ObjectiveThe adherence to public health recommendations to control COVID-19 spread is influenced by public knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP). We performed this cross-sectional study to assess the levels and determinants of public KAP towards COVID-19 in a large, multinational sample.DesignCross-sectional study (survey).SettingThe questionnaire was distributed to potential respondents via online platforms.Participants71 890 individuals from 22 countries.MethodsWe formulated a four-section questionnaire in English, followed by validation and translation into seven languages. The questionnaire was distributed (May to June 2020) and each participant received a score for each KAP section.ResultsOverall, the participants had fair knowledge (mean score: 19.24±3.59) and attitudes (3.72±2.31) and good practices (12.12±1.83) regarding COVID-19. About 92% reported moderate to high compliance with national lockdown. However, significant gaps were observed: only 68.2% knew that infected individuals may be asymptomatic; 45.4% believed that antibiotics are an effective treatment; and 55.4% stated that a vaccine has been developed (at the time of data collection). 71.9% believed or were uncertain that COVID-19 is a global conspiracy; 36.8% and 51% were afraid of contacting doctors and Chinese people, respectively. Further, 66.4% reported the pandemic had moderate to high negative effects on their mental health. Female gender, higher education and urban residents had significantly (p≤0.001) higher knowledge and practice scores. Further, we observed significant correlations between all KAP scores.ConclusionsAlthough the public have fair/good knowledge and practices regarding COVID-19, significant gaps should be addressed. Future awareness efforts should target less advantaged groups and future studies should develop new strategies to tackle COVID-19 negative mental health effects.
Background The involvement of the undergraduates in the research field requires a better view of their potential and the anticipated barriers facing them. This study aims to assess the undergraduates' knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceived barriers towards research in six Arab countries. Methods A cross sectional study included medical students from six Arab countries, where a self-administered five-section questionnaire was used to assess the students' demographics, knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceived barriers. The questionnaire was distributed in the online educational platforms of the participating medical schools in the six included countries. Results The total sample of recruited students was 2989, the majority of students (91.6%) showed poor level of knowledge regarding research. Generally high levels of positive attitudes towards research, research relevance and usefulness were found, with moderate levels of perception of research anxiety and difficulty. 33.7% (n = 1006) participated in an actual research project before with a mean of .5 publications per student. Cross-sectional studies were the most common type of studies conducted by students (38.6%), followed by case reports (23.9%). Lack of access to lab equipment for lab research (68.1%), the priority of education over research (66.8%), and lack of time because of educational tasks (66.1%) were generally the top perceived barriers towards research practice. Conclusion In the current study, the participants showed a poor knowledge level with associated positive attitudes towards research. One third of the students participated in research projects that mostly were cross-sectional studies and case reports. Educational tasks and lack of support were the most prevalent barriers. The students' positive attitudes towards research need to be translated into better knowledge and appropriate practice, which can be done by development of better training systems and more structured mentoring.
Background:: Type one diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by gradual destruction of beta cells in islets of Langerhans. Teplizumab is a humanized anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, which may have beneficial effects for T1DM patients. Objective:: To assess the safety and efficacy of teplizumab in T1DM patients. Methods:: We searched electronic databases using related keywords for randomized clinical trials that assessing the safety and efficacy of teplizumab. We evaluated the retrieved citations for eligibility, and we extracted the data then analyzed it using Review Manager Software. Results:: We included eight randomized clinical trials with 866 patients. Teplizumab was associated with lower insulin use than placebo at 6 months (MD = -0.17, 95% CI [-0.24, -0.09], P < 0.001), 12 months (MD = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.18, -0.06], P < 0.001), 18 months (MD = -0.22, 95% CI [-0.32, -0.11], P < 0.001) and 24 months (MD = -0.17, 95% CI [-0.28, -0.06], P = 0.003). The area under the curve of C-peptide was significantly increased in teplizumab group at 12 months (MD = 0.08, 95% CI [0.01, 0.15], P = 0.03), 18 months (MD = 0.13, 95% CI [0.01, 0.25], P = 0.03) and 24 months (MD = 0.13, 95% CI [0.01, 0.24], P = 0.03). No significant effect of teplizumab on HbA1c levels at any time point. Teplizumab was associated with some side effects such as lymphopenia, skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders. Conclusions:: Teplizumab is associated with lower insulin use and higher AUC of C-peptide in type 1 diabetic patients with no significant effect on Hb1c levels. Besides, teplizumab showed some adverse effects.
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