Fariba Zarei; Reza Jahankhah; Nourallah Najafi; Rezvan Ravanfar; Maryam Rezaee; Soroor Raiskarimi; Sahar Soltanabadi; Hamid Aria
Abstract
Background: The current study was carried out to analyze the clinical, laboratory, and computed tomography (CT) findings obtained from both groups of patients, i.e., those who died or recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: This cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted on 71 ...
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Background: The current study was carried out to analyze the clinical, laboratory, and computed tomography (CT) findings obtained from both groups of patients, i.e., those who died or recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: This cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted on 71 adult patients with COVID-19 who had been discharged or died. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and CT features were obtained from electronic medical records and compared between deceased and survived patients.Results: Seventy-one patients (40 men, 31 women, 23–98 years) were included in the study. The mean age of deceased patients (70.77±17.36 years) was significantly higher than recovered ones (49.68±16.25 years) (P<0.001). Cough and neurological signs (a lateralizing sign of focal neurological insult) were shown to be significantly different between survived and non-survived groups (P=0.008 and P<0.001, respectively). Leukocytosis was present in 15 (41.7%) patients who died and 5 (14.3%) patients who were discharged (P=0.01). Hemoglobin and O2 saturation were significantly lower in patients who died than in recovered ones (P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). A significantly higher level of CRP was found in deceased infected patients compared to recovered ones (P=0.001). Crazy-paving pattern and consolidation were significantly higher in patients who died than in recovered subjects (P<0.001).Conclusion: Patients’ manifestations on admission, such as older age, cough, leukocytosis, low levels of hemoglobin and O2 saturation, as well as the occurrence of crazy-paving patterns and consolidation, were predictive of poor outcomes.
Zahra Hemati; Mehrab Sayadi; Mehrzad Lotfi; Abdulrasool Hemmati; Fatemeh Azadian; Alireza Mirahmadizadeh; Fatemeh Rezaei; Babak Shirazi Yeganeh
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading worldwide and becoming a pandemic. Since the diagnostic tests are relatively expensive, simple diagnostic tests are valuable for quarantining individuals suspicious of COVID- 19. This study is designed to predict the potential contributing ...
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Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading worldwide and becoming a pandemic. Since the diagnostic tests are relatively expensive, simple diagnostic tests are valuable for quarantining individuals suspicious of COVID- 19. This study is designed to predict the potential contributing factors of COVID-19 diagnosis.Methods: It was a referral-based historical cohort study. 363358 individuals referred to the health centers from February to November 2020 in Fars province were entered in the study. The collected data before the lab test were symptoms, underlying diseases, some conditions, risk factors, and demographic information. The Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test was performed to identify the COVID-19 virus. Chi-square and T-tests were used to compare the variables. A logistic regression test was used to identify predictor variables.Results: Positive COVID-19 test was reported for 119,324 (% 34.9) participations. The positive group result was compared with that of the negative group (n=244,034). The studied symptoms were significant in positive patients. According to the odds ratio (OR), smell disorder (OR=3.80, P<0.001), taste disorder (OR=3.17, P<0.001), and fever (OR=2.65, P<0.001) were common. However, diarrhea, chest pain and dyspnea showed the lowest odds ratio. According to the results, DM (OR=1.46, P<0.001), HTN (OR=1.42, P<0.001), and CVD (OR=1.27, P<0.001) were common in patients with positive COVID-19 tests. Cases whose Body Mass Index (BMI) was more than 40 (excessive obesity) showed a higher odd (OR=1.45, P<0.001) for being positive.Conclusion: According to the results, the symptoms and underlying diseases are effective factors in predicting COVID- 19 disease. Identifying these factors for Covid-19 disease helps health policymakers to make quick decisions and take timely action.
Asiyeh Pirzadeh; Zahra Abotalebi; Roya Riahi
Abstract
Background: Mental disorders have become especially important in the current stressful world. Among these disorders, anxiety, and depression are highly prevalent. Stress is also a very common phenomenon. Given the teachers’ prominent roles in the education department and the importance of their ...
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Background: Mental disorders have become especially important in the current stressful world. Among these disorders, anxiety, and depression are highly prevalent. Stress is also a very common phenomenon. Given the teachers’ prominent roles in the education department and the importance of their mental health, the present study aimed to determine stress, anxiety, and depression among teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020.Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 210 primary school teachers in district 3 of Isfahan province in Iran, using multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale- 42 Items (DASS-42). Also, the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 20 and conducting pearson test, t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression.Results: The results indicated a high level of stress, anxiety, and depression among the teachers. Findings also showed that teachers’ depression was significantly associated with their age, work experience, type of housing, and student behavior (P<0.05). Further, teachers’ anxiety was significantly associated with their work experience and student behavior (P<0.05). Moreover, teachers’ stress was significantly associated with their history of mental diseases (P<0.05). Teachers’ depression, anxiety, and stress were not significantly correlated with their marital status, spouse’s job, education level, and Relationship with other colleagues (P>0.05).Conclusion: Given that stress, anxiety, and depression affect teachers’ mental health, and consequently the quantity and quality of their work, holding training courses and sessions to discuss teachers’ problems, provides practical and effective solutions, and offers them administrative and organizational support, can be an effective step towards improving their mental health.
Abdolhalim Rajabi; Mohammad Ebrahimi Kalan; Ali Shahryari; Maryam Ahmadi-Livani; Arezoo Foroughi; Teimoor Jorjani; Mehdi Fazlzadeh; Ziyad Ben Taleb; Abdurrahman Charkazi
Abstract
Background: In the early days of the pandemic, the rise in COVID-19 cases prompted many governments to lockdown the waterpipe-serving venues, which may affect the patterns of use among this centuries-old tobacco product. Here, we studied the pattern of WP smoking among Iranian adults during the COVID-19 ...
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Background: In the early days of the pandemic, the rise in COVID-19 cases prompted many governments to lockdown the waterpipe-serving venues, which may affect the patterns of use among this centuries-old tobacco product. Here, we studied the pattern of WP smoking among Iranian adults during the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we conducted an online survey among sample of 213 waterpipe(WP) smokers who were selected by convenience sampling method from the Golestan province, in Northern Iran using WP smoking patterns, Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Scale, 11 (LWDS11), and selected demographic variables. Collected data comprises demographic and WP smoking patterns during COVID-19.Results: About 70% of participants reduced their WP use compared to the time before COVID-19, modestly due to pandemic effects. Around 38.5% of the subjects believed WP bars were covertly operating during the lockdown and continued serving their customers. Singles and less educated adults had lower mean attitude scores regarding the decrease in WP smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic (P<0.05). Structural equation analysis revealed that the immune system improvement with WP smoking had the strongest effect. (0.74). A strong inverse correlation exists between the WP dependence level and the negative belief toward WP smoking during the COVID-19 epidemic (r=-0.66, P<0.001).Conclusion: There is a clear need for appropriate interventions to change the belief of WP smokers regarding the dangers of this practice during the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly among single people and those with lower levels of education. Furthermore, regulatory authorities should exercise stricter controls to ensure the complete closure of WP bars.
Mitra Amini; Ali Asghar Hayat; Mohamad Hasan Keshavarzi; Aliakbar Faghihi; Hamid Reza Koohestani
Abstract
Background: With the onset of the coronavirus crisis, the medical treatment staffs were at the forefront of dealing with the disease. The lived experiences in the face of this disease can help better manage the epidemic and identify organizational and individual barriers and challenges. This study aimed ...
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Background: With the onset of the coronavirus crisis, the medical treatment staffs were at the forefront of dealing with the disease. The lived experiences in the face of this disease can help better manage the epidemic and identify organizational and individual barriers and challenges. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of medical staff working in COVID- 19 wards in Shiraz teaching hospitals.Methods: The present study is a qualitative study conducted in 2021-2022. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data. Eighteen nurses, physicians, and health workers of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were employed for the interview. The snowball sampling technique based on the target group was used. Data were analyzed by The Colaizzi seven-step analysis method.Results: Three themes, including “tensions”, “material and spiritual support”, and “pleasant feeling” and eight sub-themes were extracted. The sub themes were “resilience”, “insufficient knowledge”, “depression”, “expressing gratitude by friends”, “public attention”, “organizational support”, “feeling proud”, and “altruism”.Conclusion: The present study shows that COVID- 19 caused a lot of pressure on the medical staff during the pandemic, which led to psychological and emotional damage. On the other hand, material and spiritual support played an important role in reducing distress in times of crisis.
Vahid Kazemi Moghaddam; Tony R. Walker; Manizhe Pakdel; Parvin Ahmadinejad; Ali Akbar Mohammadi
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has induced some negative environmental issues, especially in the waste management sector. In developing countries, handling waste is carried out by two groups: waste workers and waste pickers who are exposed to possible hazards of infected waste. In the present narrative review, ...
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The COVID-19 pandemic has induced some negative environmental issues, especially in the waste management sector. In developing countries, handling waste is carried out by two groups: waste workers and waste pickers who are exposed to possible hazards of infected waste. In the present narrative review, we searched for high-quality English publications in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. The COVID-19 pandemic led to several problems in waste management systems, especially in developing countries. Due to poor management systems, waste workers and pickers are likely exposed to health risks related to unhealthy waste handling. The support of governments is urgently required to properly inform ordinary people about the correct ways of disposing of PPE and also train sanitation workers and waste pickers to reduce the hazardous possibilities. Additionally, financial support can also act as a suppressive agent to reduce the number of waste pickers.
Rozhan Khezri; Saeed Golfiroozi; Layla Shojaie; Hossein- Ali Nikbakht; Sepideh Jahanian; Zahra Maleki; Mousa Ghelichi- Ghojogh
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Mousa Bamir; Atousa Porshikhali; Ali Masoud; Reza Sadeghi
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Layla Shojaie; Rozhan Khezri; Mohaddese Mirzapour; Soraia Khafri; Mousa Ghelichi- Ghojogh; Hossein-Ali Nikbakht
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This Article Has No Abstract.
Elham Keshtzar; Marzieh Rashedinia
Abstract
Background: Novel 2019 Coronavirus (covid-19) or SARSCoV-2 disease is spreading quickly throughout the globe and threatening public health. Severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2 may precipitate “cytokine” storm, immune system dysregulation, and hyper-coagulation that are responsible ...
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Background: Novel 2019 Coronavirus (covid-19) or SARSCoV-2 disease is spreading quickly throughout the globe and threatening public health. Severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2 may precipitate “cytokine” storm, immune system dysregulation, and hyper-coagulation that are responsible for several organ failure, morbidity, and mortality. The severity of infection symptoms is extremely variable from mild symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Overproduction of inflammatory cytokines and interplay between the immune system response and dysregulation of coagulation system are hypothesized to play a critical role in the pathological mechanism of seriously ill patients with covid-19 infection via the IL-1/IL-6 central pathway.Methods: The role of SARS-CoV-2 virus in covid-19 disease through cytokine storm and coagulopathy has been discussed in the present brief review. The electronic databases Pubmed, Google Scholar, and SCOPUS were searched to retrieve related English-language articles published between the years 2019 and 2021.Results: The interplay between immune system responses and coagulation pathway was observed in pathological condition of coronavirus patients, leading to abnormal condition of clot formation and increasing incidence of strokes. Indeed, in nonsurvivor patients, the levels of IL-6, IL-1, and D-dimer were higher than survivor coronavirus patients.Conclusion: Severe SARS-CoV-2 patients with higher level of IL-1/IL-6 and coagulation abnormality confirm this hypothesis that anticytokine drugs are effective for managing cytokine storm, preventing the risk of strokes, and reducing hospitalization and mortality in covid-19 patients.
Rohini Patil; Kamal Shah; Deepak Bhosle
Abstract
Background: Evaluation of the impact of stress on glycaemic control in hospitalized type-2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).Methods: In this retrospective study conducted at a single centre in Maharashtra from May to July 2020 on hospitalized COVID-19 patients with T2DM who ...
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Background: Evaluation of the impact of stress on glycaemic control in hospitalized type-2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).Methods: In this retrospective study conducted at a single centre in Maharashtra from May to July 2020 on hospitalized COVID-19 patients with T2DM who reported having stress of pandemic; they were selected using purposive sampling. DASS-12 stress sub-scale was used to estimate the severity of their stress. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and post-prandial blood glucose (PPBG) before admission and at the time of discharge were compared.Results: One hundred and ninety-nine patients (mean age 54 years; 61.30% females) were included. Mean±SD FBG before admission was 168.4±30.6 mg/dl which increased to 195.9±28.8 mg/dl at the time of discharge (P<0.001). Also, Mean±SD PPBG before admission was 312±62.3 mg/dl which increased to 351.6±61.9 mg/dl (P<0.001). A total of 73 (36.7%) participants had perceived stress. Moderate and severe/extremely severe stress was found in 44 (27.1%) and 19 (9.6%) patients, respectively. A significant difference was observed in the mean FBG before and during discharge in patients who had no stress and those with moderate stress (P<0.001). There was no difference in FBG in patients with severe/extremely severe stress (P=0.43). Similar observations were seen for PPBG (no stress P<0.001; moderate stress P<0.001; severe/extremely severe stress P=0.06).Conclusion: There was a rise in the glucose level in T2DM patients discharged after COVID-19 treatment. The increase was significant in T2DM without stress and those with moderate stress. In addition to traditional treatment, measures for psychological stress control should also be taken for such patients.
Habibollah Azarbakhsh; Aliasghar Valipour; Ali Hemmati; Alireza Mirahmadizadeh; Leila Moftakhar
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 emerged in China for the first time, and spread rapidly in the world and in Iran. It caused the death of many people. This study was performed to estimate the years of life lost due to COVID-19 in southwestern Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, deaths due to COVID-19 were ...
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Background: COVID-19 emerged in China for the first time, and spread rapidly in the world and in Iran. It caused the death of many people. This study was performed to estimate the years of life lost due to COVID-19 in southwestern Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, deaths due to COVID-19 were investigated from February 20, 2020 to November 20, 2020 in southwestern Iran. Descriptive analyses included: sex ratio of deaths, mean and standard deviation of quantitative variable of age at the time of death, and specific ages-sex mortality rates. Years of life lost due to COVID-19 were estimated using standard life expectancy and lifetime table of the World Health Organization in 2015.Results: The number of deaths due to COVID-19 was 938 cases. The sex ratio of mortality (male to female) was 1.2, and the people over the age of 80 years had the highest mortality rates in both sexes. The total number of years of life lost was 13205 years, and the 60-69 age group had the highest years of life lost.Conclusion: Based on the findings of our study, health policymakers need to implement timely strategies and plans to reduce deaths especially for the possibleadvent of the next wave of COVID-19.
Rozhan Khezri; Saeed Golfiroozi; Hossein- Ali Nikbakht; Zahra Maleki; Mousa Ghelichi- Ghojogh
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This article has no abstract.
Mohebat Vali; Alireza Mirahmadizadeh; Zahra Maleki; Sima Afrashteh; Arefe Abedinzade; Farzaneh Kasraei; Haleh Ghaem
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus is among the pathogens that primarily target the respiratory system. Given the importance of Health Care Workers (HCWs) in the fight against COVID-19, their infection with the virus and death can cause irreparable damage to public health. The present systematic review and meta-analysis ...
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Background: Coronavirus is among the pathogens that primarily target the respiratory system. Given the importance of Health Care Workers (HCWs) in the fight against COVID-19, their infection with the virus and death can cause irreparable damage to public health. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the physical and psychological implications of COVID-19 among HCWs. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, some well-known databases were searched for the studies published before 26 June 2020 using the following search strategy: “Novel coronavirus pneumonia”, “Nurses”, “Physicians”, “Medical Staff, Hospital”, “Health Personnel”, and “Community Health Workers”. Finally, 101 out of the 2234 primary screened articles were assessed. Results: Of the total studies included, 54 were related to Physical problems, and 47 were related to Psychosocial Stress. Skin damage (54.48%), Nasal bridge (58.79%), and Dryness tightness (58.57%) were the most common Physical Problems, and Insomnia (32.03%) and Distress (29.34%) were the most common psychosocial problems among HCWs. Conclusion: Training and awareness of the treatment staff about the unwanted side effects of these diseases should be considered in educational programs in different countries because patient care depends on their availability.
Swathy Moorthy; Teena Koshy; Mahesh Kumar K; Jasmine Chandra A; Emmanuel Bhaskar; Santhi Silambanan
Abstract
Background: Patients with COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) present varying disease severity; with such heterogeneity in clinical presentations, it can be challenging to assess the severity and progression of the disease. In addition, no specific markers have been identified that would indicate the ...
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Background: Patients with COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) present varying disease severity; with such heterogeneity in clinical presentations, it can be challenging to assess the severity and progression of the disease. In addition, no specific markers have been identified that would indicate the diagnosis or prognosis of the disease. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine whether a panel of hematological and inflammatory biomarkers were indicative of disease severity in the assessment and the prognosis of COVID-19. Methods: The retrospective cross sectional study was carried out in a university hospital in South India between May 2020 and September 2020. The participants were 997 patients with COVID-19, confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Information regarding demographics and laboratory tests was obtained from medical records. Association analysis was conducted using SPSS, version 16, and a P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer, calculated inflammatory ratios, and hemoglobin were significantly increased in cases of severe COVID-19. Leucocytosis with increased absolute neutrophil count and decreased absolute lymphocyte count were observed. Conclusion: Haematological and inflammatory markers mayindicate the severity of the disease. The severity of COVID-19 was indicated by elevated total white cells, increased neutrophillymphocyte, and platelet–lymphocyte ratios. Increasing levels of CRP indicated a severe prognosis of the disease. D-dimer elevations may indicate the incidence of thromboembolic episodes. Therefore, hematological indices were considered applicable in assessing the progression of the disease and for the risk stratification of the disease.
Mohsen Poursadeqiyan; Nayyereh Kasiri; Behzad Khedri; Zahra Ghalichi Zaveh; Amin Babaei Pouya; Somayeh Barzanouni; milad Abbasi; Maryam Feiz Arefi; Farahnaz Khajehnasiri; Naser Dehghan
Abstract
Background: People’s participation in more efficient control of the disease and public awareness about the risk of COVID-19 affect their preventive behavior. This study examines the level of fear of COVID-19 infection in Iranian society after returning to social activities and business reopening. ...
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Background: People’s participation in more efficient control of the disease and public awareness about the risk of COVID-19 affect their preventive behavior. This study examines the level of fear of COVID-19 infection in Iranian society after returning to social activities and business reopening. Methods: This Cross-Sectional study consisted of urban dwellers in Iran, and the data gathering tool was a researcher-designed questionnaire. To design the instrument, the authors interviewed experts and ordinary people to determine the key questions . Then, the questions were modified and finalized based on the experts’ feedback and a reexamination by the experts after two weeks. An online version of the questionnaire was disseminated using social networks. 168 people were included in the study by the available sampling method. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics methods. Quantitative data as mean and standard deviation were reported, and the qualitative data were reported as numbers. Chi-square test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to examine the relationship between questions related to COVID-19 infection fear and demographic variables. Data analyses were done in SPSS 20. Results: The study was carried out on 168 participants, and 78 of them were employees of different offices. The participants believed that among the ways of spreading the disease, kissing and hugging (n=142, 84.5%), shaking hands (n=127, 75.6%), contact with the saliva of an infected person (n=116, 69.0%), and spread through the air (n=60, 35.7%) had the highest frequencies. Conclusion: Fear of COVID-19 infection in the participants was at moderate and above moderate levels. The participants also hoped that the vaccine would be found and made available to the public. Policy-makers in the health sector can use the results.
Zahra Jorjoran Shushtari; Marzieh Shirazikhah; Sina Ahmadi; Yahya Salimi; Akbar Biglarian; Ali Almasi; Toktam Paykani
Abstract
Background: Iran, after China, emerged as one of the first COVID-19 epidemic countries. Despite all efforts to interrupt new transmission chains, the virus continued to quickly spread across the country. WHO has highlighted a crucial role for social factors and intersectoral collaboration to tackle COVID-19. ...
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Background: Iran, after China, emerged as one of the first COVID-19 epidemic countries. Despite all efforts to interrupt new transmission chains, the virus continued to quickly spread across the country. WHO has highlighted a crucial role for social factors and intersectoral collaboration to tackle COVID-19. This study aimed to identify challenges related to the upstream determinants and downstream risk factors of COVID-19 infection in Iran as perceived by health professionals at different levels of service administration. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in October 2020. A directed qualitative content analysis was done to explore the views of health professionals and administrators toward determinants of COVID-19 infection in Iran. Using a deductive approach, we tested the implications of the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) framework regarding COVID-19. Results: The determinants of COVID-19 infection in Iran are referred to as: 1) upstream social determinants, including political considerations in dealing with COVID-19, conflicting authority structures between and within organizations and sectors, poor intersectoral collaboration, unstable macroeconomic environment, pandemic crisis management, poor governance in the health system, cultural and societal values, trust and social capital, and individuals’ socioeconomic status; and 2) downstream risk factors, including poor health literacy, poor compliance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines, secrecy related to the infection, individual’s health status, lifestyle, and virus characteristics. Conclusion: It is essential to motivate people to practice preventive COVID-19 infection behaviors. To change the behavior at the population level, a complex fusion of policy and practice, and dealing with the complexity of structural determinants and downstream risk factors are needed.
Mohammad Khammarnia; Seyed Mohammad Hashemi-Shahri; Alireza Ansari-Moghaddam; Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei; Ali Naghizadeh; Mohammadhadi Abbasi; Seyed Mohammad Nasiruddin Tabatabaei; Fatemeh Setoodehzadeh; Mehdi Zangane Bayegi; Majid Sartipi
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has become a global problem. In this case study, the experiences gained from disease control in rural areas are reported. Methods: An observational study was done in 2020 in Sistan and Balochestan, the largest province with most rural areas in the southeast of Iran. Results: After ...
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Background: COVID-19 has become a global problem. In this case study, the experiences gained from disease control in rural areas are reported. Methods: An observational study was done in 2020 in Sistan and Balochestan, the largest province with most rural areas in the southeast of Iran. Results: After identification of the first patient of Covid-19 in a rural area, three measures were taken including: 1. Diagnosis, screening and treatment of the disease (Incident command post was established and the village was completely quarantined, etc.; 2. Intersectoral coordination for epidemiological management (limiting traffic for people and any gathering); and 3. Identification of any Covid-19 positive cases. The results of these measures showed that after quarantining the village and performing the mentioned actions, the number of patients decreased, and the disease was controlled. Conclusion: Quarantine of the contaminated rural area and people’s traffic routes is one of the most important measures in controlling Covid-19.
Anwesha Mahanta
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has shattered the global health system and caused havoc worldwide. Since there is no proper medication, non-pharmaceutical intervention methods are followed to mitigate viral transmission. For its proper implementation, it is crucial to track the spatial pattern of transmission ...
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has shattered the global health system and caused havoc worldwide. Since there is no proper medication, non-pharmaceutical intervention methods are followed to mitigate viral transmission. For its proper implementation, it is crucial to track the spatial pattern of transmission and target those areas which require immediate action to control the spread of the pandemic. The geospatial technologies have established themselves as powerful tools that have substantial ability to track outbreak patterns in real-time, identify at-risk populations, and plan targeted intervention.
Methods: The study provides a robust methodological framework with three geospatial tools: Spatial Autocorrelation (Global Moran's I), Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*), and Space-time scan statistic. The quantitative study was carried out exclusively for North-East India to track the COVID-19 outbreaks from April 2020 to December 2020.
Results: The results obtained indicate a gradual change of spatial distribution of the disease from cluster to random distribution at the global scale. But, eventually, the COVID-19 cases tend to form clusters again. Kamrup Metro, the district with the highest urban population, was reported constantly as a hotspot. Moreover, space-time clusters tend to expand in size over time.
Conclusion: The research study's findings provide an overview of the spatio-temporal pattern of COVID-19 in the study area and help the health officials and policy-makers in formulating effective management strategies and non-pharmaceutical intervention measures by targeting the high-risk areas. The study is a valuable guide towards implementing Geographic Information Science technologies in monitoring and tracking the pandemic.
Rozhan Khezri; Rohollah Valizadeh; Payam Nozad; Zahra Maleki; Mousa Ghelichi-Ghojogh
Abstract
In December 2019, the viral outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China, by a novel virus named COVID-19 1,2. The virus spread worldwide rapidly because of its high contagiousness, infecting almost all countries in a short time 3, 4. COVID-19 can affect multiple organs, including the respiratory system, neurology ...
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In December 2019, the viral outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China, by a novel virus named COVID-19 1,2. The virus spread worldwide rapidly because of its high contagiousness, infecting almost all countries in a short time 3, 4. COVID-19 can affect multiple organs, including the respiratory system, neurology system, liver, and kidney 5-8. The most important factors impairing the mental health of the COVID-19 patients include the uncontrollable spreading of the disease, unfavorable conditions of the infected patients isolated in the ICUs with acute respiratory problems, lack of effective medications, and the high COVID-19-related mortality rate 9,10. A study by Huang and Rong showed that coping strategies in the patients and nurses in COVID-19-related wards are key determinants of treatment outcome11,12. In general, increased levels of stress can affect health status. Therefore, developing psychological management strategies to maintain and promote the patients’ and healthcare providers’ mental health in COVID-19-related wards are useful. In the present study, we hypothesized that the presence of a psychiatric nurse might speed up the recovery, decrease hospital stay and mortality, and lower mental health maintenance.
Mousa Bamir; Salman Farahbakhsh; Salman Daneshi
Abstract
Coronaviruses are relatively old viruses that first were identified in 1930 as the infectious bronchitis virus in birds, and in 1940 were identified as the cause of gastroenteritis in pigs. Global concern rising about mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic and varieties of clinical signs seems to be ...
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Coronaviruses are relatively old viruses that first were identified in 1930 as the infectious bronchitis virus in birds, and in 1940 were identified as the cause of gastroenteritis in pigs. Global concern rising about mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic and varieties of clinical signs seems to be a good reason to consider using COVID-19 to fight the virus before becoming infected. According to the unprecedented transmission rate of infectious viruses from the past and the evidence of the effectiveness of using preventive methods in the fight against infectious and respiratory diseases, we use the prominence of the family-centered role in Iran compared to other countries (1,2) Following the globalization crisis of COVID-19 in different parts of the world, Iran was facing a more destructive virus, increasing the most brutal sanctions pressure of the United States which has many effects and challenges. In particular, the medical sector faced severe challenges and problems which is referred as drug terrorism to some extent (4,5) Sanctions caused barriers for importing humanitarian aid and medical supplies, including coronavirus detection tools, providing necessary medicines and raw materials to give citizens access the information about the disease and its prevalence. In such a situation, the country's health sector needs to take preventive measures to reduce transmission risk and manage disease. One of the most important ways to prevent the transmission is maintaining the social distance and home care (family-oriented) which are among the most cost-effective ways to reduce vulnerabilities to Covid-19. Domestic and family-oriented policies and quarantine measures controled the speed transmission in East Asian countries. Their similar cases and useful experiences can be a successful scientific and experimental model for Iran, where needs such a control policy more than other countries. Overall, although living in home quarantine has psychological, social, and economic consequences, in Iran, the first and most important strategy for using a preventive home care policy is to focus on people's culture. Increasing training activities, familirizing people with the proper personal and social health behavior, changing people's attitudes towards the adoption of social spacing and justifying why staying at home can be very effective and helpful. Proper and principled policies by the government, such as promoting e-commerce infrastructure and encouraging people to shop online, providing livelihood support to low-income people, Controlling rumors and preventing the spread of false news and unscientific therapies, controlling anxiety and stress management by creating creativity and innovation for fun and vibrancy to avoid psychological and social challenges in the community in this condition are effective and useful strategies (6).
Asita Elengoe; Shalini Selvam
Abstract
Background: The year 2020 began with a new public health hazard. A novel coronavirus, acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was discovered in Wuhan, China on 12th December 2019. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the name of the disease as ‘COVID-19’. ...
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Background: The year 2020 began with a new public health hazard. A novel coronavirus, acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was discovered in Wuhan, China on 12th December 2019. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the name of the disease as ‘COVID-19’. Objective: The morphology, pathogenic mechanisms, causes, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, therapeutic potential, clinical studies on COVID-19 infection, preventive measures, and mental health care were described in this study. Methods: A literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, Frontiers, Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The search was broadly scoped, using key terms such as SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, etc. Results: The genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2, drugs, and their potential mechanisms used in humans to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 were tabulated. Moreover, twenty-five clinical researches carried out against COVID-19 infection were also tabulated in this study. Preventive measures such as chemical disinfectants and increasing test capacity were also discussed. Conclusion: The current study provides a snapshot of the overview of the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. The findings suggested the effective preventive measures to halt the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and develop a better vaccine. The information from this review study also aids in early preparations for future pandemic outbreaks.
Soudabeh Sabetian; Bahia Namavar Jahromi; Farnia Feiz; Isabella Castiglioni; Claudia Cava; Sina Vakili
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is now spread worldwide. Therefore, informative and reliable data related to the exact effects of COVID-19 on fertility and pregnancy is still of great interest until the ...
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Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is now spread worldwide. Therefore, informative and reliable data related to the exact effects of COVID-19 on fertility and pregnancy is still of great interest until the pandemic is declared over. General guidelines regarding the protection and management of COVID-19 have been published and new information will continue to be updated daily.
Methods: In this review, we summarized clinical health guidelines for reproductive and infertility centers to improve quality management in assisted reproductive technology and minimize the potentially harmful consequences of COVID-19 on pregnancy and fertility.
Results: As specified in the literature, protocols consist of five categories, including protocols for couples, protocols for women, protocols for men, labor and delivery, and postpartum and breastfeeding.
Conclusion: General protocols for patients and staff may vary depending on specific conditions. However, this review provides some rules to ensure their safety against the disease during the pandemic.
Golazin Hoseini; Zahra Esmaeilinezhad; Maedeh Gordali; Reza Barati-Boldaji; Zahra Negarandeh; Siavash Babajafari; Seyed Mohammad Mazloomi
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate behavior changes related to food hygiene and safety during Covid-19 outbreak.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a digital questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire consisted of 36 questions in three sections: demographic ...
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Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate behavior changes related to food hygiene and safety during Covid-19 outbreak.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a digital questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire consisted of 36 questions in three sections: demographic characteristics, knowledge of food hygiene during the coronavirus epidemic, and food hygiene performance before and after Covid-19 outbreaks.
Results: 675 questionnaires were completed. The ways through which foods are washed and subsequently packed, before and after the Covid-19 outbreak, have changed significantly. It was revealed that the use of dishwashing liquid, sanitizing liquid, vinegar (p<0.001), and alcohol (p=0.03) has drastically increased for washing the fruits; salt and bleach are used for washing the vegetables (p<0.05), and dishwashing liquid, sanitizing liquid and alcohol for washing egg and packaged food (p<0.001) after the outbreak. Covid-19 caused 35.5% of the participants to avoid sweetmeat, 23.7% of them did not use takeaway foods, and 21.4% of them eliminate nuts and seeds from their diet.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, people's knowledge about coronavirus transmission and food disinfection is insufficient. Given that people's knowledge about the mentioned cases can affect the choice of food groups and the quality of people's diet, introducing valid information sources and providing necessary training to people in the community can lead to the correction of beliefs and behaviors regarding food hygiene during the Corona outbreak.
Hamed Delam; Fatemeh Zare
Abstract
Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first developed in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and spread rapidly around the world (1, 2). In late January 2020, the disease was recognized as the sixth international public health emergency (3). The infection is transmitted from person to person through respiratory secretions ...
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first developed in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and spread rapidly around the world (1, 2). In late January 2020, the disease was recognized as the sixth international public health emergency (3). The infection is transmitted from person to person through respiratory secretions and contact with surfaces or people (4). In general, infectious diseases constantly threaten human health; especially if they are new, because they are always a potential challenge for the healthcare system around the world (5). Health personnel, like other infectious diseases, are at the forefront of the fight against coronavirus. A high percentage of these personnel work night shifts with high workload (6). Work-related stress, lack of sleep, and shift work in health care personnel cause sleep disorders and poor sleep quality (7). Sleep is a specific behavior and each person is aware of its importance and its appropriate duration, and is rotated by waking up. Also, one of the most important parameters in assessing the quality of life and health status of each person is the quality of sleep (8). Sleep is a key factor in a person's physical health and related disorders including poor sleep quality, difficulty sleeping at night, waking up early, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnia, sleep-related movement disorders, and sleep-related respiratory disorders (9). Sleep disorders are physical and mental conditions that cause adverse effects due to poor sleep quality (10). Sleep disorders have many negative effects on people's lives and lead to physical complications such as increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, heart attack, and stroke (11). Therefore, during the COVID-19 epidemic and with the increase of work pressure in health care workers, there is a possibility of increasing sleep disorders and consequently increasing physical diseases. Healthcare personnel are the most important group in dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic; therefore, increasing the number of medical staff and reducing the number of work shifts can relieve fatigue and maintain energy levels in them and reduce physical complications in them.
Among the treatment methods for insomnia, we can mention medication; however, because sedatives have side effects such as drowsiness and decreased accuracy, they are not recommended for people such as nurses who always need full alertness during their shift; instead, non-pharmacological therapies such as relaxation techniques can be used. Because relaxation is a relative state of relief from the mental and physical effects of stress which can improve the sleep quality by regulating the hypothalamus and reducing sympathetic and parasympathetic functions (12). The progressive muscle relaxation technique introduced and used by Jacobsen is an easy, cost-effective method without the need for special equipment; it is one of the best complementary therapies to reduce the effects of mental illness such as anxiety because people in this method, by contracting and relaxing a specific muscle, cause relaxation in different target muscles and increase concentration and pleasant emotions (13). In order to improve working conditions, it is also suggested that the chronobiological characteristics of individuals should be considered when planning work shifts and classifying individuals accordingly. This type of chronotype classification is a simple method and takes into account issues such as individual circadian differences, sleep habits and performance on a particular day, and ultimately helps to plan work shifts based on these chronobiological characteristics (14). Another suggestion that can be made in this regard is physical activity because physical activity promotes physical and mental health with the biological and biochemical changes that follow. As a result, they improve the quality of sleep. In addition, physical activity, if repeated frequently, reduces the risk of physical illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension by boosting the immune response in the body (15).
