Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted governments around the globe to implement various restriction policies, including lockdown, social distancing, and school closures. Subsequently, there has been a surge in sedentary behaviour particularly screen time (ST) together with a significant decline in physical activity that was more marked amongst children and adolescents. Excessive screen exposure in adolescents has been correlated with cardio-metabolic risk factors including obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and glucose intolerance that may have adverse morbidity and mortality implications in adulthood. Thus, the current study aimed to synthesize the literature on the relationship between ST of various types and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: In August 2021, a systematic search of the literature was undertaken using electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Cochran library. Studies were considered if they met the following key eligibility criteria: (i) Measure of ST as an exposure (TV, computer, videogames, internet, smartphone, tablet), using quantified duration/frequency either self-reported or observed; (ii) Measure of MetS as an outcome with standard definition and/or criteria required to establish MetS diagnosis. The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was used to assess the risk of bias.Results: A total of ten studies met the inclusion criteria, and the majority were cross sectional studies. Most studies met fair bias scoring. Overall, the review revealed considerable evidence that suggests a significant negative association between ST and components of MetS among adolescents with dose-response association.Conclusion: During the pandemic, screen usage may become more prevalent through periods of school closures, lockdowns, social isolation, and online learning classes. Public health policies and health promotion strategies targeting parents are needed to raise awareness of the adverse health effects associated with screen-based sedentary behaviour as a precursor of NCDs. Parent or home focused interventions might be effective in limiting adolescents’ screen exposure, alternatively substituted with an appropriate level of physical activity.PROSPERO registration number: PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021272436.

Parental vaccine hesitancy (VH) remains a barrier to full population inoculation, hence herd immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We aimed to determine parental VH rate, subgroups and influencing factors related to the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine among their young adolescents (12–15 years old) in Qatar. A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from 17 May to 3 June using vaccination booking records of 4023 young adolescents. Sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., age, sex, and nationality), health status and BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccination booking status were analysed. Among respondents, the VH rate was 17.9%. Parents of 12-years adolescents were more hesitant (21.6%) as compared to the 13- (16.0%) and 15- (15.2%) years groups (p < 0.05). Parents of adolescents belonging to Gulf Countries (97% Qatari) were more hesitant (35.2%) as compared to the four remaining groups of nationalities (Asiatic; excluding Gulf Countries), North-African, African (excluding North-African), and European/American/Oceanian, 13.3–20.4%, (p < 0.001). Parental VH rates were higher when adolescents suffered from chronic disease as compared to those without the chronic disease (21.3% vs. 17.4%, p < 0.05) or who previously were COVID-19 infected as compared to non-previously COVID-19 infected (24.1 vs. 17.5%, p < 0.01). Results of logistic regression revealed that age groups, nationalities, and recovery from COVID-19 were the main predictors of VH level. Precisely, parents of 12 years old adolescents were 38% more likely to be hesitant as compared to the parents of the 15 years old adolescents (OR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.12–1.70). Compared with the Gulf countries, parents of adolescents belonging to the other nationality categories; namely North-African, African, Asiatic and European/American/Oceanian were 48% (95%CI: 0.36–0.65), 41% (95% CI: 0.27–0.62), 38% (95%CI: 0.29–0.50) and 34% (95% CI 0.21–0.56) less likely to be hesitant, respectively. Furthermore, parents of young adolescents being previously COVID-19 infected were 37% more likely to be hesitant as compared to those with no previous COVID-19 infection (OR = 1.37; 95%CI: 1.02–1.84). Effective communication strategies specifically targeting Gulf Country populations, parents of younger children aged 12 years and of those with chronic disease or have been previously infected with COVID-19 are crucial to build community trust and vaccine confidence, thereby increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

COVID-19 pandemic, with its subsequent lockdown and mobility restriction is a public health emergency that has obliged substantial modifications in daily routines and lifestyle of people worldwide. The drastic measures of social isolation and home confinement has impacted to a great extent the physical and psychological health. The resultant abrupt in lifestyle-related behavior such as physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habit, sleep disturbance, stress, tobacco use, and alcohol intake, is directly linked to the rising global burden of non-communicable disease. This review aims at gaining a rich and extensive understanding of the potential negative impact triggered by COVID-19 on lifestyle-related behaviors that will influence long-term physical and mental wellbeing. Electronic database search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus from January 1, 2020 to March 15, 2021. Data related to COVID-19 impact on lifestyle habits were extracted from these studies. Articles were included if meeting the inclusion criteria (i.e., assessed the impact of COVID-19 on physical inactivity and sedentary behavior, dietary habits, sleep, mental health, vitamin D, and substance use among adults. Further search was conducted to address these behavioral changes among athletes. While physical isolation is a necessary public health measure to protect the population, outcomes of this review indicate that in light of adverse lifestyle changes brought by the pandemic, noncommunicable disease remains a critical concern. Hence, adopting healthy lifestyle behavior is essentially important especially during the current time to boost immunity and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Recognizing the pandemic collateral effects offers a forward-looking perspective to guide the government and health authorities in planning prevention and control programs that focus on resilient and sustainable behavioral change.

Background: The transition to electronic health records (EHR) has improved the quality of health-care delivery and patient safety. However, poor usability and incongruent workflow may impose a significant burden on documentation and time management, resulting in staff burnout. We aimed to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of personalized EHR training on wellness providers’ knowledge and practical competencies, and (ii) assess staff satisfaction regarding the EHR usage post-training. Methodology: An interventional study was conducted between July 15, 2021, and March 1, 2022, among 14 wellness staff (age: 38 ± 3.9 years; 7 males, 7 females) in the Wellness Center-Rawdat Al-Khail Health Center. Six months of blended training was delivered. The impact of training was assessed using a pre-post survey on the knowledge and practical competencies related to EHR usage. Staff satisfaction was assessed post-training. Results: Majority of respondents had improvement in identifying the advantages of EHR: improve confidentiality of care (pre = 35.7% vs post = 100%, p = 0.001), reduce medical errors (pre = 35.7% vs post = 85.7%, p = 0.02), improve quality of health care (pre = 35.7% vs post = 100%, p = 0.001), and reduce wait time (pre = 42.9% vs post = 85.7%, p = 0.03). Time performing these tasks by massage therapists/receptionists was reduced: viewing/editing ambulatory organizer (pre = 20± 0 s vs post = 10± 0 s), access PM office (pre = 155± 136 s vs post = 10± 0 s), selection/access patient chart (pre = 75± 30 s vs post = 30± 20 s), check-in/out (pre = 120± 0 s vs post = 60± 0 s), and view/edit massage form (pre = 135± 75.5 s vs post = 60± 0 s). For gym instructors, time to access ambulatory organizer (pre = 30± 0 s vs post = 10± 0 s), view/edit the gym form (pre = 101± 57 s vs post = 71± 36 s), view patients’ clinical data (pre = 60± 70 s vs post = 10± 3 s), and place referral orders (pre = 197± 144 vs post = 82± 23 s) was reduced. A mean percentage score of 65.4± 38.7 indicated very good staff satisfaction. Conclusion: This tailored, hands-on training has been well received and effectively improved wellness staff knowledge, competencies, and satisfaction relative to EHR functionalities.

Background: Female infertility is a multifactorial condition constituting a worldwide public health problem. The ability to reproduce is an important product of any marriage, hence infertility may exert a negative impact on physical, financial, social and emotional wellbeing of affected couples. The cornerstone to the management of any disease, including infertility, is prevention. Identifying the modifiable risk factors of female infertility will aid at prevention, early detection, and treatment of medical conditions that can threaten fertility as well as promoting healthy behaviours that can preserve it.Aim: To explore the risk profile of infertility among Qatari women and compare risk factors distribution among primary vs. secondary infertility.Methodology: A hospital-based case control study was conducted from September 17th, 2017- February 10th, 2018. Cases (n = 136) were enrolled from infertility clinic and controls (pregnant women,n = 272), were enrolled from antenatal clinic, Women Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). Interview questionnaire was utilized to collect data about sociodemographic, risk factors related to infertility and patient health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors to infertility. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.Results: Forty three primary and ninety three secondary infertility cases were included. Risk factors were age > 35 years (OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.41–9.83), second-hand smoking (OR = 2.44, 95% CI:1.26–4.73), steady weight gain (OR = 4.65,, 95% CI: 2.43–8.91), recent weight gain (OR = 4.87, 95% CI: 2.54–9.32), menstrual cycle irregularities (OR = 4.20, 95% CI:1.14–15.49), fallopian tube blockage (OR = 5.45, 95% CI: 1.75–16.95), and symptoms suggestive of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including chronic lower abdominal/pelvic pain (OR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.57–7.63), abnormal vaginal discharge (OR = 3.32, 95% CI:1.22–9.03) and dyspareunia (OR = 7.04, 95% CI: 2.76–17.95). Predictive factors for secondary infertility were; longer time from previous conception (OR = 5.8, 95% CI: 3.28–10.21), history of stillbirth (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.04–6.67) or miscarriage (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.21–3.68) and postpartum infection (OR = 3.75, 95% CI: 1.27–11.06). Protective factors were higher education level (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25–0.78), higher income (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06–0.49), and awareness/loyalty to fertility window (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.21–0.52 and OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.19–0.44, consequently).Conclusion: This study highlighted the opportunities to strengthen public health as well as hospital-based health promotion programs importantly toward behavioural-related risk factors (e.g. smoking, obesity, STIs etc.). Moreover, detecting, preventing, and managing modifiable risk factors through awareness, screening and early management of chronic diseases, may contribute at reduction of incidence and severity of infertility. Such interventions can be delivered at premarital, family planning, post-natal and antenatal clinics at primary health care with early referral to secondary care if required.

Background: COVID-19 and the measures stemming from efforts to control it have affected the psychosocial wellbeing of children and adolescents. The increasing trend of challenging behavior has exerted further pressure on parents and schools. Understanding socioemotional development and interrelating triggers is the key to management. Early interventions prevent the future threat of mental illness and risky acts. Effective strategies are ones that primarily focus on strengthening parent–child interactions. Aim: The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on the (i) psychosocial and behavioral impacts of COVID-19 on children/adolescents and (ii) approaches to identify determinants of challenging behaviors as a principal guide to effective interventional strategies for children and their families. Methodology: Electronic database searches of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Medline, and Scopus were conducted to identify studies meeting the inclusion criteria that address the impact of COVID-19 on behaviors, contributing factors, and management in the context of families/schools. The content of the selected articles was themed under five categories, namely the developmental milestones, the Pyramid Model, the Positive Behavioral Support, the management strategies, and the impact of COVID-19 on children/adolescents’ behavior. Results: The present review demonstrates considerable influence of COVID-19 on children and adolescents’ behavior and mental wellbeing. It stresses the importance of early family-based interventions focusing on the triggers of challenging behavior. Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavioral Intervention Plan provide a systematic analysis with a strategic plan that support children’s self-regulation and socioemotional intelligence. Regular behavioral screening is vital to promote prevention and early management. Conclusion: Managing behavioral difficulties remains an area of deficit for parents, teachers, and health care providers. With a quality support, parents and schools will be able to clearly characterize the challenging behavior, understand the causes, reinforce parent–child interactions, and consequently, gain the strategic skills required to apply it within natural settings. Timely interventions will limit the risk of future misconduct and mental disorders.