Knowledge, attitude and practices related to COVID-19 among young Lebanese population

Abstract Background As the world faces the most serious and widespread pandemic in recent history, claiming nearly 1,945,610 lives and infecting over 90 million individuals up to January 13, 2021, controlling the spread of COVID-19 is still limited to efforts done by the general population implementing rules and restrictions passed by world governments and organizations. As we wait for the approved vaccines to become widely distributed, the best approach to fighting the spread of this disease is mostly preventative depending largely on individuals’ compliance. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 in Lebanon. Methods A descriptive analysis was performed to describe the outcome measures of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 on a convenience sample from the Lebanese population in relation to socio-demographic characteristics and level of concern towards COVID-19. One thousand eight hundred sixty-one participants filled in an online survey (response rate: 18.5%) distributed by social media to social networks of the research team members. Results Participants were mainly young (49.4% between 18 and 24 years) and males (73.7%). Participants showed an overall appropriate knowledge of COVID-19 (67.1%) and positive attitude (around 90% were optimistic about treatment and vaccination) and had good preventive practices towards COVID-19 (around 75% washed hands and avoided public places). Knowledge and practices correlated positively with marriage, age, education, working in a healthcare field and with the level of concern about getting COVID-19. Conclusions This study found good overall levels of KAP among the studied Lebanese population. This can help in controlling the spread of COVID-19 if individuals were forced to adhere to social distancing and appropriate preventative practices.

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Disrupted prevention: condom and contraception access and use among young adults during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey

BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health ◽

10.1136/bmjsrh-2020-200975 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. bmjsrh-2020-200975

Author(s):

Ruth Lewis ◽

Carolyn Blake ◽

Michal Shimonovich ◽

Nicky Coia ◽

Johann Duffy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Online Survey ◽

Unmet Need ◽

Initial Response ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Routine Practice ◽

Sexual Risk Taking ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Preventive Practices

BackgroundThe initial response to COVID-19 in the UK involved a rapid contraction of face-to-face sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and widespread use of remote workarounds. This study sought to illuminate young people’s experiences of accessing and using condoms and contraception in the early months of the pandemic.MethodsWe analysed data, including open-text responses, from an online survey conducted in June–July 2020 with a convenience sample of 2005 16–24-year-olds living in Scotland.ResultsAmong those who used condoms and contraception, one quarter reported that COVID-19 mitigation measures had made a difference to their access or use. Open-text responses revealed a landscape of disrupted prevention, including changes to sexual risk-taking and preventive practices, unwanted contraceptive pathways, unmet need for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and switches from freely provided to commercially sold condoms and contraception. Pandemic-related barriers to accessing free condoms and contraception included: (1) uncertainty about the legitimacy of accessing SRH care and self-censorship of need; (2) confusion about differences between SRH care and advice received from healthcare professionals during the pandemic compared with routine practice; and (3) exacerbation of existing access barriers, alongside reduced social support and resources to navigate SRH care.ConclusionsEmerging barriers to STI and pregnancy prevention within the context of COVID-19 have the potential to undermine positive SRH practices, and widen inequalities, among young people. As SRH services are restored amid evolving pandemic restrictions, messaging to support navigation of condom and contraception services should be co-created with young people.

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Pulse Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Cooking Experience of Midwestern US University Students

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12113499 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 3499

Author(s):

Donna M. Winham ◽

Elizabeth D. Davitt ◽

Michelle M. Heer ◽

Mack C. Shelley

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Daily Intake ◽

The United States ◽

Chi Square ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Chi Square Analysis

Many American college students fail to meet dietary guideline recommendations for fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Pulses are a subgroup of legumes, harvested solely for dry grain seeds within a pod. Commonly consumed pulses include dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. Pulses are high in shortfall nutrients and could fill some nutritional gaps of college students. However, little is known about pulse intakes among young adults. The study aims were: (1) to identify knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding pulse consumption; and (2) to describe experiences of preparing dry pulses among college students. A convenience sample of 1433 students aged 18–30 enrolled at a Midwestern university in the United States completed an online survey in April 2020. Demographic and attitude variables were compared by the monthly count of pulse types eaten using chi-square, analysis of variance, and logistic regression modeling to predict pulse type intakes. Higher numbers of pulse types eaten was associated with being White, vegetarian/vegan, higher cooking self-efficacy, positive attitudes toward pulses, and greater daily intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Knowledge and experience of cooking dry pulses was low, with canned pulses purchased more often. College students may not be consuming pulses due to unfamiliarity with them, low knowledge of nutrition benefits, and a general lack of cooking self-efficacy. Increased familiarization and promotion surrounding pulses may increase their consumption.

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Development of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Towards COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia

Medicine & Health ◽

10.17576/mh.2020.1502.23 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 262-275

Author(s):

Ng Chong Guan ◽

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Online Survey ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Chi Square ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Component ◽

Patient Health ◽

Social Media Platforms

During this COVID-19 pandemic, massive unverified information has flooded the social media platforms, causing heightened levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms among public. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and its psychological impact, such as anxiety and depressive symptoms in Malaysia population. A crosssectional online survey was conducted from 8th to 22nd April 2020, involving 227 respondents. The set of questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, the KAP questionnaire – 11 items on knowledge (K1-K11), 3 items on attitude (A1- A3), 4 items on practice (P1-P4), together with Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Scale. To evaluate the data, descriptive analysis, Chi-square test and item response theory analysis were implemented. The percentage of respondents who answered the true statements items from Knowledge component (K1-K3) correctly was almost 100%. However, that of items testing on COVID-19 myths (K4-K11) ranged from 38.8% to 95.2%. The only item from Attitude component which had less than 95% being answered correctly was A1 (78.9%), regarding face masks usage. From the Practice component, over 80% of respondents identified that they used social media to obtain updates on COVID-19 all the time. This is alarming as most of the information circulating on social media have not been verified by relevant authorities, which might lead to, and continuously reinforce anxiety-inducing myths. This study showed that lower overall KAP scores, particularly for Knowledge component items, are related to higher anxiety levels and more depressive symptoms.

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Misconceptions, not evidence guide occupational physicians’ decisions on legionellosis prevention

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.438 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

M Riccò ◽

F Balzarini ◽

A G Mezzoiuso ◽

M E Colucci ◽

W Catellani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Risk Assessment ◽

High Risk ◽

Occupational Exposures ◽

Knowledge Gaps ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Occupational Risk Factors ◽

Occupational Physicians ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Preventive Practices

Abstract Introduction Legionnaire’s diseases (LD) is a significant cause of community-acquired pneumonia. An increasing number of cases has been linked with occupational exposures. The aim of this study was understanding knowledge, attitudes and practices of occupational physicians (OPh) towards LD. Methods A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study (April 2019), collecting a convenience sample of OPh operating in the Parma Province. Knowledge status (KS), Risk Perception (RP), and actual participation to the LD risk assessment were assessed. Multivariate odds ratios (mOR) for factors associated with participation to the LD risk assessment were calculated by means of a binary logistic regression analysis. Results 80 OPh participated to the survey (76.9% participation rate; mean age 48.2±11.2 years): even though the majority of them assisted at least one enterprise at potentially high risk for LD (i.e. 41.4% retirement houses, 27.1% water treatment plants including spas and pools, 25.7% hospitals) only 42.9% had participated to the LD risk assessment. The majority of OPh did not acknowledge diabetes (52.9%), cancer (65.7%), alcoholism (77.1%) as risk factors for LD, while a large share of OPh did not recognize hospital (50.0%), retirement houses (48.6%), swimming pools (48.6%) and spas (35.7%) as high risk environments. Moreover, participants underestimated both actual frequency (>1000 cases/year) and severity (lethality 10-15%) of LD in Italy, and occupational RP was not coincidentally low (43.2%±20.3). Participants reporting better KS were more likely to participate to the risk assessment (mOR 4.82 95%CI 1.06-21.94), while RP was eventually unrelated with preventive practices. Conclusions OPhs were diffusely affected by significant knowledge gaps on the actual risk factors for LD. Their misperceptions have the potential to negatively influence daily practice, impairing prevention of LD on the workplaces, and should be specifically targeted by information campaigns. Key messages Occupational Physicians were affected by significant knowledge gaps, particularly on individual and occupational risk factors for legionnaire disease. In order to better address the increasing threat of Legionnaire Disease, Occupational Physicians should be specifically targeted by information campaings.

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Preventive practices against COVID-19 among residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.13175 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (06) ◽

pp. 780-786

Author(s):

Fatmah Abdulelah Almoayad ◽

Lujain Abdullah Bin-Amer ◽

Samira Mahboub ◽

Alaa Mohammed Alrabiah ◽

Anwar Mohammed Alhashem

Keyword(s):

Preventive Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Public Places ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Raising Awareness ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Educational Campaigns ◽

The City

Introduction: This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to use the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) model as a framework to assess compliance with preventive measures against COVID-19 among residents of the city of Riyadh. Methodology: In May 2020, electronic study questionnaires on Microsoft Forms were distributed to a sample of 886 Riyadh residents via social media and WhatsApp groups. Results: We found that the participants had good knowledge. However, less than half of the participants exhibited positive attitudes and good practices toward COVID-19. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between their practices, attitudes, and knowledge. The most practiced behaviours among the participants were (1) a commitment to home quarantine, (2) the use of a tissue or the inside of an elbow when coughing or sneezing, (3) hand washing for a minimum of 20 seconds, and (4) sterilization of surfaces/equipment and wearing masks in public places. Regression analysis showed that knowledge, attitudes, and age were the three factors that could predict the practices of preventive behaviours against COVID-19. Conclusions: A higher likelihood of practicing preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with one’s total knowledge and attitude scores. Future educational campaigns are recommended to focus on residents’ susceptibility to COVID-19, its severity, mask wearing, and the disinfection of surfaces and appliances when targeting public audiences. In addition to raising awareness, public policies that support preventive practices would improve the likelihood of compliance.

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Perspectives of Canadian and American Cat Owners on Provision of Uncontrolled Outdoor Access for Owned Domestic Cats

Frontiers in Veterinary Science ◽

10.3389/fvets.2021.742245 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah M. L. Tan ◽

Sarah Jajou ◽

Anastasia C. Stellato ◽

Lee Niel

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Online Survey ◽

Random Effect ◽

The United States ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Attitudes And Practices

While uncontrolled outdoor access can increase opportunities for cat physical and mental stimulation, it can also increase risks of injury and illness, and result in predation of wild birds and small animals. In Canada and the United States, it is often recommended to keep cats indoors, but many owners still provide some level of outdoor access. The objectives of this study were to use a cross-sectional survey to explore the attitudes and practices of cat owners in Canada and the United States toward outdoor access and to identify factors that influence the provision of uncontrolled outdoor access. A convenience sample of cat owners (N = 7,838) were recruited to complete an online survey, and a mixed logistic regression model was used to examine associations between cat and owner-related factors, and uncontrolled outdoor access for cats, with province/state included as a random effect. In total, 57% of owners kept their cats indoors, and 43% provided some form of outdoor access, with 21% of total owners providing uncontrolled outdoor access. Provision of uncontrolled outdoor access was associated with factors related to cat characteristics (e.g., sex, breed, presence of health, and behavioral issues), the home environment (e.g., living with other pets, types of enrichment provided), owner perspectives on outdoor access (e.g., level of agreement with potential benefits and consequence of outdoor access), and owner demographics (e.g., gender, education, area of residence). For cats with uncontrolled outdoor access, few owners reported their cats having a collar or a microchip, suggesting a need to increase education about precautionary measures to protect the welfare of outdoor cats. Results reveal how owners are caring for their cats in terms of providing outdoor access and generate hypotheses for future research to examine the influence of the owner-pet bond and educational programs on owner practices around providing outdoor access.

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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward COVID-19 among Indian Residents during the Verge of Lockdown Restrictions: A Quick Online Cross-Sectional Survey

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1721526 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hima Bindu Ponnam ◽

Butchi Raju Akondi ◽

Santosh Kumar Jagadabhi ◽

Kiranmayee G.R. Rompicherla ◽

Bharathi Chakali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Safety Measures ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

The Government ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Introduction Prodigious restrictions and safety measures have been adopted by the government to control the spread of wildfire coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in India. However, the effective implementation of these measures depends upon the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the people. In this context, a cross-sectional online survey of a sample of Indian residents for assessing their KAP toward COVID-19 has been taken up during the verge of lockdown restrictions. Methods A self-developed online KAP questionnaire consisted of 21 questions related to clinical treatment and prevention aspects of COVID-19 including the safety measures completed by the participants. Assessments on their attitudes and practices toward COVID-19 included the confidence of people to overcome this pandemic and adapting safety measures such as wearing mask while going out in recent days. Results and Discussion A sample of 1,043 participants participated in this online survey. The overall correct rate of the knowledge questionnaire was 90%. More than half of the respondents (53.3%) had confidence that India can win the battle against COVID-19. All the participants believed that Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) systems of medicine that are the rich heritage of India would be helpful in combating the viral illness (95.4%). Nearly all the participants (99%) wore masks when going out in recent days. In multiple logistic regression analyses, the COVID-19 knowledge score was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of negative attitudes and preventive practices toward COVID-19. Conclusion The Indian residents showed good knowledge toward COVID-19 and this in turn helped them to hold optimistic attitudes and have appropriate practices toward COVID-19. More community-based health education program strategies if aimed would help further. The limitation of sample representativeness restricts to generalize the findings to population of rural areas with low socioeconomic status.

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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship Among Prescribers at Acute-Care Hospitals

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2017.317 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (3) ◽

pp. 316-322 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Elizabeth Salsgiver ◽

Daniel Bernstein ◽

Matthew S. Simon ◽

Daniel P. Eiras ◽

William Greendyke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Care ◽

Acute Care ◽

Online Survey ◽

Improve Patient Care ◽

Acute Care Hospitals ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Antimicrobial Prescribing ◽

Improve Patient ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

OBJECTIVETo assess antimicrobial prescriber knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antimicrobial stewardship (AS) and associated barriers to optimal prescribing.DESIGNCross-sectional survey.SETTINGOnline survey.PARTICIPANTSA convenience sample of 2,900 US antimicrobial prescribers at 5 acute-care hospitals within a hospital network.INTERVENTIONThe following characteristics were assessed with an anonymous, online survey in February 2015: attitudes and practices related to antimicrobial resistance, AS programs, and institutional AS resources; antimicrobial prescribing and AS knowledge; and practices and confidence related to antimicrobial prescribing.RESULTSIn total, 402 respondents completed the survey. Knowledge gaps were identified through case-based questions. Some respondents sometimes selected overly broad therapy for the susceptibilities given (29%) and some “usually” or “always” preferred using the most broad-spectrum empiric antimicrobials possible (32%). Nearly all (99%) reported reviewing antimicrobial appropriateness at 48–72 hours, but only 55% reported “always” doing so. Furthermore, 45% of respondents felt that they had not received adequate training regarding antimicrobial prescribing. Some respondents lacked confidence selecting empiric therapy using antibiograms (30%), interpreting susceptibility results (24%), de-escalating therapy (18%), and determining duration of therapy (31%). Postprescription review and feedback (PPRF) was the most commonly cited AS intervention (79%) with potential to improve patient care.CONCLUSIONSBarriers to appropriate antimicrobial selection and de-escalation of antimicrobial therapy were identified among front-line prescribers in acute-care hospitals. Prescribers desired more AS-related education and identified PPRF as the most helpful AS intervention to improve patient care. Educational interventions should be preceded by and tailored to local assessment of educational needs.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:316–322

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Beyond the high: Mapping patterns of use and motives for use of cannabis as medicine

Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs ◽

10.1177/1455072520985967 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 145507252098596

Author(s):

Sinikka L. Kvamme ◽

Michael M. Pedersen ◽

Sagi Alagem-Iversen ◽

Birgitte Thylstrup

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Side Effects ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Patient Organisations ◽

Patterns Of Use

Background: In Denmark the boundaries between cannabis as an illicit drug and licit medicine have shifted rapidly in recent years, affecting also policy. However, the vast majority of Danes, who use cannabis as medicine (CaM) continue to rely on the unregulated market for supply. This study explores patterns of use and motives for use of CaM in Denmark. Methods: An anonymous online survey was made available to a convenience sample of users of CaM from July 14, 2018 to November 1, 2018. Participants were recruited through patient organisations, social and public media, and the illegal open cannabis market. Results: Of the final sample ( n = 3,021), a majority were women (62.6%) and the mean age was 49 years. Most had no prescription for CaM (90.9%), a majority had no or limited previous experience with recreational cannabis use (63.9%), and had used CaM for two years or less (65.0%). The most common form of intake was oil (56.8%) followed by smoke (24.0%). CBD oil (65.0%) was used more than hash, pot or skunk (36.2%). Most frequent conditions treated were chronic pain (32.0%), sleep disturbances (27.5%), stress (23.7%), osteoarthritis (22.7%), anxiety (19.6%), and depression (19.6%). Overall, users experienced CaM to be effective in managing somatic and mental health conditions and reported relatively few side-effects. CBD oil only users were more likely to be women, older, have limited recreational experience and have initiated use recently. Conclusions: A new user group has emerged in Denmark that, for the most part, use illegally sourced CaM to treat a broad range of somatic and mental health conditions, often with experienced effect and relatively low level of side-effects. The prevalent use of low-potency CBD oil indicates an interest in effects beyond the high normally associated with cannabis use. More clinical research into the effects and side-effects of CaM is needed to draw the boundaries of the medical utility of cannabis.

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Exploring the use of cannabis as a substitute for prescription drugs in a convenience sample

Harm Reduction Journal ◽

10.1186/s12954-021-00520-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sinikka L. Kvamme ◽

Michael M. Pedersen ◽

Kristine Rømer Thomsen ◽

Birgitte Thylstrup

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Drug Use ◽

Prescription Drug ◽

Prescription Drugs ◽

Online Survey ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Patient Organizations ◽

Public Media ◽

Prescription Drug Use ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The use of cannabis as medicine (CaM) both prescribed and non-prescribed has increased markedly in the last decade, mirrored in a global shift in cannabis policy towards a more permissive stance. There is some evidence that cannabis functions as a substitute for prescription drugs, particularly opioids; however, more knowledge is needed on the motives of substitution users, their patterns of use, and perceived effects of substitution use. Aims To explore who substitutes prescription drugs with cannabis, the type of prescription drugs substituted and the type of cannabis used, and the impact that substitution with cannabis has on prescription drug use as well as the motives for substitution in terms of experienced effects and side effects. Methods A self-selected convenience sample was recruited through social media, public media, and patient organizations to take part in an anonymous online survey. Inclusion criteria were 18 years or older and use of cannabis (prescribed or non-prescribed) with a medical purpose. Results The final sample included 2.841 respondents of which the majority (91%) used non-prescribed cannabis, and more than half (54.6%) had used CaM with the purpose of replacing a prescribed drug. Compared to non-substitution users, substitution users were more likely to be women and to use CaM in the treatment of chronic pain and other somatic conditions. Pain medication (67.2%), antidepressants (24.5%), and arthritis medication (20.7%) were the most common types of drugs replaced with CaM. Among substitution users, 38.1% reported termination of prescription drug use, and 45.9% a substantial decrease in prescription drug use. The most frequent type of cannabis used as a substitute was CBD-oil (65.2%), followed by ‘hash, pot or skunk’ (36.6%). More than half (65.8%) found CaM much more effective compared to prescription drugs, and 85.5% that the side effects associated with prescription drug use were much worse compared to use of CaM. Conclusion CaM is frequently used as a substitute for prescription drugs, particularly opioids. More research is needed on the long-term consequences of use of CaM, including the impact from low and high THC cannabis products on specific somatic and mental health conditions.

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