Background: Since Health care workers (HCWs) are at high occupational risk for COVID-19, they are prioritized for immunization. This study aims to assess the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine among HCWs and to identify its determinants.Methodology: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted over the period extending from 10 to 31 December 2020 among Lebanese HCWs. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used as theoretical framework. Descriptive statistics were reported using frequency with percentages for categorical variables. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were carried out to identify the factors associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine. Adjusted odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals were reported. The level of statistical significance was set at a p-value < 0.05. Results: A total of 1800 HCWs have completed the survey. Around half of them were frontliners aged between (30-49) years old. About two third (67.33%) have received their influenza vaccine this year. The acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine among surveyed HCWs was 58%. Being a male (aOR=1.988, 95% CI (1.411-2.801)), working in the frontline (aOR=1.610, 95% CI (1.173-2.209), and having received influenza vaccination this year (aOR=1.378, 95% CI(0.990-1.916))were significantly associated with higher COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. However, living in rural area (aOR=0.606, 95%CI (0.440-0.836)), personal history of COVID-19 (aOR=0.695, 95%CI (0.470-1.029), novelty of vaccine (aOR=0.424, 95% CI (0.255-0.706)), side effects (aOR=0.413, 95%CI (0.234-0.731), reliability of manufacturer (aOR=0.434, 95% CI (0.297-0.633) and vaccine frequency (aOR=0.580, 95% CI (0.403-0.836) were negatively associated with the willingness to take it. Remarkably, limited availability (aOR=2.161, 95% CI(1.461-3.197) and accessibility (aOR=1.680, 95% CI (1.141-2.474) to the vaccine were also positively associated to its uptake. Similarly, HCWs who perceived vaccine benefits were more likely to get vaccinated (aOR=11.048, 95% CI (7.993-15.269)). With regards to cues of action, having reliable and adequate information regarding the vaccine (aOR=1.979, 95% CI (1.361-2.878)), recommendation by health authorities (aOR=1.976, 95% CI(1.343-2.908)) or health facilities (aOR=2.684, 95% CI(1.804-3.994)) were positively linked to vaccine acceptance, whilst recommendation by family members (aOR=0.479, 95% CI(0.283-0.811)) was negatively related to it. Conclusion:Pointing out the factors driving moderate vaccine acceptance among HCWs via targeting messages addressing key concerns would be required to reach higher vaccination rate.

Background Health-care workers (HCWs) are at a higher occupational risk of contracting and transmitting influenza. Annual vaccination is an essential tool to prevent seasonal influenza infection. However, HCWs vaccine hesitancy remains a leading global health threat. This study aims to evaluate the flu vaccination coverage rates among Lebanese HCWs and to assess their knowledge, attitudes, practices, perceived barriers, and benefits toward the flu vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we sought to identify the factors associated with flu vaccine uptake. Methods A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Lebanon among HCWs between 14 and 28 October 2020. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out to identify the factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake. Results A total of 560 HCWs participated in the survey of whom 72.9% were females, and 53.9% were aged between 30-49 years. Regarding Flu vaccination uptake, the rate has risen from 32.1% in 2019-2020 to 80.2% in 2020-2021 flu season. The majority of HCWs had a good knowledge level and a positive attitude toward flu vaccination. Regarding their practices, less than 50% of HCW were currently promoting the importance of getting the flu vaccine. The majority (83.3%) ranked the availability of a sufficient quantity of vaccines as the most significant barrier to flu vaccination. The main perceived flu vaccination benefits were enhancing patient safety, minimizing the viral reservoir in the population, decreasing hospital admission, and avoiding influenza and COVID-19 co-infection. The odds of influenza vaccine uptake was lower in unmarried compared to married HCWs (OR = 0.527, CI (0.284-0.978). However, HCWs having received the influenza vaccine in the previous season (OR = 6.812, CI (3.045-15.239)), those with good knowledge level (OR = 3.305, CI (1.155-9.457)), low perceived barriers (OR = 4.130, CI (1.827-9.334)) and high perceived level of the benefits (OR = 6.264, CI (2.919-13.442)) of the flu vaccination were found more prone to get the flu vaccine. Conclusion Flu vaccination uptake has increased among HCWs during the 2020-2021 flu season compared with the previous one. Continuing education as well as ensuring free, equitable, and convenient access to vaccination are still required to increase the annual flu vaccination uptake among HCWs.

Background Community pharmacists (CPs) are one of the frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) working diligently to provide much-needed services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout was one of the detrimental outcomes of the pandemic on the mental health of Lebanese CPs. To assess the extent of this syndrome among Lebanese CPs, a psychometrically reliable and valid tool is needed. Objectives This study aimed to validate the Arabic version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI-A) for use in the assessment of burnout among CPs. Methods A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Lebanese CPs over February 2021. Data were collected using an anonymous Arabic self-administered questionnaire that includes information on socio-demographic characteristics, work-related variables, in addition to the measurements: the CBI which includes personal, work-related, and patient-related dimensions of burnout, and the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Amos software. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to explore the factorial structure and to measure model fit. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess internal consistency. The criterion validity of the CBI was assessed. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to explore the association between different aspects of burnout and mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety. Results The CBI-A showed high internal consistency with Cronbach’s alphas varied from 0.774 to 0.902 and a low floor and ceiling effect (1–9%). As for the CBI-A construct validity, the exploratory factor analysis showed three factors with good factor loadings and explained 72.17% of the variance. The confirmatory analysis supported the three-factorial structure of the CBI that presented a good overall fit based on the goodness-of-fit indices. Ad hoc modifications to the model were introduced based on the modification indices to achieve a satisfactory fit by allowing one covariate error between one pair of items within the personal burnout domain. All of the 19 items were kept in the construct since they showed a good factorial weight. The CBI-A is associated with burnout-related factors in expected directions, including extensive working hours, sleeping hours, and job satisfaction, indicating, therefore, the criterion validity of the tool. CBI subscales were also found positively associated with mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety demonstrating, in turn, a predictive validity. Conclusion This study provides evidence for the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of CBI as an adequate tool for assessing burnout among CPs. Such an instrument could be useful for assessing such syndrome among other healthcare workers.

Background Community pharmacists (CPs) are increasingly facing occupational challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, putting them at high risk of burnout. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout among Lebanese CPs during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify its associated factors. Methods An online survey was conducted among Lebanese CPs between February 1st and March 30, 2021. Collected data included information on sociodemographic characteristics, exposure and work-related variables, the Copenhagen burnout inventory (CBI), and the COVID-19 threat perception scale. Prevalence of burnout was calculated. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify the factors associated with the three burnout domains. Results A total of 387 CPs participated in the survey. Of the total, 53.7% were females; and 43.2% were aged less than 40 years old. The prevalence of moderate-to-high personal, work-related and client-related burnout was 77.8%, 76.8, and 89.7%, respectively. Younger age, staff pharmacist, working more than 40 h per week, high perceived COVID-19 threat were associated with a moderate-to-high likelihood of burnout in all three domains. However, altruistically accepting the risks of caring for COVID-19 patients was the only variable that was associated with a lower likelihood of burnout in all three domains. Conclusion An alarming prevalence of personal, work-related and client-related burnout was revealed among Lebanese CPs. This study has many implications for practice and provides a framework for establishing policy interventions to reduce burnout levels among Lebanese CPs. Preventive strategies and interventions on individual and organizational basis are recommended.

Since Health care workers (HCWs) are at high occupational risk for COVID-19, they are prioritized for immunization. This study aimed to assess the acceptance rate of the COVID-19 vaccine among HCWs and to identify its determinants. A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between10 and 31 December 2020 among Lebanese HCWs. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used as a theoretical framework. Multivariable logistic analyses were carried out to identify the factors associated with the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among HCWs. A total of 1800 HCWs have completed the survey. Around half (58.10%) of them were frontline HCWs and aged between (30–49) years old. Over two-thirds (67.33%) of the participants have received the seasonal influenza vaccine. The acceptance rate of the COVID-19 vaccine among surveyed HCWs was 58%. HCWs who were male (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI (1.41–2.80)), working in the frontlines (aOR = 1.61, 95% CI (1.17–2.21), and those who have received influenza vaccination for the current year (aOR = 1.38, 95% CI(0.99–1.92)) were more willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine. However, factors such as living in rural areas (aOR = 0.61, 95% CI (0.44–0.84)), and being previously diagnosed with COVID-19 (aOR = 0.66, 95%CI (0.45–0.96) were found negatively associated with vaccine acceptance. In terms of health beliefs items, concerns related to the novelty of vaccine (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI (0.25–0.71)), side effects/vaccine safety (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI (0.23–0.73), reliability of manufacturer (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI (0.30–0.63)), and the number of required doses (aOR = 0.58, 95% CI (0.40–0.84)) were also negatively associated with the willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Remarkably, concerns such as the limited accessibility (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI (1.14–2.47)), and availability of vaccines (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI (1.46–3.20)) were associated with an increased likelihood of willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. With regards to cues of action, receiving reliable and adequate information about the vaccine (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI (1.36–2.88)), recommendation by health authorities (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI(1.33–2.81)), and recommendations from health facilities (aOR = 2.68, 95% CI(1.80–3.99)) were also positively associated with vaccine acceptance. Lastly, perception of COVID-19 vaccine benefits by HCWs in terms of protecting them and their close contacts (patients, family members, and friends) from COVID-19 infection (aOR = 4.21, 95% CI (2.78–7.11)) was associated with an increased likelihood of vaccine uptake. The moderate acceptance rate of the COVID-19 vaccine among HCWs found in our study could have broader extents. Understanding and pointing out factors impairing vaccine acceptance such as concerns about the novelty of vaccine and manufacturers’ reliability are required to reach a higher vaccination rate.

Introduction: The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seriously disturbed the daily life of the general population particularly the life of the pregnant women. Since the obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYN) are often the primary health care providers during pregnancy, hence the importance of their critical role in preventing and managing COVID-19 infection in their patients.Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of OBGYN in order to identify existing gaps and to improve patient and occupational safety.Methods: A cross-sectional study, using an online survey, was conducted during the rapid rise of COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon over the period extending between 20th October and 20th November 2020 among Lebanese OBGYNs. The analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Data collected is subjected to descriptive analysis. A good level of knowledge was defined when the percentage of correct answers reaches more than 80% of the respondents.Results: A total of 279 OBGYNs participated in the survey of which 57% were males. The majority of them (64.2%) were aged more than 45 years, married (79.9%) with large work experience (70.3%). Only 28.3% were reluctant to take care of COVID-19 patient. Most of them feared of contracting COVID-19 or transmitting COVID-19 to their family member due to occupational exposure and 42.3% felt overwhelmed. 62.7% of them considered that policies implemented by the ministry of public health are sufficient. The majority of OBGYNs had a good level of knowledge in different basic and specific domains related to COVID-19 and pregnancy. Furthermore, a good practice score in all relevant aspects (personal, clinic and patient) was revealed.Conclusion: The high knowledge and practice scores, among Lebanese OBGYNs disclose a strong commitment from the part of these physicians to fulfill their responsibilities during this pandemic towards themselves and their patients.

Burnout among physicians is a serious concern that cultivates its seeds during their education. This study assessed the prevalence of burnout among Lebanese physicians and explored its correlates and the combined effects of the pandemic and the economic crisis on burnout. A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2020 using a snowball sampling technique. Moderate and high levels of burnout hit 90.7% of the physicians where personal, work-related, and client-related burnout were detected among 80.4%, 75.63%, and 69.6% of them respectively. A strong association was found between the higher level of burnout and female gender, younger age, being single, having a dependent child, living with an elderly or a family member with comorbidities, and insufficient sleeping hours. Physicians’ specialties, working in a public health facility, limited years of professional experience, lack of previous experience in a pandemic, and extensive working hours were also associated with increased burnout. Furthermore, low income, working in the frontline, higher threat perception, and fear of COVID-19 were contributing to higher burnout. The combined effect of threat perception and financial hardship significantly increased burnout levels. The alarming burnout level detected among physicians urges health authorities to take prompt actions to enhance the physicians’ well-being.

Introduction While the widespread implementation of the non-pharmaceutical interventions was intended to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, such measures could be also effective in limiting the spread of other respiratory infections. This study aimed to examine the association between the implementation of personal protective measures and the occurrence of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the general population. Methods An online retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in April 2021 to assess cases of ILI among Lebanese adults aged 18 years and above, from all Lebanese governorates during the 2020–2021 flu season. Data were collected using a convenience sampling method. In addition to their socio-demographic information, participants were asked about their frequency of implementing personal protective measures and if they have experienced symptoms of ILI in the previous 6 months. The overall score of the personal protective measures was computed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between participants’ level of adoption of personal protective measures against COVID-19 and the occurrence of ILI. Results Among the 1019 Lebanese adults participating in this study, 352 (34.54%) of them reported symptoms of ILI between October 2020 and March 2021. Lebanese adults who wore their facemasks frequently or always were less likely to suffer from symptoms of ILI than others who did not wear the mask (aOR = 0.452, 95% CI = 0.349–0.693, p < 0.001). Similarly, adults who adopt the following protective measures washing hands (aOR = 0.608, 95% CI = 0.524–0.922, p < 0.001), respecting cough etiquette (aOR = 0.763, 95% CI = 0.598–0.918, p < 0.001), disinfecting surface (aOR = 0.892, 95% CI = 0.632–0.911, p = 0.012), avoiding crowded places (aOR = 0.739, 95% CI = 0.688–0.903, p = 0.049), respecting physical distancing (aOR = 0.646, 95% CI = 0.482–0.833, p = 0.031) on a regular basis (frequently/always) were less likely to report symptoms of influenza-like illnesses when compared with those who did not adhere at all to these measures. Conclusion Our study highlighted the potential of personal protective measures against COVID-19 in reducing the transmission of respiratory infections such as ILI. Such findings might be invested during influenza season, particularly among groups at high risk of developing severe complications. Exploring trends detected by the national severe acute respiratory infection surveillance system is recommended to confirm the utility of these measures.