A cross-sectional survey on ZIKV in Honduras

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonso Rosales ◽  
Adriana Yepes-Mayorga ◽  
Alejandro Arias ◽  
Fabiano Franz ◽  
Joanne Thomas ◽  
...  

Purpose Zika virus (ZIKV) statistics in Honduras are the highest among countries in Central America. National risk communication strategies have primarily focused on vector control and are integrated into existing approaches for Dengue and Chikungunya. Given the new evidence on ZIKV, there is a need to revamp risk communication strategies so that they are informed by dynamic listening methods such as knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was administered to 604 respondents in 21 designated Honduran communities using a two-stage, 30-cluster sampling method. Findings Almost eight out of ten Hondurans knew that Zika can be transmitted by the bite of a mosquito; however, only 2 and 0.1 percent, respectively, were aware that Zika can be spread by sexual intercourse and from a pregnant woman to her fetus. In total, four out of ten Hondurans knew that there is a causal relationship between Zika and microcephaly in newborns, and three out of ten knew that there is an association between Zika and Guillian-Barré syndrome. Overall, 50 percent of respondents said that they did not have enough information about the disease. Social implications The findings of this study clearly identify information priority gaps that need to be urgently addressed by national stakeholders involved in public health activities to protect the most vulnerable population against Zika disease and its complications. Originality/value This study is the first of its kind in Central America to inform any national risk communication strategy since the inception of the ZIKV response, particularly among at risk populations.

Author(s):  
Yousif Elmosaad ◽  
Ahmed Al Rajeh ◽  
Asif khan ◽  
Elfatih Malik ◽  
Ilias Mahmud

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in malaria prevention using insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) among mothers of children under five years of age in White Nile State, Sudan. Multistage cluster sampling was used to select 761 mothers for this cross-sectional survey. There were gaps in the KAP in malaria prevention. Only 46.3% of the mothers stated personal protective measures (PPMs) as the best malaria prevention strategy; 54.9% considered ITNs as an effective means; and only 18.7% reported sleeping under an ITN every day. Older mothers were less likely to have good knowledge (OR=0.96), attitudes (OR=0.98) and practices (OR=0.98). Having a Government employee as the head of the household was positively associated with knowledge (OR=2.16) and attitudes (OR=1.96). The mother having a formal education was also positively associated with good knowledge (OR=1.55) and positive attitudes (OR=1.69). Mothers with a monthly household income of <491 Sudanese Pound were more likely to have good knowledge (OR=1.43). Mothers who had good knowledge (OR=4.99) and positive attitudes towards PPMs (OR=2.60) in malaria prevention were found to be more likely to practice preventive measures. Therefore, we recommend focusing on raising mothers’ awareness of the different preventive activities to protect them and their family from malaria.


Author(s):  
Shaho Karami ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Shobeiri ◽  
Hamidreza Jafari ◽  
Hamidreza Jafari

Purpose Teachers can be regarded as key figures in climate change education (CCE). Therefore, the purpose of this study is assessment of Iranian lower secondary teachers? level of knowledge, attitudes and practices toward CCE in a less-touched-upon context. Design/methodology/approach The present study used a cross-sectional survey design, which used a specially designed questionnaire administered in ten high schools (five boys’ and five girls’ lower secondary schools). A sample of 108 lower secondary school teachers was selected through a multistage stratified random sampling technique. The gender structure of the sample was 48.1 per cent male and 51.9 per cent female subjects. To determine the status of teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices, the obtained quantitative data were classified into three categories on a scale of 100 per cent: good status (more than 75 per cent), moderate status (50-75 per cent) and weak status (less than 50 per cent). Findings The findings revealed that the involved teachers were equipped with an appropriate knowledge, i.e. 22.2 per cent good and 52.8 per cent moderate levels of knowledge. Furthermore, the subjects’ level of attitude was moderate (44.5 per cent); however, their level of practice was weak (52.8 per cent). In terms of gender, male subjects’ knowledge and attitude levels were higher than those of female subjects. However, female subjects reported higher levels of practice in comparison with male subjects. Overall, the results of this study highlighted the necessity of improving lower secondary teachers’ CCE in general and of the level of their attitudes and practices in particular. Originality/value The present study sheds more light on the change management and environmental education within the Iranian context. The results of this study accentuate the necessity of presenting more CCE programs for teachers. Furthermore, curriculum planners can take advantage of the obtained results to carry out curriculum reforms.


Author(s):  
Ratchadaporn Papwijitsil ◽  
Hathairat Kosiyaporn ◽  
Pigunkaew Sinam ◽  
Mathudara Phaiyarom ◽  
Sataporn Julchoo ◽  
...  

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a newly emerging infectious disease, and risk communication is one of several public health emergency responses. During the pandemic, many migrant workers in Thailand experienced barriers that hamper access to health information. This study aims to explore factors related to the outcomes of health risk communication, including awareness of public health measures and preventive practices. We conducted a cross-sectional survey on migrants between January and April 2021 using cluster sampling in Phuket, Ranong, and Samut Sakhon. In the descriptive analysis, we presented the median, proportion, and ratio, while in the inferential analysis, we employed a logistic regression with robust standard errors. Although a total of 303 participants were initially included in this study, the final number was narrowed down to 288 samples due to insufficient information required for the analysis. Frequent reception of health information and primary school education showed a statistically significant association with preventive practices. Middle-aged migrant workers demonstrated a significantly lower level of preventive practices than younger migrant workers. A longer stay in Thailand was significantly related to a lower degree of awareness toward public health measures. Thus, it is necessary to promote the accessibility of health information among migrant workers in Thailand, especially those who have lived in Thailand for more than eight years, are older, and have no formal education.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e040328
Author(s):  
Paul Sengeh ◽  
Mohammad B Jalloh ◽  
Nance Webber ◽  
Ibrahim Ngobeh ◽  
Thomas Samba ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo assess the public’s knowledge, attitudes and practices about the novel coronavirus in Sierra Leone to inform an evidence-based communication strategy around COVID-19.DesignNationwide, cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices survey.Setting56 randomly selected communities in all 14 districts in Sierra Leone.Participants1253 adults aged 18 years and older of which 52% were men.Main outcome measuresWe calculated proportions of core indicators (awareness, knowledge, risk perception, practices). A composite variable for knowledge (based on seven variables) was created, and categorised into low (0–2 correct), medium (3–4) and high (5–7). Predictors of knowledge were analysed with multilevel ordinal regression models. Associations between information sources, knowledge and two practices (washing hands with soap and avoiding crowds) were analysed using multilevel logistic regression models.ResultsWe found that 75% of the respondents felt at moderate or great risk of contracting coronavirus. A majority (70%) of women did not know you can survive COVID-19, compared with 61% of men. 60% of men and 54% of women had already taken action to avoid infection with the coronavirus, mostly washing hands with soap and water (87%). Radio (73%) was the most used source for COVID-19 information, followed by social media (39%). Having a medium or high level of knowledge was associated with higher odds of washing hands with soap (medium knowledge: adjusted OR (AOR) 2.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 4.4; high knowledge: AOR 4.6, 95% CI 2.1 to 10.2) and avoiding crowds (medium knowledge: AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.6; high knowledge: AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.3).ConclusionsThis study shows that in the context of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone, there is a strong association between knowledge and practices. Because the knowledge gap differs between genders, regions, educational levels and age, it is important that messages are specifically targeted to these core audiences.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md.Golam Rabbani ◽  
Orin Akter ◽  
Md. Zahid Hasan ◽  
Nandeeta Samad ◽  
Shehrin Shaila Mahmood ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The world has been grappling with COVID-19 since December 2019, a dire public health crisis. Preventive and control measures are adopted to reduce the spread of COVID-19. To date, the public’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 across Bangladesh are poorly measured. Therefore, it is important to assess the KAP of people towards the disease and suggest appropriate strategies to combat COVID-19 effectively. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the KAP of Bangladeshi people towards COVID-19 and determinants of those KAPs. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 492 Bangladeshi people, based on purposive sampling technique, aged 18 years and above, from May 7 to 29, 2020, throughout the country. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed to test the statistical inferences across socio-demographic and economic information and knowledge, attitude, and practice scores separately. Spearman’s rank correlation test was performed to assess the correlation of scores between knowledge-attitude, knowledge-practice, and attitude-practice. Finally, multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors associated with KAP on COVID-19. RESULTS About 45% of respondents had good knowledge, about 49% of respondents expressed a positive attitude towards controlling COVID-19, about 74% of respondents had a favorable practice towards COVID-19. Almost three-fourths of the respondents went outside the home during the lockdown period. Our study found that the level of KAP varies significantly across different demographic and socioeconomic groups. Furthermore, the study found that good knowledge and attitude are significantly associated with COVID-19 health measures' better practice. CONCLUSIONS An evidence-informed and context-specific risk communication and community engagement, and a social and behavior change communication strategy against COVID-19 should be developed in Bangladesh, based on the findings of this study, targeting different socioeconomic groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Kranthi Swaroop Koonisetty ◽  
Ubydul Haque ◽  
Rajesh Nandy ◽  
Nasrin Aghamohammadi ◽  
Tamanna Urmi ◽  
...  

Dengue fever is one of the most important viral infections transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Accurate identification of cases and treatment of dengue patients at the early stages can reduce medical complications and dengue mortality rate. This survey aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) among physicians in dengue diagnosis and treatment. This study was conducted among physicians in Turkey as one nonendemic country and Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia as three dengue-endemic countries. The dosing frequencies, maximum doses, and contraindications in dengue fever were examined. The results found that physicians from Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia have higher KAP scores in dengue diagnosis and treatment compared to physicians in Turkey. This may be due to a lack of physician’s exposure to a dengue patient as Turkey is considered a nonendemic country. This assessment may help establish a guideline for intervention strategies among physicians to have successful treatment outcomes and reduce dengue mortality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suleyman Utku Celik ◽  
Alperen Aslan ◽  
Eylul Coskun ◽  
Beyza Nur Coban ◽  
Zeynep Haner ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Burnout resulting from long-term and unmanaged workplace stress is high among healthcare professionals, especially surgeons, and affects both individuals and the quality of patient care. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors for burnout among attending general surgeons and to identify possible preventive strategies. Methods A national cross-sectional survey using a 35-item questionnaire was conducted among members of the Turkish Surgical Society. The survey evaluated demographics, professional and practice characteristics, social participation, and burnout as well as interventions to deal with burnout. Burnout was defined as a high score on the emotional exhaustion (EE) and/or depersonalization (DP) subscales. Surgeons with high scores on both the EE and DP and a low score on personal accomplishment (PA) were considered to have severe burnout. Results Six hundred fifteen general surgeons completed the survey. The median EE, DP, and PA scores were 34 (IQR, 20–43), 9 (IQR, 4–16), and 36 (IQR, 30–42), respectively. Overall, the prevalence of burnout and severe burnout were 69.1 and 22.0%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with burnout were working in a training and research hospital (OR = 3.34; P < 0.001) or state hospital (OR = 2.77; P = 0.001), working ≥ 60 h per week (OR = 1.57; P = 0.046), and less frequent participation in social activities (OR = 3.65; P < 0.001). Conclusions Burnout is an important problem among general surgeons with impacts and consequences for professionals, patients, and society. Considering that burnout is a preventable condition, systematic efforts to identify at-risk populations and to develop strategies to address burnout in surgeons are needed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reshma Roshania ◽  
Rakesh Giri ◽  
Melissa Fox Young ◽  
G Sai Mala ◽  
Amy Webb Girard ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of child malnutrition and the determinants of nutrition status among circular migrant families working in the brick industry in Bihar, India, focusing on differences by origin. Methods We used a stratified, cluster sampling design consisting of a cross-sectional survey in 552 randomly selected brick kilns (clusters) throughout Bihar. Circular migration was defined as residence outside the home block for at least 60 days for employment plus at least one home return in the previous year. Per kiln, three circular migrant households with children 0–35 months of age were randomly selected. We collected kiln, household and child-level data including anthropometric measurements for each selected child (n = 1198). Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted in SAS. The primary outcomes were stunting (<-2 SD height-for-age z score) and wasting (<-2 SD weight-for-height z score). The primary exposure of interest was intrastate vs. interstate origin; covariates included household wealth index, parity of the mother, and child age and gender. Results Prevalence of stunting was lower among interstate migrants (47%) compared to intrastate migrants (55%, aOR: 0.66, 95%CI: 0.50–0.88). Wasting was higher among interstate migrants (43%) compared to intrastate migrants (34%, aOR:1.51, 95%CI: 1.17–1.94). Among children 6–23 months, 13% had a minimum acceptable diet; MAD was higher among interstate migrants (17%), compared to intrastate migrants (10%) (P = 0.014). Full immunization coverage among circular migrants was 39%, lower than the overall state (62%, NFHS IV). Open defecation was reported by over 90% of circular migrants. Conclusions Our results are likely to inform the ongoing policy discourse on circular migrants’ access to health and nutrition benefits. State of origin emerged as an important predictor of nutrition status, operating differently for acute and chronic malnutrition; we will further explore pathways of nutrition by origin in future analyses. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 186 (11) ◽  
pp. 349-349
Author(s):  
Lauren Landfried ◽  
Patrick Pithua ◽  
Roger D Lewis ◽  
Steven Rigdon ◽  
Jonathan Jacoby ◽  
...  

BackgroundIn a previous study, we found that rates of antibiotic residues in goat carcasses in Missouri were three times the published national average, warranting further research in this area.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of goat veterinarians to determine attitudes and practices regarding antibiotics, recruiting 725 veterinarians listed on the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP) website and 64 Missouri Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) veterinarians.ResultsWe collected 189 responses (26.1%) from AASRP members (170 valid) and 8 (12.5%) from MVMA veterinarians totalling 178 responses. While the vast majority of all veterinarians indicated that they prescribed antibiotics less than half of the time, Missouri veterinarians indicated that they spent more time treating goats for overt disease like intestinal parasites and less time on proactive practices such as reproductive herd health management comparatively. While veterinarians agreed that antibiotic resistance was a growing concern, veterinarians outside of Missouri seemed more confident that their own prescription practices was not a contributor. Although nationally most veterinarians felt that attending continuing education classes was beneficial, 73.4% in other states attended classes on antibiotic use compared to only four of the nine Missouri veterinarians.ConclusionMissouri veterinarians had less veterinary experience than veterinarians in other states, and this, in conjunction with low continuing education requirements in Missouri relative to most other states, may hinder development of more proactive and effective client–veterinary relationships.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document