scholarly journals What Caused My Cancer? Cancer Patients’ Perceptions on What May Have Contributed to the Development of Their Cancer: A Cross-Sectional, Cross-Country Comparison Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 107327481986378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alix Hall ◽  
Sang Minh Nguyen ◽  
Lisa Mackenzie ◽  
Rob Sanson-Fisher ◽  
Ian Olver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Awareness Campaigns

Accurate public perceptions on the risk factors associated with cancer are important in promoting primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Limited studies have explored this topic among patients with cancer in non-western, low-to-middle-income countries. A cross-sectional survey to compare Australian and Vietnamese cancer patients’ perceptions of what caused their cancer was undertaken. Adult, patients with cancer from both countries, receiving radiotherapy treatment completed a standardized survey, which included a 25-item module assessing their beliefs on the causes of their cancer. Items ranged from known evidence-based causes (eg, smoking, sun exposure) to non-evidence-based beliefs (eg, stress or anxiety, physical injury, or trauma). Country-specific logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify differences in the determinants of patients’ top perceived causes. A total of 585 patient surveys were completed (75% response rate; 285 from Australia, and 300 from Vietnam). Most patients were male (58%) and aged 60 years and older (55%). The most frequently reported risk factor overall and for the Australian sample was “getting older” (overall = 42%, Australia = 49%, and Vietnam = 35%). While the most frequently reported risk factor for the Vietnamese sample was “poor diet” (overall = 39%, Australia = 11%, and Vietnam = 64%). There were differences in the characteristics associated with the top causes of cancer identified by Australian and Vietnamese patients. Patients’ beliefs about what may have caused their cancer are complex and likely to be impacted by multiple factors, including the country from which they reside. Developing public awareness campaigns that are accurate and tailored to address the specific beliefs and possible misconceptions held by the target community are needed.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Palliative Care Utilisation Among Patients With Cancer In Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minenhle S. Dlamini ◽  
Khumbulani W. Hlongwana ◽  
Siyabonga B. Dlamini ◽  
Themba G. Ginindza
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Abstract Background: Cancer remains a public health challenge in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Over 30% of those in need of palliative care (PC) worldwide suffer from cancer and 80% of patients with cancer in LMICs are diagnosed at advanced stages, by which time they can only benefit from PC services. The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing PC utilisation among patients with cancer in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Methods: A study was conducted among patients who had been diagnosed with different cancers and attending Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Addington Hospital, Pietermaritzburg Grey’s hospital, Msunduzi Hospice and Chatsworth Hospice, using cross-sectional mixed methods. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the participants. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to a total of 394 patients with cancer. The questionnaire included two open-ended questions and 59 closed-ended questions. Data from open-ended questions were manually coded and converted into themes, while the closed ended-questions were entered into the REDCap (v.8.11.7) and exported to Stata for analysis. Results: The mean (+SD) age of the 394 participants was 51.89 (+14.67) years and about 22.9% were within the 41–50 years age-group. The majority of participants were females (77.7%) and were unmarried (60.6%). Most of the participants’ racial classification was black (81.5%) and 64.5% had primary education. More than four-fifths (82.7%) were unemployed, 55.8% lived in urban areas and 24.6% had cervical cancer. The analysis of the two open-ended questions incorporated into the questionnaire revealed five major barriers preventing cancer patients from seeking PC services. These themes included lack of cancer knowledge, pursuit of alternative treatment options and long waiting periods at healthcare institutions. In addition, stigma and discrimination, lack of screening and diagnostic equipment and socio-economic barriers, contributed to the underutilisation of PC services by patients with cancer. Participants recommended that cancer awareness campaigns, healthcare services and continuous professional development (CPD) be improved.Conclusion: Cancer patients in low-to middle-income countries, such as South Africa, are still facing barriers to pursuing PC. Better education of the public could contribute to increased knowledge and awareness on cancer and PC services. Utilisation of PC could be maximised, thereby providing a better quality of life for the sufferers and their families until the end of life’s journey. The study also provides information that can be used to strengthen and/or to develop PC guidelines for addressing PC issues.

scholarly journals Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance: Public Awareness Survey in the Republic of Cyprus

Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 759
Author(s):  
Mikaela Michaelidou ◽  
Spyridon A. Karageorgos ◽  
Constantinos Tsioutis
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
World Health ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Local Evidence

We aimed to assess the knowledge and understanding of antibiotic use and resistance in the general population of Cyprus, in order to inform future antibiotic awareness campaigns with local evidence. Cross-sectional survey following the methodology of the “Antibiotic resistance: Multi-country public awareness survey” of the World Health Organization, during December 2019–January 2020. A total of 614 respondents participated: 64.3% were female and most were aged 35–44 years (33.2%) or 25–34 years (31.8%). One-third had used antibiotics >1 year ago and 91.6% reported receiving advice on appropriate use from a medical professional. Despite high awareness on correct use of antibiotics, lack of knowledge was noted for specific indications, where approximately one-third believed that viral infections respond to antibiotics and 70.7% lack understanding of how antibiotic resistance develops. Higher education graduates exhibited significantly higher knowledge rates. As high as 72.3% were informed about “antibiotic resistant bacteria” from healthcare professionals or social media. Most agreed on the usefulness of most suggested actions to address antibiotic resistance, with higher proportions acknowledging the role of prescribers. Up to 47% could not identify their role in decreasing antibiotic resistance. Our study provides local evidence to inform future efforts in a country characterized by high antibiotic consumption rates.

scholarly journals Oncology Guidelines Usage in a Low- and Middle-Income Country

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nofisat Ismaila ◽  
Omolola Salako ◽  
Jimoh Mutiu ◽  
Oladeji Adebayo
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Guideline Implementation ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Radiation Oncologists ◽  
Local Setting ◽  
American Society ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Purpose There is a paucity of data about current usage of oncology guidelines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), specifically in terms of the availability and quality of those guidelines. Our objective was to determine usage of oncology guidelines and the barriers and facilitators to their usage among radiation oncologists in LMICs. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among practicing radiation oncologists in Nigeria via e-mail and the social media database of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria. In addition, paper questionnaires were administered at regional clinical meetings. Results The survey response rate was 53.4% in a sample of 101 radiation oncologists from the database. Sixty-nine percent of respondents were consultants and 30% were residents. Approximately 43% had < 5 years’ experience. All of the respondents were involved in administering chemotherapy during the treatment of patients with cancer, whereas approximately half were involved in diagnosing cancer. Ninety-three percent reported using guidelines in treating patients, the top two guidelines being those from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (90%) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (50%). The two major barriers to guideline usage were that facilities were inadequate for proper guideline implementation and that the information in guidelines were too complex to understand. Potential facilitators included providing adequate facilities, developing local guidelines, and increasing awareness of guideline usage. Conclusion Our study shows that clinicians involved in the treatment of patients with cancer in LMICs are aware of cancer treatment guidelines. However, implementation of these guidelines hinders their usage because the facilities are inadequate, guidelines are not applicable to the local setting, and the information in the guidelines is too complex.

scholarly journals Assessing the impact of public education on a preventable zoonotic disease: rabies

2017 ◽  
Vol 146 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. HASANOV ◽  
S. ZEYNALOVA ◽  
M. GELEISHVILI ◽  
E. MAES ◽  
E. TONGREN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Human Rabies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Endemic Region ◽  
Awareness Campaign ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Successful Control ◽  
The Impact

SUMMARYEffective methods to increase awareness of preventable infectious diseases are key components of successful control programmes. Rabies is an example of a disease with significant impact, where public awareness is variable. A recent awareness campaign in a rabies endemic region of Azerbaijan provided a unique opportunity to assess the efficacy of such campaigns. A cluster cross-sectional survey concerning rabies was undertaken following the awareness campaign in 600 households in 38 randomly selected towns, in districts covered by the campaign and matched control regions. This survey demonstrated that the relatively simple awareness campaign was effective at improving knowledge of rabies symptoms and vaccination schedules. Crucially, those in the awareness campaign group were also 1·4 times more likely to report that they had vaccinated their pets, an essential component of human rabies prevention. In addition, low knowledge of appropriate post-exposure treatment and animal sources of rabies provide information useful for future public awareness campaigns in the region and other similar areas.

Use of generic medicines in the Middle East: Knowledge, perceptions and experiences of the Sulaimani population, KRI, Iraq

2021 ◽  
pp. 174113432110089
Author(s):  
Ramazan Uctu
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Generic Medicine ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Generic Medicines ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Purchasing Intention ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
The City

The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, perception, and experiences of the Sulaimani population in KRI, Iraq. A descriptive and cross-sectional survey was performed with 389 participants (283 male, 106 female) in the city of Sulaimani. The main method of collecting data was done through a questionnaire which was made up of two sections; firstly assessing the demographic characteristics of the sample population, and secondly assessing their knowledge towards generic medicines and their perceptions of generic medicine usage and purchasing intention. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.726 which is considered as an acceptable value to measure internal consistency of the sampled population. As a result, this study showed that the sampled population did not have sufficient knowledge about generic medicines and would therefore also not be considering replacing branded medicines with the generics. This is mostly related to poor awareness of generic medicines and lack of publicity or awareness campaigns surrounding generic medicines. This study recommends that authorities invest in publicizing the use of generics and implement public awareness campaigns.

scholarly journals Prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension: a public health challenge

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vamsi Krishna Undavalli ◽  
Praveen M. ◽  
Narni H.
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Undiagnosed Hypertension ◽  
Study Population

Background: Globally, 51% of stroke (cerebrovascular disease) and 45% of ischaemic heart disease deaths are attributable to high systolic blood pressure. At any given age, the risk of dying from high blood pressure in low- and middle-income countries is more than double that in high-income countries. The objective of the study was to know the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension among rural population.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study conducted in villages under the rural field practice area of medical college in the month of May, 2017. 365 people participated in the hypertension screening camp constituted the study sample.Results: Prevalence of undiagnosed HTN was found to be 10.1% among study population. Nearly 58.1% of the people are with normal blood pressure while 31.2%, 10.7% of the study population are classified prehypertensive, hypertensives according to JNC- VII.Conclusions: Early detection and treatment of hypertension and other risk factors through Health education programs, public awareness campaigns to be conducted actively among population.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge of Skin Cancer in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
pp. 2021076
Author(s):  
Hend Al-Atif
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Preventative Measures

Background: Skin cancer has become one of the world’s leading health problems, and incidence rates are on the rise. The leading causes of skin cancer are sun exposure, family history and sunburn, and the most agreed-upon preventative behaviors are sunscreen application and sun avoidance. Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge of the causes of skin cancer and awareness of preventative measures in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 529 participants in a WhatsApp group over 3 months. Consenting participants completed a validated, 18-item questionnaire. Results: Of 529 total participants, nearly 55% of participants reported an awareness of skin cancer, 35% understood its metastasis and 55.1% knew about its spread. However, 44% of participants were unaware of the different types of the disease. Social media was reported to be the most common source of information. The majority of participants were able to identify symptoms of skin cancer and had knowledge of risk factors. Most participants understood proper preventative measures, and reported that they use sunscreen regularly. Conclusions: The general knowledge of skin cancer in Saudi Arabia is not high but is increasing. However, sun-protective behaviors are lacking, despite the population’s knowledge of the benefits. Awareness campaigns and incentive programs may encourage better preventative behavior. Future studies should explore participants’ awareness of more specific aspects of skin cancer using a more diverse and extensive population sample.  

scholarly journals Face Mask Utilization in the Era of COVID-19: Nigeria Experience

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement Kevin Edet ◽  
Agiriye M. Harry ◽  
Anthony Ike Wegbom ◽  
Olatunde Raimi ◽  
Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background: The use of face masks has been accepted and recommended globally as a tool for COVID-19 protection. The government of Nigeria made wearing of face masks compulsory in public places. However, no evidence has shown user compliance or knowledge. This study investigated the knowledge and utilization of face masks among the Nigerian population. Methods: This was a web-based cross-sectional survey conducted from July 2 to August 28, 2020 using a convenience sampling technique. This was in adherence to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guideline of physical/social distancing. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of frequency with percentage were used to present responses.Results: A total of 811 respondents participated in the survey with the mean age of 36.93±12.17 years, out of which 43.8% were male and 56.2% were female. Christians were 94.6%, those employed were 84.7%, 61.1% attained tertiary education and 50.8% belonged to a household size of 3-5 persons. Almost all the respondents 91.9% and 94% were aware that face masks can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn in the public respectively. 95.3% of the participants had used a face mask as a protection against COVID-19. Furthermore, 90.2% used face masks in the public, 53% used it when entering restricted places, 45.5% when with a suspected case and 30.7% used a mask due to fear of arrest/punishment. The majority of respondents used homemade masks (70%) and 71.2% reused their masks.Conclusion: This study demonstrated adequate knowledge and utilization of face masks among the population. The homemade mask was mostly used. However, there was a poor cleaning culture of the mask among the population. There should be intensive public awareness campaigns through social and mass media on how to clean reusable face masks.

scholarly journals Public Awareness and Perceptions of Radiotherapy and Their Influence on the Use of Radiotherapy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Geofrey F. Soko ◽  
Anthony B. Burambo ◽  
Mpanda M. Mngoya ◽  
Burhani A. Abdul
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Dar Es Salaam ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The City

PURPOSE Misconceptions associated with radiotherapy (RT) may affect the patient’s choice to undergo or not undergo RT. In this study, the level of awareness and perceptions about radiation and RT, as well as their impact on the use of RT, were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, between November 2018 and March 2019. Stratified sampling was used to obtain a sample of 629 participants from 4 strata, including 53 patients with cancer, 129 health professionals, 127 medical and nursing students, and 320 respondents from the general public. A questionnaire with 13 items measuring awareness and 8 items measuring perceptions was used for data collection. The Kruskal-Wallis test and χ2 test were used to test association between predictor and outcome variables. Statistical analyses were performed using statistical software. RESULTS The percentage of right responses was < 50% in all 13 awareness items. Only 16.9% of respondents were aware that RT would not reduce their lifespan. Only 34.5% of respondents had positive perceptions of RT. Awareness was higher among medical/nursing students, younger respondents, single or cohabiting respondents, and those who had attained a college or higher education. Overall, 52% would accept receiving RT if recommended as part of their treatment. Those who would accept undergoing RT were more likely to have higher awareness and a positive perception of RT. CONCLUSION Public awareness of RT in Dar es Salaam is low, and negative perceptions prevail. Low levels of awareness and negative perceptions have a negative effect on the use of RT.

scholarly journals Influence of Tax Knowledge and Awareness on Tax Compliance Among Investors in the Export Processing Zones in Kenya

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Obongo Matibe Bernard ◽  
Dr. Florence S. Memba ◽  
Dr. Oluoch Oluoch
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Tax Compliance ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Export Processing Zones ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Laws And Regulations ◽  
Export Processing

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of tax knowledge & awareness on tax compliance among Export Processing Zones investors in Kenya. This research used a cross sectional survey research design. The study population comprised of 152 duly registered and licensed firms by the Export Processing Zones Authority.  Since all the registered investors in the three Kenyan Cities were considered for the study, a census sampling technique was employed. Primary data was gathered using structured questionnaires and captured through a 5-point type Likert Scale questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in the analysis of data. Data was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), multiple regression and correlation analysis was carried out to test the hypothesis. The study established that a significant number of organizations put emphasis on employee training geared at improving their tax knowledge and awareness, thus facilitating tax compliance. The study findings revealed that tax knowledge & awareness has a very close relationship with taxpayers’ ability to understand the laws and regulations of taxation, and their ability to comply with them. It was therefore possible to conclude that firms with well-trained employees on tax issues had a high likelihood of complying voluntarily with tax laws and regulations. The study also led to a conclusion that tax knowledge and awareness had a positive and significant relationship with tax compliance. The study recommends that the Revenue Authorities should embark on public awareness campaigns to educate the public and investors on their role and responsibilities in taxation rather than approaching the matter from a legal obligation perspective. This will create a sense of responsibility in compliance rather than fear for non-compliance. Putting in place active customer oriented information desks as well as client feedback mechanisms is also a necessary tool of increasing tax compliance. Further, more robust measures should be adopted in educating the public and investors on the tax issues and policies through regular training programmes, media advertisements, workshops and seminars.     Key Words: Tax Compliance, Tax Knowledge & Awareness, Export Processing Zones

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