The following digest summarizes the most important scholarly and policy publications, reports, and articles covering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the politics, economies, and societies of the Arab world. Mofeed Digest is produced by Mofeed Project Coordinator Serage Amatory.
[MENA| Bahrain | Egypt| Iraq| Jordan| Lebanon| Libya| Morocco| Oman|
Palestine| Qatar| Saudi Arabia| Sudan| Syria| Tunisia| UAE]
MENA
New Publication: Women’s Rights and Roles During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Arab Barometer, 3 May 2023
This article presents an overview of ‘COVID and Gender in the Middle East’, a recently released book edited by scholar Rita Stephan, and the first to provide empirical evidence of the gendered effects of COVID-19 in the region.
Forecasting the Spread of COVID-19 Using Deep Learning and Big Data Analytics Methods
SN Computer Science, 3 May 2023
This article conducts a wide-ranging investigation and analysis to forecast COVID-19 cases and identify the countries affected most in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic in all five major African regions, including Arab states.
Perspectives and Practices of Dietitians with Regards to Social/Mass Media Use During the Transitions from Face-to-Face to Telenutrition in the Time of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey in 10 Arab countries
Frontiers in Public Health, 3 May 2023
This article investigates dietitians’ perceptions and practices toward the use of social/mass media platforms amid the transition from face-to-face to telenutrition in the time of COVID-19 across ten Arab states.
Coping Strategies, Well-Being and Inequalities During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period
Current Psychology, 6 May 2023
This article employs data from the ERF COVID-19 MENA Monitor Surveys for Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia to examine people’s subjective sense of well-being, such as the perception of the economic situation and mental well-being during the pandemic.
Middle East Countries Lead Post-COVID Investment Rebound
FDI Intelligence, 10 May 2023
This article reports that the three countries with the largest increase in the number of FDI projects since the global outbreak of COVID-19 are all located in the Middle East, namely, the UAE, KSA, and Qatar.
Migration by the Numbers: COVID-19 Impacts on MENA Migration
Raseef22, 17 May 2023
This article illustrates how the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily transformed the global migration landscape in and after 2020, with a particular focus on the MENA region.
Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Subjective Wellbeing in the Middle East and North Africa: A Gender Analysis
PLOS One, 31 May 2023
This article examines the relationships between COVID-19-related socioeconomic changes and subjective reporting of well-being in the MENA region.
Bahrain
Presence of SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Wastewater in the Kingdom of Bahrain During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authorea, 11 May 2023
This working paper investigates the presence of SARS-COV-2 virus in untreated wastewater in Bahrain, examining its correlation with the spread of COVID-19.
Factors Influencing Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Employees During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Private Hospitals of Bahrain
The Bottom Line, 16 May 2023
This article examines the relationship between polychronicity, job autonomy, perceived workload, work–family conflict, and high work demand on the healthcare employee turnover intention during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bahrain.
Lifestyle and Dietary Patterns During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Bahrain: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Nutrients, 30 May 2023
This article examines the impact of COVID-19 on dietary habits in Bahrain during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as perceived weight, sleep, and physical activity.
Egypt
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G Antibody During COVID-19 Pandemic in Fayoum District, Egypt: A Community-Based Pilot Survey
Pan African Medical Journal, 5 May 2023
This article assesses the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic in one of the highly vulnerable populations in Egypt, the Fayoum district of Fayoum Governorate.
Excess Mortality and the Impact of COVID-19 in Egypt
Middle East Council on Global Affairs, 17 May 2023
This paper seeks to assess more accurately the impact that COVID-19 has had in Egypt in terms of deaths associated with the virus.
Obesity as a Risk Factor for Severe Unfavorable Outcomes in COVID-19 Infected Adults: A Mini Review
JOJ Internal Medicine, 22 May 2023
This article from Ain Shams University in Cairo discusses the possible effects of COVID-19 infection on obese adults.
Epstein–Barr Virus and Cytomegalovirus Coinfection in Egyptian COVID-19 Patients
Egyptian Liver Journal, 23 May 2023
This article measures the prevalence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) coinfections in Egyptian COVID-19 patients with elevated liver enzymes.
Changes in Dietary Habits During COVID-19 Lockdown in Egypt: The Egyptian COVIDiet Study
BMC Public Health, 25 May 2023
This article investigates the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on dietary habits among the Egyptian population.
Iraq
Assessment the Psychological Mindsets and Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines, Occurrence and Severity of COVID-19 Infection Among Vaccinated People in Iraq
Journal for ReAttach Therapy and Developmental Diversities, 1 May 2023
This article assesses the frequency of post-vaccination infection with COVID-19 and accompanying signs and symptoms with the different vaccines available in Iraq (Sinopharm, AstraZeneca-Oxford, and Pfizer- BioNTech).
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Religious Tourism Amongst Muslims in Iraq
Theological Studies, 5 May 2023
This article evaluates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religious tourism in Iraq in 2021.
COVID-19 in Baghdad: Examining Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Through a Medical Lens
Al-Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences, 16 May 2023
This article assesses the Baghdad population’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) around COVID-19.
High Risk and Impact Factors on Construction Management Process − Case Study of COVID-19 of a Hospital in Iraq
Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability, 24 May 2023
This article reviews the high-impact factors influencing the construction of hospitals during the outbreak of COVID-19 in developing countries. It focuses on the case of Iraq’s construction sector.
Adverse Effects Post COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Association with Age, Gender and Comorbid Disease in Basrah City Southern of Iraq
Current Drug Safety, 25 May 2023
This article identifies various clinical manifestations occurring after receiving COVID-19 vaccines among individuals in Basrah Governorate in Iraq.
Jordan
Gender Disparities Among Students at Jordanian Universities During COVID-19
International Journal of Educational Development, 1 May 2023
This article examines COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on online learning at Jordanian universities from a gender-based perspective.
Radiological Differences in COVID-19 Related Lung Manifestations Between Smokers and Non-smokers: A Single-Center Retrospective Study in Jordan
Cureus, 2 May 2023
This article identifies and analyzes the distinct radiological features in COVID-19 patients with different smoking statuses.
The Representation of the First COVID-19 Case in Jordan in News Outlets: A Critical Discourse Analysis Study
The International Journal of Communication and Linguistic Studies, 12 May 2023
This article analyzes the way news outlets in Jordan covered the first COVID-19 case in the country through a critical discourse lens.
Skin Manifestations Among Patients Admitted with COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study at a University-Based Tertiary Hospital in Jordan
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 24 May 2023
This article assesses the incidence and patterns of cutaneous manifestations among moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients who required hospitalization in Jordan.
Kuwait
Kuwait: Cigarettes Market and the Impact of COVID-19 on It in the Medium Term
WM Strategy, 1 May 2023
This report presents a strategic analysis of the Kuwaiti cigarette market and a forecast for its development in the medium term, highlighting the impact of COVID-19.
Kuwait: Tea Market and the Impact of COVID-19 on It in the Medium Term
WM Strategy, 1 May 2023
This report analyzes the Kuwaiti tea market and forecasts its development in the medium term, highlighting the impact of COVID-19.
Lebanon
Predictors and Barriers to Vaccination Among Older Syrian Refugees in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a Multi-Wave Longitudinal Study
The Lancet, 1 May 2023
This article identifies the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Syrian refugees aged 50 years and older in Lebanon, underscoring the reasons for vaccine hesitancy.
Effect of COVID-19 Vaccinations on Menstrual Cycle and Postmenopausal Bleeding Among Health Care Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 3 May 2023
This article examines the effect of COVID-19 vaccination and its association with sociodemographic factors on the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women and on postmenopausal bleeding at LAU Rizk Medical Center in Beirut.
Factors Affecting Influenza Vaccination Uptake and Attitudes Among Lebanese University Students: The Impact of Vaccination Promotional Programs and COVID-19 Pandemic
Vaccines, 5 May 2023
This article examines the percentage of university students vaccinated for the 2015–2016 influenza season, identifies reasons for non-vaccination, and examines the impact of external factors (such as influenza awareness campaigns and the COVID-19 pandemic) on their influenza vaccination uptake.
The Use of Social Media for Crisis Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Lebanon
Projectics, 12 May 2023
Using a qualitative approach, this article evaluates the use of social media by Lebanese authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic and analyzes its application. It employs image repair theory.
Real Life Experience with Monoclonal Antibody -Sotrovimab in High-Risk COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study in a Lebanese Tertiary Care University Hospital
Authorea, 27 May 2023
This working paper evaluates the efficacy of Sotrovimab in preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations and other patient-related outcomes as well as the appropriateness of use in an academic hospital in Lebanon.
Cryptococcal Meningitis Post-COVID-19 Infection: Immunomodulation, a Double-Edged Sword
The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 31 May 2023
The focus of this article is a 75-year-old male patient in Lebanon, who presented with fever and other severe symptoms after COVID-19 infection and developed cryptococcal meningitis.
Libya
COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Among Healthcare Staff in the West of Libya
International Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Research Studies, 2 May 2023
This article assesses the uptake rate and identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine among Libyan healthcare staff in the country’s western region.
The Effect of Combining the COVID-19 Vaccine with the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine on Reducing COVID-19 Vaccine Rejection Among Libyans
Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, 12 May 2023
This article evaluates the willingness of the general public in Libya to receive COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines.
Morocco
Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Water Quality along the Coast of Morocco
Water Practice and Technology, 5 May 2023
This article analyzes the total suspended matter (TSM) before and during the COVID-19 lockdown on the coast of Morocco.
Respiratory Pathogens Circulation Among Non-Reactive SARS-CoV2 Patients During the COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco
Authorea, 11 May 2023
This working paper examines the prevalence of respiratory pathogens among SARS-CoV2 non-reactive patients, admitted to healthcare facilities in the context of COVID-19 management in Morocco.
COVID-19 in Morocco’s Region: Observational Study of Prevalence in Symptomatic Adults Using the PANBIOS® Rapid Antigen Test September 2021
Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, 11 May 2023
This article evaluates the prevalence of COVID-19 infection and examines the sensitivity and specificity in Temara-Skhirat in symptomatic adults through PANBIOS® test.
Quantification of Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Screening Programmes – A Case Study from Argentina, Bangladesh, Colombia, Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Thailand
Epidemiology and Global Health, 16 May 2023
This article provides estimates from an international cancer screening data repository about the impact of the COVID-pandemic related disruptions on cancer screening programs in selected low- and middle-income countries, including Morocco.
Side Effects Reported by Moroccan Medical Students Who Received COVID-19 Vaccines
Current Drug Safety, 17 May 2023
This article assesses the COVID-19 vaccines’ short-term adverse effects among Moroccan medical and pharmacy students.
Determinants and Barriers to Innovation Among Moroccan Firms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Study
International Journal of Accounting, Finance, Auditing, Management and Economics, 31 May 2023
This article reports on the findings of a regional innovation study conducted in the Fès-Meknès region in Morocco to identify difficulties related to financing, human resources, and the market during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oman
Oman: Tea Market and the Impact of COVID-19 on It in the Medium Term
WM Strategy, 1 May 2023
This report presents a strategic analysis of the Omani tea market and a forecast for its development in the medium term, highlighting the impact of COVID-19.
The Role of Quarantine and Isolation in Controlling COVID-19 Hospitalization in Oman
Quantitative Biology, 3 May 2023
This article presents a mathematical model for the dynamics of COVID-19 to assess the impact of placing healthy individuals in quarantine while isolating infected ones on the number of hospitalization and intensive care unit cases in Oman.
Palestine
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Palestinian Students Toward COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Human Arenas, 2 May 2023
This article investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 among school students in Palestine.
Qatar
The Family Role in Adolescents Protection: Evidence from Pre and Amid COVID-19 in Qatar
International Journal of Social Science Studies, 1 May 2023
This article explores the role that parents play in adolescent protection, investigating the risk and protective factors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar.
Evaluating COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions and Vaccine Hesitancy Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Nature Scientific Reports, 5 May 2023
This article investigates the current PVH (parent vaccine hesitancy) in 243 parents of children with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and 245 controls using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) scale.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia: Tea Market and the Impact of COVID-19 on It in the Medium Term
WM Strategy, 1 May 2023
This report presents a strategic analysis of the Saudi Arabian tea market and a forecast for its development in the medium term, highlighting the impact of COVID-19.
Experience of Sudden Shift from Traditional to Virtual Problem-Based Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic at a Medical College in Saudi Arabia
Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 3 May 2023
This article investigates the impact of the sudden shift to virtual PBL (problem-based learning) during COVID-19 pandemic in achieving the intended learning objectives of PBL and explores students’ perceptions of virtual versus traditional PBL.
Impact of COVID-19 on Home Health-Care Sector in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review
Global Journal of Medical & Clinical Case Reports & Studies, 5 May 2023
This article examines the changes and challenges that occurred in the home healthcare field as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and assesses the growth and spread of HHC in both the public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia.
Crises Information Dissemination Through Social Media in the UK and Saudi Arabia: A Linguistic Perspective
PLOS One, 5 May 2023
This article investigates health-promoting content in British and Saudi officials’ social-media discourse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Single Center Experience
Journal of Ideas in Health, 10 May 2023
This article examines the prevalence of anxiety and depression among nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia.
The Lasting Impact of COVID-19 on Surgical Training from the Perspective of Surgical Residents and Consultants in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
BMC Medical Education, 11 May 2023
This article assesses the impact of changes made by the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical education in Saudi Arabia.
Impact of Viral Co-Infection on Clinical Outcomes and Mortality of COVID-19 Patients: A Study from Saudi Arabia
Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine, 12 May 2023
This article investigates the impact of viral co-infections on the outcomes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a large tertiary Saudi Arabian Hospital.
Assessing the Effect of COVID-19 on the Traffic Safety of Intercity and Major Intracity Roads in Saudi Arabia
Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 12 May 2023
This article assesses the impact of COVID-19 accompanied by government preventive policies on road safety in Saudi Arabia by investigating crash rates.
Bayesian Noise Modelling for State Estimation of the Spread of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia with Extended Kalman Filters
Sensors, 13 May 2023
This article presents a method for testing the noise covariance in cases of dependence or independence between the infected and death errors, to understand better their impact on the predictive accuracy and reliability of EKF statistical models to improve the accuracy of COVID-19 trend and state estimates.
Association Between Echocardiographic Features and Inflammatory Biomarkers with Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients in Saudi Arabia
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 26 May 2023
This article presents the echocardiographic findings of patients with COVID-19 infections and their correlations with inflammatory biomarkers, disease severity, and clinical outcomes.
Exploring Interrelationships of COVID-19 Dimensions in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review
Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 26 May 2023
This article examines the academic efforts regarding COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia, with the goal of increasing the knowledge aiding future planning on preparedness.
Effects of Different Types of COVID-19 Vaccines on Menstrual Cycles of Females of Reproductive Age Group (15-49): A Multinational Cross-Sectional Study
Cureus, 29 May 2023
This article reports on a survey conducted in Saudi Arabia to study the association between menstrual cycle irregularities and most prevalent COVID-19 vaccines.
The Incidence and Severity of COVID-19 Infection Post Vaccination in Saudi Arabia
Cureus, 31 May 2023
This article examines the prevalence of vaccinated individuals, side effects, and the rate of infectivity post vaccination against COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.
Sudan
Exacerbating Pre-Existing Vulnerabilities: An Analysis of the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Human Trafficking in Sudan
Human Rights Review, 11 May 2023
This article presents findings from a multi-methods study interrogating the impacts of COVID-19 on human trafficking in Sudan—a critical source, destination, and transit country.
Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Healthcare Workers in Sudan
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 31 May 2023
This article investigates the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccines and its determinants among healthcare workers in Sudan.
Syria
Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm and Hemoptysis as Uncommon Sequelae of COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report from Syria
Annals of Medicine & Surgery, 10 May 2023
This article reports a case of a 75-year-old female patient with hemoptysis who was diagnosed with pulmonary artery aneurysm four months after having contracted COVID-19.
Feasibility, Uptake, and Results of COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests Among Refugees and Migrants in a Pilot Project in North-West Syria
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 16 May 2023
This article reports on a project implemented in Northwest Syria to determine the feasibility, uptake, and results of Ag-RDTs ( (antigen rapid diagnostic tests) as a possible way to overcome the conflict-related barriers to testing.
Tunisia
Significant Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Circulation of Respiratory Viruses in Tunisia, 2020–2021
Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 1 May 2023
This article assesses the prevalence of seasonal respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia.
Symptoms and Risk Factors for Long COVID in Tunisian Population
BMC Public Health Services Research, 15 May 2023
This article evaluates the prevalence of long COVID-19 in the Tunisian population and identifies its predictive factors.
UAE
United Arab Emirates: Hand Sanitizer Market and the Impact of COVID-19 on It in the Medium Term
WM Strategy, 1 May 2023
This report presents a strategic analysis of the UAE hand sanitizer market and a forecast for its development in the medium-term, highlighting the impact of COVID-19.
Long-Term Study on Wastewater SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance Across United Arab Emirates
Science of The Total Environment, 4 May 2023
This article examines the long-term sensitivity and robustness of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach to detect trends in the spread of COVID-19, and it proposes tools for pandemic management.