Globally, binge eating behavior has emerged as a significant public health concern, especially among female adolescents. Body shape concerns in female adolescents can lead to body dissatisfaction and other mental health issues. Using a cross-sectional study design, we evaluated the frequency of binge eating behavior, body shape concerns, and associated factors among 400 female adolescents. We utilized a pretested Arabic binge eating scale (BES) and a body shape questionnaire—shorter version (BSQ-8C) to collect the required data. We performed Spearman’s correlation analysis to find the strength and direction of the correlation between the BES and BSQ-8C scores. Finally, we applied binomial logistic regression analysis to identify the predictors of body shape concerns. Of the studied participants, 5.5% and 6.2% had medium and severe binge eating behavior. We found a significant positive correlation between the BES and BSQ-8C scores (rho = 0.434, p < 0.001). Also, we found that body shape concerns were significantly higher among the monthly family income category of 5000 to 7000 SAR (p = 0.005), the severe binge eating categories (p = 0.009), and obese adolescents (p = 0.001). The present study results can be applied to the development of focused interventions and strategies to address these concerns in this group

Background

Initial small, uncontrolled studies suggested a beneficial effect of azithromycin in individuals with COVID-19. However, subsequent studies have not confirmed its effectiveness. We assessed azithromycin usage before and during the pandemic in a national healthcare system in Qatar and the impact of implementation of evidence-based guidelines upon prescription rates.

Methods

Using electronic medical records, we retrieved all azithromycin prescriptions from 2019 to 2022 at the public healthcare system in Qatar which provides over 85 % of healthcare in Qatar. Azithromycin prescription numbers and rates/100,000 population were calculated and compared over time. A course was defined as any azithromycin prescription for ≥5 days with no gap of >10 days. Courses were considered COVID-19-related if prescribed −3 to +10 days post positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR. Prescription rates before and after the pandemic, and before and after evidence-based guidelines implementation (in June 2020) were compared.

Results

During the study period, 203,806 azithromycin courses were prescribed to 166,062 individuals. Overall number of courses increased in the first 2 quarters of 2020 (average 12,857/quarter in 2019 to average of 19,297 in Q1-Q2 of 2020) and then dropped to 9881/quarter over the next 6 quarters. COVID-19 related azithromycin courses peaked in.

2020-Q2 (13,691) and dropped to 2836 for 2020-Q3, 1410 for 2020-Q4; 5465 for 2021-Q1, and 4288 for 2021-Q2. Stringent COVID-19 guidelines in June 2020 rapidly reduced azithromycin usage.

Conclusions

Azithromycin prescriptions increased immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic, but rapidly declined immediately after implementing evidence-based guidelines.

Objectives

Mass gathering events may facilitate transmission of foodborne diseases. We determined the presentations and causative organisms of gastrointestinal illness in the attendees of the Football World Cup 2022 (FIFA-2022).

Study Design

Retrospective analysis

Methods

The study was conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar, which served as the national reference laboratory for all microbiology testing. We retrieved all stool testing data from attendees of FIFA-2022 from October 1 to December 31, 2022. Stool microscopy for ova and parasite and cultures were performed on all samples. PCR-testing was performed for cases of suspected foodborne outbreaks, or when a rapid result was required for public health response.

Results

Among 2,179 samples tested, ≥1 organism was identified in 424 cases. The most common reasons for testing were acute diarrhea/gastroenteritis (51.4%), abdominal pain (11.5%), screening/surveillance of contacts (10.6%), and fever (7.6%). Bacteria were identified in 92.5% (Salmonella spp. 40%, E. coli 25.7%, Shigella spp. 8.8%), viruses in 7.8%, and parasites in 2.8% of the samples.

Conclusions

The number of individuals who underwent stool testing during the FIFA-2022 was low. The yield of stool testing was higher for those with acute diarrhea/gastroenteritis and fever, but not for those with abdominal pain or for surveillance/screening.