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Rolling CC, Phillips RO, Abass KM, Ken Adu Poku J, Osei-Mireku S, Osei-Wusu B, Thompson W, Vinnemeier CD, Huebl L, Langer F, Francke P, Kuta P, Konrath S, Renné T, Tannich E, Rolling T, Heinemann M. Absence of malaria-associated coagulopathy in asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection: results from a cross-sectional study in the Ashanti region, Ghana. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad074. [PMID: 36968961 PMCID: PMC10034594 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad074] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Coagulopathy is common in acute symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria and the degree of coagulation abnormality correlates with parasitaemia and disease severity. Chronic asymptomatic malaria has been associated with increased morbidity. However, the role of coagulation activation in asymptomatic semi-immune individuals remains unclear. This study investigates the potential effect of asymptomatic P. falciparum infection on coagulation activation in semi-immune Ghanaian adults.
Methods
Blood from asymptomatic Ghanaian adults with P. falciparum blood stage infection detectable by polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) or by both PCR and rapid diagnostic test, and from noninfected individuals was investigated. Markers of coagulation activation including global coagulation tests, D-dimers, antithrombin III, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor antigen were tested. Furthermore, blood count, inflammation markers, liver and kidney function tests were assessed.
Results
Acquired coagulopathy was not found in asymptomatic P. falciparum infection. Asymptomatic malaria was associated with significantly lower platelet counts. Systemic inflammation markers, liver and kidney function tests were not altered compared to noninfected controls.
Conclusions
There is no laboratory evidence for acquired coagulopathy in adults with asymptomatic P. falciparum malaria in highly endemic regions. Absent laboratory evidence for systemic inflammation, liver and kidney dysfunction indicates that asymptomatic malaria may not be associated with significant morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Charlotte Rolling
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, BMT with section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum – University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Richard O Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology , Kumasi , Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Christof D Vinnemeier
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF) , Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Site , Germany
| | - Lena Huebl
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Florian Langer
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, BMT with section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum – University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Paul Francke
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Piotr Kuta
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Sandra Konrath
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Thomas Renné
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland , Dublin , Ireland
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center , Mainz , Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Thierry Rolling
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF) , Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Site , Germany
- Division of Infectious Diseases, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Melina Heinemann
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF) , Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Site , Germany
- Division of Infectious Diseases, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine , Hamburg , Germany
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Baldofski S, Dogan-Sander E, Mueller SE, De Bock F, Huebl L, Kohls E, Rummel-Kluge C. Attitudes toward the pandemic and COVID-19 vaccination intention among German university students and the general population: Results from two cross-sectional surveys. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1098911. [PMID: 36589983 PMCID: PMC9797998 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1098911] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on nearly all people. Vaccines provide an effective tool to combat the pandemic, however, vaccination hesitancy remains an issue. This study aims to investigate (a) students' attitudes toward the pandemic, (b) potential differences in attitudes between university students and the general population, and (c) to examine predictors of vaccination intention in both samples. Methods In this cross-sectional study data from two research projects were analyzed and compared. First, attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic in German university students were assessed within a cross-sectional anonymous online survey (March-April 2021, N = 5,639) and analyzed quantitatively and also qualitatively (free text field answers examined positive and negative aspects of the pandemic). Second, data from a cross-sectional survey within the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring project (COSMO; 29th wave of data collection, December 2020, N = 1,387) in the German general population was analyzed. Both samples, were compared in sharedly used variables, regarding attitudes toward the pandemic and vaccination intention, and factors associated with vaccination (logistic regression analyses). Results In comparison to the general population, university students were significantly more likely to report being worried about/thinking about the coronavirus and to perceive the coronavirus as overrepresented in the media (all p < 0.001). University students reported a more supportive attitude toward vaccinations in general (students: M = 4.57, SD = 0.85; general population: M = 3.92, SD = 1.27) and a significantly higher vaccination intention (students: n = 4,438, 78.7%; general population: n = 635, 47.7%) than the general population (p < 0.001). Regression analyses revealed that in university students, vaccination intention was significantly predicted by not having children, a supporting attitude toward vaccinations in general, the belief that the coronavirus is overrepresented in the media, and less thinking about/worrying about the coronavirus (all p < 0.05). In the general population, vaccination intention was significantly associated with male gender, higher age, not having children, a supporting attitude toward vaccinations in general, and the belief that the coronavirus is overrepresented in the media (p < 0.05). The qualitative analysis among university students revealed that the most frequently stated positive aspect of the pandemic was to be more flexible due to digitalization (n = 1,301 statements, 22.2%) and the most frequently stated negative aspect was restriction in social life (n = 3,572 statements, 24.2%). Conclusion The results indicate differences in the attitudes toward the pandemic between university students and the general population. In addition, differences regarding factors associated with vaccination intention were found in both samples. These results could be important to be considered when designing and targeting vaccination campaigns aiming at informing different population or age groups. Study registration DRKS00022424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Baldofski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ezgi Dogan-Sander
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sophia E. Mueller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Freia De Bock
- Unit for Health Services Research, Clinic of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lena Huebl
- Department for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine and I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kohls
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christine Rummel-Kluge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany,*Correspondence: Christine Rummel-Kluge
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3
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Sprengholz P, Korn L, Eitze S, Felgendreff L, Siegers R, Goldhahn L, De Bock F, Huebl L, Böhm R, Betsch C. Attitude toward a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy and its determinants: Evidence from serial cross-sectional surveys conducted throughout the pandemic in Germany. Vaccine 2022; 40:7370-7377. [PMID: 35153092 PMCID: PMC8830774 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.01.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mandating vaccination against COVID-19 is often discussed as a means to counter low vaccine uptake. Beyond the potential legal, ethical, and psychological concerns, a successful implementation also needs to consider citizens' support for such a policy. Public attitudes toward vaccination mandates and their determinants might differ over time and, hence, should be monitored. METHODS Between April 2020 and April 2021, we investigated public support for mandatory vaccination policies in Germany and examined individual correlates, such as vaccination intentions, confidence in vaccine safety, and perceived collective responsibility, using a series of cross-sectional, quota-representative surveys (overall N = 27,509). RESULTS Support for a vaccination mandate declined before the approval of the first vaccine against COVID-19 in December 2020 and increased afterwards. However, at the end of April 2021, only half of respondents were in favor of mandatory regulations. In general, mandates were endorsed by those who considered the vaccines to be safe, anticipated practical barriers, and felt responsible for the collective. On the contrary, perceiving vaccination as unnecessary and weighing the benefits and risks of vaccination was related to lower support. Older individuals and males more often endorsed vaccination mandates than did younger participants and females. Interestingly, there was a gap between vaccination intentions and support for mandates, showing that the attitude toward mandatory vaccination was not only determined by vaccination-related factors such as vaccine safety or prosocial considerations. CONCLUSIONS Because of low public support, mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 should be considered a measure of last resort in Germany. However, if removing barriers to vaccination and educational campaigns about vaccine safety and the societal benefits of high vaccination uptake are not sufficient for increasing vaccination uptake to the required levels, mandates could be introduced. In this case, measures to ensure and increase acceptance and adherence should be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Korn
- Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Germany; Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences, University of Erfurt, Germany
| | - Sarah Eitze
- Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Germany; Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences, University of Erfurt, Germany
| | - Lisa Felgendreff
- Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Germany; Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences, University of Erfurt, Germany
| | - Regina Siegers
- Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Germany
| | - Laura Goldhahn
- Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Germany
| | | | - Lena Huebl
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany; I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert Böhm
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Copenhagen Center for Social Data Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cornelia Betsch
- Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Germany; Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences, University of Erfurt, Germany
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Grill E, Eitze S, De Bock F, Dragano N, Huebl L, Schmich P, Wieler LH, Betsch C. Sociodemographic characteristics determine download and use of a Corona contact tracing app in Germany-Results of the COSMO surveys. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256660. [PMID: 34473733 PMCID: PMC8412249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic mobile health applications indicating risks emerging from close contacts to infected persons have a large potential to interrupt transmission chains by automating contact tracing. Since its dispatch in Germany in June 2020 the Corona Warn App has been downloaded on 25.7 Mio smartphones by February 2021. To understand barriers to download and user fidelity in different sociodemographic groups we analysed data from five consecutive cross-sectional waves of the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring survey from June to August 2020. Questions on the Corona Warn App included information on download, use, functionality, usability, and consequences of the app. Of the 4,960 participants (mean age 45.9 years, standard deviation 16.0, 50.4% female), 36.5% had downloaded the Corona Warn App. Adjusted analysis found that those who had downloaded the app were less likely to be female (Adjusted Odds Ratio for men 1.16 95% Confidence Interval [1.02;1.33]), less likely to be younger (Adjusted Odds Ratio for age 18 to 39 0.47 [0.32;0.59] Adjusted Odds Ratio for age 40 to 64 0.57 [0.46;0.69]), less likely to have a lower household income (AOR 0.55 [0.43;0.69]), and more likely to live in one of the Western federal states including Berlin (AOR 2.31 [1.90;2.82]). Willingness to disclose a positive test result and trust in data protection compliance of the Corona Warn App was significantly higher in older adults. Willingness to disclose also increased with higher educational degrees and income. This study supports the hypothesis of a digital divide that separates users and non-users of the Corona Warn App along a well-known health gap of education, income, and region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Grill
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians University München, München, Germany
| | - Sarah Eitze
- Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Freia De Bock
- Federal Centre for Health Education (Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)), Cologne, Germany
| | - Nico Dragano
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lena Huebl
- University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, I. Department of Medicine, Division Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Cornelia Betsch
- Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
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5
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Abstract
A 48-year-old male was admitted with severe community-acquired pneumonia after a family visit to turkey. Upon specific questioning he reported having close contact to a tame budgerigar. Sputum PCR for Chlamydia psittaci turned positive. After treatment adaptation to doxycycline he quickly improved. Detailed anamnesis is paramount for establishing correct diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzia Veletzky
- Department for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lena Huebl
- Department for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany.,Division of Infectious Diseases, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Schmiedel
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany.,Division of Infectious Diseases, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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6
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Reitzle L, Schmidt C, Färber F, Huebl L, Wieler LH, Ziese T, Heidemann C. Perceived Access to Health Care Services and Relevance of Telemedicine during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:7661. [PMID: 34300110 PMCID: PMC8303178 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, non-pharmaceutical interventions were imposed to contain the spread of the virus. Based on cross-sectional waves in March, July and December 2020 of the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO), the present study investigated the impact of the introduced measures on the perceived access to health care. Additionally, for the wave in December, treatment occasion as well as utilization and satisfaction regarding telemedicine were analysed. For 18-74-year-old participants requiring medical care, descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. During the less strict second lockdown in December, participants reported more frequently ensured access to health care (91.2%) compared to the first lockdown in March (86.8%), but less frequently compared to July (94.2%) during a period with only mild restrictions. In December, main treatment occasions of required medical appointments were check-up visits at the general practitioner (55.2%) and dentist (36.2%), followed by acute treatments at the general practitioner (25.6%) and dentist (19.0%), treatments at the physio-, ergo- or speech therapist (13.1%), psychotherapist (11.9%), and scheduled hospital admissions or surgeries (10.0%). Of the participants, 20.0% indicated utilization of telemedical (15.4% telephone, 7.6% video) consultations. Of them, 43.7% were satisfied with the service. In conclusion, for the majority of participants, access to medical care was ensured during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, access slightly decreased during phases of lockdown. Telemedicine complemented the access to medical appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Reitzle
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.); (F.F.); (T.Z.); (C.H.)
| | - Christian Schmidt
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.); (F.F.); (T.Z.); (C.H.)
| | - Francesca Färber
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.); (F.F.); (T.Z.); (C.H.)
| | - Lena Huebl
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Ziese
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.); (F.F.); (T.Z.); (C.H.)
| | - Christin Heidemann
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.); (F.F.); (T.Z.); (C.H.)
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7
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Hajek A, De Bock F, Huebl L, Kretzler B, König HH. Determinants of Postponed Cancer Screening During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from the Nationally Representative COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring in Germany (COSMO). Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:3003-3011. [PMID: 34285614 PMCID: PMC8286719 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s297326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic is accompanied by various challenges for individual health and the health care system. However, preventive examinations such as cancer screenings should not be postponed during a pandemic. Because nationally representative studies describing postponed cancer screenings and identifying its determinants in Germany are lacking, our aim was to close this gap in knowledge. Materials and Methods We used cross-sectional data from the nationally representative online-survey “COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring in Germany (COSMO)” (wave 17), which was conducted in July 2020. The analytical sample included 974 individuals (mean age was 45.9 years, SD: 16.5 years; 18 to 74 years). The outcome measure was whether cancer screening had been postponed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic (no, attended as planned; yes, postponed). Results In total, slightly more than 10% of individuals stated to have postponed cancer screenings between March and July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly women and individuals aged 30 to 49 years. The likelihood of postponed cancer screening was positively associated with higher affect regarding COVID-19 (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.16–2.35), whereas it was negatively associated with younger age (eg, 18 to 29 years, OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.05–0.64, compared to individuals 30 to 49 years). Conclusion Study findings showed that one out of ten individuals postponed cancer screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic. We determined two correlates of them (age and affect regarding COVID-19). Individuals with an increased likelihood of postponed cancer screenings should be specifically addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Freia De Bock
- Federal Centre of Health Education, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lena Huebl
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kretzler
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Huebl L, Tappe D, Giese M, Mempel S, Tannich E, Kreuels B, Ramharter M, Veletzky L, Jochum J. Recurrent Swelling and Microfilaremia Caused by Dirofilaria repens Infection after Travel to India. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1701-1704. [PMID: 34013860 PMCID: PMC8153875 DOI: 10.3201/eid2706.210592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is an emerging mosquitoborne zoonosis. A
traveler returning to Germany from India experienced
Dirofilaria infection with concomitant microfilaremia.
Molecular analysis indicated Dirofilaria repens nematodes of an
Asian genotype. Microfilaremia showed no clear periodicity. Presence of
Wolbachia endosymbionts enabled successful treatment with
doxycycline.
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9
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Maertl T, De Bock F, Huebl L, Oberhauser C, Coenen M, Jung-Sievers C. Physical Activity during COVID-19 in German Adults: Analyses in the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring Study (COSMO). Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:E507. [PMID: 33435497 PMCID: PMC7827974 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the resulting outbreak response measures in Germany and worldwide led to severe limitations in everyday life. This affected all sorts of daily activities and the possibility for physical activity (PA), which represents a major coping strategy against stress. The objective of this study was to analyse PA in German adults during a total lockdown phase including school closures in April 2020 in certain subgroups and in relation to other coping strategies. Data from the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO) survey, an online cross-sectional study with 1034 participants between 18 and 74 years, were utilised (14/15 April 2020). In addition to descriptive analyses, the odds of performing PA according to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for adults (at least 2.5 h/week of at least moderate intensity) were analysed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. In total, 440 (42.6%) participants fulfilled this criterion. Participants with children <6 years were less likely to meet the WHO recommendation (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.33-0.78), while those with a higher level of education, good coping behaviour, regular alcohol consumption, and being satisfied with life were more likely to meet the WHO recommendation. In conclusion, PA intervention strategies tailored to specific vulnerable subgroups such as individuals with low educational background and parents with young children are needed in future pandemic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Maertl
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology–IBE, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (C.O.); (M.C.)
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Freia De Bock
- Federal Centre for Health Education, Maarweg 149-161, 50825 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Lena Huebl
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Oberhauser
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology–IBE, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (C.O.); (M.C.)
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Michaela Coenen
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology–IBE, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (C.O.); (M.C.)
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Jung-Sievers
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology–IBE, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany; (T.M.); (C.O.); (M.C.)
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
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10
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Huebl L, Nnyombi A, Walakira E, Kutalek R. Yellow Fever Vaccine Safety Perception of Pregnant Women in Emergency Response Mass Vaccination in Uganda. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:160-163. [PMID: 32458783 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0439] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Yellow fever vaccine, a live attenuated vaccine, is primarily administered to pregnant women during outbreaks. A qualitative study was conducted in pregnant women on the perception of yellow fever mass vaccination. In total, interviews with 20 women-13 semi-structured interviews and one focus group discussion with seven participants-were analyzed. This study showed that conflicting information about vaccine safety led to concern about miscarriage. Furthermore, it was believed that vaccination during gestation would concurrently immunize the fetus by transplacental antibody transfer. Consultation of health workers at the vaccination site led to diverse recommendations. When vaccinating pregnant women, clear health communication is crucial. Vaccine recommendations should be obeyed, and health workers should be trained to address emerging vaccine concerns. Pregnant women should be informed that a booster dose is recommended to achieve lifelong immunity. After pregnancy, a booster should be offered to women in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Huebl
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Unit Medical Anthropology and Global Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aloysious Nnyombi
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eddy Walakira
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruth Kutalek
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Unit Medical Anthropology and Global Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Huebl L, Leick S, Guettl L, Akello G, Kutalek R. Geophagy in Northern Uganda: Perspectives from Consumers and Clinicians. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:1440-1449. [PMID: 27698274 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology and health consequences of geophagy are still poorly understood. The consumed soil, individual motives, consumption habits, and the clinical perspective of geophagy in northern Uganda were examined. A total of 50 semistructured interviews (17 pregnant, eight nonpregnant women, 10 men, and 15 health-care professionals) were conducted. Our results suggest that geophagy is not limited to pregnancy and can also be found among nonpregnant women and men. During gestation, excessive amounts of various soil types are consumed and can replace food at times. Nonpregnant women and men consume less soil and stick to one type. When pregnant, craving and alleviating gastrointestinal upset are the main motives. In men, the main reasons for geophagy were craving, hypersalivation, and natural stimulants. If soil is craved, it can show similarities to a dependency syndrome. When picked up in childhood, geophagy is more likely to be continued throughout life. The consumption habits differ and thereby vary in their possible implications on health. Our findings suggest that men should be included in further studies. Especially nurses from the antenatal care are exposed to geophagists; however, no national guidelines exist for geophagy. Further research is necessary to create guidelines to be included in medical training and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Huebl
- Unit Ethnomedicine and International Health, Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, Center of Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Leick
- Unit Ethnomedicine and International Health, Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, Center of Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Guettl
- Unit Ethnomedicine and International Health, Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, Center of Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Grace Akello
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Ruth Kutalek
- Unit Ethnomedicine and International Health, Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, Center of Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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