ObjectivesSeroprevalence rates are important indicators to the epidemiology of COVID-19 and the extent of the pandemic given the existence of asymptomatic cases. The purpose of this study is to assess the seroprevalence rate in the Palestinian population residing in the West Bank.SettingThe study involved 1355 participants from 11 governorates, including 112 localities in the West Bank and 1136 individuals visiting Palestinian medical laboratories.ParticipantsBlood samples were collected between 15th June 2020 and 30th June 2020 from 1355 individuals from randomly selected households in the West Bank, in addition to 1136 individuals visiting Palestinian medical laboratories between the 1st May 2020 and 9th July 2020 for a routine check-up.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOut of the 2491 blood samples collected, serological tests for 2455 adequate serum samples were done using an immunoassay for qualitative detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Seroprevalence was estimated as the proportion of individuals who had a positive result in the total SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the immunoassay.ResultsThe random sample of Palestinians living in the West Bank yielded 0% seroprevalence with 95% and an adjusted CI (0% to 0.0043%), while the lab referral samples yielded an estimated seroprevalence of 0.354% with 95% and an adjusted CI (0.001325% to 0.011566%).ConclusionsOur results indicate that as of mid-June 2020, seroprevalence in Palestine persists low and is inadequate to provide herd immunity, emphasising the need to maintain health measures to keep the outbreak under control. Population-based seroprevalence studies are to be conducted periodically to monitor the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Palestine and inform policymakers about the efficacy of their surveillance system.
Aim: To explore the experience of online education during coronavirus disease 2019 from the perspectives of nurse educators, postgraduate students, and undergraduate students in two universities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). This article only highlights the challenges faced by nurse educators and students.Method: A qualitative design using a focus group strategy was employed. The data were collected from two universities in the OPT from September 2020 to October 2020. The maximum variation sampling strategy was used.Findings: Seven focus groups were conducted with nurse educators (n = 2), postgraduate students (n = 1), and undergraduate students (n = 4). The findings revealed that nurse educators and students faced several challenges when they were abruptly turned to online learning. These challenges included challenges concerning clinical courses, lack of resources, lack of interaction, evaluation, and their home environment.Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate the challenges involved in nursing education in OPT during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact:The findings of this study can be used to improve the online learning experience during COVID-19. As a recent change to nursing education, it is vital to understand the nature of the problems related to this sudden change.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly transmissible illness that spreads rapidly through human-to-human transmission. To assess the knowledge and practices of Palestinians towards COVID-19 after the ease of movement restrictions, we collected data from Palestinian adults between June 15th and June 30th 2020. The participants’ pool represented a stratified sample of 1355 adults from Palestinian households across 11 governorates in the West Bank. The questionnaire included 7 demographic questions, 13 questions about participants’ knowledge and awareness of COVID–19, and 4 questions regarding the participants’ safety measures that had been taken in the last three months. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that the majority of participants have a good knowledge about COVID-19, but were not adequately committed to the infection control measures necessary to protect themselves and others. The findings may provide valuable feedback to lawmakers and health administrators to prevent the spread of the epidemic.
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