COVID-19 related misconceptions among older adults in Bangladesh: findings from a cross-sectional study

Background The COVID-19 has been appeared as the most remarkable global calamity of this century. Just as the COVID-19 spread throughout the world, so as the rumour and misconceptions related to it. The present study aimed to explore the prevalence of COVID-19 related misconceptions and its correlates among the older adults in Bangladesh. Methods The study followed a cross-sectional design and was conducted among 1032 participants aged 60 years and above from Bangladesh. Information was collected on 14 different locally relevant misconceptions related to the spread, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19, scored each misconception as one, and obtained a cumulative score, ranging from 0 to 14, with a higher score indicating a higher level of misconceptions. A multiple linear regression model explored the factors associated with misconceptions. Results The most common misconceptions were, all returning migrants carrying COVID-19 (45.5%), wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in outdoors (80.1%), not going to the funeral of people died of COVID-19 (45.2%), its prevention by nutritious food (57.6%) and drinking water (39.4%), and doctor can cure COVID-19 (49.9%). Misconceptions were higher among the participants who were living alone, whose family members were not responsive to their needs during COVID-19, and who received COVID-19 related information from Radio/TV and health workers. These misconceptions were less likely among those who were aged 70-79 years, who had pre-existing non-communicable chronic conditions, who were overwhelmed by COVID-19, and who felt themselves at highest risk of COVID-19. Conclusion Overall, we found that misconceptions were prevalent among the older adults in Bangladesh. Government and other relevant stakeholders should take immediate actions to address the prevalent misconceptions through using appropriate channels, media, and message delivery systems, and applying evidence-based risk communication methods.

Download Full-text

Exploring fear of COVID-19 and its correlates among older adults in Bangladesh

Globalization and Health ◽

10.1186/s12992-021-00698-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sabuj Kanti Mistry ◽

A. R. M. Mehrab Ali ◽

Farhana Akther ◽

Uday Narayan Yadav ◽

Mark F. Harris

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Health Workers ◽

Psychological Needs ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Effective Strategies ◽

Related Information ◽

Cumulative Score ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Abstract Objective This study was aimed to assess the perceived fear of COVID-19 and its associated factors among older adults in Bangladesh. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2020 among 1032 older Bangladeshi adults aged ≥60 years. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on participants’ characteristics and COVID-19 related information. Perceived fear of COVID-19 was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), where the cumulative score ranged from 7 to 35. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with perceived fear of COVID-19. Results The mean fear score was 19.4. Participants who were concerned about COVID-19 (β: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.71 to 3.78) and overwhelmed by COVID-19 (β: 3.31, 95% CI: 2.33 to 4.29) were significantly more likely to be fearful of COVID-19. Moreover, older adults who felt themselves isolated from others and whose close friends and family members were diagnosed with COVID-19 were more fearful. However, the participants who received COVID-19 related information from the health workers had a lower level of fear (β: -1.90, 95% CI: − 3.06 to − 0.73). Conclusions The presence of overwhelming fear of COVID-19 among the older adults of Bangladesh underlines the psychological needs of these vulnerable groups. Health workers have a key role in addressing these needs and further research is needed to identify the effective strategies for them to use.

Download Full-text

Misconceptions about COVID-19 among older Rohingya (forcefully displaced Myanmar nationals) adults in Bangladesh: findings from a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050427 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e050427

Author(s):

Sabuj Kanti Mistry ◽

A R M Mehrab Ali ◽

Uday Narayan Yadav ◽

Saruna Ghimire ◽

Md. Belal Hossain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Outcome ◽

Health Workers ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Cumulative Score ◽

Low Health Literacy ◽

Communication Frequency

ObjectivesDue to low health literacy and adverse situation in the camps, there are possibilities of misconceptions related to COVID-19 among the older Rohingya (forcefully displaced Myanmar nationals or FDMNs) adults in Bangladesh. The present research aimed to assess the level of misconceptions and the factors associated with it among the older FDMNs in Bangladesh.DesignCross-sectional.SettingA selected Rohingya camp situated in Cox’s Bazar, a southeastern district of Bangladesh.ParticipantsInformation was collected from 416 conveniently selected FDMNs who were aged 60 years and above.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was misconceptions related to the spread, prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Information on 14 different locally relevant misconceptions was gathered, each was scored as one, and obtained a cumulative score, ranging from 0 to 14, with a higher score indicating a higher level of misconceptions. A multiple linear regression model explored the factors associated with misconceptions.ResultsThe participants had an average of five misconceptions. The most prevalent misconceptions were: everyone should wear personal protective equipment when outside (84.6%) and its prevention by nutritious food (62.5%) and drinking water (59.3%). Other notable misconceptions included the spread of COVID-19 through mosquito bites (42%) and its transmissions only to the non/less religious person (31.4%). In regression analyses, memory or concentration problems, communication frequency with social networks, pre-existing conditions and receiving information from health workers were significantly associated with higher COVID-19 misconceptions. These misconceptions were less likely among those overwhelmed by COVID-19, having COVID-19 diagnosed friends or family members and receiving information from friends and family.ConclusionsOverall, we found that misconceptions were prevalent among the older FDMNs in Bangladesh. The associations have important implications for programmes to prevent and manage COVID-19 in these settings. Health workers need to be adequately trained to provide clear communication and counter misconceptions.

Download Full-text

Are older adults of Rohingya community (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals or FDMNs) in Bangladesh fearful of COVID-19? Findings from a cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0253648 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. e0253648

Author(s):

Sabuj Kanti Mistry ◽

A. R. M. Mehrab Ali ◽

Farhana Akther ◽

Prince Peprah ◽

Sompa Reza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Information ◽

Cumulative Score ◽

Public Health Information ◽

Severity Of The Disease ◽

The Individual ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Aim This study aimed to assess the fear of COVID-19 and its associates among older Rohingya (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals or FDMNs) in Bangladesh. Method We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 416 older FDMNs aged 60 years and above living in camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on participants’ socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, pre-existing non-communicable chronic conditions, and COVID-19 related information. Level of fear was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) with the cumulative score ranged from 7 to 35. A multiple linear regression examined the factors associated with fear. Results Among 416 participants aged 60 years or above, the mean fear score was 14.8 (range 8–28) and 88.9% of the participants had low fear score. Participants who were concerned about COVID-19 (β: 0.63, 95% CI: -0.26 to 1.53) and overwhelmed by COVID-19 (β: 3.54, 95% CI: 2.54 to 4.55) were significantly more likely to be fearful of COVID-19. Other factors significantly associated with higher level of fear were lesser frequency of communication during COVID-19, difficulty in obtaining food during COVID-19, perception that older adults are at highest risk of COVID-19 and receiving COVID-19 related information from Radio/television and friends/family/neighbours. Conclusions Our study highlighted that currently there little fear of COVID-19 among the older Rohingya FDMNs. This is probably due to lack of awareness of the severity of the disease in. Dissemination of public health information relevant to COVID-19 and provision of mental health services should be intensified particularly focusing on the individual who were concerned, overwhelmed or fearful of COVID-19. However, further qualitative research is advised to find out the reasons behind this.

Download Full-text

Changes in Tobacco Use Patterns during COVID-19 and Their Correlates among Older Adults in Bangladesh

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041779 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1779

Author(s):

Sabuj Kanti Mistry ◽

Armm Mehrab Ali ◽

Md. Ashfikur Rahman ◽

Uday Narayan Yadav ◽

Bhawna Gupta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Tobacco Use ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Use Patterns ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

Related Information ◽

Structured Questionnaire

The present study explored the changes in tobacco use patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic and their correlates among older adults in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1032 older adults aged ≥60 years in Bangladesh through telephone interviews in October 2020. Participants’ characteristics and COVID-19-related information were gathered using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Participants were asked if they noted any change in their tobacco use patterns (smoking or smokeless tobacco) during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (6 months prior to the survey). Nearly half of the participants (45.6%) were current tobacco users, of whom 15.9% reported increased tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic and all others had no change in their tobacco use patterns. Tobacco use was significantly increased among the participants from rural areas, who had reduced communications during COVID-19 compared to pre-pandemic (OR = 2.76, 95%CI:1.51–5.03). Participants who were aged ≥70 years (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14–0.77), widowed (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–1.00), had pre-existing, non-communicable, and/or chronic conditions (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25–0.78), and felt themselves at the highest risk of COVID-19 (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.15–0.62), had significantly lower odds of increased tobacco use. Policy makers and practitioners need to focus on strengthening awareness and raising initiatives to avoid tobacco use during such a crisis period.

Download Full-text

Association Between Public Transportation Use and Loneliness Among Urban Elderly People Who Stop Driving

Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine ◽

10.1177/2333721419851293 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. 233372141985129 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Naoka Matsuda ◽

Shunsuke Murata ◽

Kohtaroh Torizawa ◽

Tsunenori Isa ◽

Aoi Ebina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Public Transportation ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽

Japanese Version ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Urban Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Group A ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Aim: To examine the association between public transportation use and loneliness in urban elderly who stop driving. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed 31 community-dwelling older adults who had stopped driving. Public transportation use was assessed by using frequency and divided into two groups. The users group was participants who used public transportation more than once a week and the nonusers group was participants who used public transportation less than once a week. Loneliness was measured using the Japanese version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3 (UCLA.LS.ver3), with a higher score indicating greater loneliness. The independent t test was used to compare the UCLA.LS.ver3 scores between users and nonusers group. A multiple linear regression model was used with the UCLA.LS.ver3 score as the objective variable and public transportation use as the explanatory variable. Results: The UCLA.LS.ver3 score was significantly higher in the nonusers group than in the users group (nonusers group: 12.7 ± 1.9; users group: 10.1 ± 2.9, p = .017). After adjustments, public transportation use was significantly associated with lower loneliness (β = −2.55, p = .029). Conclusion: Public transportation use might have important role to prevent loneliness in older adults who stop driving.

Download Full-text

The Assessment of Fear of COVID-19 among the Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10235537 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (23) ◽

pp. 5537

Author(s):

Siddarth Agrawal ◽

Mateusz Dróżdż ◽

Sebastian Makuch ◽

Alicja Pietraszek ◽

Małgorzata Sobieszczańska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Related Information ◽

Fear And Anxiety

The prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected the mental health and well-being of individuals. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the perceived fear of COVID-19 among older adults in Poland and identify subpopulations with the highest risk of potential mental health disorders. The study was conducted in November–December 2020 on 500 people aged ≥60 years (mean M = 67.9, standard deviation SD = 4.2). In order to collect information on participants’ characteristics and COVID-19-related information, they were asked to complete a questionnaire based on recorded telephone calls. Perceived fear of COVID-19 was measured using our generated and validated seven-item tool: “Scale of fear of COVID-19 infection”, which ranged from 7 to 35. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with the perceived fear of COVID-19. Our results showed that the highest level of fear of COVID-19 infection was observed among women (p = 0.025) and patients taking anticoagulants (p = 0.004). Moreover, older adults with higher anxiety levels were more likely to be fearful of COVID-19 (according to the GAS-10 scale; p < 0.001). These findings may help policy makers and healthcare workers to adapt and implement better mental health strategies to help the elderly fight fear and anxiety during the prevailing pandemic.

Download Full-text

Pengaruh pelatihan tenaga gizi puskesmas terhadap program keluarga sadar gizi di Kota Samarinda Provinsi Kalimantan Timur

Jurnal Gizi Klinik Indonesia ◽

10.22146/ijcn.17479 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 78

Author(s):

Sri Sedono Iswandi ◽

Endy Paryanto Prawirohartono ◽

Abidillah Mursyid

Keyword(s):

Health Workers ◽

Care Center ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Care Center ◽

Related Information ◽

The Family ◽

Cross Sectional Design ◽

Nutrition Problem ◽

The Impact

Background: Under nutrition remains a major malnutrition problem in Indonesia. In dealing with the problem, the Indonesian government has already implemented strategies including empowering health workers and families. It is very likely that the nutrition problem and the family awareness on nutrition are closely related. Families that practice balanced nutrition are able to recognize and cope with their nutrition problems are defined as nutritionally aware or better known as Kadarzi.Objective: To study the impact of nutrition training on family awareness on nutrition in Samarinda province of East Kalimantan.Method: This observational study was carried out using cross-sectional design. The study population was household with under five years old children in Samarinda. A hundred and thirty two households were drawn from the population with cluster random sampling technique. The data gathered in the study were Kadarzi indicators, achievement program on Kadarzi, and related information that was collected by inter-viewing Head of Primary Health Care Center (puskesmas) and Integrated Health Service Center (posyandu) cadres at the village level.Result: The training on nutrition had an effect to attainment of the family awareness (Kadarzi) in Samarinda (OR=6,9; 95 % CI =1,98 – 23,82). Other variable which playing a part in of the influence was mother education.Conclusion: Nutrition staff who were well trained had an effect to attainment of the family awareness.

Download Full-text

Nepali Older Adults With Pre-existing Conditions and Their Healthcare Access Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3412 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 953-954

Author(s):

Aman Shrestha ◽

Saruna Ghimire ◽

Uday Narayan Yadav ◽

Bunsi Chapadia ◽

Om Prakash Yadav ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Emergency Preparedness ◽

Health Workers ◽

Healthcare Access ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Routine Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Routine Medical Care

Abstract COVID-19 has greatly impacted older adults with pre-existing non-communicable conditions (hereafter called pre-existing conditions) in terms of their access to essential healthcare services. Based on the theory of vertical health equity, this study investigated access to healthcare by Nepali older adults with pre-existing conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study surveyed 847 randomly selected older adults (≥60 years) in three districts of eastern Nepal. Survey questionnaire, administered by trained community health workers, collected information on participants reported difficulty obtaining routine care and medications during the pandemic, in addition to questions on demographics, socioeconomic factors, and pre-existing conditions. Cumulative scores for pre-existing conditions were recoded as no pre-existing condition, single condition, and multimorbidity for the analyses. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regressions determined inferences. Nearly two-thirds of the participants had a pre-existing condition (43.8% single condition and 22.8% multimorbid) and reported experiencing difficulty obtaining routine care (52.8%) and medications (13.5%). Participants with single (OR: 3.06, 95%CI: 2.17-4.32) and multimorbid (OR: 5.62, 95%CI: 3.63-8.71) conditions had three and five-fold increased odds of experiencing difficulty accessing routine care. Findings were similar for difficulty obtaining medication (OR single: 3.12, 95%CI: 1.71-5.69; OR multimorbid: 3.98, 95%CI: 2.01-7.87) where odds were greater than three-folds. Older adults with pre-existing conditions in Nepal, who require routine medical care and medication, faced significant difficulties obtaining them during the pandemic, which may lead to deterioration in their pre-existing conditions. Public health emergency preparedness should incorporate plans for both managing the emergency and providing continuing care.

Download Full-text

The Effect Analysis of Braden Scale on Pressure Ulcer in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

ComTech Computer Mathematics and Engineering Applications ◽

10.21512/comtech.v11i2.6237 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 83-88

Author(s):

Desri Kristina Silalahi ◽

Husneni Mukhtar ◽

Sheizi Prista Sari ◽

Eka Afrima Sari ◽

Dandi Trianta Barus

Keyword(s):

Pressure Ulcer ◽

Pressure Ulcers ◽

Health Workers ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽

Sensory Perception ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Braden Scale

The research aimed to analyze the Braden Scale on the incidence of compressive wounds in elderly people who lived in homes, whether they were or not under the supervision of health workers. The research was analytic with a cross-sectional study. With the purposive sampling technique, the data collection was carried out from several areas in Bandung from October to November 2017. Moreover, the analysis used was multiple regression to see the effect of the Braden Scale on pressure ulcers. The multiple linear regression model was also tested. The results show that 48,22% of pressure ulcer factors can be influenced by sensory perception, humidity, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction. Sensory perception, activity and friction have significant influence on incidence of pressure ulcers. Meanwhile, the humidity, mobility, and nutrition do not significantly influence it.

Download Full-text

Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Cancer Treatment in Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Research in Pharmacy and Health Sciences ◽

10.32463/rphs.2016.v02i01.13 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 62-78

Author(s):

. Hemraj ◽

Raj Kumar ◽

Sourabh Kosey ◽

Amit Sharma ◽

Nalini Negi

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Informational Needs ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Clinical Pharmacists ◽

Medical College ◽

Related Information ◽

The Common ◽

Chemotherapy Patients

To determine the most common physical side effects experienced by local chemotherapy patients. Their perceptions of these side effects and informational needs from clinical pharmacists were also evaluated. This was a single center, observational cross-sectional study conducted at department of General Surgery, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab. A face to face interview was conducted. Information collected included chemotherapy related side effects after last chemotherapy experience, the most worrisome side effects, overlooked by healthcare professionals and the preferred method, amount and source of receiving related information. In this study, hundred patients were enrolled out of them 48 were male and 52 were female. When differential calculations was done, common side effects or adverse effects of chemotherapy in the patients of breast, lung cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Colon cancer, Prostate cancer, Lymphoma Cancer, Cervix cancer where there is much irregular medicine intake 57.4% may be due to common problem of joint pain reported by all the patients under study, with the consecutive problem of nausea and vomiting. The high prevalence of chemotherapy related side effects among local patients is a major concern and findings of their perceptions and informational needs may serve as a valuable guide for clinical pharmacists and physicians to help in side effect management. This study shows the common problems reported by the patients when they are suffering from cancer condition, according to their incidence perceptions as experienced by the patient, this will allow the physician and clinical pharmacist to effectively counsel and manage the common symptoms as reported prior to its occurrence in the patient, so that withdrawal can be checked.

Download Full-text