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Jovanović V, Rudnev M, Abdelrahman M, Abdul Kadir NB, Adebayo DF, Akaliyski P, Alaseel R, Alkamali YA, Alonso Palacio LM, Amin A, Andres A, Ansari-Moghaddam A, Aruta JJB, Avanesyan HM, Ayub N, Bacikova-Sleskova M, Baikanova R, Bakkar B, Bartoluci S, Benitez D, Bodnar I, Bolatov A, Borchet J, Bosnar K, Broche-Pérez Y, Buzea C, Cassibba R, Del Pilar Grazioso M, Dhakal S, Dimitrova R, Dominguez A, Duong CD, Dutra Thome L, Estavela AJ, Fayankinnu EA, Ferenczi N, Fernández-Morales R, Friehs MT, Gaete J, Gharz Edine W, Gindi S, Giordani RCF, Gjoneska B, Godoy JC, Hancheva CD, Hapunda G, Hihara S, Islam MS, Janovská A, Javakhishvili N, Kabir RS, Kabunga A, Karakulak A, Karl JA, Katović D, Kauyzbay Z, Kaźmierczak M, Khanna R, Khosla M, Kisaakye P, Klicperova-Baker M, Kokera R, Kozina A, Krauss SE, Landabur R, Lefringhausen K, Lewandowska-Walter A, Liang YH, Lizarzaburu-Aguinaga D, López Steinmetz LC, Makashvili A, Malik S, Manrique-Millones D, Martín-Carbonell M, Mattar Yunes MA, McGrath B, Mechili EA, Mejía Alvarez M, Mhizha S, Michałek-Kwiecień J, Mishra SK, Mohammadi M, Mohsen F, Moreta-Herrera R, Muradyan MD, Musso P, Naterer A, Nemat A, Neto F, Neto J, Okati-Aliabad H, Orellana CI, Orellana L, Park J, Pavlova I, Peralta EA, Petrytsa P, Pilkauskaite Valickiene R, Et Al. The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale: Cross-national measurement invariance and convergent validity evidence. Psychol Assess 2024; 36:14-29. [PMID: 38010780 DOI: 10.1037/pas0001270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) is a widely used measure that captures somatic symptoms of coronavirus-related anxiety. In a large-scale collaboration spanning 60 countries (Ntotal = 21,513), we examined the CAS's measurement invariance and assessed the convergent validity of CAS scores in relation to the fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S) and the satisfaction with life (SWLS-3) scales. We utilized both conventional exact invariance tests and alignment procedures, with results revealing that the single-factor model fit the data well in almost all countries. Partial scalar invariance was supported in a subset of 56 countries. To ensure the robustness of results, given the unbalanced samples, we employed resampling techniques both with and without replacement and found the results were more stable in larger samples. The alignment procedure demonstrated a high degree of measurement invariance with 9% of the parameters exhibiting noninvariance. We also conducted simulations of alignment using the parameters estimated in the current model. Findings demonstrated reliability of the means but indicated challenges in estimating the latent variances. Strong positive correlations between CAS and FCV-19S estimated with all three different approaches were found in most countries. Correlations of CAS and SWLS-3 were weak and negative but significantly differed from zero in several countries. Overall, the study provided support for the measurement invariance of the CAS and offered evidence of its convergent validity while also highlighting issues with variance estimation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Veljko Jovanović
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad
| | | | - Mohamed Abdelrahman
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Azzam Amin
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
| | - Andrii Andres
- Department of Physical Education, Lviv Polytechnic National University
| | | | | | | | - Norzihan Ayub
- Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
| | - Maria Bacikova-Sleskova
- Department of Educational Psychology and Health Psychology, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice
| | | | | | | | - David Benitez
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Albizu University
| | - Ivanna Bodnar
- Department of Theory and Methods of Physical Culture, Lviv State University of Physical Culture
| | | | | | | | | | - Carmen Buzea
- Department of Social Sciences and Communication, Transilvania University of Brasov
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Arune Joao Estavela
- Departamento de Pos-Graduacao, Instituto Superior de Ciencias de Saude, Universidade Lurio
| | | | - Nelli Ferenczi
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London
| | | | | | - Jorge Gaete
- Faculty of Education, Universidad de los Andes
| | | | | | | | | | - Juan Carlos Godoy
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicologicas, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnicas
| | - Camellia Doncheva Hancheva
- Department of General, Experimental, Developmental, and Health Psychology, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"
| | | | - Shogo Hihara
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University
| | - Anna Janovská
- Department of Educational Psychology and Health Psychology, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Richa Khanna
- School of Human Ecology, Tata Institute of Social Sciences
| | | | | | | | - Richman Kokera
- Department of Applied Psychology, University of Zimbabwe
| | - Ana Kozina
- Evaluation Studies Centre, Educational Research Institute
| | - Steven E Krauss
- Institute for Social Science Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lorena Cecilia López Steinmetz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicologicas, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnicas
| | - Ana Makashvili
- Dimitri Uznadze Institute of Psychology, Ilia State University
| | - Sadia Malik
- Department of Psychology, University of Sargodha
| | | | | | | | - Breeda McGrath
- Department of Academic Affairs, Chicago School of Professional Psychology
| | | | | | - Samson Mhizha
- Department of Applied Psychology, University of Zimbabwe
| | | | - Sushanta Kumar Mishra
- Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management Area, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
| | - Mahdi Mohammadi
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences
| | | | | | | | - Pasquale Musso
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari
| | | | - Arash Nemat
- Microbiology Department, Kabul University of Medical Sciences
| | - Félix Neto
- Department of Psychology, University of Porto
| | - Joana Neto
- Research on Economics, Management and Information Technologies, Universidade Portucalense
| | | | | | | | - Joonha Park
- Department of Management, Nagoya University of Commerce and Business
| | - Iuliia Pavlova
- Department of Theory and Methods of Physical Culture, Lviv State University of Physical Culture
| | | | - Petro Petrytsa
- Department of Physical Education and Rehabilitation, Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University
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Alchallah MO, Safiah MH, Belah Kajjoun MM, Kalalib Al Ashabi K, Ataya S, Mohsen F, Bakdounes D, ElHomsi MO, Alolabi H, Alistwani D, Alzein A, Ayash A, Youzbashi L, Darjazini Nahas L. Prevalence of childhood obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and its role in daytime sleepiness in Syria: a large-scale school-based cross-sectional study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:2579-2586. [PMID: 37363593 PMCID: PMC10289726 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000000820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) has become vastly conceded in the last decade as a possible reason for significant morbidity in childhood. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of OSAS among school children and to assess the interrelationship between OSAS and daytime sleepiness. Methods and materials This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1029 children and adolescents aged 6-15 years attending elementary and secondary schools in Damascus, Syria. The questions involved 19 sleep problems items using the children sleep habits questionnaire, and 4 sleep disorder items (loud snoring, having snorts or gasps, breathing pauses, daytime sleepiness). Total sleep time (TST) was determined by sleep habits. Severe possible OSAS (p-OSAS) was addressed as having all OSA symptoms "frequently", and mild p-OSAS was defined as having any of the symptoms "sometimes". Severe and mild daytime sleepiness were rated as being very sleepy during the day "frequently", and "sometimes", respectively. Logistic regression was applied to predict risk factors of severe and mild daytime sleepiness. Results The prevalence of p-OSAS was 22.2%, of them 15.8% were mild, and 6.3% were severe. p-OSAS was more recognized in males 15.2% children (P<0.05). Most p-OSAS children sleep less than 6 h of TST; however; the mean TST was significantly lower at the secondary school level (P≤0.001). Predicted risk factors for severe and mild daytime sleepiness were students' grade level (P<0.05), severe and mild p-OSAS (P≤0.001), and TST less than 6 h (P≤0.001). Conclusions A significant number of children have p-OSAS, affecting daytime sleepiness in school age. Physicians should consider loud snoring, and breathing pauses as marked symptoms of severe daytime sleepiness. Moreover, raising parents awareness about OSAS and daytime sleepiness is essential to ensure early access to primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Louei Darjazini Nahas
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University
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Najjar M, Albuaini S, Fadel M, Aljbawi A, AlAwad Y, Mohsen F. Impact of comorbidities on hospitalised Syrian patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068849. [PMID: 36940947 PMCID: PMC10030286 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, outcomes and overall survival time of patients with COVID-19 with and without comorbidities. DESIGN Retrospective design. SETTING This study was undertaken at two hospitals in Damascus. PARTICIPANTS A total of 515 Syrian patients met the inclusion criterion, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exclusion criteria were suspected and probable cases that were not confirmed with a positive reverse transcription-PCR assay, and patients who self-discharged from the hospital against medical advice. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES First, assess the impacts of comorbidities on COVID-19 infection in four areas (clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, severity and outcomes). Second, calculate the overall survival time for patients with COVID-19 with comorbidities. RESULTS Of 515 patients included, 316 (61.4%) were male and 347 (67.4%) had at least one coexisting chronic disease. Patients with comorbidities compared with no comorbidities were more vulnerable to poor outcomes such as severe infection (32.0% vs 9.5%, p<0.001), severe complications (34.6% vs 9.5%, p<0.001), the need for mechanical ventilation (28.8% vs 7.7%, p<0.001) and death (32.0% vs 8.3%, p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed that age ≥65 years old, positive smoking history, having ≥2 comorbidities and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were risk factors linked to severe COVID-19 infection in patients with comorbidities. Overall survival time was lower among patients with comorbidities (vs no comorbidities), patients with ≥2 comorbidities (vs one comorbidity), and patients with hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malignancy or obesity (vs other comorbidities) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION This study revealed that COVID-19 infection had poor outcomes among those with comorbidities. Severe complications, mechanical ventilation usage and death were more prevalent among patients with comorbidities compared with those with no comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Najjar
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Sara Albuaini
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Mohammad Fadel
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Ahmad Aljbawi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Yara AlAwad
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
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Najjar M, Albuaini S, Fadel M, Mohsen F. Covid-19 vaccination reported side effects and hesitancy among the Syrian population: a cross-sectional study. Ann Med 2023; 55:2241351. [PMID: 37544017 PMCID: PMC10405764 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2241351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studying post-vaccination side effects and identifying the reasons behind low vaccine uptake are pivotal for overcoming the pandemic. METHODS This cross-sectional study was distributed through social media platforms and face-to-face interviews. Data from vaccinated and unvaccinated participants were collected and analyzed using the chi-square test, multivariable logistic regression to detect factors associated with side effects and severe side effects. RESULTS Of the 3509 participants included, 1672(47.6%) were vaccinated. The most common reason for not taking the vaccine was concerns about the vaccine's side effects 815(44.4). The majority of symptoms were mild 788(47.1%), followed by moderate 374(22.3%), and severe 144(8.6%). The most common symptoms were tiredness 1028(61.5%), pain at the injection site 933(55.8%), and low-grade fever 684(40.9%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that <40 years (vs. ≥40; OR: 2.113, p-value = 0.008), females (vs. males; OR: 2.245, p-value< .001), did not receive influenza shot last year (vs. did receive Influenza shot last year OR: 1.697, p-value = 0.041), AstraZeneca (vs. other vaccine brands; OR: 2.799, p-value< .001), co-morbidities (vs. no co-morbidities; OR: 1.993, p-value = 0.008), and diabetes mellitus (vs. no diabetes mellitus; OR: 2.788, p-value = 0.007) were associated with severe post-vaccine side effects. Serious side effects reported were blood clots 5(0.3%), thrombocytopenia 2(0.1%), anaphylaxis 1(0.1%), seizures 1(0.1%), and cardiac infarction 1(0.1%). CONCLUSION Our study revealed that most side effects reported were mild in severity and self-limiting. Increasing the public's awareness of the nature of the vaccine's side effects would reduce the misinformation and improve the public's trust in vaccines. Larger studies to evaluate rare and serious adverse events and long-term side effects are needed, so people can have sufficient information and understanding before making an informed consent which is essential for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Najjar
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Sara Albuaini
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Mohammad Fadel
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
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Bakdounes A, Akashe N, Alchallah MO, Alolabi H, Bakdounes D, Mohsen F, Darjazini Nahas L. Prevalence of Ménière's Disease in Syrian Patients with hypothyroidism: Cross-sectional study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 81:104405. [PMID: 36147122 PMCID: PMC9486646 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ménière's Disease, a long-term debilitating disorder has been increasingly found among patients with hypothyroidism. Our study aims to evaluate the prevalence of ménière's disease among hypothyroid patients and assess the interrelationship between patients' symptomology and ménière's disease. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was performed at the endocrinology clinics at Damascus Hospital and Syrian Red Crescent Hospital, Damascus, Syria between September 2021 and January 2022. Patients with hypothyroidism were interviewed using a questionnaire. The questionnaire contained questions about socio-demographic information, hypothyroid history, diagnostic criteria of ménière's disease, chief complaint, medical history, and lab test results. Patients, who reported ménière's disease symptoms, were referred to the otorhinolaryngology clinic for confirmation or exclusion of ménière's disease. At the clinic, patients underwent an otoscopy and a pure tone audiometry, probable and definite ménière's disease was diagnosed accordingly. Results Of 217 hypothyroid patients included in the sample, 17 (7.8%) were diagnosed with definite ménière's disease and 31 (14.3%) were diagnosed with probable ménière's disease. Hypothyroid symptoms reported among patients diagnosed with definite ménière's disease compared to no diagnosis differed by feeling low (χ2 (1, 217) = 4.014, p = 0.045), and depressive appearance (χ2 (1, 217) = 8.887, p = 0.003). Patients diagnosed with definite ménière's disease, probable ménière's disease, and both definite and probable ménière's disease were more likely to report that their symptoms affected their lifestyle compared to those that reported no effect (χ2 (3, 217) = 62.565, p < 0.001), (χ2 (3, 217) = 31.380, p < 0.001), and (χ2 (3, 217) = 35.542, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion A high number of hypothyroid patients were diagnosed with MD. Clinicians should consider clinically screening for MD among hypothyroid patients presenting to clinics. This study shows a significant association between hypothyroidism and Ménière's disease. Rates of feeling low and depressive appearance increase in definite MD patients. Meniere's disease patients were predisposed to the disease's effect on their lifestyle.
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Alolabi H, Alchallah MO, Mohsen F, Marrawi M, Alourfi Z. Social and Psychosocial Factors Affecting Eating Habits Among Students Studying at the Syrian Private University: A Questionnaire Based Cross-Sectional Study. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09451. [PMID: 35620616 PMCID: PMC9127308 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Alzabibi MA, Alolabi H, Ali DA, Shibani M, Ismail H, Mohsen F, Armashi H, Sawaf B, Swed S, Bakr A, Nahas LD, Ghaith HS, Motawea KR. Oral cancer knowledge and practice among medical students: A cross-sectional study during the Syrian crisis. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 77:103504. [PMID: 35638081 PMCID: PMC9142404 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background lack of medical practitioners’ knowledge about oral cancer has contributed to delays in referral and treatment. Oral cancer is amenable to treatment when detected early, which leads to better prognosis and survival rates. In this study, we aimed to assess the knowledge of the Syrian medical students about the risk factors of oral cancer, oral cavity changes associated with oral cancer, and the relation between the relation with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and oral cancer. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Syrian Private University. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, which targeted social demographic information, general knowledge, risk factors, oral changes and HPV knowledge associated with oral cancer. Data was categorized and analyzed to assess and compare the levels of knowledge between clinical and preclinical students. Results 301 out of 401 medical students responded to the questionnaires bringing the response rate to 75.25%. The study revealed adequate knowledge about oral cancer, general information, clinical features, risk factors and relation to HPV. Clinical students showed higher levels of awareness compared to pre-clinical students. No significance in knowledge was found between the genders. Conclusion The findings of the present study suggest that there is a need to reinforce the medical curriculum concerning oral cancer education, particularly in prevention and early detection to improve practices. In Syria, the incidence and mortality rates of OC and OPC were 2 and 0.8 per 100,000 annum, respectively. Awareness about OC was positively correlated with the year of study Low level of awareness about OC was found among medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhd Amin Alzabibi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Homam Alolabi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Dania Alsayed Ali
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Mosa Shibani
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Hlma Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Humam Armashi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Bisher Sawaf
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Sarya Swed
- Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
- Corresponding author. Faculty of Human Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria.
| | - Aliaa Bakr
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
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Mohsen F, Bakkar B, Khadem alsrouji S, Abbas E, Najjar A, Marrawi M, Latifeh Y. Fear among Syrians: A Proposed Cutoff Score for the Arabic Fear of COVID-19 Scale. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264257. [PMID: 35275930 PMCID: PMC8916619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has led to psychological health issues one of which is fear. This study validates the Arabic version of the fear of COVID-19 scale and suggests a new cutoff score to measure fear of COVID-19 among the Syrian Population. A total of 3989 participants filled an online survey consisting of socio-demographic information, the fear of COVID-19 scale, the patient health questionnaire 9-item, and the generalized anxiety disorder 7-item. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to define cutoff scores for the fear of COVID-19 scale in relation to generalized anxiety disorder 7-item and the patient health questionnaire 9-item. The Cronbach α value of the Arabic fear of COVID-19 scale was 0.896, revealing good stability and internal consistency. The inter-item correlations were between [0.420–0.868] and the corrected item-total correlations were between [0.614–0.768]. A cutoff point of 17.5 was deduced from the analysis. According to the deduced cutoff point, 2111(52.9%) were categorized as extreme fear cases. This cutoff score deduced from this study can be used for screening purposes to distinguish community members that may be prone to developing extreme fear of COVID-19. Therefore, early preventive and supportive measures can then be delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
- * E-mail:
| | - Batoul Bakkar
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | - Esraa Abbas
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Alma Najjar
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Marah Marrawi
- Department of Statistics, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Youssef Latifeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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Najjar M, Albuaini S, Fadel M, Aljbawi A, Mohsen F, Sulaiman S, Koudsi A. COVID-19 Disease in Syrian Patients With Cancer: Clinical Manifestations, Laboratory Findings, Treatment, and Outcomes. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2100283. [PMID: 35230875 PMCID: PMC8887951 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to describe the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcomes of patients with cancer with COVID-19 infection in Syria. The primary objective was to identify the overall survival (OS) time, and the secondary objectives were to identify factors associated with severe COVID-19 infection. METHODS This multicenter retrospective study was undertaken at four hospitals in Damascus, Syria, between March 28, 2020, and March 29, 2021. Data extracted from medical records included clinical manifestations, radiologic findings, laboratory results, treatment, and outcomes. Survival analysis was done by using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model for follow-up and anticancer treatment patients to study the effect on OS time. The effects of potential risk factors of developing severe COVID-19 were studied by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of 114 patients included, 61 (53.51%) were male. Smokers represented 29 (25.44%), and 63 (55.26%) patients had a history of coexisting chronic diseases. The most common cancer type was breast cancer 17 (14.91%). Sixty-eight (59.65%) patients were receiving anticancer treatment within 1 month of being diagnosed with COVID-19 infection and 46 (40.35%) were outpatient follow-ups. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that comorbidities (odds ratio: 2.814, P = .044) and anticancer treatment (odds ratio: 8.790, P < .05) were risk factors linked to severe to critical COVID-19 infection. OS time was 245 (95% CI, 217.96 to 272.47) days, lower among patients with cancer with COVID-19 infection receiving anticancer treatment compared with follow-up patients (P value < .05). CONCLUSION Patients with cancer with COVID-19 infection receiving anticancer treatment had a lower OS time. It may be worth considering stopping anticancer treatment in patients with cancer with COVID-19 when possible in search of better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Najjar
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Sara Albuaini
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Mohammad Fadel
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Ahmed Aljbawi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Seham Sulaiman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.,Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Abir Koudsi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
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Bakkar B, Mohsen F, Armashi H, Marrawi M, Aldaher N. A cross-sectional survey of COVID-19: attitude and prevention practice among Syrians. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09124. [PMID: 35342826 PMCID: PMC8933052 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus disease of 2019 has overwhelmed public health systems worldwide and forced governments to impose draconian lockdowns on entire populations. With no vaccine or treatment during the early days of the pandemic, it is of paramount importance to assess the public’s awareness about COVID-19 so that prevention-focused educational campaigns can be sufficiently deployed. This study aimed to gauge the Syrian public’s adherence to infection control measures by assessing attitudes and practices during the pandemic which ravaged an already war-torn Syria. Methods The web-based cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2020, nearly 11 years into the Syrian crisis. The survey contained 3 sections: socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes, and practice. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with good practices and negative attitudes. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0. Results Of the 3586 participants, 68.2% were females, 50.8% were unemployed, and 79.2% were college-educated. Only 1402 (39.1%) participants wore face masks when leaving their homes. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that female, age, and residence were factors associated with good practices such as avoiding mass gatherings, wearing face masks, and maintaining a 1-meter interpersonal distance. However, age and occupation were factors associated with negative attitudes towards the closure of universities and schools, travel bans, and quarantines for travellers. Conclusion This survey highlights the need to address specific populations using various measures; there should be a specialized method of prevention for each occupation, age group, and place of residence to contain further outbreaks of COVID-19. This can be achieved through targeted awareness campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batoul Bakkar
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Humam Armashi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Marah Marrawi
- Department of Statistics, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Nizar Aldaher
- Professor in Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.,Professor in Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Rif Dimashq, Syria
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Mohsen F, Safieh H, Shibani M, Ismail H, Alzabibi MA, Armashi H, Sawaf B. Assessing diabetes mellitus knowledge among Syrian medical students: A cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08079. [PMID: 34632146 PMCID: PMC8488477 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetes mellitus is the fastest growing global health emergency of the 21st century. The Middle East and North Africa region have the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world. Since medical students are the pillars of future healthcare systems, their knowledge of the disease must be evaluated, updated, and enhanced appropriately. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Syrian Private University (SPU) in November 2019 on World Diabetes Day in Damascus, during the Syrian war crisis. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 (SPSS Inc., United States). Results Of the 275 students, 74 (26.9%) were preclinical students and 201 (73%) were clinical students with a mean age of 21.9 (±3.70) years. 67 (25.0%) are overweight, and 26 (9.7%) are obese. Students revealed a good level of knowledge regarding clinical features, risk factors, and complications; however, a lack of knowledge was noticed in the general information and the diagnostic criteria section. Clinical year students (4th, 5th, 6th) demonstrated higher levels of awareness compared to students in pre-clinical years (1st, 2nd, 3rd). Conclusions Knowledge and awareness of medical students about diabetes mellitus were found to have some gaps. Health education efforts are required to reinforce its identification and management at all levels, while also encouraging lifestyle modifications among our students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Homam Safieh
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Mosa Shibani
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Hlma Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | - Humam Armashi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Bisher Sawaf
- Internal Medicine Department, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
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Mohsen F, Bakkar B, Melhem S, Aldakkak S, Mchantaf D, Marrawi M, Latifeh Y. Psychological health problems among Syrians during war and the COVID-19 pandemic: national survey. BJPsych Int 2021; 18:E8. [PMID: 34382955 PMCID: PMC8314981 DOI: 10.1192/bji.2021.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak embedded within the war in Syria. A web-based cross-sectional survey design was employed. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale revealed a high prevalence of depressive (n = 3326; 83.4%) and anxiety symptoms (n = 2777; 69.6%) among the 3989 participants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with depression and anxiety. There is an urgent need within the healthcare system in Syria to provide mental healthcare to alleviate acute mental health disturbances and associated physical health perceptions among Syrians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria.
| | - Batoul Bakkar
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Sara Melhem
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Samar Aldakkak
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Dana Mchantaf
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Marah Marrawi
- Department of Statistics, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Youssef Latifeh
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria; and Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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Ismail H, Shibani M, Zahrawi HW, Slitin AF, Alzabibi MA, Mohsen F, Armashi H, Bakr A, Turkmani K, Sawaf B. Knowledge of breast cancer among medical students in Syrian Private University, Syria: a cross-sectional study. BMC Med Educ 2021; 21:251. [PMID: 33933051 PMCID: PMC8088684 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02673-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer death globally. Since early diagnosis is crucial to reducing mortality, high levels of knowledge regarding general information, risk factors, and symptoms are required among healthcare professionals to deliver breast cancer care. This study aimed to determine Syrian medical students' knowledge about breast cancer in the fields of general knowledge, common clinical features, and risk factors. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Syrian Private University in October 2019 (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), Damascus, during the Syrian war crisis. Data were collected through self-administered surveys and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 (SPSS Inc., United States). The chi-square test was applied to assess the relationship between the level of knowledge and gender. One way analysis of variance was performed to assess the overall differences in mean knowledge score by study year, GPA, mother's education, and source of information. Unpaired Student's T-test was used to analyze the differences in mean knowledge scores (continuous variable) based on smoking status and alcohol consumption. RESULTS Of 320 students, 301 completed the questionnaire (response rate = 94.0%), of which 179(59.5%) were males. The study revealed above-average knowledge scores (total mean = 68.4%) regarding breast cancer, general information (71.9%), common clinical features (71.6%), and risk factors (71.6%). Clinical students (4th, 5th, and 6th years) scored higher compared with pre-clinical students (1st, 2nd, and 3rd years). CONCLUSION This study showed above-average knowledge scores regarding breast cancer. More efforts to correct misinformation, through reassessing the university curriculum and promoting awareness about breast cancer are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hlma Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Mosa Shibani
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Hanaa Wael Zahrawi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Ali Fouad Slitin
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Mhd Amin Alzabibi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.
| | - Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Humam Armashi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Aliaa Bakr
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oncology Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Khaled Turkmani
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
- AL Kalamoon General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Damascus, Syria
| | - Bisher Sawaf
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Mohsen F, Bakkar B, Armashi H, Aldaher N. Crisis within a crisis, COVID-19 knowledge and awareness among the Syrian population: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e043305. [PMID: 33879483 PMCID: PMC8061566 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To gauge specific knowledge around clinical features, transmission pathways and prevention methods, and to identify factors associated with poor knowledge to help facilitate outbreak management in Syria during this rapid global rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Web-based cross-sectional survey. SETTING This study was conducted in March 2020, nearly 10 years into the Syrian war crisis. The Arabic-language survey was posted on various social media platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and Facebook targeting various social groups. PARTICIPANTS A total of 4495 participants completed the survey. Participants with a history of COVID-19 infection, residing outside Syria or who did not fully complete the survey were excluded from the study. The final sample of 3586 participants (completion rate=79.8%) consisted of 2444 (68.2%) females and 1142 (31.8%) males. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES First, knowledge of COVID-19 in four areas (general knowledge; transmission pathways; signs and symptoms; prevention methods). Second, factors associated with poor knowledge. RESULTS Of the 3586 participants, 2444 (68.2%) were female, 1822 (50.8%) were unemployed and 2839 (79.2%) were college educated. The study revealed good awareness regarding COVID-19 (mean 75.6%, SD ±9.4%). Multiple linear regression analysis correlated poor mean knowledge scores with male gender (β=-0.933, p=0.005), secondary school or lower education level (β=-3.782, p<0.001), non-healthcare occupation (β=-3.592, p<0.001), low economic status (β=-0.669, p<0.040) and >5 household members (β=-1.737, p<0.001). CONCLUSION This study revealed some potentially troubling knowledge gaps which underscore the need for a vigorous public education campaign in Syria. This campaign must reinforce the public's awareness, knowledge and vigilance towards precautionary measures against COVID-19, and most importantly aid in controlling the worldwide spread of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Batoul Bakkar
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Humam Armashi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Nizar Aldaher
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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15
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Mohsen F, Shibani M, Ibrahim N, Alhourani G, Melhem S, Alzabibi MA, Ismail H, Bakr A, Turkmani K, Sawaf B. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding HIV, HBV, and HCV Among Medical Students of Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria. Int Q Community Health Educ 2021; 43:161-170. [PMID: 33823689 DOI: 10.1177/0272684x211004923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS are infections that constitute major health concerns impacting national health systems worldwide. This is the first study to determine Syrian medical students' attitudes, awareness and knowledge of HIV/HBV/HCV, regarding general knowledge about, clinical features, transmission, and prevention. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at Syrian Private University on World AIDs Day (1/12/2019), Damascus, during the Syrian war crisis. Data were collected through self-administered surveys which targeted social demographic information, general knowledge, attitude, towards HBV, HCV, HIV. Data were divided and analysed according to the source of information, study year, marital status, and GPA using one-way analysis of variance to assess the level of knowledge. RESULTS Of 317 respondents, the majority (59.8%) were males with age ranging from 18 to 30 years of age. . The majority of students 188(59.3%) showed an average level of knowledge, 73(23%) showed a good level of knowledge. This study revealed adequate knowledge. However there were misconceptions regarding transmission pathways. The majority 173(54.6%) had a positive attitude, and 144(45.4%) had a neutral attitude, while none had a negative attitude towards HIV/HBV/HCV infected individuals. Clinical year students (mean 73.0%, SD ± 10.0%) demonstrated higher levels of awareness compared to pre-clinical students (mean 39.7%, SD ± 13.0%). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that medical students have adequate knowledge regarding HIV/HBV/HCV. Medical students play a pivotal role in raising awareness and disseminating knowledge among the community, thus more effort should be concentrated on developing educational programs to limit the risks of such infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Mohsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Mosa Shibani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Nazir Ibrahim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Ghaith Alhourani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Sara Melhem
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Mhd Amin Alzabibi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Hlma Ismail
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Aliaa Bakr
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oncology Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Khaled Turkmani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
- AL Kalamoon General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Damascus, Syria
| | - Bisher Sawaf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon
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Mohsen F, Bakkar B, Melhem S, Altom R, Sawaf B, Alkhija I, Nahas LD. Foreign body aspiration in a tertiary Syrian centre: A 7-year retrospective study. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06537. [PMID: 33817384 PMCID: PMC8010408 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paediatric foreign body aspiration constitutes significant lethal sequela worldwide. This is the first descriptive Syrian study that aims to describe the epidemiology of foreign body aspiration in a tertiary centre in Syria. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at the Children's University Hospital, Damascus, from 2011 to 2018 during the Syrian crisis. The children underwent rigid bronchoscopy at Al Mouwasat University hospital, the only properly equipped hospital to perform paediatric rigid bronchoscopy in Damascus. We included all cases with complete medical records of children under the age of 13 years with positive bronchoscopy findings of foreign body aspiration. The records of patients were examined, and data extracted included physical examination, CXR reports, bronchoscopy reports, and complications. Statistical package for social sciences 25.0 program for Windows was used to report frequencies, percentages, means, medians, and standard deviations. Results Of 560 children diagnosed with foreign body aspiration, the peak incidence was at the age of 1–3 years 376 (67.2%). Most patients presented with an explicit history of inhalation 453 (80.9%). The most frequent clinical findings were dyspnoea 320 (57.1%), wheezing 308 (55%), and chest retraction 209 (37.35%). Hyperinflation 260 (46.4%) followed by pulmonary infiltration 197 (35.2%) were the most common abnormal radiological findings. Seeds 273 (48.8%) were the most frequent foreign body extracted by rigid bronchoscopy. The right main bronchus 255 (40.2%) was the most frequent site of foreign body lodgement. Lobar pneumonia 16 (2.8%) was the commonest complication of foreign body aspiration. Conclusion Foreign body aspiration is a major public health problem in Syria. The child's welfare must be our paramount concern. To prevent this accident, we should address a change in raising public health awareness with regards to appropriate food and eating habits. This would limit hazardous complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Batoul Bakkar
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Sara Melhem
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Roula Altom
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Bisher Sawaf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria.,Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Centre Beirut, Lebanon.,Internal Medicine Department, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Imad Alkhija
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Mouwasat University Hospital, Syria
| | - Louei Darjazini Nahas
- Department of Surgery Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most prevalent mental disorders in war-affected regions. Syria has endured 9 years of war and yet little is known about the impact of the conflict on the well-being of Syrians who remain. In this study, we investigated trauma and estimated PTSD prevalence among university students in Deir-ez-Zor, a Syrian governorate that was under the siege by ISIS for over 3 years. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used on a sample of Al-Furat university students in Deir-ez-Zor. We collected data on socio-demographics, trauma exposure, and stress levels. PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 was used to provide prevalence rate estimates, and determine the symptom severity among Syrian university students. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the development of PTSD symptoms. RESULTS A total of 833 students were recruited into the study, 86.4% of the participants were exposed to at least one traumatic event. The estimated PTSD prevalence was 28.2%, and the highest PTSD rates were found among students who were forced into sexual act (46.3%). A significant association was found between PTSD and internal displacement (p = .032), academic year (p = .002), and social economic status (p = .000). Binary logistic regression indicated that PTSD symptoms were predicted by smoking and third-year university students. CONCLUSIONS The results presented in this research revealed a high prevalence of trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms among a sample of university students in Deir-ez-Zor. These findings call for immediate actions to help the affected population in restoring their mental health, so they can be prepared to face the challenges and demands of the post-conflict period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifeh Yousef
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Omar Ebrahim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Mohammad Hareth AlNahr
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Fatema Mohsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Nazir Ibrahim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Bisher Sawaf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria.,Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Internal Medicine, Hamad General Hospital Administration, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Alchallah MO, Ismail H, Dia T, Shibani M, Alzabibi MA, Mohsen F, Turkmani K, Sawaf B. Assessing diagnostic radiology knowledge among Syrian medical undergraduates. Insights Imaging 2020; 11:124. [PMID: 33226458 PMCID: PMC7683655 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-020-00937-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of radiology in medicine and healthcare is rapidly expanding worldwide, but awareness about this field among medical students is poor. This is the first study to assess Syrian medical students' knowledge and attitude regarding radiology. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Syrian Private University, on November 8, 2019, on the International Day of Radiology during the war crisis. Data were collected through self-administered surveys and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by 269 students whose ages ranged between 17 and 30 years old. Males constituted 63.6% of the respondents. The results revealed adequate knowledge about the basics of radiology. 73.6% of the students had previously heard about interventional radiology. There were slight misconceptions with certain points in each section, especially those pertaining to the radiation exposure of each imaging method. Finally, the students expressed low interest in radiology as a future career (24.5%). CONCLUSIONS The level of awareness can affect a student's decision in considering radiology as a future career. Further evaluation of the methods of teaching, input from medical boards, curriculum advisors, and guidance from radiologists is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhd Obai Alchallah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Hlma Ismail
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Tala Dia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Mosa Shibani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.
| | - Mhd Amin Alzabibi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Fatema Mohsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Khaled Turkmani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
- AL Kalamoon General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Bisher Sawaf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Mazzeh Street, P.O. Box 36822, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Internal Medicine Department, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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19
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Alolabi H, Alchallah MO, Mohsen F, Shibani M, Ismail H, Alzabibi MA, Sawaf B. Prevalence and behavior regarding cigarette and water pipe smoking among Syrian undergraduates. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05423. [PMID: 33204883 PMCID: PMC7653068 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The devastating Syrian crisis has raised concern regarding the social acceptance of smoking especially with water pipe use becoming a growing epidemic. We aim to determine the prevalence of cigarette and water pipe smoking among university students, along with identifying the addictive behavior among university students. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Syrian Private University during World No-Tobacco Day, in Damascus, Syria during the war crisis. The survey consists of 4 sections: socio-demographic information, Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence, attitude towards water pipes, and perspective about smoking. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Sciences version 25.0 (SPSS Inc., United States.). RESULTS Of the 622 participants, 429 (69%) were males with a mean age of 21.3 ± 3.1 years. The prevalence of tobacco smoking was 320 (51.4%), 208 (23.8%) for cigarettes, and 112 (18.0%) for water pipe. Smoking was significantly higher among male non-medical university students. The majority were low to moderate dependent when assessed by the Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence. CONCLUSIONS This study showed a very high prevalence of smoking indicating the need for smoking cessation programs, access to effective quitting treatments, and mass media campaigns to diminish smoking among the youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homam Alolabi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | - Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Mosa Shibani
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Hlma Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | - Bisher Sawaf
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center Beirut, Lebanon
- Internal Medicine Department, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Abstract
Controversy surrounds the reliability of high-resolution computed tomography (CT) in the identification of functioning microadenomas, especially in patients with hyperprolactinaemia and hypercortisolaemia. We studied 34 such patients: each underwent a high-resolution CT examination of the pituitary gland and each had a trans-sphenoidal exploration. Computed tomography showed 28 focal abnormalities but only 20 of these were confirmed to be due to a tumour at operation. In the other eight the tissue at the site of the radiological abnormality was normal histologically. In a total of 29 patients a tumour was found at operation and confirmed histologically; 20 were at the site of an abnormality shown by CT but in nine a tumour was found in a part of the gland judged to be normal radiologically. In general, good correlation between CT and the surgical findings was found only with tumours more than 6 mm in size. Of the indirect signs of a tumour, such as stalk deviation and a convex upper surface of the gland, only the former showed any correlation with the presence of a tumour. The results show that cautious, even sceptical interpretation of pituitary CT scans is essential and suggest that this investigation is not sufficiently reliable to be used as a routine in the assessment of hyperprolactinaemia or Cushing's syndrome. Computed tomography should be reserved for patients undergoing pituitary surgery, those with an enlarged fossa on plain radiography and those with extreme hormone hypersecretion.
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Abstract
Computed tomography was performed in 100 patients within 4 days of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. The CT appearances have been divided into five grades by the thickness and extent of the subarachnoid blood. Delayed cerebral ischaemia occurred in 62.5% of patients with most blood on CT, in 33.3% of those in the next grade and in none of the other grades with less amounts of blood. The outcome from delayed ischaemia was worse in those with most CT blood.
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