scholarly journals Response of the Public to Preventive Measures of COVID-19 in Iraqi Kurdistan

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Deldar Morad Abdulah ◽  
Salem Said Aziz Qazli ◽  
Sherzad Khudeida Suleman
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Medical Clinic ◽  
The Public ◽  
Iraqi Kurdistan ◽  
Public Areas ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Lower Education ◽  
Respiratory Droplets ◽  
Close Contacts

ABSTRACT Objectives: On March 1, 2020, the Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) announced 4 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We aimed to explore the response of the public toward the prevention principles against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Methods: The investigators invited individuals from different geographic areas of Duhok Governorate of Iraqi Kurdistan in March 2020. Results: The mean age of the participants was 25.74 (16‐95 years). The mean score and prevalence of fear toward SARS-CoV-2 infection was 4.40 of 10 and 81.9%, respectively. A small percentage of participants did not minimize their exposures by reducing close contacts and transmission of respiratory droplets (14.5%) and visited public areas during the epidemic (28.7%). The study revealed that 30.8% of the participants do not use face masks or tissues when they sneeze in public areas. Most of the participants wash their hands when they suspect a possible transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen (94.6%) and clean or disinfect pathogen contamination-suspected areas at home (84.6%). The study also revealed that some participants (11.2%), due to a lower education, did not visit a medical clinic when they experienced possible symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants agreed with the health policies of KRG against the COVID-19 outbreak (90.8%). Conclusions: Some individuals do not adhere to preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals PENGARUH IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN PERATURAN DAERAH NOMOR 12 TAHUN 2009 TENTANG KAWASAN TANPA ROKOK OLEH SATUAN POLISI PAMONG PRAJA TERHADAP PENEGAKAN DISIPLIN MASYARAKAT DI KAWASAN UMUM KOTA BOGOR

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Daman Huri ◽  
Denny Hernawan ◽  
G. Goris Seran
Keyword(s):  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Alternative Hypothesis ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Spearman Rank Correlation ◽  
Local Regulation ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Areas ◽  
Coefficient Corrélation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Communication Resource

The aim of the research is to analyze the effect of policy implementation of Local Regulation No. 12/2009 concerning Areas Without Cigarettes by Civil Service Police Unit on the enforcement of public discipline in the public areas of Bogor City. The policy implementation is understood in Edward III’s perspective based on four aspects, namely communication, resource, disposition/attitude, and bureaucratic structure. The public discipline uses Elizabeth Hunrlock’s perspective based on three aspects, namely rule/norm, consistence, punishment and reward. The research uses Weight Mean Score formula to count the mean and to describe it. It also uses Spearman Rank Correlation formula based on SPSS version.20 to test a hypothesis concerning the relation of policy implementation to public discipline. The results of the research indicate that the policy implementation gets the mean score 3.28, meaning good enough, and the public discipline gets the mean score 3.65, meaning good. The coefficient correlation of two variables gets value 0.406, categorized as the middle. By t-test, the research gets tcount value 3.688 and ttable (N=71) value 1.666. Therefore, tcount > ttable means that alternative hypothesis is accepted. The coefficient determination indicates 16.4% of contribution of policy implementation to public discipline.Keywords: Areas Without Cigarettes, Policy Implementation, Public Areas, Public Discipline.

scholarly journals Spreadable Virus of the 21stCentuary: COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1&2) ◽  
pp. 13-18
Author(s):  
Priya Chaudhary ◽  
Pracheta Janmeda
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Process ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Ground Glass Opacity ◽  
Nasal Discharge ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Third ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The latest outbreak of a respiratory disease, known as coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), is the third virus spillover from animals to humans in the last two decades. The disease is caused by coronavirus and has converted into an epidemic in recent days. It spread via direct contact or droplets of nasal-discharge from one human-to-another within the mean-incubation period of 6.5 days. Dyspnea, cough and fever are the most common symptoms in the patients of COVID-19, though along with diarrhea in 3% cases. Bilateral pulmonary with ground-glass opacity and consolidation has been observed in 98% cases of the disease by the help of computed tomography.  The treatment process of COVID-19 with chloroquine and remdesivir drug is under the clinical trial worldwide and responding well to cure the disease. Under the prevalent circumstances, the main goal is to control the widespread infection of SARS-CoV-2 across the world and to aware the public regarding the possible preventive measures and treatments. However, the public health authorities should keep a close eye on the circumstances strictly, as the more we know about this novel coronavirus and its outbreak, the better we can respond or control the conditions worldwide.

scholarly journals Changes in knowledge, perceptions, preventive behaviours and psychological responses in the pre-community outbreak phase of the H1N1 epidemic

2010 ◽  
Vol 139 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. F. LAU ◽  
S. GRIFFITHS ◽  
D. W. H. AU ◽  
K. C. CHOI
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Public Health Education ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
H1n1 Infection ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Areas ◽  
Pooled Sample ◽  
H1n1 Outbreak

SUMMARYTo investigate the changes in community responsiveness during the pre-community-outbreak phase of the H1N1 epidemic in Hong Kong, a pooled sample of 999 adults was interviewed in three surveys (S1, S2, S3) from 7 May to 6 June 2009. Over time, fewer people felt confident in staying free from H1N1 infection in the following year (S1, 63·3%; S3, 46%; P<0·001). The level of distress due to H1N1 remained modest throughout the study period. People's confidence in the government's ability to control a large-scale H1N1 outbreak declined slightly at the third survey (S1, 80·5%; S3, 73·8%; P=0·025). Across the three surveys, respondents remained vigilant with frequent adoption of preventive measures (e.g. wearing face masks in public areas when suffering from influenza-like symptoms and frequent hand-washing). The public was generally supportive of the Hong Kong government although misconceptions regarding the disease were common. Provision of evidence-based public-health education is still warranted as the disease outbreak unfolds.

scholarly journals The Appraisal and Endorsement of Individual and Public Preventive Measures to Combat COVID-19 and the Associated Psychological Predictors among Chinese Living in Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 592-599
Author(s):  
Ling Na ◽  
Lixia Yang ◽  
Linke Yu ◽  
Kathryn Bolton ◽  
Weiguo Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Perceived Susceptibility ◽  
Mainland Chinese ◽  
Perceived Severity ◽  
The Public ◽  
Individual Measure ◽  
Lower Education

Aims: The study examines the factors related to the appraisal and adherence of the individual and public health preventive measures. Background: The effectiveness of the measures battling the pandemic was largely determined by the voluntary compliance of the public. Objectives: This study aimed to identify psychological perception factors related to the appraisal of individual measures and endorsement of public health measures during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic among Chinese living in Canada. Methods: A convenience sample of 656 participants completed an online survey. Nonparametric Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare COVID perception variables (e.g., perceived susceptibility, fear, perceived severity, and information confusion) among different sociodemographic subgroups. Bootstrapped regression models were used to assess the association of these variables with outcome measures. Results: Compared to their counterpart groups, lower perceived susceptibility was reported by adults 65 years and older (p = .002) or retired (p = .015); greater fear was reported by females (p = .044), those with lower education (p = .001), and Mainland Chinese (p = .033); greater perceived severity was reported by individuals with lower education and smaller household size (ps = .003). Perceived susceptibility was inversely associated with individual measure appraisal (p = .032). Perceived severity was positively associated with individual measure appraisal (p = .005) and public measure endorsement (p < .001). Conclusion: Individual behaviour measure appraisal was predicted by lower perceived susceptibility and higher perceived severity, whereas public health measure endorsement was related to higher perceived severity. These results inform the public and the policymakers about the critical factors that affect the preventive measure appraisal and endorsement.

scholarly journals Risk perception regarding the COVID-19 outbreak among the general population: a comparative Middle East survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Abdel Hameed Shahin ◽  
Rasha Mohammed Hussien
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
General Population ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background People’s perceptions of pandemic-associated risk are key factors contributing to increased public participation in disease preventive measures. The aim of the study was to investigate risk perceptions regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, among the general population. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 723 participants, recruited from the general population of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Data collection was performed using a standardized risk perception assessment questionnaire, in April 2020. Results The mean score for the perception of COVID-19 seriousness was significantly higher and the mean scores for the perception of disease susceptibility and extent of anxiety were also higher among Saudi Arabian participants than participants from Egypt and Jordan. Participants from Egypt had significantly lower mean scores for the perception of efficacy and self-efficacy to cope with COVID-19, and significantly lower intention to comply with COVID-19 precautionary measures than the other populations. A significant positive correlation was detected between the perception of COVID-19 seriousness and self-efficacy to handle COVID-19, for the entire sample. The primary reasons reported by participants driving their willingness to perform certain preventive measures against COVID-19 was a feeling of responsibility toward their own health, followed by preventing transmission to other people and the feeling that COVID-19 can be serious. Most of the study sample reported a desire to receive information about COVID-19 treatment, ways to prevent disease contraction, and the incubation period for the novel coronavirus. Also, most of the study sample reported that they prefer receiving COVID-19 updates from national authorities. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, communications designed to promote the adoption of preventive behaviors should focus on increasing the perception of seriousness, the risk perception, self-efficacy to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effectiveness of the adopted behavioral measures for reducing risk. Health education programs that are tailored to various sociodemographic categories, to improve public awareness, perceptions, and attitudes, are vital for increasing the adoption of outbreak preventive measures.

scholarly journals The Problems and Needs of Patients Diagnosed with Cancer and Their Caregivers

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Anna Lewandowska ◽  
Grzegorz Rudzki ◽  
Tomasz Lewandowski ◽  
Sławomir Rudzki
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Literature Analysis ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Level ◽  
Patients Experience

(1) Background: As the literature analysis shows, cancer patients experience a variety of different needs. Each patient reacts differently to the hardships of the illness. Assessment of needs allows providing more effective support, relevant to every person’s individual experience, and is necessary for setting priorities for resource allocation, for planning and conducting holistic care, i.e., care designed to improve a patient’s quality of life in a significant way. (2) Patients and Methods: A population survey was conducted between 2018 and 2020. Cancer patients, as well as their caregivers, received an invitation to take part in the research, so their problems and needs could be assessed. (3) Results: The study involved 800 patients, 78% women and 22% men. 66% of the subjects were village residents, while 34%—city residents. The mean age of patients was 62 years, SD = 11.8. The patients received proper treatment within the public healthcare. The surveyed group of caregivers was 88% women and 12% men, 36% village residents and 64% city residents. Subjects were averagely 57 years old, SD 7.8. At the time of diagnosis, the subjects most often felt anxiety, despair, depression, feelings of helplessness (46%, 95% CI: 40–48). During illness and treatment, the subjects most often felt fatigued (79%, 95% CI: 70–80). Analysis of needs showed that 93% (95% CI: 89–97) of patients experienced a certain level of need for help in one or more aspects. (4) Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with cancer have a high level of unmet needs, especially in terms of psychological support and medical information. Their caregivers also experience needs and concerns regarding the disease. Caregivers should be made aware of the health consequences of cancer and consider appropriate supportive care for their loved ones.

scholarly journals Well-Being of Healthcare Workers and the General Public during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam: An Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4737
Author(s):  
Tuyen Dinh Hoang ◽  
Robert Colebunders ◽  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
Nhan Phuc Thanh Nguyen ◽  
Trung Dinh Tran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Model ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Restrictive Measures

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictive measures implemented may considerably affect people’s lives. This study aimed to assess the well-being of Vietnamese people after COVID-19 lockdown measures were lifted and life gradually returned to normal. An online survey was organized from 21 to 25 April 2020 among Vietnamese residents aged 18 and over. The survey was launched by the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The WHO-5 Well-Being Index (scored 0–25) was used to score participants’ well-being. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of well-being. A total of 1922 responses were analyzed (mean age: 31 years; 30.5% male; 88.2% health professionals or students in the health sector). The mean well-being score was 17.35 ± 4.97. Determinants of a high well-being score (≥13) included older age, eating healthy food, practicing physical exercise, working from home, and adhering to the COVID-19 preventive measures. Female participants, persons worried about their relatives’ health, and smokers were more likely to have a low well-being score. In conclusion, after the lockdown measures were lifted, the Vietnamese have people continued to follow COVID-19 preventive measures, and most of them scored high on the well-being scale. Waiting to achieve large-scale COVID-19 vaccine coverage, promoting preventive COVID-19 measures remains important, together with strategies to guarantee the well-being of the Vietnamese people.

scholarly journals Outpatient Management of COVID-19 Disease: A Holistic Patient-Centered Proposal Based on the Greek Experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 709
Author(s):  
Adamantia Liapikou ◽  
Eleni Tzortzaki ◽  
Georgios Hillas ◽  
Miltiadis Markatos ◽  
Ilias C. Papanikolaou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Guidance Document ◽  
Outpatient Management ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Mild Disease ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
Close Contacts

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a worldwide pandemic and affected more than 227 countries or territories, resulting in more than 179 million cases with over 3.890.00 deaths, as of June 25, 2021. The Hellenic Thoracic Society (HTS) during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic released a guidance document for the management of patients with COVID-19 in the community and in hospital setting. In this review, with guidance the HTS document, we are discussing the outpatient management of COVID-19 patients, including the preventive measures, the patients’ isolation and quarantine criteria of close contacts, the severity and risk stratification, including the decisions for advanced hospitalization, and the disease management at home in patients with mild disease and after hospital discharge for those with more severe disease.

scholarly journals Impact of Visual Design Elements and Principles in Human Electroencephalogram Brain Activity Assessed with Spectral Methods and Convolutional Neural Networks

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 4695
Author(s):  
Francisco E. Cabrera ◽  
Pablo Sánchez-Núñez ◽  
Gustavo Vaccaro ◽  
José Ignacio Peláez ◽  
Javier Escudero
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Music Videos ◽  
Visual Design ◽  
Music Video ◽  
Eeg Signal ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
The Public ◽  
Learning Classifier ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Human Electroencephalogram

The visual design elements and principles (VDEPs) can trigger behavioural changes and emotions in the viewer, but their effects on brain activity are not clearly understood. In this paper, we explore the relationships between brain activity and colour (cold/warm), light (dark/bright), movement (fast/slow), and balance (symmetrical/asymmetrical) VDEPs. We used the public DEAP dataset with the electroencephalogram signals of 32 participants recorded while watching music videos. The characteristic VDEPs for each second of the videos were manually tagged for by a team of two visual communication experts. Results show that variations in the light/value, rhythm/movement, and balance in the music video sequences produce a statistically significant effect over the mean absolute power of the Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma EEG bands (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we trained a Convolutional Neural Network that successfully predicts the VDEP of a video fragment solely by the EEG signal of the viewer with an accuracy ranging from 0.7447 for Colour VDEP to 0.9685 for Movement VDEP. Our work shows evidence that VDEPs affect brain activity in a variety of distinguishable ways and that a deep learning classifier can infer visual VDEP properties of the videos from EEG activity.

scholarly journals Party Responsiveness to Public Opinion in Young Democracies

2021 ◽  
pp. 003232172199363
Author(s):  
Raimondas Ibenskas ◽  
Jonathan Polk
Keyword(s):  
Public Opinion ◽  
Political Parties ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Policy Positions ◽  
The Public ◽  
National Surveys ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Established Democracies ◽  
Expert Surveys ◽  
Cross National

Are political parties in young democracies responsive to the policy preferences of the public? Compared to extensive scholarship on party responsiveness in established democracies, research on party responsiveness in young democracies is limited. We argue that weaker programmatic party–voter linkages in post-communist democracies create incentives for parties to respond to their supporters rather than the more general electorate. Such responsiveness occurs in two ways. First, parties follow shifts in the mean position of their supporters. Second, drawing on the research on party–voter congruence, we argue that parties adjust their policy positions to eliminate previous incongruence between themselves and their supporters. Analyses based on a comprehensive dataset that uses expert surveys, parties’ manifestoes and election surveys to measure parties’ positions, and several cross-national and national surveys to measure voters’ preferences provide strong support for this argument.

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