scholarly journals Self-Testing as an Invaluable Tool in Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110477
Author(s):  
Paraskevi Goggolidou ◽  
Ioannis Hodges-Mameletzis ◽  
Satvinder Purewal ◽  
Aikaterini Karakoula ◽  
Tracy Warr
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prick Test ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Self Test

Objectives: The United Kingdom and a number of European Union countries are offering and distributing rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs) for self-test use to detect SARS-CoV-2. For instance, Greece, in the midst of its third wave of COVID-19, announced the provision of RADTs for self-testing through retail pharmacies. With the aim to determine the acceptability and feasibility of COVID-19 self-testing, we ran a cross-sectional survey on residents of Greece and Cyprus, aged over 18 years. Methods: An online survey using the JISC platform was distributed to 1000 individuals who completed the survey anonymously. Data was collated and analyzed for complete responses by chi-squared and logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 248 complete responses were obtained, with balanced gender distribution and particular demographics representative of the 2 countries. The majority of participants (79%; n = 196) reported willingness to self-test and the remaining individuals reported no (10.5%; n = 26) or don’t know (10.5%; n = 26). Being a university graduate significantly predicted the likelihood of being willing to self-test (odds ratio [OR] = 3.455, P < .001). Pearson Chi-square test found significant differences between university graduates versus non-graduates on the type of COVID-19 test preferred (χ2 = 8.95, df = 3, P < .03); graduates were more likely to prefer saliva testing and less likely to prefer the finger prick test than non-graduates. Conclusions: Our survey data evidences the acceptability of home-based self-testing, with a preference for saliva as choice of biological material for sampling. A number of factors, such as accessible reporting, contact tracing infrastructures, central registration, and validation for the implementation of different RADTs need to be taken collectively into consideration before self-testing can be universally and reliably scaled up.

scholarly journals Determinants of Recent HIV Self-Testing Uptake Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Jiangsu Province, China: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianjun Li ◽  
Gifty Marley ◽  
Ye Zhang ◽  
Yunting Chen ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Jiangsu Province ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Bivariate Correlation ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Testing Uptake ◽  
Sex With Men

Background: To help inform regarding HIV self-testing (HIVST) upscale, we assessed the determinants of recent HIVST uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jiangsu province, China.Methods: We conducted a convenience online survey from March to April, 2020 among men aged ≥16 years, who had ever had sex with other men. Statistical analysis included Pearson's chi-square test, bivariate correlation, and multivariable logistic regression. p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Of the total 692 participants, 69.5% (481) were aged between 18 and 40 years, and 65.9% (456) had reportedly ever self-tested. Using HIVST for first HIV test (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.21–3.26), perceiving HIVST as more private (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI: 0.85–2.35), and users not needing to go to a health facility (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.20–2.34) were associated with recent HIVST as facilitating factors.Conclusion: HIVST uptake rate has increased among Jiangsu MSM and can be further promoted by healthcare workers routinely recommending HIVST to their clients.

Feasibility of Indirect Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-Test Kits via WeChat Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A National Cross-Sectional Study in China (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Shangcao ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Xiang Mao ◽  
Tianyi Lu ◽  
Yangyang Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Secondary Distribution ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The use of HIV self-test (HST) kits is commonplace in key sexually active populations. The direct secondary distribution of HST kits (DSDHK) is effective in improving the uptake of HIV self-testing. However, there are concerns about various limitations of DSDHK, including limited geographic location, payment problems, and face-to-face interaction. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the feasibility and characteristics of the indirect secondary distribution of HST kits (ISDHK) via WeChat (distributing HST application links and follow-up HST kits to partners) among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS From October 2017 to September 2019, an HIV self-testing (HIVST) recruitment advertisement was disseminated on the WeChat social media platform to invite MSM to apply for HST kits (referred to as “index participants” [Ips]). All of the MSM participants were encouraged to distribute the HST application link to their friends and sexual partners (referred to as “Alters”) through their social networks. All Alters were further encouraged to continue to distribute the HST application link. All participants paid a deposit (USD 7), refundable upon completion of the questionnaire and uploading of the test result via an online survey system. RESULTS 2,263 MSM met the criteria and successfully applied for HST. Of these, 1,816 participants returned their HST test results, including 1,422 (88.3%) IPs and 394 (21.7%) Alters. Compared with the IPs, the Alters practiced more condomless anal intercourse (CAI), a higher proportion of them never previously had an HIV test, and they had a greater willingness to distribute HST kits to sexual partners (all p < 0.05). After controlling for age, education, and income, the Alters had a greater proportion of MSM who had never tested for HIV before (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.00–1.68), were more willing to distribute the HST application link (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.21–2.40), had a lower number of sexual partners (aOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57–0.90), and were less likely to search for sexual partners via online means (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.60–1.02). In comparison, the rates of reactive HST results, conducting HIV confirmatory tests, HIV seropositivity, and initiation of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) were similar for IPs and Alters. CONCLUSIONS The ISDHK mode of distributing HST application links via social media is feasible among the MSM population. The ISDHK mode should be used to supplement the DSDHK mode in order to enable a greater proportion of the MSM population to know their HIV infection status.

scholarly journals The Perceived Demands of Ice Hockey Goaltending Movements on the Hip and Groin Region: An Elite Coach and Player Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 232596712110556
Author(s):  
Tobias Wörner ◽  
Ryan J. Frayne ◽  
Thomas Magnusson ◽  
Frida Eek
Keyword(s):  
Injury Prevention ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Likert Scale ◽  
Ice Hockey ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Hip Joints ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chi Square Test

Background: Many ice hockey goaltending techniques force hip joints and groin muscles into extreme ranges of motion, which may increase the risk of hip and groin problems. Purpose: To explore how elite goaltenders and goaltending coaches perceive the demands of common goaltending techniques on the hip and groin region. We further explored differences in perception between goaltenders and their coaches as well as between junior (age <20 years) and senior (age ≥20 years) goaltenders. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: We developed a model to categorize common ice hockey goaltending techniques into quantifiable units and invited elite goaltenders and coaches in Sweden to complete an online survey. Participants were asked to rate the perceived demands of each technique on the hip and groin using a Likert scale (not at all, slightly, somewhat, very, or extremely demanding). Using the chi-square test, the proportion of participants perceiving each technique as very or extremely demanding were compared between goaltenders and coaches as well as between senior and junior goaltenders. Results: We received responses from 132 goaltenders and 43 coaches. The stances most frequently perceived as very or extremely demanding were the reverse vertical horizontal post-play (40%) and the butterfly save (25%). Among transitions, movements into the post were most frequently rated as very or extremely demanding (11%–40%). Several techniques were perceived as demanding by a larger share of coaches than goaltenders (difference, 13%–46%; P < .001–.028) and a larger share of senior versus junior goaltenders (difference, 12%–20%; P = .13–.18). Conclusion: The post-play and the butterfly were the goaltending techniques most frequently perceived as demanding, and more coaches than goaltenders percieved these techniques demanding. The results of this study may inform injury prevention efforts for ice hockey goaltending.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Perception, Attitude, Practice, and Barriers towards COVID-19 Infection among Saudi Residents in the Period of Rapid Outbreak of the Disease: A Cross Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 7-21
Author(s):  
Md Salahuddin Ansari ◽  
Faisal Al-Otaibi
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Behavioral Parameters ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Appropriate Practices

The adherences to protective actions are subjective to knowledge, perception, attitude, practice and barriers towards COVID-19 by Saudi residents. The self-design questionnaires were used as a cross-sectional online survey for assessed their social and behavioral parameters during the agonizing time. The cross-sectional study used data collected via an online self-reported questionnaire from 2216 Saudi residents. SPSS software and chi-square test were applied to analyze and categorize significant differences among sectional variables of the parameters. More than 95% of responders were well aware about the main clinical symptoms of COVID-19 infection and had sufficient knowledge about the protocols of five steps to stop the spread of coronavirus. Apositive perception towards COVID-19 was observed, about 55% participants strongly agreed that the coronavirus outbreak could impact the global economy and infection could be successfully controlled by imposing lockdown and by staying at home. The majority of respondents had good practices regarding COVID-19 infection. A high percentage of participants favored wearing masks, cleaning hands and frequently using hand sanitizer. A large number of participant (83.2%; n=1844) agreed that misinformation and rumors are spreading more quickly than the current outbreak of the new coronavirus. The findings suggested that Saudi residents are possessed good knowledge, optimistic attitudes, and appropriate practices towards COVID-19 during the rapid rise of the COVID-19 outbreak. Hopefully, under the combined efforts of WHO, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, all Saudi residents surely will win the battle against COVID-19 very soon.

scholarly journals Willingness to Seek Diagnostic Testing for SARS-CoV-2 With Home, Drive-through, and Clinic-Based Specimen Collection Locations

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron J Siegler ◽  
Eric Hall ◽  
Nicole Luisi ◽  
Maria Zlotorzynska ◽  
Gretchen Wilde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Home Testing

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 virus testing for persons with COVID-19 symptoms, and contact tracing for those testing positive, will be critical to successful epidemic control. Willingness of persons experiencing symptoms to seek testing may determine the success of this strategy. Methods A cross-sectional online survey in the United States measured willingness to seek testing if feeling ill under different specimen collection scenarios: home-based saliva, home-based swab, drive-through facility swab, and clinic-based swab. Instructions clarified that home-collected specimens would be mailed to a laboratory for testing. We presented similar willingness questions regarding testing during follow-up care. Results Of 1435 participants, comprising a broad range of sociodemographic groups, 92% were willing to test with a home saliva specimen, 88% with home swab, 71% with drive-through swab, and 60% with clinic-collected swab. Moreover, 68% indicated they would be more likely to get tested if there was a home testing option. There were no significant differences in willingness items across sociodemographic variables or for those currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Results were nearly identical for willingness to receive testing for follow-up COVID-19 care. Conclusions We observed a hierarchy of willingness to test for SARS-CoV-2, ordered by the degree of contact required. Home specimen collection options could result in up to one-third more symptomatic persons seeking testing, facilitating contact tracing and optimal clinical care. Remote specimen collection options may ease supply chain challenges and decrease the likelihood of nosocomial transmission. As home specimen collection options receive regulatory approval, they should be scaled rapidly by health systems.

scholarly journals Predictors of Adherence to Smoking Cessation Medications among Current and Ex-Smokers in Australia: Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12225
Author(s):  
Amanual Getnet Mersha ◽  
Michelle Kennedy ◽  
Parivash Eftekhari ◽  
Gillian Sandra Gould
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Social Psychological ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chi Square Test

Background: Adherence to smoking cessation medications (SCMs) improve the rate of successful quitting. This study aimed to evaluate the level of adherence to SCMs and associated factors among smokers and ex-smokers in Australia. Method: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Australia. Descriptive statistics were used to present the overall characteristics of participants. Cross-tabulation with Pearson’s chi-square test was performed to evaluate the possible associations between factors. To explore barriers and facilitators of adherence to SCMs, logistic regressions were conducted. Results: Among 201 participants, 57 (28.4%) were found to be adherent to SCMs. The odds of being adherent were found to be higher among participants with good social support (AOR = 3.28, 95% CI of 2.30–6.27). Participants who did not experience anxiety symptoms had higher odds of being adherent to SCMs as compared to smokers who had anxiety symptoms (AOR = 4.41, 95% CI of 3.64–14.68). Having previous experience of using SCMs improved adherence four-fold (AOR = 3.87, 95% CI of 1.11–13.44). Level of nicotine dependence showed a direct association with adherence (AOR = 3.53, 95% CI of 1.40–8.95). Not relapsing while on the medications improved adherence (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI of 1.21–6.88). Conclusion: In a study of smokers and ex-smokers in Australia, the self-reported level of adherence to SCMs was found to be low. Adherence was associated with social, psychological, and medication-related factors. Smoking cessation interventions are recommended to include strategies that can address medication adherence.

scholarly journals Syphilis Self-testing: A Nationwide Pragmatic Study Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (10) ◽  
pp. 2178-2186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Wang ◽  
Weibin Cheng ◽  
Changchang Li ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Jason J Ong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Male Sexual Partners ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
First Time

AbstractBackgroundSyphilis self-testing may help expand syphilis testing among men who have sex with men (MSM). China has rapidly scaled up human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) self-testing, creating an opportunity for integrated syphilis self-testing. However, there is a limited literature on implementing syphilis self-testing.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Chinese MSM in 2018. Participants completed a survey instrument including sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, syphilis self-testing, and HIV self-testing history. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify correlates of syphilis self-testing. We also recorded potential harms associated with syphilis self-testing.ResultsSix hundred ninety-nine MSM from 89 cities in 21 provinces in China completed the study. A total of 361/699 (51.7%) men tested for syphilis, of whom 174/699 (24.9%) men used syphilis self-testing. Among 174 who had self-tested, 90 (51.7%) reported that the self-test was their first syphilis test and 161 (92.5%) reported that they undertook syphilis self-testing together with HIV self-testing. After adjusting for covariates, syphilis self-testing was correlated with disclosure of sexual orientation to family or friends (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–2.73), reporting 2–5 male sexual partners (aOR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.04–3.16), HIV self-testing (aOR, 39.90; 95% CI, 17.00–93.61), and never tested for syphilis in the hospital (aOR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.86–4.72). Self-reported harms associated with syphilis self-testing were minimal.ConclusionsScaling up syphilis self-testing could complement facility-based testing in China among MSM. Self-testing may increase first-time testing and has limited harms. Our findings suggest that syphilis self-testing could be integrated into HIV self-testing services.

scholarly journals Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine A mong Residents of South India: A Cross-sectional Survey

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 72-78
Author(s):  
Tarun Suvvari ◽  
Venkataramana Kandi ◽  
Divya Bala A M R Salibindla ◽  
Simhachalam Kutikuppala ◽  
Christos Tsagkaris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
South India ◽  
Vaccination Strategy ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Routine Administration ◽  
Chi Square Test

Abstract Background COVID-19 vaccines provide concrete hope of mitigating the spread of the virus and enabling countries worldwide to resume financial and social activities disrupted by the pandemic. Several COVID 19 vaccines have already received approval from regulatory bodies across the world, the vaccine roll out has started and many countries are implementing mass vaccination campaigns. This study aims to evaluate the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines and its predictors, along with the attitudes towards the vaccines among the general population of South India. Materials and Methods This study was conducted as an online survey during December 2020 and January 2021. A Self-administered pre-tested questionnaire was used for the survey. Excel 2019 and SPPS 24 were used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were used, and a Chi-square test was performed. Results A total of 686 people have participated in this study, with a mean age of 30.4 years. 30.9% of study participants have already been infected with COVID-19. 76.2% responded 'yes' for accepting the COVID-19 vaccine, 69% responded to prefer 'routine' administration of the vaccine, and 50.1% were likely to take the COVID-19 vaccine 'as soon as possible' once available. Conclusion Public health authorities and policymakers need to streamline systematic interventions and awareness campaigns to improve the acceptance of COVID 19 vaccines and reduce vaccine hesitancy levels. Vaccination strategy should be targeted at the specific needs and attitudes of the concerned population. Reviving the trust in the vaccination procedures and outcomes and offering transparent information regarding the vaccines' efficacy and safety seem to be particularly importance for the population of our study.

scholarly journals Reasons for Nonuse, Discontinuation of Use, and Acceptance of Additional Functionalities of a COVID-19 Contact Tracing App: Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Walrave ◽  
Cato Waeterloos ◽  
Koen Ponnet
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Privacy Concerns ◽  
Sociodemographic Differences ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
And Control

BACKGROUND In several countries, contact tracing apps (CTAs) have been introduced to warn users if they have had high-risk contacts that could expose them to SARS-CoV-2 and could, therefore, develop COVID-19 or further transmit the virus. For CTAs to be effective, a sufficient critical mass of users is needed. Until now, adoption of these apps in several countries has been limited, resulting in questions on which factors prevent app uptake or stimulate discontinuation of app use. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate individuals’ reasons for not using, or stopping use of, a CTA, in particular, the Coronalert app. Users’ and nonusers’ attitudes toward the app’s potential impact was assessed in Belgium. To further stimulate interest and potential use of a CTA, the study also investigated the population’s interest in new functionalities. METHODS An online survey was administered in Belgium to a sample of 1850 respondents aged 18 to 64 years. Data were collected between October 30 and November 2, 2020. Sociodemographic differences were assessed between users and nonusers. We analyzed both groups’ attitudes toward the potential impact of CTAs and their acceptance of new app functionalities. RESULTS Our data showed that 64.9% (1201/1850) of our respondents were nonusers of the CTA under study; this included individuals who did not install the app, those who downloaded but did not activate the app, and those who uninstalled the app. While we did not find any sociodemographic differences between users and nonusers, attitudes toward the app and its functionalities seemed to differ. The main reasons for not downloading and using the app were a perceived lack of advantages (308/991, 31.1%), worries about privacy (290/991, 29.3%), and, to a lesser extent, not having a smartphone (183/991, 18.5%). Users of the CTA agreed more with the potential of such apps to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic. Overall, nonusers found the possibility of extending the CTA with future functionalities to be less acceptable than users. However, among users, acceptability also tended to differ. Among users, functionalities relating to access and control, such as digital certificates or “green cards” for events, were less accepted (358/649, 55.2%) than functionalities focusing on informing citizens about the spread of the virus (453/649, 69.8%) or making an appointment to get tested (525/649, 80.9%). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that app users were more convinced of the CTA’s utility and more inclined to accept new app features than nonusers. Moreover, nonusers had more CTA-related privacy concerns. Therefore, to further stimulate app adoption and use, its potential advantages and privacy-preserving mechanisms need to be stressed. Building further knowledge on the forms of resistance among nonusers is important for responding to these barriers through the app’s further development and communication campaigns.

scholarly journals COVID-19 knowledge, attitude and awareness among preclinical and clinical dental students: An online-based cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Saqib Ali ◽  
◽  
Saman Tauqir ◽  
Beenish Fatima Alam ◽  
Faraz Farooqi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Route Of Transmission

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the understanding and perception of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among the undergraduate preclinical and clinical dental students within Pakistan. Material and Methods: An online survey was developed by the researchers and conducted amongst the undergraduate students at various dental colleges of Pakistan. A pretested questionnaire was used and distributed using social media platforms. The questionnaire consisted of demographics, health status, perception related to general hygiene, understanding and learning attitudes of dental students. Knowledge scores and the attitude responses were compared with the demographics using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and chi-square, as appropriate. Results: A total of 800 undergraduate dental students responded to the survey, out of which 304(38%) were males and 496(62%) were female students. Students in pre-clinical years were 600(75%), while 200(25%) students were in the clinical years. The knowledge of clinical students regarding COVID-19 was statistically higher (4.71/6), compared to the students in pre-clinical years (4.49/6) (p=0.004). Both groups showed adequate knowledge regarding the route of transmission, symptoms and origin of COVID-19, and COVID-19 being a threat to life. Clinical students did not want to re-use the face mask (75%), compared to the preclinical students (68%) (p-0.048). Students in clinical years reported more awareness regarding the recommended hand washing technique during COVID-19 (p-<0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded that dental students in clinical years have adequate knowledge regarding the COVID-19 as compared to the preclinical students. The study identifies all areas where preclinical and clinical students lack basic knowledge. This should be compensated by arranging different webinars and online courses to increase the understanding of both clinical and preclinical students during the pandemic.

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