scholarly journals Misconceptions and lack of vaccine confidence: even First Responders are not spared

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Riccò ◽  
L Vezzosi ◽  
F Balzarini ◽  
A G Mezzoiuso ◽  
L Veronesi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Introduction First Responders (FR) are front-line healthcare workers potentially exposed to different infectious agents. Characterizing their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards immunizations has therefore the potential to significantly improve occupational health and safety. Methods A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was performed during October 2018, collecting a convenience sample among FR from the Parma Province. Participants were inquired on 3 recommended vaccinations (i.e. seasonal influenza vaccine, SIV; measles vaccine, MeV; pertussis vaccine, Pa) and for meningococcal vaccines (MEN, not officially recommended in FR). Knowledge status (KS) and Risk Perception (RP) were assessed as percent values. Multivariate odds ratios (mOR) for factors associated with vaccination status were calculated by means of a binary logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 161 questionnaires were retrieved (mean age 45.1±14.1 years; seniority 10.8 ± 8.6 years). Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.894). KS was unsatisfying (46.5% ± 32.4) with uncertainties on the recommendations for MeV and MEN (39.1% and 34.2% incorrect answers). The majority of respondents were favorable towards MEN (89.4%), MeV (87.5%), Pa (83.0%), while 55.3% exhibited a favorable attitude for SIV, and 28.0% had received SIV 2018 (self-reported lifetime status for MEN 26.1%, MeV 42.2%, Pa 34.8%). RP was unsatisfying, particularly for SIV (33.9% ± 18.4). Interestingly enough, neither KS nor RP were associated with vaccination rates, being the main predictor for SIV 2018 a seniority ≥ 10 years (mOR 3.26, 95%CI 1.35-7.91), and higher educational achievements for both Pa (mOR 3.27, 95%CI 1.29-8.30) and MeV (mOR 2.69, 95%CI 1.09-6.65). Conclusions Reasons for vaccination gaps in FR apparently do not find their roots only in FRs’ incomplete KS or RP. However, the very low vaccination rates for SIV, MeV and Pa recommends stronger and more appropriate information campaigns. Key messages Main drivers of vaccination status in First Responders are not solely their knowledge status or risk perception. Achieving better vaccination rates in First Responders requires the understanding of a complex interplay of individual factors.

scholarly journals Heavy load carrying and musculoskeletal health: An exploratory study of sand miners in Pokhara, Kaski District, Nepal

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aybüke Koyuncu ◽  
Michael N. Bates ◽  
Ziva Petrin ◽  
Myles Cope ◽  
Sandra I. McCoy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Body Region ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Load Carrying

ABSTRACTBackgroundTrends in urbanization contribute to the growing global demand for raw construction materials. The health effects of load carrying among occupational groups that mine and carry sand and stone used for construction of roads and buildings remains poorly understood.MethodsWe conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study among a convenience sample of sand miners working at an excavation site on the Seti River in Pokhara, Nepal. Load carrying weight, duration, and frequency were used to categorize miners as having “low” or “high” load-carrying exposures. Probable musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) were identified using self-reported symptoms of moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain, as well as physical examinations.ResultsThe average loads carried by female and male sand miners weighed 66.3 kg and 87.3 kg, respectively. Among all participants (N=42), 45.2% reported moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain in at least one body region and 16 (38.1%) had probable MSDs identified using specified case criteria. The prevalence of MSDs was lower among miners carrying, on average, heavier loads compared to those carrying lighter loads (ORa=0.29; 95% CI: 0.05, 1.8), possibly indicative of the healthy worker survival effect. Miners carrying loads for longer durations and frequencies had higher odds of MSDs compared with those carrying for shorter durations and frequencies.ConclusionDespite the pervasiveness of load carrying as an income generating activity throughout the developing world, these populations remain largely excluded from global occupational health agendas. Larger epidemiologic studies are needed to justify action to protect the health and safety of these unrecognized and understudied groups.

scholarly journals What are the barriers and facilitators of volunteering among healthcare students during the COVID-19 pandemic? A Saudi-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e042910
Author(s):  
Reem S AlOmar ◽  
Nouf A AlShamlan ◽  
Naheel A AlAmer ◽  
Fajar Aldulijan ◽  
Seereen AlMuhaidib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Moral Duties ◽  
Healthy Participants

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to assess the volunteering of undergraduate health students and interns in the Ministry of Health (MOH) services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic, its motivational factors and barriers, as well as their risk perception of COVID-19.DesignA cross-sectional study.ParticipantsFrom 12 to 21 May 2020, an online survey was sent to all undergraduate health students and interns in the KSA. This included questions on demographics, volunteering status, risk perception of COVID-19, as well as motivations and barriers towards volunteering.ResultsIn a convenience sample of 6016 students and interns across KSA, 1824 (30.31%) have volunteered with the MOH services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteering was more likely among older participants, from the College of Medicine, those with self-perceived at risk of COVID-19 infection and those with self-perceived healthy participants. Females, those who did not think that students had moral duties to volunteer, those who were at risk of seasonal influenza and those with self-perceived at risk of hospitalisation from COVID-19 were less likely to volunteer. Patriotism, gaining experience, assisting when able and religious rewards all were reported as major motivators to volunteer. Non-volunteering participants reported that lack of interest, protocol and knowledge, as well as issues related to their personal health and transportation were the main barriers to volunteering.ConclusionsAbout one-third of undergraduate health students and interns volunteered during the first 2 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in KSA. Moral values were the most important motivations among volunteers. Efforts to encourage heath students and interns to volunteer and providing those with appropriate educational programmes are recommended.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Eye Health among Public Sector Eye Health Workers in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12513
Author(s):  
Zamadonda Xulu-Kasaba ◽  
Khathutshelo Mashige ◽  
Kovin Naidoo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Eye Health ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

In South Africa, primary eye care is largely challenged in its organisational structure, availability of human and other resources, and clinical competency. These do meet the standard required by the National Department of Health. This study seeks to assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on eye health amongst Human Resources for eye health (HReH) and their managers, as no study has assessed this previously. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 districts of a South African province. A total of 101 participants completed self-administered, close-ended, Likert-scaled questionnaires anonymously. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted, and values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Most participants had adequate knowledge (81.6%), positive attitudes (69%), and satisfactory practices (73%) in eye health. HReH showed better knowledge than their managers (p < 0.01). Participants with a university degree, those aged 30–44 years, and those employed for <5 years showed a good attitude (p < 0.05) towards their work. Managers, who supervise and plan for eye health, were 99% less likely to practice adequately in eye health when compared with HReH (aOR = 0.012; p < 0.01). Practices in eye health were best amongst participants with an undergraduate degree, those aged 30–44 years (aOR = 2.603; p < 0.05), and participants with <5 years of employment (aOR = 26.600; p < 0.01). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices were found to be significantly moderately correlated with each other (p < 0.05). Eye health managers have poorer knowledge and practices of eye health than the HReH. A lack of direction is presented by the lack of adequately trained directorates for eye health. It is therefore recommended that policymakers review appointment requirements to ensure that adequately trained and qualified directorates be appointed to manage eye health in each district.

scholarly journals Are patients with rheumatic diseases on immunosuppressive therapies protected against preventable infections? A cross-sectional cohort study

RMD Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e001499
Author(s):  
Uta Kiltz ◽  
Aylin Celik ◽  
Styliani Tsiami ◽  
Bjoern Buehring ◽  
Xenofon Baraliakos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Pneumococcal Vaccination ◽  
Latent Tuberculosis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Vaccination Recommendations

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of infections, prevalence of hospitalisation due to infections, the vaccination status and perceived screening of infections prior to the start of biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) of a patient cohort with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD).MethodsConsecutive CIRD patients reporting to our specialised centre were prospectively included (n=975) in this cross-sectional study. Data on comorbidities including infections, treatment, vaccination status, screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and hepatitis B (HepB) were collected. Antibodies against measles and HepB were measured by ELISA. The vaccination status was assessed by a predefined vaccination score (0–26) categorising patients into four immunisation states: low (0–6), moderate (7–13), good (14–20), high (21–26).ResultsAll patients on bDMARDs (n=499) were screened for LTBI, and 469 for HepB (94%). All LTBI patients (n=16) received isoniazid (3.2%) and 16 chronic HepB patients received lamivudine (3.4%). Protective measles specific IgG-antibodies were found in 901 patients (92.4%). Although 629 patients were educated about vaccination strategies (64.5%), only 540 showed a vaccination card (55.4%). Only 49% of patients had undergone pneumococcal vaccination and less than 30% were protected against HepB and influenza, while 7.6% have not protective antibody titres against measles. No patient met the German national vaccination recommendations requiring a complete documentation of vaccines. The mean vaccination score was 13.3±4.2 with 5.7% of patients having a low, 43.9% a moderate, 47.0% a good and 3.3% a high score.ConclusionsThe majority of CIRD patients are n0t sufficiently vaccinated against pneumococci, HepB, influenza and measles. Although CIRD patients and general practitioners regularly receive professional information about the need of vaccination, vaccination rates were low to moderate. Interdisciplinary quality projects should be planned to change that inacceptable result.

scholarly journals Factors associated with Missed Opportunities for Vaccination among children in the first year of life at a tertiary health facility in Lagos

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-297
Author(s):  
OA Kehinde ◽  
YA Kuyinu ◽  
OO Odusanya
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
First Year Of Life

Background: Low vaccination rates in children remain a major problem in resource-poor areas of the world. Missed opportunities for vaccination may be one of the important contributors to the menace. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of missed opportunities for vaccination and identify factors associated with this among Nigerian children in the first year of life. Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study of children who were recruited consecutively and data were obtained using a questionnaire. Results: Two hundred and fifty-six children were recruited. The prevalence of missed opportunities for vaccination was 11.3%. Gender (p = 0.04) and parental socioeconomic status (p = 0.008) were significantly associated with missed opportunities for vaccination. Non- availability of required vaccines and reluctance to open a multi-dose vial of vaccine caused MOV in 55.5% and 51.8% of children respectively. The evaluation of vaccination status among subjects who were not fully vaccinated by health workers was low at 18.3%. Conclusion: The rate of missed opportunities for vaccination was low. Educating caregivers and encouraging health workers to evaluate the vaccination status of children at every contact with a health facility may reduce the prevalence of missed opportunities for vaccination.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Dietary Supplementation, before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey in the Lebanese Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8856
Author(s):  
Hala Mohsen ◽  
Nour Yazbeck ◽  
Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh ◽  
Nazih Bou Chahine ◽  
Houssein Hamieh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Medical Sector ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

At the start of 2020, a new coronavirus (COVID-19) invaded the world leading to the death of 3.92 million people. Sadly, to date, no remedy has been discovered for this virus. Preventive vaccines have been under investigation, but were unavailable until December 2020. Clinical deficiencies of nutrients may increase susceptibility to infections. This knowledge may have provided an incentive for some dietary supplement (DS) manufacturers to advertise their products as COVID-19 preventatives or cures without any substantiation, targeting mainly social media fans. The objective of this research was to assess the usage, knowledge and attitudes towards dietary supplementation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among Lebanese people. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on a convenience sample (N = 2966) and information from participants aged 18 years and above was collected about periods before and during the pandemic. Our findings showed that attitudes towards DSs changed when the pandemic emerged and people believed that DSs can improve their health and strengthen their immunity. Despite the rise in DS prescription by healthcare professionals, the prevalence of DS use decreased from 73.3% before the pandemic to 69.9% during the pandemic (p < 0.001). Study results declared that the weekly or the daily estimated intake had increased during the pandemic as compared to before the pandemic, from 14% to 15.6% for antioxidants (p = 0.014), from 35.3% to 42.1% for vitamin C (p < 0.001), from 35.5% to 41% for vitamin D (p < 0.001), from 15.2% to 17.5% for vitamin E (p = 0.002), and from 18.8% to 29.3% for zinc (p < 0.001) and other vitamins and minerals (from 9% to 10.9%, p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression indicated that the use of DSs during the pandemic was 4 times higher among those infected with COVID-19, 30 times higher among those who used to take DSs before pandemic, and 1.5 times higher among those who worked in the medical sector. To conclude, there is a crucial need to increase awareness among Lebanese people regarding the use of DSs.

scholarly journals Risk perception about zoonoses in immigrants and Italian workers in Northwestern Italy

2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 850-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Cediel ◽  
Valeria Conte ◽  
Laura Tomassone ◽  
Donatella Tiberti ◽  
Paolo Guiso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
Kap Survey ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

OBJETIVO: To assess factors associated with a low risk perception of zoonoses and to identify the gaps in knowledge about transmission and prevention of zoonoses in immigrant and Italian workers. MÉTODOS: A cross-sectional study with 175 workers in the agro-livestock and agro-food industry in Piemonte, Italy, was carried out. Data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire based on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) survey. We calculated proportions and used chi-square tests and odds ratios to assess associations. Eight individual interviews with key informants on immigration and public health in Piemonte were carried out. RESULTADOS: Participants were 82 (47%) Italians and 93 (53%) immigrants. Immigrants were from Romania, Morocco, Albania, India, China, Argentina, Peru, Macedonia, Ivory Coast, Ukraine and Colombia. The study revealed significant differences in risk perception at work (p = 0.001). We found associations between "not having correct knowledge about zoonoses" and the following variables: i. "being immigrant" OR = 4.1 (95%CI 1.7;9.8 p ≤ 0.01); ii. "working in the livestock industry" OR = 2.9 (95%CI 1.2;15.4 p = 0.01); and iii. "being an unqualified worker" OR = 4.4 (95%CI 2.9;15.4 p ≤ 0.01). Another strong association was found between being immigrant and having a low job qualification OR = 6.7 (IC95% 2.9 - 15.4 p ≤ 0.01). Asian immigrants were the group with the highest frequency of risky behaviours and the lowest level of knowledge about zoonoses. CONCLUSÕES: Our results indicate that there were differences in risk perception of zoonoses between the groups participating in our study. These results suggest that immigrant status can be considered a risk factor for having lower risk perception and lower level of knowledge of zoonoses at work. There is a relationship between this specific knowledge of zoonoses and lack of training and instruction among migrant populations. Our results stress the need for developing education programs on zoonoses prevention among the immigrant population in Piemonte, Italy.

scholarly journals Vaccination Rates and Adherence to Guidelines in Splenectomy Patients: An Observational Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 589-594
Author(s):  
Nursel Çalık Başaran ◽  
Lale Özışık ◽  
Oğuz Abdullah Uyaroğlu ◽  
Mine Durusu Tanrıöver ◽  
Derya Karakoç ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Solid Organ ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adherence To Guidelines ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Encapsulated Bacteria ◽  
Solid Organ Malignancy

Introduction: Splenectomy, whatever the reason, is an absolute indication for vaccination against encapsulated bacteria in order to prevent overwhelming post-splenectomy infections. This study aimed to determine compliance to immunization guidelines for splenectomy in General Surgery Clinics. Materials and Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, we included patients who underwent splenectomy between April 2016 and April 2018, and recorded the patient data and vaccination status. Results: Splenectomy was performed in 65 patients, 40 (61.5%) were male and median age was 56 (19-90) years. Six of the operations were emergent, 21 were planned and 38 were urgent mostly due to solid organ malignancy. Only 14 (21.5%) patients were vaccinated with Haemophilus influenzae, meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines according to the guidelines (≥2 weeks before the operation). 14 of the 21 patients (66.6%) who underwent planned splenectomy were vaccinated appropriately. Conclusion: Compliance with vaccination guidelines was low before splenectomy operations. There is a room for improvement particularly for patients undergoing elective splenectomy. A patient-centered team strategy is required to vaccinate patients at the stage of splenectomy planning.

Improving Questionnaires for Medical Surveillance of Hazardous Drug Exposure: Results of a Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 216507992199145
Author(s):  
Peter Mitchell ◽  
Patricia Marie McGovern ◽  
Steven Kirkhorn
Keyword(s):  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Drug Exposure ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Medical Surveillance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Tertiary Healthcare

Background: Numerous drugs pose harm to healthcare workers. Medical surveillance (MS) questionnaires often do not capture desired information. Social cognitive theory, plain language, and quality improvement were explored to design an MS questionnaire. The goal of this study was to pilot test an MS questionnaire assessing employees’ hazardous drug (HD) exposures consistent with a 2016 public standard addressing safe handling of HDs in health care. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to conduct qualitative analysis of questionnaire data collected from a convenience sample of three to five employees from each of the four departments at elevated risk of HD exposures in a large tertiary healthcare organization. Key research questions addressed employees’ understanding of questionnaire items and interview completion rates. Findings: Fourteen employees (oncology nurses, pharmacy technicians, housekeepers, and laundry workers) participated. None had participated in the organization’s prior hazardous drug medical surveillance (HDMS) activities. For the surveillance process, employees preferred in-person interviews to emailed questionnaires. Challenges for questionnaire comprehension related to employees’ basic skills of literacy and numeracy. Conclusion/Application to Practice: Strategies for ensuring employee comprehension of health and safety communications are critical. Questionnaires should be written in plain language employees can understand the first time it is read.

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