Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a severe and recurrent condition that contributes to a global prevalence of disabilities. Accumulating evidence suggests a potential convergence of clinical and genetic factors underlying OUD.

This study explores the clinical and genetic factors associated with OUD in the Lebanese population.

A cross-sectional study in the Lebanese population included three different groups of participants stratified according to the cut-off of the revised Opioid Risk Tool (ORT-OUD): (1) Low-risk group for OUD (n=513; general population; ORT-OUD score <2.5); (2) High-risk group for OUD (n=87; general population; ORT-OUD score ≥3); (3) a third group consisting of patients clinically diagnosed with OUD according to the DSM-5 (n=46). The survey included sociodemographic information and used validated scales to assess other substance use disorders, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety. Genotyping for the COMT, MTHFR, and CRY2 genes was conducted for 91 patients using a real-time PCR (Roche®). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the associations between OUD risk and sociodemographic, clinical, and genetic factors.

This study enrolled 646 participants. Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between risk of developing an OUD and cigarette smoking (B=0.583), worse insomnia scores (B=0.074) and Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test-alcohol (B=0.053) scores, male gender (B=13.351), lack of education (B=4.159), unemployment (B=7.235), low income (B=11.285), lack of healthcare coverage (B=4.190), neuropsychiatric disorders (B=7.966). Conversely, OUD risk was negatively correlated with the morning chronotype (B=-0.372). Bivariate analysis showed that the CRY2 AA genotype was significantly associated with a higher risk of OUD; nevertheless, none of the genetic factors remained significant in the multivariable model.

This study identified several sociodemographic, clinical, and genetic factors that could potentially increase the risk of developing OUD in the Lebanese population. Further research is needed to clarify risk factors and underlying mechanisms, enabling the development of more effective prevention strategies.

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Ageism, defined as stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination against older people, is an emerging public health concern [1]. Ageist attitudes and behaviors in health care are found to negatively affect the physical and mental well-being of older individuals [2]. This study is the first to investigate ageism and its determinants in Lebanese healthcare settings.

We diffused an online survey including the Fraboni Scale for Ageism (FSA) [3] and other variables to nurses, physicians, nursing, and medical students at an urban university hospital in Lebanon. We obtained online consent from participants prior to filling the survey. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of St. Georges Hospital University Medical Center (IRB-REC/O/066-21/3321).

We recruited 233 participants (47.2% medical students, 21.5% nurses, 20.6% physicians and 10.7% nursing students). Mean age was 29.2 (Standard Deviation—SD = 12) years. Almost two-thirds were female. Half the sample came from rural areas. Almost 60% currently live or have lived with an adult aged≥ 60 years. The FSA total score ranged between 33 and 87 (mean 58.9; SD 10.2). The mean/SD scores were 22.6 (4.5), 17.2 (3.2) and 19.1 (4.3) for the antilocution, discrimination and avoidance subscales of the FSA respectively. There was a positive correlation between age and FSA total score (p=0.041), in addition to discrimination and avoidance subscores (p=0.0001). Originating from rural areas was associated with significantly lower discrimination scores. Living or having lived with an older individual was associated with significantly lower overall ageism and discrimination scores. In addition, students (nursing and medical) were found to have lower ageist perceptions and attitudes compared to healthcare professionals (nurses and physicians). Table 1 shows the results of bivariate analyses performed. Regression analyses showed that only living or having lived with an older person remained significantly associated with lower ageism scores (p=0.036) after accounting for other covariables.

Lower ageism was found among students compared to practicing nurses and physicians. Having lived with an older person was a protective factor against ageism. Specific anti-ageism interventions may need to be implemented to mitigate its impact in healthcare among students and practitioners.

Table 1

Bivariate analyses of FSA total score and subscores on covariates of interest

In addition to psychological distress, neurological and neurocognitive manifestations, the COVID19 pandemic and its medium- and long-term consequences combine other risk factors to alter sleep.

To screen for COVID19 sleep disorders and to identify epidemiological and clinical factors correlated with this disorder in post COVID19 patients.

This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that took place during the period from the 1rst of March to the 15th of May 2021 with 154 patients who were hospitalized at the COVID unit19 at the Hedi Chaker Hospital in Sfax Tunisia.

The sleep evaluation, made by telephone, was performed using the “Insomnia Severity Index” scale.

The mean age was 66.62 ± 13.34 years. Male patients represented 60.4% of the study population.

In our study, the prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder was 24.7%, 11% and 13.6% respectively.

The mean score of the sleep disorder severity index was 3.94 with extremes of score ranging from zero to 24. Thirty-six patients (23.4%) had insomnia, which was severe in 2.6% of patients.

We found a significant association between gender and sleep disorders. Thus, women were more likely to have insomnia.

A significant association was found between insomnia, anxiety-depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

No significant association was found between disease characteristics and sleep disorders.

In post COVID, patients suffer from an important sleep disorder. Indeed, the management of these sleep disorders in post Covid-19 is essential to improve the quality of life of these people.

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Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. Individuals with a cleft of the lip and/or palate (CL/P) differ from their peers due to their facial appearance, hearing and speech problems, in addition, it causes psychosocial impacts among affected children. However, among untreated adults, it seems that psychological sequelae can be major and life limiting.

The purpose of this study is to assess Algerian untreated young CL/P patients psychological and lifestyle issues.

This is a survey-based cross-sectional study conducted during August- October 2022 in Algeria through an online survey which is a self-administered questionnaire ( SAQ). The study target population were young individuals ( age between 17 and 30) with untreated or partially treated clef lip and palate confitions. The questionnaire consisted of 10 multiple questions including a demographic section, evaluating patients satisfaction, lifestyle, psychological problems related to their conditions and limitations due to it. All participants provided their informed consent prior to their participation. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used to analyse the collected data.

Final sample size consisted in 207 responses. The mean age of the participants was 24.3± 3 years. Findings showed that slightly more that three fourths (75,9%) of participants reported that they are unsatisfied of their life because of their CL/P condition. Among 120 uneducated participants, (67%) of them reported thay they abandoned school because of their appearance. For P <0.001, suicide thoughts were higher among female participants (38%) than male participants (9%). Almost half of respondents (49.4%) presented strong immigration desires due to their education, relationships and psychosocial health issues.

The psychological impact of cleft lip and palate in adults appears to be disturbing, chronic and life-limiting. Urgent approaches to ensure the early management of cleft lip and palate in Algeria remain mandatory. Increasing the number of specialized maxillofacial services seems to be a good first step.

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Occupational exposure to organic solvents can have multiple health effects for exposed employees.Neuropsychic effects represent an important part of these effects and have a significant impact on patients’ ability to work

• - To describe the socio-professional and medical characteristics of workers exposed to organic solvents

• - To screen among the study population for neuropsychological effects related to an organic psychosyndrome using the Q16 questionnaire.

A retrospective descriptive study of workers exposed to organic solvents, who were referred to the occupational medicine department of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis for a medical assessment of their fitness for work over the period from 2016 to 2022. The socio-professional data were collected from the medical records. The Swedish Q16 questionnaire in its French version was used to screen for neuropsychological signs of organic psycho-syndrome.

A total of 37 workers were included. The mean age was 45.38 ± 8.63 years with a clear male predominance (77%). The mean occupational seniority was 21.39 ± 11.11 years. The average duration of the occupational exposure to organic solvents was 18.25 ± 11.29 years. The most represented sectors of activity were the plastics industry (11%), the automotive industry (19%), the carpentry sector (14%) and the aeronautics sector (9%). Our population was represented by polyvalent workers in 49% of cases and by painter in 24% of cases. Psychiatric history was noted in only one case. The main functional signs reported by the workers were wheezing dyspnea with breathing difficulties (13%) and headaches (11%).

The Q16 questionnaire was found to be positive in 65% of the cases, with a higher rate of positivity for the items relating to unusual fatigue (73%), irritability for no particular reason (67%), short memory (64%) and headaches (58%). Acquired dyschromatopsia detected by a Lanthony test was found in 39% of the cases, 23% of which was associated with a positive Q16 questionnaire. Additional exploration by specific psychotechnical tests was carried out in five cases, all of which came back positive with significant attentional and cognitive impairment.

A declaration of an occupational disease according to the Table n°23 (Halogenated derivatives of aliphatic hydrocarbons) and Table n°40 (other liquid organic solvents for professional use) of the Tunisian list of occupational diseases eligible for compensation was made in three and two cases respectively. A definitive exemption from exposure to organic solvents was indicated for all workers with a positive Q16 questionnaire.

Exposure to organic solvents is a risk encountered in various occupational sectors. Thus, education of the employees to the dangers encountered with a reinforcement of the collective and individual technical protection means are essential in order to avoid their detrimental effects on health.

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Exposure to organic solvents (SO) is a significant occupational hazard in industrial settings. This can lead to neurobehavioural and physical effects that can affect the quality of life of workers

To assess, using a validated questionnaire, the quality of life of workers exposed to SO.

Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the occupational medicine department of the Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis, which interested patients exposed to SO who had consulted for a medical opinion on fitness for duty during the period from January 1, 2017 to August 31, 2022. The data collection was carried out by a telephone call using the SF12 questionnaire. Socio-demographic and medical data were completed from medical records.

We identified 51 workers exposed to OS. Thirty-three employees agreed to answer the SF12 questionnaire, for a response rate of 65%. The average age was 44 8 years with a clear male predominance of 75%. The most represented sectors of activity were the automobile industry (34%), followed by the leather and footwear industry (15%) and the plastics industry (12%). The jobs most exposed to SO were manual workers (54%) and painters (9%). The median occupational seniority was 15[10; 23] years. Comorbidities were observed in 72% of employees. The average physical composite score was 48%. The average mental composite score was 49%. The average overall score was 49%. Average quality of life (overall SF12 score above 50) was noted in 60% of the population. Moderate disability (overall SF12 score between 30 and 39) was found in 18% of respondents. Twenty-one percent of workers had a severe disability (overall SF12 score below 30).

In addition to socio-professional conditions, exposure to SO may be implicated in altering the quality of life of exposed workers. This implies the need to strengthen preventive measures in order to preserve the mental and physical health of these workers.

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In addition to psychological distress in patients with COVID 19, neurological and neurocognitive manifestations, such as memory impairment, are increasingly reported. Screening for cognitive impairment is therefore crucial.

Identify cognitive impairment inpost COVID19.

This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that took place during the period from 1 st March 15 th May 2021 with 154 patients who were hospitalized at the COVID19 unit at Hedi Chaker Hospital Sfax. The psychometric evaluation, done by telephone, was performed using the "Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale" for the screening of anxiety-depressive disorders, the "Impact of Event Scale-Revised" for the screening of post-traumatic stress disorder, the Insomnia Severity Index for the evaluation of sleep, the "The Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire" scale and the Mac Nair questionnaire for the evaluation of subjective memory.

The mean age was 66.62 ± 13.34 years. Male patients represented 60.4% of the population. The prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder was 24.7%, 11% and 13.6% respectively. For the assessment of subjective memory, the mean total score of the PRMQ was 27.72 ± 7.71, with that of prospective and retrospective memory 15.41 ± 4.44 and 12.16 ± 3.73 respectively. According to the Mac Nair scale, 18.8% of patients had memory impairment (Mac Nair score >15). Anxious patients showed more memory impairment. Depressed patients had the most impaired scores for total memory (p= 0.03) and retrospective memory (p= 0.022). Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder had more memory impairment (p=0.021).

Psychological distress is multifactorial in its etiology. The medium and long term management of COVID+ patients must therefore be multidisciplinary.

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Coronavirus 2019 (COVID19) is a contagious disease. Infected patients are not only the vectors of the disease but also often the victim of the social stigma attached to it.

To assess the social stigma perceived by post-COVID19 patients.

This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that took place during the period from 1st March to 15th May 2021 with 154 patients who were hospitalized at the COVID19 unit at Hedi Chaker Hospital in Sfax.

The anxiodepressive disorders were screened using the “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale”. Post-traumatic stress disorder was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised.

Perceived stigma due to COVID19 was assessed by items from the psychometric tool: self-reported instrument measuring COVID19-related stigma.

The mean age was 66.62 ± 13.34 years. Male patients represented 60.4% of the study population.

In our study, the prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder was 24.7%, 11% and 13.6% respectively.

In our study, 21.4% of the participants felt discrimination and social stigma, especially from neighbors (18.2%).

Anxiety was statistically correlated with the presence of stigma related to COVID19.

We have a highly significant relationship between depression and stigma. (p=0.002)

No correlation was found between stigma and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In addition to social stigma, people with COVID 19 may perceive themselves as different from normal in terms of physical or mental abilities, leading to a high likelihood of self-stigma and social isolation.

None Declared

Patients hospitalized in the case of COVID19 have had to face a complex and potentially very stressful situation. In this context a screening program for psychological distress in patients with COVID19 is necessary.

To screen for post-traumatic stress disorder post COVID19 and to identify the epidemiological and clinical factors correlated with this disorder in post COVID19 patients.

A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that took place during the period from 1st March to 15th May 2021 with 154 patients who were hospitalized at the COVID19 unit at Hedi Chaker Hospital Sfax.

We used a pre-established form to record sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic data. The post-traumatic stress disorder was assessed by the “Impact of Event Scale-Revised”.

The mean age was 66.62 ± 13.34 years with a male predominance of 60.4%. In our sample, 77.9% of the patients had a somatic history, of which hypertension was the most frequent pathology (46.1%). The average length of hospitalization was 9.5 days ± 6.3. The form was considered severe in 27.9 cases.

According to the IES-R scale, twenty-one patients (13.6%) had post-traumatic stress disorder, with a predominance of women (57.1%).

A significant association was found between marital status and post-traumatic stress disorder. Thus, married or widowed patients are more likely to develop PTSD.

In the present study, we did not find statistically significant associations between the clinical characteristics of the disease (severity of the disease, length of hospitalization, functional signs) and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Psychological support interventions in surviving patients of COVID 19 is necessary aiming to increase resilience, manage coping strategies and decrease the deleterious impact of the pandemic on mental health.

None Declared