The Evaluation of the Awareness, Attitude and Practice of the Elderly Toward Self-Medication: A Cross-Sectional Study

Drug Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (08) ◽  
pp. 475-480
Author(s):  
Mohammad Heidari ◽  
Mansureh Borujeni ◽  
Mansour Ghafourifard ◽  
Rahim Sheikhi

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of various diseases in the elderly has increased the use of drugs, which is coupled with age-related physiological changes and places the elderly at risk for multiple side effects. The present study aimed to determine awareness, attitudes and practices of elderly towards self-medication. Materials and Methods The sample included 300 participants over 60 years under any of the health centers in urban and rural areas of Abadeh city, who were selected based on stratified random sampling method. In order to collect data, the questionnaire including demographic information, awareness, attitude and performance of the elderly and the checklist of drug intractable consumption. Results Based on the results, 76% of the elderly reported drug consumption. Regarding lifestyle, the average score of the elderly’s awareness for the elderly who lived with and without families were 78.6±14.2 and 69.2±13.6, respectively. In other words, a significant difference was observed between these two groups. In addition, there was a significant between the elderly’s performance score with and without family members about the self-medication (p=0.001). Conclusion Considering the increase in self-medication among the elderly, adherence to prescription criteria for drug among this age group is recommended. Finally, designing and implementing various educational programs in health education center is necessary for the elderly and their families for the purpose of improving awareness and practice.

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-79
Author(s):  
Lorena Patricia Gallardo Peralta

ABSTRACTThis research analyzes the differences in health in terms of belonging to a native Chilean ethnic group in the region of Arica and Parinacota. This is one of the first investigations in Chile and South America that analyze this dimension in the aging process. This is a quantitative and cross-sectional study. The sample consists of 493 Chilean elderly living in the far north of Chile. The application of the questionnaire was conducted through personal interviews. The study was conducted in urban and rural areas, including villages in the Chilean Altiplano. Scales internationally recognized geriatric research to measure the presence of symptoms of impaired health, dependence and depression were applied. The results of data analysis showed statistically significant differences in depression and health in terms of ethnic belonging, establishing a disadvantage for the elderly Indians. The findings confirm the heterogeneity of the aging process and the importance of the cultural aspects through belonged to a native ethnic group. For the field of social sciences this study confirms the need for gerontological contextualized interventions that positively discriminate against groups at riskRESUMENEsta investigación analiza las diferencias en salud en función de la pertenencia a una etnia originaria chilena en la región de Arica y Parinacota. Se trata de unas de las primeras investigaciones en Chile y en Sudamérica que analizan esta dimensión en el proceso de envejecimiento. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo y transversal. La muestra está conformada por 493 personas mayores chilenas que residen en el extremo norte de Chile. La aplicación del cuestionario se realizó a través de entrevista personal. El estudio fue realizado en zona urbana y zonas rurales, incluyendo poblados del altiplano chileno. Se aplicaron escalas internacionalmente reconocidas en la investigación geriátrica para medir la presencia de síntomas de deterioro en salud, dependencia y depresión. Los resultados obtenidos en el análisis de datos muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas en depresión y salud en función de la pertenecía étnica, estableciendo una desventaja para las personas mayores indígenas. Los hallazgos confirman la heterogeneidad del proceso de envejecimiento y la relevancia de los aspectos culturales a través de la pertenecía a una etnia originaria. Para el campo de las ciencias sociales este estudio confirma la necesidad de realizar intervenciones gerontológicas contextualizadas que discriminen positivamente a los grupos en riesgo social.


Biomédica ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 478-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Sarmiento-Senior ◽  
María Inés Matiz ◽  
Juan Felipe Jaramillo-Gómez ◽  
Víctor Alberto Olano ◽  
Sandra Lucía Vargas ◽  
...  

Introduction: Dengue is a public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Studies on dengue in rural areas are scarce since the disease is considered mainly urban.Objective: To determine the knowledge (K), attitudes (A) and practices (P) of dengue in an endemic area in Colombia.Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 515 pupils (7-16 years old) in 34 rural schools in Anapoima and La Mesa municipalities during 2011. Each KAP category was evaluated independently by a scoring system and then categorized into high, medium or low.Results: Pupils recognized knowledge variables such as the symptoms (fever, bone pain), transmission route (mosquito bites), and mosquito breeding sites (uncovered water tanks, solid waste). Average scores on attitude were high in both municipalities indicating a well-developed perception of disease severity. Seeking treatment in medical centers and self-medication for fever management and the use of mosquito net and space-spraying of insecticides were the most frequently identified practices.Discussion: This is the first KAP dengue study performed in a rural area in Colombia and as such it contributes to the understanding of dengue perceptions by the inhabitants of these areas. It showed a medium level of knowledge about dengue and a lower level of preventive practices in pupils from rural schools. It also showed that pupils considered space-spraying as crucial for vector control. The presence of the vector in rural areas of the country underlines the need to improve surveillance and education to more effectively control the vector and promote prevention methods including community participation.


2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (01) ◽  
pp. 89-92
Author(s):  
NAVEED SHARIF ◽  
NAZIR AHMED ◽  
FAWAD HAMEED ◽  
Nosheen Rehan ◽  
Jawad Khan

Objective: To study the age related radiological finding in pulmonary tuberculosis. Study design: A cross sectional study. Place and duration of study: From January 2009 to December 2009 pulmonary department of Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawal Pur. Patients and method: The cases diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis of either gender above age of 12 years were included in the study. Patients suffering from extra pulmonary tuberculosis, treatment failure, relapse, drug resistant tuberculosis and HIV sero-positive patients were excluded from the study. Patients were divided into groups according to the age. Group 1 consist of patients having age ≥ 50years while group 2 consist of patients having <50 years. Data was recorded on the Proforma and was analyzed statistically on SPSS 11. Results: this study consists of 106 patients and divided into two groups. It has been found that apical zone of lung involvement was more common in patients younger than 50 years while involvement of lower zone was more common in patients with age ≥50years. No significant difference was found regarding the involvement of middle zone, multiple zones and the type of lesions as the p-value was >0.05. Conclusions: the elderly patients with pulmonary tuberculosis have predominant involvement of lower zones. So, lower zone involvement of radiological lesions should be evaluated for pulmonary tuberculosis to start the treatment earlier and to minimize the risk of missing the diagnosis.


Author(s):  
Erika Toapaxi ◽  
Yeisy Guarate ◽  
Nadihezka Cusme

Introducción: El estilo de vida es aquella elección consciente o inconsciente de practicar ciertos comportamientos que se van adquiriendo con el paso del tiempo y que en ocasiones son difíciles de modificar, influyendo principalmente en la salud. Objetivo: Analizar el estilo de vida y su influencia en el estado de salud de los adultos mayores del Sector la Unión, Provincia de Cotopaxi, Ecuador. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, correlacional, transversal, con una muestra censal de 35 adultos mayores, se aplicó el instrumento fantástico y el cuestionario Salud SF-12, ambos instrumentos válidos y confiables. Los datos obtenidos fueron procesados a través del software estadístico PSPP, por medio del cálculo de la distribución numérica, porcentual y la prueba de Chi Cuadrado, con significancia estadística (p<0.05). Resultados: En los datos demográficos predominan el sexo en 63%, 71% son indígenas, el 44% con edad entre 60-70 años, en los adultos mayores predominó el estilo de vida bueno con una diferencia significativa p<0,05 en relación al estilo de vida fantástico y regular, en la alimentación la mayoría consume dietas hiposódicas y bajas en grasas, mantienen un peso adecuado, automedicación ocasional y 43% presenta dolor corporal que dificulta un poco sus labores. Conclusiones: La población mantiene un estilo de vida adecuado, sin embargo, se evidenció debilidades que se deben fortalecer con actividades educativas de promoción de salud como el poco consumo frutas y verduras, hábitos cafeicos frecuentes. Palabras clave: adulto mayor, estilo de vida, hábitos saludables, alimentación.  ABSTRACT Introduction: The lifestyle is that conscious or unconscious choice to practice certain behaviors that are acquired over time and that are sometimes difficult to modify, mainly influencing health. Objective: To analyze the lifestyle and its influence on the health status of the elderly in the Sector La Unión, Province of Cotopaxi, Ecuador. Methods: Quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional study, with a census sample of 35 older adults, the fantastic instrument and the SF-12 Health questionnaire were applied, both valid and reliable instruments. The data obtained were processed through the PSPP statistical software, through the calculation of the numerical distribution, percentage and the Chi Square test, with statistical significance (p <0.05). Results: In the demographic data, sex predominates in 63%, 71% are indigenous, 44% aged between 60-70 years, in older adults the good lifestyle predominated with a significant difference p <0.05 in relation to a fantastic and regular lifestyle, most of them consume low-sodium and low-fat diets, maintain an adequate weight, occasional self-medication and 43% have body pain that makes their work a little difficult. Conclusions: The population maintains an adequate lifestyle, however, weaknesses were evidenced that should be strengthened with educational activities to promote health such as low consumption of fruits and vegetables, frequent coffee habits. Keywords: elderly, lifestyle, healthy habits, eating


PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e8015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongxun Song ◽  
Da Feng ◽  
Ruoxi Wang ◽  
Jian Yang ◽  
Yuanqing Li ◽  
...  

Introduction This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and to explore the disparities of its risk factors among urban and rural elderly. Method Data of hypertensive patients were collected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2015. Stratified sample households were selected from 450 villages or communities of 150 counties from 28 provinces. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to analyze the factors correlated with hypertension. Results Prevalence of HBP was 47.6% (95% CI [45.2%–50.1%]) in total and it was close between urban and rural population (48.6% vs 47.2%). Factors associated with HBP were different between urban and rural areas. In urban areas, hypertension was significantly associated with literacy and diabetes in both genders, high BMI level and smoke quitters in males, and physical activity and dyslipidemia in females. In rural areas, hypertension was significantly associated with older age, higher BMI level in both males and females, and dyslipidemia in males. Conclusions The prevalence are about the same among urban and rural residents, but their risk factors vary from each other. Disparity in the risk factors between urban and rural population should be taken into consideration for further intervention.


Author(s):  
Patience B. Tetteh-Quarcoo ◽  
Nicholas T. K. D. Dayie ◽  
Kevin Kofi Adutwum-Ofosu ◽  
John Ahenkorah ◽  
Emmanuel Afutu ◽  
...  

Background: Malaria is still endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with a high disease burden. Misconceptions about malaria contribute to poor attitudes and practices, further increasing the burden in endemic countries. Studies have examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of malaria among different populations. However, there seems to be no available literature reporting on the perspectives of day and night market traders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on malaria KAP with a focus on day and night market traders. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving day and night market traders in 10 selected markets within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was carried out. Data were collected from consenting respondents using a structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 760 respondents (33.3% (n = 253) night and 66.7% (n = 507) day traders) interviewed, there was no significant difference between the day and night market traders in terms of malaria KAP. Although the market traders had an overall moderate knowledge (54.0% of the day traders and 56.5% of the night traders), misconceptions about malaria (especially that it could be caused by exposure to the sun) still existed among the traders. Moreover, the majority of the traders who demonstrated high knowledge (43.98%, n = 250) did not always take laboratory tests to confirm their suspicion, indicating poor attitude. Furthermore, the market traders’ choice of drug for malaria treatment (p = 0.001) and preferred malaria treatment type (orthodox or herbal) (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with their knowledge level. Conclusions: Despite the observation that no significant difference in KAP exists between day and night market traders, appropriate health education programs and interventions still need to be directed at misconceptions, poor attitudes, and poor practices revealed by this study. This will ultimately help in the prevention and control of malaria in Ghana, and globally.


2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110105
Author(s):  
Türkan Akyol Guner ◽  
Zeynep Erdogan ◽  
Isa Demir

The aim of the study is to determine the effect on death anxiety of loneliness in the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The population of this study that is descriptive and cross-sectional type consist of 354 elderly who meet the inclusion criteria from three different associations operating for charitable purposes in a city center located in north-west Turkey. The average score of Loneliness Scale of Elderly (LSE) of the elderly was determined as 11.39 ± 5.31, and the average score of Death Anxiety Scale (DAS) of the elderly was determined as 8.54 ± 4.82. According to these results, it was found that the elderly experienced acceptable levels of loneliness and moderate death anxiety. A statistically significant difference was found in the LSE and DAS scores of the elderly according to their age, marital status, education status, chronic illness status and living at home with relatives. In addition, during the COVID-19 epidemic, the scale scores of the elderly who have increased worries, who have a hobby at home, and who communicate with their relatives via social media/mobile phones were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 34764
Author(s):  
Andressa Barros Ibiapina ◽  
Janaína Soares Leal ◽  
Pedro Ricardo Alves de Santana ◽  
Marcelo Ribeiro Mesquita ◽  
Tito Lívio da Cunha Lopes ◽  
...  

AIMS: This research aims to determine the epidemiology and the spatial distribution of intestinal parasitosis in the city of Teresina.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out based on the data of parasitological fecal exams performed in the Laboratory Raul Bacelar between January, 2014 and July, 2017. In addition to the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and polyparasitism, we verified the association of these diseases with gender, zone and period of the year by means of the chi-squared test, whereas the relation with age was analyzed by the Mann-Kendall tests and multiple comparisons of age classes. The spatial distribution was performed using the QGIS georeferencing software.RESULTS: The prevalence of enteroparasitosis in Teresina is 17,8% with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most common species, due to the precarious sanitary conditions of the city. The prevalence of individuals with polyparasitism is 3,13%, in which an association between the species Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was found. There was no relation between intestinal parasitosis with gender, but we verified that individuals in rural areas are more susceptible to these diseases. The species Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar occur more frequently in the first and second semester, respectively. We observed that there is an apparent tendency to increase cases of E. histolytica/dispar and reduction of cases of Giardia sp. according to aging. Mapping intestinal parasitosis showed us that there is a prevalence between one and 20% in most of Teresina's neighborhoods, and Ascariasis embodies at least 40% of cases of enteroparasitosis in these neighborhoods.CONCLUSIONS: Investments in basic sanitation and new epidemiological investigations must be carried out to control intestinal parasitosis in Teresina, emphasizing that children and the elderly should be considered priority groups in these programs.


Author(s):  
Anna Garus-Pakowska ◽  
Mariusz Górajski ◽  
Ewelina Gaszyńska

(1) Background: Frequent contact of the dentist with potentially infectious material (PIM) is undeniable. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and type of injuries, as well as to identify barriers to reporting and barriers to the implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among dentists from urban and rural areas. (2) Methods: We surveyed 192 dentists using an anonymous questionnaire. (3) Results: During the 12 months preceding the survey, 63% of dentists from the village and 58.8% of dentists from the city suffered at least one superficial cut, and deep cuts 15.1% and 17.6% respectively. Contact with PIM through spitting on the conjunctiva was 58.9% and 52.1% (village vs. city). Needle stick injuries were 50.4% and fingers were affected in 48.8% cases. The causes of injuries were: inattention 54.7%, rush 27%, unpredictable behavior of the patient 19%, recapping 18.2%. Work in the countryside was associated with a 1.95-times greater chance of not reporting injuries. The distance from a hospital with antiretroviral treatment may be a barrier to the implementation of PEP. (4) Conclusion: The circumstances of the injuries and the reasons for not applying for antiretroviral treatment point to the areas of necessary dentist education in this topic.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 86-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Rohaizat Hassan ◽  
Mohd Fadhli Samsuri ◽  
Shamsul Azhar Shah ◽  
Nazarudin Safian ◽  
Zulkifli Md Zainuddin ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with of Premature Ejaculation &Erectile Dysfunctionamong Malaysian men. A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural areas using standardized and validated self-administered questionnaires. A total of 319 samples were recruited for PE screening. The overall prevalence of PE was 31.7% with 20.7% and 40.8% for urban and rural area respectively. Depression, anxiety and frequent masturbation were significantly associated with PE. While For ED, infrequent sexual intercourse was the sole factor significantly associated with ED.PE and ED were highly prevalent in both urban and rural areas; with several significant preventable associated factors.


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