Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 continues to spread globally and in the absence of an effective treatment, the vaccine remains the best hope for controlling this disease. In this study, we seek to find out the extent to which people in Syria accept the Corona vaccine and what are the factors that affect their decision. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Syria during the period from January 3 to March 17, 2021. A structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed in two phases: The first phase included distributing the questionnaire as a Google Form on social media platforms. In the second phase, a paper version of the questionnaire was handed to patients, their companions, and workers in public hospitals. SPSS v.25 and R v.4.1.1 were used to analyze the data. Pearson Chi-square test and Logistic Regression were used to study the associations between categorical groups. Results Of 7531 respondents, 3505 (46.5%) were males and 4026 (53.5%) were females. 3124 (41.5%) were 18–24 years old. Healthcare workers were participants’ main sources of information (50.9%), followed by Social Media users (46.3%). 2790 (37%) of the participant are willing to be vaccinated, and 2334 (31%) were uncertain about it. Fear of possible side effects was the main reason for the reluctance to take the vaccine 1615 (62.4%), followed by mistrust of the vaccine formula 1522 (58.8%). 2218 (29.5%) participants think COVID-19 poses a major risk to them personally. Vaccination intention was significantly associated with gender, residence, financial status, educational level, and geographic origin. Conclusion This study showed very negatively important results. The study participants Vaccination acceptance rate is almost the lowest when compared to its peers. A Lot of efforts should be made to correct misinformation about the vaccine and answer all questions about it, especially with a health system that has been ravaged by war for 10 years.
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.
Background: A considerable number of medical students experience musculoskeletal pain (MSP) during their academic years. In this study, we seek to determine the prevalence of MSP, as well as its associated risk factors, among a sample of medical students at two major universities in Damascus, Syria.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two universities, with a total of 2009 medical students participating in filling-in the paper-based questionnaire. A modified version of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was utilized in this study. Results:The questionnaire was completed by 2009 medical students. The majority were between the ages of 21 and 25 years old, female (53%), and in their clinical years (55%). 1081 (54%) of all students had at least one MSP site in the previous week, while 1654 (82%) had at least one MSP site in the last year. MSP in the previous week was strongly linked with a history of trauma (odds ratio [OR] 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79-2.86, p = 0.001), as well as a family history of MSP (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.12-1.76, p = 0.0029). MSP in the previous year was significantly associated with gender (OR 0.637, 95% CI 0.50-0.80, p = 0.0001), history of trauma (OR 4.59, 95% CI 2.93-7.17, p ≤ 0.001), and family history of MSP (OR 4.59, 95% CI 1.36-2.68, p = 0.0002). On multivariate analysis, factors associated with MSP in the previous week and last year were familial history of MSP (p = 0.0457) (p = 0.0024), respectively, and a history of trauma (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion:MSP had a high prevalence among Syrian medical students, especially female students, those with history of trauma, and those with a family history of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). This major health problem should be known to medical institutions, and awareness programs are required.
Background. Osteoporosis is a progressive decline in the bone mass, which occurs with no alterations to the bone’s composition. It is associated with increased bone fragility that may eventually lead to fractures. In this study, we aim to assess the level of awareness that Syrian women possess regarding osteoporosis and spread the knowledge about its prevention measures. Methods. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Syrian Private University. A validated questionnaire was asked to be filled in by women aged 18 and above, who were presented to clinics at Damascus, Al Helal, and Al Zahrawi hospitals between 28 November 2021 and 5 March 2022. Results. 6082 women were included, of which 63.9% ( n = 3884 ) were under 30 years old and 89.3% ( n = 5429 ) were in their reproductive age. The average knowledge score of osteoporosis was 69.2 ± 7.7 (28-100); 88.1% correctly defined osteoporosis while the majority (93.4%) has heard of it. The majority of our participants were living in rural areas (77.2%; n = 4698 ) while only 22.8% ( n = 1384 ) were living in urban areas. The respondents from urban areas reported the highest knowledge scores ( OR = 1.472 ; 95% CI: 1.258-1.723; P < 0.0001 ). 75.60% agreed that aging is a risk factor for osteoporosis. 64.6% were aware that osteoporosis is directly responsible for hip fractures. Smoking, family history, lack of exercise, and menopause were the main risk factors for osteoporosis, at 53.6%, 53.1%, 84.6%, and 60.7%, respectively. Social media represented the ultimate source of information on osteoporosis (64.70%). Conclusion. Our study is the largest in the region and the first of its kind in the country. Syrian women had an average knowledge score regarding osteoporosis; the vast majority has defined it correctly and has heard of it. We found no statistical significance between age or educational level and adequate knowledge about osteoporosis.
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