Researchers' Perspectives Regarding Ethical Issues of Biobank Research in the Arab Region.

Background: The recent expansion of genomic biobank research in the Arab region in the Middle East North Africa has raised complex ethical and regulatory issues. However, there is a lack of studies regarding the views of Arab researchers involved in such research. We aimed to assess the perceptions and attitudes of Arab researchers regarding these issues in biobank research. Methods: We developed a questionnaire to assess the perceptions and attitudes regarding genetic research of researchers from Egypt, Sudan, Morocco, and Jordan. The questionnaire requested demographic data, perceptions, and attitudes regarding the collection, storage, and use of biospecimens and data, the use of broad consent, data security, data sharing, and community engagement. We used multiple linear regressions to identify predictors of perceptions and attitudes. Results: We recruited 383 researchers. Researchers favored equally the use of broad and tiered consent (44.1% and 39.1%, respectively). Most respondents agreed with the importance of confidentiality protections to ensure data security (91.8%). However, lower percentages were seen regarding the importance of community engagement (64.5%), data sharing with national colleagues and international partners (60.9% and 41.1%, respectively), and biospecimen sharing with national colleagues and international partners (59.9% and 36.2%, respectively). Investigators were evenly split on whether the return of individual research results should depend on the availability or not of a medical intervention that can be offered to address the genetic anomaly (47.5% and 46.4%, respectively). Predictors of attitudes toward biospecimen research included serving on Research Ethics Committees, prior research ethics training, and affiliation with nonacademic institutions. Conclusions: We recommend further exploratory research with researchers regarding the importance of community engagement and to address their concerns about data sharing, with researchers within and outside their countries.

The impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life of southern Moroccan doctors : A gender-based approach.

OBJECTIVES: After the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, various countries took preventive health measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The quality of life (QOL) of many populations was affected by lockdown and social distancing. The pandemic increased healthcare professionals' workload and decreased doctors' QOL. Our study aimed to evaluate the QOL of doctors in southern provinces of Morocco during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the study compared QOL of the two genders at that time. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The sample included 257 doctors practicing in the southern provinces of Morocco. To assess QOL, we used the online self-administered WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, which evaluates QOL in four domains: physical, mental, social and environmental. The cut-off between good and poor QOL was 60. RESULTS: All doctors showed poor QOL in all domains. The mean scores and standard deviations for the physical, mental, social, and environmental domains were 57.88 ± 17.12, 57.09 ± 20.13, 55.57 ± 23.66 and 47.99 ± 17.34, respectively. Comparing the two genders, males had a higher QOL than females with a statistically significant difference (p-value ≤ 0.05) in all domains. Both men and women had poor QOL in the environmental domain (less than 60). Doctors who worked directly in the COVID-19 circuit had poorer QOL in all domains. Even with scores lower than 60, males working in COVID-19 circuit had better QOL compared to females, except in the social domain. CONCLUSION: Southern Moroccan doctors' QOL was reduced in all domains. All doctors working in COVID-19 circuit had poor QOL, and women's scores were even lower than those of men.

How does COVID-19 impact psoriasis practice, prescription patterns, and healthcare delivery for psoriasis patients? A cross-sectional survey study.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that needs continuous medical care. During COVID-19, delivering medical service was negatively affected. AIMS: To describe the impact of COVID-19 on psoriasis healthcare delivery, management, and practice. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 197 dermatologists using a validated online questionnaire. The survey evaluated the effect of COVID-19 on the decisions, prescription patterns, appointments rescheduling, and healthcare delivery for psoriasis patients by dermatologists. The questionnaire was developed and validated with a reliability score >0.7. RESULTS: During the pandemic, most dermatologists delayed initiating biological/immunosuppressive therapy for psoriasis unless urgently needed by the patient. For patients already receiving biologics or immunosuppressive treatment, most dermatologists favored continuation of therapy. Almost half (44.2%) of participants do not perform SARS-CoV-2 PCR screening before initiating biologics/immunosuppressive therapy. Dermatologists also reported an increased prescription of topical medications (79.2%), natural sunlight (28.4%), acitretin (26.9%), and home UVB (21.3%). Opinions regarding the use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment/prophylaxis for psoriasis patients were controversial. Intervals between face-to-face follow-up visits were prolonged by 71.6% of dermatologists. More than half of participants reported that their patients discontinued treatment without medical consultation. More than three fourth of responders either agreed or strongly agreed that COVID-19 negatively affected psoriasis patients. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on psoriasis management and healthcare delivery. Dermatologists are cautious about using biologics and immunosuppressive drugs during the pandemic, making case-by-case decisions. Psoriasis patients need compliance monitoring, and psychological support during the pandemic, which can be facilitated by teledermatology.