Noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers, genomic profiling, and advanced microscopic imaging in the early detection and characterization of Naegleria fowleri infections leading to primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

This review delves into the strategies for early detection and characterization of Naegleria fowleri infections leading to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The study provides an in-depth analysis of current diagnostic approaches, including cerebrospinal fluid analysis, brain tissue examination, immunostaining techniques, and culture methods, elucidating their strengths and limitations. It explores the geographical distribution of N. fowleri, with a focus on regions near the equator, and environmental factors contributing to its prevalence. The review emphasizes the crucial role of early detection in PAM management, discussing the benefits of timely identification in treatment, personalized care, and prevention strategies. Genomic profiling techniques, such as conventional PCR, nested PCR, multiplex PCR, and real-time PCR, are thoroughly examined as essential tools for accurate and prompt diagnosis. Additionally, the study explores advanced microscopic imaging techniques to characterize N. fowleri's morphology and behavior at different infection stages, enhancing our understanding of its life cycle and pathogenic mechanisms. In conclusion, this review underscores the potential of these strategies to improve our ability to detect, understand, and combat N. fowleri infections, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and enhanced public health protection.

Japanese encephlu emergence in Australia: the potential population at risk.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), an RNA virus transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, primarily cycles between aquatic birds and mosquitoes with pigs as amplifying hosts, posing a significant global encephalitis threat. The emergence and spread of the JEV in new epidemiological regions, such as recent cases in Australia and nonendemic areas like Pune, India, raise significant concerns. With an estimated 68 000 clinical cases and 13 600 to 20 400 deaths annually, JEV poses a substantial global health threat. The virus primarily affects children, with a case-fatality ratio of 20-30% and long-term neurological sequelae in survivors. The changing epidemiology, influenced by factors like bird migration, climate change, and increased urbanization, contributes to the geographic expansion of JEV. The recent outbreaks underscore the potential for the virus to establish itself in nonendemic regions, posing a threat to populations previously considered at low-risk. With limited treatment options and high rates of neurological complications, continued surveillance, traveler vaccination, and research into treatments are crucial to mitigate the impact of JEV on human health. The evolving scenario necessitates proactive measures to prevent and control the spread of the virus in both endemic and newly affected areas.

Neurological complications of influenza vaccination: navigating the spectrum with a focus on acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).

Introduction: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. This systematic review aims to investigate the potential association between ADEM and influenza vaccination by analyzing relevant case reports. ADEM is traditionally thought to be a monophasic condition, predominantly affecting children, often following viral illnesses or immunizations. Recent attention has focused on a possible link between ADEM and influenza vaccination, prompting the need for a thorough investigation. Methods: The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the AMSTAR2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2) guidelines. Electronic searches were conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov databases, spanning up to August 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed full-text articles in English, observational studies, case reports, and case series providing comprehensive details for confirming clinical diagnoses of ADEM following influenza vaccination. Data were extracted, including demographic information, vaccination details, clinical symptoms, diagnostic evaluations, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tool. Results: A total of 23 cases of ADEM following influenza vaccination were identified from 19 included articles. The mean age of affected individuals was 40.2 years (±25.7) with 60.8% being male. Common presenting symptoms included muscle weakness (52.1%), urinary abnormalities (30.4%), altered consciousness (26%), and sensory disturbances (26%). Neurological examination revealed findings such as extensor plantar reflex (positive Babinski sign) in 26%, hyperreflexia in 30.4%, and generalized hyporeflexia in 13% of the cases. Diagnostic evaluations involved MRI, showing multiple hyperintense lesions in cerebral hemispheres (43.4%), subcortex (60.8%), and spinal cord (39.1%). Cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicated elevated white blood cell count in 69.5% of cases, with lymphocytic pleocytosis in 52.1%. Oligoclonal bands were reported positively in 8.6% of cases. Treatment approaches varied, with intravenous methylprednisolone being the most common (39.1%). Out of the 23 cases, two (8.6%) patients had a fatal outcome, while the rest showed clinical improvement with complete or partial resolution of symptoms. Persisting symptoms included numbness in the lower extremities (8.6%) and impaired ability to walk after 10 months (4.3%). Conclusion: While the association between ADEM and influenza vaccination is rare, healthcare professionals should remain vigilant and consider patients' vaccination history, particularly following an influenza immunization. This systematic review highlights the clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools, treatment approaches, and outcomes of ADEM cases post-influenza vaccination. Further research is essential to understand this association and improve clinical decision-making, ensuring the safety and efficacy of immunization programs.

Intracranial intricacies: Comprehensive analysis of rare skull base meningiomas-A single-center case series.

This study paper's main goal is to report rare cases of skull base meningiomas that exemplify the complexities of diagnosis, therapy, and postoperative care. By describing these rare cases, we hope to advance knowledge of the clinical signs, difficulties, and prognoses of skull base meningiomas in a challenging anatomical setting. In the posterior cranial fossa, our investigation reveals a unique example of skull base meningioma that involved numerous cranial nerves and complex vasculature. A variety of visual abnormalities were present in the patient's clinical presentations, highlighting the wide range of symptoms that these tumors might cause depending on their precise positions. These cases highlight the critical importance of preoperative imaging, including high-resolution MRI and angiography, as well as the diagnostic difficulties these tumors pertain. By reporting these instances, our research adds to the body of knowledge about skull base meningiomas and offers insightful information about the nuances of their therapies. Our findings highlight the importance of individualized treatment plans, interdisciplinary cooperation, and the demand for continued study to better comprehend these convoluted tumors. Such studies are essential for advancing our knowledge of these enigmatic tumors, guiding clinical judgment, and eventually improving patient outcomes. These findings are important because they can fill information gaps, improve treatment plans, and encourage additional research in neuro-oncology. Abstract: This study presents a series of three rare cases of skull base meningiomas, emphasizing the complexities in diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative care. The patients' clinical presentations and imaging highlighted the diverse symptoms and challenges associated with these tumors, found in intricate anatomical locations. The cases underscore the crucial role of preoperative high-resolution imaging and angiography in diagnostic accuracy. Surgical intervention, guided by a multidisciplinary approach, is pivotal in managing these demanding cases. Histopathological examinations confirmed atypical meningiomas. The postoperative phases involved meticulous care to ensure optimal recovery and functional outcomes. Our findings contribute to the understanding of skull base meningiomas, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment plans and ongoing research to improve patient outcomes in neuro-oncology.

Post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth: a neglected cause.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth is a significant mental health risk for women globally. However, it remains a neglected cause, particularly in low-income countries like Pakistan. This paper explores the unique challenges faced by women in such settings, including limited access to healthcare and social support, cultural norms, and stigma surrounding mental health. The diagnosis and causes of postpartum PTSD are discussed, along with its effects on both mothers and their infants. The lack of awareness and training among healthcare professionals in recognizing and treating postpartum PTSD is highlighted as a major barrier to adequate care. To address these challenges, the paper proposes a comprehensive approach, including raising public awareness, providing mental health support and resources, and integrating postpartum mental health into medical education. Trauma-focused therapies are recommended for effective treatment. The paper concludes with the need for more research in low-income countries and emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting women with postpartum PTSD to improve their well-being and maternal and child health.

Advancements in the treatment of geographic atrophy: focus on pegcetacoplan in age-related macular degeneration.

Geographic atrophy (GA) is a progressive form of age-related macular degeneration characterized by the degeneration of retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptor death. The dysregulation of the complement cascade has been implicated in GA progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration and GA, discusses current therapeutic options, and focuses on the recent breakthrough drug, pegcetacoplan (SYFOVRE). Pegcetacoplan is a complement inhibitor that selectively targets the C3 complement protein, effectively modulating complement activation. Clinical trials, including the OAKS and DERBY studies, have demonstrated the efficacy of SYFOVRE in reducing the growth of GA lesions compared to placebo. The FDA approval of SYFOVRE as the first and only definitive therapy for GA marks a significant milestone in the management of this debilitating condition. The review also explores potential future treatment strategies, including immune-modulating agents and ocular gene therapy. While SYFOVRE offers new hope for GA patients, further research is needed to evaluate its long-term benefits, safety profile, and optimal treatment regimens.

A rare case of mandibular third molar displaced into submandibular space: A complication of mandibular third molar extraction.

Key Clinical Message: Accidental displacement of mandibular third molars or their roots into neighboring anatomical spaces, notably the submandibular region, during extraction, is a rare but significant complication. Comprehensive preoperative assessment, meticulous surgical techniques, and precise radiographic imaging play pivotal roles in successful management. Adhering to established protocols is imperative to mitigate potential complications and ensure optimal outcomes. Abstract: In this report, we emphasize the critical importance of comprehensive preoperative preparation to tailor surgical approaches and techniques in accordance with recognized surgical principles. Oral and maxillofacial surgery often involves the extraction of impacted lower third molars, a common surgical procedure. However, this procedure can present potential complications such as hemorrhage, tissue damage, infection, alveolar osteitis, paresthesia, and mandible dislocation. Unintentional displacement of a mandibular third molar or its root fragments into adjacent anatomical areas, such as the maxillary sinus or submandibular space, is a rare intra-operative exodontia complication that is seldom documented. A 44-year-old male patient presented with complaints of pain, discomfort, and limited mouth opening. He had previously attempted to have a tooth extracted, but the procedure resulted in a misplaced tooth. A painful, indurated swelling was observed at the patient's left mandibular angle. Radiographic analyses revealed a radiopaque lesion resembling the third molar tooth root. Utilizing orthopantomography and CT images, the misplaced root in the left submandibular region was accurately located. The tooth was successfully extracted following the elevation of a lingual flap. The patient was prescribed antibiotics and painkillers for 7 days, and he reported an uneventful recovery with no complications on the eighth postoperative day. Accidental displacement of lower third molars or root fragments into neighboring anatomical areas is a rare but potentially concerning complication. Common sites of displacement include the submandibular, sublingual, and pterygomandibular spaces. Risk factors for displacement encompass improper use of surgical instruments and variations in patient anatomical characteristics. The ease of extraction can be influenced by various factors, including the degree of impaction, root structure, and dental inclination. Recommended screening examinations include panoramic radiography, intraoral periapical (PA) radiography, and occlusal radiography. Precise diagnosis and localization necessitate radiographic assessments such as CT scans and panoramic radiography. Postoperative care involves administering analgesics, antibiotics, suturing, wound irrigation, and managing potential complications like swelling, discomfort, infection, and nerve damage. Accidental displacement of lower third molars or their roots into the submandibular region is an infrequent yet potential complication. Thorough case assessment and adherence to established protocols for appropriate access, judicious bone removal, and avoiding excessive force are imperative for clinicians in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Infectious diseases following hydrometeorological disasters: current scenario, prevention, and control measures.

Natural disasters are catastrophic occurrences that can seriously harm infrastructure, inflict property damage, and even result in fatalities. Water supply and sanitation systems can be disrupted in flooded areas, raising the risk of infectious diseases. It is advised that public health responders do a disease risk assessment of such a catastrophic event to ascertain the disaster's consequences and the health requirements. This editorial provides an overview of the transmission of infectious illnesses after hydrometeorological disasters. It also discusses the effects of such catastrophes on individuals' psychological and physical health who live in disaster-prone locations.

Hijab or Niqab Interacts with Facemasks Usage at Healthcare Settings in Kabul, Afghanistan: A Multi-Center Observational Study.

Purpose: We aimed to understand the extent of facemask usage resulting from the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in an Afghan context. In Afghanistan, new COVID-19 variants, low vaccination rates, political turmoil, and poverty interact not only with the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic but also with facemask usage. Methods: We collected data (n = 1970) by visually observing the usage and type of facemasks used among visitors entering healthcare facilities in Kabul. We conducted an observational study observing the use of facemasks among 1279 men and 691 women. Results: While 71% of all participants adhered to wearing facemasks, 94% of these users wore surgical masks, and 86% wore all types of facemasks correctly. Interestingly, women adhered to wearing facemasks more than men. Specifically, of all the participants who were not wearing masks, 20% were men, and only 8% were women. Even though men were more in number in our study (64.9%), women have a higher adherence rate to wearing facemasks than men. Conclusions: We conclude that gender socialization and expectations of women to wear the niqab or hijab interact with their adherence to wearing facemasks. Additionally, since Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, which has witnessed a considerable period of political turmoil, we spotlight that our findings are rare in scholarship as they represent a distinct non-Western Islamic society with a low scale of COVID-19 vaccination. Therefore, more research is needed to assess the general population's socioeconomic and geopolitical barriers to facemask use, given that Afghanistan is an underrepresented social context. Our findings are expected to aid health policymakers in developing novel prevention strategies for the country.

Self-reported adherence to preventive practices during the third wave of COVID-19 in Afghanistan.

Objective: The study objectives were aimed to highlight the areas where public awareness is needed to enhance preventive practices among the public. Hence, to avoid the spread of virus in public settings. In addition, the study has provided compelling data and evidence on the coronavirus disease-2019 trend for health policymakers to make strategic decisions. Introduction: The coronavirus disease-2019 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type-2. The disease has spread across the globe. In Afghanistan, thousands of confirmed cases with hundreds of deaths have been reported. In addition, due to insufficient healthcare workforce, insecurity, fragile healthcare infrastructure, low coronavirus disease-2019 vaccination and low testing capacity, the true nature of the pandemic is unlcear. Method: An online survey of the general population in Afghanistan was conducted from April-May 2021. Convenience sampling technique was used to recruit the respondents. Social media platforms were used (WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook Messenger) to disseminate the electronic survey instrument. Written informed consent was taken from the participants before the filling questionnaires. Data collection was guided through a self-administered questionnaire developed by the researchers according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The sample size was calculated using EPI software. The inclusion criteria were being 18 years or older and having access to the Internet to fill out the online questionnaire. IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and bi-variable (chi-square) analyses were done. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant at a 95% confidence interval. Results: From 1094 respondents, 78% were male. The majority of respondents were aged ⩽30 years and had an undergraduate education. Nearly 1 in 3 participants were healthcare workers, and 70% lived in households with five or more family members. Overall, 70% of the respondents reported good preventive practices. The majority of the participants reported covering their mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing and cleaning their hands regularly and using alcohol. Meanwhile, 80% of the participants wore a mask when going outside. Moreover, people with post-graduate education had a higher level of preventive practices than those with an undergraduate education.The results of logistic regression revealed participants residence in Kabul, healthcare workers, family size less than 5, avoid meeting people outside, gender, and avoiding 3Cs, were the significant determinants of adhering to good preventive practices. Conclusion: Generally, the public in Afghanistan followed infection prevention rules. However, certain areas require further improvement, such as observing social distance and avoiding shaking hands when meeting others. Negligence of these prevention practices can lead to an increase in infection transmission among people. Public awareness should be continued to keep the people supportive of the government policies.

Public Perception and Preparedness to Fight Against the Third Wave of COVID-19 in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The avalanche of Corona Virus 2019 (COVID-19) cases has placed an unprecedented load on Afghanistan's government and public health authorities, putting the country in jeopardy. The primary goal of this research was to shed light on the country's capital, Kabul, and to examine the existing preparedness and perceptions of its population in the midst of COVID-19's third wave, which could result in decentralization and fragmentation of the already overburdened health-care system. An online, cross-sectional survey was conducted by the lecturers of the Kabul University of Medical Sciences between April 15, 2021 and April 25, 2021, to evaluate the preparedness of the Kabul citizens amidst the third wave of COVID-19. About 1736 citizens from Kabul participated in the survey. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. All categorical variables were reported using frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that the most common source of COVID-19-related information was social media (74.8%). In addition, 34.4% of subjects had previously been infected with COVID-19. It was reassuring to see that 78.4% of residents said they knew more about COVID-19 than they did about prior COVID-19 waves. A majority (81.5%) expressed willingness to resist the third wave, but 89.4% said that the country's government would be unable to develop an effective COVID-19 vaccine within the next 6 months. The findings of this present study indicates that citizens of Kabul are active in obtaining accurate information and disseminating it in the community. The citizens also reported sufficient COVID-19 related knowledge; however, they were more motivated to fight against the third wave of COVID-19. In regards to vaccination, they believed that the government could not vaccinate the public anytime soon. Hence, the enactment of non-pharmaceutical measures is important in the fight against the pandemic.

High rates of COVID-19 vaccine refusal among Afghan pregnant women: a cross sectional study.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus Type-2 (SARS-COV-2) was first detected in China and created a global pandemic rapidly. Subsequently after serious efforts different types of vaccines produced against the virus and recommended for all people including pregnant women. The aim of this study was to realize the willingness of pregnant women to accept the COVID-19 vaccine in Kabul Afghanistan. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was conducted in gynecology wards of several hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan from 10th of July to 20th of August 2021 through direct interview with the pregnant women who had come for prenatal care to the healthcare centers. The collected data were analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Studies (SPSS) version 25. Simple descriptive analysis computed for demographic characteristics and bi-variable (Chi-square) analysis was carried out to find out the associations of taking vaccine with demographic variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant at 95% confidence interval. A total of 491 who were completed the inclusion criteria included in the analysis. A small portion of pregnant women (8.6%) illustrated the intent to get the COVID-19 vaccine if it is recommended by the health authorities in Afghanistan. Our study found a high rate of COVID-19 vaccine refusal among pregnant women in Kabul, Afghanistan. They showed the concern on adverse effects of the vaccine as the main reason for refusal, emphasizing the need to reduce the misconception on vaccine efficacy and campaigns to enhance awareness on the vaccine safety and benefits for mothers and babies.

Facemask Usage Among Pedestrians in Most Crowded Urban Districts of Kabul, Afghanistan, During the Third COVID-19 Wave: An Observational Study.

The COVID-19 has spread to everywhere since its emergence from Wuhan. In countries with a low vaccination rate, the use of facemasks is essential to limit the risk of COVID-19 transmission. We have conducted this study in June 2021 to estimate the prevalence of facemask usage, and investigate the use of different types of facemasks and their distribution among pedestrians in the most crowded urban districts of Kabul during the third COVID-19 wave in Afghanistan. Using a multistage sampling method, a total of 5,000 pedestrians were selected from five most crowded urban districts of the city. The data was gathered by an observational method. The percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to describe the variables. The χ2 test analysis was used to assess the relationship between two categorical variables. Of the 5,000 observations, the most common age group was 10-39 years with high participation of male (87.2%). A total of 2,013 (40.3%) people used facemasks (95% CI). Females used facemasks significantly more than males (64.6% versus 36.7%, P < 0.001). Among the pedestrians who used a facemask, most of them (88.6%) wore their facemask correctly. In conclusion the prevalence of facemask use in Kabul was fairly low especially among elderly people (≥ 60 years). Hence, the observed rates probably cannot protect the community against the COVID-19. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the public health recommendations via educational programs and national campaigns to support the strict use of facemasks in public places.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus in an Afghan child.

We report an 8-year-old Afghan female with giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) which covered the entire back. The GCMN extended to anterolateral parts of the trunk surrounded by multiple satellite melanocytic nevi.

Availability of Personal Protective Equipment Among Health-care Workers in Jordan During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Web-Based Survey.

PROPOSE: The inception of the COVID-19 has put health-care workers (HCWs) in a precarious situation across the world. In spite of the challenges in Jordan, the high awareness and preparedness of HCWs made it feasible for the country to control the contagious virus. The study aimed to provide a useful insight into availability of PPE among HCWs in Jordan, which could help the policy/decision-makers of public health to design better programs based on the information reported. METHODS: This cross-sectional online survey was conducted during July 2020 for the evaluation of the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) among HCWs in Jordan. RESULTS: A total of 751 HCWs responded from different parts of the country, who were actively working at different hospitals in Jordan. The majority of the participants (94%) reported having sufficient knowledge about COVID-19 and more than two-thirds of participants (68%) reported that PPE were provided by the Jordanian Ministry of Health. The majority (91%) of participants reported availability of medical face masks, while only 26% reported having facial protective shields. CONCLUSION: The study highlighted sufficient availability of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have caused minimal infection rates among HCWs in Jordan.

The Third Wave of the COVID-19 Arrived in Afghanistan: A Severe Case with Skin Manifestation.

The COVID-19 is an ongoing global pandemic that has put the world in a devastating situation. The virus is able to attack multiple body systems and cause a variety of clinical problems ranging from asymptomatic to critical cases. Although young individuals are more likely to suffer milder forms of the disease, critical cases also might happen. Recent literature has revealed that, along with other clinical symptoms, skin manifestations have also progressively grown. In Afghanistan where COVID-19 has entered into a third wave, many people do not take the initial mild symptoms seriously to prevent further spreading in the community. We report symptoms of skin rash, fatigue, muscle pain, dry cough and fever at the onset of the disease, followed by rapid lung damage in a 23-year-old young adult, who did not have any preexisting risk factors. This case highlights the importance of urgent skin assessment of the COVID-19 patient complaining of any skin symptoms.

Infantile Hemangioma Treated with Oral Propranolol: Case Presentation.

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common vascular tumors in childhood. We report the use of propranolol to treat the growth phase of IHs. Propranolol was given to a 6-month-old infant who presented with a 4-cm sharply demarcated hemangioma on his left gluteal region. After relevant evaluation, propranolol was prescribed with a starting dose of 1 mg/kg/day, given in 3 divided doses. Vital signs were monitored during the first 6 hours of treatment. In the absence of side effects, treatment was continued at home with 2 mg/kg/day for six months, and the child was reevaluated after 7 days of treatment and then monthly. After one month, effects on color and growth were noted. Complete healing occurred in less than 6 months. Side effects and relapse were not reported. Propranolol administered orally at 2 mg/kg/day was successful, leading to near resolution of the patient's hemangioma.

Prevalence of Symptoms of Anxiety Among Residents of Kabul During Pandemic of COVID-19: A Report from Capital of Afghanistan.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety among residents of Kabul during the present COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional, community based survey was conducted in Kabul, Afghanistan, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from July 11, 2020, to July 16, 2020. A bilingual (Dari and English) questionnaire was used for data collection. The first section of the questionnaire collected sociodemographic information of the respondents and the second comprised a self-report standardized scale, i.e. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to assess symptoms of anxiety. The survey form was distributed through online platforms. All residents of Kabul who used social apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook were eligible to participate in the study and participation was voluntary and non-commercial. RESULTS: Altogether 1135 complete responses were received. The majority of them were males and aged 18-34 years. Almost 18% were healthcare workers. Overall, 28.2% of the respondents reported symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety, 38.8% reported symptoms of mild anxiety, and nearly one third of the respondents reported no symptoms. Female participants reported significantly higher levels of anxiety compared with males (39.7% versus 25.6%; p = 0.0001). No significant association was noted between anxiety levels and age groups, occupations, and healthcare workers versus non-healthcare workers. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that a gender-specific psychosocial protocol needs be integrated into the public health emergency plans to fight against the current pandemic.