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 | Algeria | Bahrain | Egypt| Iraq| Jordan| Kuwait| Lebanon| Morocco| Oman|
Palestine| Qatar| Saudi Arabia| Sudan| Tunisia| UAE| Yemen]
MENA
Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines in the Middle Eastern Population
Frontiers in Immunology, 3 November 2023
This article summarizes common-to-rare side effects of administrated COVID-19 vaccines in a cohort from KSA, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Egypt.
Muslim Precarity: Plagues of the Mind and Corona Orientalism
Cogent Arts & Humanities, 12 November 2023
This article traces the rise of Muslim precarity within the discourse of two deadly diseases: the plague and COVID-19.
The (In)Effectiveness of Conspiracy Theories in the Arab World
Democracy and Security, 14 November 2023
This article examines the success of some Arab states in muting COVID-19 conspiracy theories, focusing largely on states deemed ‘not free’ by Freedom House.
Genetic Determinants of Severe COVID-19 in Young Asian and Middle Eastern Patients: A Case Series
Nature Scientific Reports, 20 November 2023
This article examines the burden of rare host genetic variants in an otherwise healthy and young patient population recruited in the United Arab Emirates. It also assesses whether they are associated with clinical outcomes of COVID-19.
Islamic vs. Conventional Banking: What about the Efficiency during Coronavirus?
Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, 28 November 2023
This article assesses the efficiency of Islamic banks in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Tunisia through a comparison with their conventional counterparts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Combining COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Vaccines Together to Increase the Acceptance of Newly Developed Vaccines in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Cross-Sectional Study
Annals of Medicine, 29 November 2023
This article assesses the acceptance of simultaneously receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) and the COVID-19 vaccine in a single administration. The simultaneous administration aims to increase uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among patients in the East Mediterranean region.
Effect of Temperature on Fast Transmission of COVID-19 in Low per Capita GDP Asian Countries
Nature Scientific Reports, 30 November 2023
This article aims to assess the relationship between temperature and the spread of COVID-19, with a focus on the developing Asian countries including Syria and Yemen.
Algeria
Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in an Algerian University Teaching Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study
Vaccine: X, 25 November 2023
This article examines the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers at an Algerian University Teaching Hospital.
Bahrain
Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on the behavior of children and adolescents in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Medicine, 10 November 2023
This article evaluates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behavior, emotions, daily physical activity, and sleep routines of children and adolescents in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 Virus in Wastewater in the Kingdom of Bahrain during the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, 13 November 2023
This article examines the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in untreated wastewater in Bahrain and to correlate it with the disease spread.
Egypt
Outcome of COVID-19 in Egyptian Living-Donor Kidney Transplant Recipients and Relation to Maintenance Immunosuppressive Drugs: A Pilot Study
Nature Scientific Reports, 3 November 2023
This article assesses COVID-19 infection among Egyptian living-donor kidney transplant recipients and to highlight the impact of long-term immunosuppression on the severity and outcome of the infection.
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among COVID-19 Patients in South Sinai, Egypt: Prevalence and Associated Predictors
Nature Scientific Reports, 6 November 2023
This article examines the prevalence and severity of psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress) among COVID-19 patients and their associated significant predictors.
Predictors of Mental Health Problems during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Egypt in 2021
Frontiers in Public Health, 9 November 2023
This article investigates the most impactful factors influencing individuals’ mental health and how such health changed over the COVID-19 lockdown in Egypt in 2021.
Toward Safe Dental Service: Risk Perception and Practice Modification among Egyptian Dental Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
BMC Health Services Research, 13 November 2023
This article examines risk perception and practice modifications of undergraduate dental students at Tanta University as they endeavored ensure safe dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19’s Fear-Uncertainty Effects on Destination Image and Travelers’ Environmental Behavior Post-Coronavirus Pandemic in Egypt: A Multi-Level Moderation Approach
Environment, Development and Sustainability, 15 November 2023
This article investigates the impact of COVID-19’s fear-uncertainty (CFU) on the perceived destination image (DI) and travelers’ environmental behavior among over 600 international tourists who visited Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Post- Vaccination Infection among Hospital Attendants in Qena City
The Egyptian Journal of Bronchology, 16 November 2023
This article examines the rate of COVID-19 post-vaccination infections and to identify possible associated risk factors among hospital attendants in Qena City.
A Comparative Analysis of MicroRNA Expression in Mild, Moderate, and Severe COVID-19: Insights from Urine, Serum, and Nasopharyngeal Samples
Biomolecules, 21 November 2023
This article analyzes and compares the expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) in serum, urine, and nasopharyngeal samples from patients with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 in Egypt.
Glycemic Variability and Time in Range among Children with Type 1 Diabetes on Insulin Pump during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Egypt; Single Center Experience
BMC Endocrine Disorders, 27 November 2023
This article assesses the impact of COVID-19 on glycemic control and acute complications among children with Type 1 Diabetes on insulin pumps in Egypt.
Iraq
Phylogenetic, Sequencing, and Mutation Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (BA.1) and Its Subvariants (BA.1.1, BA.2) During the Fifth Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region
Cureus, 10 November 2023
This article analyzes 40 viral genomes of SARS-CoV-2 to identify prevalent variations, clades, and lineages and attain better understanding of the virus through a better grasp of mutation patterns.
Assessment of Corona Virus (COVID-19) Infection Spread Pattern in Iraq Using GIS and RS Techniques
Cogent Social Sciences, 27 November 2023
This article identifies infection recognition patterns using data mining applications by Remote Sensing RS and Geographical Information Systems GIS techniques to map the spread of COVID-19 cases in Iraq.
The Correlation between Biochemical Indicators in COVID-19 Patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus in Basra, Iraq
Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal, 27 November 2023
This article performs a general statistical comparison between the biochemical markers in the patients infected with COVID-19 only and between those infected with COVID-19 and those who have complications from diabetes mellitus.
‘What we lacked was the courage to take decisions that differed from the rest of the world’: Expert Perspectives on the Role of Evidence in COVID-19 Policymaking in Iraq
BMJ Global Health, 30 November 2023
This article evaluates Iraqi policymaking during the COVID-19 pandemic and compares it to other contexts in terms of relying on evidence in producing public health policies.
Jordan
The Impact of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Zinc Supplements on Immune Status among Jordanian Adults during COVID-19: Cross-Sectional Study Findings
BMC Public Health, 16 November 2023
This article examines the immune status of a group of Jordanian adults and evaluates the association between vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc consumption and the Immune status during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Pandemic on the Overall Respiratory Viruses’ Transmission in a Cancer Care Setting
Immunity, Inflammation and Disease, 22 November 2023
This article examines the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and its interventional measures on COVID-19 transmission and infection rates in a cancer care center in Jordan.
Identifying Modifiable Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance among Cancer Patients in Jordan
Frontiers in Oncology, 28 November 2023
This article examines the modifiable factors that can help address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among cancer patients in Jordan.
Kuwait
Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Energy Literacy and Conservation Behavior in Academic Buildings of Kuwait
Heliyon, 8 November 2023
This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on energy literacy and conservation behavior in academic buildings in Kuwait.
COVID-19 and the Construction Sector: Impacts and an Agenda for Post-Pandemic Policy in the Context of Kuwait
Journal of Engineering Research, 19 November 2023
This article analyzes COVID-19’s disruptive impact on Kuwait’s construction projects. It uses comparative global insights and offers recommendations on way to enhance the industry’s adaptability and recovery.
Cost of In-Patient Management of COVID-19 Patients in a General Hospital in Kuwait
BMC Health Services Research, 28 November 2023
This article assesses the total cost of managing COVID-19 in-patients in Kuwait.
Lebanon
Effectiveness of Resource Management of Lebanese NGOs in Response to COVID-19 and the Syrian Crisis
Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2 November 2023
This article examines Lebanon’s NGO activities and strategies in response to the Syrian refugee crisis during and after COVID-19 to identify future effective practices.
Mask-Acne Prevalence and Risk Factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Single Institution Study
Dermatologic Therapy, 21 November 2023
This article assesses the prevalence, severity, risk factors, and mask behaviors related to mask acne in healthcare workers at the Lebanese American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital (LAUMC-RH) in Beirut, Lebanon.
Blood Stream Infections in COVID-19 Patients From a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon: Causative Pathogens and Rates of Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms
Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, 23 November 2023
This article examines the microbiological profile of the pathogens implicated in bloodstream infections (BSI) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Navigating the Crisis: A Review of COVID-19 Research and the Importance of Academic Publications – The Case of a Private University in Lebanon
Heliyon, 30 November 2023
This article surveys the COVID-19 research approaches adopted at the Lebanese American University between 2019 and 2022 and to sheds light on the importance of academic publications during this crisis period in the context of Lebanon.
Morocco
Exports of Fruit and Vegetables from Morocco and Other Mediterranean Countries to the EU: Some Policy Recommendations from the COVID Pandemic
EuroChoices, 6 November 2023
This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the exports of fruits and vegetables from Morocco and other Mediterranean countries to the European Union and draws out policy recommendations.
Risk Mapping of the Management of a Dyspneic Parturient Suffering from COVID-19-Related Pneumopathy During Delivery in a Hospital in Morocco
Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Cancer Research, 11 November 2023
This article examines the risk map for managing dyspneic parturients suffering from COVID-19-related pneumopathy during delivery.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in the Treatment of COVID-19 Induced Cytokine Storm: The First Moroccan Experience
BMC Infectious Diseases, 25 November 2023
This article evaluates the efficiency of therapeutic plasma exchange on critically ill COVID-19 patients by analyzing multiple clinical and biological parameters and comparing two groups of patients.
Oman
Comparison of Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation with High-Flow Nasal Cannula, Face-Mask, and Helmet in Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure in Patients with COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Critical Care Medicine, 1 November 2023
This article compares and ranks three different techniques of noninvasive respiratory support used to aid COVID-19 patients.
Trust in Information Sources as a Moderator of the Impact of COVID-19 Anxiety and Exposure to Information on Conspiracy Thinking and Misinformation Beliefs: A Multilevel Study
BMC Psychology, 7 November 2023
This article investigates the intricate relationship between exposure to information sources, trust in these sources, conspiracy and misinformation beliefs, and COVID-19 anxiety among 509 Omani citizens aged 11 to 50, representing 11 governorates.
Were the Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Oman Ready to Face Pedagogical Challenges during COVID-19?
Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, 13 November 2023
This article examines the Higher Educational Institutions’ readiness for addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in Oman.
Knowledge and Attitude Towards COVID-19 and Associated Mental Health Status among Students of Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Sultan Qaboos University Journal for Science, 21 November 2023
This article examines COVID-19-related knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 and associated mental health status during the pandemic among the students of Sultan Qaboos University in Oman.
Epidemiological, Clinical, and Laboratory Findings of 235 Hospitalized COVID-19 Adult Patients (Survivors and Non-Survivors) at Sohar Hospital in Oman
Cureus, 21 November 2023
This article examines the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of COVID-19 patients at the Sohar Hospital in Oman.
Predictive Machine Learning Model for Mental Health Issues in Higher Education Students Due to COVID-19 Using HADS Assessment
Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, 27 November 2023
This article evaluates the mental well-being after COVID-19 in terms of anxiety and depression through Machine Learning algorithms among students pursuing medical and engineering studies in Oman.
The Outcome of Antibiotic Overuse before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Oman
Antibiotics, 27 November 2023
This article assesses antibiotics’ use before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and correlates the results with the rate of resistant microorganisms detected in hospitalized patients during the study period in Oman.
Palestine
Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 in Hemodialysis Patients
Frontiers in Medicine, 13 November 2023
This article investigates the effects of COVID-19 on hemodialysis patients receiving services at the Palestine Medical Complex (PMC) kidney dialysis department and assesses mortality-related risk factors.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Provision of Outpatient Clinic Services in East Jerusalem Hospitals: Patients’ Perspectives
Frontiers in Public Health, 24 November 2023
This article assesses how patients perceive the way that outpatient clinic services were delivered before and during the COVID-19 outbreak across East Jerusalem Hospitals.
Qatar
Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for COVID-19: The PERIL Prospective Cohort Study
Future Virology, 7 November 2023
This article undertakes an external validation of a recently developed prognostic model for early prediction of the risk of progression to severe COVID-19 among patients in Qatar.
Association between Lifestyle Factors and COVID-19: Findings from Qatar Biobank
Preprints, 7 November 2023
This working paper analyzes data from Qatar BioBank to assess the associations between COVID-19 and age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, education level, dietary patterns, supplement use, physical activity, history of bariatric surgery, diabetes, and hypertension.
Efficacy of Remdesivir in Hospitalized Pediatric COVID-19
Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 13 November 2023
This article assesses the efficacy and safety of Remdesivir (RDV) therapy in children with moderate to severe COVID-19, aiming to enhance clinical decision-making and expand the understanding of antiviral treatments for pediatric patients.
Cycle Threshold Value and Symptoms with ICU
International Journal of General Medicine, 16 November 2023
This article investigates the association between Cycle Threshold values, symptoms, and the risk of ICU admission and mortality from COVID-19 in Qatar.
Type of COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Errors and Deviations at the Primary Health Care Vaccination Sites in the State of Qatar 2021-2022
Qatar Journal of Public Health, 20 November 2023
This article assesses COVID-19 vaccine administration errors at Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC) in Qatar and puts forward corrective measures to enhance patient safety based on the Centre for Communicable Diseases recommendations.
SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection and Effects of Age, Sex, Comorbidity, and Vaccination among Older Individuals: A National Cohort Study
Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, 21 November 2023
This article investigates the contribution of age, coexisting medical conditions, sex, and vaccination to the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and of severe, critical, or fatal COVID-19 in older adults in Qatar.
Academic and Healthcare Efforts from Cessation to Complete Resumption of Professional Football Tournaments during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review
Heliyon, 22 November 2023
This article presents a narrative review addressing the healthcare and research efforts at the intersections between COVID-19 and major professional sports leagues worldwide, with special reference to the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) Vaccine Among Adolescents (Aged 12-15 Years): An Observational Study in Qatar
Clinical Pediatrics, 22 November 2023
This article aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine among vaccinated and nonvaccinated adolescents in Qatar.
Behaviour and Associated Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Advocacy: A Nationwide Survey of Pharmacy Professionals in Qatar
Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, 28 November 2023
This article examines the behavior and associated determinants influencing pharmacy professionals’ attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and advocacy in Qatar.
Saudi Arabia
Symptomatic MERS-CoV Infection Reduces the Risk of Future COVID-19 Disease; A Retrospective Cohort Study
BMC Infectious Diseases, 3 November 2023
This article examines whether previous MERS-CoV infection was associated with a lower risk of subsequent COVID-19 disease and its related outcomes.
Analyzing Communication Strategies of the Saudi Ministry of Health During COVID-19
American Journal of Arts and Human Science, 7 November 2023
This article investigates the communication strategies employed by the Saudi Ministry of Health through its official Twitter account during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance during the COVID-19 Era among Hospitals in Saudi Arabia and the Implications
Antibiotics, 9 November 2023
This article aims to document current antimicrobial prescribing patterns among Saudi hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaccine Conspiracy Association with Higher COVID-19 Vaccination Side Effects and Negative Attitude towards Booster COVID-19, Influenza and Monkeypox Vaccines: A Pilot Study in Saudi Universities
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 9 November 2023
This article investigates the possible association between the embrace of vaccine conspiracies and the attitude to booster COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and monkeypox (mpox) vaccinations as well as the perceived side effects following COVID-19 vaccination.
The Impact of Social Media on the Physical and Mental Well-Being of Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, 13 November 2023
This article examines the correlation between social media use and physical/mental health among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic, factoring gender and academic year.
Perceptions of Saudis Toward Participating in the COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Clinical Trial
Cureus, 16 November 2023
This article examines the perceptions of Saudis toward participating in the COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Clinical Trial.
A Pulmonary Telerehabilitation Program Improves Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in Young Females Post-COVID-19 Patients
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 20 November 2023
This article examines the impact of telerehabilitation training on exercise capacity, lung function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in comparison to no rehabilitation for post-COVID-19 symptoms in adult females.
Correlation between Extended Surgical Mask Usage and Adverse Health Effects during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Healthcare Personnel in Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Italian Journal of Medicine, 20 November 2023
This article argues that extended surgical mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to adverse health implications among healthcare workers in Jazan.
Stigma and Inequality in the Management of Coronavirus Disease-2019 COVID-19- Patients among Healthcare Providers in Saudi Arabia and Associated Beliefs: A Cross Sectional Study
Journal of Infection and Public Health, 22 November 2023
This article examines the discrimination and inequality in treating COVID-19 patients and the associated beliefs among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the pandemic.
“The Pandemic Was a Global Exam, and Our Country Came in First”: Autocratic Performance Legitimacy in Saudi Arabia
Perspectives on Politics, 22 November 2023
This article examines the effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Saudi government to demonstrate how government performance translated trust in state capacity into the performance legitimacy of the Saudi regime and system of governance.
Beliefs About the Use of Herbs Before and After COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia
Cureus, 29 November 2023
This article examines the beliefs of Saudi people towards the use of herbal medicine for COVID-19 infection.
Locus of Control and Self-Directed Learning Readiness of Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia
Nursing Reports, 30 November 2023
This article explores the relationship between locus of control and level of readiness for self-directed learning (SDL) among Saudi nursing students and whether the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted this relationship.
The Effect of COVID-19 on Dental Education in Saudi Arabia
Cureus, 30 November 2023
This article examines and evaluates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental education as perceived by dental students in Saudi Arabia.
Sudan
The Psychological Impact of the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic on Health-Care Workers in Primary Health-Care Centers in Resource-Poor Settings
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 1 November 2023
This article examines the psychological impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare providers working in primary healthcare settings in Sudan.
Tunisia
SARS-CoV-2 Excretion Kinetics in Nasopharyngeal and Stool Samples from the Pediatric Population
Frontiers in Medicine, 30 October 2023
This article examines RNA shedding in nasopharyngeal and stool samples obtained from asymptomatic and symptomatic children and investigates virus viability.
Spillovers between Cryptocurrencies, Gold and Stock Markets: Implication for Hedging Strategies and Portfolio Diversification under the COVID-19 Pandemic
Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Science, 15 November 2023
This article examines both return and volatility spillover in Tunisia between US/Chinese stock markets before and after the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Assessing Parents’ and Children’s Psychological Well-Being and Its Associated Factors during the COVID-19 Lockdown in a Tunisian-North African Population
BMC Public Health, 17 November 2023
This article assesses the psychological profile of parents and youth in Tunisia during a period of COVID-19 lockdown and identifies associated factors to parental anxiety symptoms.
Comparative Reconstruction of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Transmission in Three African Countries Using a Mathematical Model Integrating Immunity Data
IJID Regions, 23 November 2023
This article presents a susceptible–exposed–infected–recovered model including COVID-19 mortality data for Tunisia, Senegal, and Madagascar where the recovery class is structured by specific immunization and modeled by a partial differential equation considering the opposed effects of immunity decline and immunization.
Healthcare-Associated Infections in Critical COVID-19 Patients in Tunis: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Outcomes
Acute and Critical Care, 28 November 2023
This article examines the characteristics of all HAIs (healthcare-associated infections) occurring in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
UAE
Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Health and Well-Being in the United Arab Emirates
Frontiers in Psychology, 3 November 2023
This article examines the changes to exercise and general physical activity habits, changes to the consumption of various foods, and potential weight gain, as well as any differences in smoking habits among individuals in the UAE during the COVID-19 quarantine.
Comparative Study of Total Antibody Titer Against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein between Male and Female COVID-19 Patients of Different Age Groups in UAE
American Journal of Clinical Pathology, 29 November 2023
This article examines the associations with age, gender, and clinical parameters of total antibody responses against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 after infection in the UAE population.
Yemen
Seroprevalence and Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Healthcare Workers: Cross-Sectional Study
BMC Infectious Diseases, 6 November 2023
This article examines the seroprevalence of COVID-19 among healthcare workers in two Yemeni governorates and identifies associated factors, using a cross-sectional design.