Displaying all 13 publications

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Alishaq M, Nafady-Hego H, Jeremijenko A, Al Ajmi JA, Elgendy M, Vinoy S, et al.
    PLoS One, 2021;16(10):e0258820.
    PMID: 34653228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258820
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The risk factors for breakthrough infections among healthcare workers (HCW) after completion of a full course of vaccination are poorly understood. Our objective was to determine the risk factors for breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs at a national healthcare system in Qatar.

    METHODS: We identified all HCWs at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar between December 20, 2020 and May 18, 2021 with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR infection >14 days after the second vaccine dose. For each case thus identified, we identified one control with a negative test after December 20, 2020, matched on age, sex, nationality, job family and date of SARS-CoV-2 testing. We excluded those with a prior positive test and temporary workers. We used Cox regression analysis to determine factors associated with breakthrough infection.

    RESULTS: Among 22,247 fully vaccinated HCW, we identified 164 HCW who had breakthrough infection and matched them to 164 controls to determine the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection. In the breakthrough infection group the nursing and midwifery job family constituted the largest group, spouse was identified as the most common positive contact followed by a patient. Exposure to a confirmed case, presence of symptoms and all other job families except Allied Health Professionals when compared with nursing and Midwifery staff independently predicted infection.

    CONCLUSION: Presence of symptoms and contact with a confirmed case are major risk factors for breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, and these groups should be prioritized for screening even after full vaccination.

    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar/epidemiology
  2. Abdulrahman M, Gardner A, Yamaguchi N
    J Arid Environ, 2021 Feb;185:104379.
    PMID: 33162623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2020.104379
    The distributions of bat species in Qatar have not previously been recorded. We conducted the first nation-wide survey of bats in Qatar. Based on sonogram analysis, we identified Asellia tridens, Otonycteris hemprichii, and Pipistrellus kuhlii. The most commonly recorded species was Asellia tridens, the only species recorded in the northern half of the country. Contrary to our prediction, the likelihood of recording bats was not higher in the northern half of the country where there are many irrigated farms. The distributions of the bat species may result from differences in human land use and disturbance, and from the distance to the main body of the Arabian Peninsula. A key habitat feature for Asellia tridens and Otonycteris hemprichii may be the presence of roosting sites in less disturbed sinkholes/caves, which are therefore crucial for bat conservation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar
  3. Alishaq M, Jeremijenko A, Nafady-Hego H, Al Ajmi JA, Elgendy M, Fadel RAA, et al.
    Int J Infect Dis, 2021 Apr;105:621-625.
    PMID: 33711522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.012
    BACKGROUND: Mortuary and cemetery workers may be exposed to the bodies of people with SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, prevalence of infection among these groups is unknown.

    METHODS: Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) for RT-PCR and serologic testing for SARS-CoV-2 were performed on mortuary and cemetery workers in Qatar. Data on specific job duties, living conditions, contact history, and clinical course were gathered. Environmental sampling was carried out to explore any association with infection. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with infection.

    RESULTS: Forty-seven mortuary workers provided an NPS and seven (14.9%) were PCR positive; 32 provided a blood sample and eight (25%) were antibody positive, six (75%) who were seropositive were also PCR positive. Among the 81 cemetery workers, 76 provided an NPS and five (6.6%) were PCR positive; 64 provided a blood sample and 22 (34.4%) were antibody positive, three (13.6%) who were seropositive were also PCR positive. Three (22.2%) and 20 (83.3%) of the infected mortuary and cemetery workers were asymptomatic, respectively. Age <30 years (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.7-14.6), community exposure with a known case (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.7-13.3), and presence of symptoms in the preceding 2 weeks (OR 9.0, 95% CI 1.9-42.0) were independently associated with an increased risk of infection (PCR or antibody positive). Of the 46 environmental and surface samples, all were negative or had a Ct value of >35.

    CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of mortuary and cemetery workers had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was incidentally detected upon serologic testing. These data are most consistent with community acquisition rather than occupational acquisition.

    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar/epidemiology
  4. ElBardisi H, Arafa M, Rengan AK, Durairajanayagam D, AlSaid SS, Khalafalla K, et al.
    Andrologia, 2017 May;49(4).
    PMID: 27401026 DOI: 10.1111/and.12637
    Objective of this retrospective study was to assess the presence and clinical grade of varicocele among Qatari and non-Qatari men evaluated for infertility. Diagnosis of varicocele was performed clinically and confirmed via colour Doppler ultrasonography. A total of 455 infertile male patients (mean age 36.3 ± 7.6 years) were divided into either Qatari (n = 91, mean age 37.3 ± 9.1 years) or non-Qatari (n = 364, mean age 36.0 ± 7.1 years) groups. Among all patients, 43.1% (n = 196) were confirmed to have varicocele, of which 40 were Qatari and 156 non-Qatari. Among all patients, 171 (37.6%) presented with left-sided varicocele and 25 (5.5%) with bilateral varicocele. Of the 196 patients with varicocele, grade I was given to 40 (20.4%), grade II to 68 (34.7%) and grade III to 88 (44.9%). Grade II and III varicocele were seen significantly more frequently than grade I among all patients and non-Qatari patients (p Qatar among both Qatari and non-Qatari men.
    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar/epidemiology
  5. Alkhayat FA, Ahmad AH, Rahim J, Dieng H, Ismail BA, Imran M, et al.
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2020 Sep;27(9):2358-2365.
    PMID: 32884417 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.07.006
    Mosquito borne diseases have remained a grave threat to human health and are posing a significant burden on health authorities around the globe. The understanding and insight of mosquito breeding habitats features is crucial for their effective management. Comprehensive larval surveys were carried out at 14 sites in Qatar. A total of 443 aquatic habitats were examined, among these 130 were found positive with Culex pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. mattinglyi, Ochlerotatus dorsalis, Oc. caspius and Anopheles stephensi. The majority of positive breeding habitats were recorded in urban areas (67.6%), followed by livestock (13.8%), and least were in agriculture (10.7%). An. stephensi larvae were positively correlated with Cx. pipien, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and negatively with water salinity. Large and shaded habitats were the most preferred by An. stephensi. In addition, Cx. pipiens was positively associated with the turbidity and pH, and was negatively associated with vegetation and habitat size. A negative association of Cx. quinquefasciatus with dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and salinity, while positive with habitat surface area was observed. Oc. dorsalis was negatively correlated with pH, water temperature, depth, and habitat surface area, whereas salinity water was more preferable site for females to lay their eggs. These results demonstrate that environmental factors play a significant role in preference of both anopheline and culicine for oviposition, while their effective management must be developed as the most viable tool to minimize mosquito borne diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar
  6. Lewison G, Hussain SF, Guo P, Harding R, Mukherji D, Sittah GA, et al.
    Ecancermedicalscience, 2020;14:1094.
    PMID: 33014136 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2020.1094
    Background and objectives: The 57 countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are experiencing rapid increases in their burden of cancer. The First Ladies Against Cancer meeting at the 2016 OIC meeting in Istanbul committed to the importance of cancer control and the need for more evidence to support national cancer control planning (NCCP). Strong research systems are a crucial aspect of NCCP, but few data exist to support policy-makers across this political grouping.

    Methodology: We identified all cancer research papers from OIC countries in the Web of Science from 2008 to 2017 with a filter based on journal names and title words, with high precision and recall. We analysed the country outputs, the cancer sites investigated, the types of research, sources of funding and the citations to the papers.

    Results: There were 49,712 cancer research papers over this period. The leading countries in terms of output were Turkey, Iran, Egypt and Malaysia, but the most cited papers were from Qatar, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. International collaboration was low, except in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The site-specific cancers accounting for most research were breast and blood, correlating with their disease burden in the OIC countries, but lung, cervical and oesophageal cancers were relatively under-researched. Most funding from within the OIC countries was from their own university sector.

    Conclusion: Cancer is seriously under-researched in most of the OIC countries. This will undermine the ability of these countries and OIC as a whole to deliver on better cancer control for their populations. New policies, OIC leadership and funding are urgently needed to address this situation.

    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar
  7. Munsour EE, Awaisu A, Ahmad Hassali MA, Dabbous Z, Zahran N, Abdoun E
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2020 Jun;16(6):793-799.
    PMID: 31542446 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.08.038
    BACKGROUND: The importance of providing accurate medication information that can be easily comprehended by patients to subsequently best use their medication(s) has been widely reported in the literature. Patient information leaflet (PIL) is a supporting tool aiding patients to make decisions about their treatment plan and improve patient-clinician communication and thus medication adherence. PIL is the written document produced by the pharmaceutical manufacturers and packed with the medicine. The available PILs do not consider cultural and behavioral perspectives of diverse populations residing in a country like Qatar. Consumer medication information (CMI) is written information about prescription drugs developed by organizations or individuals other than a drug's manufacturer that is intended for distribution to consumers at the time of drug dispensing.

    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of customized CMI (C-CMI) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Qatar.

    METHODS: This was a randomized controlled intervention study, in which the intervention group patients received C-CMI and the control group patients received usual care. HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and EQ visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) at three intervals [i.e. baseline, after 3 months and 6 months].

    RESULTS: The EQ-5D-5L index value for the intervention group exhibited sustained improvement from baseline to the third visit. There was a statistically significant difference between groups in the HRQoL utility value (represented as EQ index) at 6 months (0.939 vs. 0.796; p = 0.019). Similarly, the intervention group compared with the control group had significantly greater EQ-VAS at 6 months (90% vs. 80%; p = 0.003).

    CONCLUSIONS: The impact of C-CMI on health outcomes of T2DM patients in Qatar reported improvement in HRQoL indicators among the intervention patients. The study built a platform for health policymakers and regulatory agencies to consider the provision of C-CMI in multiple languages.

    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar
  8. Ho, Christopher C.K., Teo, C.H., Ng, C.J., Zulkifli, M.Z., Tan, M.H.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of this review was to analyze the gender disparities found as well as the life expectancies in Asia. An analysis of the data on gender disparities as well as life expectancies of the different Asian countries was done based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Observatory Data Repository as well as the regional government databases. Middle Eastern countries have the highest male to female population ratio. The results show that in terms of population pyramid, Asia is moving towards a more geriatric population. Qatar has the highest life expectancy for men and is the only country in Asia where men live longer than women (difference of 2 years). In general, women in Asia live longer than men. High income countries like Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore have higher life expectancies as compared to those on the lower income nations. The life expectancy of Asian men still lags women. Men’s health care needs to be addressed urgently. The disparity in income-status reflecting the lifespan of men is an impetus for us to narrow the gap of health in Asian countries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar
  9. DeCarlo C, Omar AH, Haroun MI, Bigler L, Bin Rais MN, Abu J, et al.
    Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis, 2017 10;17(10):709-713.
    PMID: 28873035 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2098
    West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic single-strand RNA arbovirus (family Flaviviridae: Flavivirus), transmitted among avian hosts in enzootic cycles by a mosquito vector. The virus has a significant disease effect on humans and equines when it bridges into a cycle with various sequelae with epidemic potential. This study was carried out to identify the potential spectrum of WNV hosts in three geographic areas with climatologically distinct features: Malaysia, Qatar, and the United States of America (U.S.). Serum samples were collected from avian and mammal species suspected to be reservoirs for the virus at these areas in a cross-sectional epidemiologic study. The samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against the virus using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data on putative risk factors were also collected and analyzed for significance of association with seropositivity using the logistic regression analysis. Among the tested avian and mammalian species, raccoons had the highest seroconversion rate (54%) followed by crows (30%), horses (27%), camels (10%), other avian species (7%), and canine species (3%). It was almost twice as likely to detect seroconversion among these mammalian and avian species in the fall in comparison to other seasons of the year. Only mammalian and avian species and seasons of the year were significantly associated with the likelihood of seroconversion to WNV when we controlled for other factors in the multivariate analysis. Our data from the U.S. showed that raccoons and camels are susceptible to infection by the virus and may play a role in the perpetuation of endemic foci for the disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar/epidemiology
  10. Palipudi KM, Mbulo L, Morton J, Mbulo L, Bunnell R, Blutcher-Nelson G, et al.
    Nicotine Tob Res, 2016 Apr;18(4):501-7.
    PMID: 25895951 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntv081
    INTRODUCTION: Increases in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) awareness and current use have been documented in high income countries but less is known about middle and low income countries.
    METHODS: Nationally representative household survey data from the first four Global Adult Tobacco Surveys to assess e-cigarettes were analyzed, including Indonesia (2011), Malaysia (2011), Qatar (2013), and Greece (2013). Correlates of e-cigarette awareness and current use were calculated. Sample sizes for Greece and Qatar allowed for further analysis of e-cigarette users.
    RESULTS: Awareness of e-cigarettes was 10.9% in Indonesia, 21.0% in Malaysia, 49.0% in Qatar, and 88.5% in Greece. In all four countries, awareness was higher among male, younger, more educated, and wealthier respondents. Current e-cigarette use among those aware of e-cigarettes was 3.9% in Malaysia, 2.5% in Indonesia, 2.2% in Greece and 1.8% in Qatar. Across these four countries, an estimated 818 500 people are currently using e-cigarettes. Among current e-cigarette users, 64.4% in Greece and 84.1% in Qatar also smoked cigarettes, and, 10.6% in Greece and 6.0% in Qatar were never-smokers.
    CONCLUSIONS: E-cigarette awareness and use was evident in all four countries. Ongoing surveillance and monitoring of awareness and use of e-cigarettes in these and other countries could help inform tobacco control policies and public health interventions. Future surveillance should monitor use of e-cigarettes among current smokers and uptake among never-smokers and relapsing former smokers.
    Study name: Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS-2011)
    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar/epidemiology
  11. Al-Jaal B, Latiff A, Salama S, Hussain HM, Al-Thani NA, Al-Naimi N, et al.
    Toxins (Basel), 2021 04 08;13(4).
    PMID: 33917988 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13040267
    Mycotoxins are naturally occurring food toxins worldwide that can cause serious health effects. The measurement of mycotoxin biomarkers in biological fluids is needed to assess individuals' exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of mycotoxins in the Qatari population. Serum samples from 412 adults and urinary samples from 559 adults were analyzed for the presence of mycotoxin biomarkers. Multimycotoxin approaches have been applied, using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry methods. Samples were further analyzed for the oxidative stress markers and compared with regard to the incidence of mycotoxins. The presence of mycotoxins was identified in 37% of serum samples and in less than 20% of urine samples. It was found that 88% of positive of the samples were positive for only one mycotoxin, while 12% of positive samples had two or more mycotoxins. Trichothecenes and zearalenone metabolites were most commonly detected mycotoxins, followed by aflatoxins, roquefortine C and mycophenolic acid. The presence of mycotoxins was found to positively correlate with oxidative stress markers. The obtained results illustrate the importance of mycotoxin biomonitoring studies in humans and the need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of mycotoxin-induced toxicity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar
  12. Sharma A, Adhikari R, Parajuli E, Buda M, Raut J, Gautam E, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(11):e0267784.
    PMID: 37939081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267784
    BACKGROUND: One of the important aftereffects of rapid global development is international mobility, which has placed the health of migrant workers as a key public health issue. A less-developed country, Nepal, with political instability and a significant lack of employment, could not remain untouched by this phenomenon of migration. Our goal was to identify and determine the predictors of anxiety, depression, and psychological wellbeing among Nepalese migrant workers in Gulf countries (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) and Malaysia.

    METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used to collect information from 502 Nepalese migrant workers in the arrival section of Tribhuvan International Airport from May to June 2019 using purposive sampling. Workers with a minimum work experience of 6 months and above were included in the study. A structured questionnaire with socio-demographic items was used along with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and WHO (five) wellbeing scale for measuring the subjective psychological wellbeing and screening for depression.

    RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 32.97 years. Majority (41.8%) of the respondents had work experience in Qatar and 63.7% had work experience of 1-5 years. The results suggested that 14.4% had mild to severe depression while 4.4% had a moderate level of anxiety. The WHO5 wellbeing index score suggested that 14.1% of the respondents had a score below 13, which is suggestive of poor psychological wellbeing. Further, the country of work (p = 0.043), sleeping hours (p = 0.001), occupation (p = 0.044), working hours (p = 0.000), water intake (p = 0.010) and anxiety level (p = 0.000) were found to be significantly associated with depression score. Similarly, sleeping hours (p = 0.022), occupation (p = 0.016), working hours (p = 0.000), water intake (p = 0.010), and anxiety level (0.000) were significantly associated with the WHO5 wellbeing score.

    CONCLUSIONS: Nepalese migrant workers in the Gulf countries (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) and Malaysia bear an important burden of psychological morbidities. This highlights the need to prioritize the migrant worker's mental health by Nepal as well as Gulf countries and Malaysia.

    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar
  13. Munsour EE, Awaisu A, Hassali MAA, Abdoun E, Dabbous Z, Zahran N, et al.
    Int J Clin Pract, 2020 Aug;74(8):e13527.
    PMID: 32386077 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13527
    INTRODUCTION: In patients with diabetes, better health communication is associated with better health outcomes including medication adherence and glycaemic control. The conventional patient information leaflet does not consider the cultural and behavioral perspectives of diverse patient populations. Consumer medicine information (CMI) is a written information about the prescription drugs developed by organisations or individuals other than a drug manufacturer that is intended for distribution to consumers at the time of medication dispensing.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CMI on medication adherence and glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes in Qatar.

    METHODS: We developed and customised CMI for all the anti-diabetic medications used in Qatar. A randomised controlled trial in which the intervention group patients (n = 66) received the customised CMI with usual care, while the control group patients (n = 74) received usual care only, was conducted. Self-reported medication adherence and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ) were the primary outcome measures. Glycaemic control and medication adherence parameters were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months in both groups. Medication adherence was measured using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8).

    RESULTS: Although the addition of CMI resulted in better glycaemic control, this did not reach statistical significance, possibly because of the short-term follow-up. The median MMAS-8 score improved from baseline (6.6 [IQR = 1.5]) to 6-month follow-up (7.0 [IQR = 1.00]) in the intervention group. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the intervention and the control groups in terms of MMAS-8 score at the third visit (7.0 [IQR = 1.0]) vs 6.5 (IQR = 1.25; P-value = .010).

    CONCLUSION: CMI for anti-diabetic medications when added to usual care has the potential to improve medication adherence and glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, providing better health communication and CMI to patients with diabetes is recommended.

    Matched MeSH terms: Qatar
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links