RESUMO
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a major global health threat to human civilization and has disrupted many aspects of the community around the globe. Vaccination is one of the prominent measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 120 vaccines have entered human clinical trials and at least 8 vaccines have been fully approved. However, the success of the COVID-19 vaccination programs depends on how the community accepts the vaccines. Despite COVID-19 vaccination having been initiated for a while now, more than 50% of the global population have not been vaccinated. In some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the vaccine coverage is less than 20%. Since the decision to accept the new vaccine is complex, understanding the factors underpinning vaccine acceptance is critical. This review aimed to summarize the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate around the globe as well as its associated determinants. Information from this study might be important to formulate effective strategies to increase the COVID-19 vaccine coverage, and to be able to achieve herd immunity.
RESUMO
Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly defined by atrio-ventricular and ventriculo-arterial discordance. This malformation makes up less than 1% of congenital heart defects. We report here a case of a 15-year-old female who presented to our hospital with dyspnea as seen in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification class III and hemoptysis. She was clinically found to have marfanoid habitus, and subsequent echocardiographic study disclosed CCTGA-associated with Ebstein's anomaly, ventricular septal defect, left ventricular outflow obstruction, right ventricular outflow obstruction, co-existing dextrocardia, atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, non-confluent pulmonary arteries, and pulmonary atresia. This case highlights the association between such rare cardiac conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of CCTGA at a young age, with the aforementioned abnormalities documented in the literature reported from Pakistan.
RESUMO
Introduction The use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning is instrumental in better management of osteoporosis. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge about DEXA scanning and bone health in the women of Karachi, as well as to analyze their practices concerning the scan and increase their knowledge and awareness regarding the same. Methodology The sample size for this cross-sectional study was 384. Data were collected using a self-devised and validated questionnaire, consisting of four sections: social demographics, general knowledge about DEXA scanning, practices regarding DEXA, and knowledge about bone health. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and associations between multiple variables calculated, using independent sample t-test and Pearson's chi-squared test. Results Only one-third of our sample population had heard about DEXA scanning and amongst them, nobody had complete knowledge about it. The mean score of general knowledge of DEXA (5.3±2.0) was higher than that of knowledge about the conditions in which DEXA scanning is recommended (2.7±2.1). The knowledge score showed a significant correlation with education (p=0.007) and employment (p=0.001). Only 7.6% of the sample population had taken a DEXA scan and knowledge and employment status were found to have significant associations with practices (p value=0.000 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusions The awareness levels regarding DEXA scans and bone health should be evaluated amongst similar and other groups of people and effective measures be put into application to educate the public and to guide them towards better prevention and management of osteoporosis.