Suchergebnisse

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered zoonotic virus SARS-CoV-2. This disease presents the worst public health crisis the world has faced since the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918. It is the biggest global public health challenge of our lifetimes. COVID-19 situation in each country and sometimes even within countries is different and evolving. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of actions taken by the governments and individual behaviour on the coronavirus epidemic in a country. Methods: Three countries were selected. COVID-19 daily news reported cases and deaths in Pakistan, Vietnam and UAE data between 21 January to 30 April 2020, was extracted from COVID-19 dashboard. Articles, TV channels and newspapers were searched. These three countries were visited during 12 to 21 March 2020 and public's behaviour was observed. Results: In Vietnam, during the first stage of outbreak, the main strategy was to impose international travel restrictions to prevent imported cases from COVID-19 highly effected countries, and to delay the spread and reduce the magnitude of prevailing epidemic. Furthermore, combination of preventive measures and national level readiness to respond to coronavirus disease aided to contain the further spread of virus. Government of Vietnam took swift preventive measures as compared to Pakistan and UAE, to limit imported COVID-19 cases and to contain the local transmission of the coronavirus. Delayed in decision making regarding travel restrictions and imposing lockdown by Pakistan and UAE may have resulted in rapid spread of the disease. Conclusion: In developing countries, the decision regarding travel and complete lockdown is challenging due to prevalent socio-economic circumstances and maintenance of supply of food and essential goods. The response of an individual to advice issued by the government on preventive measures and Government communication strategies to inform the public to respond positively against this disease are important factors.

Introduction: Since the start of pandemic new variants have been evolving and moving from one country to another either by air travel or ground crossings.Objective: To find out factors associated with noncompliance of recommended guidelines by international passengers so that we can improve the arrangements at airports where required, improve future preparedness, and give recommendations to concerned authorities for improvement in enforcing guidelines.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Islamabad International Airport during the months of June and July 2021. The study population included international arriving passengers aged 12 years and above. Questions were asked about following guidelines before boarding, on board, and after disembarkation. Twenty questions were asked to assess compliance level. A median cut off value was set for assessment of noncompliance.Results: The male to female ratio was 1:1. The age range was 12 – 75 years. The odds of noncompliance to guidelines was higher in females compared to males. The results revealed a significant association between region of arrival of respondents and noncompliance. Passengers arriving from Afghanistan, France , UK and USA were more likely to be noncompliant to guidelines (p-value = 0.00). There was a significant association between occupation of participants and noncompliance. Housewives and retired were more likely to be noncompliant (p-value = 0.00). A significant association was observed between vaccinated people and noncompliance.Conclusion: Travelers arriving from some specific countries were noncompliant to guidelines. Vaccinated were most noncompliant which indicates still we need to work on awareness and need legislations, fines or travel restrictions to noncompliant travellers.

In Pakistan, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported on 26 February 2020, having the travel history from Iran. Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also been affected by COVID-19 epidemic. On 23 March 2020, the Government of Pakistan has declared smart lockdown all over the country including Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The aim of the study was to identify the status of the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 among the general population of the twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi) in Pakistan during the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted from 5 to 19 May 2020, the week during smart lockdown in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Demographic characteristics were compared with independent-samples t-test, one-way, or Chi-square test. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with low knowledge score. Data analyses were conducted with SPSS version 21.0. A total of 1,282 participants completed the questionnaire. Among this final sample, the average age was 30.65 years. Among the survey respondents, 680 (53%) were women, 1096 (86%) held a bachelor's degree or above, 634 (50%) were engaged with the government and private sector and 606 (47%) were married. The overall correct rate of knowledge was 70%. The majority of the respondents agreed that COVID-19 will finally be successfully controlled (59%). Most of the participants had not visited any crowded place (74%) and 95% responded that they have reduced their outdoor activities. In response to precaution measures, 86% stated that they would isolate themselves if they ever felt a fever or cough. The study findings suggest that residents of the two cities have reasonable levels of knowledge on COVID-19. However, it is necessary to launch health education and awareness campaigns to improve the knowledge and practices about COVID-19, to control its transmission.

Background: The 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) originated in the central Chinese city, Wuhan, at the end of December 2019. Pakistan reported its first 2 confirmed cases on 26February 2020, linked to a travel history of Iran. This study was conducted to see the trends of COVID-19 infection growth and doubling time in Pakistan, from an early containment state to a much belated exponential rise pattern.Method: This study is based on the analysis of the publicly available data on COVID-19 from the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination's COVID-19 dashboard and the publicly available National command and operation centre daily situation reports from 26February - 27July 2020 to show the trends and patterns of COVID-19 among the Pakistani population.Results: A total of 275,225 COVID-19 patients have been reported, with 5,865 deaths, 1,229 critically ill, and 242,436 recovered. Sindh has the highest number of confirmed cases (92,279). The majority of affected patients are male (72%). Local transmission cases stand at 97%. The percentage positivity has now declined to 4.8%, reaching a peak value of 25.7% in May. An average of 6.4 daily tests were conducted for each confirmed case, which makes 0.11 daily tests per thousand people. Daily cases surge had a 5.8% increase per day, with a 5-fold increase in infection until mid-June, which has now decreased to 80%. On 13 June 2020, the highest number of cases were reported (6,825 new highest daily deaths were reported on 19 June 2020). The case doubling time was 3 days initially and now stands at 28 days. The current CFR is 2.1%, with 5,865 deaths.Conclusion: The lack of effective quarantine facilities and limited testing capacities at the Taftan border crossing resulted in the importation of the virus in the country. Risk mitigation measures that were implemented, such as lockdown by provinces and the Federal government, were eased in mid-May due to the economic impact but was followed by a spike in cases. The cumulative confirmed case count, after showing an exponential growth pattern within two months of the start of the outbreak, is now on the decline. Careful and responsible behaviors from people, preparedness, and planning, including sentinel surveillance at the district level, are required for the sustainability of COVID-19 control.