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The COVID-19 vaccine coverage has been shown to differ by gender, with females being more hesitant to vaccinate, even among healthcare workers. This study aimed to assess female healthcare workers' COVID-19 vaccination coverage and anti-vaccination attitudes. We conducted a cross sectional study using an online questionnaire. We included healthcare workers from various professions and examined their sociodemographic characteristics and anti-vaccination attitudes using the Vaccination Attitudes Examination Scale and COVID-19 vaccination coverage. In addition, we assessed factors associated with coverage using multivariable analysis. Female healthcare workers had significantly lower vaccine coverage [59.6% (95%CI: 55.5%-63.7%)] than males [74.9% (95%CI: 70.7-78.8%)]. In addition, they have significantly higher anti-vaccination attitudes and lower perceived vaccine knowledge. Vaccine coverage is age-related in female healthcare workers, with 52.7% in the less than 30-year age group and 70.7% in the ≥50-year age group. The age group 40-49 and middle-income category are positively associated with vaccination coverage among female healthcare workers. In contrast, living with a child, having a history of COVID-19 infection, mistrust of vaccine benefits, and worries about unforeseen effects are all associated with lower coverage. In conclusion, female healthcare workers have significantly lower vaccine coverage, especially for the younger age groups, associated with mistrust of vaccine benefits and worries about unforeseen effects. These findings highlight the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy among female HCWs as part of efforts to improve COVID-19 vaccination; evidence-based communications tailored to their concerns are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Hypomagnesaemia has been shown to have a significant impact on both glycaemic control and diabetes complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study aims to assess the prevalence of hypomagnesaemia in T2DM patients and find the association between serum magnesium levels and outcomes relevant to glycaemic control and diabetic complications in primary care unit. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted and included 373 patients (222 males and 151 females) from primary care unit. Serum magnesium levels were measured by the colorimetric endpoint method using the Cobas C501 system. Hypomagnesaemia was determined to be a serum magnesium level <1.6 mg/dL. In addition, the following data was also obtained: patients' characteristics, anthropometric measurements, smoking status, HbA1c, comorbidities and therapeutic management. Results: Patients' mean age was 56.2 ± 10.8 years, 24.6% were smokers, and most were overweight or obese. About 60% have a history of hypertension, and the majority have had diabetes for more than 10 years. Their mean HbA1c level was 8.5 ± 2%. The prevalence of hypomagnesaemia was 11% (95% CI: 8%–14.6%). It was found to be significantly higher among females (adjusted OR: 2.7, 95%CI: 1.2%–5.8%), patients with HbA1c ≥8% (adjusted OR: 2.4, 95%CI: 1.1%–5.5%) and patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy (adjusted OR: 2.7, 95%CI: 1.1%–7.1%). Conclusion: The study showed that hypomagnesaemia is more prevalent in females and is associated with diabetic retinopathy and poor glycaemic control. Having a sufficient magnesium level may be associated with better glycaemic control and a reduced occurrence of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore pregnant women's attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination and determinants of vaccine acceptance. We conducted a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending PHC clinics and hospitals in the West-bank of Palestine. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire based on Health Belief Model. The study's primary outcome was COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. We used the Chi-square test to compare those who accepted the vaccine versus those who refused it and conducted binary logistic regression to explore independent determinants of vaccination acceptance. Among the 728 pregnant women who took part in the study, 20.7 percent showed positive attitudes (acceptance) toward COVID-19 vaccination. Employment (aOR 4.0; 95 percentCI: 2.2–7.3), a history of COVID-19 (aOR 1.9; 95 percentCI: 1.2–3.1), and having a relative who died from COVID-19 (aOR 2.3; 95 percentCI: 1.2–4.7) increased the likelihood of vaccine acceptance, as did vaccine perceived effectiveness (aOR 1.9; 95 percentCI: 1.2–3.2) and perceived protection from severe disease (aOR 2.0; 95 percentCI: 1.2–3.5). On the other hand, perceived limited access (aOR 0.540; 95 percentCI: 0.31–0.87) and perceived harm to the baby (aOR 0.346; 95 percentCI 0.22–0.54) remained the main barriers toward vaccine acceptance. In conclusion, pregnant women's acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine is unsatisfactory. Concerns about its effect on unborn babies were major barriers to vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to assess weight control behaviors and their relationship with body weight and image perceptions among female university students. Subject and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among female students. The study included 420 female students aged 17–27 years using a convenient sample. Students were invited from all faculties. The data collection tools included a questionnaire, body image perceptions scale, and measurement scale for weight and height. Results: Of the participants, 154 (36.9%) female students (95% CI 32–41%) had risky eating behaviors and reported a significant level of concern about diet and weight. In general, most of the study sample were dissatisfied with their bodies; in particular, 55.7% of participants were suffering from negative body image, while 24.5% showed a positive body image. Approximately one-third (31.8%) of underweight university students participated in risky eating behavior compared to 36.3% and 44.4% in normal weight and overweight and obese groups, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that weight control behaviors were mainly associated with the perception of body image. Conclusion: The results showed a high level of concern about food and weight by the female students. Additionally, it showed that they are prone to risky eating behaviors. Therefore, interventions are needed to promote healthy eating behaviors and body image among university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To measure COVID‐19 vaccine acceptance and related factors to undercover nurses' concerns and fears. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Sample: The study included 639 nurses; 83% were women and 80% under 50 years. Measurement: A self‐administered questionnaire was used. It included demographic characteristics, COVID‐19‐related fears and concerns, COVID‐19 vaccine perceived benefits, and intention toward getting the vaccine. Results: Forty percent of the nurses planned to get the vaccine when available, 41% would take it later when adequate protection and safety were presented, and 18% would never take it. Significant factors associated with vaccination intention were as follows: age (adjusted OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02–1.99); lack of knowledge about the vaccine (adjusted OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.81–3.8); concern about long‐term side effects (adjusted OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4–2.9); fear of injection (adjusted OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.04–2.13); natural immunity preference (adjusted OR 5.8, 95% CI 4.5–8.3); media misrepresentation (adjusted OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.4); and getting COVID‐19 from the vaccine (adjusted OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1). Conclusion: COVID‐19 vaccine safety and side‐effects concerns impact nurses' intentions to accept the vaccine and may result in low acceptance rates. Urgent action is needed to address these fears and raise confidence, as nurses' vaccine‐related decisions can affect the public's vaccine acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many primary health care (PHC) clients come in with medically unexplained complaints, leading to frequent consultations and high usage of services and healthcare costs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) among PHC attendees and explore its relation to other mental conditions and risk factors.Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to interview 400 attendees. Men and women aged over 18 years old without a psychiatric diagnosis were invited to participate. The Somatization scale of the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire was used to assess somatic symptom disorders. It is a valid tool to be used in a PHC setting. We used the Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression to explore determinant variables.Results: Prevalence of SSD was 32.5% (95%CI = 27.9-37.1%). The most common symptoms were painful muscles (61.5%) followed by back pain (52.3%). Female gender [adjusted OR = 2.1 (95% CI = 1.2-3.7)], chronic diseases [adjusted OR = 2.4 (95%CI = 1.3-4.5)], depression [adjusted OR = 3.3 (95%CI = 2.0-5.5)], and anxiety [adjusted OR = 2.1 (95%CI = 1.2-3.6)] were all associated with SSD. In addition, frequent primary health care attendance was found to be associated with SSD [adjusted OR = 2.4 (95%CI = 1.4-4.1)].Conclusions: SSD significantly higher among females, patients with chronic diseases, clients with anxiety and depressive disorders, and patients with frequent doctors' visits. Painful muscles and back pain are the most common symptom presented by patients, and this could be used initially by PHC physicians as a signal to consider for screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little research has been conducted on the quality of life (QoL), functional status, and traumatic symptoms related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the Arab region, particularly in Palestine, where the psychological problems in patients with cancer are often neglected. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess QoL and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among adult female patients with cancer attending Beit-Jala Governmental Hospital in Bethlehem. Method: Participants were recruited from 4 April 2015 to the end of July 2015. The sample included 253 female patients with cancer attending Beit-Jala Governmental Hospital in Bethlehem. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires, including a socio-demographic data sheet, the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30, and the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for PTSD symptoms. Results: The current study showed poor global QoL (57.4%) and poor physical function (48.5%) for female patients with cancer. Insomnia, fatigue, and loss of appetite were the most troublesome symptoms that the participants complained about. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms was 3%. Regarding PTSD symptom severity, 2% reported severe symptoms, 23.3% reported moderate symptoms, and (68.8%) reported mild symptoms, based on a 1991 classification of PTSD symptom severity scores. Finally, Pearson's test revealed a strong, statistically significant, inverse relationship between QoL domains and PTSD. Conclusion: The study found that the overall QoL of female patients with cancer was low and strongly associated with PTSD symptoms, suggesting that early detection and treatment of these symptoms is critical. Post-traumatic stress disorder is being increasingly diagnosed among patients with cancer, in addition to low quality of life. The literature reveals a lack of studies in Palestine assessing these problems in female patients with cancer. A cross-sectional study including 253 patients with cancer using three self-reported questionnaires was conducted. Job loss circumstances and coping strategies (but not socio-demographic and work variables) were associated with class membership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]