Threat Perception and Public Preparedness for Earthquakes in Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (02) ◽  
pp. 114-124
Author(s):  
Moran Bodas ◽  
Fabiana Giuliani ◽  
Alba Ripoll-Gallardo ◽  
Marta Caviglia ◽  
Marcelo Farah Dell’Aringa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Threat Perception ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Recent Past ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Medium Level ◽  
Risk Areas

Introduction:Italy is prone to major earthquakes and has experienced several devastating earthquakes in the far and recent past. The objectives of this study were to assess the level of Italian households’ preparedness for earthquakes and to measure the public’s perception of the risk and its impact on preparedness behavior.Hypothesis:Italian households’ preparedness for earthquakes is insufficient and is influenced by different threat perception components that were assessed.Methods:A cross-sectional study, using an online questionnaire, was conducted in early 2018. The sample included 1,093 responders from a diverse sociodemographic background. The primary outcome was the Preparedness Index (PI), a score indicating the number of preparedness actions complied-with out of 10.Results:The PI’s mean was 5.26 (SD = 2.17). The recommendation most complied-with was keeping a flashlight at home (87.7%) and the least was securing the kitchen cupboards (15.1%). The PI was positively correlated with a higher sense of preparedness (r = 0.426; P <.001). The PI was higher for responders residing in high-seismic-risk areas and those who experienced a major earthquake before. The predictors of PI were: gender, age, prior experience, sense of preparedness, searching for information, and threat intrusiveness (negatively).Conclusions:The findings demonstrate a medium-level of preparedness; however, this might be circumstantial. Italians perceive major earthquakes to be unlikely, yet severe if and when they do occur. A validated tool in Italian now exists and can be used in future studies.Bodas M, Giuliani F, Ripoll-Gallardo A, Caviglia M, Dell’Aringa MF, Linty M, Della Corte F, Ragazzoni L. Threat perception and public preparedness for earthquakes in Italy. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(2):114–124

scholarly journals Assessment of Saudi Parents’ Beliefs and Behaviors towards Management of Child Fever in Saudi Arabia—A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5217
Author(s):  
Mohamed N. Al Arifi ◽  
Abdulrahman Alwhaibi
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Febrile Seizures ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Electronic Thermometer ◽  
And Behavior

Objective: Fever alone can lead to rare serious complications in children, such as febrile seizures. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and behavior of parents toward fever and its management. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was applied over a period of 3 months, from January to March 2018, to parents who were living in Saudi Arabia. The inclusion criteria were a parent who is a resident of Saudi Arabia, with at least one child aged 6 years or less, while incomplete questionnaires, having a child aged more than 6 years, or parents who were not living in Saudi Arabia were excluded. Results: A total of 656 parents completed the questionnaire. More than two-thirds of the subjects were female, the majority of whom were aged between 25–33 years old. The best-reported place to measure the temperature of children was the armpit (46%), followed by the ear (28%) and the mouth (10.7%). More than half of the parents considered their children feverish at a temperature of 38 °C. The majority of parents (79.7%) reported that the most serious side effects of fever were seizure, brain damage (39.3%), coma (29.9%), dehydration (29.7%), and death (25%). The most common method used to measure a child’s temperature was an electronic thermometer (62.3%). The most common antipyretic was paracetamol (84.5%). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the good knowledge of parents in identifying a feverish temperature using the recommended route and tools for measuring body temperature.

scholarly journals Perceived anxiety and physical activity behaviour changes during the early stages of COVID-19 restrictions in community-dwelling adults in Canada: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e050550
Author(s):  
Gavin R McCormack ◽  
Patricia K Doyle-Baker ◽  
Jennie A Petersen ◽  
Dalia Ghoneim
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
High Anxiety ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic changed daily routines, including physical activity, which could influence physical and mental health. In our study, we describe physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns in relation to the pandemic and estimate associations between anxiety and physical activity and sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling adults.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingCalgary, Alberta, Canada.ParticipantsBetween April and June 2020, a random sample of 1124 adults (≥18 years) completed an online questionnaire.Primary and secondary outcomesThe online questionnaire captured current walking, moderate intensity, vigorous intensity and total physical activity and sedentary behaviour (ie, sitting and leisure-based screen time), perceived relative changes in physical activity, sedentary and social behaviours since the pandemic, perceived seriousness and anxiety related to COVID-19, and sociodemographic characteristics. Differences in sociodemographic characteristics, perceived relative change in behaviour and current physical activity and sedentary behaviour were compared between adults with low and high anxiety.ResultsOur sample (n=1047) included more females (60.3%) and fewer older adults (19.2%). Most participants (88.4%) considered COVID-19 as extremely or very serious and one-third (32.9%) felt extremely or very anxious. We found no differences (p>0.05) in current physical activity or sedentary behaviour by anxiety level. The largest perceived change in behaviours included social distancing, driving motor vehicles, use of screen-based devices, watching television and interactions with neighbours. We found anxiety-related differences (p<0.05) in perceived changes in various behaviours.ConclusionsChanges in physical activity, sedentary behaviour and social behaviour occurred soon after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, and some of these changes differed among those with low and high anxiety.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of Chemosensory Dysfunction in COVID-19 in 2 Geographically Distinct Regions

2021 ◽  
pp. 014556132110001
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Lee ◽  
Daniella Daliyot ◽  
Ri Wang ◽  
Joel Lockwood ◽  
Paul Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Self ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specific Data ◽  
Geographical Regions

Objective: To directly compare the prevalence of chemosensory dysfunction (smell and taste) in geographically distinct regions with the same questionnaires. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the self-reported symptoms among adults (older than 18 years) who underwent COVID-19 testing at an ambulatory assessment center in Canada and at a hospital in Israel between March 16, 2020, and August 19, 2020. The primary outcome was the prevalence of self-reported chemosensory dysfunction (anosmia/hypomsia and dysgeusia/ageusia). Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the prevalence of chemosensory deficits among the outpatients. Results: We identified a total of 350 COVID-19–positive patients (138 Canadians and 212 Israelis). The overall prevalence of chemosensory dysfunction was 47.1%. There was a higher proportion of chemosensory deficits among Canadians compared to Israelis (66.7% vs 34.4%, P < .01). A subgroup analysis for outpatients (never hospitalized) still identified a higher prevalence of chemosensory dysfunction among Canadians compared to Israelis (68.2% vs 36.1%, P < 0.01). A majority of patients recovered their sense of smell after 4 weeks of symptom onset. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of chemosensory deficit in COVID-19 was found to be similar to previously published reports, the prevalence can vary significantly across different geographical regions. Therefore, it is important to obtain regionally specific data so that the symptom of anosmia/dysgeusia can be used as a guide for screening for the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19.

P20 Parental understanding of concussion in youth rugby is significantly improved by viewing the RFU concussion education video

2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. e31.1-e31
Author(s):  
T Samuel ◽  
K Aquilina ◽  
W Dawes
Keyword(s):  
Parental Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Educational Video ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Parental Experience ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Composite Scores

ObjectivesTo investigate the current understanding parents have of concussion in their rugby-playing children aged 9–17.DesignCross-sectional studySubjects86 parents from four clubs completed an online questionnaireMethodsAreas covered (1) Parental experience of concussion (2) Rate of viewing of the RFU concussion educational video (RFUCEV), (3) Identification of symptoms of concussion (4) Understanding of the risk of concussion. Each participant was given a composite score, out of 19, based on their performance in symptom identification and true/false questions. Independent-sample two-tailed t-tests were conducted to analyse scores, primarily controlling for viewing of the RFUCEVResultsThere was a significant difference in the scores between the group that had viewed the RFUCEV (n=32, M=14.75, SD=2.55) and those who had not (n=54, M=13.05, SD=2.87); t(84)=2.75, p=0.00721. Additionally, over 25% of parents reported that their child had suffered a concussion, and this was also found to significantly improve the awareness score (p=0.04678)ConclusionsStatistically significant improvement in composite scores after viewing the RFUCEV makes it reasonable to require compulsory parental education prior to signing up a child to play rugby. This would build on the protocol changes made by the RFU in 2014 and further progress the safety of the sport. We suggest the video be improved to emphasise the areas highlighted as inadequately understood, including the increased risk of concussion in under-18s compared to adults.

Knowledge about biosafety measures in clinical setting during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study with Brazilian dental students

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Matheus dos Santos Fernandez ◽  
Andreia Morales Cascaes ◽  
Francisco Wilker Mustafa Gomes Muniz ◽  
Nathalia Ribeiro Jorge da Silva ◽  
Camilla Hubner Bielavski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Medium Level

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of Brazilian dental students about biosafety measures that should be adopted in the clinical setting during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 1,050 dental students was conducted. A semi-structured questionnaire was shared with students. Mean knowledge score on biosafety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic was the outcome, with a maximum of 8 scores. Explanatory variables included sociodemographic and educational characteristics, aspects related to biosafety education, actions adopted by the dental schools during the pandemic, and sources of biosafety information. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Mean knowledge score was 5.19 (1.28). Female students (β=0.346; 95%CI:0.154–0.539), those enrolled in the intermediate (β=0.525; 95%CI:0.167–0.883) or final (β=0.569; 95%CI:0.200–0.937) stage of course, and those who had already received theoretical-practical training in biosafety (β=0.464; 95%CI:0.063–0.866) presented higher mean knowledge scores. Students who did not receive guidance on aerosol control measures before the pandemic (β=-0.324; 95%CI:-0.519–-0.130) had the lowest score. Conclusion: Students presented a medium level of knowledge about dental biosafety measures in the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic characteristics and those related to the institutional profile of the participants, and access to orientation and training in biosafety may influence their knowledge.

CHILDREN'S AWARENESS OF MEDICINES, DRUG COMPLIANCE AND HEALTH PROTECTION DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC: A DETAILED CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

2021 ◽  
pp. 20-24
Author(s):  
Radhika Vijay
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Great Role ◽  
Drug Compliance ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
North West ◽  
Adult Lives ◽  
Prevention Of Infections

OBJECTIVES: Nobody is refrained from the use of medications in today's times, not even kids,The objective of this study is to focus on the knowledge and awareness level, perception, of children of primary and secondary grade towards medicines , prevention of Infections and Diseases and drug compliance. This descriptive, cross sectional observational study was done METHODS: amongst the kids of North West Rajasthan ,India from August 2020 to October 2020 via an online questionnaire . A sample size of 100 kids , 50 each from Primary and Secondary grade was chosen for the study. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel and was statistically analysed. Results are outcomes of various RESULTS: questions put up to conduct detailed analysis of kids' awareness and medicinal knowledge, drug preferences, factors inuencing and attitude related to hygiene, safety and protection from Covid 19 infection. Kids are the young budding phys CONCLUSION: icians and their childhood beliefs and perceptions might affect their behaviour and decisions in adult lives. Parents and schools can play a great role through educational programs . It's well said, “Children are like wet cement, whatever falls on them, leaves an impression.”

Are local offices of emergency management prepared for people with disabilities? Results from the FEMA Region 9 Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-20
Author(s):  
Robyn R. Gershon, MHS, DrPH ◽  
Michelle A. Muska, EMT, MPH ◽  
Qi Zhi, MPH ◽  
Lewis E. Kraus, MPH, MCP
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Department Of Justice ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sign Language Interpreters ◽  
Personal Assistants ◽  
Management Recommendations

Objective: To assess disaster planning of local Offices of Emergency Management (OEM) with respect to people with disabilities (PWD).Design: A cross-sectional study of local OEM from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 9 (N = 61) was conducted using an internet-based survey. The primary outcome was the adoption of emergency management recommendations by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FEMA in applying Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Results: OEM implementation of ADA requirements was generally suboptimal. While 63 percent reported that plans addressed the needs of PWD, only 41 percent reported detailed operating procedures for PWD. Training of staff to ensure that they were knowledgeable on the ADA requirements for inclusivity was rarely conducted. While accessible shelters and transportation were often identified, accessible communication strategies, including emergency notifications, were often lacking; only 28 percent of OEMs reported availability of sign language interpreters at shelters. Shelters often allowed service animal access (62 percent), but fewer allowed access to personal assistants (39 percent). Engagement of the disability community, from plan development to community drills, was uncommon. While more than half (59 percent) of OEM felt clear about their responsibilities in providing equal access to PWD, only 23 percent reported having qualified staff and other resources necessary in order to meet those responsibilities. Participants cited the need for more training on the ADA requirements in order to better meet the needs of PWD. Conclusion: Strategies for improvement to assure inclusiveness of PWD in all phases of emergency management are needed.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Related to COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-sectional Study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina M. Al Marzouqi ◽  
Michael E. Otim ◽  
Heba H. Hijazi ◽  
Leena S. Kehail ◽  
Ramsha A. Kamal
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Objectives: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a global health pandemic that continues to have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. This study investigates the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This study uses a cross-sectional study design. The original data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed via a Google Forms link. Participants were healthcare workers currently working in the UAE healthcare facilities and recruited using snowball sampling. The questionnaire collected information on demographic variables and COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice.Results: In total, the sample of 107 healthcare workers completed the survey. About 92% of the participants worked in public institutions, 87% were from Dubai, and 673% were female. The majority were aged 31–40 years (34.6%), and 43% were radiographers. 66.4% held bachelor’s degrees and Indian nationalities were (28%) and the Philippinos were (28%). Most (90.7%) participants knew the absence of fever did not mean that the virus could not transmit from an infected person, and 84.1% agreed that wearing general medical masks prevented one from contracting COVID-19. However, only 36.4% strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19, and 54.2% reported that they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost half of the participants avoided patients who had symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusion: Overall, healthcare workers’ COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices for healthcare workers in UAE healthcare facilities was very high. However, we found gaps in awareness regarding the spread of the pandemic. Our study recommends that providing healthcare workers with education programs and counseling services would help increase their confidence in treating patients with COVID-19.

scholarly journals Telework during the COVID-19 epidemic in Portugal and determinants of job satisfaction: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mafalda Sousa-Uva ◽  
António Sousa-Uva ◽  
Marta Mello e Sampayo ◽  
Florentino Serranheira
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background Telework satisfaction is a Public Health concern, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, and its determinant factors may be related with the negative health effects of teleworking. However, there is still little research exploring this issue. This study aimed to characterize telework during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Portugal and to identify the major predictors of telework satisfaction. Methods This is a cross-sectional study aimed at all teleworkers working in Portugal, during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. Data were collected through a Google Forms platform online questionnaire distributed by a snowball method on social networks. Descriptive statistics included crude and relative frequency data. The associations between sociodemographic characteristics, self-perceived health, organization of working time, concentration at work, work-life balance, work disconnection, working conditions, and organizational demands (flexibility and organizational trust based on E-work Life Scale) with telework satisfaction were estimated through logistic regression. Results This study included 1004 participants. Teleworkers satisfaction levels were high (69%). Better concentration at work (OR = 1.54; 95%CI 1.01–2.34); the satisfaction with the balance between work life and extra work when teleworking (OR = 1.79; 95%CI 1.17–2.74); and higher work flexibility (OR = 2.26; 95%CI 1.46–3.49) were good predictors of greater levels of satisfaction with telework. However, its major predictors were the company’s trust in teleworkers (OR = 4.50; 95%CI 2.89–7.02) and feeling good in the workspace at home (OR = 3.72; 95%CI 1.46–9.49). Conclusions Our findings point that work environment and organizational culture play a crucial role in affecting telework satisfaction. More studies are needed to monitor telework satisfaction and its effects on physical and mental health, so that Public and Occupational Health (and Safety) can be able to identify and implement the best interventions that allow promoting individual health and foster a healthy work environment for teleworkers.

scholarly journals Beliefs Toward Smoking and COVID-19, and The Pandemic Impact on Smoking Behavior and Quit Intention: Findings from a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi ◽  
Muna Barakat ◽  
Doa’a B. Al-Tamimi ◽  
Sami A. Alhallaq ◽  
Dima M. Al Hasan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Smoking Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Quit Attempt ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Never Smokers

Background: The relationship between smoking and Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still topical with mixed epidemiological evidence. However, the pandemic may affect people’s beliefs towards smoking as well as smoking behavior and quit intentions. Considering high smoking rates in Jordan, our current study aimed to assess the following points in a community-based sample from Jordan: (i) the beliefs that surround smoking and COVID-19, (ii) the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan utilizing an online questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 13 items on sociodemographic, health, and smoking profiles, 14 items to assess beliefs surrounding COVID-19 and the use of combustible cigarettes (CC), waterpipe (WP), and electronic cigarettes (EC), and 12 items to assess the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention. Results: Of 2424 survey respondents who participated in our study there were 1163 never-smokers, 1044 current smokers, and 217 ex-smokers. The mean age of participants was 35.2 years (SD:11.06). Most participants have shown anti-smoking beliefs with around 72.9% believed that WP smoking is related to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Also, 71.7% believed that smoking CC may worsen the COVID-19 clinical course, while 74.1% of respondents believed that smoking has no protective effect against COVID-19. During the pandemic, about 28.1% and 19.3% of current smokers reported increased or reduced smoking, respectively, and many smokers reported their willingness to quit smoking due to the pandemic. Besides, 459 current smokers have expressed their plans/intention to quit smoking during the pandemic, of whom 27.5% (n=126) confirmed that the driving force for their decision is a COVID-19 related reason, such as self-protection (n=123) and protection of family members (=121) which were the most reported ones. Also, around 63 participants have successfully ceased smoking during the pandemic. However, only 22 of them reported that the main driving motivation of their successful quit attempt was the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Most participants reported anti-smoking beliefs and attitudes during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the double-edged effect of the pandemic on smoking habits should be carefully considered, and reliable anti-smoking measures should be strengthened and sustained in the country.

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