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.

Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices of community pharmacists about generic medicine in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 174113432096284
Author(s):  
Kanayo P Osemene ◽  
Maduabuchi R Ihekoronye ◽  
Adebayo Lamikanra
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Generic Medicine ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Generic Medicines ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background Although generic medicines are used extensively in Nigeria information from community pharmacists about these drugs are scanty and therefore inadequate. This is why this study has been designed to bridge the knowledge gap, attitudes, as well as the perception and practice of community pharmacists about generic medicines in Nigeria. Method A questionnaire-guided cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 380 community pharmacists who were randomly selected from community pharmacies between April and June 2019 in Southwestern Nigeria. Data generated in the course of this study was analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Chi-square was used to test proportions and to determine associations between categorical variables. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was used to determine correlation between dependent variables. Result Mean knowledge score of community pharmacists about generic medicines(GM) was 5.6 ± 2.9 out of a total maximum score of 10. Results showed that 47.9% of respondents had poor knowledge, 27.6% average knowledge and 24.5% good knowledge about GM. Knowledge was significantly associated (p = .000) with all demographic characteristics except professional qualifications. A majority (89%) of the respondents were of the view that patients need more explanations when GMs are dispensed to them. In addition, 90.3% of the respondents were of the opinion that GM will improve access to medicine because they are cheaper and easily affordable. About 93% practice generic substitution without consulting prescribing physicians. Furthermore, 85% of the respondents claim they stock mainly GMs. Conclusion Community pharmacists in Nigeria had a positive attitude, perception and practice about GM, but exhibited sub-optimal knowledge in understanding issues concerning generic medicines. It is concluded that there is the need for continuous training and education to enhance professional knowledge of pharmacists in the area of GM substitution.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the general population during COVID-19 outbreak in Iran: A national cross-sectional survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edris Kakemam ◽  
Djavad Ghoddoosi-Nejad ◽  
Zahra Chegini ◽  
Khalil Momeni ◽  
Hamid Salehinia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
High Level ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19, which emerged in December 2019, is the largest pandemic ever to occur. During the early phase, little was known about public awareness relating to Coronavirus disease. This study was designed to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among the Iranian public towards COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was carried out in Iran from 2 March to 8 April 2020 using a self-administered questionnaire on 1,480 people. COVID-19-related KAP questions were adapted from other internationally validated questionnaires specific to infectious diseases.ResultsAll participants were aware of COVID-19. When asked unprompted, 80% of respondents could correctly cite fever, difficulty breathing and cough as signs/symptoms of COVID-19. Most of our sample population knew that by staying at home and staying isolated (95.3%, 95 % CI: 94.2-96.3) as well as constant hand washing and using disinfectants (92.5%, 95 % CI: 91.1-93.8) could prevent COVID-19. However, there was also widespread misconceptions such as the belief that COVID-19 can be transmitted by wild animals (58%, 95 % CI: 55.5-60.5) and by air (48.3%, 95 % CI: 45.7-50.8). Unprompted, self-reported actions taken to avoid COVID-19 infection included hand washing with soap and water (95.4%, 95 % CI: 94.3-96.4), avoiding crowded places (93%, 95 % CI: 91.7-94.3), cleaning hands with other disinfectants (80.9 %, 95 % CI: 78.9-82.9), and covering mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing (76.1 %, 95 % CI: 73.9-78.2). The internet and social media (94.5%, 95 % CI: 93.3-95.6) were the main Coronavirus information sources. However, the most trusted information sources on Coronavirus were health and medical professionals (79.3%, 95 % CI: 77.2-81.3). The majority of participants (77.0%, 95 % CI: 74.8-79.1) wanted more information about Coronavirus to be available.ConclusionOur findings suggest that people’s knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 at the time of its outbreak was of a high level. Therefore, health systems should use multiple ways, such as mass media, phone applications, electronic, print, and tele-education to increase KAP related to COVID-19.

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 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 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.

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

scholarly journals PREVALENCE OF BULIMIA NERVOSA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1141-1148
Author(s):  
Manal Abdulaziz Murad ◽  
◽  
Hanyah abdulhadi Al-Khify ◽  
Hoda Jehad Abousada ◽  
Najwan Mohammed Harazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Bulimia Nervosa ◽  
University Students ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
King Abdulaziz University

Purpose: The study examines the prevalence of Bulimia nervosa in students at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia.Bulimia nervosaisan eating disorder characterized by consumption of large amounts of food by an individual followed by an attempt such as self-induced vomiting, long periods of exercising, and diuretics to avoid gaining weight. Patients and Method: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey among King Abdulaziz University students in Saudi Arabia. A sample of 499 comprising 357 females and 142 males was randomly selectedparticipants—the age of the sample population aged between 20 to over 55 years. The participants filled questionnaires about eating behavior, smoking, body image, and psychiatrist disorders. The height and weight of the sample population were taken, and their BMI was established. Results: Based on our statistics, the prevalence of bulimia nervosa among the male was 0.3%, and that of the female was 1.4%. Extra observation revealed that those with mild or severe disorders were equally susceptible to depression and mood swing problems. The prevalence of Bulimia nervosa based on ages showed 80/50000 at 10 -30 years and 145/50000 at 31 – 80 years. The clinically prescribed healing period was idealized to be one year. Conclusion:The results show a comparatively high rate of BN among young people aged between 20 and 25, as reflected among King Abdulaziz University students in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, there is a need to increase public awareness about BN and other eating disorders in Saudi Arabia.

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

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Clement Kevin Edet ◽  
Agiriye M. Harry ◽  
Anthony Ike Wegbom ◽  
Olatunde Raimi ◽  
Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
The Government

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 were used to present the results. Results:  A total of 811 respondents participated in the survey with the mean age of 36.93±12.17 years. 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, but maintained poor cleaning culture. 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 mask cleaning culture among the population. There should be intensive public awareness campaigns through social and mass media on how to clean reusable face masks.

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