ALCOHOL POLICY IN MUSLIM MAJORITY COUNTRIES

Background: Due to the Islamic prohibition of alcohol consumption in Muslim Majority Countries (MMCs), alcohol policy research has been limited. However, consumption in MMCs has recently increased. Also, globalization and governmental transition can all affect alcohol policy development. This research examines the extent of civil alcohol prohibition in MMCs. Using Iran as a case study, it describes how alcohol prohibition can be translated into policy, including alcohol treatment policy, in a MMC. Methods: The research was conducted in three languages: Arabic, Persian and English. Policy analysis drew on case study and qualitative research methods and narrative synthesis for literature review. For Iran, publicly available literature and policy documents were collected, and information verified through consultation. Newspapers were reviewed over three time periods. Walt & Gilson’s framework was used to identify alcohol policy content, context, actors and process, including in treatment policy. Results: Four broad approaches to civil alcohol policy in MMCs were identified. From the 50 MMCs, only five have total prohibition, 10 have prohibition with concessions, others have restriction or regulation policies. Despite its approach of prohibition with concessions for non-Muslims, Iran has used nine out of ten recommended WHO alcohol policy strategy domains in a context-specific way. Pricing and taxation is not used. Iran has started a multisectoral approach to treatment of unhealthy alcohol consumption. Conclusion: MMCs face challenges in creating alcohol policies. Many have implemented civil alcohol policies that are not limited to Islamic prohibition. However, WHO alcohol policy assessment tools do not detect many MMC alcohol policies, because tools were designed for non-Muslim and developed countries. Policy formation in MMCs could benefit from external expert support and relevant research

A Comparative Study on the Bioavailability and Soil-to-Plant Transfer Factors of Potentially Toxic Element Contamination in Agricultural Soils and Their Impacts: A Case Study of Dense Farmland in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Soil and aquatic pollution by heavy metal (Pb, Cr, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Ni) ions has become one of the prime problems worldwide. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to conduct hydrogeological research and quantify the main trace metals in the edible vegetables, soil, irrigation water, pesticides, and fertilizers in the farmland near Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. Samples of soil, water, and plants such as coriander (Coriandrum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and arugula (Eruca sativa) were collected, acid-digested, and analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometer (ICP–OES). The levels of the elements in soil were determined in the order of Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb, whereas the sequence in plants was Fe > Cr > Zn > Pb> Ni > Cu, and in water, the order was Pb > Fe > Cu > Zn> Ni = Cr. In soil, the levels of Fe, Cr, and Pb were higher than the recommended values set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food Administration Organization (FAO). In soil, Pb and Zn uptake increased with an increase in the availability of both elements, whereas in plants, Zn and Pb uptake occurs primarily through the plant roots, and some specific proteins facilitate metal transport and movement across the membrane. In soil, the root cell walls first bind to metal ions, which are taken up across the plasma membrane. The levels of the investigated elements in water and vegetables samples were below the permissible limits set by the FAO and within the allowable limits in the available pesticides and fertilizers. The transfer factor (TF) of metal absorption from soil to plant (TFsoil-plant) and from irrigated water to plant (TFwater-plant) in the study area was determined, followed by correlation and statistical treatment according to the date. The TF values were used to assess the metal levels in collected plant, soil, and water samples. The computed values of TF implied that plant leaves and soil were safe from the risk of heavy metals. Water irrigation causes heavy metal accumulation in soil and vegetables, with varying concentrations. The results of this study revealed no abnormal metal accumulation due to irrigation and no health risks to consumers

Managing risk of infectious disease transmission at religious mass gatherings: Insights from survey, COVID-19 PCR, and antibody tests from Arbaeen walkers in 2020

Background: Arbaeen in Iraq has been one of the largest mass gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic with 14.5 million attendees in 2020. We set out to assess the prevalence of current or past COVID-19 among 2020 Arbaeen participants, and establish associations between COVID-19 test results, symptoms, and known recent exposure. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving participants who joined Arbaeen walk in Iraq in October 2020. COVID-19 PCR and/or rapid antibody test were conducted among consented participants. A short questionnaire was administered. Rapid antibody testing was done onsite. Nasal and throat swab samples were transferred to the laboratory for PCR testing. Results: A total of 835 (88.3% male; 11.7% female) participants were recruited. The most common symptom overall was cough (9.6%) followed by sore throat, fever, and loss of taste/smell (6.6%, 5.5%, and 5.0%, respectively). One in five (20.3%) participants reported close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days. Of the 237 participants with a PCR test, 18 (7.6%) were positive. Of the 765 participants with rapid antibody test, 19.3% tested positive for IgM, 39.3% for IgG, and 16.4% for both. Approximately 40% of the participants had evidence of current or past COVID-19 infection based on antibody and PCR. Conclusions: The almost 1 in 10 COVID-19 cases within such a multimillion person gathering, illustrates the difficulty in limiting the participation of infectious individuals in religious mass gatherings. There is a pressing need to explore measures to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases at major mass gathering events

Child abuse and neglect in a rapidly developing country : Parents' perspectives

Purpose: To identify parental awareness and knowledge regarding child abuse and neglect in the State of Qatar. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation, the only tertiary pediatric hospital in the State of Qatar at the time of the study. Parents of children of all ages were offered a questionnaire that included demographic details, parental knowledge, and awareness of child abuse and neglect. Results: 300 questionnaires were completed (response rate = 95%). More than 70% of parents were older than 30 years of age, 60% of them were females, and 66% were college graduates. The majority of the participants stated their familiarity about child abuse, and 6% witnessed morbidity or mortality due to child abuse in the society. Despite the identified laws, only 50% of the parents were aware of laws restricting child abuse. In regards to children with special needs, only 16% of the participants agreed that disabled children are at a higher risk of abuse compared to healthy children, while 33% were neutral and 52% disagreed. In addition, one-fifth of the respondents stated that hitting is discipline, while 63% disagreed. Almost one-third of the respondents agreed that hitting hands and buttock or hitting with soft objects is acceptable form of discipline. Unexpectedly, one-quarter of participants stated that it is okay to hit a child as long as no damage incurs. As for verbal abuse, around one-third of parents stated that yelling is not a form of child abuse, and that yelling does not affect growth and development. Comparing both corporal and verbal abuse, approximately 70% of parents stated that yelling is less harmful than hitting. In terms of child neglect, around half of the respondents agreed with the statement "Leaving a child (&lt;5 years) unattended at home is a form of neglect," while 42% were neutral. Finally, approximately 50% of the participants believed that it is okay to depend on nannies in assisting their children in eating and using the bathroom. Conclusion: Parents residing in the State of Qatar believe that they have a good knowledge regarding child abuse and neglect. However, this study shows many deficiencies in parental knowledge of child abuse and neglect. Parents' attitudes and perceptions are considered indispensable targets for community health intervention.CC BY-NC-SA 4.0Creative Commons Attribution‑NonCommercial‑ShareAlike 4.0 License.Wolters Kluwer - Medknow</p

Tramadol, captagon and khat use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region:opening Pandora’s box

As defined by the World Health Organization, the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), given its special geopolitical situation and internal/external conflicts, faces an increase in illegal activities such as drug production and trafficking, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of the substance use situation. On the basis of a review of published papers between 2015 and 2021 we briefly review substance use in the EMR with special focus on the emerging drugs pertinent to this region, namely tramadol, captagon and khat

Tramadol, captagon and khat use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region : opening Pandora’s box

As defined by the World Health Organization, the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), given its special geopolitical situation and internal/external conflicts, faces an increase in illegal activities such as drug production and trafficking, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of the substance use situation. On the basis of a review of published papers between 2015 and 2021 we briefly review substance use in the EMR with special focus on the emerging drugs pertinent to this region, namely tramadol, captagon and khat.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital with and without respiratory symptoms

Background: COVID-19 is primarily known as a respiratory illness; however, many patients present to hospital without respiratory symptoms. The association between non-respiratory presentations of COVID-19 and outcomes remains unclear. We investigated risk factors and clinical outcomes in patients with no respiratory symptoms (NRS) and respiratory symptoms (RS) at hospital admission. Methods: This study describes clinical features, physiological parameters, and outcomes of hospitalised COVID-19 patients, stratified by the presence or absence of respiratory symptoms at hospital admission. RS patients had one or more of: cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose or wheezing; while NRS patients did not. Results: Of 178,640 patients in the study, 86.4&nbsp;% presented with RS, while 13.6&nbsp;% had NRS. NRS patients were older (median age: NRS: 74 vs RS: 65) and less likely to be admitted to the ICU (NRS: 36.7&nbsp;% vs RS: 37.5&nbsp;%). NRS patients had a higher crude in-hospital case-fatality ratio (NRS 41.1&nbsp;% vs. RS 32.0&nbsp;%), but a lower risk of death after adjusting for confounders (HR 0.88 [0.83-0.93]). Conclusion: Approximately one in seven COVID-19 patients presented at hospital admission without respiratory symptoms. These patients were older, had lower ICU admission rates, and had a lower risk of in-hospital mortality after adjusting for confounders