Mofeed Digest: December 2023

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.

[MENABahrain | EgyptIraqJordanLebanonMauritaniaMoroccoOman
PalestineQatarSaudi ArabiaSomaliaSyriaTunisiaUAEYemen]


MENA

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Mental Health Crisis during the Corona COVID-19 Pandemic among Health Workers (A Comparative Study between Iraq and Jordan)
ResearchGate, 1 December 2023
This working paper investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare professionals in Jordan and Iraq. 

Scarce Resources, Public Health and Professional Care: The COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbating Bioethical Conflicts — Findings from Global Qualitative Expert Interviews
BMC Public Health, 13 December 2023
This article examines the bioethical conflicts that were triggered, exposed, or intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic in  Oman, Tunisia, and other countries.

Exploring the Reasons behind Low COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage in Ethnic Minorities–A Qualitative Study among Arabic-Speaking Public in Denmark
Health Policy, 13 December 2023
This article examines COVID-19 vaccination perceptions among Arabic-speaking minorities in Denmark.

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Graduates: A Cross-Sectional Study
Cureus, 17 December 2023
This article comparatively assesses degrees of depression, anxiety, and stress of fresh graduate dental students in Egypt and Saudi Arabia after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination and Associated Factors in Middle East Countries: A Multinational Study
Alexandria Journal of Medicine, 18 December 2023
This article assesses the acceptance level of COVID-19 vaccination among the general population in Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Tunisia, Sudan, and Yemen. 

An Overview of Food Insecurity during the Global COVID-19 Outbreak: Transformative Change and Priorities for the Middle East
Agriculture & Food Security, 22 December 2023
This article examines the impact of COVID-19 on food security and identifies the more affected dimensions, including availability, access, utilization, and stability during the pandemic in MENA countries.

Predicting Poor Mental Health amongst Older Syrian Refugees in Lebanon during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Wave Longitudinal Study
medRxiv, 26 December 2023
This working paper identifies predictors of poor mental health amongst older Syrian refugees living in Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Epidemiological Model for Analysing Pandemic Trends of Novel Coronavirus Transmission with Optimal Control
Journal of Biological Dynamics, 29 December 2023
This article examines the temporal dynamics and optimal control of COVID-19 propagation in Oman, the UAE and other settings using an epidemiological model.


Bahrain

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Real World Effectiveness of Sotrovimab in Preventing COVID-19–Related Hospitalization or Death in Patients Infected with Omicron BA.2
Journal of Infection and Public Health, 4 December 2023
This article finds that Sotrovimab was effective in reducing COVID-19 progression risk in high-risk BA.2 variant-infected patients.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Post COVID-19 Infection: Diagnosis and Treatment from the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at a Tertiary Hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Cureus, 5 December 2023
This article identifies clinical manifestations of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome upon admission to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Bahrain. 


Egypt

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The Effect of COVID-19 on the Gender Employment Gap in Egyptian Manufacturing
World Bank, 1 December 2023
This working paper examines the gender employment gap post-COVID-19 in the Egyptian manufacturing sector, using a unique firm-level data set.

Multicenter Study to Describe Viral Etiologies, Clinical Profiles, and Outcomes of Hospitalized Children with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections, Egypt 2022
Nature Scientific Reports, 9 December 2023
This article evaluates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transmission of seasonal non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses in Egypt.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Rural Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study
BMC Women’s Health, 18 December 2023
This article assesses the knowledge and practices of exclusive breastfeeding among women during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural Damietta in Egypt. 

COVID-19 and Optic Neuritis: A Series of Three Cases and a Critical Review
The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery, 20 December 2023
This article examines the clinical profile and outcome of patients diagnosed with parainfectious/postinfectious optic neuritis (ON) associated with COVID-19.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) with Interferon-Induced Transmembrane Protein-3 (IFITM-3) Genetic Variants and Interleukin-6 as Severity and Risk Predictors among COVID-19 Egyptian Population
International Journal of Microbiology, 21 December 2023
This article examines the association between ACE-2 and IFITM-3 genotypes and their corresponding allele frequencies with disease severity indices in the Egyptian COVID-19 population.


Iraq

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D-Dimer and Ferritin Levels in Prediction of COVID-19 Severity
Journal of Applied Hematology, 1 December 2023
This article examines the role of COVID-19 on coagulation parameters D-dimer and ferritin with their association with COVID-19 severity and disease progression in a single-center study.

Perception and Preference of Pharmacy Students toward E-Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 1 December 2023
This article evaluates students’ knowledge and perceptions about the online learning of pharmacy curricula in Iraq during the COVID-19 quarantine.


Jordan

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Adolescent Social Outcomes Declined During COVID-19: Evidence From Bangladesh, Jordan, And Ethiopia
Health Affairs, 1 December 2023
This article examines changes in adolescent outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among vulnerable adolescents, focusing on education, economic participation, early marriage, self-reported health, and food security.

The Risk of COVID-19 Infection among Nurses Working with COVID-19 Patients
Medicine, 8 December 2023
This article compares the rates of positive COVID-19 tests between nurses who have worked in the dedicated COVID-19 wards and nurses from non-COVID wards. It assesses the risk difference between both groups.

Effect of Pre-Existing Chronic Medical Conditions on Clinical Features and Disease Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection in Jordanian Children
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 21 December 2023
This article examines COVID-19’s clinical presentation, disease progression, and outcomes among hospitalized pediatric patients. 

The Impact of COVID-19 on Antibiotic Resistance and Clinical Outcomes among Critically Ill Patients
American Journal of Infection Control, 22 December 2023
This article investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) among critically ill patients in Jordan and their clinical outcomes.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Care Services and Practices in Jordan
Journal of Health Management, 25 December 2023
This article investigates the impact of COVID-19 on dental care practices and services in Jordan. 

The Impact COVID-19 Infection on Cancer Patients: A Tertiary Cancer Center Experience in Jordan
Cureus, 29 December 2023
This article evaluates the outcomes of COVID-19 infection among cancer patients treated at King Hussein Cancer Center in Jordan.


Lebanon

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A Crisis Amidst Many Others: COVID-19 Response Satisfaction during the Economic Collapse and Post-Beirut Port Explosion in Lebanon
Journal of Public Health and Development, 12 December 2023
This article assesses the satisfaction of ‎the Lebanese population with the government’s response to the pandemic and evaluates the public ‎perception of the economic crisis and the Beirut port blast’s impact on the COVID-19 situation.


Mauritania

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Systems Analysis of the Effects of the 2014-16 Ebola Crisis on WHO-Reporting Nations’ Policy Adaptations and 2020-21 COVID-19 Response: A Systematized Review
Globalization and Health, 5 December 2023
This article examines how prior policy experiences with the Ebola crisis as a large-scale emergent outbreak in Mauritania and elsewhere helped prepare  WHO member states for future threats, including COVID-19.


Morocco 

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COVID-19 Lockdowns and Children’s Access to Justice: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Moroccan Family Court Filings
SocArXiv, 6 December 2023
This working paper reports the findings of a study investigating how the national lockdown affected the operation of family courts and children’s access to justice in Morocco.

Resilience and Adaptation in Moroccan Agriculture during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives from Farmers
E3S Web of Conferences, 11 December 2023
This article examines the perceptions of smallholder farmers in Morocco regarding the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on agricultural systems and the adoption of agroecological practices during the lockdown.

Medico-Demographic Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients Admitted to a Provincial Hospital in Center-West of Morocco
Pan African Medical Journal, 19 December 2023
This article examines the characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of a Moroccan COVID-19 cohort and identifies factors that predispose patients to hospitalization and mortality from COVID-19.


Oman

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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rates and Predictors of Missed Hospital Appointments in Multiple Outpatient Clinics of The Royal Hospital, Sultanate of Oman: A Retrospective Study
BMC Health Services Research, 19 December 2023
This article examines the impact of COVID-19 on the rate and predictors of missed hospital appointments in the Sultanate of Oman.

The Psychological Impact and Suicidal Behaviour in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Four Case Reports From Oman
Cureus, 20 December 2023
This article reports four cases of suicidal attempts during the COVID-19 outbreak in Oman due to the lockdown and related financial difficulties.


Palestine

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Quality of Life in a Palestinian Population during the Pandemic Age: The Role of Mental Health, Fear of COVID-19, and Vaccine Hesitancy
Journal of Public Health, 1 December 2023
This article investigates the relationship between mental health, vaccine hesitancy, and fear of COVID-19 within the Palestinian population.

Psychological Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nursing Students: Palestinian Perspective
SAGE Open Nursing, 18 December 2023
This article assesses the psychological status of nursing students in Palestine during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of stress, anxiety, and depression.


Qatar

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Are We Prepared for Potential Repercussions of International Sports Events in the Midst of a Global Pandemic?
Journal of Global Health, 27 December 2023
This article examines how large-scale international events may influence the future trajectory of a global pandemic by focusing on Qatar’s hosting the World Cup.


Saudi Arabia

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Knowledge, Attitude, and Adherence to Coronavirus Preventive Measures among Residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Medicine, 1 December 2023
This article assesses levels of knowledge, attitude, and adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Assessment of Anosmia/Hyposmia in Post-COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
Acta Biomedica, 5 December 2023
This article examines the persistence of olfactory dysfunction in post-COVID-19 patients in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis into the Willingness and Hesitancy to Test and Vaccinate Against COVID-19 Among the Elderly Population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Patient Preference and Adherence, 5 December 2023
This article examines the willingness and hesitancy among the elderly population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to test and vaccinate against COVID-19.

Perception of Fomite Route of Transmission, Usage of Masks and Role of Saliva in Coronavirus Disease-19 Infections: A Cross-sectional Survey among Dental Health Care Professionals in Saudi Arabia
The Open Dentistry Journal, 8 December 2023
This article assesses the level of awareness among dental health care professionals/practitioners (DHCPs) about the role of the fomite route of transmission and the role of saliva in COVID-19 infections.

A Rare Complication of Acute Lower Limb Ischemia Post Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection in a Healthy Pediatric Patient: Case Report
BMC Pediatrics, 9 December 2023
This article reports the case of a healthy four-year-old female with a history of COVID-19 who developed acute lower limb ischemia.

The Child-Parent Relationship During the COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia
Cureus, 11 December 2023
This article examines the impact of quarantining during the COVID-19 period on the relationship between children and their parents in the western region of Saudi Arabia, mainly in Jeddah and several nearby cities.

Intention and Practice on Personal Preventive Measures Against COVID-19 among Older Adults in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An Epidemiological Study Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour
Frontiers in Public Health, 14 December 2023
This article employs the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which is rooted in the field of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Preventive Medicine to predict the conduct of Saudi older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Are We Well Prepared for Public Health Emergencies? COVID-19 Pandemic Effect on Cancer Care in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study
Journal of Infection and Public Health, 28 December 2023
This article evaluates the experiences of cancer patients in Saudi Arabia and assesses the effect of restrictions, delays, and changes in healthcare delivery on their health.


Somalia

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Despite Misinformation, Low Trust, and Conflict in Somalia, High Demand for Vaccines and a Negative Endorsement Effect of Non-State Authorities
Nature Scientific Reports, 7 December 2o23
This article examines vaccine demand and its drivers in South Central Somalia, a region that ranks among both the most conflict-prone and least vaccinated in the world. 


Syria

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‘COVID-19 is just another way to die…’: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study of Frontline COVID-19 Response Governance across Syria
BMJ Global Health, 6 December 2023
This article explores perspectives of COVID-19 response governance among frontline healthcare providers over time and across major areas of control in Syria.

Assessing the Prevalence and Patterns of COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects among Syrian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Preventive Medicine Reports, 26 December 2023
This article reports that COVID-19 vaccines were generally well-tolerated by the Syrian population, with mostly short-term side effects and with a higher incidence of side effects associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.


Tunisia

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Epidemiology and Burden of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) in the aftermath of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Sentinel Surveillance Study in a Tunisian Medical ICU, 2022/2023
PLOS One, 15 December 2023
This article examines the impact of the post-pandemic period on the epidemiology of SARI (severe acute respiratory infection) cases, clinical outcomes, and healthcare resource utilization in Tunisia.

Comparison of the Clinical Features and Outcomes of Severe Seasonal Influenza and COVID‐19 Patients in Tunisia between 2021 and 2022
Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses, 20 December 2023
This article compares patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at a SARI (severe acute respiratory infections) surveillance site to those with seasonal influenza. It investigates the clinical differences, common features, and outcomes.


UAE

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Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis Admissions to COVID-19 Free UAE Tertiary Center during Pandemic
Dubai Diabetes and Endocrinology Journal, 5 December 2023
This article evaluates the characteristics and severity of DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) admissions before and during the pandemic to a COVID-19-free hospital in the UAE.

Effects of the COVID-19 Infection on Women’s Menstrual Cycle: A Retrospective Study at Latifa Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Cureus, 31 December 2023
This article presents the results of a retrospective study wherein 700 women recovering from COVID-19 infection were asked about any new menstrual disturbances after the infection.


Yemen

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Adapting to COVID-19: Seven Stories of IRC’s Response
International Rescue Committee, 8 December 2023
This report lays out seven stories of how the IRC and partners have sought to address the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic  in Yemen and other countries.