scholarly journals General public’s knowledge and practices on face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional exploratory survey from Dharan, Nepal

F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 376
Author(s):  
Kadir Alam ◽  
Subish Palaian ◽  
Pathiyil Ravi Shankar ◽  
Nisha Jha
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Postgraduate Education ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Inferential Statistics ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Hill Tribes

Background:   Facemasks are considered a cheap, effective, and safe method to control the spread of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). This study assessed the knowledge and practice of face mask use amongst the Nepalese public during the COVID-19 lockdown.   Methods:   A cross-sectional study using a self-developed, validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha 0.556) was conducted in Dharan, Nepal during May 2020. Pharmacists from ten pharmacies throughout Dharan city administered and recorded responses from a selected sample, stratified across age, gender, education, and place of residence. Completed questionnaires were entered in SPSS, coded, and normality tested using a one-sample K-S test. Demographic characteristics were described using descriptive statistics. Median scores among subgroups were compared using inferential statistics. Descriptive analyses were performed for demographic parameters and inferential statistics for outcome variables, calculating median scores among subgroups which were further compared using non-parametric tests at alpha=0.05.   Results:   381 individuals participated - 211 males (55.4%) and 170 females (44.6%) . 93 (24.5%) respondents were between 20-30 years of age and three (0.8%) were over 70. 200 (52.5%) participants were educated between classes VIII to XII; seven (1.8%) having postgraduate education. 129 (33.9%) participants were from hill tribes. Knowledge scores were high (median score 16; maximum score 18).  Around 20% of participants had never used a face mask before the pandemic; most knew about the ongoing pandemic (80%), about washing hands before using a mask (92.6%), and covering the mouth and nose (78.7%),  Under half knew to avoid touching the mask while wearing it (42.3%). Knowledge scores were higher among men (p=0.038), younger age groups (p=0.010), and those with greater education (p=0.048).  Conclusion:   Knowledge was good, and the public were aware of the proper use of face masks. Educational interventions could be targeted to those with lesser knowledge, and steps to promote sustained face mask use could be beneficial.

scholarly journals General public’s knowledge and practices on face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional exploratory survey from Dharan, Nepal

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kadir Alam ◽  
Subish Palaian ◽  
Pathiyil Ravi Shankar ◽  
Nisha Jha
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Postgraduate Education ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Hill Tribes ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background: Measures to prevent and control coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) include regular handwashing, physical distancing and covering mouth and nose using a face mask, thereby reducing spread of droplets. Use of facemask is considered as a cheap, effective and safe method with minimum disruption in day-to-day life. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of Nepalese general public on face mask use during lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional study using a self-developed, validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha 0.556) was conducted in Dharan, eastern Nepal during May, 2020. Pharmacists from ten pharmacies, spread throughout Dharan city, after relevant training by the principal investigator, administered and recorded the responses from a selected sample stratified across age, gender, education and place of residence. Completed questionnaires were checked for consistency, coded and entered in IBM SPSS Version 26 and data was tested for normality using one-sample K-S test. Descriptive analyses were performed for demographic parameters and inferential statistics performed for outcome variables calculating median scores among different subgroups which were further compared using appropriate non-parametric tests at alpha=0.05. Results: Altogether 381 individuals, males [211 (55.4%)] and females [170 (44.6%)] participated. Ninety-three (24.5%) respondents were between 20-30 years of age and least number 3(0.8%) were above 70 years; 127 (33.3%) participants were housewives. Maximum 200 (52.5%) participants were educated between classes VIII to XII; seven (1.8%) were having postgraduate education; 129 (33.9%) participants were hill tribes. Knowledge scores were good (median score 16; maximum score 18). Around 20% of participant had never used face mask before the pandemic; majority of population (80%) were aware about the ongoing pandemic. Majority were aware about washing hands (92.6%) before using mask, covering mouth and nose (78.7%), and avoiding touching the mask while wearing (42.3%). Knowledge scores were significantly higher among men (p=0.038), among younger age groups (p=0.010), and among persons with greater education (p=0.048). Conclusion: The knowledge scores were good and public were aware about proper use of face masks. Educational interventions could be targeted to those with lesser knowledge, and steps to promote sustained face mask use can be beneficial.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception about Biostatistics among Health Researchers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (31) ◽  
pp. 2439-2445
Author(s):  
Prathibha Anand Nayak ◽  
Esraa Hamdan Aljohani ◽  
Maram Abdulhabib Ali ◽  
Badriah Khalid Fatihi ◽  
Norah Abdullah Alzubedy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Postgraduate Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Statistical Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

BACKGROUND The principles and methods of biostatistics have gained importance in various fields including dentistry and medicine. The health researchers must have adequate knowledge and understanding of biostatistics to overcome the associated dilemmas in concluding the statistical data. The present study was planned to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and perception of biostatistics among health researchers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS The present cross-sectional study was questionnaire based and was conducted among 251 health researchers in Saudi Arabia. A convenience method of sampling was followed during the 2 months study period from 15. 08. 2020 to 15. 10. 2020. A pre-validated questionnaire was used that consisted of questions related to the knowledge, attitude and perception of biostatistics. A chi-square test was used to find the significance of study parameters and the level of significance chosen was 5 %. RESULTS Gender, nationality, or qualification of participants did not show any statistically significant differences with regards to their knowledge, attitude, or perception about biostatistics. The years of experience of the faculty showed statistically significant differences in their ability to interpret the results using statistical methods [P = 0.002], ability to choose a particular test to answer research question [P = 0.024], ability to design their projects [P = 0.02], and forming opinions / making decisions in health care using statistical information [P = 0.001]. Nursing and dental faculty were able to design their research projects significantly better when compared to other groups. Faculty of Pharmacy, nursing, and dentistry more frequently used statistical information to form opinions or make decisions in health care when compared to those from the Medical program. CONCLUSIONS The study showed a medium level of knowledge as well as awareness about the importance of statistics in research and indicated a great motivation for further training with an emphasis on teaching and learning biostatistics during undergraduate / postgraduate education. KEY WORDS Biostatistics, Interpret Results, Health Researchers

scholarly journals Parental Awareness and Attitude about Childhood Immunization in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8455
Author(s):  
Shuaa Z. Alshammari ◽  
Isamme AlFayyad ◽  
Youssef Altannir ◽  
Mohamad Al-Tannir
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Childhood Immunization ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

Parental beliefs about vaccination are one of the main factors in reaching high vaccination rates. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the awareness and attitudes regarding routine childhood immunization among Saudi parents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This survey, with a pretested 18-item questionnaire, was conducted on parents having at least one child from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 1 May 2019 and 1 November 2019. The validated questionnaire consisted of three sections; participants’ demographics, awareness, and attitude regarding the immunization of their children. In total, 1200 parents participated in the study, 883 (73.3%) of the parents scored a good knowledge of childhood immunization, and 93% knew that routine vaccination protects children from infectious diseases and their complications. Around 10% stated that immunization can cause autism. Only parents in age groups 30–39 and 40–49 were 1.76 (p < 0.05) times and 1.92 (p < 0.05) times, respectively, more likely to exhibit good knowledge. About 522 (43.6) of the parents attained a positive attitude toward immunization. Adherence to the immunization schedule was confirmed important by 93%, while 91% presumed that immunization keeps their children healthy. Additionally, immunization was perceived as important by 94% of parents and only 8% agreed that immunization is prohibited by religion. Females were 1.45 (p < 0.05) times more likely to exhibit positive attitudes than males. Parents have good knowledge and a positive attitude towards child immunization. However, parental education should be focused on the fact that religion supports immunization, and more awareness should be focused on the lack of correlation between autism and vaccination.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study on the practice of wet nursing among Muslim mothers

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. R. Norsyamlina ◽  
H. Salasiah Hanin ◽  
A. M. Latifah ◽  
K. Zuliza ◽  
M. H. Nurhidayah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Accurate Picture ◽  
Background Data ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Spss Software ◽  
Data Documentation

Abstract Background Breastfeeding and wet nursing have been synonymous since ancient times. The practice of wet nursing of another woman’s child in Malaysia is on the rise due to the emergence of awareness among the public about the importance and advantages of breast milk. However, problems arise when there is no systematic system to record and trace the milk mother and milk child data, especially for Muslim participants as milk kinship could affect their relationship status in Islam. Therefore, this study aims to determine the practice of wet nursing among Muslim mothers in Selangor. Simultaneously, this study intends to provide the authorities with an accurate picture of the more aggressive compilation of steps to prevent duplication of consanguinity in wet nursing. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 women who had breastfed another child in Selangor. Data were obtained using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha = 0.8) and processed using the SPSS software. Results Results showed 43.0% of respondents had at least breastfed one someone else’s child. Meanwhile, there were 3.0% of the respondents were nursing seven to ten other children. A total of 237 children have been breastfed by the respondents (n = 100). Of these, 21.5% children were breastfed less than five times, while 78.5% children were breastfed less than five times. Most mothers recorded their milk child background data, and this shows that the community is aware of the importance of data documentation and it indirectly proves that the authorities should act on these current needs. Conclusions This study shows that there is a wet nursing practice in the society. Obviously, a phenomenon, trend and practice in the society has the ground and basis as to why it existed and is upheld. Researches related to wet nursing and matters connected to it should continue so as to bring about much good to society.

scholarly journals Association between Smoking and Dental Caries among People of Kolhapur District, Maharashtra, India

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 121-125
Author(s):  
Yojana B Patil ◽  
Sachin V Shinde ◽  
Afshan Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Present Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Dmft Index

INTRODUCTION: Smoking as a public health problem, harms one’s general and oral well-being leading to increased morbidity and mortality.AIM: To find out the association between dental caries and smokers (current and past) with non-smokers among people of Kolhapur District, Maharashtra, India.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 1366 (449 smokers, 440 past smokers and 447 non-smokers), and the patients were divided among three age groups (35-44, 45-60 and >60 years). Data was recorded using a pre-tested, pre-validated questionnaire recording the demographic details and modified DMFT index. The data was analyzed using t- test, calculation of Odd’s Ratio (OR) and logistic regression was applied to find out association, if any using a licensed SPSS version 22.0.RESULTS: It was revealed that the highest mean DMFT was seen among smokers (3.66±5.78) followed by past smokers(3.01±2.66) and non-smokers (3.01±2.66). Also, the maximum DMFT was seen among 35-44 years (3.82±2.4), which was found out to be significant as compared to past -smokers and non-smokers. Odd’s ratio analysis revealed that as compared to non-smokers, current smokers and past smokers were 1.6 and 1.1 respectively. The multiple regression analysis revealed that significant difference was seen between smoking(.01) and age (0.02) with respect to DMFT.CONCLUSION: Efforts are required by clinicians to educate people about the ill-effects of tobacco and provide tobacco cessation counselling to reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality caused by tobacco.

scholarly journals Public’s Knowledge and Beliefs towards Universal Safety Precautions during COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal: A web-based Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3-s) ◽  
pp. 133-141
Author(s):  
Deependra Prasad Sarraf ◽  
Pramendra Prasad Gupta ◽  
Shashi Keshwar
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Public ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared as a global pandemic. In the absence of vaccines or specific drugs for COVID-19, a better understanding and implementation of universal safety precautions is essential for the prevention of COVID-19 virus infection globally. People’s adherence to the universal precautions safety measures against COVID-19 is essential which is largely affected by their knowledge and belief. Objectives: To assess the public’s knowledge and belief toward the universal safety precautions during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional web-based online survey was conducted in general public in Nepal during April, 2020. A self-designed questionnaire was prepared using Google forms via docs.google.com/forms for the collection of the data. The study participants were grouped into two categories according to their level of knowledge: excellent (score 80% and above) and average (score less than 80%). Descriptive statistics mean, frequency and percentage were used to analyze the data. Results: Out of 228, majority were male (90.4%) and aged 36-45 years (36%). Mean knowledge score was 4.68±1.41. Most of them (57.9%) had average knowledge. Average of the correct responses in the knowledge and belief domain were found to be 66.9% and 71.2% respectively. Majority of the public (55.3%) believed that home-made alcohol-based hand sanitizer is equally effective to factory-made standard sanitizer against COVID-19 virus. Conclusion: Knowledge toward universal safety precautions against COVID-19 were average among the majority of the public. There was gap between knowledge and belief domain. There is an unmet need for long term educational interventions among the public regarding the preventive methods against COVID-19. Keywords: Knowledge; Belief; COVID-19; Nepal; Public; Universal safety precautions.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study On The Practice Of Wet Nursing Among Muslim Mothers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norsyamlina Che Abdul Rahim ◽  
Salasiah Hanin Hamjah ◽  
Latifah Abdul Majid ◽  
Zuliza Kusrin ◽  
Nurhidayah Muhammad Hashim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Accurate Picture ◽  
Background Data ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Spss Software ◽  
Data Documentation

Abstract Background: Breastfeeding and wet nursing have been synonymous since ancient times. The practice of wet nursing of another woman’s child in Malaysia is on the rise due to the emergence of awareness among the public about the importance and advantages of breast milk. However, problems arise when there is no systematic system to record and trace the milk mother and milk child data, especially for Muslim participants as milk kinship could affect their relationship status in Islam. Therefore, this study aims to determine the practice of wet nursing among Muslim mothers in Selangor. Simultaneously, this study intends to provide the authorities with an accurate picture of the more aggressive compilation of steps to prevent duplication of consanguinity in wet nursing. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 women who had breastfed another child in Selangor. Data were obtained using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha=0.8) and processed using the SPSS software. Results: Results showed 43.0% of respondents had at least breastfed one someone else’s child. Meanwhile, there were 3.0% of the respondents were nursing seven to ten other children. A total of 237 children have been breastfed by the respondents (n = 100). Of these, 21.5% children were breastfed less than five times, while 78.5% children were breastfed less than five times. Most mothers recorded their milk child background data, and this shows that the community is aware of the importance of data documentation and it indirectly proves that the authorities should act on these current needs. Conclusions: This study shows that there is a wet nursing practice in the society. Obviously, a phenomenon, trend and practice in the society has the ground and basis as to why it existed and is upheld. Researches related to wet nursing and matters connected to it should continue so as to bring about much good to society.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study on the Practice of Wet Nursing Among Muslim Mothers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norsyamlina Che Abdul Rahim ◽  
Salasiah Hanin Hamjah ◽  
Latifah Abdul Majid ◽  
Zuliza Kusrin ◽  
Nurhidayah Muhammad Hashim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Nursing Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cronbach Alpha ◽  
The Public ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Background Data ◽  
Spss Software

Abstract Background: The practice of wet nursing or the breastfeeding of another woman’s child in Malaysia is on the rise due to the emergence of awareness among the public about the importance and advantages contained in breast milk. This can be further explored by examining the benefits of breastfeeding, and society is acting by making breastfeeding a complement to breastfeeding in a variety of ways and circumstances. This study aims to investigate and determine the practice of wet nursing among Muslim mothers in Selangor.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 women who had breastfed another child in Selangor. Data were obtained using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha = 0.8) and processed using the SPSS software.Results: Results showed 43.0% of respondents had at least breastfed one someone else’s child. Meanwhile, there were 3.0% of the respondents who were nursing seven to ten other children. A total of 237 children has been nourished by the respondents (n = 100). Of these, 21.5% were breastfed less than five times, while 78.5% were ever breastfed less than five times. Most mothers recorded milk child background data were breastfed, and this shows that the community aware of the importance of data documenting the suckler and indirectly proves that the authorities should act on these current needs.Conclusions: This study obtained a lot of useful information that indicated there is a wet-nursing practice in society. We hope the authorities take appropriate measures so that wet-nursing practices can be officially recorded and monitored to maintain the sustainability and welfare of the Muslims in the state and Malaysia in general.

Awareness of Orofacial Clefts in the Sultanate of Oman

2021 ◽  
pp. 105566562110244
Author(s):  
Khalifa Al Alawi ◽  
Sultan Al Shaqsi ◽  
Mouzan Al Ghaithi
Keyword(s):  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sultanate Of Oman ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Source Of Information

Introduction: Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is the most common craniofacial anomaly. In Oman, the incidence of CL/P is estimated to be 1.5 per 1000 live births per year. Knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward CL/P help to optimize the management of the condition and reduce social and emotional stress among this group of children and their family. In this survey, we assessed the public awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward this deformity in the Sultanate of Oman. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using validated questionnaire that was distributed using Google forms. Result: A total of 739 participants completed the survey. The majority is aware of cleft lip (86.7%) and palate (63.2%). In general, attitude toward patients with CL/P was positive. Females had higher knowledge compared to males, 54.4% and 32.9%, respectively. Online resources were the main source of information. Conclusion: There are variations in knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward CL/P among participants. Omani population needs to be educated more about CL/P, its complications if not treated, and the available treatment.

scholarly journals Effect of Colours on Perception and Cognition of Students Belonging to Two Different Age Groups: A Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shubham Gupta Lalbabuprasad ◽  
Anita Rahul Gune
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Colour Perception ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Group A ◽  
Power Point ◽  
Group B

Introduction: Colour is believed to stimulate senses. It improves the attention span and helps in developing cognitive abilities and hence, can be beneficial in the educational set-up. There is a void in literature about usefulness of colours in the education settings in India. Aim: This study was conducted to assess students’ preference, perception, emotional responses, memory, and cognition related to colours. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted over a period of two months (January-February 2018) comprised of 300 students divided into two equal groups: Group A with 13 to 18 years of age, Group B with 19 to 25 years of age. On four consecutive days, both the groups were exposed to the same power point slide with some words highlighted with a single colour (red: material related to discovery of earth’s polarity, blue: material related to arbovirus, yellow: material related to pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, or green: material related to Mangalyan). At the end of the fourth session, a validated questionnaire was used to evaluate the students’ perceptions and responses to various colours. The data were analysed using R software v 3.6.1. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to find significant differences within the group, p<0.05. Results: In group A, the highest mean preference was observed for the colour red (mean=8.02±2.83; p=2.20e-16), blue was found to be a soothing colour (n=65) and yellow helped in better recollection of facts (n=44). In contrast, in group B, the highest mean preference was observed for the colour blue (mean=8.35±3.59; p=5.90e-15). Yellow was considered a more soothing colour (n=43), and black helped in better recollection (n=41). Conclusion: Colour perception varies in different age groups. It also affects emotions, memory, and influences mood disposition.

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