Stigmatisation associated with COVID-19 in the general Colombian population

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, the fear of infection increases and, with it, the stigma-discrimination, which makes it an additional problem of the epidemic. However, studies about stigma associated with coronavirus are scarce worldwide. Aims: To determine the association between stigmatisation and fear of COVID-19 in the general population of Colombia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 1,687 adults between 18 and 76 years old ( M = 36.3; SD = 12.5), 41.1% health workers, filled out an online questionnaire on Stigma-Discrimination and the COVID-5 Fear Scale, adapted by the research team. Results: The proportion of high fear of COVID-19 was 34.1%; When comparing the affirmative answers to the questionnaire on stigma-discrimination towards COVID-19, it was found that the difference was significantly higher in the general population compared to health workers in most of the questions evaluated, which indicates a high level of stigmatisation in that group. An association between high fear of COVID-19 and stigma was evidenced in 63.6% of the questions in the questionnaire. Conclusion: Stigma-discrimination towards COVID-19 is frequent in the Colombian population and is associated with high levels of fear towards said disease, mainly people who are not health workers.

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Anxiety and Depression in Health Workers and General Population During COVID‐19 in IRAN: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Neuropsychopharmacology Reports ◽

10.1002/npr2.12153 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Leila Hassannia ◽

Fatemeh Taghizadeh ◽

Mahmood Moosazadeh ◽

Mehran Zarghami ◽

Hassan Taghizadeh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Health Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

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Readiness towards emergency shifting to remote learning during COVID-19 pandemic among university instructors

E-Learning and Digital Media ◽

10.1177/2042753020981651 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 204275302098165

Author(s):

Samiah Alqabbani ◽

Afrah Almuwais ◽

Nada Benajiba ◽

Fatmah Almoayad

Keyword(s):

Positive Attitude ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Perceived Effectiveness ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Satisfaction ◽

University Instructors ◽

Moderate Negative Correlation ◽

High Level

This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted to explore readiness with regard to the sudden shift towards emergency remote teaching and its correlation with perceived effectiveness, satisfaction, anxiety and attitudes among instructors in Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Data were gathered using an online questionnaire on readiness and perceptions of effectiveness, attitudes and satisfaction relating to the emergency remote teaching, as well as the anxiety resulting from it. Pearson’s test was performed to assess the correlations between different parameters. The results of the study showed that readiness in terms of emergency remote teaching was high, at 44.9% among instructors, while 64.8% of them scored moderately regarding their perception of the emergency remote teaching’s effectiveness. A positive attitude towards emergency remote teaching was reported by 18.5% of the instructors, although a high level of satisfaction was observed in 79.6% of the cases, and 38.7% showed no anxiety. A positive and significant correlation was obtained between a readiness to shift to emergency remote teaching and perceived effectiveness, attitudes and satisfaction (r = 0.2 and p < 0.01); however, anxiety showed a significant moderate negative correlation with perceived effectiveness (r = −0.35) p < 0.01, attitudes (r = −0.33) p < 0.01 and satisfaction (r = −0.44), p < 0.01. In conclusion, instructors at PNU were ready to provide emergency remote teaching, which led to high perceived effectiveness and levels of satisfaction, while the high level of anxiety could be attributed to stressful circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Dentists’ Opinions in Providing Oral Healthcare to Elderly People: A Questionnaire-Based Online Cross-Sectional Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18063257 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 3257

Author(s):

Daria Madunic ◽

Lidia Gavic ◽

Ivan Kovacic ◽

Neven Vidovic ◽

Jasen Vladislavic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elderly Population ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Geriatric Dentistry ◽

Knowledge And Skills ◽

The Difference

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the factors in dentists’ opinions related to oral health and the treatment management of the elderly. An online questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the dentist population (n = 463). Respondents were divided depending on whether they attended the geriatric dentistry course during their education, and 15 questions on the Likert scale demonstrated the difference in their attitudes. The majority of respondents (61.9%) agree that dental studies should pay more attention to acquiring sufficient knowledge and skills in the treatment of the elderly, and 56.2% would like to attend a course on that subject. Compared to those who participated in the geriatric dentistry course, those who did not consider providing oral healthcare to older people find it more difficult because of its complexity and practical obstacles (37.3% vs. 54%, p ≤ 0.001). From the results of this study, it can be concluded that there are differences in opinion about the provision of oral healthcare to the elderly between dentists who have and who have not attended a geriatric dentist course during their education. During the dentist’s education, geriatric dentistry courses should have a significant role in providing knowledge for working with the elderly population.

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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Sources of Information on Vaccines in Spanish Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073356 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 3356

Author(s):

José Tuells ◽

Cecilia M. Egoavil ◽

Isabel Morales-Moreno ◽

Elena Fortes-Montoya ◽

Carlos Salazar-García ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

General Population ◽

Family Environment ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Role Models ◽

Health Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Health professionals are the most influential and main sources of information about vaccines for the general population, as they are regarded as role models by patients and society. The objective of the present study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of a group of university Nursing students about vaccines, as well as their sources of information and their education needs. A cross-sectional study was performed through a questionnaire (55 items) provided to Nursing students at two Spanish universities. A total of 1122 students participated in the study. The mean score obtained for knowledge about vaccines was 44.6 ± 4.3, and for attitudes towards vaccines, it was 37.2 ± 3.9. Hepatitis B (94.7%) and the Flu (89%) are the two main vaccines they should receive as health workers. The main source of information was the family environment (65.6%). Most of them considered that post-graduate education about vaccines should be provided by academic entities (universities, 62.7%). Among the health professionals, Nurses (85.5%) must be better educated and trained on the subject of vaccines. It is therefore necessary to delve into and complete the nurses’ training on vaccines, to educate them about the risks at the individual level, and their decisive role as promoters of the vaccination strategy for the general population. Universities must become the leaders in vaccine education and training.

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Predictors of black fungus fear during the COVID-19 pandemic among the Bangladeshi health workers: a cross-sectional study

10.1101/2021.07.03.21259961 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Md. Kamrul Hasan ◽

Humayun Kabir ◽

Mamunur Rahman ◽

Anjan Kumar Roy ◽

Dipak Kumar Mitra

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Health Workers ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Average Score ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Raised of mucormycosis or black fungus cases middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, fear associated with black fungus may turn out to be a terrifying public health issue. This study aimed to assess the association between the fear and knowledge of black fungus and other determinants among healthcare workers in Bangladesh. Methods: From 25th May 2021 to 5th June 2021, a cross-sectional study was carried out among healthcare workers. For data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic, a semi-structured online questionnaire was used followed by convenient and snowball sampling methods. A multivariable linear regression model was fitted to assess the association between the fear and knowledge of black fungus and other determinants. Results: A total of 422 healthcare workers participated in this study. The results indicated that with the increased knowledge score of black fungus, the average score of black fungus fear was significantly increased (β = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.50, p <0.001). Alongside, the respondents having insomnia had a higher score of black fungus fear compare to not having insomnia (β = 3.91, 95% CI: 2.49, 5.33, p <0.001) significantly. The gender, profession, and death due to COVID-19 of friends and family members had a significant effect on black fungus fear score increment. Conclusion: Even in the COVID-19 pandemic, the black fungus fear among healthcare workers may hinder their quality of life. Our study findings recommend an emphasis on the mental health aspects and ensure support to the healthcare workers so that they can tackle the ongoing situation with lesser frictions. Keywords: Mucormycosis, black fungus, COVID-19, fear, knowledge, insomnia, health workers.

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Anxiety and Depression in Health Workers and General Population During COVID-19 Epidemic in IRAN: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

10.1101/2020.05.05.20089292 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Leila Hassannia ◽

Fatemeh Taghizadeh ◽

Mahmood Moosazadeh ◽

Mehran Zarghami ◽

Hassan Taghizadeh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

General Population ◽

Regression Models ◽

Health Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe COVID-19 outbreak has exerted a great deal of psychological pressure on Iranian health workers and the general population. In the present study, the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms along with the related variables in this epidemic were investigated.MethodAn online cross-sectional study was conducted for the general public and healthcare workers in IRAN using a questionnaire comprised of demographic questions and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Chi square test was used to compare categorical variables, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were conducted.ResultsOf the 2045 participants,1136 (65.6%) were considered to have moderate and severe anxiety symptoms, and 865(42.3%) had moderate and severe depression symptoms. Based on the logistic regression models, the prevalence of anxiety was higher in the females than in the males (OR=1.4, 95% CI: 1.123-1.643, P=.002); the prevalence of anxiety was significantly higher in those aged 30-39 years than in other age groups (OR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.123-2.320, P=0.001); furthermore, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was significantly higher in doctors and nurses compared with other occupations (OR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.367-2.491, P< 0.001) and(OR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.154-2.021, P=0.003). In addition, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms in the likely-infected COVID-19 group was higher than in the noninfected COVID-19 group (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.093-1.654, P=0.005).ConclusionsRegarding the high prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms, especially among health care workers, appropriate psychological/psychiatric intervention necessitates.

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Assessment of knowledge and anxiety levels due to COVID-19 pandemic among health care professionals and general population in Indore City: A cross sectional study

Przeglad Epidemiologiczny ◽

10.32394/pe.74.37 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 441-448

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

General Population ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Health Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Anxiety Levels ◽

Dental Professionals

BACKGROUND. COVID 19 pandemic has led to economic downturn worldwide, and it has negatively affected mental health of the health workers as well as the general population. The pandemic has created psychological impact in the minds of people that even after recovery from critical illness assessment of anxiety symptoms is necessary. OBJECTIVE. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and anxiety levels among health care workers and non-medico/ general population of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. METHODS. A descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted among 247 participants comprising of medical and dental professionals , paramedical staff and non medico/ general population of Indore city, India. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, the first section comprised questions pertaining to socio demographic characteristics, second section comprised ten questions pertaining to awareness and attitude towards preventive measures whereas the third section assessed anxiety levels by use of 21 item Depression, Anxiety , Stress Scale ( DASS-21). RESULTS. Participants of medical profession (50.2%) outnumbered other participants; significant difference (p=0.001) was reported among dental professionals on answering minimum physical distance to be maintained. Anxiety scores were found to be low (92.7%) and statistically significant association was seen between age of participants and anxiety levels (p=0.021). CONCLUSION. Participants in the present study reported good knowledge regarding COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety scores among the participants were found to be low.

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Tired, Worried and Burned Out, but Still Resilient: A Cross-Sectional Study of Mental Health Workers in the UK during the COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094457 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4457

Author(s):

Sofia Pappa ◽

Joshua Barnett ◽

Ines Berges ◽

Nikolaos Sakkas

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Emotional Exhaustion ◽

Organizational Support ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Health Workers ◽

Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Health Workers ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

The burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on health systems and the physical and mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been substantial. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the psychological wellbeing of mental health workers who provide care to a vulnerable patient population that have been particularly affected during this crisis. A total of 387 HCWs from across a large urban mental health service completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic, lifestyle and work-based information and validated psychometric scales. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively; sleep problems with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS); burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI); and resilience with the Resilience Scale-14 (RS-14). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine potential mediating factors. Prevalence of burnout was notable, with 52% recording moderate/severe in Emotional Exhaustion, 19.5% moderate/severe in Depersonalisation, and 55.5% low/moderate Personal Accomplishment. Over half of all respondents (52%) experienced sleep problems; the presence of depressive symptoms was a significant predictor of insomnia. An increase in potentially harmful lifestyle changes, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and overeating was also observed. However, high Resilience was reported by 70% of the samples and the importance of this is highlighted. Female gender was associated with increased levels of depression and emotional exhaustion while those with a history of mental health conditions were most at risk of affective symptoms, insomnia, and burnout. Overall, our study revealed considerable levels of psychological distress and maladaptive coping strategies but also resilience and satisfaction with organizational support provided. Findings can inform tailored interventions in order to mitigate vulnerability and prevent long-term psychological sequelae.

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Assessment of Saudi Parents’ Beliefs and Behaviors towards Management of Child Fever in Saudi Arabia—A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105217 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5217

Author(s):

Mohamed N. Al Arifi ◽

Abdulrahman Alwhaibi

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Side Effects ◽

Febrile Seizures ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Electronic Thermometer ◽

And Behavior

Objective: Fever alone can lead to rare serious complications in children, such as febrile seizures. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and behavior of parents toward fever and its management. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was applied over a period of 3 months, from January to March 2018, to parents who were living in Saudi Arabia. The inclusion criteria were a parent who is a resident of Saudi Arabia, with at least one child aged 6 years or less, while incomplete questionnaires, having a child aged more than 6 years, or parents who were not living in Saudi Arabia were excluded. Results: A total of 656 parents completed the questionnaire. More than two-thirds of the subjects were female, the majority of whom were aged between 25–33 years old. The best-reported place to measure the temperature of children was the armpit (46%), followed by the ear (28%) and the mouth (10.7%). More than half of the parents considered their children feverish at a temperature of 38 °C. The majority of parents (79.7%) reported that the most serious side effects of fever were seizure, brain damage (39.3%), coma (29.9%), dehydration (29.7%), and death (25%). The most common method used to measure a child’s temperature was an electronic thermometer (62.3%). The most common antipyretic was paracetamol (84.5%). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the good knowledge of parents in identifying a feverish temperature using the recommended route and tools for measuring body temperature.

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