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| Kuwait| Morocco| Oman|
Palestine| Saudi Arabia| Somalia| Sudan| Syria| Tunisia| UAE|Yemen]
MENA
Global Burden Of Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter And Its Attributable Risk Factors From 1990 To 2021
EP Europace, July 2024
This study seeks to quantify the burden and delineate the risk factors associated with AF and AFL across 204 countries and territories spanning 1990–2021, including Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar and the UAE, and factoring in COVID-19 infections.
Advancing Vaccinology Capacity: Education and Efforts in Vaccine Development and Manufacturing across Africa
Vaccines, 3 July 2024
This manuscript examines the current state of education in vaccinology and related sciences in Africa (including North African countries). It also provides an overview of the continent’s efforts to address educational needs in vaccine development and manufacturing and evaluates the initiatives aimed at strengthening vaccine education and literacy, highlighting successful approaches and ongoing challenges.
Impact Of SARS-Cov-2 On Male Reproductive System And Fertility
Middle East Fertility Society Journal, 6 July 2024
This review, drawing on data from several Arab countries, examines the negative impacts of COVID-19 on various body parts, including the heart, kidneys, digestive system, central nervous system, skin, but focuses predominantly on the virus effect on the reproductive system.
Health and wellbeing of staff working at higher education institutions globally during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period: evidence from a cross-sectional study
BMC Public Health, 11 July 2024
This study, based on data from, among others, Kuwait, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, seeks to identify factors associated with job insecurity, burnout, psychological distress and coping amongst staff working at higher education institutions globally.
At-Admission Prediction Of Mortality And Pulmonary Embolism In An International Cohort Of Hospitalised Patients With COVID-19 Using Statistical And Machine Learning Methods
Nature Scientific Reports, 16 July 2024
This study, which uses and analyzes data from the MENA region, develops predictive tools for pulmonary embolism (PE) in COVID-19 patients as one of the most severe preventable complications of COVID-19.
Physician Posttraumatic Stress Disorder During COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
JAMA Network Open, 24 July 2024
This article, reviewing studies on, among others, Qatar, Palestine, Egypt and Morocco, seeks to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines variations based on factors, such as sex, age, medical specialty, and career stage.
A One Health Perspective on Camel Meat Hygiene and Zoonoses: Insights from a Decade of Research in the Middle East
Veterinary Sciences, 29 July, 2024
This review explores the safety of camel meat and the diseases that camels can transmit to humans in the Middle East conducted over the past ten years, emphasizing the need for a One Health approach. An examination of recent studies indicates significant issues with pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and contamination with heavy metals and pesticides. The review also highlights the ongoing risk of diseases like Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and other zoonoses, including COVID-19.
Bahrain
The Emergency Remote Teaching Experience During The COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case Of Arabian Gulf University
Cogent Education, 2 July 2024
This study (a) assesses the overall efficacy of Emergency Remote Teaching implemented at Arab Gulf University (AGU) during the COVID-19 pandemic; (b) investigates the evolution of satisfaction levels with ERT among CGS students and faculty throughout the study period and determine if these levels are influenced by gender or academic qualifications; (c) offers strategic recommendations for AGU to enhance its online and blended learning approaches.
Egypt
Epidemiological Exploration Of Fleas And Molecular Identification Of Flea-Borne Viruses In Egyptian Small Ruminants
Nature Scientific Reports, 2 July 2024
The study investigates molecularly the presence of flea-borne viruses in infested small ruminants with fleas, including those that might transmit COVID-19.
Potential Therapeutic Biomolecules Of Hymenopteran Venom Against SARS-Cov-2 From Egyptian Patients
Nature Scientific Reports, 4 July 2024
This study examines therapeutic potential of insect-derived bioactive molecules as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. It assesses hymenopteran venoms, notably from Apis mellifera(honeybee) and Vespa orientalis (oriental wasp), for the first time in an in vitro setting for their potential anti-COVID-19 activity.
SARS-Cov-2-Associated Lymphopenia: Possible Mechanisms And The Role Of CD147
Cell Communication and Signaling, 4 July 2024
This article – probing, among others, studies on Egypt –reviews how possible indirect and direct key mechanisms could contribute to SARS-CoV-2-associated lymphopenia.
Investigating Fear, Depressive Symptoms And Coping Mechanisms Among Egyptian Nursing Students Amidst The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
BMC Nursing, 8 July 2024
The study argues that the fear of COVID-19 and depressive symptoms among nursing students are significantly correlated.
Drug Repurposing of Pyrazolotriazine Derivatives As Potential Anti-SARS-Cov-2 Agents: In Vitro And In Silico Studies
BMC Chemistry, 16 July 2024
This study addresses the question of drug repurposing. Using data from Egypt, it presents the in vitro and in silico screening of ten previously synthesized and reported compounds as anti-COVID 19 agents.
Pulmonary vein thrombosis in COVID-19 patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a case report
The Egyptian Journal of Bronchology, 20 July 2024
This article reports on a case of 71-year-old male COVOD-19 patient with pulmonary vein thrombosis, a rare condition with a non-specific presentation and with multiple underlying etiologies
Role of Mechanical Thrombectomy Among Large Vessel Stroke Patients During The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic
Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, 29 July 2024
This Egypt-focused study seeks to provide insights derived from experience at multiple centers regarding the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) in COVID-19 patients and compare them with those in non-COVID-19 patients during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Iraq
The Negative Impact of Misinformation and Vaccine Conspiracy on COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Attitudes Among the General Public in Iraq
Preventive Medicine Reports, July 2024
This study investigates the attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among adult population in Iraq.
Assessment of Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Among COVID-19 Survivors After 40 Months in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: An Online Cross-Sectional Study
Cureus, 3 July 2024
This study investigates the prevalence and demographic factors affecting anxiety, stress, and depression levels among COVID-19 survivors in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
Prevalence of COVID-19 and its Determinants in Raparin Administrative Area/ Iraq: a survey study
Pielęgniarstwo w Opiece Długoterminowej / Long-Term Care Nursing, 12 July 2024
This study seeks to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 and explore its determinants in the Raparin Administration.
Prevalence of Risk Factors of Exposure to COVID-19 Pandemic Among Health Care Workers in Babylon, Iraq
Medical Journal of Babylon, 17 July 2024
This article examines the prevalence and risk factors of exposure to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Babylon, Iraq.
Jordan
The Affecting Factors Of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy In Parents Of Children With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Jordanian Study
Immunity, Inflammation and Disease, July 2024
This study investigates the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in parents of children with cancer in Jordan.
Incidence of narcolepsy symptoms after taking COVID-19 vaccines: a Jordanian cross-sectional study
Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research, July 2024
This study investigates the relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and the incidence of narcolepsy symptoms in the Jordanian population.
Exploring The Factors That Influence Academic Performance In Jordanian Higher Education Institutions
Heliyon, 15 July 2024
This study examines the factors that influence academic performance in Jordanian higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kuwait
The Challenges Experienced by ICU Nurses in Kuwait during the COVID-19 Pandemic
International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances, 25 July 2024
This study examines the challenges faced by ICU nurses in Kuwait during the pandemic, by considering two research questions: “What contributed to intensified pressure for the ICU nurses?” and “How were the nurses affected?”.
Morocco
Comprehensive Analysis Of The Impacts Of COVID-19 On Educational Inequalities In Rural Morocco And Perspectives For Public Policies
International Journal of Accounting, Finance, Auditing, Management and Economics, 6 July 2024
This article assesses the educational losses and inequalities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the responses of governments, schools, and teachers, with a particular focus on rural Moroccan areas.
Oman
Ciclesonide Inhaler For Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: Promisingclinical Evidence
Pharmacy Practice, July-September 2024
This article, using data from Oman, argues that despite demographic limitations, early use of ciclesonide in COVID-19 patients has shown promising results in date research.
Palestine
COVID-19 Vaccines Breakthrough Infections and Adverse Effects Reported by the Birzeit University Community in Palestine
International Journal of General Medicine, 20 July 2024
This study examines the type and severity of short-term adverse reactions associated with BNT162 (Pfizer-BioNTech), mRNA 1273 (Moderna), and viral vector vaccines and to compare the incidence of post-vaccination Covid-19 infection among the Birzeit University community in Palestine.
Relationship Between Night Eating Syndrome And Sleep Quality Among University Students In Palestine
Sleep Science & Practice, 25 July 2024
This article investigates how common night-eating syndrome (NES) is among Palestinian university students, as well as the association between NES, sleep quality, BMI, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle factors, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saudi Arabia
Effect Of The Pandemic On The Presentation And Management Of Patients With Acute Appendicitis At King Abdulaziz University Hospital In Saudi Arabia
The Egyptian Journal of Surgery, July 2024
This study finds that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no discernible differences in the duration from presentation to acute appendicitis surgery, complications, ICU admissions, readmissions, and total length of hospital stay compared with the pre-pandemic period.
Epidemiologic and Clinical Updates On Viral Infections In Saudi Arabia
Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, July 2024
This review article assesses the epidemiological updates of the recently reported viral infections in Saudi Arabia and provides insights into the recent clinical treatment and prevention strategies.
Undesirable Effects Of COVID-19 Vaccination On Saudi Population: A Descriptive Study, Winter 2022
International Journal of Health Sciences, July-August 2024
This study investigates the long-term side effects reported by the Saudi population. post-COVID-19 vaccination.
Epidemiology of Viral Infectious Diseases Reported in Saudi Arabia
Infectious Diseases and Therapy, 5 July 2024
This study analyzes data obtained from the Field Epidemiology Program (FETP) which is part of the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Saudi Arabia. It contains reported cases of infectious diseases over four years, from January 2018 to December 2021. The study investigates and highlights the significant trend and incidence rate for each viral infectious disease.
Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Performance of Undergraduate Healthcare Students During Their Internship in Saudi Arabia
Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 6 July 2024
This study examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of undergraduate healthcare students in Saudi Arabia during internship, focusing on the leadership, social, and mental aspects.
Predicting COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake: Comparing the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behavior
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 15 July, 2024
This study compares the prediction level of the Health Belief Model (HBM), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and a combined model in explaining the intention of adults in Saudi Arabia to receive COVID-19 immunization.
Awareness of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Among the General Population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Cureus, 15 July 2024
This study assesses the level of awareness of post-COVID-19 syndrome among the general population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
Changes in Nutritional Habits and Lifestyles Associated With COVID-19 in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A 2022 Cross-Sectional Survey
Cureus, 26 July 2024
This study evaluates the effects of the pandemic on adults’ dietary habits and physical activity in Jazan and compared them to pre-pandemic.
Somalia
[Back to Top]
The Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic On Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes In 49 High Burden Countries
BMC Medicine, 29 July 2024
This study – among whose cases is Somalia – finds insufficient evidence globally to identify systematic differences between observed and expected TB treatment outcome probabilities because of COVID-19-associated disruptions. However, it observes larger numbers of treatment failures and deaths on treatment than expected globally.
Sudan
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of artificial intelligence among medical students in Sudan: a cross-sectional study
Annals of Medicine and Surgery, July 2024
This cross-sectional examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to artificial intelligence (AI) among medical students in Sudan, especially in a practice environment shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hematological, Biochemical, and Inflammatory Markers in Patients Suffering from SARS-CoV-2 in Kassala, Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Hospital-Based Study
European Journal of Medical Health Sciences, 21 July 2024
This study, conducted in Kassala, Sudan, evaluates key hematological, biochemical, and inflammatory markers in confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients.
Impact Of COVID-19 On The Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Scoping Review
Infectious Diseases of Poverty, 29 July 2024
This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence, management, and control of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in several countries, including Sudan. It highlights the current or prospective impact of COVID-19 on research and development funding for, and execution of, NTD programs.
Syria
Sicca Syndrome As Complication Of COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report
Clinical Case Reports, 16 July 2024
The article reports a Syrian 39-year-old male, presented with symptoms of dry mouth and dry eye lasting more than 3 months. The patient had recovered from (PCR-confirmed) COVID-19 which lasted 10 days, 4 months earlier. Sicca symptoms may be a sequel of COVID-19 infection, and physicians should be aware of this sequel.
Tunisia
Increased Rheumatoid Factor production in patients with severe COVID-19
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, July 2024
This study investigates the association between RF isotypes (IgM, IgA, and IgG) and different clinical presentations of COVID-19 in a series of Tunisian patients.
UAE
Health And Fitness Trends In The Post-COVID-19 Era In The United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study
AIMS Public Health, 5 July 2024
This observational study examines the most popular trends related to health and fitness services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on the industry status after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It seeks to identify potential differences in comparison with the recent results observed in other countries or regions.
Yemen
COVID-19 Pandemic In Taiz Governorate, Yemen, Between 2020 And 2023
BMC Infectious Diseases, 25 July 2024
This analysis examines the epidemiological status of COVID-19 in the Taiz governorate between April 2020 and December 2023.