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id: cord-254234-8w1z3un6
pos: NNP
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  Education_The_Experience_in_Hand_Surgery_March_2015_P132-147.pdf?1430738271=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DOpen_online_surgical_education_The_exper.pdf&Expires=

lemma:
  Education_The_Experience_in_Hand_Surgery_March_2015_P132-147.pdf?1430738271=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DOpen_online_surgical_education_The_exper.pdf&Expires=


id: cord-254234-8w1z3un6
pos: NNP
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lemma:
  klRX2ywfBf0lF4IagONAT2aR3ZEdMiB~{}6cKpDYJFLjRkDW3hgzWxKl61k11ffSd4-sx5xmzz7PYWixuruCq3GU5pc6G3WLge5iz5suaboEAQkTM3FttumrHmQnYwcDjcsl1GsqqfR-7EeWLybLwsklJ~{}PMhaouTA1erc84ulrqXCPVcjEXAJ5BFp0QZtCi5JjyHyK9dwsNF9DwGKTT3IJvXIVdcng


# ent

id: cord-256589-45g5cvwt
type: PROTEIN
entity:
  GASTAT COVID 19 Dashboard Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia The critical care response to a hospital outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus MERS CoV


id: cord-017009-j069q0l3
type: PROTEIN
entity:
  Camelus dromedarius species Proc Int Camel Symp Camel science and development for sustainable livestock Medicine and Surgery of South American Camelids Llama A


id: cord-288409-idq780jb
type: ORG
entity:
  Investigations and Implications for the Prevention of Human to Human Transmission Contact Investigation for Imported Case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Hospital


id: cord-301103-idu4j78a
type: PROTEIN
entity:
  EMCOrf1a Prb 6 carboxyfluorescein FAM TTGCAAATTGGCTTGCCCCCACT 6 carboxy N N N N tetramethylrhodamine


id: cord-302384-gljfslhs
type: DNA
entity:
  Almonawra Albaha Aljouf Quriat Aseer Bisha Eastern Region Haiel Jazan Najran Northern Borders Qaseem Riyadh


id: cord-252883-1ub01j2x
type: ORG
entity:
  A Comparative Study of Clinical Presentation and Risk Factors for Adverse Outcome in Patients Hospitalised with Acute Respiratory Disease Due


id: cord-331129-vwavivmo
type: GGP
entity:
  Nurs Sci DOI 10 1016 j ijans 2020 100256 sha 2ea7d788566b2965a10f2aa023525c2a78e47c2e doc_id 331129 cord_uid vwavivmo


id: cord-283514-7rjo9k4d
type: WORK_OF_ART
entity:
  the Origin of Back Pain Relationships Between Weight Physical Activity and Back Pain in Young Adult Women Low


id: cord-283514-7rjo9k4d
type: WORK_OF_ART
entity:
  Research Methodology How to Choose a Sampling Technique for Practical Issues in Calculating the Sample Size for Prevalence Studies Guidelines


id: cord-283514-7rjo9k4d
type: WORK_OF_ART
entity:
  The Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Neck Shoulder and Low Back Pains among Medical Students at University Hospitals in Central Saudi Arabia Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders among Taxi Industry Workers


id: cord-263016-28znb322
type: DISEASE
entity:
  influenza A B parainfluenza 1e4 RSV A B human metapneumovirus enterovirus rhinovirus adenovirus human bocavirus


id: cord-337060-jkzbyqtm
type: DNA
entity:
  1st and 3rd quartiles of student scores Wickham and Stryjewski 2011 McGill Tukey and Larsen 1978 Upper


id: cord-299519-hfgmmuy6
type: PROTEIN
entity:
  MERS CoV nucleocapsid protein N spike S ectodomain amino acids 1 1297 and S1 subunit amino acids 1 725 Hashem


id: cord-254234-8w1z3un6
type: PERCENT
entity:
  6cKpDYJFLjRkDW3hgzWxKl61k11ffSd4 sx5xmzz7PYWixuruCq3GU5pc6G3WLge5iz5suaboEAQkTM3FttumrHmQnYwcDjcsl1GsqqfR


id: cord-254234-8w1z3un6
type: EVENT
entity:
  the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC Economies GCC Network for Drylands Research and Development NDRD Developments in Soil Classification Land Use Planning and Policy Implications


id: cord-331228-wbd0s4fo
type: DNA
entity:
  coronavirus human coronavirus EMC human b coronavirus 2c EMC human b coronavirus 2c England Qatar human b coronavirus 2C Jordan N3 and b coronavirus England 1


id: cord-331228-wbd0s4fo
type: PROTEIN
entity:
  transmembrane protease serine protease 2 TMPRSS2 trypsin chymotrypsin elastase thermolysin endoproteinase Lys C


id: cord-331228-wbd0s4fo
type: CHEMICAL
entity:
  amino N terminal receptor binding S1 and carboxyl C terminal membrane fusion S2 subunits The S1 S2 junction


id: cord-331228-wbd0s4fo
type: DISEASE
entity:
  nasal mucosa oropharyngeal swabs blood conjunctiva lymph nodes gastrointestinal tract kidney heart adrenal gland liver spleen


id: cord-320928-flsaa1wx
type: GGP
entity:
  n 21 11 2 P 0 001 Junior HCWs with work experience of 5 years 35 4 had the highest rate of negative perception of knowledge transfer P 0 001 Table 3 HCWs 40 years old PMS 73 4 18 9


id: cord-265964-cnp5bwet
type: ORG
entity:
  Jimma Zone Hospitals Patient Safety Curriculum Guide Multi Professional Edition World Health Organization Geneva World Health Organization WHO Systematic


id: cord-356048-nku844kt
type: DISEASE
entity:
  human coronavirus E229 HCoV E229 2 0 14 6 and influenza virus IAV 1 9 20 0 21 22 27 28 30 31 33 The most commonly acquired bacteria


id: cord-340104-6n0sn5lk
type: DNA
entity:
  5 Â RV15 multiplex primer sets A B and C 3 ml 8 methoxypsoralen 8 MOP solution 10 ml 2 Â multiplex master mix Hotstart R Taq DNA polymerase


id: cord-255339-oudj079q
type: WORK_OF_ART
entity:
  Joint WHO FAO Expert Committee on Zoonoses Viral Zoonosis A Comprehensive Review Zoonotic Disease Programs for Enhancing Global Health Security Risk


id: cord-255339-oudj079q
type: ORG
entity:
  the European Union Camelid Infectious Disorders World Health Organization Hemorrhagic Fever Task Force


# bib

id: cord-003629-xogzl1lv
author: Alsuheel, Ali Mohammed
date: 2019-04-12
txt: ./txt/cord-003629-xogzl1lv.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-003629-xogzl1lv.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6503696/
doi: 10.4103/sjmms.sjmms_72_18
summary:
  title: Human metapneumovirus in Pediatric Patients with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in the Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to determine the presence of hMPV antigens in the nasopharyngeal secretions of pediatric patients hospitalized with respiratory tract infections in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, serological hospital-based study included all pediatric patients who were admitted to Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia, from July 2016 to November 2017 with upper and/or lower respiratory tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained indicated that hMPV is a potential etiologic factor for the commonly occurring acute respiratory infections in hospitalized children from the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. This prospective, serological study included pediatric patients who were admitted to Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from July 2016 to November 2017 with upper and/or lower respiratory tract infections.

title:
  Human metapneumovirus in Pediatric Patients with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in the Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia

abstract:
  BACKGROUND: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a Paramyxovirus known to cause acute respiratory tract infections in children and young adults. To date, there is no study from the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia determining the proportion and severity of hMPV infection among pediatric hospitalized patients with respiratory infections. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to determine the presence of hMPV antigens in the nasopharyngeal secretions of pediatric patients hospitalized with respiratory tract infections in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, serological hospital-based study included all pediatric patients who were admitted to Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia, from July 2016 to November 2017 with upper and/or lower respiratory tract infections. Basic demographics of patients and their clinical data on and after admission were recorded. Direct fluorescent antibody assay was used to detect the presence of hMPV antigens in the obtained nasopharyngeal secretion specimens. RESULTS: During the study, 91 pediatric patients were hospitalized due to upper and/or lower respiratory tract infections, of which 9.9% were positive for hMPV. These patients were aged 9 months to 16 years, were from Abha city or its surrounding localities and were mostly (77.8%) hospitalized during autumn or winter. The most common diagnosis on admission was bronchopneumonia (55.5%) and aspiration pneumonia (22.2%), and some patients also had underlying chronic conditions such as chronic heart disease (22.2%) and bronchial asthma (11.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained indicated that hMPV is a potential etiologic factor for the commonly occurring acute respiratory infections in hospitalized children from the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. hMPV infection was also found to be associated with complicated respiratory conditions such as bronchopneumonia, chronic heart disease and bronchial asthma.


id: cord-017009-j069q0l3
title: Emerging Infectious Diseases in Camelids
author: Khalafalla, Abdelmalik I.
date: 2016-10-13
txt: ./txt/cord-017009-j069q0l3.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-017009-j069q0l3.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7121465/
doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-47426-7_20
summary:
  The most notable emerging viral infections in OWC include camelpox, Rift Valley fever (RVF), peste des petits ruminants (PPR), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. Outbreaks have been reported in Asia (Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, southern parts of Russia and India, and Pakistan) and in Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Somalia, and Sudan). The first conclusive evidence of zoonotic CMLV infection in humans, associated with outbreaks in dromedary camels, has been recently reported in India where three human cases of camelpox have been reported (Bera et al. In September of 2010, an RVF outbreak occurred in northern Mauritania involving mass abortions in small ruminants and camels (Camelus dromedarius) and at least 63 human clinical cases, including 13 deaths. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia

abstract:
  Growing interest in camelids presents a unique challenge to scientists and veterinarians engaged in diagnosing infectious diseases of this species. It is estimated that 65 % of fatalities in Old World camels (OWC, i.e., Camelus dromedarius and C. bactrianus) and 50 % in New World camelids/South American camelids (NWC/SAC, i.e., the domestic alpaca (Vicugna pacos) and llama (Lama glama)) are caused by infectious diseases. Factors that contribute to disease emergence in camelids involve climate change and increased demand for camel products resulting in the intensification of production and expanding camel contacts with other animal species and humans. In this chapter, the most important emerging diseases of camelids are described and discussed. The most notable emerging viral infections in OWC include camelpox, Rift Valley fever (RVF), peste des petits ruminants (PPR), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. Brucellosis, Johne’s disease (JD), and dermatophilosis are the emerging bacterial diseases in OWC. Emerging diseases of NWC include infections with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bluetongue (BT), and coronavirus. Parasitic emerging infections in NWCs include the small liver fluke (Dicrocoelium dendriticum) and meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis).


id: cord-032513-uf4i46x9
title: Investigating Agile Adoption in Saudi Arabian Mobile Application Development
author: Altuwaijri, Fahad S.
date: 2020-08-18
txt: ./txt/cord-032513-uf4i46x9.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-032513-uf4i46x9.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7510782/
doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-58858-8_27
summary:
  Therefore, the purpose of this PhD is to investigate the factors that have a significant impact on agile adoption in mobile app development by small and medium-size software organisations in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this PhD research is to investigate the factors influencing agile adoption in mobile application development sector in Saudi Arabia. This research aims to investigate the key factors that can either support or hinder agile adoption in mobile app development by software organisations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this research will investigate the factors identified in previous studies to determine whether they can be considered as the main aspects affecting the adoption of agile in Saudi mobile app development. This cycle aims to conduct in-depth investigation to obtain a deep insight into the key factors that may influence agile adoption in Saudi mobile app development and the tools and techniques used.

abstract:
  Mobile app development has been considered as one of the fastest growing segments of the software industry both worldwide and in Saudi Arabia. Due to their pervasiveness, mobile applications call for consideration of complex and rapidly changing requirements given the diversity of their environments. Therefore, agile is considered the most suitable methodology for developing mobile apps. However, little research has investigated agile adoption in mobile app development in the real context. Therefore, the purpose of this PhD is to investigate the factors that have a significant impact on agile adoption in mobile app development by small and medium-size software organisations in Saudi Arabia. The expected key contribution of this research will be a deep insight into agile adoption in mobile app development, and the design and development of tools and techniques that may support agile adoption within Saudi context.


id: cord-201774-x5s32wdc
author: Srivastava, Vishist
date: 2020-09-22
txt: ./txt/cord-201774-x5s32wdc.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-201774-x5s32wdc.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2009.10548v1.pdf
doi: nan
summary:
  It was with this Public Investment Fund that Saudi Arabia decided to buy out the football clubNewcastle United FCa mid-table club of the premier league. In this paper, we aim to forecast the investment levels and the subsequent improve in the league position of Newcastle United FC using the model of another premier league clubManchester City as the base. The Newcastle United Football Club is based around Tyne, Tyne and Wear in Newcastle with the British professional football team plays the highest flight of the Premier League for English football. Throughout the competition Newcastle was awarded four titles, six F.A. Cups and a community shield, including the 1969 inter-city fairs cup and the 2006 UEFA Intertoto Cup, a premier league club ''s 9th-highest award number won. Based on this deduction, we decided to use the statistics from City''s 2009/10 season to predict the performance of Newcastle United post their takeover on the basis of their similar past ranking and performance.

title:
  Football and externalities: Using mathematical modelling to predict the changing fortunes of Newcastle United

abstract:
  The Public Investment Fund (PIF), is Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. It is one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, with an estimated net capital of $382 billion. It was established to invest funds on behalf of the Government of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is aiming to transfer the PIF from a mere local authority to the world's largest sovereign fund. Thus, PIF is working to manage $400 billion worth of assets by 2020. It was with this Public Investment Fund that Saudi Arabia decided to buy out the football club- Newcastle United FC- a mid-table club of the premier league. In this paper, we aim to forecast the investment levels and the subsequent improve in the league position of Newcastle United FC using the model of another premier league club- Manchester City as the base. We employ the DiD approach of logistical regression through Python. Keywords: Regression, Investment, Football, Forecasting


id: cord-252883-1ub01j2x
title: Focus on Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
author: Bleibtreu, A.
date: 2019-11-11
txt: ./txt/cord-252883-1ub01j2x.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-252883-1ub01j2x.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://api.elsevier.com/content/article/pii/S0399077X19310546
doi: 10.1016/j.medmal.2019.10.004
summary:
  Since the first case of human infection by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia in June 2012, more than 2260 cases of confirmed MERS-CoV infection and 803 related deaths have been reported since the 16th of October 2018. The first case of infection attributed to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was detected in Saudi Arabia in June 2012 [1] . Despite these viruses being identified in several reports as causing lower respiratory tract infections, it was generally accepted that coronaviruses were of low pathogenicity until the emergence of SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) in 2002, a virus with a fatality rate estimated at 10%. Very shortly afterwards, in September 2012, a second patient was admitted to hospital in the United Kingdom for severe respiratory infection related to a novel coronavirus following travel to the Middle East. Clinical features and viral diagnosis of two cases of infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus: a report of nosocomial transmission

abstract:
  Since the first case of human infection by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia in June 2012, more than 2260 cases of confirmed MERS-CoV infection and 803 related deaths have been reported since the 16th of October 2018. The vast majority of these cases (71%) were reported in Saudi Arabia but the epidemic has now spread to 27 countries and has not ceased 6 years later, unlike SARS-CoV that disappeared a little less than 2 years after emerging. Due to the high fatality rate observed in MERS-CoV infected patients (36%), much effort has been put into understanding the origin and pathophysiology of this novel coronavirus to prevent it from becoming endemic in humans. This review focuses in particular on the origin, epidemiology and clinical manifestations of MERS-CoV, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of infected patients. The experience gained over recent years on how to manage the different risks related to this kind of epidemic will be key to being prepared for future outbreaks of communicable disease.


id: cord-254234-8w1z3un6
title: Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis: The Perspective from the Gulf Countries
author: Ahmed, Shahira A.
date: 2020-09-18
txt: ./txt/cord-254234-8w1z3un6.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-254234-8w1z3un6.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32962045/
doi: 10.3390/ijerph17186824
summary:
  Water contamination, imported food, animal contact, and air transmission are also discussed in detail, to address their significant role as a source of infection and, thus, their impact on disease epidemiology in the Gulf countries'' populations. In this context, immigrant geographic origin, globalization of food supply to meet the demand of the increased labour force, food and water contamination, climate change, as well as poor hygiene after direct animal contact have all contributed to the annual flux in Cryptosporidium transmission and infection rates within the GCC countries [54, 57] . The literature search strategy was limited to title/abstract/keyword using the following MeSH terms/key words: (Cryptosporidium OR Cryptosporidiosis OR Parasite) AND (Infection OR Prevalence OR Incidence OR Occurrence OR Burden) AND (Human OR Animal OR Water OR Food) AND (Bahrain OR Kuwait OR Qatar OR Saudi Arabia OR Oman OR United Arab Emirates).

abstract:
  The present review discusses the burden of cryptosporidiosis in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is underreported and underestimated. It emphasizes that the Cryptosporidium parasite is infecting inhabitants and expatriates in the Gulf countries. Children under 5 years are a vulnerable group that is particularly affected by this parasitic disease and can act as carriers, who contribute to the epidemiology of the disease most probably via recreational swimming pools. Various risk factors for cryptosporidiosis in the GCC countries are present, including expatriates, predisposing populations to the infection. Water contamination, imported food, animal contact, and air transmission are also discussed in detail, to address their significant role as a source of infection and, thus, their impact on disease epidemiology in the Gulf countries’ populations.


id: cord-255339-oudj079q
author: Al-Tayib, Omar A.
date: 2019-02-22
txt: ./txt/cord-255339-oudj079q.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-255339-oudj079q.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens8010025
doi: 10.3390/pathogens8010025
summary:
  The most important zoonotic viral diseases of which eight were diagnosed (in dead or diseased animals or through antibody detection) on the Arabian Peninsula over the last years include rabies, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), influenza virus (IFV), Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Rift Valley fever (RVF), West Nile fever (WNV), and dengue fever virus. The same WHO epidemiological data suggest that in these 22 countries including Saudi Arabia, in recent years, there has been report of steadily increasing number of sporadic human cases, incidence, and outbreaks of the virus [122] . Surprisingly, the current review showed that during an outbreak, each of these eight most zoonotic viruses (rabies, MERS-CoV, influenza, AHFV, CCHFV, RVFV, DHFV, and WNV) which occurred and/or cases confirmed in Saudi Arabia particularly from (Jeddah and/or Makkah) areas with at least one or all of these eight zoonotic viral pathogenic diseases [33, 44, 46, 78, [96] [97] [98] [99] 121, 130, 156, 171] .

title:
  An Overview of the Most Significant Zoonotic Viral Pathogens Transmitted from Animal to Human in Saudi Arabia

abstract:
  Currently, there has been an increasing socioeconomic impact of zoonotic pathogens transmitted from animals to humans worldwide. Recently, in the Arabian Peninsula, including in Saudi Arabia, epidemiological data indicated an actual increase in the number of emerging and/or reemerging cases of several viral zoonotic diseases. Data presented in this review are very relevant because Saudi Arabia is considered the largest country in the Peninsula. We believe that zoonotic pathogens in Saudi Arabia remain an important public health problem; however, more than 10 million Muslim pilgrims from around 184 Islamic countries arrive yearly at Makkah for the Hajj season and/or for the Umrah. Therefore, for health reasons, several countries recommend vaccinations for various zoonotic diseases among preventive protocols that should be complied with before traveling to Saudi Arabia. However, there is a shortage of epidemiological data focusing on the emerging and reemerging of zoonotic pathogens transmitted from animal to humans in different densely populated cities and/or localities in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, further efforts might be needed to control the increasing impacts of zoonotic viral disease. Also, there is a need for a high collaboration to enhance the detection and determination of the prevalence, diagnosis, control, and prevention as well as intervention and reduction in outbreaks of these diseases in Saudi Arabia, particularly those from other countries. Persons in the health field including physicians and veterinarians, pet owners, pet store owners, exporters, border guards, and people involved in businesses related to animal products have adopted various preventive strategies. Some of these measures might pave the way to highly successful prevention and control results on the different transmission routes of these viral zoonotic diseases from or to Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the prevention of these viral pathogens depends on socioeconomic impacts, available data, improved diagnosis, and highly effective therapeutics or prophylaxis.


id: cord-256589-45g5cvwt
title: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic course in Saudi Arabia: A dynamic epidemiological model
author: Al-Khani, A. M.
date: 2020-06-02
txt: ./txt/cord-256589-45g5cvwt.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-256589-45g5cvwt.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.06.01.20119800
doi: 10.1101/2020.06.01.20119800
summary:
  Objective: Saudi Arabia ranks second in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Eastern Mediterranean region. A susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) prediction model was constructed to predict the trend in COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia in the next 6 months. We name our prediction model KSA-CoV-19, and with it, aim to find the following: 1) the anticipated epidemic curve of SARS-CoV-2 in Saudi Arabia, 2) the peak, the end, and the number of COVID-19 cases associated with the curve, and 3) the timing of upcoming Hajj 2020 (July 28 th -August 2 nd ) in relation to the anticipated epidemic curve. . https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.06.01.20119800 doi: medRxiv preprint Finally, we generated a model that simulated the natural course or "free fall" of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Saudi Arabia. In this paper, we generated four different models that provided an estimation for the COVID-19 course in Saudi Arabia.

abstract:
  Objective: Saudi Arabia ranks second in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Eastern Mediterranean region. It houses the two most sacred religious places for Muslims: Mecca and Medina. It is important to know what the trend in case numbers will be in the next 4-6 months, especially during the Hajj pilgrimage season. Methods: Epidemiological data on COVID-19 were obtained from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, and the Humanitarian Data Exchange. A susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) prediction model was constructed to predict the trend in COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia in the next 6 months. Findings: The model predicts that the number of active cases will peak by 20 May 2020. The cumulative infected cases are predicted to reach 59,663 at that time. The total number of infected individuals is estimated reach to 102,647 by the end of the pandemic. Conclusion: Our estimates show that by the time the Hajj season commences in Saudi Arabia, the pandemic will be in the midst of its deceleration phase (phase 3). This information will likely be useful to policymakers in their management of the outbreak.


id: cord-261421-k1s5iy3u
title: MERS-CoV in Upper Respiratory Tract and Lungs of Dromedary Camels, Saudi Arabia, 2013–2014
author: Khalafalla, Abdelmalik I.
date: 2015-07-17
txt: ./txt/cord-261421-k1s5iy3u.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-261421-k1s5iy3u.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2107.150070
doi: 10.3201/eid2107.150070
summary:
  To assess the temporal dynamics of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in dromedary camels, specimens were collected at 1–2 month intervals from 2 independent groups of animals during April 2013–May 2014 in Al-Ahsa Province, Saudi Arabia, and tested for MERS-CoV RNA by reverse transcription PCR. Furthermore, MERS-CoV infection in dromedary camels was definitively proven by the detection of virus and virus sequences in respiratory specimens, feces, and milk collected from camels in Qatar (9, 13) , Oman (14) , Saudi Arabia (5, 15, 16) , and Egypt (17) . To address these limitations and to clarify the dynamics of MERS-CoV infection in these animals, we conducted a year-round study in which we collected a large number of specimens from the upper respiratory tracts of live dromedary camels and from the lungs of dromedary camel carcasses. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia

abstract:
  To assess the temporal dynamics of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in dromedary camels, specimens were collected at 1–2 month intervals from 2 independent groups of animals during April 2013–May 2014 in Al-Ahsa Province, Saudi Arabia, and tested for MERS-CoV RNA by reverse transcription PCR. Of 96 live camels, 28 (29.2%) nasal swab samples were positive; of 91 camel carcasses, 56 (61.5%) lung tissue samples were positive. Positive samples were more commonly found among young animals (<4 years of age) than adults (>4 years of age). The proportions of positive samples varied by month for both groups; detection peaked during November 2013 and January 2014 and declined in March and May 2014. These findings further our understanding of MERS-CoV infection in dromedary camels and may help inform intervention strategies to reduce zoonotic infections.


id: cord-261524-nqukwoqz
title: Evaluation of Public Health Education and Workforce Needs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
author: Al-Mohaithef, Mohammed
date: 2020-03-17
txt: ./txt/cord-261524-nqukwoqz.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-261524-nqukwoqz.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32175716/
doi: 10.2991/jegh.k.191123.001
summary:
  The quantitative data obtained in second phase showed the faculty member''s perspective about public health courses with sub-specialty needed to be set up in educational institutions to create competent workforce in public health were epidemiology (70.7%), environmental health (58.5%), public health education and promotion (56.1%), food safety (53.7%) and infection control (53.7%) should ( Table 3) . The students showed interest in perceiving the public health in sub-specialty epidemiology (38.5%), public health education and promotion (36.5%) and infection control (35.5%) and this finding shows availability of competent workforce in future (Table 4 ). This assessment of the educational needs of local public health organizations is an important step toward development of appropriate programs at the academic level to improve core competencies for public health professionals. Therefore, approximately 92.7% of Health Science faculty members and 97.5% of students had the opinion that there is a need to establish educational programs in Saudi Universities related to Public Health.

abstract:
  Background: An efficient public health workforce is necessary for improving and maintaining the health of population and such a workforce can be prepared through proper educational programs and trainings. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the needs in the public health education programs, as well as need and availability of competent public health workforce in labour market of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was administered in two phases in the college of Health Sciences at the Saudi Electronic University (SEU). The first phase was carried out between September 2015 and December 2015, which involved interview with administrative heads of four health-related organizations. The second phase was performed in September 2017 and June 2018 after starting an undergraduate course in public health at the university. A total of 41 faculty and 408 students from different branches of SEU participated in the online survey. Results: According to administrative head of public health-related organization, there is a shortage of qualified workforce in public health. All the four organizations need workforce with the master degree in sub-speciality epidemiology. About 97.5% students agreed there is a shortage of public health speciality in these organizations. About 92.7% faculty had an opinion that there is a requirement to set-up educational programs in public health. To overcome the shortage of competent workforce, two organizations showed interest in updating their employees’ skill through bridging courses. The students perceiving bachelor course in public health showed interest to accomplish master’s degree in epidemiology (38.5%), public health education and promotion (36.5%) and infection control (35.5%). Conclusion: There is a shortage of expertise in the public health organizations and there is a need for development of more public health schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The establishment of public health courses especially in the field of epidemiology at undergraduate and graduate level will help in the development of efficient and competent public health workforce.


id: cord-263016-28znb322
title: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV): what lessons can we learn?
author: Omrani, A.S.
date: 2015-08-22
txt: ./txt/cord-263016-28znb322.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-263016-28znb322.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26452615/
doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2015.08.002
summary:
  Infection prevention/control and management guidelines for patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection Infection prevention and control guidelines for patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection Revised interim case definition for reporting to WHO e Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Revised interim case definition for reporting to WHO e Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Investigation of cases of human infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV); interim guidance updated 3 Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in dromedary camels Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia Investigation of an imported case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in

abstract:
  The Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first isolated from a patient who died with severe pneumonia in June 2012. As of 19 June 2015, a total of 1,338 MERS-CoV infections have been notified to the World Health Organization (WHO). Clinical illness associated with MERS-CoV ranges from mild upper respiratory symptoms to rapidly progressive pneumonia and multi-organ failure. A significant proportion of patients present with non-respiratory symptoms such as headache, myalgia, vomiting and diarrhoea. A few potential therapeutic agents have been identified but none have been conclusively shown to be clinically effective. Human to human transmission is well documented, but the epidemic potential of MERS-CoV remains limited at present. Healthcare-associated clusters of MERS-CoV have been responsible for the majority of reported cases. The largest outbreaks have been driven by delayed diagnosis, overcrowding and poor infection control practices. However, chains of MERS-CoV transmission can be readily interrupted with implementation of appropriate control measures. As with any emerging infectious disease, guidelines for MERS-CoV case identification and surveillance evolved as new data became available. Sound clinical judgment is required to identify unusual presentations and trigger appropriate control precautions. Evidence from multiple sources implicates dromedary camels as natural hosts of MERS-CoV. Camel to human transmission has been demonstrated, but the exact mechanism of infection remains uncertain. The ubiquitously available social media have facilitated communication and networking amongst healthcare professionals and eventually proved to be important channels for presenting the public with factual material, timely updates and relevant advice.


id: cord-264378-69mf7wi7
author: Alghamdi, Saleh
date: 2019-02-20
txt: ./txt/cord-264378-69mf7wi7.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-264378-69mf7wi7.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213716519300384
doi: 10.1016/j.jgar.2019.01.031
summary:
  OBJECTIVES: This study explored antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) team members'' perspectives regarding factors influencing the adoption and implementation of these programmes in Saudi hospitals. METHODS: This was a qualitative study based on face-to-face semistructured interviews with healthcare professionals involved in ASPs and activities across three Ministry of Health (MoH) hospitals in Saudi Arabia (n = 18). ASP team members highlight that lack of enforcement of policies and guidelines from the MoH and hospital administration is a significant barrier to ASP adoption and implementation. Second, healthcare organisation-related barriers such as lack of management support, disintegration, poor communication, lack of recruitment/shortage of ASP team members, lack of education and training, and lack of health information technology (IT). This is critical as the lack of top management support and commitment have been identified as significant barriers to ASP adoption and implementation in Saudi MoH hospitals (T3 Q4-5).

title:
  Barriers to implementing antimicrobial stewardship programmes in three Saudi hospitals: Evidence from a qualitative study

abstract:
  OBJECTIVES: This study explored antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) team members’ perspectives regarding factors influencing the adoption and implementation of these programmes in Saudi hospitals. METHODS: This was a qualitative study based on face-to-face semistructured interviews with healthcare professionals involved in ASPs and activities across three Ministry of Health (MoH) hospitals in Saudi Arabia (n = 18). Interviews were also conducted with two representatives of a General Directorate of Health Affairs in a Saudi region and two representatives of the Saudi MoH (n = 4) between January–February 2017. RESULTS: Despite the existence of a national strategy to implement ASPs in Saudi MoH hospitals, their adoption and implementation remains low. Hospitals have their own antimicrobial stewardship policies, but adherence to these is poor. ASP team members highlight that lack of enforcement of policies and guidelines from the MoH and hospital administration is a significant barrier to ASP adoption and implementation. Other barriers include disintegration of teams, poor communication, lack of recruitment/shortage of ASP team members, lack of education and training, and lack of health information technology (IT). Physicians’ fears and concerns in relation to liability are also a barrier to their adoption of ASPs. CONCLUSION: This is the first qualitative study exploring barriers to ASP adoption and implementation in Saudi hospitals from the perspective of ASP team members. Formal endorsement of ASPs from the MoH as well as hospital enforcement of policies and provision of human and health IT resources would improve the adoption and implementation of ASPs in Saudi hospitals.


id: cord-265363-xw56intn
author: Gautret, P.
date: 2014-12-12
txt: ./txt/cord-265363-xw56intn.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-265363-xw56intn.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.02816.x
doi: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.02816.x
summary:
  A prospective epidemiological study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of febrile cough episodes among adult Muslims travelling from Marseille to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj pilgrimage and to assess if use of statin had an influence on this incidence. This result suggests that while treatment with a statin has been demonstrated to reduce the mortality from severe sepsis associated with respiratory tract infections, it probably does not play a role in the outcome of regular febrile cough episodes as observed in the cohort studied here. The pre-travel questionnaire included demographic factors (age, gender, location of residence), indicators of immigration status (country of birth and duration of stay in France), socio-economic indicators (level of education, employment, type of housing, rooms per person and household, complementary health insurance modalities), health status indicators (diabetes, hypertension, chronic respiratory diseases, statin use, vaccination coverage against influenza) and number of previous travels to Saudi Arabia.

title:
  Incidence of Hajj-associated febrile cough episodes among French pilgrims: a prospective cohort study on the influence of statin use and risk factors

abstract:
  A prospective epidemiological study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of febrile cough episodes among adult Muslims travelling from Marseille to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj pilgrimage and to assess if use of statin had an influence on this incidence. In total, 580 individuals were presented with a questionnaire. A significant proportion of individuals had chronic medical disorders, e.g. diabetes mellitus (132, 22.8%) and hypertension (147, 25.3%). Pilgrims had a low level of education and a low employment rate. Sixty (10.3%) were treated with statins for hypercholesterolemia. Four hundred and fourty-seven pilgrims were presented a questionnaire on returning home. A total of 74 travellers (16.6%) experienced fever during their stay in Saudi Arabia (67 attended a doctor) and 271 (60.6%) had cough (259 attended a doctor); 70 travellers with cough were febrile (25.9%). Seventy per cent of the travellers who suffered cough episodes developed their first symptoms within 3 days, suggesting a human to human transmission of the responsible pathogen, with short incubation time as evidenced by a bimodal distribution of cough in two peaks at a 24 h interval. None of demographical and socioeconomic characteristics, underlying diseases or vaccination against influenza significantly affected the occurrence of cough. Diabetes correlated with an increased risk of febrile cough (OR = 2.02 (1.05–3.89)) as well as unemployment (OR = 2.22 (0.91–5.53)). Use of statins had no significant influence on the occurrence of cough and/or fever during the pilgrimage. This result suggests that while treatment with a statin has been demonstrated to reduce the mortality from severe sepsis associated with respiratory tract infections, it probably does not play a role in the outcome of regular febrile cough episodes as observed in the cohort studied here.


id: cord-265964-cnp5bwet
author: Tumala, Regie B.
date: 2019-10-31
txt: ./txt/cord-265964-cnp5bwet.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-265964-cnp5bwet.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://api.elsevier.com/content/article/pii/S0260691719302679
doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2019.07.003
summary:
  title: Assessment of nursing students perceptions of their training hospital''s infection prevention climate: A multi-university study in Saudi Arabia However, despite nursing students'' understanding of HAIs and their clinical exposure toward disease prevention and patient safety (Mitchell et al., 2014) , a considerable body of evidence indicates that nursing students are constantly challenged to implement standard precautions because of their views in the infection prevention climate of their training hospitals (Cruz, 2018) . Although some studies showed that infection prevention was cautiously practiced by health care professionals in Saudi Arabia (Colet et al., 2018) , training hospitals'' infection prevention climate among nursing students is not well described. This study was part of a large quantitative, cross-sectional study investigating the Saudi nursing students'' standard precautions compliance, patient safety competence, and perceptions of their training hospitals'' infection prevention climate. This study assessed the nursing students'' perception of training hospital infection prevention climate in Saudi Arabia.

title:
  Assessment of nursing students perceptions of their training hospital''s infection prevention climate: A multi-university study in Saudi Arabia

abstract:
  Abstract Background The risk of acquiring and spreading infection must be minimized in nursing students because they are exposed to healthcare-associated infections during clinical training. To achieve this goal, students should be knowledgeable and competent in infection control practice before proceeding to their training hospitals. Objectives This study assessed the nursing students' perception of the infection prevention climate in training hospitals in Saudi Arabia. It also examined the predictors of the students' perceptions. Design A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used. Methods This investigation was part of a large study conducted in six Saudi universities. A total of 829 Saudi nursing students were included in this study. Data were collected using the Leading Culture of Quality in Infection Prevention scale and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical approval was obtained from the King Saud University, and permission was given by the administration of each participating university. Results The overall perception of nursing students indicated a modest infection prevention climate. Prioritization of quality and improvement orientation was rated as the highest dimensions, whereas psychological safety and supportive environment were the lowest. The nursing students in University F had the poorest perceptions among the six universities. The predictors of nursing student perception of their training hospitals' infection prevention climates were the university where they studied, their age, and participation in infection prevention seminars. Conclusions This article describes nursing students' perception of the infection prevention climate of their training hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Results may provide a unique theoretical underpinning on the perception and factors that effect an infection prevention climate. Thereby, previous knowledge and literature may be expanded. Results can be used as a guide in establishing clinical policies in efforts toward improving the infection prevention climate.


id: cord-266441-sd117tzs
author: Almutrafi, Amna
date: 2020-02-15
txt: ./txt/cord-266441-sd117tzs.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-266441-sd117tzs.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32256589/
doi: 10.1155/2020/1429615
summary:
  OBJECTIVES: This study is aimed at describing the epidemiological trends of primary CNS tumors in children and adults at the National Neurologic Institute in Saudi Arabia. The worldwide incidence age-standardized rates (ASR) of brain and nervous system cancer in high/very-high HDI (Human Development Index) regions versus low/medium HDI regions was 5.0 and 2.4 for men and 4.0 and 1.7 for women (Saudi Arabia is classified as very-high HDI according to the United Nations Development Program 4-tier system), respectively. Medulloblastomas were the most commonly reported histology type in the pediatric age group followed by low5 Journal of Cancer Epidemiology grade gliomas with a predominance of pilocytic astrocytoma. This study contains the largest institution-based ICD-O and WHO-classified epidemiological analysis of malignant and nonmalignant primary brain tumors in Saudi Arabia in adult and pediatric groups. With regard to a single tumor entity, meningioma was the most common primary brain tumor in adults while in the pediatric age group, medulloblastoma was the leading histology.

title:
  The Epidemiology of Primary Central Nervous System Tumors at the National Neurologic Institute in Saudi Arabia: A Ten-Year Single-Institution Study

abstract:
  OBJECTIVES: This study is aimed at describing the epidemiological trends of primary CNS tumors in children and adults at the National Neurologic Institute in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective epidemiological approach was used where data was obtained from the department of pathology registry files and pathology reports. The records of all patients registered from January 2005 to December 2014 with a diagnosis of primary CNS tumor (brain and spinal cord) were selected. Data about sex, age, tumor location, and histologic type were collected. The classification was based on the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, 3rd Edition (ICD-O-3). RESULTS: Nine hundred and ninety-two (992) cases of primary CNS tumors throughout the ten years (2005 to 2014) were reviewed. There were 714 (71.97%) adults and 278 (28.02%) in the pediatric age group. Nonmalignant tumors dominated the adult population (60.08%) while malignant tumors were more frequent in the pediatric population. Gliomas constituted the most common neoplastic category in children and adults. The most common single tumor entity was meningioma (26.99%, ICD-O-3 histology codes 9530/0, 9539/1, and 9530/3). Medulloblastomas (ICD-O-3 histology codes 9470, 9471, and 9474) were the most common single tumor entity in the pediatric age group (26.62%). CONCLUSIONS: This is an institution-based, detailed, and descriptive epidemiological study of patients with primary CNS tumors in Saudi Arabia. In contrast to other regional and international studies, the medulloblastomas in our institution are more frequent than pilocytic astrocytomas. Limitations to our study included the referral bias and histology-based methodology.


id: cord-267090-jc1k3fki
author: Gardner, Emma G.
date: 2019-02-04
txt: ./txt/cord-267090-jc1k3fki.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-267090-jc1k3fki.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30717685/
doi: 10.1186/s12879-019-3729-5
summary:
  METHODS: A case-crossover design was used to identify associations between primary MERS cases and preceding weather conditions within the 2-week incubation period in Saudi Arabia using univariable conditional logistic regression. Data from meteorological stations closest to the largest city in each province were used to calculate the daily mean, minimum, and maximum temperature ((ο)C), relative humidity (%), wind speed (m/s), and visibility (m). Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS--CoV) is an emerging zoonotic agent that was first isolated in 2012 from a patient hospitalized in Saudi Arabia [1] , and has since infected over 2200 people with a 36% case fatality ratio [2] . By comparing weather conditions immediately before MERS cases to weather conditions at other times, this study aimed to identify environmental factors that are associated with primary human MERS in Saudi Arabia. The risk of primary human cases of MERS was associated with a decrease in temperature and humidity, and an increase in ground visibility.

title:
  A case-crossover analysis of the impact of weather on primary cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome

abstract:
  BACKGROUND: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is endemic in dromedary camels in the Arabian Peninsula, and zoonotic transmission to people is a sporadic event. In the absence of epidemiological data on the reservoir species, patterns of zoonotic transmission have largely been approximated from primary human cases. This study aimed to identify meteorological factors that may increase the risk of primary MERS infections in humans. METHODS: A case-crossover design was used to identify associations between primary MERS cases and preceding weather conditions within the 2-week incubation period in Saudi Arabia using univariable conditional logistic regression. Cases with symptom onset between January 2015 – December 2017 were obtained from a publicly available line list of human MERS cases maintained by the World Health Organization. The complete case dataset (N = 1191) was reduced to approximate the cases most likely to represent spillover transmission from camels (N = 446). Data from meteorological stations closest to the largest city in each province were used to calculate the daily mean, minimum, and maximum temperature ((ο)C), relative humidity (%), wind speed (m/s), and visibility (m). Weather variables were categorized according to strata; temperature and humidity into tertiles, and visibility and wind speed into halves. RESULTS: Lowest temperature (Odds Ratio = 1.27; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.04–1.56) and humidity (OR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.10–1.65) were associated with increased cases 8–10 days later. High visibility was associated with an increased number of cases 7 days later (OR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.01–1.57), while wind speed also showed statistically significant associations with cases 5–6 days later. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that primary MERS human cases in Saudi Arabia are more likely to occur when conditions are relatively cold and dry. This is similar to seasonal patterns that have been described for other respiratory diseases in temperate climates. It was hypothesized that low visibility would be positively associated with primary cases of MERS, however the opposite relationship was seen. This may reflect behavioural changes in different weather conditions. This analysis provides key initial evidence of an environmental component contributing to the development of primary MERS-CoV infections.


id: cord-268779-qbn3i2nq
title: COVID-19 Spread in Saudi Arabia: Modeling, Simulation and Analysis
author: Alrasheed, Hend
date: 2020-10-23
txt: ./txt/cord-268779-qbn3i2nq.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-268779-qbn3i2nq.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33113936/
doi: 10.3390/ijerph17217744
summary:
  In this work, we propose a simulation model for the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Saudi Arabia using a network-based epidemic model. The proposed model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the control measures employed by the Saudi government, to predict the future dynamics of the disease in Saudi Arabia according to different scenarios, and to investigate multiple vaccination strategies. We aimed to match the model simulations with empirical data and then used the model to evaluate the effectiveness of the control measures employed by the Saudi government, to predict the future dynamics of the disease in Saudi Arabia according to different scenarios, and to predict the percentage of individuals that must be vaccinated to stop the outbreak (when a vaccine becomes available). Volz [35] modeled SIR dynamics on a static random network, which represents the population structure of susceptible and infected individuals and their contact patterns with an arbitrary degree distribution.

abstract:
  The novel coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-Coronavirus-2 (CoV-2) has resulted in an ongoing pandemic and has affected over 200 countries around the world. Mathematical epidemic models can be used to predict the course of an epidemic and develop methods for controlling it. As social contact is a key factor in disease spreading, modeling epidemics on contact networks has been increasingly used. In this work, we propose a simulation model for the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Saudi Arabia using a network-based epidemic model. We generated a contact network that captures realistic social behaviors and dynamics of individuals in Saudi Arabia. The proposed model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the control measures employed by the Saudi government, to predict the future dynamics of the disease in Saudi Arabia according to different scenarios, and to investigate multiple vaccination strategies. Our results suggest that Saudi Arabia would have faced a nationwide peak of the outbreak on 21 April 2020 with a total of approximately 26 million infections had it not imposed strict control measures. The results also indicate that social distancing plays a crucial role in determining the future local dynamics of the epidemic. Our results also show that the closure of schools and mosques had the maximum impact on delaying the epidemic peak and slowing down the infection rate. If a vaccine does not become available and no social distancing is practiced from 10 June 2020, our predictions suggest that the epidemic will end in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of November with over 13 million infected individuals, and it may take only 15 days to end the epidemic after 70% of the population receive a vaccine.


id: cord-271681-jmoyy8rb
author: Assiri, Abdullah M.
date: 2016-06-14
txt: ./txt/cord-271681-jmoyy8rb.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-271681-jmoyy8rb.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiw236
doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiw236
summary:
  To assess the epidemiologic and clinical features of the disease, we investigated all cases reported by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health (MoH) during January-June 2015, and we attempted genetic sequencing on all available specimens. At the time of this investigation, reporting in Saudi Arabia was required for all patients with clinical or radiologic evidence of MERS-CoV infection and a positive real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test result [21] . Genome analysis of human MERS-CoV strains from Saudi Arabia in 2015 and the recent outbreak in South Korea/China [31] [32] [33] and camels as noted above [35, 36] revealed a probable signature recombination event between 2 different parental clade B viruses involving a region of the ORF1ab and spike genes. Most cases identified in Saudi Arabia in February had documented exposure to healthcare facilities, a well-demonstrated risk factor for MERS-CoV infection [10] [11] [12] .

title:
  Epidemiology of a Novel Recombinant Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Humans in Saudi Arabia

abstract:
  BACKGROUND: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe respiratory illness in humans. Fundamental questions about circulating viruses and transmission routes remain. METHODS: We assessed routinely collected epidemiologic data for MERS-CoV cases reported in Saudi Arabia during 1 January– 30 June 2015 and conducted a more detailed investigation of cases reported during February 2015. Available respiratory specimens were obtained for sequencing. RESULTS: During the study period, 216 MERS-CoV cases were reported. Full genome (n = 17) or spike gene sequences (n = 82) were obtained from 99 individuals. Most sequences (72 of 99 [73%]) formed a discrete, novel recombinant subclade (NRC-2015), which was detected in 6 regions and became predominant by June 2015. No clinical differences were noted between clades. Among 87 cases reported during February 2015, 13 had no recognized risks for secondary acquisition; 12 of these 13 also denied camel contact. Most viruses (8 of 9) from these 13 individuals belonged to NRC-2015. DISCUSSIONS: Our findings document the spread and eventual predominance of NRC-2015 in humans in Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2015. Our identification of cases without recognized risk factors but with similar virus sequences indicates the need for better understanding of risk factors for MERS-CoV transmission.


id: cord-281068-bigb9890
title: Role of Precautionary Measures in Containing the Natural Course of Novel Coronavirus Disease
author: Alumran, Arwa
date: 2020-07-16
txt: ./txt/cord-281068-bigb9890.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-281068-bigb9890.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.2147/jmdh.s261643
doi: 10.2147/jmdh.s261643
summary:
  CONCLUSION: Precautionary measures adopted by the Saudi Arabian health authorities were evidently effective in controlling the spread and further burden of COVID-19. Since then, several precautionary measures have been implemented by the Saudi Arabian health authorities to prevent the anticipated spread of the disease based on international forecasts about the spread of COVID-19 in different countries globally. Once the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Saudi Arabia, the health authorities implemented strict precautionary measures to combat the outbreak. This study is an attempt by the author to assess the impact of precautionary measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, thus reducing the mortality rates in Saudi Arabia. To the author''s knowledge, this is the first study to assess the impact of precautionary measures in Saudi Arabia on combating a pandemic. 13 Country lockdown is one of the extreme measures adopted by the Saudi Arabian health DovePress authorities to control the spread of the disease.

abstract:
  BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is spreading at an alarming rate. Several health authorities have implemented specific precautionary measures worldwide to combat the spread of the disease. The influence of these measures on tackling the spread of the disease remains to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of precautionary measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: Data for this study were gathered from publicly available data sources such as the Worldometer and World Health Organization websites. The expected number of new cases is calculated using a mathematical formula to assess the difference between the observed and expected number of cases, thus indicating the impact of precautionary measures on the spread of COVID-19. RESULTS: The preventive measures massively impacted the reduction of COVID-19 cases in Saudi Arabia from the expected number of 437,097 accumulated cases by May 4, 2020, to the observed number of 28,656 accumulated cases. Thus, the fatality rate is reduced from the expected 15,735 accumulated deaths by May 4 to 191 accumulated deaths. CONCLUSION: Precautionary measures adopted by the Saudi Arabian health authorities were evidently effective in controlling the spread and further burden of COVID-19.


id: cord-283514-7rjo9k4d
author: Šagát, Peter
date: 2020-10-06
txt: ./txt/cord-283514-7rjo9k4d.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-283514-7rjo9k4d.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33036287/
doi: 10.3390/ijerph17197302
summary:
  title: Impact of COVID-19Quarantine on Low Back Pain Intensity, Prevalence, and Associated Risk Factors among Adult Citizens Residing in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): A Cross-Sectional Study This study aimed to estimate the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine on low back pain (LBP) intensity, prevalence, and associated risk factors among adults in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Furthermore, during the quarantine, a significantly higher LBP intensity was reported by those individuals who (a) were aged between 35 and 49 years old, (b) had a body mass index equal to or exceeding 30, (c) underwent higher levels of stress, (d) did not comply with the ergonomic recommendations, (e) were sitting for long periods, (f) did not practice enough physical activity (PA), and (g) underwent teleworking or distance learning. In this context, the present study''s purpose was to estimate the effect of the mentioned quarantine on LBP intensity, prevalence, and risk factors among adult citizens residing in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).

title:
  Impact of COVID-19Quarantine on Low Back Pain Intensity, Prevalence, and Associated Risk Factors among Adult Citizens Residing in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): A Cross-Sectional Study

abstract:
  This study aimed to estimate the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine on low back pain (LBP) intensity, prevalence, and associated risk factors among adults in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). A total of 463 adults (259 males and 204 females) aged between 18 and 64 years and residing in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered structured questionnaire composed of 20 questions regarding demographic characteristics, work- and academic-related aspects, physical activity (PA), daily habits and tasks, and pain-related aspects was used. The LBP point prevalence before the quarantine was 38.8%, and 43.8% after the quarantine. The LBP intensity significantly increased during the quarantine. The low back was also the most common musculoskeletal pain area. Furthermore, during the quarantine, a significantly higher LBP intensity was reported by those individuals who (a) were aged between 35 and 49 years old, (b) had a body mass index equal to or exceeding 30, (c) underwent higher levels of stress, (d) did not comply with the ergonomic recommendations, (e) were sitting for long periods, (f) did not practice enough physical activity (PA), and (g) underwent teleworking or distance learning. No significant differences were found between genders. The COVID-19 quarantine resulted in a significant increase in LBP intensity, point prevalence, and most associated risk factors.


id: cord-288409-idq780jb
author: Alsahafi, Abdullah J.
date: 2016-12-06
txt: ./txt/cord-288409-idq780jb.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-288409-idq780jb.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27929452/
doi: 10.3390/ijerph13121214
summary:
  title: Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours of Healthcare Workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to MERS Coronavirus and Other Emerging Infectious Diseases Objectives: The aim of this survey was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, infection control practices and educational needs of HCWs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to MERS coronavirus and other emerging infectious diseases. The majority of respondents believed that patients with MERS-CoV and other emerging infectious diseases should be managed in specialised centres, but a significant proportion also agreed that general hospitals also had a role in managing such patients. A high proportion of respondents agreed that emergency department overcrowding, poor hand hygiene and mask use contributed to the risk of HCW being infected with MERS-CoV. This study also showed significant proportion with personal experience of MERS-CoV either as HCW at institutions caring for cases or being investigated for possible infection following contact with cases [10] .

title:
  Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours of Healthcare Workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to MERS Coronavirus and Other Emerging Infectious Diseases

abstract:
  Background: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has experienced a prolonged outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus since 2012. Healthcare workers (HCWs) form a significant risk group for infection. Objectives: The aim of this survey was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, infection control practices and educational needs of HCWs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to MERS coronavirus and other emerging infectious diseases. Methods: 1500 of HCWs from Saudi Ministry of Health were invited to fill a questionnaire developed to cover the survey objectives from 9 September 2015 to 8 November 2015. The response rate was about 81%. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise the responses. Results: 1216 HCWs were included in this survey. A total of 56.5% were nurses and 22% were physicians. The most common sources of MERS-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) information were the Ministry of Health (MOH) memo (74.3%). Only (47.6%) of the physicians, (30.4%) of the nurses and (29.9%) of the other HCWs were aware that asymptomatic MERS-CoV was described. Around half of respondents who having been investigated for MERS-CoV reported that their work performance decreased while they have suspicion of having MERS-CoV and almost two thirds reported having psychological problems during this period. Almost two thirds of the HCWs (61.2%) reported anxiety about contracting MERS-CoV from patients. Conclusions: The knowledge about emerging infectious diseases was poor and there is need for further education and training programs particularly in the use of personal protective equipment, isolation and infection control measures. The self-reported infection control practices were sub-optimal and seem to be overestimated.


id: cord-289921-2x6011gr
author: Aldarhami, Abdu
date: 2020-09-22
txt: ./txt/cord-289921-2x6011gr.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-289921-2x6011gr.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33061535/
doi: 10.2147/ijgm.s269716
summary:
  OBJECTIVE: Social distancing measures, such as stay-at-home, are currently implemented to control the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries, including Saudi Arabia. Hence, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the awareness and practices of the Saudi population in relation to social distancing (stay-at-home). A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted to evaluate the overall awareness and adherence of the Saudi population to social distancing to control the spread of COVID-19. 7 Therefore, this study was conducted to analyse the knowledge and practices of the population in KSA in relation to staying at home as a preventive measure for containing the COVID-19 pandemic. The responses indicated a high level of awareness among the Saudi population, with the majority of the participants (94%) expressing the view that everyone should practice social distancing.

title:
  Public Perceptions and Commitment to Social Distancing “Staying-at-Home” During COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey in Saudi Arabia

abstract:
  OBJECTIVE: Social distancing measures, such as stay-at-home, are currently implemented to control the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries, including Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the awareness and adherence of the Saudi population to these measures. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was designed with 16 questions (eight questions related to demographics, three related to the awareness of social distancing (stay-at-home) and five related to the overall practice of social distancing). RESULTS: A total of 5105 participants completed the survey [58.4% females, 66.3% young individuals (aged 18–37 years), 55.8% bachelor degree holders and 51.0% from the western region]. The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) was the main source of information about COVID-19 for most of the participants (78.2%). High awareness (81.3%) regarding stay-at-home was observed, associated mainly with female participants, those from the middle region and those with a high education and income. The overall implementation of social distancing was satisfactory (score 3.13/5), with 37.8% never leaving home during the stay-at-home period. Better adherence to social distancing was observed among female participants, higher degree holders and those aged over 38 years. CONCLUSION: Organised plans by the Saudi MOH have been effective in raising awareness and improving the practice of social distancing among public. However, the observed lower practice of social distancing by individuals with a lower education and income indicates the need for targeted interventions to achieve better outcomes.


id: cord-291821-ovfqfurf
title: Emergence of medicine for mass gatherings: lessons from the Hajj
author: Memish, Ziad A
date: 2011-12-19
txt: ./txt/cord-291821-ovfqfurf.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-291821-ovfqfurf.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1473309911703371
doi: 10.1016/s1473-3099(11)70337-1
summary:
  Among all MGs, the public health issues, associated with the Hajj (an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia) is clearly the best reported—probably because of its international or even intercontinental implications in terms of the spread of infectious disease. Imperial organisations linked cholera morbus, a non-epidemic diarrhoea, to Hajj, allowing a public health industry to develop that used health concerns to control immigration, pilgrim passports, proof of suffi cient funds to allow return travel, maritime regulation, and vessel quarantine procedures. Effi cient reorganization of the pilgrimage in every direction is needed and should be facilitated by the governments of the large number of the countries involved." 34 By the early 20th century, non-Muslim European powers were heavily engaged in the management of the Hajj and would remain so until modern Saudi Arabia came into existence and acquired fi nancial independence through petrochemical wealth.

abstract:
  Although definitions of mass gatherings (MG) vary greatly, they consist of large numbers of people attending an event at a specific site for a finite time. Examples of MGs include World Youth Day, the summer and winter Olympics, rock concerts, and political rallies. Some of the largest MGs are spiritual in nature. Among all MGs, the public health issues, associated with the Hajj (an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia) is clearly the best reported—probably because of its international or even intercontinental implications in terms of the spread of infectious disease. Hajj routinely attracts 2·5 million Muslims for worship. WHO's global health initiatives have converged with Saudi Arabia's efforts to ensure the wellbeing of pilgrims, contain infectious diseases, and reinforce global health security through the management of the Hajj. Both initiatives emphasise the importance of MG health policies guided by sound evidence and based on experience and the timeliness of calls for a new academic science-based specialty of MG medicine.


id: cord-299519-hfgmmuy6
title: Severe Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Pneumonia
author: Alenazi, Thamer H.
date: 2019-10-26
txt: ./txt/cord-299519-hfgmmuy6.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-299519-hfgmmuy6.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://api.elsevier.com/content/article/pii/B9780128012383114886
doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801238-3.11488-6
summary:
  A febrile acute respiratory illness with clinical, radiological, or histopathological evidence of pulmonary parenchymal disease (e.g. pneumonia or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) that cannot be explained fully by any other etiology AND The person resides or traveled in the Middle East, or in countries where MERS-CoV is known to be circulating in dromedary camels or where human infections have recently occurred AND Testing for MERS-CoV is inconclusive. Ribavirin and interferon therapy in patients infected with the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: An observational study Epidemiological, demographic, and clinical characteristics of 47 cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease from Saudi Arabia: A descriptive study Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection during pregnancy: A report of 5 cases from Saudi Arabia An observational, laboratory-based study of outbreaks of middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in Jeddah and Riyadh, kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ribavirin and interferon alfa-2a for severe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection: A retrospective cohort study

abstract:
  Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory infection, which ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia and multiorgan failure, caused by a novel coronavirus named Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Majority of cases have been reported from Saudi Arabia. MERS cases occur as sporadic cases or as clusters or hospital outbreaks. Dromedary camels are thought to be a host for MERS-CoV. Direct contact with dromedary camels within 14 days prior to infection was identified as an independent risk factor for MERS. Diagnosis of MERS is based on a positive real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), obtained from a respiratory specimen. The mainstay of management of MERS-CoV infection is supportive care. There is no specific antiviral therapy for MERS-CoV infection at present, although several modalities of treatment options have been examined or are under investigation.


id: cord-301103-idu4j78a
title: Genetic diversity of MERS-CoV spike protein gene in Saudi Arabia
author: Sohrab, Sayed S.
date: 2019-12-09
txt: ./txt/cord-301103-idu4j78a.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-301103-idu4j78a.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://api.elsevier.com/content/article/pii/S1876034119303454
doi: 10.1016/j.jiph.2019.11.007
summary:
  The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of MERS-CoV Spike protein gene were used to analyze the recombination, genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship with selected sequences from Saudi Arabia. Recently, in another study, total 530 nucleotides deletion was observed in Spike gene from serum samples collected from Taif, Saudi Arabia and a novel genetic variant of MERS-CoV was designated as a quasispecies [29] . Multiple substitutions of amino acids were observed in RBD, part of Spike gene from a bat sample collected from Uganda and the recombination in the S1 subunit of the Spike gene was observed and it was expected that this variation likely to play an important role in the emergence of MERS-CoV causing disease in human [30] . The detection of MERS-CoV in human and camel determining the genetic diversity among Spike gene will further help researchers as well as health authority to design and develop an effective disease management and control strategies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

abstract:
  BACKGROUND: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was primarily detected in 2012 and still causing disease in human and camel. Camel and bats have been identified as a potential source of virus for disease spread to human. Although, significant information related to MERS-CoV disease, spread, infection, epidemiology, clinical features have been published, A little information is available on the sequence diversity of Spike protein gene. The Spike protein gene plays a significant role in virus attachment to host cells. Recently, the information about recombinant MERS-CoV has been published. So, this work was designed to identify the emergence of any another recombinant virus in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: In this study samples were collected from both human and camels and the Spike protein gene was amplified and sequenced. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of MERS-CoV Spike protein gene were used to analyze the recombination, genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship with selected sequences from Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: The nucleotide sequence identity ranged from 65.7% to 99.8% among all the samples collected from human and camels from various locations in the Kingdom. The lowest similarity (65.7%) was observed in samples from Madinah and Dammam. The phylogenetic relationship formed different clusters with multiple isolates from various locations. The sample collected from human in Jeddah hospital formed a closed cluster with human samples collected from Buraydah, while camel sample formed a closed cluster with Hufuf isolates. The phylogenetic tree by using Aminoacid sequences formed closed cluster with Dammam, Makkah and Duba isolates. The amino acid sequences variations were observed in 28/35 samples and two unique amino acid sequences variations were observed in all samples analyzed while total 19 nucleotides sequences variations were observed in the Spike protein gene. The minor recombination events were identified in eight different sequences at various hotspots in both human and camel samples using recombination detection programme. CONCLUSION: The generated information from this study is very valuable and it will be used to design and develop therapeutic compounds and vaccine to control the MERS-CoV disease spread in not only in the Kingdom but also globally.


id: cord-302384-gljfslhs
author: Al-Hanawi, Mohammed K.
date: 2020-05-27
txt: ./txt/cord-302384-gljfslhs.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-302384-gljfslhs.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00217
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00217
summary:
  title: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Toward COVID-19 Among the Public in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Saudi public, toward COVID-19, during the pandemic. To assess the differences in mean scores, and identify factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19, the data were run through univariate and multivariable regression analyses, respectively. Thus, this study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of KSA residents, toward COVID-19 during the pandemic spike. To the researchers'' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate COVID-19 KAP, and associated sociodemographic characteristics among the general population of the KSA. Respondents adopted good and safe practices, as a result of Saudi Arabia''s health authorities providing education and outreach materials, to increase public understating of the disease, and influence behavioral change. Attitude and Practice (KAP) Study about Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) among Population in Saudi Arabia

title:
  Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Toward COVID-19 Among the Public in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

abstract:
  Background: Saudi Arabia has taken unprecedented and stringent preventive and precautionary measures against COVID-19 to control its spread, safeguard citizens and ensure their well-being. Public adherence to preventive measures is influenced by their knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Saudi public, toward COVID-19, during the pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, using data collected via an online self-reported questionnaire, from 3,388 participants. To assess the differences in mean scores, and identify factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19, the data were run through univariate and multivariable regression analyses, respectively. Results: The majority of the study participants were knowledgeable about COVID-19. The mean COVID-19 knowledge score was 17.96 (SD = 2.24, range: 3–22), indicating a high level of knowledge. The mean score for attitude was 28.23 (SD = 2.76, range: 6–30), indicating optimistic attitudes. The mean score for practices was 4.34 (SD = 0.87, range: 0–5), indicating good practices. However, the results showed that men have less knowledge, less optimistic attitudes, and less good practice toward COVID-19, than women. We also found that older adults are likely to have better knowledge and practices, than younger people. Conclusions: Our finding suggests that targeted health education interventions should be directed to this particular vulnerable population, who may be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. For example, COVID-19 knowledge may increase significantly if health education programs are specifically targeted at men.


id: cord-302863-9e5ajbgq
author: Alhabdan, Yazeed Abdullah
date: 2018-11-30
txt: ./txt/cord-302863-9e5ajbgq.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-302863-9e5ajbgq.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12199-018-0750-z
doi: 10.1186/s12199-018-0750-z
summary:
  Our study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of dental caries and identifying key associated factors in four major risk domains, including socioeconomic factors, child oral health behavior and practices, child feeding practices, and dietary habits among primary school children in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth and identifying key associated factors in 6-8-year-old school children in Riyadh city of Saudi Arabia would contribute towards the knowledge of dental caries by enriching the baseline data and determining population-specific risk factors of such a highly prevalent and preventable condition. Our analysis is the first in Saudi Arabia to comprehensively evaluate and prioritize factors encompassing all four major risk domains for dental caries, including parental socioeconomic status, children oral health behavior and practices, child feeding practices, and dietary habits.

title:
  Prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among primary school children: a population-based cross-sectional study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

abstract:
  BACKGROUND: Dental caries is a preventable childhood disease, but public health efforts are hampered due to limited information on associated factors in vulnerable populations. Our study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of dental caries and identifying key associated factors in four major risk domains, including socioeconomic factors, child oral health behavior and practices, child feeding practices, and dietary habits among primary school children in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to recruit 578 male Saudi primary school children, aged 6–8 years, from 12 primary schools in five different regions of Riyadh. Children were clinically screened to detect carious lesions in primary teeth according to World Health Organization’s criteria. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on social and individual factors from the parents. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of associated factors for dental caries were computed using logistic regression models; key factors were identified by systematic selection process that accounted for multicollinearity and bias correction. RESULTS: Dental caries was prevalent among children (83%, 95% confidence interval 79.7–86.0%). Individual factors, including irregular brushing, late adoption of brushing habit, consulting dentist for symptomatic treatment, lack of breast feeding, sleeping with a bottle in mouth, habit of snacking between meals, low consumption of fruits, and frequent consumption of soft drinks and flavored milk, were predominantly associated with dental caries in children, instead of socioeconomic factors (p < 0.05, adjusted R-square 80%). CONCLUSION: Dental caries were prevalent in school children, and individual factors were predominantly associated with the disease. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12199-018-0750-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.


id: cord-309081-v098m4dc
author: Bin Saeed, Abdulaziz A.
date: 2017-04-17
txt: ./txt/cord-309081-v098m4dc.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-309081-v098m4dc.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28322710/
doi: 10.3201/eid2304.161793
summary:
  title: Surveillance and Testing for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, Saudi Arabia, April 2015–February 2016 Saudi Arabia has reported >80% of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases worldwide. During April 2015–February 2016, Saudi Arabia identified and tested 57,363 persons (18.4/10,000 residents) with suspected MERS-CoV infection; 384 (0.7%) tested positive. In Saudi Arabia, persons who should be tested for MERS-CoV include suspect case-patients who meet at least 1 of 4 case definition categories (online Technical Appendix Table, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/EID/article/23/4/16-1793-Techapp1. In addition to suspected cases, testing is recommended for close contacts of persons with confirmed MERS-CoV infection, regardless of symptoms, and can also be requested at the discretion of an infectious disease consultant. Since March 7, 2015, official reporting of cases referred for MERS-CoV testing in Saudi Arabia has exclusively been documented through the Health Electronic Surveillance Network (HESN). Confirmed MERS case-patients represented <1% of all tested persons in Saudi Arabia.

title:
  Surveillance and Testing for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, Saudi Arabia, April 2015–February 2016

abstract:
  Saudi Arabia has reported >80% of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases worldwide. During April 2015–February 2016, Saudi Arabia identified and tested 57,363 persons (18.4/10,000 residents) with suspected MERS-CoV infection; 384 (0.7%) tested positive. Robust, extensive, and timely surveillance is critical for limiting virus transmission.


id: cord-311654-ixn65hxb
author: Zumla, Alimuddin
date: 2020-08-08
txt: ./txt/cord-311654-ixn65hxb.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-311654-ixn65hxb.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://api.elsevier.com/content/article/pii/S1201971220306433
doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.08.014
abstract: nan
summary:
  Apart from generic prevention and control issues of public health and lockdown measures to limit epidemic spread, specific issues of Mass Gathering (MG) sporting and religious events came under specific spotlight (Alzahrani et al, 2020; Baloch et al, 2020; McCloskey et al, 2020; . WHO with global MG partners, developed comprehensive key recommendations for COVID-19, and since end of February, 2020, there was a stepwise increase in cancellation, temporary suspension or postponement of international and national religious, sporting, musical, and other MGs, as countries worldwide took public health and other measures (WHO, 2020b; McCloskey et al, 2020; Petersen, McCloskey et al, 2020) . The successful completion of the 2020 Hajj is a major tribute to the leadership and commitment of the Saudi authorities, and it reflects their extensive experience of organising the annual Hajj pilgrimage, and continued commitment to improvement public health issues related to mass gatherings events.

title:
  COVID-19 and the scaled-down 2020 Hajj Pilgrimage - Decisive, logical and prudent decision making by Saudi authorities overcomes pre-Hajj public health concerns


id: cord-312904-875s0md1
author: Badreldin, Hisham A.
date: 2020-07-07
txt: ./txt/cord-312904-875s0md1.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-312904-875s0md1.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016420301511?v=s5
doi: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.07.002
summary:
  Based on the existing scientific knowledge during this outbreak, the SSCP established an expert writing task force to conceptualize and draft the proposed recommendations that highlights the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists during epidemics and pandemics. These recommendations aim to provide the pharmacy profession community with several insights regarding the pharmacist''s roles and responsibilities in the community, supply chain, and healthcare settings based on existing scientific knowledge during this outbreak. Recommendation 1: We urge the Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) to continue to utilize pharmacists'' expertise in prevention and treatment during epidemic and pandemic situations. Pharmacists can play an integral role in providing patient-focused services such as developing comprehensive care plans, therapeutic drug monitoring, and provide evidence-based recommendations. Recommendation 3: Pharmacists should take a proactive role in the development, implementation, and adherence to institutional and national guidelines related to the emerging outbreak such as COVID-19.

title:
  Pharmacists Roles and Responsibilities During Epidemics and Pandemics in Saudi Arabia: An Opinion Paper from the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy

abstract:
  Abstract On the 2nd of March 2020, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia confirmed its first case of the coronavirus's newly emerging strain, causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Soon after, the number of confirmed cases started to increase nationally. In light of the emerging outbreak, all healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, began to function with maximum capacity and efforts. The Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy (SSCP) acknowledges the substantial impact pharmacists can play during outbreaks. Based on the existing scientific knowledge during this outbreak, the SSCP established an expert writing task force to conceptualize and draft the proposed recommendations that highlights the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists during epidemics and pandemics. The SSCP writing task force issued 28 recommendations. In addition to the national and institutional guidelines, these recommendations could serve as guidance for the impacted entities.


id: cord-314357-u1m7yr8f
author: Elrggal, Mahmoud E.
date: 2018-04-14
txt: ./txt/cord-314357-u1m7yr8f.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-314357-u1m7yr8f.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30533343/
doi: 10.1007/s10389-018-0917-5
summary:
  title: Evaluation of preparedness of healthcare student volunteers against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study AIM: To assess the knowledge and attitude of senior medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy students toward Middle East respiratory syndrome-corona virus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia. An ANOVA test was used to determine the association of study discipline and academic year with the student knowledge score on MERS. Since its first detection in Saudi Arabia in 2012, Middle East respiratory syndrome-corona virus (MERS-CoV) has become a major health problem (Bermingham et al. This study therefore aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of senior medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy students toward MERS in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Section 2 comprised nine items and was designed to evaluate students'' in-depth knowledge about MERS including causes, sources of transmission, mortality, clinical manifestations, prevention strategies and risk groups for MERS.

title:
  Evaluation of preparedness of healthcare student volunteers against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

abstract:
  AIM: To assess the knowledge and attitude of senior medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy students toward Middle East respiratory syndrome-corona virus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using a 21-item questionnaire was conducted for a 3-month period from November 2015–January 2016 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate students’ understanding and perception of MERS-CoV. An ANOVA test was used to determine the association of study discipline and academic year with the student knowledge score on MERS. RESULTS: A total of 364 students were assessed during the study. The majority (62%) of the participants were in the 20–22-year age group. More than half (53%) were pharmacy students followed by (22%) medical students. More than two thirds (71%) of the participants were aware that MERS is caused by the coronavirus. More than half (59%) of the participants believed that MERS can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels. A statistically significant association was reported between the study discipline and mean knowledge score (p < 0.0001) with medical students achieving an overall better knowledge score compared with students from other study disciplines. CONCLUSION: Overall, students had good knowledge about MERS epidemiology, transmission and the recommended protective measures. However, students expressed their reluctance to work in healthcare facilities with inadequate MERS infection control isolation policies.


id: cord-316566-5iqtj3db
title: Oil prices, climate change—health challenges in Saudi Arabia
author: Elachola, Habida
date: 2016-01-27
txt: ./txt/cord-316566-5iqtj3db.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-316566-5iqtj3db.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673616002038
doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(16)00203-8
abstract: nan
summary:
  12, 13 In high-income countries, some health indices showed counter-cyclical eff ects with economic contractions (eg, increases in suicides, depression, and anxiety disorders and worsening reproductive health outcomes). If Saudi Arabia maintains increased relief spending on child health, improvements in access to nutrition and health, and strong infectious diseases control then these approaches can also help reduce mortality. Since Saudi Arabia''s sociodemographic and geopolitical foundation is diff erent from that of the case studies available thus far, it is diffi cult to predict potential health eff ects of the present economic recession and newly proposed health-sector reforms. 3 The expatriate workforce of Saudi Arabia, which accounts for 56% of the total population and about 86% of the private sector workforce, are not covered by the government health-care system. 14 Despite free health care, Saudi Arabia''s shortcomings are in the control of non-communicable diseases and mitigation of risk factors for disease. The eff ect of economic recession on population health


id: cord-318410-fznw4bbq
author: Alhazmi, Amani
date: 2020-09-18
txt: ./txt/cord-318410-fznw4bbq.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-318410-fznw4bbq.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.4081/jphr.2020.1867
doi: 10.4081/jphr.2020.1867
summary:
  title: Knowledge, attitudes and practices among people in Saudi Arabia regarding COVID-19: A cross-sectional study This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of public residents towards corona virus disease-2019 preventive measures in Saudi Arabia. Conclusions: This study showed satisfactory knowledge, attitude, and practice towards corona virus disease-2019 in Saudi Arabia. This survey aimed to study the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the participants towards COVID-19 preventive and precautionary measures in relation to containment of the pandemic in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by determining the participants'' socio-demographic characteristics, measuring participants'' knowledge about major facts concerning the virus, determining participants'' practices to prevent the spread of the infection, and measuring the response rate and participants'' level of adherence to MOH preventive and precaution measures. Knowledge, attitude and practice toward COVID-19 among the public in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

title:
  Knowledge, attitudes and practices among people in Saudi Arabia regarding COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

abstract:
  Background: The general population’s compliance with preventive measures and legislation is mainly influenced by their knowledge level, attitude, and practices. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of public residents towards corona virus disease-2019 preventive measures in Saudi Arabia. Design and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study; it used a validated cross-sectional online survey that received responses from 13 Saudi administrative regions. Results: There were 1513 participants who completed the study (55% females; 77.7%, university education). Knowledge level, attitude, and practices towards corona virus disease-2019 were 81.3%, 86.6%, and 81.9%, respectively. The knowledge subscales showed that 1496 (98.9%) participants knew the system targeted by the virus, 96.2% and 97.3% knew the causative agent and symptoms, 783 (52.2%) participants knew the transmission modes, and 696 (46.0%) participants knew about the complications. The attitude subscales included 1465 (96.5%) participants who had dealt with an infected person, 1451 (95.9%) participants who isolated in a health facility, 1195 (97.0%) participants who knew about hand washing, and 1387 (91.7%) participants who thought the virus spread through home delivery. The practice subscales included 1505 (99.5%) participants who properly disposed of gloves and tissues and 1347 (89.0%) participants who reported safe practices when coughing or sneezing. Conclusions: This study showed satisfactory knowledge, attitude, and practice towards corona virus disease-2019 in Saudi Arabia. The educational level is a dominant influencing factor for knowledge, attitude, and practice.


id: cord-318787-z6q11loy
author: Ahmad, Naim
date: 2020-09-14
txt: ./txt/cord-318787-z6q11loy.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-318787-z6q11loy.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33072460/
doi: 10.7759/cureus.10452
summary:
  This paper attempts to utilize the modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model incorporating the SD, testing, and infectiousness of exposed and infectious compartments to study the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. To study the dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic, several modified SEIR models have been used to incorporate various measures, especially social distancing, testing, public responses, and mobility restrictions [2, [6] [7] [8] [9] . The objective of this paper is to model the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia using SEIR, including SD, testing, and the infectiousness of exposed and infectious populations. Similarly, the cumulative active cases that include exposed and infectious populations fit closely and the Levene test (statistic=0.5088, p-value=0.4758) proves the same. The model results in the current scenario of restrictions and testings depict that there are multiple peaks for active cases (Figure 3) .

title:
  COVID-19 Modeling in Saudi Arabia Using the Modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) Model

abstract:
  The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created unprecedented healthcare emergencies across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed social distancing (SD) as a prudent measure to contain the pandemic and, hence, governments have been enacting lockdowns of varied nature. These lockdowns, causing economic and social strain, warrant the development of quantitative models to optimally manage the pandemic. Similarly, extensive testing aids in early detection and isolation, hence containing the spread of the pandemic. Compartment epidemiology models have been used extensively in modeling such infectious diseases. This paper attempts to utilize the modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model incorporating the SD, testing, and infectiousness of exposed and infectious compartments to study the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has put restrictions on the movement of people in different phases to ascertain SD. Time-dependent parameters based on the timeline of restrictions and testing in Saudi Arabia have been introduced to capture SD and testing. The arrived model has been validated through statistical tests. The [Formula: see text] (R naught), basic reproduction number, value has ranged between 0.6014 and 2.7860 with an average of 1.4904 and currently holds at 0.8952. In the absence of SD and testing measures, the model predicts the threshold herd immunity to be 69.31% and [Formula: see text] value as 3.26. Further, scenario analysis has been conducted for alleviating the SD measure. The results show that early lifting of all restrictions may undo all efforts in the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outcome of results will help policymakers and medical practitioners prepare better to manage the pandemic and lockdown.


id: cord-319113-844o9nr2
title: Public and healthcare providers awareness of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia
author: AL-Rasheedi, Mabrouk
date: 2020-09-10
txt: ./txt/cord-319113-844o9nr2.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-319113-844o9nr2.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319562X2030382X?v=s5
doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.08.035
summary:
  Objective The aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate the awareness of both the general public and healthcare providers in Qassim region in Saudi Arabia. Results showed significant positive correlation between the recognition of high-risk groups, reliable source of information, infection symptoms, disease prevention and available treatments. Results showed that there were significant differences of awareness levels among different groups of age and sex in response to the identification of COVID-19 treatment. Results showed significant positive correlation between high risk groups recognition, reliable source of information, infection symptoms, disease spread prevention and COVID-19 available treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the awareness of healthcare professionals and the general public regarding COVID-19 in Qassim region, kingdom Saudi Arabia with focusing on both general awareness and detailed information. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has sought to evaluate COVID-19 awareness in Saudi healthcare professionals and the general public in Qassim region.

abstract:
  Background The rapid and extensive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of concern for both general public and healthcare profession. Objective The aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate the awareness of both the general public and healthcare providers in Qassim region in Saudi Arabia. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted randomly in different shopping malls in Qassim region from 10th of February to 10th of March, 2020. All participants have answered the designed questionnaire. The structured questionnaire recorded demographics and awareness of both public participants as well as health care providers. Result A total of 130 participants have answered the designed questionnaire, out of which 67participants were males (58.5%) and 54 were females (41.5%). Overall, 129 (99%) out of the 130 participants are aware of COVID-19, and 116 (90%) have recognize it as a respiratory disease and 100 % of the participants have recognized it as a contagious disease. Around 94 % of the participants were able to recognize the correct incubation period of the virus. Participants of the age group 20-40 showed higher awareness level than other age groups (P value = 0.005). In addition, government employees showed higher awareness level than other profession groups (P= 0.039). Results showed significant positive correlation between the recognition of high-risk groups, reliable source of information, infection symptoms, disease prevention and available treatments. Conclusion General public and health care professionals from Qassim Region showed adequate awareness of COVID-19. However, there is a strong need to implement periodic educational interventions and training programs on infection control practices for COVID-19 across all healthcare professions.


id: cord-319358-1bqzf7zw
author: Cheema, Ejaz
date: 2019-03-27
txt: ./txt/cord-319358-1bqzf7zw.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-319358-1bqzf7zw.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-019-00621-z
doi: 10.1007/s40267-019-00621-z
summary:
  title: Assessing the impact of structured education on the knowledge of hospital pharmacists about adverse drug reactions and reporting methods in Saudi Arabia: an open-label randomised controlled trial OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of educational intervention on the knowledge of hospital pharmacists about ADRs. METHODS: This was a 3-month randomized controlled trial conducted in Saudi Arabia between January 2018 and March 2018. Given the poor knowledge of healthcare professionals about ADRs and its impact on ADR reporting, this study aims to assess the impact of structured education on the knowledge of hospital pharmacists about ADRs and their reporting methods in Saudi Arabia. At the 12-week follow-up, there was a significant improvement in the percentage of participants who were familiar with the types of ADRs that should be reported in adults (section 2 of the questionnaire in supplementary material) in the intervention group (from 0 at baseline to 28%; 95% CI 6.6-51.0; p = 0.008).

title:
  Assessing the impact of structured education on the knowledge of hospital pharmacists about adverse drug reactions and reporting methods in Saudi Arabia: an open-label randomised controlled trial

abstract:
  BACKGROUND: Pharmacists have limited knowledge about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of educational intervention on the knowledge of hospital pharmacists about ADRs. METHODS: This was a 3-month randomized controlled trial conducted in Saudi Arabia between January 2018 and March 2018. Participants in both groups were required to complete an online questionnaire at baseline and at 12-week follow-up. Participants in the intervention group received a structured information sheet about ADRs 2 weeks after the first assessment. The main outcome measure was difference in mean knowledge score about ADRs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Difference in mean knowledge score about ADRs. RESULTS: A total of 46 participants were included in the study. At the 12-week follow-up, there was a significant improvement in the mean knowledge score (± standard deviation) of intervention participants from 7.67 (± 2.1) at baseline to 11.22 (± 0.4) (95% CI −4.5 to −2.5; p < 0.0001). The mean knowledge score of control participants remained unchanged at 6.71 (± 2.3) during both baseline and follow-up assessments. CONCLUSION: ADR-specific education was associated with a significant improvement in the knowledge and understanding of pharmacists about ADRs and their methods of reporting. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s40267-019-00621-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.


id: cord-320928-flsaa1wx
author: Aldohyan, Meshal
date: 2019-03-21
txt: ./txt/cord-320928-flsaa1wx.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-320928-flsaa1wx.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-019-3898-2
doi: 10.1186/s12879-019-3898-2
summary:
  This study evaluated the perceived effectiveness of MERS-CoV educational programs and knowledge transfer among primary care HCWs at a hospital in Saudi Arabia that witnessed the largest outbreak of confirmed MERS-CoV cases in this country. CONCLUSIONS: A negative perception of the effectiveness of MERS-CoV knowledge transfer was associated with poorer knowledge and was more prevalent among male HCWs, physicians/pharmacists and less experienced HCWs. Hospitals should always refer to efficient knowledge sharing and educational strategies that render beneficial outcomes to patients, HCWs, and the public community. Therefore, there was an emerging need to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of MERS-CoV educational programs and knowledge transfer from the HCW''s perspective, in a setting that witnessed the largest outbreak of confirmed MERS-CoV cases in Saudi Arabia. This explains why HCWs with less work experience (< 5 years) had significantly more negative perceptions of knowledge transfer and the perceived effectiveness of MERS-CoV educational programs.

title:
  The perceived effectiveness of MERS-CoV educational programs and knowledge transfer among primary healthcare workers: a cross-sectional survey

abstract:
  BACKGROUND: Knowledge transfer of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) involves the dissemination of created/acquired information on MERS-CoV in hospitals, making this information accessible to all healthcare workers (HCWs). This study evaluated the perceived effectiveness of MERS-CoV educational programs and knowledge transfer among primary care HCWs at a hospital in Saudi Arabia that witnessed the largest outbreak of confirmed MERS-CoV cases in this country. METHODS: A survey was distributed among primary care HCWs at five clinics in Saudi Arabia in 2016. Those with non-direct patient care responsibilities were excluded. Their knowledge was evaluated against facts published by Mayo Clinic Foundation, and its percentage mean score (PMS) ± standard deviation was calculated. HCWs’ perceived effectiveness of educational programs and knowledge transfer was classified as negative or positive. RESULTS: Sample comprised of 404 HCWs, of which 64% were females and 36% were males. Almost 26% were ≤ 30 years old, and 42% had > 10 years of work experience. Almost 46.5% were nurses, 23.0% physicians, 18.1% were pharmacists, and 12.4% were technical staff. PMS for knowledge was 71.1 ± 19.4. The prevalence of negative perceptions towards educational programs was 22.5% and of knowledge transfer was 20.8%. Older(> 40 years of age) and more experienced(> 10 years) HCWs had the highest PMS for knowledge(73.4 ± 18.9,P = 0.005 and 76.9 ± 15.7,P < 0.001 respectively). Negative perceptions of educational programs (49.4 ± 20.7; P < 0.001) and knowledge transfer (46.0 ± 19.7; P = 0.001) were associated with a lower knowledge PMS. Males were 2.4[95% confidence interval 1.4–4.2] times and 2.0[1.1–3.5] times more likely to have negative perceptions of educational programs and knowledge transfer (adjusted (adj.)P = 0.001 and adj. P = 0.023, respectively). Physicians/pharmacists were 1.8[1.03–3.11] and 2.8[1.6–5.0] times more likely to have negative perceptions of both outcomes (adj. P = 0.038 and adj. P = 0.001, respectively). Less experienced HCWs were 2.1[1.3–3.5] times and 4.9[2.6–9.2] times more likely to exhibit negative perceptions of the two outcomes (adj. P < 0.001 each). CONCLUSIONS: A negative perception of the effectiveness of MERS-CoV knowledge transfer was associated with poorer knowledge and was more prevalent among male HCWs, physicians/pharmacists and less experienced HCWs. Hospitals should always refer to efficient knowledge sharing and educational strategies that render beneficial outcomes to patients, HCWs, and the public community. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-3898-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.


id: cord-323898-054gv684
author: Khan, Anas A.
date: 2020-10-13
txt: ./txt/cord-323898-054gv684.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-323898-054gv684.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207458
doi: 10.3390/ijerph17207458
summary:
  Objectives: Assess the survival of hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients across age groups, sex, use of mechanical ventilators (MVs), nationality, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This high reported rate of hospitalization among COVID-19 cases may exacerbate the cost burden of viral respiratory infections in a country that was deeply affected by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2012, and resulted in a huge financial burden with an estimated direct medical cost per patient of SAR 48,551.36 (United States dollars (USD) 12,947.03) [13] . In light of the high rate of hospitalization among COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia, there is a need to identify different sociodemographic (e.g., age, sex) and medical (e.g., mechanical ventilator (MMV) use, ICU admission) status that might increase mortality risk.

title:
  Survival and Estimation of Direct Medical Costs of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Short Title: COVID-19 Survival and Cost in Saudi Arabia)

abstract:
  Objectives: Assess the survival of hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients across age groups, sex, use of mechanical ventilators (MVs), nationality, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Data were retrieved from the Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) between 1 March and 29 May 2020. Kaplan–Meier (KM) analyses and multiple Cox proportional-hazards regression were conducted to assess the survival of hospitalized COVID-19 patients from hospital admission to discharge (censored) or death. Micro-costing was used to estimate the direct medical costs associated with hospitalization per patient. Results: The number of included patients with complete status (discharge or death) was 1422. The overall 14-day survival was 0.699 (95%CI: 0.652–0.741). Older adults (>70 years) (HR = 5.00, 95%CI = 2.83–8.91), patients on MVs (5.39, 3.83–7.64), non-Saudi patients (1.37, 1.01–1.89), and ICU admission (2.09, 1.49–2.93) were associated with a high risk of mortality. The mean cost per patient (in SAR) for those admitted to the general Medical Ward (GMW) and ICU was 42,704.49 ± 29,811.25 and 79,418.30 ± 55,647.69, respectively. Conclusion: The high hospitalization costs for COVID-19 patients represents is a significant public health challenge. Efficient allocation of healthcare resources cannot be emphasized enough.


id: cord-326632-botshfa1
author: Abolfotouh, Mostafa A.
date: 2020-09-29
txt: ./txt/cord-326632-botshfa1.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-326632-botshfa1.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-020-05443-3
doi: 10.1186/s12879-020-05443-3
summary:
  METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, HCWs at three tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia were surveyed via email with an anonymous link, by a concern scale about Covid-19 pandemic during 15–30 April, 2020. Predictors of high concern scores were; HCWs of Saudi nationality (p < 0.001), younger age (p = 0.003), undergraduate education (p = 0.044), living with others (p = 0.003) working in the western region (p = 0.003) and direct contact with patients (p = 0.018). In multiple regression analysis ( Table 4) , predictors of high concern scores were; HCWs of younger age (p = 0.003), Saudi nationality (p < 0.001), undergraduate education (p = 0.044), and those working in the western region (p = 0.003), living with others (p = 0.003) and in direct contact with patients (p = 0.018).

title:
  Perception and attitude of healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia with regard to Covid-19 pandemic and potential associated predictors

abstract:
  BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) face considerable mental and physical stress caring for patients with Covid-19. They are at higher risk of acquiring and transmitting this virus. This study aims to assess perception and attitude of HCWs in Saudi Arabia with regard to Covid-19, and to identify potential associated predictors. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, HCWs at three tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia were surveyed via email with an anonymous link, by a concern scale about Covid-19 pandemic during 15–30 April, 2020. Concerns of disease severity, governmental efforts to contain it and disease outcomes were assessed using 32 concern statements in five distinct domains. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors of high concern scores. RESULTS: A total of 844 HCW responded to the survey. Their average age was 40.4 ± 9.5 years, 40.3% were nurses, 58.2% had direct patient contact, and 77.3% were living with others. The majority of participants (72.1%) had overall concern scores of 55 or less out of a maximum score of 96 points, with an overall mean score of 48.5 ± 12.8 reflecting moderate level of concern. Three-fourth of respondents felt at risk of contracting Covid-19 infection at work, 69.1% felt threatened if a colleague contracted Covid-19, 69.9% felt obliged to care for patients infected with Covid-19 while 27.7% did not feel safe at work using the standard precautions available. Nearly all HCWs believed that the government should isolate patients with Covid-19 in specialized hospitals (92.9%), agreed with travel restriction to and/or from areas affected by Covid-19 (94.7%) and felt safe the government implemented curfew and movement restriction periods (93.6%). Predictors of high concern scores were; HCWs of Saudi nationality (p < 0.001), younger age (p = 0.003), undergraduate education (p = 0.044), living with others (p = 0.003) working in the western region (p = 0.003) and direct contact with patients (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the high concern among HCWs about Covid-19 and identifies the predictors of those with highest concern levels. To minimize the potential negative impact of those concerns on the performance of HCWs during pandemics, measures are necessary to enhance their protection and to minimize the psychological effect of the perceived risk of infection.


id: cord-329275-cd71wttk
title: Respiratory Viruses and Bacteria among Pilgrims during the 2013 Hajj
author: Benkouiten, Samir
date: 2014-11-17
txt: ./txt/cord-329275-cd71wttk.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-329275-cd71wttk.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2011.140600
doi: 10.3201/eid2011.140600
summary:
  Nasal swab samples were independently tested as described (5) for influenza virus A/H3N2 (16), influenza B virus (16), influenza C virus (17) , and A(H1N1)pdm09 virus (18) ; human adenovirus (19) ; human bocavirus (20) , human cytomegalovirus (21) ; human coronaviruses (HCoVs); human enterovirus (22) ; human metapneumovirus (23); human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs); human parechovirus (24); human respiratory syncytial virus (25) ; and human rhinovirus (HRV) (26) by using real-time reverse transcription PCRs. HCoVs and human HPIVs were detected by using an HCoV/HPIV R-Gene Kit (Argene/bioMérieux, Marcy l''Etoile, France) (27) . Of 19 participants whose post-Hajj specimens were positive for HRV, 17 (89.5%) had acquired the infection during their stay in Saudi Arabia (Figure 1 ). Of 50 participants whose post-Hajj specimens were positive for ≥1 respiratory virus, 43 (86.0%) reported ≥1 respiratory symptom during their stay in Saudi Arabia, of whom 37 (86.0%) still had respiratory symptoms at the time of sampling. Also, of 79 participants whose post-Hajj specimens were negative for respiratory viruses, 74 (93.7%) reported ≥1 respiratory symptom during their stay Saudi Arabia, of whom 53 (71.6%) still had respiratory symptoms at the time of sampling.

abstract:
  Pilgrims returning from the Hajj might contribute to international spreading of respiratory pathogens. Nasal and throat swab specimens were obtained from 129 pilgrims in 2013 before they departed from France and before they left Saudi Arabia, and tested by PCR for respiratory viruses and bacteria. Overall, 21.5% and 38.8% of pre-Hajj and post-Hajj specimens, respectively, were positive for ≥1 virus (p = 0.003). One third (29.8%) of the participants acquired ≥1 virus, particularly rhinovirus (14.0%), coronavirus E229 (12.4%), and influenza A(H3N2) virus (6.2%) while in Saudi Arabia. None of the participants were positive for the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. In addition, 50.0% and 62.0% of pre-Hajj and post-Hajj specimens, respectively, were positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae (p = 0.053). One third (36.3%) of the participants had acquired S. pneumoniae during their stay. Our results confirm high acquisition rates of rhinovirus and S. pneumoniae in pilgrims and highlight the acquisition of coronavirus E229.


id: cord-331129-vwavivmo
author: Mohsen Alsufyani, Abdulaziz
date: 2020-10-14
txt: ./txt/cord-331129-vwavivmo.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-331129-vwavivmo.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2020.100256
doi: 10.1016/j.ijans.2020.100256
summary:
  This study presented a comprehensive plan for developing a policy based on current challenges, recognition of policy goals, assessment of potential options and alternatives, identification of stakeholders, proposition of recommended solutions, and implementation of the framework to transform nursing standards and link these changes with the Saudi Vision 2030. Globally, nurses have made important contributions to a range of health priorities including universal health coverage, mental and community health, emergency preparedness and response, patient safety, and the provision of comprehensive patient-centered care 1 However, Saudi Arabia has entered a new era of progress and prosperity after developing Vision 2030-a program that contributes a series of developments in the fields of health delivery systems, nursing, trade, education, communications, science, and technology. However, in juxtaposition with developed countries, Saudi Arabia faces extreme staffing shortages, socio-cultural challenges, paucity of international and national benchmark evidence, absence of clear and defined scope of nursing practice, and, most importantly, policies and regulations along with the ensuing repercussions on the quality of care being offered 6, 7 .

title:
  Linking the Saudi Arabian 2030 Vision with Nursing Transformation in Saudi Arabia: Roadmap for Nursing Policies and Strategies

abstract:
  The Saudi government is currently facing multiple challenges in achieving “The Gold Standard” in nursing practice. This is not limited to educational challenges, staffing shortage, paucity of international and national benchmark evidence, absence of clear and defined scope of nursing practice, and lack of appropriate policies and regulations. This study presented a comprehensive plan for developing a policy based on current challenges, recognition of policy goals, assessment of potential options and alternatives, identification of stakeholders, proposition of recommended solutions, and implementation of the framework to transform nursing standards and link these changes with the Saudi Vision 2030. However, amendments are required in the present strategic plan for the better management of the nursing profession. It is doubtful that the current nursing profession status quo is capable of meeting the golden standards for health care. Thus, the transformation of the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia is necessary.


id: cord-331228-wbd0s4fo
title: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: a comprehensive review
author: Shehata, Mahmoud M.
date: 2016-01-20
txt: ./txt/cord-331228-wbd0s4fo.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-331228-wbd0s4fo.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26791756/
doi: 10.1007/s11684-016-0430-6
summary:
  authors: Shehata, Mahmoud M.; Gomaa, Mokhtar R.; Ali, Mohamed A.; Kayali, Ghazi Role of the spike glycoprotein of human Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in virus entry and syncytia formation Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)-Saudi Arabia Epidemiological, demographic, and clinical characteristics of 47 cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease from Saudi Arabia: a descriptive study First cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections in France, investigations and implications for the prevention of human-to-human transmission Clinical features and viral diagnosis of two cases of infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: a report of nosocomial transmission Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia

abstract:
  The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus was first identified in 2012 and has since then remained uncontrolled. Cases have been mostly reported in the Middle East, however travel-associated cases and outbreaks have also occurred. Nosocomial and zoonotic transmission of the virus appear to be the most important routes. The infection is severe and highly fatal thus necessitating rapid and efficacious interventions. Here, we performed a comprehensive review of published literature and summarized the epidemiology of the virus. In addition, we summarized the virological aspects of the infection and reviewed the animal models used as well as vaccination and antiviral tested against it.


id: cord-337060-jkzbyqtm
author: Alqurshi, Abdulmalik
date: 2020-08-03
txt: ./txt/cord-337060-jkzbyqtm.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-337060-jkzbyqtm.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2020.07.008
doi: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.07.008
summary:
  METHODS: Two cross-sectional Likert-scale based questionnaires targeted at students and teachers separately, designed to explore stakeholders'' satisfaction in three areas of emergency distance teaching/learning: The use of virtual classrooms, completion of course learning outcomes (CLOs) and assessment via alternative methods during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Diverging stacked bar chart to show results from a 5-point Likert-scale student-targeted questionnaire to measure student level of agreement with several statements in 3 categories concerned with the educational process during COVID-19 lockdown, these included: Virtual classrooms, Completion of CLOs and Alternative assessment methods (n = 363). Diverging stacked bar chart to show results from a 5-point Likert-scale teacher-targeted questionnaire to measure teachers'' level of agreement with several statements in 3 main categories concerned with the educational process during COVID-19 lockdown, these included: Virtual classrooms, Course learning outcomes (CLOs) and Alternative assessment methods (n = 74).

title:
  Investigating the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on pharmaceutical education in Saudi Arabia – A call for a remote teaching contingency strategy

abstract:
  BACKGROUND: COVID-19 lockdown has forced pharmacy education to be conducted remotely for approximately half of the second semester in the year 2019/2020. This sudden shift to distance learning has put the pharmacy education system through an extraordinary experience that may impact its future. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect emergency remote teaching has had on pharmacy education in Saudi Arabia, and to provide recommendations that may help set in place a contingency strategy. METHODS: Two cross-sectional Likert-scale based questionnaires targeted at students and teachers separately, designed to explore stakeholders' satisfaction in three areas of emergency distance teaching/learning: The use of virtual classrooms, completion of course learning outcomes (CLOs) and assessment via alternative methods during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Furthermore, phone interviews were conducted with teachers and students to discuss results from both questionnaires for further clarity on teacher and student views. RESULTS: Over 700 pharmacy students, from 19 different local colleges, and 74 faculty members from 10 different local colleges have participated in this study. While it was challenging for the majority of teachers (>60%) to delivery complex scientific concepts over virtual classrooms, >35% of students and 60% of teachers have expressed concerns on the lack of student–student and student–teacher interactions. A factor that has shown a significantly negative correlation with student overall satisfaction (p < 0.01). Emergency remote teaching has forced teachers to alternative assessment methods, which the majority (70%) believe had a positive effect on students' overall skills. Almost half of students (45%) were concerned by the lack of guidance accompanied by unfamiliar methods of assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Based on statistically analysed results from cross sectional Likert-scale questionnaires aimed at stakeholders of pharmaceutical education, this study concludes with a number of recommendations that may help pharmacy colleges seize this unique opportunity to further enhance the quality of pharmacy education in Saudi Arabia.


id: cord-340104-6n0sn5lk
title: Acute viral respiratory infections among children in MERS‐endemic Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2012–2013
author: Fagbo, Shamsudeen F.
date: 2016-07-29
txt: ./txt/cord-340104-6n0sn5lk.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-340104-6n0sn5lk.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.24632
doi: 10.1002/jmv.24632
summary:
  This large study population determined the burden of respiratory viruses associated with ARI in children over a 2-year period a multiplex molecular testing platform. With over 60% of 2235 children testing positive for respiratory viruses, more infections were detected than previous studies [Akhter et al., 2009; Al Hajjar et al., 2011; Alanazi et al., 2013; Bukhari and Elhazmi, 2013] . This high rate was significantly different from that obtained in the present 2-year study (23% detection for RSV in children positive for respiratory viruses), as well as others [Alanazi et al., 2013; Amer et al., 2015] . Viruses associated with respiratory tract infections in children attending to the emergency room, king abdulaziz medical city, riyadh, Saudi Arabia Viral agents causing acute lower respiratory tract infections in hospitalized children at a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia

abstract:
  The emergence of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Saudi Arabia has intensified focus on Acute Respiratory Infections [ARIs]. This study sought to identify respiratory viruses (RVs) associated with ARIs in children presenting at a tertiary hospital. Children (aged ≤13) presenting with ARI between January 2012 and December 2013 tested for 15 RVs using the Seeplex(R) RV15 kit were retrospectively included. Epidemiological data was retrieved from patient records. Of the 2235 children tested, 61.5% were ≤1 year with a male: female ratio of 3:2. Viruses were detected in 1364 (61.02%) children, 233 (10.4%) having dual infections: these viruses include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (24%), human rhinovirus (hRV) (19.7%), adenovirus (5.7%), influenza virus (5.3%), and parainfluenzavirus‐3 (4.6%). Children, aged 9–11 months, were most infected (60.9%). Lower respiratory tract infections (55.4%) were significantly more than upper respiratory tract infection (45.3%) (P < 0.001). Seasonal variation of RV was directly and inversely proportional to relative humidity and temperature, respectively, for non MERS coronaviruses (NL63, 229E, and OC43). The study confirms community‐acquired RV associated with ARI in children and suggests modulating roles for abiotic factors in RV epidemiology. However, community‐based studies are needed to elucidate how these factors locally influence RV epidemiology. J. Med. Virol. 89:195–201, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


id: cord-343168-gphud9yx
author: Alyami, H. S.
date: 2020-05-15
txt: ./txt/cord-343168-gphud9yx.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-343168-gphud9yx.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.05.09.20096677
doi: 10.1101/2020.05.09.20096677
summary:
  title: Depression and anxiety during 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia between March 27 th and April 27 th , 2020, to explore depression and anxiety among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously validated assessment scales, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) were used to assess depression and anxiety among the study participants. The prevalence rate of moderate-to-severe depression symptoms in this study seems to be considerably higher than that of those reported by the Chinese study that included 1210 respondents during the COVID-19 outbreak (16.5%) whereas comparable rates for anxiety were noted (28.8%) [3] . Further, the study of Wang et al (2020) revealed that the female gender was significantly associated with a greater psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and had higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (p < 0.05) (3) .

title:
  Depression and anxiety during 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

abstract:
  Background: COVID 19 outbreak in 2020 was associated with a high rate of depression and anxiety among individuals in the affected countries. The aim of this study is to explore the influence of the COVID 19 epidemic on the psychological distress of residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 27th of March and 27th of April 2020. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ 9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD 7) were used to assess depression and anxiety. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of depression and anxiety. Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety among the entire study participants was 9.4% and 7.3%, respectively. Non-Saudi residents, aged 50 years and above, divorced, retired, university students, and those with income (2000 to 10,000 RS) were at higher risk of developing depression. Saudi individuals, married, unemployed, and those with high income (> 10,000 RS) were at higher risk of developing anxiety. Conclusions: There is a wide range of the Saudi residents who are at higher risk of mental illness during COVID 19 pandemic. Policymakers and mental healthcare providers are advised to provide continuous monitoring of the psychological consequences during this pandemic, and provide mental support.


id: cord-348278-is20odaq
title: Drivers of MERS-CoV transmission: what do we know?
author: Al-Tawfiq, Jaffar A.
date: 2016-02-29
txt: ./txt/cord-348278-is20odaq.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-348278-is20odaq.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26848513/
doi: 10.1586/17476348.2016.1150784
summary:
  Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012 has since resulted in sporadic cases, intra-familial transmission and major outbreaks in healthcare settings. Middle eastern respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS CoV): case reports from a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia Epidemiological, demographic, and clinical characteristics of 47 cases of middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease from Saudi Arabia: a descriptive study Clinical aspects and outcomes of 70 patients with middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection: a single-center experience in Saudi Arabia Middle east respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV): a case-control study of hospitalized patients Dromedary camels and the transmission of middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus quasispecies that include homologues of human isolates revealed through whole-genome analysis and virus cultured from dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia Health-care associate transmission of middle east respiratory syndrome corona virus, MERS-CoV, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

abstract:
  Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012 has since resulted in sporadic cases, intra-familial transmission and major outbreaks in healthcare settings. The clinical picture of MERS-CoV includes asymptomatic infections, mild or moderately symptomatic cases and fatal disease. Transmissions of MERS-CoV within healthcare settings are facilitated by overcrowding, poor compliance with basic infection control measures, unrecognized infections, the superspreaders phenomenon and poor triage systems. The actual contributing factors to the spread of MERS-CoV are yet to be systematically studied, but data to date suggest viral, host and environmental factors play a major role. Here, we summarize the known factors for the diverse transmission of MERS-CoV.


id: cord-351057-xrv3k1fo
author: Alenazi, Thamer H.
date: 2020-10-05
txt: ./txt/cord-351057-xrv3k1fo.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-351057-xrv3k1fo.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33032969/
doi: 10.1016/j.jiph.2020.09.001
summary:
  In a review of 14 studies of the psychological burden of COVID-19 pandemic on medical and non-medical hospital staff, significant stress and anxiety symptoms were reported by the surveyed staff [11] . Our study aimed to explore the prevalence of anxiety and the main predictors for high anxiety levels among HCWs in Saudi Arabia during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This study surveyed a large sample of HCWs working in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluated their level of anxiety during this time. Organizational factors that were related to increased anxiety levels were lack of regular communication and updates from the organization, insufficient and unsatisfactory quality of information about COVID-19, lack of access to COVID-19 testing for the staff, and lack of a crisis management plan; These findings are consistent with other studies looking at the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of HCWs [16, 17] .

title:
  Prevalence and predictors of anxiety among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic

abstract:
  BACKGROUND: During pandemics, healthcare workers (HCWs) may be prone to higher levels of anxiety than those of the general population. This study aimed to explore the anxiety levels among HCWs in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic and the predictors of increased anxiety levels. METHOD: HCW participants in this cross-section study were solicited by email from the database of registered practitioners of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties between 15 May and 18 May 2020. Sociodemographic characteristics, work-related factors, and organization-related factors were collected. RESULTS: Four thousand nine hundred and twenty HCWs (3.4%) responded. Reported levels of anxiety were low anxiety (31.5%; n = 1552), medium (36.1%; n = 1778), and high (32.3%; n = 1590). Participants reporting high anxiety levels were more likely to be unmarried (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.14–1.52); nurses (OR = 1.54, 95% 1.24–1.91); workers in radiology (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.01–2.28); or respiratory therapists (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.14–4.54). Social factors associated with high anxiety levels were: living with a person who is elderly (p = 0.01), has a chronic disease (p < 0.0001), has immune deficiency (p < 0.0001), or has a respiratory disease (p-value <0.0001). Organization-related factors associated with a high level of anxiety were: working in an organization that hosts COVID-19 patients and working with such patients (p-value <0.0001). CONCLUSION: Self-reported medium and high levels of anxiety were present in 68.5% of HCWs in the COVID-19 pandemic. This highlights the urgent need to identify high-risk individuals to offer psychological support and provide up to date information on the pandemic. These data should help policymakers drive initiatives forward to protect and prepare HCWs psychological wellbeing.


id: cord-351413-3nfukrfl
author: Al-Ahmadi, Khalid
date: 2019-07-15
txt: ./txt/cord-351413-3nfukrfl.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-351413-3nfukrfl.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31311073/
doi: 10.3390/ijerph16142520
summary:
  title: Spatiotemporal Clustering of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Incidence in Saudi Arabia, 2012–2019 We analyzed the spatiotemporal clustering of the MERS-CoV incidence in Saudi Arabia between 2012 and 2019 at the city level by using Kulldorff''s spatial scan statistics via SaTScan 9.6 [39] . The results of the spatiotemporal cluster analysis of MERS-CoV infection, using years and months as the time aggregates from 2012 to 2019, showed significant most likely and secondary clusters in Saudi Arabia (Table 3; Table 4 and Figure 5 ; Figure 6 ). Wadi The results of the spatiotemporal cluster analysis of MERS-CoV infection, using years and months as the time aggregates from 2012 to 2019, showed significant most likely and secondary clusters in Saudi Arabia (Table 3; Table 4 and Figure 5 ; Figure 6 ). Community case clusters of middle east respiratory syndrome Coronavirus in Hafr Al-Batin, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A descriptive genomic study

title:
  Spatiotemporal Clustering of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Incidence in Saudi Arabia, 2012–2019

abstract:
  Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a great public health concern globally. Although 83% of the globally confirmed cases have emerged in Saudi Arabia, the spatiotemporal clustering of MERS-CoV incidence has not been investigated. This study analysed the spatiotemporal patterns and clusters of laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases reported in Saudi Arabia between June 2012 and March 2019. Temporal, seasonal, spatial and spatiotemporal cluster analyses were performed using Kulldorff’s spatial scan statistics to determine the time period and geographical areas with the highest MERS-CoV infection risk. A strongly significant temporal cluster for MERS-CoV infection risk was identified between April 5 and May 24, 2014. Most MERS-CoV infections occurred during the spring season (41.88%), with April and May showing significant seasonal clusters. Wadi Addawasir showed a high-risk spatial cluster for MERS-CoV infection. The most likely high-risk MERS-CoV annual spatiotemporal clusters were identified for a group of cities (n = 10) in Riyadh province between 2014 and 2016. A monthly spatiotemporal cluster included Jeddah, Makkah and Taif cities, with the most likely high-risk MERS-CoV infection cluster occurring between April and May 2014. Significant spatiotemporal clusters of MERS-CoV incidence were identified in Saudi Arabia. The findings are relevant to control the spread of the disease. This study provides preliminary risk assessments for the further investigation of the environmental risk factors associated with MERS-CoV clusters.


id: cord-351685-n70tkf38
author: Altamimi, Asmaa
date: 2020-02-19
txt: ./txt/cord-351685-n70tkf38.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-351685-n70tkf38.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/9629747
doi: 10.1155/2020/9629747
summary:
  title: Demographic Variations of MERS-CoV Infection among Suspected and Confirmed Cases: An Epidemiological Analysis of Laboratory-Based Data from Riyadh Regional Laboratory METHODS: It was a surveillance system-based study, for which data from a total of 23,646 suspected patients in Riyadh and Al Qassim regions were analyzed from January 2017 until December 2017 to estimate the prevalence of MERS-CoV among suspected cases and to determine potential demographic risk factors related to the confirmation of the diagnosis. During the study period, i.e., the year 2017, only 119 confirmed cases were reported, which means that the number of MERS-CoV infection cases has decreased in Riyadh and Al-Qassim regions in comparison to that of the last three years. Epidemiological, demographic, and clinical characteristics of 47 cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease from Saudi Arabia: a descriptive study

title:
  Demographic Variations of MERS-CoV Infection among Suspected and Confirmed Cases: An Epidemiological Analysis of Laboratory-Based Data from Riyadh Regional Laboratory

abstract:
  Introduction. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus was first recognized in September 2012 in Saudi Arabia. The clinical presentations of MERS and non-MERS SARI are often similar. Therefore, the identification of suspected cases that may have higher chances of being diagnosed as cases of MERS-CoV is essential. However, the real challenge is to flag these patients through some demographic markers. The nature of these markers has not previously been investigated in Saudi Arabia, and hence, this study aims to identify them. METHODS: It was a surveillance system-based study, for which data from a total of 23,646 suspected patients in Riyadh and Al Qassim regions were analyzed from January 2017 until December 2017 to estimate the prevalence of MERS-CoV among suspected cases and to determine potential demographic risk factors related to the confirmation of the diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 23,646 suspected cases, 119 (0.5%) were confirmed by laboratory results. These confirmed cases (67.2% of which were males) had a mean age of 43.23 years (SD ± 22.8). Around 42.2% of the confirmed cases were aged between 41 and 60 years and about 47% of confirmed cases had their suspected specimen tested in the summer. The study identified three significant and independent predictors for confirmation of the disease: an age between 41 and 60 years, male gender, and summer season admission. CONCLUSION: The study provides evidence that the MERS-CoV epidemic in the subject regions has specific characteristics that might help future plans for the prevention and management of such a contagious disease. Future studies should aim to confirm such findings in other regions of Saudi Arabia as well and explore potential preventable risk factors.


id: cord-353354-34tqy9tb
author: Sheshah, Eman
date: 2020-11-13
txt: ./txt/cord-353354-34tqy9tb.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-353354-34tqy9tb.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://api.elsevier.com/content/article/pii/S0168822720307956
doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2020.108538
summary:
  title: Prevalence of Diabetes, Management and Outcomes among Covid-19 Adult Patients Admitted in a Specialized Tertiary Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia This retrospective study aimed to characterize comorbidities and associated with mortality among hospitalized adults with Covid-19 managed as per the Saudi Ministry of Health protocol in a specialized tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The present retrospective study aims to determine the common comorbidities and risk factors that are associated with mortality among hospitalized patients admitted for Covid-19 and managed as per the Saudi MoH protocol for patients suspected of/confirmed with COVID-19 in a single specialized tertiary hospital in the capital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, the high prevalence of T2DM and hypertension among hospitalized Covid-19 patients have already been observed not only in majority of industrialized countries with high cases of SARS-CoV2 infection, but have also been associated with higher risk for severe outcomes, including death [11] [12] [13] .

title:
  Prevalence of Diabetes, Management and Outcomes among Covid-19 Adult Patients Admitted in a Specialized Tertiary Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

abstract:
  This retrospective study aimed to characterize comorbidities and associated with mortality among hospitalized adults with Covid-19 managed as per the Saudi Ministry of Health protocol in a specialized tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Medical records of 300 adult patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection and admitted in King Salman Hospital (KSH) from May 1 to July 31 2020 were included. Medical history, management and outcomes were noted. Males significantly outnumber females (259 versus 41). South Asians comprise 41% of all admitted patients. Mortality rate was 10% and highest among Saudi males (28.9%). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was the most common comorbidity (45.7%). Almost all patients (99%) had pneumonia. Patients >50 years were three times more likely to die (confidence interval, CI 1.3-6.9; p=0.01) from Covid-19. Congestive heart failure (odds ratio OR 19.4, CI-1.5-260.0; p=0.02) and acute kidney injury (OR 11.7, CI-4.7-28.6; p<0.001) were significantly associated with higher mortality. Dexamethasone use significantly improved the final outcome based on net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) (p<0.05). In this single-center study, T2DM was very common among hospitalized Covid-19 patients. Patients >50 years, those with congestive heart failure and acute kidney injury are at higher risk for worse Covid-19 outcome.


id: cord-356048-nku844kt
title: Infectious Diseases and Mass Gatherings
author: Hoang, Van-Thuan
date: 2018-08-28
txt: ./txt/cord-356048-nku844kt.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-356048-nku844kt.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30155747/
doi: 10.1007/s11908-018-0650-9
summary:
  RECENT FINDINGS: In the context of Hajj, one of the largest religious MGs at Mecca, Saudi Arabia, respiratory tract infections are the leading cause of infectious diseases in pilgrims with a prevalence of 50–93%. In this review, we summarize recent findings in the field of infectious diseases associated with international MGs. The Hajj (Table 1) The Hajj, an annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is one of the largest religious MGs in the world with about two million pilgrims from 185 countries [4] . The predominance of bacterial pathogens in Hajj-related gastrointestinal infections poses a major risk to public health through the potential emergence and transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria [53] . (Table 1) Although numerous gastrointestinal and respiratory outbreaks have been documented at large-scale open-air festivals, particularly music festivals, with thousands of participants, these events are probably neglected, in terms of public health attention, as well as surveillance and prevention of infectious disease strategies, compared to other categories of MGs [78] .

abstract:
  PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Mass gatherings (MGs) are characterized by a high concentration of people at a specific time and location. Infectious diseases are of particular concern at MGs. The aim of this review was to summarize findings in the field of infectious diseases with a variety of pathogens associated with international MGs in the last 5 years. RECENT FINDINGS: In the context of Hajj, one of the largest religious MGs at Mecca, Saudi Arabia, respiratory tract infections are the leading cause of infectious diseases in pilgrims with a prevalence of 50–93%. The most commonly acquired respiratory viruses were human rhinovirus, followed by human coronaviruses and influenza A virus, in decreasing order. Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the predominant bacteria. The prevalence of Hajj-related diarrhea ranged from 1.1 to 23.3% and etiologies included Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli, with evidence of acquisition of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. In other MGs such as Muslim, Christian, and Hindu religious events, sports events, and large-scale open-air festivals, outbreaks have been reported less frequently. The most common outbreaks at these events involved diseases preventable by vaccination, notably measles and influenza. Gastrointestinal infections caused by a variety of pathogens were also recorded. SUMMARY: Because social distancing and contact avoidance are difficult measures to implement in the context of many MGs, individual preventive measures including vaccination, use of face mask, disposable handkerchief and hand hygiene may be recommended. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these measures has been poorly investigated in the context of MGs.


id: cord-356314-mhkhey2w
title: Epidemiology of COVID-19 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An Ecological Study
author: Alyami, Mohammad H.
date: 2020-09-17
txt: ./txt/cord-356314-mhkhey2w.txt
cache: ./cache/cord-356314-mhkhey2w.txt
extension: .txt
mime: text/plain
url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00506
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00506
summary:
  The Saudi Ministry of Health provided detailed data on the incidence of COVID-19 in the Kingdom daily, with the following details: (a) the number of newly confirmed cases, (b) number of active cases, (c) number of critical cases, (d) percentage of cases stratified by age group [adults, children, and elderly] (available from 2 May until 25 May), and (e) percentage of cases stratified by gender (available from 2 May until 25 May). The key findings were: (1) the epidemiological status in KSA reached a steady level after 2 months from the beginning of the pandemic, due to the implementation of successful healthcare and treatment protocols, (2) the international travel restrictions and household quarantine were effective ways to control the epidemic of COVID-19 the KSA, (3) the rates of critical cases and mortality in KSA are at a low level, due to the younger population in Saudi Arabia compared to European and Asian countries, and the effective control measures taken by the government, and (4) in the KSA, COVID-19 was more common among adults and males compared to other demographic groups.

abstract:
  Objectives: Considering the transmissible nature of COVID-19 it is important to explore the trend of the epidemiology of the disease in each country and act accordingly. This study aimed to examine the trend of COVID-19 epidemiology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in term of its incidence rate, recovery rate, and mortality rate. Material and Methods: We conducted an observational study using publicly available national data taken from the Saudi Ministry of Health for the period between 3 March and 7 June 2020. The number of newly confirmed cases, active cases, critical cases, percentage of cases stratified by age group [adults, children, and elderly] and gender were extracted from the reports of the Saudi Ministry of Health. Results: During the study period, the total number of confirmed cases with COVID-19 rose from one on 2 March 2020 to 101,914 on 7 June, representing an average of 1,039 new cases per day, [trend test, p < 0.000]. Despite the increase in the number of newly confirmed daily cases of COVID-19, the number of reported daily active cases started to stabilize after 2 months from the start of the pandemic in the country and the overall recovery rate was 71.4%. The mortality rate decreased by 6.4% during the study period. COVID-19 was more common among adults and males compared to other demographic groups. Conclusion: The epidemiological status of COVID-19 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia showing promising improvement. Males and adults accounted for the majority of COVID-19 cases in the KSA. Further studies are recommended to be conducted at the patient level to identify other patient groups who are at higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19, and for whom the best pharmacological intervention could be provided.


