1.Systematic sequencing of imported cases leads to detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant in central Viet Nam
Do Thai Hung ; Nguyen Bao Trieu ; Do Thi Thu Thuy ; Allison Olmsted ; Trinh Hoang Long ; Nguyen Duc Duy ; Huynh Kim Mai ; Bui Thi Thu Hien ; Nguyen Van Van ; Tran Van Kiem ; Vo Thi Thuy Trang ; Nguyen Truong Duy ; Ton That Thanh ; Huynh Van Dong ; Philip L Gould ; Matthew R Moore
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2022;13(4):82-85
As authorities braced for the arrival of the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), infrastructure investments and government directives prompted action in central Viet Nam to establish capacity for genomic surveillance sequencing. From 17 November 2021 to 7 January 2022, the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang sequenced 162 specimens from 98 150 confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases in the region collected from 8 November to 31 December 2021. Of these, all 127 domestic cases were identified as the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, whereas 92% (32/35) of imported cases were identified as the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant, all among international flight passengers. Patients were successfully isolated, enabling health-care workers to prepare for additional cases. Most (78%) of the 32 Omicron cases were fully vaccinated, suggesting continued importance of public health and social measures to control the spread of new variants.
2.Mental health and coping methods of medical students during the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Nhu Minh Hang TRAN ; Quang Ngoc Linh NGUYEN ; Tran Tuan Anh LE ; Thi Nguyet BUI ; Thi Hoa DANG ; Viet Trinh TRUONG ; Vu Quoc Huy NGUYEN
Hue Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy 2023;13(7):140-146
Background: The Covid-19 pandemic that occurred at the end of 2019, especially the fourth wave in Vietnam, has affected the world not only in terms of economy, society, and physical health but also affected the mental health of population in general and of medical students in particular. The use of different coping methods may be protective or risk factors for mental health problems. Objectives: 1. To investigate the prevalence of anxiety, stress, and depression among medical students during the Covid -19 pandemic 2. To describe several coping behavior among medical students during the pandemic. Subjects and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 2350 students of medicine programme range from the first year to the sixth year in the school year 2021 - 2022 at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Using the DASS-21 scale to survey anxiety, depression and stress in research subjects and a self-designed questionnaire to describe the coping methods of medical students. Results: out of 2350 sample, the prevelance of depression, anxiety, and stress was 38%, 33.2%, and 17% respectively. 13.8% had both anxiety and stress, 15.4% had both stress and depression, and 12.8% had a combination of anxiety, depression and stress. Coping behavior was commonly selected including: eating and sleeping regularly as usual (68.1%); doing exercise at home at least 5 days/week and 30 minutes/day (23.9%); 36.5% of students performed their favorite activities under appropriate conditions most of the time or often. In addition, 59.7% of students had learn new things on the internet, 4.5% of students had practiced meditation and relaxation, 2.9% of students had chosen to write a diary and things they were grateful for; 32% had still maintain contacted with friends via video calls, text messages and 34.4% had chosen to participate in volunteer activities. Conclusion: This study highlights a high rate of anxiety, stress and depression among medical students during the fouthth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Personal lifestyle changes and social activities were amongst the most comon coping behavior reported.