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Background: COVID-19 and malaria cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. Co-infection of these diseases can worsen their impact on public health. This review aims to synthesize literature on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and malaria co-infection to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MeSH terms and keywords from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to January 2023. The review included original articles on COVID-19 and malaria co-infection, evaluating their methodological quality and certainty of evidence. It was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023393562). Results: Out of 1,596 screened articles, 19 met the inclusion criteria. These studies involved 2,810 patients, 618 of whom had COVID-19 and malaria co-infection. Plasmodium falciparum and vivax were identified as causative organisms in six studies. Hospital admission ranged from three to 18 days. Nine studies associated co-infection with severe disease, ICU admission, assisted ventilation, and related complications. One study reported 6% ICU admission, and mortality rates of 3%, 9.4%, and 40.4% were observed in four studies. Estimated crude mortality rates were 10.71 and 5.87 per 1,000 person-days for patients with and without concurrent malaria, respectively. Common co-morbidities included Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders. Conclusion: Most patients with COVID-19 and malaria co-infection experienced short-term hospitalization and mild to moderate disease severity. However, at presentation, co-morbidities and severe malaria were significantly associated with higher mortality or worse clinical outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection, prompt treatment, and close monitoring of patients with COVID-19 and malaria co-infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upper respiratory tract infections are a prevalent cause of morbidity in children, often managed in primary care settings. These infections are predominantly viral, but antibiotics are sometimes inappropriately prescribed. This misuse, driven by parental pressure and misconceptions, contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. The impact of parental awareness on antibiotic use practices is significant, as gaps in knowledge can lead to inappropriate use., Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design to assess parents' awareness of antibiotic use for upper respiratory tract infections in children in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. Participants were parents aged 18 years and older residing in Jazan. A snowball sampling technique was employed. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotics., Results: The study included 398 participants, with a nearly equal gender distribution of 198 females (49.7%) and 200 males (50.3%). Participants' ages were as follows: 148 (37.2%) were 18-30 years old, 162 (40.7%) were 31-40 years old, and 88 (22.1%) were over 40 years old. Regarding educational attainment, 29 (7.3%) mothers and 36 (9.0%) fathers had primary school education; 117 (29.4%) mothers and 128 (32.2%) fathers had secondary school education; 22 (5.5%) mothers and 33 (8.3%) fathers had intermediate school education; 209 (52.5%) mothers and 175 (44.0%) fathers held a bachelor's degree; and 21 (5.3%) mothers and 26 (6.5%) fathers had a master's degree. Most participants had a moderate income level (270, 67.8%) and resided in Bish (202, 50.8%). The main sources of information about antibiotics were doctors (242, 60.8%) and the internet (90, 22.6%). Perceptions varied, with 147 (36.9%) agreeing and 84 (21.1%) strongly agreeing that antibiotics can prevent complications from infections. A significant proportion believed that inappropriate use could lead to antibiotic resistance (172, 43.2% agreed; 129, 32.4% strongly agreed). Regarding the use of leftover antibiotics, 197 (49.5%) disagreed with using them without consulting a doctor. Interaction with pediatricians showed that 212 (53.3%) always followed pediatrician advice and instructions, while 66 (16.6%) rarely did., Conclusion: The study highlights significant gaps in parental awareness regarding antibiotic use for upper respiratory tract infections in Jazan. Despite some understanding of antibiotic resistance, misconceptions about the efficacy and appropriate use of antibiotics persist. Addressing these gaps through targeted education and improving communication with healthcare providers could enhance antibiotic stewardship and reduce the risk of resistance., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Research Ethics Committee at Jazan University issued approval REC-46/02/1161. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Al-Makramani et al.)