Microscale Audits of the Built Environment and the Challenges for Pedestrians in 4 Residential Areas in Oman.

Background: Ensuring a livable and healthy built environment that addresses challenges of climate change and the pandemic of noncommunicable diseases should include creating an environment support of physical activity. This study aims to build local evidence on improving the residential areas by assessing the built environment of 4 residential areas in Oman.

Methods: This study uses the Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes-Mini, a 15-item tool with 4 subscales (destinations and land use, aesthetics, pedestrian infrastructure, and crossings/traffic safety), to conduct environmental audits of 4 areas in Barka and Nizwa, Oman.

Construct validity of the physical activity neighborhood environment scale-Oman.

Aims: This study aims to examine the construct validity of Physical Activity Neighborhoods Environment Scales, Oman (PANES-O), and compare the subjective perceptions with objective measures in Muscat, the capital area of Oman.

Methods: Walkability index scores using GIS maps were calculated for 35 study areas in Muscat based on which five low and 5 high walkable study areas were randomly selected. A community survey was then conducted in November 2020 in each study area using the 16-item PANES-O instrument to measure the participants' perception of neighborhood density, land use mix, infrastructure, safety, aesthetics, and street connectivity.

Assessing COVID-19 Vaccine's Acceptability Amongst Health Care Workers in Oman: A cross-sectional study.

Background: COVID-19 vaccines are considered to be a vital tool in controlling the pandemic. Hesitation with COVID-19 immunization has been reported worldwide. The acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine among health care workers (HCWs) is an important step in determining the success of any new vaccination program.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccine in Oman: A Cross-sectional Study.

Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among the general population of Oman, on the eve of the rollout of vaccination program in the country.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured and validated online questionnaire. Adults residing in Oman were invited to participate in the study between 22 and 24 December 2020.

Adaptation of the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale in Oman.

Objectives: This study aimed to adapt the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES), which is a 17-item tool for assessing environmental factors relevant for walking and bicycling in the community, to the Omani context.

Methods: The adaptation process was conducted in three steps: (1) revision by local experts, (2) Arabic translation and cognitive testing and (3) test-retest reliability testing with a sample of 33 Omani women and men, between September 2016 and August 2017.

Results: Four of the 17 items of the PANES were modified and one was removed, resulting in a 16-item PANES, Oman (PANES-O) questionnaire.

A Critique of National Physical Activity Policy in Oman Using 3 Established Policy Frameworks.

Background: This paper aimed to assess the development process, content, and early implementation of Oman's national physical activity plan of action to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Methods: Data were extracted from 4 documents: national noncommunicable diseases policy, physical activity plan of action, and 2 World Health Organization Mission Reports. Three policy frameworks and approaches (physical activity content analysis grid, health-enhancing physical activity policy audit tool, and policy cube approach for diet-related noncommunicable diseases) were used.

Community Participation Approaches for Effective National COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness and Response: An Experience From Oman.

Oman, like other countries in the world, was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the WHO's declaration of the pandemic, the Ministry of Health of Oman has initiated its preparedness and response to the pandemic, with community participation as one of the key components of the national preparedness and response plan. This paper is a descriptive study aims at describing the three community approaches that exist in Oman and reviewing their role in preparedness and response strategies to COVID-19 pandemic and discuss the lessons learned.

Health promotion strategy as part of Vision 2050 in Oman: the way forward.

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Oman. The adoption of unhealthy and sedentary lifestyles associated with rising income is trending with a large number of individuals and is contributing to the emergence of substantial health issues. Ultimately, the incidence of NCDs has increased considerably.

Move for health: addressing the built environment and physical activity in Oman.

Rapid modernization in Oman has resulted in a massive population shift to the cities, urban sprawl, and a car-dependent culture associated with lowered levels of physical activity and elevated rates of noncommunicable diseases. Since the built environment is a major contributing factor to physical inactivity in the Region, this policy brief identifies key steps for creating an urban environment more supportive of physical activity. Such transformations would also have wide-ranging health, social and economic benefits.

Control of the 2018-2019 dengue fever outbreak in Oman: A country previously without local transmission.

Background: In December 2018, routine surveillance identified an autochthonous outbreak of dengue fever in Muscat Governorate, Oman, a region previously free of dengue fever.

Methods: Routine surveillance confirmed locally acquired cases in the second week of December, leading to a rapid public health response including case management guidance and epidemiological investigations. The main activity was the vector survey using systematic sampling to assess extent of previously unreported Aedes aegypti presence followed by a campaign aimed to eliminate breeding sites of A.

Physical activity and the built environment: perceptions of policy-makers in Oman.

The prevalence of physical activity is low in the Sultanate of Oman. The built environment is a key barrier to physical activity in the region. Our aim is to examine urban planners' perceptions of the relevance and feasibility of the proposed urban planning and design interventions in the draft WHO technical package on physical activity.

Limited Wegener's granulomatosis presenting as multiple retinal vascular occlusions.

In the early stages of Wegener's granulomatosis, and in the atypical forms, the classic clinicopathologic features of the disease are often absent, delaying diagnosis. Recognition of the disease and its variant is aided by serological markers.