-probability convenience sampling method. English-speaking participants from the medical field aged 18 and above were included in the study. The validated questionnaire was administered online and distributed across social media platforms from May-July 2020. T-test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney-U test were used when appropriate. Responses were analysed and statistical tests applied using IBM SPSS, version 25. RESULTS: The knowledge scores were calculated amongst different ages and professional status, and the mean was 59.08% (SD = 12.848%). Almost half of the participants obtained poor knowledge scores (less than 60%). Most of the participants followed the latest updates on COVID-19 (86.7%). The majority opted to obtain information from the national health authorities (63.4%). The mean preparedness score among the participants was 68.65% (SD = 17.456%). Being in contact with patients significantly increased the preparedness score (p < 0.001). Only 27.9% of the participants believed their college education provided adequate knowledge to deal with epidemics or pandemics. Several barriers affect willingness to work in a pandemic, with 80.6% of participants worried about posing a risk to family members. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of establishing tailored COVID-19 related education programs to improve knowledge levels, especially in medical students. Efforts are still needed to promote effective control measures and address the barriers affecting willingness to work in a pandemic.

Hepatitis A virus knowledge and immunization attitudes and practices in the United Arab Emirates community.

Annually, 1.5 million cases of hepatitis A infection occur worldwide. The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) has seen a decrease in infection rates and seroprevalence coupled with an increase in the average age of infection. This study aimed to assess the U.A.E. society's hepatitis A knowledge, and attitudes and vaccination practices, with the applicability of its introduction into the local immunization schedule. A self-administered, 50-item questionnaire was used to collect data from the four most populous cities in the U.A.E., between January and March 2020. A total of 458 responses were collected and analysed using IBM-SPSS-26, R-4.0.0 and Matplotlib-v3.2.1. Females had better attitudes (P = 0.036), practices (P < 0.0005), immunization schedule knowledge (AOR = 3.019; CI 1.482-6.678), and appreciation of the immunization schedule (AOR = 2.141; CI 1.310-3.499). A higher level of perceived knowledge was associated with an actual better knowledge (P < 0.0005), better practices (P = 0.011), and increased willingness to get vaccinated (AOR = 1.988; CI 1.032-3.828). Respondents were more likely to vaccinate their children against HAV if the vaccine were introduced into the National Immunization Program (P < 0.0005). Overall, disease knowledge was lacking but with positive attitudes and poor practices. There is high trust in the National Immunization Program and a potential for improving poor practices through local awareness campaigns.

Evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of the influenza vaccine in healthcare professionals: A cross-sectional study from the United Arab Emirates.

Background: Influenza, a yearly epidemic, can present with a wide array of symptoms ranging from mild rhinorrhoea and cough to life-threatening superadded bacterial infections. It affects the lives of around 12.5% of the world's population every year and accounts for almost half a billion deaths. With growing populations, these numbers will follow a similar growth resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Currently, the recommended method to prevent influenza is through the administration of a yearly vaccine that entails the suspected strains of the virus for the year and region. Objective: This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the health care professionals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding Influenza vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional study, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, was distributed amongst health care professionals in the four largest emirates in the UAE, via convenience sampling. 417 responses were completed and analysed using SPSS-24. Results: 54.1% (n=225) of participants continue going to work while being sick despite 67.6% (n=282) reporting they are aware of the recommendations published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Multiple linear regression showed that age and profession were the only significant predictor of influenza vaccine knowledge. 54.2% (n=226) of the participants reported receiving the vaccine; of those, only 38.9% (n=88) receive it annually. One of the most commonly reported barriers to taking the vaccine was the uncertainty of its effectiveness. Those using a reminder system were 2.044 times more likely to take the vaccine regularly. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the attitudes and practices towards taking the influenza vaccine as recommended are suboptimal. Campaigns targeting health care professionals regarding the influenza vaccine and the CDC recommendations would perhaps positively skew the results in the future.