Public knowledge of stroke and heart attack symptoms in China: a cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveStroke and ischaemic heart disease have become the leading causes of death in China. We evaluated recognition of stroke and heart attack symptoms and stroke treatment-seeking behaviour in a large representative sample of the Chinese adult population and explored characteristics associated with recognition rates.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingHousehold interviews.Participant3051 Chinese adults aged between 18 and 69 (50.7% female) were interviewed between January and March 2019.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary measures include recognitions of stroke and heart attack symptoms and stroke treatment-seeking behaviour. Secondary measures include numeracy level, sociodemographics and prior history of cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure.ResultsParticipants on average recognised 5.2 out of 14 stroke symptoms and 2.6 out of 6 heart attack symptoms. In the presence of stroke symptoms, three quarters of participants would take immediate action and call an ambulance, yet the second most common action was to advise the person to see a doctor (59%) rather than to consult a doctor immediately (34%). Recognition of atypical heartattack symptoms, such as nausea and feeling of anxiety, was poor. Symptom recognition rates were higher in females, people with a personal or family/friend history of cardiovascular events, those with higher numeracy scores, and for stroke symptoms, participants with high (versus low) education level. Furthermore, symptom recognition rate was negatively correlated with burden of cardiovascular diseases across the four economic regions of China.ConclusionRecognition of stroke and heart-attack symptoms was moderate and there remains a gap between recognising symptoms and taking immediate action. Interventions focusing on simple symptom detection tools and on building numerical competencies may help reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases in China.

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Prevalence of atopic dermatitis, asthma and rhinitis from infancy through adulthood in rural Bangladesh: a population-based, cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042380 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e042380

Author(s):

Courtney J Pedersen ◽

Mohammad J Uddin ◽

Samir K Saha ◽

Gary L Darmstadt

Keyword(s):

Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Medical Diagnosis ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Age Groups ◽

Working Party ◽

Atopic Disease ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of

ObjectiveDescribe the pattern of atopic disease prevalence from infancy to adulthood.DesignCross-sectional household survey.SettingCommunity-based demographic surveillance site, Mirzapur, Bangladesh.Participants7275 individuals in randomly selected clusters within 156 villages.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe 12-month prevalence of atopic dermatitis (by UK Working Party Criteria (UK criteria) and International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC)), asthma and rhinitis (by ISAAC); disease severity (by ISAAC); history of ever receiving a medical diagnosis.ResultsChildren aged 2 years had the highest prevalence of atopic dermatitis—18.8% (95% CI 15.2% to 22.4%) by UK criteria and 14.9% (95% CI 11.6% to 18.1%) by ISAAC— and asthma (20.1%, 95% CI 16.4% to 23.8%). Prevalence of rhinitis was highest among 25–29 year olds (6.0%, (95% CI% 4.5 to 7.4%). History of a medical diagnosis was lowest for atopic dermatitis (4.0%) and highest for rhinitis (27.3%) and was significantly associated with severe disease compared with those without severe disease for all three conditions (atopic dermatitis: 30.0% vs 11.7%, p=0.015; asthma; 85.0% vs 60.4%, p<0.001; rhinitis: 34.2% vs 7.3%, p<0.001) and having a higher asset-based wealth score for asthma (29.7% (highest quintile) vs 7.5% (lowest quintile), p<0.001) and rhinitis (39.8% vs 12.5%, p=0.003). Prevalence of having >1 condition was highest (36.2%) at 2 years and decreased with age. Having atopic dermatitis (ISAAC) was associated with significantly increased odds ratios (OR) for comorbid asthma (OR 5.56 (95% CI 4.26 to 7.26)] and rhinitis (3.68 (95% CI 2.73 to 4.96)). Asthma and rhinitis were also strongly associated with each other (OR 8.39 (95% CI 6.48 to 10.86)).ConclusionsAtopic disease burden was high in this rural Bangladeshi population. Having one atopic condition was significantly associated with the presence of another. Low incidence of ever obtaining a medical diagnosis highlights an important opportunity to increase availability of affordable diagnosis and treatment options for all age groups.

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Determinants of contraceptive use among sexually active unmarried adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years in Ghana: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043890 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e043890

Author(s):

Felix Boakye Oppong ◽

Divine Darlington Logo ◽

Senyo Yao Agbedra ◽

Anthony Agyapong Adomah ◽

Seidu Amenyaglo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adolescent Girls ◽

Young Women ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Household Wealth ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Sexually Active ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

Nationally Representative

ObjectiveThere is a decline in contraceptive use among sexually active unmarried young women in Ghana. This study assessed the prevalence of contraceptive knowledge and use, and the determinant of contraceptive use among sexually active unmarried young women in Ghana.DesignThis was a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, using data from the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey. Weighted logistic regression was used to assess the association between background and obstetric characteristics of young women and contraceptive use.SettingGhana.ParticipantsA total of 809 sexually active unmarried adolescent girls (15–19 years) and young women (20–24 years).Primary and secondary outcome measuresKnowledge and use of both modern and traditional contraceptive methods.ResultsKnowledge of at least one modern and traditional contractive method was 99.8% and 95.0%, respectively. The prevalence of contraceptive use was 43%—with 34% modern and 9% traditional methods. From the unadjusted analyses, age (p=0.002), past pregnancy (p<0.001), abortion in the past 5 years (p=0.007) and history of childbirth (p=0.025) were independently associated with contraceptive use, whereas education (p=0.072), place of residence (p=0.702), household wealth (p=0.836) and age at first sex (p=0.924) were not independently associated with contraceptive use. In the adjusted analysis, contraceptive use was significantly higher among respondents with secondary education compared with those with primary education (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.49, p=0.017), and was higher among respondents with a history of pregnancy (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.06, p<0.001).ConclusionThere is a significant gap between knowledge and use of contraceptives among the study population. While intensifying knowledge of adolescents and young women on contraceptives, adolescent-friendly corners should be established at vantage points to increase utilisation and to prevent societal stigma on young women who access contraceptives services.

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Uncertainty about cellulitis and unmet patient information needs: a mixed methods study

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp18x697349 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽

pp. bjgp18X697349

Author(s):

Anna Lalonde ◽

Emma Teasdale ◽

Ingrid Muller ◽

Joanne Chalmers ◽

Peter Smart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Information Needs ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Information Provision ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Face To Face ◽

Patient Information Needs ◽

History Of

BackgroundCellulitis is a common painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues that recurs in approximately a third of cases. Patients’ ability to recover from cellulitis or prevent recurrence is likely to be influenced by their understanding of the condition.AimTo explore patients’ perceptions of cellulitis and their information needs.MethodMixed methods study comprising semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and cross-sectional survey, recruiting through primary care, secondary care and advertising. Adults aged 18 or over with a history of cellulitis (first or recurrent) were invited to complete a survey, take part in an interview or both. Qualitative data was analysed thematically.ResultsThirty interviews were conducted between August 2016 and July 2017. Qualitative data revealed low prior awareness of cellulitis, uncertainty around diagnosis, concern/surprise at the severity of cellulitis, and perceived insufficient information provision. People were surprised they had never heard of the condition and that they had not received advice or leaflets giving self-care information. Some sought information from the internet and found this bewildering. Two hundred and forty surveys were completed (response rate 17%). These showed that, while most people received information on the treatment of cellulitis (60.0%, n = 144), they reported receiving no information about causes (60.8%, n = 146) or prevention of recurrence (73.3%, n = 176).ConclusionThere is a need for provision of basic information for people with cellulitis, particularly being informed of the name of their condition, how to manage acute episodes, and how to reduce risk of recurrence.

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Evaluating the readiness of mobile technology in Saudi Arabia: An Integrative Perspective with respect to e-health (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.22896 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Fahad Alanezi

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Health System ◽

Mobile Phones ◽

Personal Data ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Apps ◽

History Of ◽

Vision 2030 ◽

Awareness Programs

UNSTRUCTURED E-health system is emerging and providing health services and solutions through different electronic gadgets. Saudi Arabia has launched a program called Saudi Arabia vision 2030, in which providing state-of-the-art health facilities to their citizen is of topmost priority. After all the efforts, the residents of Saudi Arabia are still reluctant for the adaptation of e-health system. The current study was conducted to evaluate the obstacle in adoption of the e-health system through the mobile phones. The current study was cross-sectional survey and was conducted by developing a self-administered structured questionnaire asking the utilization of mobile phone in state of health emergency prior to ask any medical history. Majority of the participants was married and doing jobs in different firms and have their personal mobile phones (p = 0.100, > 0.05) which indicates easily access to the e-health apps. The majority of the participants suffers from either obesity or high blood pressure (p = 0.018, < 0.05) regardless of either history of mental disorder or other family history of mental diseases. The pattern of diseases with mental disorders correlate well with adoption of e-health in government policies. The obstacles in adopting e-health includes fear of the loss of personal data and information (p = 0.0401, < 0.05). Moreover, they did not trust on online medications as the doctor cannot prescribe medicines without seeing physical health of the patient. The current study concluded that by making improvement in policies and proper commercializing the e-health apps together with awareness programs can boast the adoption of e-health in Saudi Arabia.

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Brain smart – Let's play safely: Evaluation of a concussion education program in schools

Journal of Concussion ◽

10.1177/20597002211024447 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. 205970022110244

Author(s):

Katie Alison Falla ◽

Sarah Randall ◽

Carol DeMatteo

Keyword(s):

School Board ◽

Education Program ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Concussion Management ◽

Chi Squared ◽

Post Test ◽

History Of ◽

Concussion Knowledge ◽

Concussion Education

Objectives There are two objectives for this paper. First, to determine effects of a concussion education program in a local school board in terms of concussion-specific knowledge in children and confidence in identifying and managing concussion in adults. Second, to identify differences and similarities in concussion knowledge between children who participate in sports and those who do not and between children with a history of one or more concussions and those without. Design A cross sectional survey regarding concussion knowledge was distributed randomly to students and adults at both pre- and posteducation timepoints. A concussion education program was disseminated across the school board for students between the distribution survey timepoints. Following the education program, adults and students completed their respective post-test surveys. Chi-squared tests in SPSS determined the significance of between-group differences. Results All 17 adults (100.0%) who had received concussion education recently reported confidence in their knowledge of concussion management, compared to 35.7% adults who had not received education for over a year (p = 0.020). For students, all of whom completed the concussion education training between the pre- and post-tests, there were no significant differences in concussion knowledge scores between athletes and non-athletes (either in or outside of school) or between those with a history of concussion and those without. There were no significant changes in concussion knowledge between the pre- and post-tests, except for one question. Conclusion Concussion education programs increase confidence of concussion management protocols in adults involved in sport, but they require improvements to better support knowledge amelioration, particularly for target groups that are at high risk of sustaining another injury.

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Population-based cross-sectional prevalence survey of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in Sohag—Egypt, 2019

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047757 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. e047757

Author(s):

Heba AlSawahli ◽

Caleb D Mpyet ◽

Gamal Ezzelarab ◽

Ibrahim Hassanin ◽

Mohammad Shalaby ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetic Retinopathy ◽

Rapid Assessment ◽

Good Control ◽

Population Based ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Public Health Approach ◽

Eye Care ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Prevalence Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and sight-threatening conditions among persons with DM aged 50 years and older in Sohag governorate in Upper Egypt.DesignPopulation-based, cross-sectional survey using the standardised Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness with the addition of the Diabetic Retinopathy module methodology.SettingsSohag governorate in Egypt where 68 clusters were selected using probability proportional to population size. Households were selected using the compact segment technique.Participants4078 people aged 50 years and older in 68 clusters were enrolled, of which 4033 participants had their random blood sugar checked and 843 examined for features of DR.Primary and secondary outcomesThe prevalence of DM and DR; secondary outcome was the coverage with diabetic eye care.ResultsThe prevalence of DM was 20.9% (95% CI 19.3% to 22.5%). The prevalence in females (23.8%; 95% CI 21.4% to 26.3%) was significantly higher than in males (18.9%; 95% CI 17.1% to 20.7%) (p=0.0001). Only 38.8% of persons diagnosed with diabetes had good control of DM. The prevalence of DR in the sample was 17.9% (95% CI 14.7% to 21.1%). The prevalence in females was higher (18.9%; 95% CI 14.0% to 23.8%) than in males (17.1%; 95% CI 13.0% to 21.2%). Up to 85.3% of study participants have never had eye examination. Sight-threatening DR (R4 and/or M2) was detected in 5.2% (95% CI 3.4% to 7.0%) with only 2.3% having had laser treatment.ConclusionThe prevalence of uncontrolled DM in Sohag governorate in Egypt is higher than the national prevalence. There is a high prevalence of sight-threatening retinopathy and/or maculopathy with few people having access to diabetic eye care. A public health approach is needed for health promotion, early detection and management of DR.

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Psychiatrists and homicidal threats: a cross-sectional study

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/ipm.2021.14 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Musaab Elzain ◽

Ahmed Bashir ◽

Noreen Moloney ◽

Colum P. Dunne ◽

Brendan D. Kelly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Frequency Characteristics ◽

Specific Method ◽

Professional Lives ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Personal Lives ◽

Urban Rural ◽

History Of ◽

Outpatient Settings

Objectives: To investigate the frequency, characteristics and impact of death threats by patients towards psychiatrists. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of psychiatrists (n = 60) was undertaken to investigate the frequency, characteristics and impact of death threats by patients in one Irish healthcare region serving a mixed urban–rural population of 470,000. Results: Forty-nine responses (82%) were received. Thirty-one per cent of respondents experienced death threats by patients during their careers. Victims were more likely to be male and in a consultant role. Patients making the threats were more likely to be males aged 30–60 with a history of violence and diagnosis of personality disorder and/or substance misuse. A majority of threats occurred in outpatient settings and identified a specific method of killing, usually by stabbing. Prosecution of the perpetrator was uncommon. Of the victimised psychiatrists, 53% reported that such threats affected their personal lives, and 67% believed their professional lives were impacted. In half of the incidents, there were adverse incidents subsequent to the threats, involving either the patient or the clinician. Conclusions: Death threats by patients have significant psychological and professional impacts on psychiatrists. Early liaison with employers and police and transferring the care of the patient to another clinician may be useful measures.

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Willingness to receive future COVID-19 vaccines following the COVID-19 epidemic in Shanghai, China

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11174-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yehong Zhou ◽

Junjie Zhang ◽

Wenwen Wu ◽

Man Liang ◽

Qiang-Song Wu

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Safety ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Pharmacological Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

History Of ◽

Potential Factors ◽

To Receive

Abstract Background There are no pharmacological interventions currently available to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 or to treat COVID-19. The development of vaccines against COVID-19 is essential to contain the pandemic. we conducted a cross-sectional survey of Shanghai residents to understand residents’ willingness to be vaccinated with any future COVID-19 vaccines and take measures to further improve vaccination coverage. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey using self-administered anonymous questionnaires from 1 July to 8 September 2020. The main outcome was willingness of participants, and any children or older individuals living with them, to receive future COVID-19 vaccines. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore potential factors associated with vaccination willingness. Results A total of 1071 participants were asked about their willingness to receive future COVID-19 vaccines, for themselves and at least 747 children and 375 older individuals (≥60 years old) living with them. The highest proportion of expected willingness to vaccinate was among participants (88.6%), followed by children (85.3%) and older individuals (84.0%). The main reasons for reluctance to vaccinate among 119 participants were doubts regarding vaccine safety (60.0%) and efficacy (28.8%). Participants with a self-reported history of influenza vaccination were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccines for themselves [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–2.82], their children (adjusted OR = 2.08; 95%CI: 1.30–3.33), and older individuals in their household (adjusted OR = 2.12; 95%CI: 1.14–3.99). Participants with older individuals in their families were less willing to vaccinate themselves (adjusted OR = 0.59; 95%CI: 0.40–0.87) and their children (adjusted OR = 0.58; 95%CI: 0.38–0.89). Conclusions Participants were more reluctant to accept COVID-19 vaccines for older individuals living with them. The presence of older individuals in the home also affected willingness of participants and their children to be vaccinated.

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SELF-REPORTED MALARIA AND MOSQUITO AVOIDANCE IN RELATION TO HOUSEHOLD RISK FACTORS IN A KENYAN COASTAL CITY

Journal of Biosocial Science ◽

10.1017/s0021932005007182 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 37 (6) ◽

pp. 761-771 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

JOSEPH KEATING ◽

KATE MACINTYRE ◽

CHARLES M. MBOGO ◽

JOHN I. GITHURE ◽

JOHN C. BEIER

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Mosquito Control ◽

Control Measure ◽

Control Measures ◽

Level Control ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Household Level ◽

Household Factors ◽

History Of

A geographically stratified cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2002 to investigate household-level factors associated with use of mosquito control measures and self-reported malaria in Malindi, Kenya. A total of 629 households were surveyed. Logistic regressions were used to analyse the data. Half of all households (51%) reported all occupants using an insecticide-treated bed net and at least one additional mosquito control measure such as insecticides or removal of standing water. Forty-nine per cent reported a history of malaria in the household. Of the thirteen household factors analysed, low (OR=0·23, CI 0·11, 0·48) and medium (OR=0·50, CI 0·29, 0·86) education, mud–wood–coral (OR=0·0·39, CI 0·24, 0·66) and mud block–plaster (OR=0·47, CI 0·25, 0·87) wall types, farming (OR=1·38, CI 1·01, 1·90) and travel to rural areas (OR=0·48, CI 0·26, 0·91) were significantly associated with the use of mosquito control, while controlling for other covariates in the model. History of reported malaria was not associated with the use of mosquito control (OR=1·22, CI 0·79, 1·88). Of the thirteen covariates analysed in the second model, only two household factors were associated with history of malaria: being located in the well-drained stratum (OR=0·49, CI 0·26, 0·96) and being bitten while in the house (OR=1·22, CI 0·19, 0·49). These results suggest that high socioeconomic status is associated with increased household-level mosquito control use, although household-level control may not be enough, as many people are exposed to biting mosquitoes while away from the house and in areas that are more likely to harbour mosquitoes.

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Healthcare Workers Preparedness for COVID-19 Pandemic in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: A Cross-sectional Survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-112643/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Osaid Alser ◽

Heba Alghoul ◽

Zahra Alkhateeb ◽

Ayah Hamdan ◽

Loai Albarqouni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Gaza Strip ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Occupied Palestinian Territory ◽

Governmental Institutions ◽

Palestinian Territory

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic threatens to overwhelm the capacity of a vulnerable healthcare system in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). Sufficient training of healthcare workers (HCWs) in managing COVID-19 and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential in allowing oPt to mount a credible response to the crisis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated online questionnaire between March 30, 2020 and April 12, 2020. Primary outcomes were availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness in oPt for COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary outcome was regional and hospital differences in oPt in terms of availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness.Results: Of 138 respondents, only 38 HCWs (27.5%) always had access to facemasks and 15 (10.9%) for isolation gowns. Most HCWs did not find eye protection (n=128, 92.8%), N95 respirators (n=132, 95.7%), and face shields (n=127, 92%) always available. Compared to HCWs in West Bank, those in the Gaza Strip were significantly less likely to have access to alcohol sanitizers (p=0.03) and gloves (p <0.001). On average, governmental hospitals were significantly less likely to have all appropriate PPE than non-governmental institutions (p = 0.001). Only 16 (11.6%) surveyed felt confident in dealing with a potential COVID-19 case, 57 (41.3%) having received any COVID-19-related training, and 57 (41.3%) not having a local hospital protocol. Conclusion: HCWs in oPt are underprepared and severely lacking adequate PPE provision. The lack of PPE provision will exacerbate spread of COVID-19 and deepen the crisis, whilst putting HCWs at risk.

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