Formative research to promote the Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service (GHS) in the Australian-Chinese community

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 248
Author(s):  
Leonie Cranney ◽  
Li Ming Wen ◽  
Huilan Xu ◽  
Nancy Tam ◽  
Anna Whelan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Formative Research ◽  
Culturally Appropriate ◽  
Chinese Community ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sydney Australia

The free, telephone-based Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service (GHS) has made sustained improvements in healthy behaviours and weight change in the Australian population, but there is poor uptake of the GHS by culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This formative research study explored the Australian-Chinese community’s awareness, perceptions and experiences of the GHS and their knowledge and cultural beliefs about healthy lifestyles. Conducted in Sydney, Australia, the research included 16 Chinese community-stakeholder interviews, a cross-sectional survey of 253 Chinese community members; and a review of Chinese participant GHS data. The study revealed poor uptake (<1%) and awareness (16%) of the GHS, but good intent (86%) to use it. The need for culturally appropriate and relevant information on healthy eating and physical activity was identified. Employment of a bilingual, bicultural coach, redesign and translation of written resources and targeted promotion in partnership with community organisations were recommended.

scholarly journals COVID-19 testing and vaccine willingness: Cross-sectional survey in a culturally diverse community in Sydney, Australia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Ayre ◽  
Danielle M Muscat ◽  
Olivia Mac ◽  
Carys Batcup ◽  
Erin Cvejic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Culturally Diverse ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Language Groups ◽  
Diverse Community ◽  
Sydney Australia

Objective The current study examined patterns in COVID-19 testing and vaccination intentions across multiple language groups in Greater Western Sydney, Australia. Methods Participants completed a cross-sectional survey available from March 21 to July 9, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. Surveys were available in English or translated (11 languages). Participants could complete surveys independently or with support from bilingual staff. Logistic regression models using post-stratification weighted frequencies identified factors associated with testing and vaccination intentions. Results Most of the 708 participants (88%, n=622) were not born in Australia; 31% reported that they did not speak English well or at all (n=220); 70% had no tertiary qualifications (n=497); and 41% had inadequate health literacy (n=290). Most participants reported high testing intention (77.2%, n=546), with differences observed across language groups (p<0.001). The most frequently reported barrier to testing was concerns about infection at the clinic (26.1%). Half (53.0%) reported willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccine if recommended to them (n=375); 18% were unwilling (n=127), and the remainder unsure (29%, n=205). These proportions varied significantly by language group (p<0.001). Participants were more likely to be unwilling/hesitant if they were female (p=0.02) or did not use Australian commercial information sources (p=0.01). Concerns about side effects (30.4%, n=102) and safety (23.9%, n=80), were key reported barriers to vaccination. Conclusion Different language groups have unique and specific needs to support uptake of COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Health services must work collaboratively with culturally and linguistically diverse communities to provide tailored support to encourage COVID-19 testing and vaccination.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of COVID-19 impacts in culturally and linguistically diverse communities in greater Western Sydney, Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
William Mude ◽  
Clement Meru ◽  
Carolyne Njue ◽  
Rebecca Fanany
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Culturally And Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Parametric Statistics ◽  
Perceived Impact ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sydney Australia

Abstracts Background This study explored the experiences of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in Greater Western Sydney, Australia, in selected livelihood items during COVID-19 and the perceived impacts of the pandemic on their lives. Methods A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data between 25 August and 30 September 2020 among CALD communities in Greater Western Sydney. Information was collected on respondents’ experiences in selected livelihood items, including housing, finances, safety, accessing social services and activities, finding work, food, clothing, and relationships during COVID-19 and the pandemic’s perceived impact on their lives. Descriptive and non-parametric statistics were used to analyze the data. Results One hundred and ninety-eight participants were included in the study, 45.5% male and 54.5% female. Many respondents reported their experience in the selected livelihood items as “worse” during COVID-19 at the time of the study. The feeling of safety was most disrupted, with 56% of respondents rating their experience as “worse”. This experience was followed by accessing social support group activities, with 50% of respondents stating their experience of using this service had worsened. The experience of accessing social services and financial situation was rated as “worse” by 41% of respondents. Experience in finding work, housing, and attending schools were all rated as “worse”. The median perceived impact of COVID-19 among respondents who rated their experience in the selected livelihood items as “worse” were statistically higher than those who rated their experience as the “same”. Respondents’ characteristics also predicted the perceived impact of COVID-19. Unemployed respondents were 3.53 (95% CI: 1.16–10.73, p = 0.026) times more likely to perceive the impact of COVID-19 on their lives as “high” compared to employed respondents. Conclusions The finding demonstrates that the “high” number of respondents had the same situation as before COVID-19 and highlights the level of resilience exhibited by CALD communities in the Australian context. It also suggests that services in Australia were good during the pandemic. However, enhanced policy and initiatives designed to meet the CALD population’s needs are required, particularly in the areas most reported to have been disrupted by changes associated with COVID-19.

scholarly journals Oral Health Status, Knowledge, and Behaviours of People with Diabetes in Sydney, Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3464
Author(s):  
Prakash Poudel ◽  
Rhonda Griffiths ◽  
Amit Arora ◽  
Vincent W. Wong ◽  
Jeff R. Flack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Oral Health Status ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Oral Health Knowledge ◽  
Sydney Australia

This study assessed self-reported oral health status, knowledge, and behaviours of people living with diabetes along with barriers and facilitators in accessing dental care. A cross sectional survey of 260 patients from four public diabetes clinics in Sydney, Australia was undertaken using a 35-item questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS software with descriptive and logistic regression analyses. More than half (53.1%) of respondents reported having dental problems which negatively impacted their related quality of life. Less than half (45%) had adequate oral health knowledge. Only 10.8% reported receiving any oral health information in diabetes care settings, which had higher odds of demonstrating adequate oral health knowledge (AOR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.06–6.34). Similarly, 62.7% reported seeing a dentist in the last 12 months. Having private health insurance (AOR, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.85–7.40) had higher odds of seeing a dentist in the past 12 months. Dental costs were a major contributor to avoiding or delaying dental visit. Patients living with diabetes have unmet oral health needs particularly around the awareness of its importance and access to affordable dental services. Diabetes care providers can play a crucial role in this area by promoting oral health to their patients.

scholarly journals Analyzing Predictors of Control Measures and Psychosocial Problems Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Eight Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Sheikh Saifur Rahman Jony ◽  
Ubydul Haque ◽  
Nathaniel J. Webb ◽  
Emily Spence ◽  
Md. Siddikur Rahman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Psychosocial Problems ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Primary Determinant

COVID-19 has harshly impacted communities globally. This study provides relevant information for creating equitable policy interventions to combat the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to predict the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of the COVID-19 pandemic at a global level to determine control measures and psychosocial problems. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to October 2020 using an online questionnaire. Questionnaires were initially distributed to academicians worldwide. These participants distributed the survey among their social, professional, and personal groups. Responses were collected and analyzed from 67 countries, with a sample size of 3031. Finally, based on the number of respondents, eight countries, including Bangladesh, China, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, the United States, and Zambia were rigorously analyzed. Specifically, questionnaire responses related to COVID-19 accessibility, behavior, knowledge, opinion, psychological health, and susceptibility were collected and analyzed. As per our analysis, age groups were found to be a primary determinant of behavior, knowledge, opinion, psychological health, and susceptibility scores. Gender was the second most influential determinant for all metrics except information about COVID-19 accessibility, for which education was the second most important determinant. Respondent profession was the third most important metric for all scores. Our findings suggest that greater encouragement from government health authorities and the promotion of health education and policies are essential in the dissemination of COVID-19-awareness and increased control of the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 and health information seeking behavior: Digital health literacy survey amongst university students in Pakistan (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubeena Zakar ◽  
Sarosh Iqbal ◽  
Muhammad Zakria Zakar ◽  
Florian Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
University Students ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Seeking Behavior

BACKGROUND Amid to the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health literacy (DHL) has become a significant public health concern. OBJECTIVE This research aims to assess information seeking behavior, as well as the ability to find relevant information and deal with DHL among university students in Pakistan. METHODS An online-based cross-sectional survey, using a web-based interviewing technique, was conducted to collect data on DHL. Simple bivariate and multivariate linear regression was performed to assess the association of key characteristics with DHL. RESULTS The results show a high DHL related to COVID-19 in 54.3% of students. Most of the Pakistani students demonstrated ~50% DHL in all dimensions, except of reliability. Multivariate findings showed that gender, sense of coherence and importance of information were found to be significantly associated with DHL. However, a negative association was observed with students’ satisfaction with information. CONCLUSIONS This led to the conclusion that critical operational and navigations skills are essential to achieve COVID-19 DHL and cope with stress, particularly to promote both personal and community health. Focused interventions and strategies should be designed to enhance DHL amongst university students to combat the pandemic.

scholarly journals Controversies in preparing for end-of-life in Nsukka town of Nigeria and suggestions for Nigerian based social work practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-112
Author(s):  
Uju Patricia Agbawodikeizu ◽  
Uju Patricia Agbawodikeizu ◽  
Prince Chiemeka Agwu ◽  
Uzoma Okoye ◽  
Uzoma Okoye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Natural Phenomenon ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Life Planning ◽  
End Of Life Planning

Death is regarded as a natural phenomenon of life, but its consequences for the bereaved are often times very bitter. One way to circumvent this bitter experience is through making plans before dying. However, not everyone seems to appreciate this, which has generated lots of controversies. Thus, end-of-life planning attitude among adult residents in one of Nigeria’s Igbo area was examined using cross-sectional survey. Data was collected from 587 adults and also analyzed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative tools. Age, level of education, marital status and sex were shown to have statistically significant relationships with attitude toward end-of-life planning, while cultural beliefs were discovered to also exercise overbearing influence. The study further discovered some cultural practices that deter people from planning for end-of-life and therefore advocates for social protection and reorientation which should principally involve social workers. Suggestions were made for introduction of end-of-life planning education in the curriculum of institutions of secondary and tertiary learning in Nigeria, as a measure to help reform attitudes of persons toward preparing for end-of-life in future. 

scholarly journals Correlates of family planning knowledge among people in fishing communities of Lake Victoria in Uganda

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annet Nanvubya ◽  
R.K. Wanyenze ◽  
T. Nakaweesa ◽  
J. Mpendo ◽  
B. Kawoozo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Lake Victoria ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Fishing Communities ◽  
Modern Contraceptive ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevention Trials

Abstract BackgroundFamily planning (FP) is a key component in the conduct of HIV prevention trials and FP knowledge is a determinant of modern contraceptive use. Although fishing communities (FCs) participate in HIV prevention trials, knowledge about FP in this population is scarcely known. We determined correlates of FP knowledge in FCs of L. Victoria in Uganda to inform improvements in FP interventions in preparation for other HIV prevention trials.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among participants aged 16-49 years in Kigungu and Nsazi FCs. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to assess FP knowledge. A composite score with 5 parameters including; awareness about FP methods, knowledge about ideal number of children for a couple, knowledge about ideal birth spacing interval, knowledge about FP methods and their side effects and interval between the last 2 children was used to determine whether participant’s knowledge was or wasn’t satisfactory. Satisfactory FP knowledge was attributed to a score of ≥80% from the five parameters. We also conducted 10 in-depth interviews and 4 focus group discussions.ResultsOf the 1,410 screened participants, 95% were aware of at least one FP method while only 21% had satisfactory knowledge. Participants aged 30-39 years, those engaged in trade/business, housewives, those from Nsazi, the married or those who were divorced, separated or widowed were more likely to have satisfactory FP knowledge compared to those aged 16-29 years (aOR: 1.59 95% CI: 1.14-2.22), farmers (aOR: 3.14 95% CI: 1.21-8.17), and (aOR: 3.69 95% CI: 1.35-10.1), those from Kigungu (aOR: 1.58 95%CI: 1.09-2.30), those who were single (aOR: 6.96 95% CI: 3.42-14.13) or (aOR: 17.67 95% CI: 8.54-36.54).There were concerns about side effects and effectiveness of some modern FP methods. Misconceptions about effects of FP like sterility, cancers and foetal abnormalities were common. Cultural beliefs on contraception are key barriers to FP information.ConclusionPeople from FCs in Uganda are aware of FP but their knowledge is largely unsatisfactory. Concerns about method safety, effectiveness of some methods, misconceptions and cultural barriers exist. A FP education tool tailored for a mobile, high risk and remote population is recommended to improve FP knowledge.

scholarly journals Awareness of Adverse Health Effects of Silica Dust Exposure Among Stone Quarry Workers in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dzifa Francis Ahadzi
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Multivariate Statistical ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Silica Dust ◽  
Adverse Health

Background: Work experience is a key factor that influences safety awareness among workers. This study investigated the influence of work experience on the level of awareness on adverse health effects of silica dust exposure among stone quarry workers in Ghana while controlling for theoretically relevant compositional and contextual factors, evaluated the magnitude and order of association between the predictors and the predicted variable. Method: A cross-sectional survey data of 524 randomly selected stone quarry workers were subjected to multivariate statistical analyses. Results: Stone quarry workers who had 6 to10 years and more than 10 years of work experience were 48% (OR = 1.475, P = 0.021) and 82% (OR = 1.816, P = 0.003) respectively more likely to be aware of the adverse health effects of silica dust exposure compared to their counterparts who had 1 to 5 years work experience. Conclusion: These findings provide relevant information for managers and policymakers to plan and maximize awareness on silica dust health hazards among silica exposed workers.

scholarly journals Awareness of the Ward Based Outreach Team and the services offered by the programme in the Tshwane health district, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Bongongo ◽  
J. V. Ndimande ◽  
G. A. Ogunbanjo ◽  
A. T. Masango-Makgobela ◽  
S. N. Nyalunga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Health District ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Outreach Team ◽  
Data Collection Process

Background: The Ward Based Outreach Team (WBOT) is an organised team approach to a healthcare system based on the principles of epidemiology, primary health care, preventive medicine and health promotion. Globally, it has become a primary care response to many health challenges such as universal health coverage. The beneficiaries are community members, also referred to as households.Methods: The study assessed the awareness of the WBOT and the services offered by the programme in the Tshwane health district of South Africa. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in all seven sub-districts of the health district. The health district is further sub-divided into 150 health wards. Eighty-five health wards were randomly selected for the study. Using the sample size calculator, with a confidence interval of 5% and confidence level of 99%, the sample size of participants was 654. However, during the data collection process there was over-sampling of up to 764. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling. Data were collected between October 12 and December 3, 2015, using a pre-piloted, structured questionnaire administered by 14 trained field workers.Results: The study obtained 6 288 responses from the 764 participants. The responses were grouped into two sections, ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. A summary of the responses showed that the number of ‘yes’ responses, the number of participants who were aware of the WBOT and the services offered by the programme were higher than the number of participants who were unaware of the programme. The figures were 5 590 (88.8%) ‘yes’ responses and 698 (11.1%) ‘no’ responses.Conclusion: In summary, the awareness of the WBOT and the services offered by the programme in the Tshwane health district, South Africa is evaluated to be 88.8%.

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