scholarly journals Burden of Hypertension in the Capital of Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kabul City, 2015

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khwaja Mir Islam Saeed
Keyword(s):  
Blood Sugar ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
World Health ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Background.This study had the objective to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension in an urban setting, Kabul city, Afghanistan.Materials and Methods.The World Health Organization’s STEP-wise approach was adopted and used in Kabul in November 2015. The study analyzed a sample of 1172 adults in the age group of 25–70 years. Demographic, socioeconomic, and behavior data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fasting venous blood sample was collected to assess the lipid profile and fasting blood sugar.Results.The study showed that the prevalence of hypertension among adult Kabul citizens was 32.3%. From this figure, 599 (51.1%) were females and 573 (48.9%) males with a mean age of38.6±12.2years. Illiteracy rate was 49.6% and 77.5% were married. Smoking in adults were 8.1% and mouth snuff users were 9.8%. More than half (57.6%) of the study respondents were overweight and obese and 9.1% were recorded having raised blood sugar. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, general obesity, central obesity, smoking, moderate physical activity, and taking fruits 3 days or less weekly were statistically significant predictors of hypertension.Conclusions.Burden of hypertension is increasing in main urban settings in Afghanistan. Integrated intervention focusing in main modifiable risk factors is needed to detect and prevent hypertension.

scholarly journals Diagnostic accuracy of symptoms as a diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV 2 infection: a cross-sectional study in a cohort of 2,173 patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Alfonso Romero-Gameros ◽  
Tania Colin-Martínez ◽  
Salomón Waizel-Haiat ◽  
Guadalupe Vargas-Ortega ◽  
Eduardo Ferat-Osorio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Diagnostic Tool ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to be a priority health problem; According to the World Health Organization data from October 13, 2020, 37,704,153 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported, including 1,079,029 deaths, since the outbreak. The identification of potential symptoms has been reported to be a useful tool for clinical decision-making in emergency departments to avoid overload and improve the quality of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of symptoms as a diagnostic tool for SARS -CoV-2 infection. Methods An observational, cross-sectional, prospective and analytical study was carried out, during the period of time from April 14 to July 21, 2020. Data (demographic variables, medical history, respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms) were collected by emergency physicians. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was made using SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. The diagnostic accuracy of these characteristics for COVID-19 was evaluated by calculating the positive and negative likelihood ratios. A Mantel-Haenszel and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of symptoms with COVID-19. Results A prevalence of 53.72% of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed. The symptom with the highest sensitivity was cough 71%, and a specificity of 52.68%. The symptomatological scale, constructed from 6 symptoms, obtained a sensitivity of 83.45% and a specificity of 32.86%, taking ≥2 symptoms as a cut-off point. The symptoms with the greatest association with SARS-CoV-2 were: anosmia odds ratio (OR) 3.2 (95% CI; 2.52–4.17), fever OR 2.98 (95% CI; 2.47–3.58), dyspnea OR 2.9 (95% CI; 2.39–3.51]) and cough OR 2.73 (95% CI: 2.27–3.28). Conclusion The combination of ≥2 symptoms / signs (fever, cough, anosmia, dyspnea and oxygen saturation < 93%, and headache) results in a highly sensitivity model for a quick and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19, and should be used in the absence of ancillary diagnostic studies. Symptomatology, alone and in combination, may be an appropriate strategy to use in the emergency department to guide the behaviors to respond to the disease. Trial registration Institutional registration R-2020-3601-145, Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks 17 CI-09-015-034, National Bioethics Commission: 09 CEI-023-2017082.

scholarly journals Intensive care unit professionals' knowledge and behavior related to the adoption of contact precautions

2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 625-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Cristina de Oliveira ◽  
Clareci Silva Cardoso ◽  
Daniela Mascarenhas
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Appropriate Behavior ◽  
Contact Precautions ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Nursing Professionals ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and behavior of professionals working in Intensive Care Units (ICU) related to the adoption of contact precautions for the control of hospital infections (HI). This cross-sectional study used a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were carried out, including logistic regression and decision tree using CHAID algorithm. A total of 102 professionals participated in the study, of whom 36.3% presented appropriate knowledge and 51% appropriate behavior in relation to HI control measures. Nursing professionals had almost four times more chance (OR = 3.58, CI 1.48-8.68) of presenting appropriate behavior than the remaining professionals. The multivariate analysis did not reveal variables associated with knowledge. No statistically significant association was found between knowledge and behavior (p = 0.196). These results suggest the need to implement educational activities so as to permit a balance between theory and professionals' practice concerning HI preventive measures, aiming to improve knowledge and behavior.

scholarly journals Factors influencing quality of life and predictors of low quality of life scores in patients on treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis: a cross sectional study.

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olufunke O. Adeyeye ◽  
Olayinka O. Ogunleye ◽  
Ayodele Coker ◽  
Yetunde Kuyinu ◽  
Raymond T. Bamisile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pulmonary Tuberculosis ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
World Health Organization Quality ◽  
Factors Influencing

There is paucity of information on the quality of life of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Nigeria. This study assessed the factors influencing their quality of life and the independent predictors of low quality of life scores. Two hundred and sixty consecutive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis seen at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital were evaluated for health related quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of life instrument (WHOQoL-BREF). Sociodemographic characteristics of the patients were related to the various domains of quality of life and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of low quality of life scores in the patients. The mean age of the patients was 36.7±12 years. Sex, age and marital status of patients were found to influence quality of life scores. The independent predictors of low quality of life scores were low monthly income, duration of the illness, concomitant illnesses, unemployment, advancing age and male gender. Several socio demographic and economic factors influenced the quality of life of patients with tuberculosis and are predictive of poor scores. It is important to consider these factors when treating patients with tuberculosis to optimise outcome of care.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Substance Misuse and its Effects among Omani College Students: A Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. e224-e224
Author(s):  
Hazaa Al-Hinaai ◽  
Issa Al-Busaidi ◽  
Badriya Al Farsi ◽  
Yaqoub Al Saidi
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
World Health ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Many studies have confirmed that the use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis is prevalent among university students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of substance misuse among college students in Oman, identifying the most commonly used substances, and reviewing the effect of substance misuse on the students’ performance. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a higher learning institution in an urban setting in Oman from April 2018 to December 2018. A descriptive, self-administered online questionnaire, the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test, version 3.0 (Arabic version), adapted from the World Health Organization was sent to 12 000 students at the college. The sample size was calculated using online software (Raosoft), with a margin of error of 5% and a confidence level of 95%. Results: A total of 375 students responded (response rate = 3.1%). The overall lifetime prevalence for any substance misuse (including tobacco and alcohol) among the participants was 41.3%, with the overall prevalence without tobacco or alcohol at 29.9%. Tobacco was the most common substance used, with a prevalence of around 23.5%, followed by alcohol at 10.7%. Male students had a significantly higher rate of substance abuse, for any substance, compared to female students (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between tobacco use, alcohol misuse, and misuse of other substances. Most of the adverse effects attributed to substance misuse reported by the respondents in this study were social (27.7%) and health-related (25.8%) problems. The impact of substance abuse on their performance was also high (23.8%). Furthermore, 15.4% of the respondents had financial problems, and 4.7%% were struggling with legal issues. Notably, only 49.1% of the respondents perceived that substance misuse was a serious problem. Conclusions: Although college students are expected to be more aware of the negative impacts of substance misuse, this study found a high prevalence of smoking, alcohol, and other substance misuses among the group of Omani college students. Further research in this field is essential, and the results of this study have shed light on a critical problem among Omani college students. It is hoped that the findings of this study will be used and built on in future research to recognize students at risk of substance misuse from early school life, leading to early intervention, and potentially preventing the possible negative consequences.

Knowledge and practices regarding hand-washing among mothers of children less than five years of age in rural areas of District Sialkot

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Sonia Almas ◽  
Ayesha Babar Kawish ◽  
Tahir Mehmood Butt ◽  
Subhana Akber Khan
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Masses ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Abstract Objective: To assess knowledge and practices regarding hand-washing among mothers of children aged ?5 years. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2015 in rural areas of Union Council Charwa, Tehsil Pasrur in District Sialkot, Pakistan, and comprised mothers of children aged ?5 years. Data was collected using a pre-tested and validated structured questionnaire developed in line with World health Organisation guidelines on hand-washing technique. Data was analysed using SPSS 17. Results: Of the 422 subjects, 319 (75.4%) had sufficient knowledge and 104 (24.6%) showed good practices regarding hand-washing. However, only 59 (14%) mothers were found adherent to the appropriate technique of hand-washing. Conclusion: Health education and behaviour-changing communication approaches must be implemented to educate the masses about proper hand-washing technique. Key Words: Knowledge, Practices, Hand-washing, Mothers, Health education, Pakistan.

Knowledge attitude and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among breastfeeding mothers in Trongsa district, Bhutan

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
Dolley Tshering ◽  
Mongal Singh Gurung ◽  
Neyzang Wangmo ◽  
Dorji Pelzom
Keyword(s):  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated around 1.4 million deaths and 10% of the disease burden in children under 5 years of age is due to non-exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life. As per the WHO, exclusive breastfeeding is considered the best nourishment for children in first six months. However, majority of the mothers fail to practice exclusive breastfeeding due to inadequate or lack of knowledge which poses a challenge. Thus, this study intends to assess knowledge, attitude and practices among breastfeeding mothers in Trongsa.  Methods: A cross-sectional study was used. Data was collected from 205 breast feeding mothers in Trongsa District using the pre-tested structured questionnaire. Results: Majority (98%) of the mothers had an adequate knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding starting from early initiation, the feeding of colostrum and providing complementary feeding. Health staff and the national television were the main source of information for the mothers on exclusive breastfeeding. However, in terms of practice, 20% of them did not exclusively breastfeed and had given additional feeds along with breast milk with the assumption of insufficient mother’s milk. Similarly, 13.2% of them had squeezed and thrown away the colostrum. Conclusions: Despite mothers having good knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding, it was not practiced and followed. This study’s findings indicate a gap between the knowledge and the actual practice of exclusive breastfeeding among breastfeeding mothers in Trongsa.

scholarly journals The implementation of the five keys to safer food in campus cafeterias and the effects on Escherichia coli contamination

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dewi Susanna ◽  
Aria Kusuma ◽  
Tiara Mairani ◽  
Lassie Fitria
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Attitudes And Behavior

The World Health Organization developed five keys to safer food’s guidelines. This study aimed to determine the relationships between food handlers’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavior to the guideline and Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination of food served at campus cafeterias. This cross-sectional study was carried out by interviewing 98 food handlers selling food and by testing samples for E. coli. The dependent variable was E. coli contamination, while the independent variables were the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of food handlers based on the guideline. Each independent variable had five sub-variables that corresponded to the guideline. The data were analyzed using chisquare and logistic regression tests. The results showed that food handlers’ knowledge of cooking food thoroughly was significantly related to E. coli contamination (P=0.54 [P<0.05]; OR=2.990;95%CI:1.093– 8.180). Furthermore, the food handlers’ attitudes toward cooking food thoroughly were related to E. coli contamination (P=0.58 [P<0.05]; OR=0.385;95%CI:0.157– 0.944). There were two factors related to E. coli contamination: the food handlers’ knowledge of and attitudes toward the third key of the five keys to food safety.

scholarly journals Disposal practice and factors associated with unused medicines in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leong Seng Wang ◽  
Zoriah Aziz ◽  
Zamri Chik
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Household Waste ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Abstract Background The improper disposal of unused medicines is a worldwide concern because of its impact on the environment, economy, and health. This study aims to describe the disposal practice of unused medicine and identify factors associated with unused medicines in Malaysia. Methods This was a cross-sectional, face to face interview-based survey using a structured questionnaire. We used a convenience sampling method to recruit participants from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor in Malaysia. Results We interviewed 1184 participants, and the response rate was 96%. Out of the total respondents, 995 (84%) reported having unused medicines. About a quarter of respondents kept unused medicines in the cabinet, and another quarter disposed of them into the trash or toilet. Only half of the respondent who used medicines for chronic illnesses had unused medicines compared to about 90% of respondents who used medicines for acute illnesses. The main reason for having unused medicines among those who used medicines for chronic illness was non-adherence (69%, p <  0.05). Only 27% of these respondents returned unused medicines under the “Medicine Return Programme (MRP)”. The other group who used medicines for acute illnesses had unused medicines because their health conditions improved. Thus, most of the unused medicines will eventually end up in household waste. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified respondents who used medicines for acute illnesses as the strongest predictor of having unused medicines (Odds Ratio (OR) = 29.8; p <  0.001), followed by those who pay for their medicines (OR = 6.0; p < 0.001) and those who were willing to participate the Medicine Return Programme (OR = 2.5; p = 0.009). Conclusion The prevalence of unused medicines and their improper disposal were high in Malaysia. Unused medicines are associated with people who use medicines for acute illnesses, pay for their medication, and are willing to participate in an MRP. Rationale prescription and optimal dispensing practice, together with a broader MRP facilities coverage, could reduce unused medicine possession.

scholarly journals Seroconfirmed Typhoid Fever and Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices among Febrile Patients Attending at Injibara General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Wondemagegn Mulu ◽  
Chalachew Genet Akal ◽  
Kidist Ababu ◽  
Solomon Getachew ◽  
Fenkil Tesfaye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Typhoid Fever ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income

Introduction. Typhoid fever (TF) is a febrile global health problem caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) with relatively high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. Identifying local prevalence and gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards TF is recommended by the World Health Organization to implement preventive measures. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence of S. Typhi and KAP of febrile patients towards TF in Injibara General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2020. A total of 237 patients were included conveniently. Data on KAP and demographic variables were collected using a structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview. After the interview, 5 ml venous blood was collected and processed using the Widal test following the manufacturer’s instruction. Mean scores and percentages were used to determine the level of KAP. Multivariable analysis was done to correlate KAPs with TF. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The overall prevalence of S. Typhi was 25.7%. The highest seroprevalence was observed among the age group of 30-34 years (33.3%) and patients with no education. The majority of participants know the major ways of TF transmission (59.1-90.7%) and prevention (81.4%) methods. However, the misconception on the route of TF transmission was observed in 13.5-36.7% of participants. About 65.4% and 67.5% of study participants were considered knowledgeable and had good preventive practice towards TF, respectively. Being a student ( AOR = 0.227 , CI = 0.053 − 0.965 ) and considering mosquito bite as transmission routes ( AOR = 2.618 , CI = 1.097 − 6.248 ) were significantly associated with TF. Conclusion. High S. Typhi prevalence was observed in the study area. Moreover, the misconception on the transmission of typhoid fever and educational level was a risk factor for TF. Thus, health facilities should incorporate topics on typhoid fever as part of their health education system within health facilities and in the community.

scholarly journals Diagnostic accuracy of symptoms as a diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV 2 infection: a cross-sectional study in a cohort of 2,173 patients 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Alfonso Romero-Gameros ◽  
Tania Colin-Martínez ◽  
Salomón Waizel-Haiat ◽  
Guadalupe Vargas-Ortega ◽  
Eduardo Ferat-Osorio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Diagnostic Tool ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to be a priority health problem; According to the World Health Organization data from October 13, 2020, 37,704,153 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported, including 1,079,029 deaths, since the outbreak. The identification of potential symptoms has been reported to be a useful tool for clinical decision-making in emergency departments to avoid overload and improve the quality of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of symptoms as a diagnostic tool for SARS -CoV-2 infection.Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, prospective and analytical study was carried out, during the period of time from April 14 to July 21, 2020. Data (demographic variables, medical history, respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms) were collected by emergency physicians. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was made using SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. The diagnostic accuracy of these characteristics for COVID-19 was evaluated by calculating the positive and negative likelihood ratios. A Mantel-Haenszel and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of symptoms with COVID-19.Results: A prevalence of 53.72% of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed. The symptom with the highest sensitivity was cough 71%, and a specificity of 52.68%. The symptomatological scale, constructed from 6 symptoms, obtained a sensitivity of 83.45% and a specificity of 32.86%, taking ≥ 2 symptoms as a cut-off point. The symptoms with the greatest association with SARS-CoV-2 were: anosmia odds ratio (OR) 3.2 (95% CI; 2.52-4.17), fever OR 2.98 (95% CI; 2.47-3.58), dyspnea OR 2.9 (95% CI; 2.39-3.51]) and cough OR 2.73 (95% CI: 2.27-3.28).Conclusion: The combination of ≥ 2 symptoms / signs (fever, cough, anosmia, dyspnea and oxygen saturation <93%, and headache) results in a highly sensitivity model for a quick and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19, and should be used in the absence of ancillary diagnostic studies. Symptomatology, alone and in combination, may be an appropriate strategy to use in the emergency department to guide the behaviors to respond to the disease.Trial registration: Institutional registration R-2020-3601-145, Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks 17 CI-09-015-034, National Bioethics Commission: 09 CEI-023-2017082.

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