scholarly journals Knowledge and attitude towards cutaneous leishmaniasis among rural endemic communities in Shara’b district, Taiz, southwestern Yemen

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Talal H. Alharazi ◽  
Najoua Haouas ◽  
Hesham M. Al-Mekhlafi

Abstract Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a neglected tropical disease, represents a significant public health problem in many endemic countries including Yemen. The ongoing armed conflict that started in March 2015 has had a negative impact on the entire healthcare system as well as on infectious disease control programmes. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude towards CL among rural endemic communities in southwestern Yemen. Methods Five hundred households in five areas of Shara’b district of Taiz governorate were randomly selected to participate in a quantitative survey. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, their knowledge and attitude towards CL and their knowledge on the sand fly vector. Results The analysis was conducted on a final sample of 466 individuals (62.7% males and 37.3% females) aged between 18 and 70 years. Among the participants, 21.5% were non-educated while 39.7 and 20.8% had completed secondary school and tertiary education, respectively. Although the participants were aware of CL, about three quarters (77.7%) of them had poor overall knowledge about disease transmission, clinical presentation, treatment, and prevention. Interestingly, approximately half of the participants (49.1%) were able to differentiate sand flies from other flies and mosquitoes. However, only 14.8% of the participants knew about the role of the phlebotomine sand fly in the transmission of CL. Only 36.6% believed that CL can be prevented and 49.6% had a negative attitude towards the disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that age and gender were the significant determinants of knowledge about CL and the sand fly vector among the studied population. Conclusion A poor level of knowledge about the different epidemiological aspects of CL was found among rural CL-endemic communities in Taiz. This factor, together with the major collapse of the healthcare infrastructure due to the ongoing civil war in Yemen, may be contributing to the continued endemicity of CL in the governorate. It is therefore recommended that health education on CL transmission and prevention should be provided to the targeted communities.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Talal H Alhrazi ◽  
Najoua Haouas ◽  
Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi

Abstract BackgroundCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a historically neglected tropical disease, represents a significant public health problem in many endemic countries including Yemen. The ongoing armed conflict that started in March 2015 has had a negative impact on the entire healthcare system including infectious disease control programmes. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards CL among endemic communities in southwestern Yemen. MethodsFive hundred households in five areas of Shar’ab district of Taiz governorate were randomly selected to participate in a quantitative survey. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the participants’ sociodemographic background and their knowledge and attitude towards CL and the sand fly vector.ResultsThe analysis was conducted on a final sample of 466 individuals. Although the participants were aware of CL, about three quarters (77.7%) of them had poor overall knowledge about disease transmission, clinical presentation, treatment and prevention. Interestingly, about half of the participants (49.1%) were able to differentiate sand flies from other flies and mosquitoes; however, only 14.8% of the participants knew about the role of the phlebotomine sand fly in the transmission of CL. Similarly, the participants had poor overall knowledge about sand fly breeding sites, biting time and control measures. Although 44% of the participants considered CL to be more dangerous than malaria, only 36.6% believed that CL can be prevented and 76.4% had a negative attitude towards the disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that age and gender were the significant determinants of knowledge about CL and the sand fly vector among the studied population.Conclusion A poor level of knowledge about the different epidemiological aspects of CL was found among the rural population in Taiz. This factor, together with the major collapse of the healthcare infrastructure and the paralysis of health authorities since the beginning of the ongoing civil war in Yemen, may be contributing to the continued endemicity of CL in the area. Hence, health education on CL transmission and prevention should be provided to the targeted communities.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merhawit Gebremeskel Hagos ◽  
Teferi Gebru Gebremeskel ◽  
Selam Shushay Kassahun ◽  
Birhane Hailu Gebrezgi ◽  
Manay Kifle Woldegebriel

Abstract Background: Delay in receiving immunization is a major public health problem that has been associated with vaccine-preventable disease epidemics. In Ethiopia, many children have not received the benefits of age-appropriate immunization; thus more than 90% of child deaths are largely due to preventable communicable diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study to assess the magnitude and factors associated with delayed immunization among 12 -23 months old children’s in Edagahamus Town, Tigray, Ethiopia, and 2018 G.C. Methods: A community-based Cross-Sectional study was carried out on July1-30, 2018. A simple random sampling method was used to select study participants. Information was collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Vaccination dates were obtained from children’s immunization cards and timeliness assessed based on the recommended age ranges. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Variable with P-value < 0.2 in bivariate was exported to multivariate. The strength of association was identified using the odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) and the P-value of <0.05 in multivariate was taken statistically significant. Results: In this study, the overall magnitude of delayed immunization was 29.5% (95%CI 26.7-45). Private firm work of mothers (AOR=0.205 95% CI 0.068-0.617) and Mothers who attend tertiary education (AOR 0.169, 95% CI 0.032-0.882) and secondary education (AOR 0.269, 95% CI 0.114-0.636) had the protective effect of delayed immunization. But the sickness of the child (AOR= 11.8, 95% CI 6.16-22.65) was a risk for delayed immunization. Conclusions: From the study, it is concluded that the magnitude of delayed immunization for children aged 12-23 months is high (29.5%) in Edagahamus. Delayed immunizations of children were predicted by the Mother's occupation, education, and the mother considered the child was too ill to undertake vaccination when it was due. Keywords: Child immunization, Delay to be immunized, Vaccine-preventable diseases


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-76
Author(s):  
Asaf Khan ◽  
Muhammad Ali ◽  
. Rafiullah

Hepatitis-B is a communicable disease and globally a public health problem with a complicated pathology of liver, which disturbs the normal function of the liver caused by Hepatitis-B virus known as HBV.  This study aims to determine knowledge and attitude regarding Hepatitis-B prevention among people of Lahore community, Pakistan. Cross-sectional survey technique was used in current study. The self-administered questionnaire distributed to the 200 participants through convenient random sampling. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data using SPSS (statistical package for social science studies) version 21.The findings of the current study showed, poor knowledge and negative attitude of the participants toward prevention and treatment of Hepatitis-B in the community of Lahore, Pakistan. Moreover they were preferred home remedies, complementary therapies and spiritual healers as compared to medical treatment.Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 4, Issue-1: 68-76


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunusa EU ◽  
Bakare AT ◽  
Shagari GB ◽  
Abubakar AM ◽  
Sharhabila Y ◽  
...  

Background: The use and abuse of stimulants has become a serious public health problem resulting into both health and psycho-social negative effects. Objectives: The study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of stimulants use among security personnel. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among 180 security personnel at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, North-west Nigeria. Data was collected using a set of pretested, semi- structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire to obtain information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the study subjects, knowledge, attitude and practice of stimulants use. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Results: Majority (96.1%) had ever heard of stimulant use. Most of the respondents (87.8%) had adequate knowledge of stimulant use. A large proportion of them new that its abuse can be harmful (74.4%). Majority (73.6%) have negative attitude toward the use of stimulants. Less than a quarter (19.4%) use stimulant daily, 77.2% strongly agree that a colleague has ever been involved in the use of stimulants. Conclusion: Majority of the respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge of stimulant use and a large proportion of them new that when abused, it could be harmful. Majority have negative attitude towards use of stimulants. Security Personnel should be well informed on both the short and long term adverse effects of stimulants use.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 237796082110151
Author(s):  
Ahmad Ayed ◽  
Kefah Zabn

Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern and called for the collaborative efforts of all countries to prevent rapid spread. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 among Palestinian nursing students. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 218 nursing students from Arab American University and Al-Quds University. The instrument was developed by the researchers after a critical literature review. Results The results revealed that the majority of participates were third academic year level (60.6%). Only 84 (38.5%) of respondents had a high level of knowledge and 17(7.8%) had a positive attitude regarding COVID-19. Conclusion The study confirmed that nursing students had a moderate level of knowledge about COVID-19 and a negative attitude toward it.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saria Tasnim ◽  
Aminur Rahman ◽  
F. M. Anamul Hoque

Tuberculosis is a public health problem in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge of TB patients about symptoms, ways of transmission and treatment of tuberculosis, and their perception of the illness. Between March and August 2008, 762 adult TB patients were interviewed at selected DOTS centre of Dhaka city. Male and female distribution was 55.6% and 44.4%, respectively. One quarter of them were illiterate, and more than half had extended family and live in a congested situation. Night fever was the most common symptom known (89.9%), and 56% were aware that it could spread through sneezing/coughing. Television was mentioned as a source of information about TB. The majority expressed a helping attitude towards other TB patients. Although most of them were positive about getting family support, 46.6% mentioned discrimination of separate utensils for food or drink. About 50.5% expressed increased sadness, 39.8% had fear of loss of job/wedges, and 21.4% felt socially neglected. Along with drug treatment the psychosocial reactions of TB patients should be addressed at DOTS centers for better control of the disease.


Author(s):  
Garggy Shaji ◽  
Navya Choolaparambil Joseph ◽  
Aswathy Mathu ◽  
Vidhu Joshy

Background: Overweight and obesity are 5th leading risks for global deaths. Adolescence is a transitional period, which requires special attention. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has widely increased world-wide, making it one of the most common chronic disorders in this age group. To assess knowledge and attitude of adolescents towards obesity and to assess its associated factors.Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted among students of classes 9, 10, 11 and 12 in Devamatha public school, Thrissur from May to November 2018. In total there were 179 students. A pretested self administered questionnaire was used to collect data.Results: 46.4% of adolescents had low knowledge on obesity, 46.9 have moderate knowledge, and only 6.7% of them had high knowledge on obesity. 24.6% of adolescents have negative attitude towards obese individuals, 68.2% had neutral attitude and only 7.3% had positive attitude towards obesity. As the age increases, there is increase in knowledge about obesity and positive attitude towards obese individuals. Both knowledge and attitude is better in children belonging to Christian families. Better knowledge and attitude is seen among students who are hostlers than day scholars. Children with better marks in annual exam had better knowledge and attitude towards obesity. Children who had positive family history for obesity have better knowledge and attitude towards obesity.Conclusions: There is a need for targeted activities to improve the knowledge and attitude of the students towards obesity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunusa EU ◽  
Bakare AT ◽  
Shagari GB ◽  
Abubakar AM ◽  
Sharhabila Y ◽  
...  

Background: The use and abuse of stimulants has become a serious public health problem resulting into both health and psycho-social negative effects. Objectives: The study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of stimulants use among security personnel. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among 180 security personnel at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, North-west Nigeria. Data was collected using a set of pretested, semi- structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire to obtain information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the study subjects, knowledge, attitude and practice of stimulants use. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Results: Majority (96.1%) had ever heard of stimulant use. Most of the respondents (87.8%) had adequate knowledge of stimulant use. A large proportion of them new that its abuse can be harmful (74.4%). Majority (73.6%) have negative attitude toward the use of stimulants. Less than a quarter (19.4%) use stimulant daily, 77.2% strongly agree that a colleague has ever been involved in the use of stimulants. Conclusion: Majority of the respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge of stimulant use and a large proportion of them new that when abused, it could be harmful. Majority have negative attitude towards use of stimulants. Security Personnel should be well informed on both the short and long term adverse effects of stimulants use.


Author(s):  
Nitin S. Kunnoor ◽  
Sharanabasappa Singanal ◽  
Lohit K.

Background: Several studies have shown lack of sufficient knowledge and awareness among doctors on ADR reporting. Knowledge and attitude of doctors about ADR greatly influences extent of reporting. Identifying factors affecting ADR-reporting is vital to enable Pharmacovigilance teams to implement interventions to enhance rate and quality of reporting of ADRs. Hence, this study is done to evaluate perceptions of doctors towards ADR-reporting and to determine barriers for reporting ADR.Methods: Cross sectional study conducted among doctors using a validated questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitude, practice and barriers for reporting ADRs. The questionnaire captured the demographic details, knowledge (14), attitudes (7) and practice pattern (4) towards pharmacovigilance. Descriptive statistics was used to assess the response among doctors.Results: Of 157 doctors who responded to questionnaire, 90% of doctors were aware of pharmacovigilance program mainly through PVG activities by AMC and pharmacology classes. Only 47% doctors reported ADRs. The composite score on knowledge of ADR reporting and on knowledge of ADR burden was found to be moderate. 90% doctors opined ADR monitoring in hospital should be mandatory. 83% doctors opined ADR reporting by one person can make significant difference to community. One-third doctors felt there should be financial reward for ADR-reporting. In suspected cases, 57% doctors include ADR as differential diagnosis. 61% doctors said they will document ADR in patient file and 78% reports to AMC. More than one-third doctors don’t know where and how to report ADR. One-third doctors felt management of patients was more important than reporting ADR. Nearly one-fourth didn’t report fearing legal liabilities, difficulty diagnosing ADR and negative impact on doctors.Conclusions: Knowledge about ADR-reporting and attitude towards it is adequate. But, because of many barriers, actual practice of ADR-reporting is unsatisfactory. Hence, Pharmacovigilance training is essential for doctors to promote and improve ADR-reporting.


Author(s):  
Samira M. Mahboub ◽  
Alanoud A. Alsaqabi ◽  
Noura A. Allwimi ◽  
Dana N. Aleissa ◽  
Basmah A. Al-Mubarak

Background: In Saudi Arabia there is still a high prevalence of consanguineous marriage in spite of increased educational level. This may be attributed to the fact that this practice is more influenced by attitude towards this type of marriage rather than educational level. The Aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitude towards consanguineous marriages among educated Saudi adults.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire. A total of 680 educated Saudi adults living in Riyadh were asked about their socio-demographic characteristics, their knowledge and attitude towards consanguineous marriage.Results: Most of participants had poor knowledge and negative attitude (53.31% and 57.21% respectively). One third of participants had no idea about the possibility that consanguineous couples may have diseased offspring more than non-consanguineous couples. Those who had significantly higher attitude score towards consanguineous marriage were older age group, males, those who are married to their relatives, people who have frequent family history of consanguineous marriage and participants with parental consanguinity. Attitude towards consanguineous marriage can be predicted by age and knowledge.Conclusions: Changing the attitude can be done by changing level of knowledge. So, educational programs are recommended and should be directed to groups with higher attitude score.


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