Corrigendum: Prevalence and determinants of health literacy among the adult population of Qatar.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.

Midwakh smoking as an emerging risky behavior: insight from Qatar 2022.

Background: Alternative tobacco products like midwakh are gaining popularity as potential substitutes for traditional cigarettes despite a misconception among smokers that they may be less harmful.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence, knowledge, beliefs, and predictors of midwakh smoking among adult smokers in Qatar during 2022.

Method: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to July 2022.

Human papillomavirus prevalence and genotypes in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: A scoping review 2017-2024.

Background: Cervical cancer remains a global health challenge, claiming the lives of millions annually and having a significant impact on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary causative agent, plays a central role, with regional variations in prevalence. The process from HPV infection to neoplastic changes takes 5-25 years to occur, hence, knowing its prevalence in our community is vital.

Screen Time Soars and Vision Suffers: How School Closures During the Pandemic Affected Children and Adolescents' Eyesight.

This study aimed to determine the impact of school closures on visual acuity and screen time among students in Qatar. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, targeting governmental school students. Data were collected via telephone interviews with parents, and visual acuity measurements were extracted from the electronic health records.

Health-related quality of life in adults with hematological cancer: a 2023 cross-sectional survey from Qatar.

Background: Hematological cancers impose a complex burden on individuals, affecting their physical health and mental and emotional well-being. This study evaluated the health-related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and its determinants among adults with hematological cancers in Qatar in 2023.

Methods: A cross-sectional study used a validated structured questionnaire conducted among adult patients diagnosed with hematological cancers.

COVID-19 lockdowns weigh heavily on youth: an analysis of the impact on BMI for Age Z scores in children and adolescents.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the lifestyle and health of children and adolescents. This study aimed to assess the lifestyle changes brought about by COVID-19-related school closures and their impact on the Body Mass Index for Age Z (BAZ) scores of governmental school students in Qatar.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2022 targeting students aged 8-15 years.

Determinants of vaccine adherence among non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients in Qatar.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem. Reduced innate and adaptive immunological responses predispose CKD patients to infections. Despite the clinical and epidemiological importance of CKD and the great value of vaccination as a prophylactic measure, the utilization of recommended vaccines in Qatar has not yet been evaluated.

Prevalence and determinants of health literacy among the adult population of Qatar.

Introduction: Health literacy (HL) is both a direct determinant and a mediator of health outcomes. Research on the prevalence and determinants of HL in terms of its functional, communicative, and critical domains is scarce in the state of Qatar and its surrounding regions. Thus, this study aims to fill the knowledge gap in this area, estimate the levels of functional, communicative, and critical health literacy among the general adult population, and identify its determinants in the state of Qatar.

Computer vision syndrome among students during remote learning periods: harnessing digital solutions for clear vision.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among children and adolescents in Qatar during the period of remote learning and explore the associated factors and discuss some digital health remedies that might reduce the risk.

Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study between June and August 2022 by collecting data via telephone interviews with parents of selected students utilizing the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q).

Results: We completed 1,546 interviews.

The Triple "S" Impact of COVID-19: Nationwide Evidence of the Impact of the Stress Associated With Restrictive Measures on Substance Use, Sleep, and Social Connectedness in Qatar.

Objectives: Countries worldwide implemented social and movement restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Unfortunately, such restrictions have adversely impacted people's lifestyles. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19-related restrictive measures on substance use, sleep, and social connectedness in Qatar's population.

Prevalence and predictors of smoking cessation among smokers receiving smoking cessation intervention in primary care in Qatar: a 6-month follow-up study.

Objective: To estimate the rate and predictors of smoking cessation in smokers attending smoking cessation clinics in primary care settings in Qatar.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 759 smokers who had attended any of the 10 smoking cessation clinics in primary health care centers from January 2019 to June 2020. The sociodemographic, clinical, and smoking-related variables were assessed.

A Sociodemographic Analysis of the Impact of COVID-19-Related Schools' Closure on the Diet and Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents in Qatar.

Objectives: To assess the impact of the COVID-19-related closure of government schools in Qatar on children and adolescents' dietary habits and physical activities and associated sociodemographic factors.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2022 utilizing the national electronic health records system in Qatar to extract a sampling frame of students enrolled in governmental schools, specifically targeting students in 3rd to 9th grades, stratified by sex and developmental stage. A stratified sampling technique was employed to randomly select a proportionate number of students from each stratum, and data were collected through telephone interviews with the parents of selected students.

Physical Activity among Primary Health Care Physicians and Its Impact on Counseling Practices.

Introduction: Physical inactivity has been linked to various noncommunicable diseases and their related health problems. As primary health care physicians (PHCPs) play a crucial role in promoting health and preventing disease, this study aims to determine the extent of physical inactivity among PHCPs and its impact on their counseling practices.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across all primary health care centers in Qatar, targeting 511 physicians.

Development and validation of a multi-dimensional COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy questionnaire.

Background: Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines have been developed to tackle the disease. However, many people worldwide were not confident enough to take the vaccines. Developing a questionnaire to measure COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy will give the health authorities and policymakers a clear picture to establish appropriate interventions addressing vaccine hesitancy among the community.

Telephone versus face-to-face consultation on smoking cessation at primary health care centers in Qatar during COVID-19 pandemic.

Smoking cessation leads to a reduction in risks of smoking-related morbidity and mortality. During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, smoking cessation services were interrupted. Providing smoking cessation counseling by telephone could be a convenient and safe alternative to traditional face-to-face service.

The impact of telemental health interventions on maternal mental health outcomes: a pilot randomized controlled trial during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The lethal potential of COVID-19 was often emphasized and repeatedly brought to the attention of pregnant women, leading to a higher level of anxiety, depression, and COVID-19-specific phobia among this population. Furthermore, legislation forced social distancing and isolation to interrupt the infection cycle. Together these factors resulted in higher maternal mental health distress requiring intervention.

Effectiveness of influenza vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in Qatar.

Background: Some studies have reported that influenza vaccination is associated with lower risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and/or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) morbidity and mortality. This study aims to estimate effectiveness of influenza vaccination, using Abbott's quadrivalent Influvac Tetra vaccine, against SARS-CoV-2 infection and against severe COVID-19.

Methods: This matched, test-negative, case-control study was implemented on a population of 30,774 healthcare workers (HCWs) in Qatar during the 2020 annual influenza vaccination campaign, September 17, 2020-December 31, 2020, before introduction of COVID-19 vaccination.

Prevalence and associated factors of lower digestive symptoms in type 2 diabetics in Tunisia.

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of lower digestive symptoms according to the Rome III criteria among diabetic patients of type 2, and second to identify the factors associated with the digestive symptoms among these subjects.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among recruited diabetes mellitus type 2 patients from basic health centers at Sousse and Monastir (Tunisia). Diagnosis of digestive symptoms was based on Rome III criteria.

Occupational Prevention of COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in Primary Healthcare Settings: Compliance and Perceived Effectiveness of Personal Protective Equipment.

Objectives: It is crucial for healthcare workers (HCWs) to comply with infection prevention and control precautions such as the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for their safety and the safety of patients. In this study, we aimed to assess HCWs' compliance with the appropriate use of PPE in primary healthcare settings in Qatar along with its associated factors and explore their perceived effectiveness of different PPE items in protecting against COVID-19 infection.

Methods: A Web-based survey was conducted between November 2020 and January 2021 targeting all clinical HCWs under the umbrella of Primary Health Care Corporation.

COVID-19 perceived stigma among survivors: A cross-sectional study of prevalence and predictors.

Background And Objectives: Perceived stigma related to infectious diseases is of public health importance and can adversely impact patients' physical and mental health. This study aims to identify the level of perceived stigma among COVID-19 survivors in Qatar and investigate its predictors.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was employed.

The story behind the first few cases of monkeypox infection in non-endemic countries, 2022.

Starting May 6, 2022, a rising number of monkeypox cases started to be detected in different countries where the disease is not endemic. About 24 countries reported cases by May 28 mostly in Europe. Most of the reported cases so far were among young men particularly men who have sex with men or had a travel history to countries where cases are being registered.