scholarly journals Cross-sectional study to predict subnational levels of health workers’ knowledge about severe malaria treatment in Kenya

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e058511
Author(s):  
Beatrice Machini ◽  
Thomas NO Achia ◽  
Jacqueline Chesang ◽  
Beatrice Amboko ◽  
Paul Mwaniki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Malaria ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Malaria Treatment ◽  
Spatial Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Policy ◽  
High Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Levels

ObjectivesThis study applied a Bayesian hierarchical ecological spatial model beyond predictor analysis to test for the best fitting spatial effects model to predict subnational levels of health workers’ knowledge of severe malaria treatment policy, artesunate dosing, and preparation.SettingCounty referral government and major faith-based hospitals across 47 counties in Kenya in 2019.Design and participantsA secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from 345 health workers across 89 hospitals with inpatient departments who were randomly selected and interviewed.Outcome measuresThree ordinal outcome variables for severe malaria treatment policy, artesunate dose and preparation were considered, while 12 individual and contextual predictors were included in the spatial models.ResultsA third of the health workers had high knowledge levels on artesunate treatment policy; almost three-quarters had high knowledge levels on artesunate dosing and preparation. The likelihood of having high knowledge on severe malaria treatment policy was lower among nurses relative to clinicians (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.48, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.87), health workers older than 30 years were 61% less likely to have high knowledge about dosing compared with younger health workers (aOR=0.39, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.67), while health workers exposed to artesunate posters had 2.4-fold higher odds of higher knowledge about dosing compared with non-exposed health workers (aOR=2.38, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.74). The best model fitted with spatially structured random effects and spatial variations of the knowledge level across the 47 counties exhibited neighbourhood influence.ConclusionsKnowledge of severe malaria treatment policies is not adequately and optimally available among health workers across Kenya. The factors associated with the health workers’ level of knowledge were cadre, age and exposure to artesunate posters. The spatial maps provided subnational estimates of knowledge levels for focused interventions.

scholarly journals Malaria prevention and treatment awareness and practice among patent medicine vendors (PMVs) in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 113-121
Author(s):  
Mela Danjin ◽  
Henry O Sawyerr ◽  
Doka JS Pauline ◽  
Haruna M Moda
Keyword(s):  
Severe Malaria ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Malaria Treatment ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Policy ◽  
Patent Medicine

The ravaging consequences of Malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have been a subject of serious concern to every stakeholder. Literature and anecdotal evidence shows that around 60% of Nigerians seek fever treatment from Patent Medicine Vendors (PMVs) despite the limited formal dispensing knowledge most possess. This study attempts to establish a base line of knowledge, attitude and practices of Malaria control among PMVs in Gombe Metropolis, North Eastern Nigeria. The study was a descriptive cross sectional survey based on structured questionnaires used to collect relevant information from 109 PMVs selected by purposive sampling technique. The result show that 85.3% of the participants in this study correctly identified fever or high body temperature as the common sign of uncomplicated (UC) Malaria, while 70.6% recognized convulsion as one of the main symptoms of severe Malaria. Furthermore, 86.2% of the PMVs also knew that sleeping inside treated nets constitute one of the best ways to prevent Malaria. In the same vein, awareness of change in Malaria treatment policy from monotherapy to Artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) was high (73.3%) among them. However, those PMVs that had ever undergone some degree of drug dispensing training exhibited a significantly higher level of awareness of change in malaria treatment policy (X2 =17.903, P = 0.000). Although 85.3% of PMVs frequently recommend Arthemeter Lumefantrine (AL) as treatment of uncomplicated Malaria, only 39.4% of the participants would refer severe malaria cases. Even though most Malaria control awareness and practice variables were found to be fairly good among the participants, it is clear from the study that there is the need for enhanced training, monitoring and supervision by the relevant authorities so as to fully harness the vast potential in PMVs.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and practices in the control and prevention of malaria in four endemic provinces of Zambia

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-39
Author(s):  
Nzooma M. Shimaponda-Mataa ◽  
Enala Tembo-Mwase ◽  
Michael Gebreslasie ◽  
Samson Mukaratirwa
Keyword(s):  
General Education ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Knowledge Levels ◽  
Household Heads ◽  
And Control

This study sought to determine malaria knowledge levels, attitudes and practices of the communities in four malaria endemic provinces of Zambia. A cross-sectional survey on knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on malaria transmission, prevention and control was conducted among 584 household heads of randomly selected communities in Luapula, Lusaka, north-western and western provinces in Zambia. Data analysis was performed by both descriptive and inferential statistics. Knowledge levels in malaria with regards to the mosquito being the vector and the capacity of malaria to kill were high in all the provinces and did not vary statistically. The two main sources of malaria information by weighted analysis were health facility and community health workers (CHWs). From the regression analysis, pain killer use was associated with high incomes, employment, secondary education, or higher, and the knowledge of fever as a sign for malaria. Additionally, the source of malaria information was related to education levels. There is a need to enhance information through available channels such as health facilities and CHWs and tailor them according to general education levels of a community.

scholarly journals Public Health Workforce Burnout in the COVID-19 Response in the U.S.

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4369
Author(s):  
Kahler W. Stone ◽  
Kristina W. Kintziger ◽  
Meredith A. Jagger ◽  
Jennifer A. Horney
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Public Health Workforce ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The U.S

While the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline health care workers have been well described, the effects of the COVID-19 response on the U.S. public health workforce, which has been impacted by the prolonged public health response to the pandemic, has not been adequately characterized. A cross-sectional survey of public health professionals was conducted to assess mental and physical health, risk and protective factors for burnout, and short- and long-term career decisions during the pandemic response. The survey was completed online using the Qualtrics survey platform. Descriptive statistics and prevalence ratios (95% confidence intervals) were calculated. Among responses received from 23 August and 11 September 2020, 66.2% of public health workers reported burnout. Those with more work experience (1–4 vs. <1 years: prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08−3.36; 5–9 vs. <1 years: PR = 1.89, CI = 1.07−3.34) or working in academic settings (vs. practice: PR = 1.31, CI = 1.08–1.58) were most likely to report burnout. As of September 2020, 23.6% fewer respondents planned to remain in the U.S. public health workforce for three or more years compared to their retrospectively reported January 2020 plans. A large-scale public health emergency response places unsustainable burdens on an already underfunded and understaffed public health workforce. Pandemic-related burnout threatens the U.S. public health workforce’s future when many challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 response remain unaddressed.

scholarly journals Unravelling the Perspectives of Day and Night Traders in Selected Markets within a Sub-Saharan African City with a Malaria Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3468
Author(s):  
Patience B. Tetteh-Quarcoo ◽  
Nicholas T. K. D. Dayie ◽  
Kevin Kofi Adutwum-Ofosu ◽  
John Ahenkorah ◽  
Emmanuel Afutu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Malaria Treatment ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African City ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Treatment Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Knowledge ◽  
Sub Saharan

Background: Malaria is still endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with a high disease burden. Misconceptions about malaria contribute to poor attitudes and practices, further increasing the burden in endemic countries. Studies have examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of malaria among different populations. However, there seems to be no available literature reporting on the perspectives of day and night market traders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on malaria KAP with a focus on day and night market traders. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving day and night market traders in 10 selected markets within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was carried out. Data were collected from consenting respondents using a structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 760 respondents (33.3% (n = 253) night and 66.7% (n = 507) day traders) interviewed, there was no significant difference between the day and night market traders in terms of malaria KAP. Although the market traders had an overall moderate knowledge (54.0% of the day traders and 56.5% of the night traders), misconceptions about malaria (especially that it could be caused by exposure to the sun) still existed among the traders. Moreover, the majority of the traders who demonstrated high knowledge (43.98%, n = 250) did not always take laboratory tests to confirm their suspicion, indicating poor attitude. Furthermore, the market traders’ choice of drug for malaria treatment (p = 0.001) and preferred malaria treatment type (orthodox or herbal) (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with their knowledge level. Conclusions: Despite the observation that no significant difference in KAP exists between day and night market traders, appropriate health education programs and interventions still need to be directed at misconceptions, poor attitudes, and poor practices revealed by this study. This will ultimately help in the prevention and control of malaria in Ghana, and globally.

Cervical Cancer: Assessment of Its Knowledge, Utilization of Services and Its Determinant Among Female Undergraduate Students in a Low Resource Setting

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2110066
Author(s):  
Chidebe Christian Anikwe ◽  
Philip Chidubem Osuagwu ◽  
Cyril Chijioke Ikeoha ◽  
Okechukwu B Ikechukwu Dimejesi ◽  
Bartholomew Chukwunonye Okorochukwu
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Resource Setting ◽  
Study Population

Background Cervical cancer is a preventable disease that contributes significantly to the death of women. This study is aimed at determining the level of knowledge and utilization of cervical cancer screening and its determinants among female undergraduates of Ebonyi State University. Methods A structured questionnaire was used for a cross-sectional survey of the study population between January 1 and March 3, 2018. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Data were represented with frequency table, simple percentage, mode, range, Chi square and pie chart. The level of significance is at P-value < 0.05. Results Majority (74.8%) of the respondents were aware of cervical cancer and it could be prevented (70.8%). More than three-fifths (68.30%) were informed via health workers, and 86.8% were aware that post-coital vaginal bleeding is a symptom. Less than half (49.8%) knew that HPV is the primary cause, and only 32.9% were aware of the HPV vaccine. One-quarter of the respondent were aware that early coitarche is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Only 41.8% of the women were aware of Pap smear, 9.2% had undergone screening, and 97.6% were willing to be screened. Marital status was the significant determinant of being screened while class level did not significantly influence uptake of cervical cancer screening. The most common reason (20.6%) for not being screened was lack of awareness of the test. Conclusion Our study population had a good knowledge of cervical cancer, but utilization of cervical cancer screening was poor. Awareness creation through the mass media and provision of affordable screening services can promote the use of cervical cancer screening in the study area.

scholarly journals Translation and validation of Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire among reproductive, maternal and newborn health workers in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tumbwene Mwansisya ◽  
Columba Mbekenga ◽  
Kahabi Isangula ◽  
Loveluck Mwasha ◽  
Eunice Pallangyo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Newborn Health ◽  
Training Needs ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Needs Analysis ◽  
Maternal And Newborn Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Continuous professional development (CPD) has been reported to enhance healthcare workers’ knowledge and skills, improve retention and recruitment, improve the quality of patient care, and reduce patient mortality. Therefore, validated training needs assessment tools are important to facilitate the design of effective CPD programs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires. Participants were healthcare workers in reproductive, maternal, and neonatal health (RMNH) from seven hospitals, 12 health centers, and 17 dispensaries in eight districts of Mwanza Region, Tanzania. The training needs analysis (TNA) tool that was used for data collection was adapted and translated into Kiswahili from English version of the Hennessy-Hicks’ Training Need Analysis Questionnaire (TNAQ). Results In total, 153 healthcare workers participated in this study. Most participants were female 83 % (n = 127), and 76 % (n = 115) were nurses. The average age was 39 years, and the mean duration working in RMNH was 7.9 years. The reliability of the adapted TNAQ was 0.954. Assessment of construct validity indicated that the comparative fit index was equal to 1. Conclusions The adapted TNAQ appears to be reliable and valid for identifying professional training needs among healthcare workers in RMNH settings in Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to test the use of the TNAQ in broader healthcare systems and settings.

scholarly journals The Challenges and Knowledge Gaps in Malaria Therapy: A Stakeholder Approach to Improving Oral Quinine Use in the Treatment of Childhood Malaria in Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Bartholomew Yir-Erong ◽  
Marcel Tunkumgnen Bayor ◽  
Isaac Ayensu ◽  
Stephen Yao Gbedema ◽  
Joshua Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Bitter Taste ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Modes Of Transmission ◽  
Malaria Therapy ◽  
Care Givers ◽  
Childhood Malaria

Background. The study was undertaken to elicit the knowledge, views, and perceptions of key stakeholders on malaria, its bioburden, and treatment options, in order to ascertain the knowledge gabs and challenges, especially in the use of oral quinine in childhood malaria. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a well-structured Likert Scale and self-administered questionnaire. The principal site of the study was a government-run children’s hospital located in the Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metro of Accra. The study population included health workers, parents, and guardians or care givers. The participants were 300, purposively selected, and consisted of both men (41%) and women (59%) who were twenty years and above, whether employed (42%), self-employed (37%), or unemployed (21%). Results. Majority of the participants (78%) demonstrated above average knowledge of malaria. However, their awareness of the causes, modes of transmission, signs, and symptoms as well as preventive mechanisms of malaria did not result in low incidence of malaria. About 77% of the respondents agreed they would seek treatment within 24 hours once signs and symptoms are detected. Though close to 50% undertook home treatment of malaria, majority eventually sought treatment at hospital or clinic. Above 92% of respondents knew that quinine is used to treat malaria and agreed its bitter taste greatly affects compliance, especially in children. Consequently, 95% of the respondents would be glad if its bitter taste is masked. Conclusion. The study demonstrated the availability of substantial knowledge of the devastating effects of malaria, especially in children. Therefore, there is the need to ensure the availability and utilization of effective paediatric formulations in the fight against malaria. From this study, fast dissolving oral thin film with a good mouth feel, would be the formulation of choice for quinine.

scholarly journals Prevalence of eczema among older persons: A population-based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Vijayan Neena ◽  
Neelakandhan Asokan ◽  
Rajany Jose ◽  
A. Sarin
Keyword(s):  
Older Persons ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Background: There are very few population-based studies on the prevalence of eczema among older persons Aims: To estimate the prevalence and types of eczema in those aged 65 years or more in the community and to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based interventions for case finding. Methods: In the first stage of this cross-sectional survey, trained health workers of a non-governmental organization surveyed the eligible population and identified persons likely to have eczema. In the second stage, dermatologists examined such persons to ascertain the diagnosis. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info software version 7. Prevalence of eczema was expressed in percentages. Chi-square test was used for comparing the difference in prevalence of eczema in various age groups and sex. Results: Health workers identified 98 persons as possible cases of eczema after interviewing 385 older persons in the community. Among them 95 persons were examined by dermatologists and 44 were confirmed to have eczema (diagnostic accuracy of health workers = 46.3%).Point prevalence of eczema was 11.4% (44/385). Prevalence was similar in males and females. It was greater (18.2 %) among persons aged 81 years or more. Asteatotic eczema, gravitational eczema and lichen simplex chronicus were the more common types of eczema. Limitations: Possible underestimation of the prevalence rates due to limited medical knowledge of health workers; limited facilities for examination and investigations at the medical camps and home visits. Conclusion: There appears to be a considerable burden of eczema among older persons in the community. A community-based approach involving non-governmental organizations has the potential to identify cases and offer care close to their homes.

scholarly journals Corona virus fear among health workers during the early phase of pandemic response in Nepal: a web-based cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratik Khanal ◽  
Navin Devkota ◽  
Minakshi Dahal ◽  
Kiran Paudel ◽  
Shiva Raj Mishra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Early Phase ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Factors Associated

AbstractBackgroundHealth workers involved in COVID-19 response might be at risk of developing fear and psychological distress. This study aimed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 fear among health workers in Nepal during the early phase of pandemic.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the month of April-May 2020 among 475 health workers directly involved in COVID-19 management. The Fear Scale of COVID 19 (FCV-19S) was used to measure the status of fear. Scatter plots were used to observe the relationship between fear and other psychological outcomes: anxiety, depression and insomnia. Multivariable logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with COVID fear.ResultsCOVID-19 fear score was moderately correlated with anxiety and depression, and weakly correlated with insomnia (p<0.001). Nurses (AOR=2.29; 95% CI: 1.23-4.26), health workers experiencing stigma (AOR=1.83; 95% CI: 1.12-2.73), those working in affected district(AOR=1.76; 95% CI: 1.12-2.77) and presence of family member with chronic diseases (AOR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.01-2.25) was associated with higher odds of developing COVID-19 fear as compared to other health workers, health workers not experiencing stigma, working in non-affected district and not having family member with chronic diseases respectively.ConclusionNurses, health workers facing stigma, those working in affect district and having family member with chronic diseases were more at risk of developing COVID-19 fear. It is thus recommended to improve work environment to reduce fear among health workers, employ stigma reduction interventions, and ensure personal and family support for those having family member with chronic diseases.

scholarly journals Sleeping Disorders in Healthy Individuals with Different Dietary Patterns and BMI, Questionnaire Assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12285
Author(s):  
Magda Piekarska ◽  
Martyna Pszczółka ◽  
Damian Parol ◽  
Paweł Szewczyk ◽  
Daniel Śliż ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sleeping Disorders ◽  
Athens Insomnia Scale ◽  
Public Health Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic and abiding restrictions have affected every life domain. Sleep disturbances are a major health issue that is linked with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and psychological burdens. Research of sleeping disorders among vegetarian and non-vegetarian subpopulations is limited. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of sleeping disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic among people with different dietary patterns. Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 1987 people. A total of 1956 respondents met all study conditions. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic information, assessment of dietary habits, and assessment of the prevalence of insomnia and sleepiness, based on the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). A total of 36.04% (n = 705) respondents declared that they noticed a change in the quality of their sleep during the last year. According to AIS and ESS, non-vegetarians suffered from insomnia or sleepiness more often than vegetarians. Insomnia and sleepiness were also more prevalent among those respondents who declared consumption of fruit and vegetables less often than once a day compared with those who consumed fruit and vegetables daily. Respondents with BMI within the recommended limit (18.5–24.99) suffered from insomnia less often when compared with underweight (BMI < 18.5) or obese (BMI ≥ 25) respondents. Those results may be useful for public health workers and medical professionals in terms of establishing new instruments that help treat sleeping disorders.

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