scholarly journals Low-income community knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in Jelutong District, Penang, Malaysia: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyna Irawati ◽  
Alian A. Alrasheedy ◽  
Mohamed Azmi Hassali ◽  
Fahad Saleem

Abstract Background Understanding community perspectives on antibiotics and antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a key component in designing educational interventions to combat ABR at the community level in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore community residents’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding antibiotics and ABR in Jelutong District, Penang, Malaysia. Moreover, it intended to identify areas of focus to be addressed when designing an educational intervention to increase residents’ knowledge and change their attitudes and perceptions. Methods A qualitative approach was adopted to gain a deeper understanding of community residents’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding antibiotics and ABR. A purposive sampling was employed. Twenty-two residents (aged ≥18 years) were interviewed with the aid of a semi-structured interview guide. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results The majority of the participants asserted that antibiotics could be effective against viral infections. Moreover, many participants were unaware that antibiotics have adverse effects. Some acquired antibiotics from a community pharmacy without a prescription, took antibiotics given to them by their family or friends, or took leftover antibiotics prescribed for a previous illness. A few indicated that they would request antibiotics from their physician when they had viral infections. More than half of the participants discontinued taking antibiotics when their symptoms improved. The majority stated that ABR occurs when the body becomes used to antibiotics. Most participants were unaware of the causes, consequences and prevention of ABR. In fact, they were not concerned about it. As a result, only a few perceived themselves as having responsibility for preventing this problem. Conclusions The community residents had misconceptions about antibiotics and ABR, negative attitudes towards antibiotics and negative perceptions of ABR. The areas of focus that need to be addressed when designing an educational intervention to increase the general public knowledge and change their attitudes and perceptions are the appropriate use of antibiotics and their adverse effects; the importance of adhering to antibiotic therapy; and the definition, causes, consequences and prevention of ABR.

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 98-108
Author(s):  
Naomi Pitcock ◽  
Emily Drake ◽  
Pamela A. Kulbok ◽  
Kimberly Pineda ◽  
Mary Gibson ◽  
...  

Background: There is a growing Hispanic population in the U.S. healthcare providers, and lactation consultants are challenged to design targeted, culturally competent programs to support immigrant populations.Objective: To evaluate a prenatal education program using intercultural communication strategies designed to increase the number of Hispanic women who choose to exclusively breastfeed their newbornsMethods: A 2-group quasi-experimental design was used to test the educational intervention. The sample consisted of 71 Hispanic women who were pregnant, low income, and uninsured. Participation in the class was voluntary and used a convenience sample. Data regarding intention to breastfeed and breastfeeding during hospitalization was gathered through chart review.Results: Reaching statistical significance, 41% of the mothers who attended the educational intervention achieved exclusive breastfeeding at discharge from the hospital, compared to only 3.1% of the usual care group.Conclusions: The outcomes of this program evaluation can add to the body of knowledge on successful breastfeeding interventions in the Hispanic population and may provide a model for others who are designing culturally competent interventions in their communities.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genny Carrillo ◽  
Daikwon Han ◽  
Rose L. Lucio ◽  
Yoon-Ho Seol ◽  
Betty Chong-Menard ◽  
...  

Home-based asthma environmental education for parents of asthmatic children is needed since many health professionals lack the time to offer it. However, developing targeted and tailored education is important in order to address the individual needs of participants. This nonrandomized longitudinal study examined knowledge on asthma with an Asthma and Healthy Homes educational intervention training offered to parents of children from low income families who reside in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Eighty-nine parents received the training and pre- and posttest surveys were used to measure knowledge outcomes. A standardized assessment on asthma triggers was used to identify the different triggers each child was exposed to, and a follow-up survey was conducted 6 months after the educational intervention to identify how many parents reported household and behavior changes as a result of the training. Results showed significant changes in behavior by participants as a result of the training received. This study suggests that these behavioral changes are attributed to the dual “targeted” and “tailored” educational interventions delivered to parents which resulted in a greater understanding of how to manage asthma by eliminating asthma triggers in their respective homes.


Author(s):  
Helene Åvik Persson ◽  
Gerd Ahlström ◽  
Anna Ekwall

The provision of knowledge-based palliative care is rare in nursing homes. There are obstacles to practically performing this because it can be difficult to identify when the final stage of life begins for older persons. Educational interventions in palliative care in nursing homes are a challenge, and joint efforts are needed in an organisation, including preparedness. The aim was to explore professionals’ expectations and preparedness to implement knowledge-based palliative care in nursing homes before an educational intervention. This study has a qualitative focus group design, and a total of 48 professionals working in nursing homes were interviewed with a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach was used for the analysis. One major theme was identified: professionals were hopeful yet doubtful about the organisation’s readiness. The main categories of increased knowledge, consensus in the team, and a vision for the future illustrate the hopefulness, while insufficient resources and prioritisation illustrate the doubts about the organisation’s readiness. This study contributes valuable knowledge about professionals’ expectations and preparedness, which are essential for researchers to consider in the planning phase of an implementation study. The successful implementation of changes needs to involve strategies that circumvent the identified obstacles to organisations’ readiness.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (02) ◽  
pp. 89-99
Author(s):  
Merlina Sinabariba ◽  
Lindawati Simorangkir

Background: Long-lasting vitamin A deficiency for toddlers in the body can lead to health problems that lead to an increased risk of pain and death in toddlers. Vitamin A also prevents night vision,Xerophthalmia, corneal damage, and blindness. The purpose of this study was to get an overview of the mother's knowledge about the administration of vitamin A tablets for toddlers. Method: This research is a descriptive with cross-sectional approach. Structured interview involving 58 mothers of toddlers in Puskesmas Pancur Batu. Sampling by quarto sampling. This research was conducted at Puskesmas Pancur Batu Desa Perumnas Simalingkar in 2020. Descriptive data in bivariate analysis to look at sociodemographic relationships, problems in toddlers, and mother’s knowledge of vitamin A tablets for toddlers. Results: The results showed that the mother’s knowledge of toddlers about the administration of vitamin A tablets for toddlers, who are well knowledgeable as many as 44 people (75.9%), knowledgeable enough as many as 13 people (22.4%), and less knowledgeable as 1 person (1.7%) Discussion: It is concluded that there are significant differences in knowledge on the administration of vitamin A for toddlers. The conclusion of this study affects the mother's low-income so that it affects the administration of vitamin A for toddler.


2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-383
Author(s):  
Vasily N. Afonyushkin ◽  
N. A. Donchenko ◽  
Ju. N. Kozlova ◽  
N. A. Davidova ◽  
V. Yu. Koptev ◽  
...  

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a widely represented species of bacteria possessing of a pathogenic potential. This infectious agent is causing wound infections, fibrotic cystitis, fibrosing pneumonia, bacterial sepsis, etc. The microorganism is highly resistant to antiseptics, disinfectants, immune system responses of the body. The responses of a quorum sense of this kind of bacteria ensure the inclusion of many pathogenicity factors. The analysis of the scientific literature made it possible to formulate four questions concerning the role of biofilms for the adaptation of P. aeruginosa to adverse environmental factors: Is another person appears to be predominantly of a source an etiological agent or the source of P. aeruginosa infection in the environment? Does the formation of biofilms influence on the antibiotic resistance? How the antagonistic activity of microorganisms is realized in biofilm form? What is the main function of biofilms in the functioning of bacteria? A hypothesis has been put forward the effect of biofilms on the increase of antibiotic resistance of bacteria and, in particular, P. aeruginosa to be secondary in charcter. It is more likely a biofilmboth to fulfill the function of storing nutrients and provide topical competition in the face of food scarcity. In connection with the incompatibility of the molecular radii of most antibiotics and pores in biofilm, biofilm is doubtful to be capable of performing a barrier function for protecting against antibiotics. However, with respect to antibodies and immunocompetent cells, the barrier function is beyond doubt. The biofilm is more likely to fulfill the function of storing nutrients and providing topical competition in conditions of scarcity of food resources.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (9) ◽  
pp. 38-46
Author(s):  
A. P. Babkin ◽  
A. A. Zuikova ◽  
O. N. Krasnorutskaya ◽  
Yu. A. Kotova ◽  
D. Yu. Bugrimov ◽  
...  

The widespread worldwide spread of acute respiratory diseases is an urgent problem in health care. Expressed polyetiology of respiratory diseases does not allow to limit the use of specific vaccine preparations and dictates the need to use to combat them a variety of non-specific means that stimulate the natural resistance of the human body. The main pharmacological action of sodium deoxyribonucleate is the stimulation of phagocytic activity of T-helpers and T-killers, increasing the functional activity of neutrophils and monocytes/ macrophages, providing regeneration and repair processes in the epithelial component of antiviral protection of the body. Based on the above, the study of the clinical efficacy of Derinat® in the form of spray in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections is relevant.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 716-722
Author(s):  
Sneha Dhakite ◽  
Sadhana Misar Wajpeyi

The “Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)” is caused by “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)”, a newly discovered member of the Coronaviridae family of viruses which is a highly communicable. There is no effective medical treatment till date for Coronavirus disease hence prevention is the best way to keep disease away. Rasayana proved to be highly efficacious and cost effective for the Prevention and Control of viral infections when vaccines and standard therapies are lacking. Rasayana Chikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda which helps to maintain healthy life style. Rasayana improves immunity and performs many vital functions of human body. Vyadhikshamatva that is immune mechanism of the body is involved in Prevention of the occurrence of a new disease and it also decreases the virulence and progression of an existing disease. In COVID-19 the Respiratory system mainly get affected which is evident from its symptoms like cold, cough and breathlessness. Here the drugs help in enhancing immune system and strengthening functions of Respiratory system can be useful. For this purpose, the Rasayana like Chyavanprasha, Agastya Haritaki, Pippali Rasayana, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu, Haridra, Ashwagandha, Tulsi are used. Rasayana working on Respiratory system are best for Prevention of Coronavirus and boosting immune system. Rasayana Chikitsa can be effective in the Prevention as well as reducing symptoms of COVID-19.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javad Behravan ◽  
Atefeh Razazan ◽  
Ghazal Behravan

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. National cancer institute of the US estimates that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Considering the devastating effects of the disease and the alarming numbers many scientists and research groups have devoted their research to fight breast cancer. Several recommendations are to be considered as preventing measures which include living a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, weight control and smoking cessation. Early detection of the disease by annual and regular mammography after the age of 40 is recommended by many healthcare institutions. This would help the diagnosis of the disease at an earlier stage and the start of the treatment before it is spread to other parts of the body. Current therapy for breast cancer includes surgical ablation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy which is often associated with adverse effects and even may lead to a relapse of the disease at a later stage. In order to achieve a long-lasting anticancer response with minimal adverse effects, development of breast cancer vaccines is under investigation by many laboratories. The immune system can be stimulated by a vaccine against breast cancer. This approach has attracted a great enthusiasm in recent years. No breast cancer vaccines have been approved for clinical use today. One breast cancer vaccine (NeuVax) has now completed clinical trial phase III and a few preventive and therapeutic breast cancer vaccines are at different steps of development. We think that with the recent advancements in immunotherapy, a breast cancer vaccine is not far from reach.


Author(s):  
Jieling Chen ◽  
Cho Lee Wong ◽  
Bernard Man Hin Law ◽  
Winnie Kwok Wei So ◽  
Doris Yin Ping Leung ◽  
...  

Summary Pneumoconiosis is a common occupational lung disease among construction workers. Educational interventions targeting specific ethnic groups of construction workers are of benefit for pneumoconiosis prevention. The aim of this study was to develop a multimedia educational intervention for pneumoconiosis prevention for South Asian construction workers, and to evaluate its feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness in increasing knowledge of pneumoconiosis, modifying beliefs about pneumoconiosis, and enhancing intention to implement measures for its prevention among the workers. This evaluation was performed using the Reach-Effectiveness-Adoption-Implementation-Maintenance framework. A one-group design was adopted and intervention mapping was used to guide the process of intervention development, while the Health Belief Model guided the development of intervention content. The intervention was delivered at construction sites, ethnic minority associations and South Asian community centres. Data were collected via surveys completed at pre-intervention, post-intervention and 3 months after the intervention. A total of 1002 South Asian construction workers participated in the intervention. The participants reported a moderate-to-large increase in knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, cues to action and self-efficacy (Cohen’s d: 0.37–0.89), a small reduction in perceived barriers (Cohen’s d = 0.12) and a moderate improvement in attitudes and intention to practice (Cohen’s d: 0.45, 0.51) at post-intervention. A follow-up survey of 121 participants found that the implementation of preventive measures appeared to increase. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the implementation of a culturally adapted multimedia educational intervention could be an effective approach to improving knowledge, self-efficacy and intention regarding pneumoconiosis prevention among South Asian construction workers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek Sharma ◽  
Avinash P. S. Thakur ◽  
Vasantharaja Ramasamy ◽  
Pushpendra Kumar Shukla ◽  
Fanindra Singh Solanki ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Urothelial bladder carcinoma accounts for around 3.9% cases of all the male cancers in India. Non-muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC) is predominant group which constitute approximately three fourth of the urothelial bladder cancer. Intravesical BCG immunotherapy is the corner stone of today’s NMIBC management. However, as with any other therapy it has its own complications and its interruption due to these adverse effects is a major cause of suboptimal efficacy. The aim of this study was to assess the complications of intravesical BCG therapy and their management in NMIBC patients. Methods This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted between October 2016 and November 2019; a backward review of 149 patients with diagnosis of NMIBC that undergone intravesicle BCG therapy was performed. Patient’s demographical, clinical, diagnostic and procedural data regarding bladder tumour, BCG therapy, its complications and management were collected and analysed. Results Total 149 patients were analysed, comprising 116 males and 33 females. The mean age was of 57.2 ± 6.7 years. Total 85.23% were primary and 14.76% were recurrent tumours. Total 96 patients (64.42%) completed the planned course, while 53 (35.57%) interrupted. The reasons for BCG interruption includes adverse effects (15.4%), progression of disease (6.7%), disease refractory to BCG (4.6%) and disease recurrence during BCG (3.3%). Most of the adverse events occurred in first 6 months and most interruptions occurred after the induction period. Cystitis was the most common observed adverse effect seen in 39.6% patients. Frequency, urgency, haematuria were common presentation. Radical cystectomy was the most common (16.10%) further treatment with patients whose treatment was interrupted. Conclusion BCG is an indispensable therapy available for NMIBC, but it is associated with array of adverse effects and complications, which are the main reasons for poor compliance to BCG therapy. Although BCG-related complications can affect any organ in the body, potentially life-threatening systemic BCG-related infections are encountered in only < 5% of patients. There are some difficulties in diagnosis of the BCG complications because acid-fast staining, culture and PCR test are not always positive; tissue biopsies should be indicated sometimes to evaluate histopathology and presence of M. bovis. A persistently monitored multidisciplinary approach with high index of suspicion and prompt anti-TB therapy can help to derive the maximum benefits while keeping the complications at check.


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