scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards SARS-COV-2 Infection in the United Arab Emirates Population: a Cross-sectional Survey-based Study

Author(s):  
Hamda Musabbah Alremeithi ◽  
Aljazia Khalfan Alghefli ◽  
Rouqyah Almadhani ◽  
Latifa Baynouna AlKetbi

AbstractIn the current situation involving the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the disease containment depends mainly on the population’s preventive practices and self-isolation. In this study, we explored the adult population’s approach towards COVID-19 in UAE between the 4th and 14th of April 2020. We used a community-based, cross-sectional study using a self-administered electronic questionnaire covering five different aspects: demographics, knowledge, practice, attitude, source and trust of information, and a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-2) for depression screening. A total of 1,867 people responded to the survey. Knowledge results were better in people with higher education levels, non-UAE nationals, those with a higher PHQ-2 score, or with a positive contact history with a SARS-COV-2 infected patient. The best practice scores were shown by participants with high knowledge scores and education levels. Depression risk was significantly higher in men, non-UAE nationals, in those with lower knowledge scores, and younger ages. The most followed practices were staying home, handwashing, avoiding social gatherings, limiting three people per vehicle, and avoiding public transportation. The least practiced measures were covering the face while sneezing or coughing and wearing masks. Although staying home was reported by 92.5% of participants, 22.6% mentioned that they were visited by more than 2 people and visited others in 18.4% during the last week. Social media was the source of information for 82.1% of the participants, and most trusted doctors and healthcare providers. A depression risk was present in 18.9% of the participants and the majority of respondents agreed that SARS-COV-2 infection will finally be successfully controlled. The obtained results on knowledge and practices, although satisfactory, could be insufficient to prevent this pandemic from being contained. We recommend the intensification of awareness programs and good practices. Mental health is an area worth further studies.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamda Musabbah Alremeithi ◽  
Aljazia Khalfan Alghefli ◽  
Rouqyah Almadhani ◽  
Latifa Mohammad Baynouna AlKetbi

Population's preventive practices and self-isolation is determinantal in the prevention and mitigation. This study explored the adult population's knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 in UAE between the 4th and 14th of April 2020. The study was a community-based, cross-sectional study using a self-administered electronic questionnaire covering five different aspects: demographics, knowledge, practice, attitude, source, and trust of information, and a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-2) for depression screening. Results were analyzed using frequencies, cross-tabulation, and regression analysis. A total of 1,867 people responded to the survey. The mean age of participants was 36.0 years S.D. 10.8. Males were 19.3% and female (80.7%). Knowledge was significantly better in people with higher educational levels (B 0.17, P-value < 0.001), good preventive practice (B 0.12, P-value < 0.001), and higher perceived risk scores (B 0.053, P-value = 0.025). The best practice scores were shown by participants with older age (B 0.097, P-value < 0.05), with good knowledge (B 0.086, P-value < 0.05), were of non-UAE nationalities (B −0.08, P-value < 0.05), with jobs that cannot be practiced from home, military and health care employees (B −0.104, P-value < 0.05), had a personal history of contact with COVID-19 patients (B 0.053, P-value < 0.05), higher educational levels (B 0.052, P-value < 0.05), and a positive attitude toward taking a vaccine (B 0.088, P-value < 0.05). Depression risk was significantly higher in men, non-UAE nationals, in those with lower knowledge scores, and younger ages. The most followed practices were staying home, handwashing, avoiding social gatherings, limiting three people per vehicle, and avoiding public transportation. The least practiced measures were covering the face while sneezing or coughing and wearing masks. Although staying home was reported by 92.5% of participants, 22.6% mentioned that they were visited by more than two people and visited others in 18.4% during the last week. Social media was the source of information for 82.1% of the participants and most trusted doctors and healthcare providers. Depression risk was present in 18.9% of the participants, and most respondents (89%) agreed that SARS-COV-2 infection would be finally be successfully controlled. An encouraging finding is the willingness of two-third of the participants (64.5%) to take the COVID-19 vaccine and if it was developed, although it was very early in the pandemic. Only 14.6% said they would not take the vaccine, and 20.9% were not sure. The obtained results on knowledge and practices, although satisfactory, could be insufficient to prevent this pandemic from being contained. Therefore, we recommend the intensification of awareness programs and good practices. In addition, mental health is an area worth further studies.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emad Aborajooh ◽  
Mohammed Qussay Al-Sabbagh ◽  
Baraa Mafrachi ◽  
Muhammad Yassin ◽  
Rami Dwairi ◽  
...  

UNSTRUCTURED We aimed to measure levels of knowledge, awareness, and stress about COVID-19 among health care providers (HCP) in Jordan. This was a cross-sectional study on 397 HCPs that utilized an internet-based questionnaire to evaluate knowledge about COVID-19, availability of personal protective equipment (PEE), future perception, and psychological distress. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with knowledge and psychological stress. Overall, 24.4% and 21.2% of the participants showed excellent knowledge and poor knowledge, respectively. Social media (61.7%) was the most commonly used source of information. Being female (β= 0.521, 95% CI 0.049 to 0.992), physician (β=1.421, 95% CI 0.849 to 1.992), or using literature to gain knowledge (β= 1.161, 95% CI 0.657 to 1.664) were positive predictors of higher knowledge. While having higher stress (β= -0.854, 95% CI -1.488 to -0.221) and using social media (β= -0.434, 95% CI -0.865 to -0.003) or conventional media (β= -0.884, 95% CI -1.358 to -0.409) for information were negative predictors of knowledge levels. HCPs are advised to use the literature as a source of information about the virus, its transmission, and the best practice. PPEs should be secured for HCPs to the psychological stress associated with treating COVID-19 patients.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gamil Ghaleb Alrubaiee ◽  
Talal Ali Hussein Al-Qalah ◽  
Mohammed Sadeg A. Al-Aawar

Abstract Background: The current rapid prevalence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic over the world is associated with a considerable level of scared, anxiety, and panic among the public, in particular, healthcare providers (HCPs) as the most vulnerable group at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. To protect and enhance HCPs' capacity to carry out their duties in responding to COVID-19, healthcare authorities should keep them away from stress and anxiety and improve their knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 to ensure their compliance with infection control precautions. Therefore, this study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes, anxiety, and preventive behaviours among Yemeni HCPs towards COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive, web-based-cross-sectional study was conducted among 1231 Yemeni HCPs. The COVID-19 related questionnaire was designed using Google forms. The responses were coded and analyzed using the software package (IBMSPSS), version 22.0. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient test were also used in this study. A p-value of < 0.05 levels with a 95% confidence interval was considered as statistically significant. The data collection started on 22nd April 2020, at 6 PM and closed on 26th April 2020 at 11 AM. Results: The results indicated that out of 1231 of the HCPs participating in this study, 61.6% were male and 67% were in the age group of 20 to 30 years old with a mean of 29.29±6.75. Most of them (86%) had a bachelor's degree or above and had 10 years of working experience or less (88.1%). Besides, although 57.1% of the respondents obtained their information via social and news media and 60.0% had never attended lectures/discussions about COVID-19, the results revealed that the majority of respondents had an adequate level of knowledge, an optimistic attitude, moderate anxiety, and high performance in preventive behaviours (69.8%, 85.10%, 51.0& 87.70%, respectively) toward the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Although the Yemeni HCPs exhibited an adequate level of knowledge, an optimistic attitude, moderate anxiety, and high performance in preventive behaviours toward the COVID-19 pandemic, the results showed gaps in some themes, particularly in their knowledge and attitude on the COVID-19 pandemic which needs to be updated or refreshed.


Author(s):  
Kanwal Ashiq ◽  
Sana Ashiq ◽  
Mayyda Asif Bajwa ◽  
Samreen Tanveer ◽  
Mehwish Qayyum

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease and has reached a status of global health emergency. It is widespread in Pakistan causing morbidity and mortality amongst masses. Objectives: Undertaken study aims at investigating knowledge, attitude and practices of the people residing in Lahore, Pakistan whilst the global crisis with sparse data available previously. Methodology: Following lockdown announcement, an immediate online cross sectional study was conducted from the 31st March to 6 April 2020. Data was analyzed by using SPSS IBM version 22. 00. Results: A total of 316 responses were received. Our study has shown that people 95.80% were well familiar with COVID-19, informed via news channels 46.2%. 91.7% believed the virus is contagious, 95.8% reported that the virus is spread by the respiratory droplets, 89.2% believed that all ages are at risk while 62.3% believed it risky for geriatrics only. 60.4% believed in its prevention with 91.7% respondents agreeably quarantined themselves while 6.6% didn’t. 99.7% participants were aware of social/physical distancing and 75.6% found it affecting mental health i.e. cause anxiety, depression etc. 59.2% of respondents were optimistic expecting it to end soon while 32.3% were uncertain. 49.1% said they have diagnostic facility and 89.6% acknowledged efforts of researchers/healthcare providers (doctors, pharmacist, nurses, allied health professionals and paramedical staff) for the society. 94.3% believed that there is need of awareness regarding COVID-19. Conclusion: An ever increasing need of awareness amongst the local population regarding COVID-19 is needed. It will lend hands in preventing spread of COVID-19 with minimal secondary transmission. It is recommended that extensive survey studies are required that can provide supportive data in developing and implementing public health policies regarding COVID-19 pandemic. It would further control and arrest the spread of COVID-19 in country. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(0) 2020 p. S 69-S 76


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Chia-Chia Chen ◽  
Chien-Lung Chen ◽  
Yu Ko

Aim. This study aimed at (1) examining the misconceptions of patients with diabetes in Taiwan and (2) examining the association between patients’ diabetes knowledge and their demographic characteristics. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a metropolitan hospital in northern Taiwan. A total of 501 outpatients with diabetes were recruited, mostly from the hospital’s endocrinology and metabolism clinic, nephrology clinic, and dialysis center. A self-developed questionnaire that consisted of demographic information and a diabetes knowledge test was administered. The knowledge test included 10 True/False questions and 6 multiple-choice questions that aimed at identifying patients’ common misconceptions about diabetes. Results. A perfect score on the diabetes knowledge test was 16 points, and the mean±SD score of the respondents was 11.5±2.8. The most common misconception was “People can always feel when their blood sugar level is high.” (64%), followed by “Taking insulin hurts the kidneys and may result in a need for dialysis.” (52%) and “Being a vegetarian helps control blood sugar levels.” (48%). The total knowledge scores were significantly associated with education levels (rs=0.39, p<0.001), average monthly income (rs=0.28, p<0.001), and age (rs=−0.34, p<0.001). Conclusions. Certain misconceptions are prevalent among patients with diabetes, particularly in those with older age, lower education levels, or lower income. Healthcare providers need to work to eliminate common misconceptions and modify diabetes educational programs accordingly to help patients manage diabetes more effectively.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanaa Al ahdab

Abstract Background Effective COVID-19 pandemic management requires adequate understanding of factors that influence behavioral changes. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 among Syrians in a post-conflict context. Method A cross sectional web-based survey was conducted on the Syrian residents of 16 years and above. It contains questions on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) with respect to COVID-19. Participants’ demographic characteristics are recorded and analyzed. The study is conducted during the global outbreak of COVID-19. Results A total of 706 participants (female, 444; male, 262) were enrolled. This study included 405 participants aged between 16 and 29, 204 aged between 30 and 49, and 97 aged above 60 years. There were 642 who have a university degree and 61 who have high school degree. Among the participants 253 were students, 316 were employed, 75 work as freelancers, and 62 were unemployed. Results showed that overall knowledge score towards the disease was about 60% (mean score 3.54 ± 1.20; range 0–6). Knowledge scores significantly differed across age groups (P < 0.05), education levels (P = 0.001), and occupations (P < 0.05). Attitude and practice scores were 2.45 ± 0.81 (range 0–4), 5.90 ± 1.52 (range 0–8), respectively. Attitude scores were significantly different between males and females (P < 0.05), whereas practice scores varied significantly across gender (P < 0.05), age groups (P = 0.01), education levels (P = 0.015), occupations (P < 0.05), and according to knowledge score (P = 0.000). Results from multiple linear regression indicated that lower knowledge scores were significantly associated with lower education level (P < 0.05), whereas poor preventive practices were common among male, young and unemployed participants with significance levels of P < 0.01, P = .000, P < 0.01, respectively. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that the Syrian residents demonstrate modest knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 at the time of its global outbreak. Efforts should be directed towards raising the awareness of the disease to improve their practices in the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for future epidemics.


Author(s):  
Farah Naz Rahman ◽  
Md Al Amin Bhuiyan ◽  
Kabir Hossen ◽  
Hafiz T. A. Khan ◽  
AKM Fazlur Rahman ◽  
...  

Bangladesh recently experienced a COVID-19 second wave, resulting in the highest number of new cases and deaths in a single day. This study aims to identify the challenges for COVID-19 preventive practices and risk communications and associated factors among Bangladeshi adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2020 and January 2021 involving 1382 Bangladeshi adults (aged ≥ 18-years) in randomly selected urban and rural areas from all eight divisions in Bangladesh. Descriptive data analysis was conducted to highlight the challenges for preventive practices and risk communications for COVID-19. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the sociodemographic groups vulnerable to these challenges. Lack of availability of protective equipment (44.4%), crowded living situations/workspaces (36.8%), inadequate information on the proper use of protective measures (21.9%), inadequate handwashing and sanitation facilities (17.6%), and negative influences on family/friends (17.4%) were identified as barriers to COVID-19 preventive practices. It was also found that males (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.7), rural residents (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2, 2), respondents with a low level of education: no schooling vs. ≥higher secondary (OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 2.3, 5.2), primary vs. ≥higher secondary (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.7, 3.8), respondents engaged in agricultural (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2, 2.4), laboring (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 2, 5), and domestic works (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.07, 2.5), and people with disabilities (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1, 2.6) were all likely to have difficulty in practicing effective COVID-19 protective behaviors. Respondents’ education and occupation were significant predictors of inadequate understanding of COVID-19 risk communications and was identified as a problem among 17.4% of the respondents. A substantial percentage of Bangladeshi adults have difficulty practising COVID-19 protective behaviours and have poor comprehension of risk communications, particularly in rural areas and among those with low education. This research can aid policymakers in developing tailored COVID-19 risk communications and mitigation strategies to help prevent future waves of the pandemic.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243706
Author(s):  
Iftekhar Ahmed ◽  
Maruf Hasan ◽  
Rahima Akter ◽  
Bidduth Kumar Sarkar ◽  
Marufa Rahman ◽  
...  

The present study was conducted to assess the behavioral preventive measures and the use of medicines and herbal foods/products among the public in response to Covid-19. A cross-sectional survey comprised of 1222 participants was conducted from 27 June to 20 July 2020. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to identify the differences in behavioral preventive practices across different demographic categories. To identify the factors associated with the use of preventive medicines and herbal foods/products, multivariable logistic regression was performed. Most participants adopted the recommended preventive practices such as washing hands more frequently (87.5%), staying home more often (85.5%), avoiding crowds (86%), and wearing masks (91.6%). About half of the smokers reported a decreased rate of smoking during the pandemic. Also, 14.8% took medicines, 57.6% took herbal foods/products, and 11.2% took both medicines and herbal foods/products as preventive measure against Covid-19. Arsenicum album, vitamin supplements, and zinc supplements were the most commonly used preventive medicines. Gender, age, and fear of Covid-19 were significantly associated with the use of both preventive medicines and herbal foods/products. For the management of Covid-19 related symptoms, paracetamol, antihistamines, antibiotics, and mineral (zinc and calcium) supplements were used most often. Most participants sought information from non-medical sources while using medicines and herbal products. Moreover, potentially inappropriate and unnecessary use of certain drugs was identified.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iftekhar Ahmed ◽  
Maruf Hasan ◽  
Rahima Akter ◽  
Bidduth Kumar Sarkar ◽  
Marufa Rahman ◽  
...  

The present study was conducted to assess the behavioral preventive measures and the use of medicines and herbal foods/products among the public in response to Covid-19. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 27 June to 20 July 2020, and 1222 people participated. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to identify the differences in behavioral preventive practices across different demographic categories. To identify the factors associated with the use of preventive medicines and herbal foods/products, multivariable logistic regression was performed. Most participants adopted the recommended preventive practices such as washing hands more frequently (87.5%), staying home more often (85.5%), avoiding crowds (86%), and wearing masks (91.6%). About half of the smokers reported a decreased rate of smoking during the pandemic. Also, 14.8% and 57.6% of the participants took medicines and herbal foods/products as preventive measures against Covid-19. Arsenicum album and Zinc supplements were the most commonly used preventive medicines. Gender, age, and fear of Covid-19 were significantly associated with the use of both preventive medicines and herbal products. For the management of Covid-19 related symptoms, Paracetamols, Fexofenadine, and Zinc supplements were used most often. Most participants sought information from non-medical sources while using medicines and herbal products. Moreover, potentially inappropriate and unnecessary use of drugs were identified.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 138
Author(s):  
Syed Imran Ahmed ◽  
Ashvinni Ramach ◽  
Keivan Ahmadi ◽  
Syed Shahzad Hasan ◽  
Christopher KC Lee

Background, aims and objectives: Patient experience influences the adherence to therapy and achievement of treatment outcomes, supplementing traditional indicators such as care processes and survival outcomes. This study aimed to examine the effect of relationship with healthcare providers on patient satisfaction.  Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out at an HIV outpatient clinic from August 2013 to October 2013. Patients were interviewed using a questionnaire adapted and contextualised from an online database. The questionnaire covered aspects related to healthcare providers’ attitude and knowledge, clinic services, patient autonomy and dignity, characteristics of healthcare providers as well as the sociodemographic backgrounds of the participants. A R® program for statistical computing was used for data analysis. Results: Satisfaction with healthcare providers and respect for patient autonomy contributed the most to overall patient satisfaction, influencing 35% of the observed variance in patient responses. Clinic services and independent characteristics of healthcare providers also had minor roles in influencing patient experience. Social components outweighed clinical components in terms of sociodemographic influence on perceived quality of care. Education levels (p ≤ 0.05) and employment status (p ≤ 0.1) were significant determinants of patient experience; however, they were the only two sociodemographics associated with patient satisfaction. Other social and all clinical factors were not significantly associated with patient experience. Conclusion: Relationship with healthcare providers as well as the degree to which patient autonomy is maintained are the most important determinant of patient satisfaction. Overall, social components have more prominent roles in influencing patient satisfaction compared to clinical components.


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