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Background: Demographics and comorbidities associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) severity differs between subpopulations and should be determined to aid future pandemic planning and preparedness. Aim: To describe the demographics and comorbidities of patients diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection in Queensland (QLD), Australia, between January 2020 and May 2021. Also, to determine the relationship between these characteristics and disease severity based on the highest level of care. Methods: A retrospective case series analysis was conducted using data obtained from the Notifiable Conditions System. Data on patients confirmed with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in QLD were included in this analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression modelling were used to analyse factors that contributed to disease severity. Results: One thousand six hundred twenty‐five patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were diagnosed in the study period and analysed. The median age was 41 years and 54.3% (n = 882) were males. A total of 550 patients were hospitalised and 20 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). In those admitted to the ICU, 95% (n = 19) were older than 45 years and 95% (n = 19) were male. Comorbidities significantly associated with hospitalisation were chronic cardiac disease (excluding hypertension) and diabetes, and for ICU admission were morbid obesity, chronic respiratory disease and chronic cardiac disease. No demographic factors were shown to be significantly associated with disease severity. Conclusions: Comorbidities associated with the highest level of COVID‐19 disease severity were morbid obesity, chronic respiratory disease and cardiac disease. These data can assist with identifying high‐risk patients susceptible to severe COVID‐19 and can be used to facilitate preparations for future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a leading cause of premature death and disability in Samoa. Recognizing the importance of symptom awareness and early detection, the Samoa Cancer Society (SCS) developed the ' Vave' (quickly) campaign as the first multi-media cancer awareness campaign in Samoa. The campaign adopted a three-pronged community engagement approach including mass media; printed resources; and community outreach at culturally appropriate locations including churches, villages and schools. The campaign promoted three key messages: detect signs and symptoms quickly; quickly see a doctor; and quickly call SCS. To measure impact, data were collected using several methods around the outreach education sessions (pre- and post-surveys), campaign recall (survey) and Vave -related enquiries received by SCS. The findings revealed the campaign was effective in increasing awareness of cancer and importance of early detection demonstrated through community recall of campaign messages, increased enquiries to SCS and improved knowledge. However, it is of note that almost 30% of campaign recall respondents stated they were unsure or would not see a doctor if concerned about a sign of cancer. The reasons given being a lack of knowledge, lack of trust in hospitals and preference for traditional healing. This suggests more targeted culturally sensitive strategies are needed including partnering with traditional healers. Further, advocacy efforts are needed to address the structural barriers to cancer detection and treatment together with continuing education around causes and symptoms of cancer targeting the hard-to-reach communities in Samoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased levels of stress and alcohol consumption. This study examined the effect of resilience on the relationship between stress and changes in alcohol consumption in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. A cross-sectional survey of 502 adults in Queensland, Australia (mean age = 45.68 (16.61)), found 23.9% of individuals had increased their alcohol consumption since the start of the pandemic. Regression modelling demonstrated a significant association between perceived stress and change in alcohol consumption. The study also revealed resilience was a moderating factor, where high levels of resilience buffered against increases in alcohol consumption associated with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]