scholarly journals Low awareness and common misconceptions about schistosomiasis in endemic lowland areas in Western Ethiopia: a mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alemayehu Assefa ◽  
Berhanu Erko ◽  
Svein Gunnar Gundersen ◽  
Girmay Medhin ◽  
Nega Berhe
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Local Budget ◽  
Trained Manpower ◽  
And Control ◽  
Western Ethiopia

Abstract Background Understanding the health behavior of the target population is crucial for sustainable schistosomiasis control. The aim of this study was to assess schistosomiasis related levels of knowledge, attitude, and practices of communities in lowland areas of western Ethiopia, where schistosomiasis is endemic. Methods A community-based multilevel triangulation mixed-methods design was conducted in three schistosomiasis endemic villages in the Abbey and Didessa valleys of the Benishangul Gumuz Region of Western Ethiopia, where mass drug administration (MDA) was done 30 years back and again the last 5 years. A structured survey questionnaire, in-depth interviews, focused group discussions, and observation was conducted to assess levels of knowledge, attitude, and practices related to schistosomiasis in the communities. Results Among the survey participants, 13% reported having heard of schistosomiasis, locally called Pecka (meaning worm). The majority of this 13% believe that schistosomiasis is caused by the biting of the worm Pecka, while others say drinking dirty water is the cause of infection, or they didn’t know what the cause is. A majority of respondents answered “I don’t know” to most of the questions about established knowledge of schistosomiasis. Male participants and students were more aware of schistosomiasis than their counterparts, and awareness increased with the educational level. Only one participant perceived that schistosomiasis was a serious disease. There were negative attitudes and misconceptions about the drug used in the mass treatment and many complaints were raised related to the size of the tablet and its side effects. There was no local budget and specific plan to prevent and control the disease. Local health personnel had insufficient knowledge about schistosomiasis, and the diagnosis and treatment capacities of local health institutions were poor. Conclusion In the current research area, schistosomiasis prevention and control recommendations should be redesigned to change the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the community and local health workers. It is also necessary to have the local budget and trained manpower in order to diagnose and treat schistosomiasis locally. There is a great need to have a safer Praziquantel pediatric formulation.

scholarly journals Difficulties of Prevention and Control Staff in COVID-19 Outbreak: A Cross-sectional Study Based on Five Provinces

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhicheng Du ◽  
Hua You ◽  
Huan Zhou ◽  
Xiaohui Wang ◽  
Jingdong Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Epidemic Control ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Communication And Coordination ◽  
And Control

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study is to address the difficulties encountered by epidemic control staff in the early and middle stages of their efforts to combat COVID-19, compare the gaps among different types of institutions, and identify shortcomings in epidemic control. Methods: Using multi-stage sampling, a survey of primary (“primary-urban” and “primary-rural”) and non-primary (“CDC”) public health workers involved in the prevention and control of COVID-19 in five provinces, including Hubei, Guangdong, Sichuan, Jiangsu and Gansu, was conducted from 18 February to 1 March 2020 through a self-administered questionnaire.Results: A total of 9475 outbreak prevention and control workers were surveyed, of which 40.0% were from the primary-rural, 27.0% were from the primary-urban and 33.0% were CDC. Resources shortage was reported at 27.9%, with the primary-rural being the worst affected (OR=1.201, 95%CI: 1.073-1.345). Difficulties in data processing were reported at 31.5%, with no significant differences among institutions. Communication and coordination difficulties were reported at 29.8%, with the CDC being the most serious (the rural primary: OR=0.520, 95%CI: 0.446-0.606; the primary-urban: OR=0.533, 95%CI: 0.454-0.625). Work object difficulties were reported at 20.2%, with the primary-urban being the worst (OR=1.368, 95%CI: 1.199-1.560). Psychological distress was reported at 48.8%, with no significant differences among institutions.Conclusions: Psychological distress is the most serious problem in the prevention and control of COVID-19, and the resources shortage in primary-rural, communication and coordination difficulties in CDC, and difficulties in working with the target population in the primary-urban deserve attention. This study will provide a scientific basis for improving the national public health emergency management system, especially for reducing the urban-rural differences in emergency response capacity.

scholarly journals Perceptions, attitudes and practices towards scabies in communities on the Bijagós Islands, Guinea-Bissau

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria João Lopes ◽  
Eunice Teixeira da Silva ◽  
Janete Ca ◽  
Adriana Gonçalves ◽  
Amabelia Rodrigues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Guinea Bissau

Abstract Background Scabies is highly endemic among impoverished populations and has been recently included in the WHO’s list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Community support and behavioural changes are essential for the success of control interventions. This study aimed to explore beliefs, prevention attitudes and healthcare-seeking behaviours towards scabies in the Bijagós Archipelago of Guinea-Bissau. Methods Data were collected through two methods. Community key informants (community members, community health workers, healthcare workers and traditional healers) were interviewed using snowball sampling. A questionnaire covering perceptions, attitudes and practices was administered to community members using random cluster sampling. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was applied to identify themes. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis. Results There was a satisfactory awareness about scabies, but perceptions about disease causation and transmission were imprecise. Misconceptions about personal hygiene as the primary measure for scabies prevention were recurrent. Some participants recognised the importance of early treatment to interrupt transmission. Treatment of close contacts was not considered important. Costs were the main determining factor for treatment choice between traditional healer and the local health centre. Late presentation and delayed treatment were common and associated with poverty and stigmatisation. Scabies impaired quality of life by affecting social interactions, health, fitness to work and school attendance. Conclusions There is a need to improve education, recognition, management and affordable access to treatment. Community education, healthcare workers’ training and skin NTD integrated control programmes should address the challenges highlighted in this study.

scholarly journals A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review of the Impacts of Coronavirus on Society and Culture

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 491
Author(s):  
Yeon Jung Yu ◽  
Young Su Park ◽  
Alison Keller ◽  
Jin-Won Noh ◽  
Jiho Cha
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Cultural Effects ◽  
The Social ◽  
And Control ◽  
Synthesis Approach

Little is understood of the social and cultural effects of coronaviruses such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV). This systematic review aims to synthesize existing findings (both qualitative and quantitative) that focus on the social and cultural impacts of coronaviruses in order to gain a better understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a predetermined search strategy, we searched CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science to identify existing (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods) studies pertaining to the coronavirus infections and their intersection with societies and cultures. A narrative synthesis approach was applied to summarize and interpret findings of the study. Stemming from SARS outbreak in 2003, qualitative and quantitative findings (twelve adopted quantitative methods and eight exclusively used qualitative methods) were organized under five topical domains: governance, crisis communication and public knowledge, stigma and discrimination, social compliance of preventive measures, and the social experience of health workers. The selected studies suggest that current societies are not equipped for effective coronavirus response and control. This mixed-methods systematic review demonstrates that the effects of coronaviruses on a society can be debilitating.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and practices in the control and prevention of malaria in four endemic provinces of Zambia

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-39
Author(s):  
Nzooma M. Shimaponda-Mataa ◽  
Enala Tembo-Mwase ◽  
Michael Gebreslasie ◽  
Samson Mukaratirwa
Keyword(s):  
General Education ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Knowledge Levels ◽  
Household Heads ◽  
And Control

This study sought to determine malaria knowledge levels, attitudes and practices of the communities in four malaria endemic provinces of Zambia. A cross-sectional survey on knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on malaria transmission, prevention and control was conducted among 584 household heads of randomly selected communities in Luapula, Lusaka, north-western and western provinces in Zambia. Data analysis was performed by both descriptive and inferential statistics. Knowledge levels in malaria with regards to the mosquito being the vector and the capacity of malaria to kill were high in all the provinces and did not vary statistically. The two main sources of malaria information by weighted analysis were health facility and community health workers (CHWs). From the regression analysis, pain killer use was associated with high incomes, employment, secondary education, or higher, and the knowledge of fever as a sign for malaria. Additionally, the source of malaria information was related to education levels. There is a need to enhance information through available channels such as health facilities and CHWs and tailor them according to general education levels of a community.

scholarly journals Are malaria transmission-blocking vaccines acceptable to high burden communities? Results from a mixed methods study in Bo, Sierra Leone

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaci D. McCoy ◽  
Caroline T. Weldon ◽  
Rashid Ansumana ◽  
Joseph M. Lamin ◽  
David A. Stenger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Malaria Transmission ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Bed Nets ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Transmission Blocking ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Transmission Blocking Vaccines

Abstract Background Malaria transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) could help break the cycle of malaria transmission by conferring community rather than individual protection. When introducing new intervention strategies, uptake is dependent on acceptability, not just efficacy. In this exploratory study on acceptability of TBVs in Sierra Leone, it was hypothesized that TBVs would be largely acceptable to adults and health workers in areas with relatively few ongoing malaria interventions, and that (i) knowledge of malaria and vaccines, (ii) health behaviours associated with malaria and vaccines, and (iii) attitudes towards different vaccines types could lead to greater TBV acceptability. Methods This study used a mixed methods approach in Bo, Sierra Leone, to understand community knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to malaria and vaccination in general. This included: (i) a population-based cross-sectional survey (n=615 adults), (ii) 6 focus group discussions with parents, and (iii) 20 key informant interviews. The concept of a TBV was explained to participants before they were asked about their willingness to accept this vaccine modality as part of an integrated malaria elimination programme. Results This study found that most adults would be willing to receive a TBV vaccine. Respondents noted mostly positive past experiences with adult and childhood vaccinations for other infectious diseases and high levels of engagement in other malaria prevention behaviors such as bed nets. Perceived barriers to TBV acceptance were largely focused on general community-level distribution of a vaccine, including personal fears of vaccination and possible costs. After an explanation of the TBV mechanism, nearly all focus group and interview participants believed that community members would accept the vaccine as part of an integrated malaria control approach. Both parents and health workers offered insight on how to successfully roll-out a future TBV vaccination programme. Conclusions The willingness of community members in Bo, Sierra Leone to accept a TBV as part of an integrated anti-malarial strategy suggests that the atypical mechanism of TBV action might not be an obstacle to future clinical trials. This study’s findings suggests that perceived general barriers to vaccination implementation, such as perceived personal fears and vaccine cost, must be addressed in future clinical and implementation research studies.

scholarly journals Knowledge, perceptions and prevention of malaria among women in Sistan va Baluchestan, Islamic Republic of Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 248-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Rakhshani ◽  
A. R. Ansari Moghadam ◽  
R. Alemi ◽  
A. Moradi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Women ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Islamic Republic ◽  
Mosquito Net ◽  
Islamic Republic Of Iran

A questionnaire about malaria knowledge, beliefs and practices was given to a random sample of 2168 married women from rural and urban areas of Sistan va Baluchestan, Islamic Republic of Iran. The mean knowledge score of subjects was low at 5.5 [maximum 15.0]. Few respondents [37.6%] knew that malaria was an important disease in the area and only 58.4% knew that malaria was transmitted by mosquitoes. Most subjects [69.4%] never used a mosquito net. Only 49.9% of rural and 73.8% of urban residents would seek care for fever and chills from the local health centre. Community health workers [behvarz] were the main source of information [29.5%] for rural women; the role of physicians in education was minimal. Subsequent health education must be tailored to the educational needs of the target population in this area

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practices associated with COVID-19 among undergraduate medical students of Rajasthan

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 712
Author(s):  
Riecha Joshi ◽  
Rajendra Takhar ◽  
Sanjay Jain
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Background: COVID-19 is a pandemic that has taken over the entire world and its KAP is important for medical students in order for them to be well-versed future health workers. To evaluate the adequacy of knowledge of medical students to deal with the ongoing pandemic and their attitudes and practices towards the prevention and control of the pandemic.Methods: A KAP study was conducted in the Undergraduate Medical Students of Rajasthan. A questionnaire was sent via Google forms through social media platforms to the participants. Statistical analysis done by ANOVA, student t-test.Results: The mean ± SD scores attained for knowledge, attitude and practices were 6.63±1.447, 16.45±2.589. The scores attained by different age groups, batches, colleges and genders were comparable. The knowledge of the students in regard of main symptoms (98.8.%), mode of spread (92.53%), time taken for the manifestation of the disease (97.35%) and precautions to prevent the spread of the virus (99.02%) is satisfactory, however, regarding the type of mask WHO advices for the general people in areas of widespread transmission with limited capacity for implementing control measures (31%), whether a COVID-19 positive mother should breastfeed her new born (43%), the knowledge isn’t adequate. 86% of the students are confident about being able to take care of symptoms. 72% students are positive about working as frontline workers.Conclusions: Positive attitude and practices are seen in medical students of Rajasthan, the knowledge is adequate and they can be a vital asset to spreading awareness about COVID-19. 

scholarly journals A mixed-methods evaluation of hepatitis B knowledge, attitudes, and practices among migrant women in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Bierhoff ◽  
A. H. Hashmi ◽  
C. Pateekhum ◽  
W. Jiraporncharoen ◽  
W. Wiwattanacharoen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Migrant Women ◽  
Visual Aids ◽  
Patient Privacy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Antenatal Period ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Attitude And Practice

Abstract Background Globally 90 % of transmission of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is from mother-to child and occurs predominantly in resource limited countries where the prevalence of HBV is high. Transmission could be interrupted by timely vaccinations but coverage remains problematic in these areas. Low knowledge or awareness of HBV may play a part in low vaccination coverage. This study examines the provision of antenatal care counselling with a focus on HBV in two different regions of northern Thailand, Sarapee Hospital (SH), Chiang Mai, and Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Tak Province. Methods A mixed-methods sequential explanatory study design was used to evaluate antenatal services for migrants. Cross-sectional knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) surveys were conducted immediately after counselling at first ANC contact, at 3–6 months after first ANC contact and at delivery. Surveys provided quantitative data, and qualitative methods included observations, focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews (IDI); analysed thematically to explore concepts of knowledge and understanding, attitude and practice of pregnant women and providers. Results Between September-2019 and May-2020, 757 women participated to KAP surveys, and 31 observations of counselling, 16 FGD and 9 IDI were conducted. KAP surveys showed in spite of low knowledge about HBV transmission, infection, or vaccination (correct response: SH 5.7 %, 9/157; SMRU 34.0 %, 204/600), most women (≥ 93 %, either site) understood they were screened for HBV and were willing to vaccinate infants for HBV. In explaining KAP survey results, qualitative analysis suggests counselling should: use the appropriate language; be tailored to the local health literacy level, provide only pertinent information, be repeated over the antenatal period; and attempt to ensure patient privacy (where possible). Programme effectiveness benefits from positive attitudes to screening and vaccinations and a high level of trust in the providers nevertheless participants provided good suggestions for improvements of the service. Conclusions Limited knowledge of HBV among migrant women can be improved by counselling that emphasizes actionable knowledge such as vaccination schedule. Key improvements to the counselling process include training counsellors to conduct interactive counselling sessions in the woman’s language, using appropriate visual aids and timely repetition over the course of the antenatal period.

scholarly journals Preparing for the COVID-19 Pandemic Response in a Country Emerging From an Ebola Epidemic: Assessment of Health Workers' Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Guinea

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahima CAMARA
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
And Control ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background: On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization designated the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Scope (USPPI). Underdeveloped countries, such as the Republic of Guinea, where the health system has been severely impacted by the Ebola virus epidemic between 2013 and 2014, will therefore find it difficult to respond effectively to the predicted epidemic. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical personnel on the prevention of Covid-2019.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study with an analytical aim carried out from 1st to 29th February 2020 among front-line health workers in the health structures of the city of Conakry. Data were collected using the Kobocollect application by administration of a standardized questionnaire. The knowledge and attitude score was categorized in 2: Good if ≥ at the average score and bad if < 50%. Logistic regression models were conducted to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitude. Odds ratios (OR) with their confidence intervals were calculated.Results :548 health workers surveyed, the mean score for knowledge on the prevention of Covid-19 was 54.81 SD = 9.71, [95% CI: [ 53.9-55.6]. 70.6% had a good knowledge of Covid-19. However, 99.6% of the staff did not know the emergency number in case of a suspected case and about 50% did not know the incubation period of Covid-19.Among the health personnel interviewed, 57.7% had a good attitude towards a suspected case of Covid-19.Although the majority (57.5%) of the health workers had received training in infection prevention and control, infection prevention and control (IPC) practices were not routinely implemented, as the implementation rate was not even 80% for every action.Variables associated with poor knowledge of Covid-19 prevention were sex, health facility, and staff grade. As for poor attitude, the associated variables were knowledge of Ebola cases reported in the facility and the rank of the health staff.Conclusion:This study underlines the difficulties of the appropriation of prevention and protection measures against Covid-19 by health personnel for whom the risk appears remote and limited to a transnational or foreign elite.

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