scholarly journals Public Awareness and Perceptions of Radiotherapy and Their Influence on the Use of Radiotherapy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Geofrey F. Soko ◽  
Anthony B. Burambo ◽  
Mpanda M. Mngoya ◽  
Burhani A. Abdul

PURPOSE Misconceptions associated with radiotherapy (RT) may affect the patient’s choice to undergo or not undergo RT. In this study, the level of awareness and perceptions about radiation and RT, as well as their impact on the use of RT, were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, between November 2018 and March 2019. Stratified sampling was used to obtain a sample of 629 participants from 4 strata, including 53 patients with cancer, 129 health professionals, 127 medical and nursing students, and 320 respondents from the general public. A questionnaire with 13 items measuring awareness and 8 items measuring perceptions was used for data collection. The Kruskal-Wallis test and χ2 test were used to test association between predictor and outcome variables. Statistical analyses were performed using statistical software. RESULTS The percentage of right responses was < 50% in all 13 awareness items. Only 16.9% of respondents were aware that RT would not reduce their lifespan. Only 34.5% of respondents had positive perceptions of RT. Awareness was higher among medical/nursing students, younger respondents, single or cohabiting respondents, and those who had attained a college or higher education. Overall, 52% would accept receiving RT if recommended as part of their treatment. Those who would accept undergoing RT were more likely to have higher awareness and a positive perception of RT. CONCLUSION Public awareness of RT in Dar es Salaam is low, and negative perceptions prevail. Low levels of awareness and negative perceptions have a negative effect on the use of RT.

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 107327481986378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alix Hall ◽  
Sang Minh Nguyen ◽  
Lisa Mackenzie ◽  
Rob Sanson-Fisher ◽  
Ian Olver ◽  
...  

Accurate public perceptions on the risk factors associated with cancer are important in promoting primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Limited studies have explored this topic among patients with cancer in non-western, low-to-middle-income countries. A cross-sectional survey to compare Australian and Vietnamese cancer patients’ perceptions of what caused their cancer was undertaken. Adult, patients with cancer from both countries, receiving radiotherapy treatment completed a standardized survey, which included a 25-item module assessing their beliefs on the causes of their cancer. Items ranged from known evidence-based causes (eg, smoking, sun exposure) to non-evidence-based beliefs (eg, stress or anxiety, physical injury, or trauma). Country-specific logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify differences in the determinants of patients’ top perceived causes. A total of 585 patient surveys were completed (75% response rate; 285 from Australia, and 300 from Vietnam). Most patients were male (58%) and aged 60 years and older (55%). The most frequently reported risk factor overall and for the Australian sample was “getting older” (overall = 42%, Australia = 49%, and Vietnam = 35%). While the most frequently reported risk factor for the Vietnamese sample was “poor diet” (overall = 39%, Australia = 11%, and Vietnam = 64%). There were differences in the characteristics associated with the top causes of cancer identified by Australian and Vietnamese patients. Patients’ beliefs about what may have caused their cancer are complex and likely to be impacted by multiple factors, including the country from which they reside. Developing public awareness campaigns that are accurate and tailored to address the specific beliefs and possible misconceptions held by the target community are needed.


Author(s):  
Ramazan Uctu

The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, perception, and experiences of the Sulaimani population in KRI, Iraq. A descriptive and cross-sectional survey was performed with 389 participants (283 male, 106 female) in the city of Sulaimani. The main method of collecting data was done through a questionnaire which was made up of two sections; firstly assessing the demographic characteristics of the sample population, and secondly assessing their knowledge towards generic medicines and their perceptions of generic medicine usage and purchasing intention. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.726 which is considered as an acceptable value to measure internal consistency of the sampled population. As a result, this study showed that the sampled population did not have sufficient knowledge about generic medicines and would therefore also not be considering replacing branded medicines with the generics. This is mostly related to poor awareness of generic medicines and lack of publicity or awareness campaigns surrounding generic medicines. This study recommends that authorities invest in publicizing the use of generics and implement public awareness campaigns.


2021 ◽  
pp. 105258
Author(s):  
Paolo Ferrara ◽  
Stefano Terzoni ◽  
Federico Ruta ◽  
Alessandro Delli Poggi ◽  
Anne Destrebecq ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 935-943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tharsila Martins Rios da Silva ◽  
Márcia Regina Martins Alvarenga ◽  
Maria Amélia de Campos Oliveira

OBJECTIVE: to characterize the profiles of families in the area covered by a Primary Health Center and to identify those in a vulnerable situation. METHOD: this is an epidemiological, observational, cross-sectional and quantitative study. 320 home visits were made, defined by a random sample of the areas covered by the Urban Center 1 in the city of São Sebastião, in Brazil's Federal District. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, elaborated based on the Family Development Index (FDI). RESULTS: there was a predominance of young families, women, and low levels of schooling. The FDI permitted the identification of families in situations of "high" and "very high" vulnerability. The most critical dimensions were: "access to knowledge" and "access to work". CONCLUSION: the study indicated the importance of greater investments in the areas of education, work and income, and highlighted the need for the use of a wider concept of vulnerability by the health services.


2017 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara Y. Tran ◽  
Jennifer A. Lyon

This cross-sectional survey focused on faculty use and knowledge of author identifiers and researcher networking systems, and professional use of social media, at a large state university. Results from 296 completed faculty surveys representing all disciplines (9.3% response rate) show low levels of awareness and variable resource preferences. The most utilized author identifier was ORCID while ResearchGate, LinkedIn, and Google Scholar were the top profiling systems. Faculty also reported some professional use of social media platforms. The survey data will be utilized to improve library services and develop intra-institutional collaborations in scholarly communication, research networking, and research impact.


2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 1429-1438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvio O. M. Prietsch ◽  
Gilberto B. Fischer ◽  
Juraci A. César ◽  
Berenice S. Lempek ◽  
Luciano V. Barbosa Jr. ◽  
...  

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of acute lower respiratory illness and to identify associated factors among children less than five years of age in the city of Rio Grande, southern Brazil. Using a cross-sectional survey, a standardized household questionnaire was applied to mothers or guardians. Information was collected on household conditions, socioeconomic status, and parental smoking. Prenatal care attendance, nutritional status, breastfeeding pattern, and use of health services for the children were also investigated. Data analysis was based on prevalence ratios and logistic regression, using a conceptual framework. Among 771 children studied, 23.9% presented acute lower respiratory illness. The main risk factors were previous episodes of acute lower respiratory infection or wheezing, crowding, maternal schooling less than five years, monthly family income less than US$ 200, four or more people per room, asthma in family members, and maternal smoking. Mothers 30 years or older were identified as a protective factor. These results can help define specific measures to reduce morbidity and mortality due to acute lower respiratory illness in this setting.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 308-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Karki ◽  
R. Acharya ◽  
H. Budhwani ◽  
P. Shrestha ◽  
P. Chalise ◽  
...  

Background As the evidence based practice (EBP) movement expands, there is a need for health leaders and educators in each country to assess the extent to which health professional students and practitioners are prepared to locate, evaluate, and apply evidence to guide their practice.Objective The study objective was to explore nurses’ and nursing students’ perceptions and attitudes towards EBP.Method This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey administered to all 273 nurses and nursing students from Nepal who attended an EBP conference. The survey instrument that was used by Majid in Singapore was adapted for use in this study with permission from the author.Result In total, 121 nurses participated in the study. The majority (93%) of respondents reported that they had no previous training in EBP. The respondents’ perceptions of their EBP knowledge and skills were variable, but most of them demonstrated positive attitudes toward EBP. Respondents identified a number of barriers that limit the implementation of EBP in Nepal. The greatest barriers were lack of time and resources, difficulty understanding research articles and translating the findings to practice, and limited autonomy to change practice based on evidence.Conclusion Although respondents had positive attitudes towards EBP, their knowledge and skills were limited and barriers to implementation existed. Nursing faculty can use the findings to guide implementation of EBP into curricula, and nursing administrators and clinicians can use the findings to guide practice to promote EBP.


2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 753-758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natália Gazzoni Scaraveli ◽  
Ana Maria Passos ◽  
Andréia Royer Voigt ◽  
Andréa do Livramento ◽  
Gabriela Tonial ◽  
...  

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers among adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years old, who are elementary school students in the city of Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The study involved a cross-sectional survey that included 418 volunteers, from March to July, 2008. Serology comprised HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. Tests were performed using automated Microparticle Enzyme Immunosorbant Assay (Abbott, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Germany). The prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 0.2% (95%CI: 0.0-1.3), and the prevalence of anti-HBc was found to be 1.4% (95%CI: 0.5-3.1). Regarding anti-HBs, 48.6% had titers greater than 10UI/L. None of the volunteers presented reactive results for anti-HCV. This study showed a low prevalence of HBV and HCV markers of infection and a great number of volunteers immunized against HBV. Finally this study shows the importance of proper health campaigns and policies in reducing those prevalences.


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