Smoking Among Vietnamese Health Professionals: Knowledge, Beliefs, Attitudes, and Health Care Practice

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dao Thi Minh An ◽  
Nguyen Van Huy ◽  
Dao Ngoc Phong
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
World Health ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
South Central ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Health Organization

The study aimed to investigate smoking patterns and compare knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes, as well as explore predictors of smoking status among Vietnamese health professionals. A global survey questionnaire on tobacco use among health professionals by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was adapted for data collection. Data from 2151 health workers from the 3 largest hospitals-each of which is located in South, Central, and North Vietnam, respectively-were collected using quantitative methods. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data analysis. Smoking prevalence among Vietnamese health professionals is 13.4%, dominant among male health professionals compared with female counterparts (35.6% vs 1.8%), and significantly varies by regions. Physicians and dentists display a greater smoking proportion than nurses (23.0%, 10.5%, and 7.7%, respectively). The findings highlight the importance of improving and promoting beliefs of health professionals about being role models for their patients by not smoking. Special attention should be given to the following slogan: "Health professionals should act as nonsmoking role models for their patients and the public." This message should be incorporated into cigarette restriction regulations and policies at hospitals and recognized as one of the effective measures in cigarette control in the hospital context.

scholarly journals Airborne or Droplet Precautions for Health Workers Treating Coronavirus Disease 2019?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prateek Bahl ◽  
Con Doolan ◽  
Charitha de Silva ◽  
Abrar Ahmad Chughtai ◽  
Lydia Bourouiba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Spatial Separation ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
World Health ◽  
Horizontal Distance ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported in more than 200 countries. Thousands of health workers have been infected, and outbreaks have occurred in hospitals, aged care facilities, and prisons. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines for contact and droplet precautions for healthcare workers caring for suspected COVID-19 patients, whereas the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has initially recommended airborne precautions. The 1- to 2-meter (≈3–6 feet) rule of spatial separation is central to droplet precautions and assumes that large droplets do not travel further than 2 meters (≈6 feet). We aimed to review the evidence for horizontal distance traveled by droplets and the guidelines issued by the WHO, CDC, and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on respiratory protection for COVID-19. We found that the evidence base for current guidelines is sparse, and the available data do not support the 1- to 2-meter (≈3–6 feet) rule of spatial separation. Of 10 studies on horizontal droplet distance, 8 showed droplets travel more than 2 meters (≈6 feet), in some cases up to 8 meters (≈26 feet). Several studies of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) support aerosol transmission, and 1 study documented virus at a distance of 4 meters (≈13 feet) from the patient. Moreover, evidence suggests that infections cannot neatly be separated into the dichotomy of droplet versus airborne transmission routes. Available studies also show that SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in the air, and remain viable 3 hours after aerosolization. The weight of combined evidence supports airborne precautions for the occupational health and safety of health workers treating patients with COVID-19.

The Voices That Influence HIV-Positive Mothers’ Breastfeeding Practices in an Urban, Ghanaian Society

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 176-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Kwartemaa Acheampong ◽  
Florence Naab ◽  
Adzo Kwashie
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Hiv Positive Mothers ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Health Organization

Background: The World Health Organization recommends that HIV-positive mothers should breastfeed for at least 1 year. There are people in the lives of these mothers who influence their decisions. Research aim: The aim was to explore the role of social persuasion in the decision-making processes of HIV-positive breastfeeding mothers. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory research design was employed ( N = 13). Participants were recruited from a public hospital in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One-on-one interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the contents of the transcripts were analyzed for emerging themes. Results: The perspectives of spouses, health workers, counselors, and siblings about breastfeeding affect the breastfeeding practices of mothers living with HIV in Ghana. Most of the women had negative experiences with their midwives. Because of complex social and cultural influences, the opinions of spouses, health professionals, siblings, and members of the communities in which breastfeeding mothers with HIV live influence breastfeeding practices. Conclusion: This study described HIV-positive, breastfeeding mothers’ perceptions of the role played by spouses, health professionals, siblings, and the community in breastfeeding decisions and practices. Influential people in the lives of breastfeeding mothers with HIV should be involved during interventions by HIV counselors to promote breastfeeding practices.

scholarly journals Health professionals’ over estimation of knowledge on snakebite management, a threat to survival of snake bite victims - A cross-sectional study in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evans Paul Kwame Ameade ◽  
Isaac Bonney ◽  
Evans Twumasi Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
World Health ◽  
Knowledge Level ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
The Social ◽  
Service Training ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Health Organization

AbstractBackgroundAccording to the World Health Organization, snakebites, a common occupational hazard in developing countries accounts an annual loss of between 81,000 and 139, 000 lives following 5 million of bites of which 2.7 million results in envenomation. Since snakebite associated morbidity and mortality is more prevalent in agriculture economies such as Ghana, health professionals should be optimally knowledgeable on how to manage incidence of snakebites. Lack of knowledge or overestimation of a professional’s knowledge can be affects heath delivery especially for emergency situations such as snakebites. The three (3) Tongu districts South Eastern Ghana which are rurally situated with agriculture as the major source of livelihood for their inhabitants are prone to snakebite incidence hence the need to assess whether the health professionals in these districts are well equipped by way of knowledge to handle such emergencies and whether they are able to rightly estimate their knowledge with regards to snakebite management.Methodology/Principal findingsData was collected using a de novo semi-structured questionnaire administered through google form whose link was sent via to 186 health workers made up of nurses, midwives, physician assistants, medical doctors, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians. This data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25. Association between variables was determined using the appropriate tools where necessary, using a confidence interval of 95% and significance assumed when p ≤ 0.05. This study found male health workers significantly more knowledgeable about snakebite management (11.53±5.67 vrs 9.64±5.46; p = 0.022) but it was the females who overestimated their knowledge level (27.9% vrs 24.1%). The medical doctors exhibited the best knowledge on snakebite management with the registered general nurses least knowledgeable. Although most professionals overestimated their knowledge, the registered general nurses were the worst at that (53.7%). Overall knowledge of health care professionals on snakebite management was below average [10.60±5.62/22 (48.2%)] but previous in-service training and involvement in management of snakebite were associated with better knowledge. Respondents who had no previous training overestimated their knowledge level compared to those who had some post qualification training on snakebite management (7.5% vrs 38.1%). Greatest knowledge deficit of respondents was on the management of ASV associated adverse reactions.ConclusionHealth workers in rural Ghana overestimated their knowledge about snakebite management although their knowledge was low. Training schools therefore need to incorporate snakebite management in their curriculum and health authorities should also expose health workers to more in-service training on this neglected tropical disease.Author summaryWorld Health Organization estimates that every year between 81,000 and 139,000 die due snake bites across the world. Mismanagement of snakebites can result in increased disabilities and death if not handled by knowledgeable health workers. This study assessed if various categories of health workers made up of professionals from the medical, pharmaceutical and nursing categories in the three neighbouring Tongu districts in Ghana have the appropriate level of knowledge on snakebite management. Using a newly developed questionnaire, data was collected from the respondents using google forms sent to their WhatsApp platforms. Data was then analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25. Results were presented in the form of tables and association between the variables also determined. The level of knowledge of sampled health workers on snakebite was below average especially among the nursing professionals. However, those who had some previous post qualification training on snakebite management exhibited a significant superior knowledge and least overestimated their knowledge hence policy makers should through workshops equip health workers especially the nurses on snakebites so that rural dwellers whose health care needs are mainly attended to by nurses can be better managed when they suffer snakebites.

Preventing Premature Weaning: Management Options for Common Lactation Conditions, Including OMT

2020 ◽  
pp. 20-25
Author(s):  
Denise Sackett ◽  
Tala Dajani ◽  
David Shoup ◽  
Uzoma Ikonne
Keyword(s):  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Family Physician ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
World Health ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Pharmacological Management ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Lactational Mastitis ◽  
One Year ◽  
Health Organization

The benefits of breastfeeding are well established. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that mothers breastfeed infants for at least one year, but most children are not breastfed that long because of many factors. Breastfeeding mothers face many challenges to continued breastfeeding, including medical conditions that arise during this period, such as postpartum depression and lactational mastitis. Because of a perceived lack of consistent guidance on medication safety, it can be difficult for the family physician to treat these conditions while encouraging mothers to continue breastfeeding. The purpose of the current review is to summarize and clarify treatment options for the osteopathic family physician treating lactating mothers. We specifically focus on the pharmacological management of contraception, postpartum depression, and lactational mastitis.

Recomendações de equipamentos de proteção individual no combate ao COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (31) ◽  
pp. 87-95
Author(s):  
Nicole Maria Miyamoto Bettini ◽  
Fabiana Tomé Ramos ◽  
Priscila Masquetto Vieira de Almeida
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Effective Strategy ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

A Organização Mundial da Saúde - OMS confirmou a circulação internacional do novo Coronavírus em janeiro de 2020, nomeando-o como COVID-19 e, declarando uma pandemia. É de extrema importância que durante a pandemia, os profissionais de saúde tenham acesso e conhecimento sobre o uso correto dos Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPIs) e suas indicações, tomando assim, as devidas precauções na prevenção de infecções. O presente estudo buscou identificar a padronização mundial quanto ao uso dos EPIs utilizados no atendimento a pacientes suspeitos e/ou confirmados de COVID-19 no Brasil, EUA, China, Espanha, Itália e demais países europeus. Os guidelines apresentam a padronização quanto ao uso dos EPIs utilizados no atendimento a suspeitos e/ou confirmados de COVID-19, indo ao encontro das recomendações fornecidas pela OMS. Até o momento, o uso de EPIs é sem dúvida a estratégia mais importante e eficaz para proteger os profissionais de saúde durante a assistência ao paciente com COVID-19.Descritores: Infecções por Coronavírus, Equipamento de Proteção Individual, Pessoal de Saúde, Enfermagem. Recommendations for personal protective equipment to combat COVID-19Abstract: The World Health Organization - WHO confirmed the international circulation of the new Coronavirus in January 2020, naming it as COVID-19 and declaring a pandemic. It is extremely important that during the pandemic, health professionals have access and knowledge about the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and its indications, thus taking appropriate precautions to prevent infections. The present study sought to identify the worldwide standardization regarding the use of PPE utilized to take care of suspected and confirmed patients with COVID-19 in Brazil, USA, China, Spain, Italy and other European countries. The guidelines present a standardization regarding the use of PPE utilized to take care of suspected and confirmed with COVID-19, in line with the recommendations provided by WHO. To date, the use of PPE is undoubtedly the most important and effective strategy to protect healthcare professionals during care for patients with COVID-19.Descriptors: Coronavirus Infections, Personal Protective Equipment, Health Personnel, Nursing. Recomendaciones para el equipo de protección personal para combatir COVID-19Resumen: La Organización Mundial de la Salud - La OMS confirmó la circulación internacional del nuevo Coronavirus en enero de 2020, nombrándolo COVID-19 y declarando una pandemia. Es extremadamente importante que durante la pandemia, los profesionales de la salud tengan acceso y conocimiento sobre el uso correcto del Equipo de Protección Personal (EPP) y sus indicaciones, tomando así las precauciones adecuadas para prevenir infecciones. El presente estudio buscó identificar la estandarización mundial con respecto al uso de EPP utilizado para atender a pacientes sospechosos y/o confirmados con COVID-19 en Brasil, Estados Unidos, China, España, Italia y otros países europeos. Las pautas presentan la estandarización con respecto al uso de EPP utilizado para cuidar COVID-19 sospechoso y/o confirmado, de acuerdo con las recomendaciones proporcionadas por la OMS. Hasta la fecha, el uso de EPP es, sin duda, la estrategia más importante y efectiva para proteger a los profesionales de la salud durante la atención de pacientes con COVID-19.Descriptores: Infecciones por Coronavirus, Equipo de Protección Personal, Personal de Salud, Enfermería.

scholarly journals Online Training in Specific Meditation Practices Improves Gratitude, Well-Being, Self-Compassion, and Confidence in Providing Compassionate Care Among Health Professionals

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisha Rao ◽  
Kathi J. Kemper
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Compassionate Care ◽  
Clinician Training ◽  
Loving Kindness ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Compassion Meditation ◽  
Health Organization

Mind-body practices that intentionally generate positive emotion could improve health professionals’ well-being and compassion. However, the feasibility and impact of clinician training in these practices is unknown. Data were analyzed from 3 online modules offered to health professionals: ( a) Gratitude, ( b) Positive Word, and ( c) Loving-kindness/Compassion meditation. Paired t tests were used to assess pre- to posttraining changes in gratitude (Gratitude Questionnaire), well-being (World Health Organization Well-Being Index), self-compassion (Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale), and confidence in providing compassionate care (Confidence in Providing Calm, Compassionate Care Scale). The 177 enrollees included diverse practitioners (nurses, physicians, social workers, and others). Training was associated with statistically significant improvements in gratitude (38.3 ± 4.6 to 39.5 ± 3.3), well-being (16.4 ± 4.0 to 17.9 ± 4.2), self-compassion (39.5 ± 8.1 to 43.1 ± 7.6), and confidence in providing compassionate care (73.3 ± 16.4 to 80.9 ± 13.8; P < .001 for all comparisons). Brief, online training appeals to diverse health professionals and improves their gratitude, well-being, self-compassion, and confidence in providing compassionate care.

Fatmisia and Clinical Counseling Decision-Making in Master’s-Level Counselor Trainees

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 336-353
Author(s):  
Kaitlyn M. Forristal ◽  
John M. Laux ◽  
Madeline Clark ◽  
Jennifer L. Reynolds ◽  
Taylor M. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Short Form ◽  
Counselor Trainees ◽  
World Health ◽  
Master's Level ◽  
Clinical Counseling ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Weight Bias Internalization ◽  
Fat Phobia ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Relationship

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have documented an increase in fat people in recent decades, which is being met with a backlash of anti-fat biases, or fatmisia. Fatmisia is prevalent in most aspects of society, especially among fat people who have internalized fatmisia. Utilizing a diagnostic questionnaire in combination with the Fat Phobia Scale–Short Form and the Weight Bias Internalization Scale, this study explored the relationship between client body size, the presence of a major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis, and if applicable, the severity of MDD symptoms assigned by counselor trainees (N = 113). Results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and covariance. This sample (N = 113) significantly differed in diagnoses assigned to obese clients by assigning more severe MDD. Study limitations and implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Impact of External Quality Assurance on the Quality of Xpert MTB/RIF Testing in Viet Nam

2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vidyanidhi Gumma ◽  
Kyle DeGruy ◽  
Davara Bennett ◽  
Thanh Nguyen Thi Kim ◽  
Heidi Albert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Control Program ◽  
External Quality Assurance ◽  
World Health ◽  
External Quality ◽  
National Tuberculosis ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Health Organization

ABSTRACT Following the endorsement of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010, Viet Nam’s National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) began using GeneXpert instruments in NTP laboratories. In 2013, Viet Nam’s NTP implemented an Xpert MTB/RIF external quality assurance (EQA) program in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND). Proficiency-testing (PT) panels comprising five dried tube specimens (DTS) were sent to participating sites approximately twice a year from October 2013 to July 2016. The number of enrolled laboratories increased from 22 to 39 during the study period. Testing accuracy was assessed by comparing reported and expected results; percentage scores were assigned; and feedback reports were provided to sites. On-site evaluation (OSE) was conducted for underperforming laboratories. The results from the first five rounds demonstrate the positive impact of PT and targeted OSE visits on testing quality. On average, for every additional round of feedback, the odds of achieving PT scores of ≥80% increased 2.04-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.39- to 3.00-fold). Future work will include scaling up PT to all sites and maintaining the performance of participating laboratories while developing local panel production capacity.

scholarly journals The health effects of quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic

Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 523-527
Author(s):  
Maryam Feiz Arefi ◽  
Amin Babaei-Pouya ◽  
Mohsen Poursadeqiyan
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
World Health ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Social Hygiene ◽  
Social Communications ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Made In

BACKGROUND: Quarantine is considered as an effective solution in the early stages of an epidemic. In the case of the coronavirus epidemic, quarantine was also recommended and implemented as a significant guideline to prevent the disease. However, despite the benefits of quarantine, there are also complications and problems. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the health effects of quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This study was conducted as a literature review through searching the databases Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct for papers published before July 2020. The research was conducted based on the keywords “Coronavirus,” “COVID-19,” and “quarantine.” The references of the papers were also reviewed to find the ones not found in the databases. The guidelines published by reputable organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were used in this study. RESULTS: Although quarantine is applied as an important and primary solution in the outbreak of epidemics, in cases of pandemics, it may not be free of negative effects on individuals and public health. However, because of the need to reopen and restart social and economic activities, some changes should be made in lifestyles and work activities. Using cyberspace and telework can be helpful. As the findings showed, COVID-19 bubbles can be used to restore social communications. CONCLUSION: Using masks, avoiding unnecessary gatherings, complying with personal and social hygiene, and respecting social distancing can be valuable solutions that, if implemented properly, can decrease the rate of the disease significantly. It is also emphasized that quarantine is still necessary and important as the best solution for sick people and individuals who are suspected carriers of the disease.

Functioning in Schizophrenia: Similarities and Differences Between Clinical, Patient and Expert Perspectives

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S105-S105
Author(s):  
M. Barrios ◽  
G. Guilera ◽  
O. Pino ◽  
E. Rojo ◽  
S. Wright ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Disability And Health ◽  
Clinical Patient ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Icf Core Sets

IntroductionIn 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) created the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to offer a comprehensive and universally accepted framework to describe functioning, disability and health. The ICF Core Sets (ICF-CS) are a selection of categories that serve as a minimal standard for the assessment of functioning and disability in a specific health condition. The ICF-CS for schizophrenia was created in 2015 based on four preliminary studies that intend to capture different perspectives.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to describe the similarities (i.e. overlap) and discrepancies (i.e. unique contribution) between the clinical, patient and expert perspectives on the most relevant problems in functioning of individuals with schizophrenia, being focused on the European WHO region.MethodsForty-four experts from 14 European countries participated in an expert survey, patients with schizophrenia were involved in four focus groups, and health professionals assessed 127 patients in relation to daily life functioning. Information gathered from these three preliminary studies was linked to the ICF.ResultsData showed that although a considerable number of second-level ICF categories agreed on the three preparatory studies (n = 54, 27.7%), each perspective provided a unique set of ICF categories. Specifically, experts reported 65 unique ICF categories, patients 23 and health professionals 11.ConclusionsEven though there were similarities between perspectives, each one underlined different areas of functioning, showing the importance of including different perspectives in order to get a complete view of functioning and disability in individuals with schizophrenia.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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