Objective:The aim of this study was to explore association of initial laboratory parameters of hospitalized patients with COVID-19, with the severity and death incident. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients were classified based on mortality outcome (survivor and non-survivor) and disease severity (non-severe, severe, and critical). The initial laboratory data (within the first two days of hospital admission) were compared between these categories. Results: Of 362 COVID-19 patients hospitalized between January-2021 and May-2021, 39.0% were non-severe, 32.2% severe, and 28.7% critical. 77.3% were lived and 22.7% died in hospital. Non-survivors were significantly older than survivors. There was a statistically significant association between exceeding the cut-points of laboratory parameters and the severity of the disease or even death. These laboratory parameters included D-dimer, C-reactive protein, prothrombin time, ferritin, white blood cells, neutrophil count, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, lymphocyte count, and albumin. Also, exceeding the cut-points of these parameters showed high odds of death. The highest odds ratio was reported for albumin <3.5 g/ dL (OR=14. 318 [4.784-42.851], p<0.001). Conclusion: The cut-points of the laboratory parameters could effectively be used as predictors to assess the severity and risk of death to improve the management of COVID-19 patients.
Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, believes, psychological and behavioural impact of COVID-19 on the general population in the Middle East, exploring how it impacted public lives.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was sent to a convenience sample in the Middle East through social media (Facebook and WhatsApp) between 16th of June and 30th of June 2020. The questionnaire was designed to collect the demographic, participant’s source of information regarding COVID-19, knowledge and believes about COVID-19, the psychological consequences of COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on participant’s behaviour. The final version of the questionnaire was further tested for content validity by experts in the field.
Results: A total of 2,061 participants completed the survey, with the majority being females (n=1394, 67.6%), from urban areas (n=1896, 92%) and the majority were from countries of The Levant (n=1199, 58.1%), followed by the Arabian Peninsula (n=392, 19.1%), Iraq (n=300, 14.6%) and Egypt (n=138, 6.7%). Few participants (3.0%) reported to have been infected and many (n=1847, 89.6%) were committed to quarantine at home. Social media platforms were the most common sources of information (41.2%). Many (63%) believed that COVID-19 is a biological weapon and were afraid of visiting crowded places (85%). The majority avoided public facilities (86.9%) such as prayer places and believed that the news about COVID-19 made them anxious (49.5%).
Objectives We aimed to evaluate the current pattern, causes and attitude towards drug use amongst Syrian prisoners who were incarcerated due to their using drugs. Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey-based study that was conducted over a period of six months. Prisoners were recruited from two main civil prisons in Syria. The data collected in this study were through the use of a self-administered survey. The prisoners were met in a separate room away from their dormitories and they were asked to fill out the survey after obtaining their verbal consent. Keyfindings A total of 50 participants were recruited (response rate = 66.7%). Most of the prisoners (n = 29, 58.0%) started to use drugs at a friend's home, and the most commonly used drug was Hashish (weed and cannabis) (n = 22, 44.0%). Two-thirds of the participants (n = 34, 68.0%) said that they returned to drugs after quitting. The most common reason was using drugs for euphoria (n = 12, 24.0%). Regarding prisoners' beliefs about different causes of drug use, curiosity was found to be the most common cause of drug use (n = 19, 38.0%). Surprisingly, prisoners incorrectly believed that they can take drugs and they can stop them whenever they want (n = 34, 68.0%) and that drug use does not lead to addiction (n = 30, 60.0%).Conclusions The findings of this study indicate the need to devote more attention to family and peer influences on an individual's behaviour by policymakers, in developing preventive strategies. As well as, the need to raise the awareness of individuals in the society about drug use, subsequently, changes their incorrect perceptions towards drugs through several strategies including educational programmes as well as workshops whether in school, universities or social media.
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