scholarly journals Cross-sectional study on the role of public awareness in preventing the spread of COVID-19 outbreak in India

2020 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2020-138349
Author(s):  
Manish Kaushik ◽  
Divya Agarwal ◽  
Anil K Gupta

Background WHO has recommended personal hygiene (respiratory hygiene, using face masks, washing hands with warm water and soap, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, avoid touching mouth, eyes & nose, cleanliness), social distancing and careful handling of purchased products as an effective preventive measure for COVID-19 disease. The growing pandemic of COVID-19 disease requires social distancing and personal hygiene measures to protect public health. But this message is not clear and well understood among people. The aim of this study is to determine the awareness, knowledge and attitude about COVID-19 and relate the behaviour of Indian society, especially when the country is restarting all its economic activities, after the complete lockdown. Method The present paper is based on an extensive survey among 21 406 adult participants of various sections of Indian society with different age groups between 18 and 80 years to introspect the level of public awareness with respect to cause, spread, prevention and treatment of disease caused by spread of COVID-19 viral outbreak, which will be automatically reflected in the societal behavioural response of rigorous precautionary measures. Conclusions There is a need to extend the knowledge base among individuals to enhance their active participation in the prevention mechanisms with respect to the spread of the pandemic. There is a need to elaborate the Indian socio-cultural aspects, so that society starts appreciating and voluntarily following social distancing. This should improve the adaptability of people with livelihood resilience to let them protect themselves not only from the present pandemic but also from all other unforeseen infections, and to provide care to patients.

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 80-83
Author(s):  
Ali Fattahi Bafghi ◽  
◽  
Elham Rezaee ◽  

Leishmaniasis is considered as an important health problem in the world. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is epidemic in all of places of Iran, this disease begins as small swells and then they gradually grow and turn into wounds. Since the epidemiological study of this problem is effective in preventing and controlling it. The current research was conducted to study the epidemiological study of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Yazd province during the past 5(2014-2018) years. This cross-sectional study has been conducted on registered information and documents of the patients having problem in Yazd province remedial and health care centers over the past 5 years. First, the registered demographic and epidemiological data of the patients were extracted and then they were analyzed by using SPSS 18 software with chi-square test and descriptive statistics.897 patients included 457 males (51.06%) and 439 females (48.94%). The majority of the patients were between nine 20-29 years old and the minority of them were over the range of 5-9 years old. Most lesions were on the hand and leg of the patients. It was also found that there was a significant relationship between age groups and types of Leishmaniasis (P<0.05) as well as gender and type Leishmaniasis (P<0.05). According to our study, there has been an ascending trend in disease frequency in Yazd province from 2014 to 2018. This increase in diseases due to lack of health and educational status of the people-is also a lack of personal hygiene.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-34
Author(s):  
Wafa Ali ◽  
Amal Alqufly ◽  
Ibrahim Aljabr ◽  
Sharafaldeen Bin Nafisah

BACKGROUND: The resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Saudi Arabia, despite ongoing control measures, warrants further analysis. AIM: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and sociodemographic risk factors of COVID-19 in Al Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia. We explored perceptions toward vaccination, social isolation and community adherence to social distancing measures. METHODS: We collected data reported by the Weqaya, Saudi Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and conducted a cross-sectional study within the province. RESULTS: Up to 9 May 2021, 15 497 positive cases were detected, comprising a prevalence of 1.46%. Uyun Al-Jiwa and Riyadh Al-Khabra had the highest infection rate. Our sample of 511 participants revealed an exposure rate of 52.1% (n=266) with no specific sociodemographic risk factor. Self-isolation following exposure to a confirmed or probable case occurred less among older age groups and married participants, and was not influenced by the presence of underlying chronic diseases. The majority of participants perceived community compliance with social distancing measures to fall within the ‘sometimes’ category. Finally, the vaccination acceptance rate was 72.6% (n=371). CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study emphasise the need to adopt further measures to encourage adherence to social distancing and self-isolation, especially among vulnerable groups.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Wina Marthalia

Intoduction: The cat breeder every day began by feeding, bathing, cutting the nails and cleaning the cage. This activity presented a health risk for breeders to be infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This study aims to analyze the incidence of chronic toxoplasmosis infection in cat breeders in Surabaya. Method: This type of research was observational with a cross-sectional study design. A total of 19 respondents involved in this study came from members of the cat breeder organization. Sampling using a simple random sampling method. Respondent information data in the form of cat hygiene, cage sanitation, and personal hygiene were collected through an interview and observation process. Meanwhile, to find out toxoplasmosis infection, a blood sample serology test was performed at the Clinical Laboratory. Data were analyzed with qualitative descriptive methods to see a picture of each variable with a toxoplasmosis infection. Result and Discussion: Serological test results showed that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection was 58%. Chronic toxoplasmosis infection of 62% occurred in owners with poor hygiene of drums and 91% occurred in owners with poor personal hygiene. Conclusion: As a preventive measure against the risk of infection, breeders of cats need to always maintain the sanitation of the cage, such as frequent cleaning of the cage, cat feces and cleaning the floor around the cage so that infective oocysts do not multiply around the cage area. Also, must use personal protective equipment and wash your hands after contact with cats.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0252835
Author(s):  
Shimoni Urvish Shah ◽  
Evelyn Xiu Ling Loo ◽  
Chun En Chua ◽  
Guan Sen Kew ◽  
Alla Demutska ◽  
...  

Importance Knowledge and attitude influence compliance and individuals’ practices. The risk and protective factors associated with high compliance to these preventive measures are critical to enhancing pandemic preparedness. Objective This survey aims to assess differences in mental health, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of preventive measures for COVID-19 amongst healthcare professionals (HCP) and non-healthcare professionals. Design Multi-national cross-sectional study was carried out using electronic surveys between May-June 2020. Setting Multi-national survey was distributed across 36 countries through social media, word-of-mouth, and electronic mail. Participants Participants ≥21 years working in healthcare and non-healthcare related professions. Main outcome Risk factors determining the difference in KAP towards personal hygiene and social distancing measures during COVID-19 amongst HCP and non-HCP. Results HCP were significantly more knowledgeable on personal hygiene (AdjOR 1.45, 95% CI -1.14 to 1.83) and social distancing (AdjOR 1.31, 95% CI -1.06 to 1.61) compared to non-HCP. They were more likely to have a positive attitude towards personal hygiene and 1.5 times more willing to participate in the contact tracing app. There was high compliance towards personal hygiene and social distancing measures amongst HCP. HCP with high compliance were 1.8 times more likely to flourish and more likely to have a high sense of emotional (AdjOR 1.94, 95% CI (1.44 to 2.61), social (AdjOR 2.07, 95% CI -1.55 to 2.78), and psychological (AdjOR 2.13, 95% CI (1.59–2.85) well-being. Conclusion and relevance While healthcare professionals were more knowledgeable, had more positive attitudes, their higher sense of total well-being was seen to be more critical to enhance compliance. Therefore, focusing on the well-being of the general population would help to enhance their compliance towards the preventive measures for COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
pp. 101053952110125
Author(s):  
Normaliza Ab Malik ◽  
Rusyda Helma Mohd ◽  
Nor Ba’yah Abdul Kadir

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, self-efficacy, and preventive behaviors against coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted during the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak using an online self-administered questionnaire. A high percentage of the respondents had high knowledge and perceived self-efficacy scores. Most of them performed the government-recommended preventive measure such as hand washing for 20 seconds, wearing a face mask, use of hand disinfectant, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth, cover mouth when coughing, staying home when sick, and not travelling abroad, as these are effective preventive measures to prevent the spread of the disease. However, less than half of the participants believed social distancing, self-quarantine, and avoiding crowded places were effective preventive measures. Enhancing social distancing along with other preventive measures help prevent the spread of COVID-19 transmission.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anson Chui Yan Tang ◽  
Enid Wai Yung Kwong ◽  
Liangying Chen ◽  
Winnie Lai Sheung Cheng

Objectives: To investigate the associations between demographic characteristics, perceived threat, perceived stress, coping responses and adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures in Chinese Healthcare students. Design: A cross-sectional survey collecting data in Hong Kong and Fujian Province of China. Self-administered questionnaires were collected via online platform in April 2020. Participants: A convenience and snowball sample of 2706 students aged 18 years or older and studying a healthcare programme in Hong Kong or Fujian. Setting: Students were recruited in tertiary education institutions/universities in Hong Kong and Putian (a prefecture-level city in eastern Fujian province). The institutions offered various healthcare programmes in degree or sub-degree levels. Main outcome measures: Compliances to social distancing and personal hygiene measures were assessed by 10-item Social Distancing Scale and 5-item Personal Hygiene Scale respectively. Path analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the compliance outcomes. Results: The participants reported high compliances to both social distancing and personal hygiene measures. Confidence to manage the current situation, wishful thinking and empathetic responding directly predicted compliance to social distancing (β=-0.31, p<0.001; β=0.35, p=0.015; β=0.33, p<0.001 respectively) and personal hygiene measures (β=-0.16, p<0.001; β=0.21, p<0.001; β=0.16, p<0.001 respectively). Gender, geographical location, and clinical experience were the only three demographic variables having direct and/or indirect effects on social distancing and personal hygiene measures. The final model constructed demonstrated a very good fit to the data (Chi-square X2=27.27, df=17, P=0.044; X2/df=1.61; GFI=0.998, CFI=0.997, TLI=0.992, RMSEA=0.015). Conclusions: The predictive model constructed in this study is the first one to explore factors associating with the compliance to infection control measures in healthcare students amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The findings suggest that students who are male, habituate in Hong Kong, have more clinical experience and weak confidence to manage the threat tend to have lower compliance to social distancing and personal hygiene measures. Wishful thinking, contrasting to previous studies, was first found to positively associate with adherence to COVID-19 control measures.


2022 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristhina Bonilha Huster Siegle ◽  
André Pombo ◽  
Carlos Luz ◽  
Luis Paulo Rodrigues ◽  
Rita Cordovil ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: Verify whether the practice of physical activity, before the social distancing imposed by COVID-19, influences children’s routines during this period, in children of different ages. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out with an online questionnaire from LimeSurvey and disseminated for four months during social distancing. The questionnaire contained questions about family composition, household characteristics, household and children’s routines, including habits such as sleeping, physical activity, intellectual activity, playing with and without physical activity, and screen time. The final sample consisted of 916 participating families that answered about the physical activity habits of their respective children before the pandemic. Children were divided into three age groups (three to five years, six to nine years, and ten to twelve years). Independent Student’s t-tests were performed to investigate whether the previous practice of scheduled physical activity group and the no physical activity group differed as to the time dedicated to children’s activities and routines (intellectual activity, sleeping, screen time, playing with and without physical activity), by age groups, during social distancing. Results: There was a decrease in the levels of physical activity undertaken by Brazilian children during social distancing. There was no difference when both groups. The children with previous practice of scheduled physical activity did not display different habits from the children who did not adopt this practice. Conclusions: The practice of physical activity before social distancing did not influence the level of physical activity and other habits during social distancing. Healthy habits should be encouraged and targeted for all children during the pandemic. These findings can contribute to the formulation of public policies for children during pandemic times.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-73
Author(s):  
Tarannum Tasnim ◽  
ANM Shamsul Islam ◽  
Mehedi Hasan Azad ◽  
Farhana Sharmin

Background: Children are the precious gift from the Almightily Allah and breast milk is an ideal product given to the human being by nature to fulfill all requirements of the offspring until they are matured enough to take adult food. Objective: To assess the services provided for lactating mothers at lactation management centre in selected tertiary level hospitals. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 100 Lactating mothers who were selected conveniently and were interviewed by pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Collected data were processed and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Packages for Social Science) software. Results: Lactation management centre (LMC) is supervised by a consultant and separate room is allotted in both out-patient and in-patient departments. Mothers came with lactation problems were more likely in the first month of the baby (73%) and feeling of not enough milk production was common (49%).Highly significant relationship was found between breast problems of lactating mother and age of child (p<0.001). About 84% respondents received practical demonstration on position and attachment of the baby during lactation. About 91% respondents got dietary advice for enough breast milk production, 75% got dietary advice regarding their child’s weaning food chart and69% got health education. Maximum mothers were informed about LMC by doctor & nurse (82%). Conclusion: Information about LMC services should be disseminated across the country. Lactating mothers should be familiarized with LMC and public awareness should be enhanced for effective management of breastfeeding problem to promote, protect and support the breastfeeding. JOPSOM 2019; 38(2): 68-73


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Entia Nopa ◽  
Ranissa Dwi Imansari ◽  
Irwandi Rachman

Faktor Risiko Kejadian Penyakit Kulit Pada Pekerja Pengangkut Sampah Di Kota Jambi 1Entianopa, 2Ranissa Dwi Imansari, 3Irwandi Rachman       123Program Studi Kesehatan Masyarakat STIKES Harapan Ibu, Jambi   Abstrak Latar Belakang: Kulit merupakan organ terbesar pada tubuh manusia yang membungkus otot-otot dan organ-organ dalam serta merupakan jalinan jaringan pembuluh darah, saraf, dan kelenjar yang tidak berujung, semuanya memiliki potensi untuk terserang penyakit yang salah satunya adalah penyakit kulit. Penyakit kulit merupakan salah satu gangguan kesehatan yang sering dialami oleh pekerja pengangkut sampah. Berdasarkan komposisi sampah yang diangkut serta waktu paparan kerja. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan antara masa kerja, pemakaian Alat Pelindung Diri (APD), dan personal hygiene dengan kejadian penyakit kulit pada pekerja pengangkut sampah di Kota Jambi. Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan desain penelitian cross sectional study. Sampel penelitian yaitu sebanyak 62 pekerja pengangkut sampah yang berada di Kantor Pekerjaan Umum dan Penata Ruang, yang mana seluruh populasi dijadikan sampel. Data dikumpulkan berdasarkan pemeriksaan kesehatan oleh dokter dan dengan kuesioner, kemudian dianalisa menggunakan uji statistik chi-square. Hasil: Hasil menunjukan bahwa pekerja yang mengalami penyakit kulit sebanyak 35 pekerja (56,5%). Berdasarkan hasil analisis chi-square didapatkan bahwa ada hubungan yang bermakna antara masa kerja dengan kejadian penyakit kulit pada pekerja pengangkut sampah dimana nilai (p-value= 0,006), Pemakaian Alat Pelindung Diri (APD) nilai (p-value= 0,008), personal hygiene nilai (p-value= 0,008). Kesimpulan: Untuk meminimalisir risiko terjadinya penyakit kulit pada pekerja pengangkut sampah disarankan perlunya disusun standar operasional prosedur yang aman, penyediaan sarana sanitasi agar dapat mengurangi resiko terkena penyakit kulit. Pentingnya pemakaian APD dan perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat selama bekerja, serta diharapkan pekerja menggunakan APD pada saat bekerja dan lebih memperhatikan personal hygiene.   Kata kunci      : Masa Kerja, APD, Personal Hygiene


2014 ◽  
pp. 90-93
Author(s):  
Van Tuan Nguyen ◽  
Tam Vo ◽  
Bui Bao Hoang

Elevated serum Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) levels have been linked to tissue fibrosis including chronic kidney disease. Objectives: (1) Investigate serum TGF-beta1 levels in healthy adult people and (2) Examined the relation between serum TGF-beta1 level and gender, age, body mass index (BMI). Method: A cross-sectional study. TGF-beta1 were quantified by ELISA. Results: Levels of serum TGF-beta1 in healthy people were 13,45 ± 7,17 ng/mL mL (0,59 - 33,10 ng/mL). There are no difference of serum TGF-beta1 levels between men and women, between the age groups (<40 years, 40 to < 60 years and ≥ 60 years), between BMI groups < 23 and BMI group ≥ 23. Key words: TGF-beta1, healthy people


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document