Predictors of misconceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of Saudi population

This study intends to explore the predictors of misconceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of the Saudi population and we also assessed their approaches toward its overall impact. This online cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA). Participants were approached via social media (SM), and 2006 participants (953 [47.5%] females and 1053 [52.5%] males) were included in this study. SM was the leading source of information for 43.9% of the study participants. Most of the participants had various misconceptions such as “females are more vulnerable to develop this infection, rinsing the nose with saline and sipping water every 15 minutes protects against Coronavirus, flu and pneumonia vaccines protect against this virus.” About one-third of participants (31.7%) had self-reported disturbed social, mental, and psychological wellbeing due to the pandemic. Many participants became more religious during this pandemic. Two-thirds of the study participants (68.1%) had good knowledge scores. Attitudes were highly positive in 93.1%, and practice scores were adequate in 97.7% of the participants. Participants’ educational status was a predictor of high knowledge scores. Male gender and divorced status were predictors of low practice scores, and aged 51–61 years, private-sector jobs, and student status were predictors of high practice scores. Being Saudi was a predictor of a positive attitude, while the male gender and divorced status were predictors of a negative attitude. Higher education was a predictor of good concepts, while the older age and businessmen were predictors of misconceptions. Overall, our study participants had good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices, but several myths were also prevalent. Being a PhD and a Saudi national predicted high knowledge scores and positive attitudes, respectively. A higher education level was a predictor of good concepts, and students, private-sector jobs, and aged 51–61 years were predictors of high practice scores. Study participants had good understanding of the effects of this pandemic.

Download Full-text

Predictors of misconceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of Saudi population and its impact: a cross-sectional study

10.1101/2020.05.22.20110627 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mukhtiar Baig ◽

Tahir Jameel ◽

Sami H Alzahrani ◽

Ahmad A Mirza ◽

Zohair J Gazzaz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Male Gender ◽

Saudi Population ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Study Participants ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo explore the predictors of misconceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of the Saudi population and its impact.DesignAn online cross-sectional study.SettingJeddah, Saudi Arabia.ParticipantsA total of 2006 participants [953(47.5%) females, and 1053(52.5%) males], and more than 18 years of age were included in the study.Data collection and analysisThis cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University (KAU). The participants were approached by social media (SM). An online questionnaire was administered, and the data were analyzed on SPSS-26.ResultsThe SM was the leading source of information 889(43.9%). Two-thirds of the participants, 1250(66.9%) had various misconceptions, and about one-third of the study participants 637(31.7%) had disturbed social, mental, and psychological wellbeing, and many participants became more religious. Two-thirds of the study participants, 1292(68.1%) had good knowledge score. The attitude was highly positive in 1867(93.1%) participants’, and the practice score was adequate in 1939(97.7%). The participants’ educational status was the predictor of good knowledge. Male gender and divorced ones were the predictor of poor practice scores and age 51-60 years, private jobholders, and students were the predictors of the good practice scores. The Saudi nationality was the predictor of participants’ positive attitude, while the male gender and divorced ones were predictors of a negative attitude. The male gender and higher education status were the predictors of good concepts, while the older age and job (own business) were the predictors of misconceptions.ConclusionOur study observed several predictors of misconceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the Saudi population. Our participants had a good realization of the impact of this pandemic.Strengths and limitationsOurs is the first study involving the general population of Saudi Arabia at a time when COVID-19 has tremendously affected the society.The use of a validated questionnaire has strengthened the study results.The sample size is adequate and representing different segments of society.One of the limitations is the convenience sampling method.Besides, the study used an online questionnaire, so we could not reach the section of society that is not using the internet.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Patients on COVID-19 Epidemic Attending a Primary Health Care Setting Durban, South Africa

European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences ◽

10.24018/ejmed.2021.3.2.758 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 68-73

Author(s):

A. M. Hoque ◽

S. Buckus ◽

M. Hoque ◽

A. B. M. Mahbub Alam ◽

M. E. Hoque ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Health Care ◽

Primary Health Care ◽

Specific Treatment ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

Primary Health ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

There is no proven specific treatment or adequate vaccination roll out against COVID-19 infection in South Africa. Optimal infection control measures encompass primary intervention to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Public knowledge, attitude, and practices of dealing with this highly infectious respiratory disease play a vital role in limiting the spread of the infection. Aim was to identify knowledge, attitudes, and practices gaps on COVID-19 pandemic for possible health education intervention. The objectives were to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of out-patients attending a primary health care facility. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted. The Student’s t-test and ANOVA test were carried out to determine the different mean scores for knowledge, attitudes and practices. Pearson’s correlation test was conducted to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores. Binary logistic regression was undertaken to determine the predictor of good knowledge, positive attitude, and preventive practices. A total of 345 out-patient attendees participated of which 51% were male. Over half (52%) of respondents were evaluated as having good knowledge, 59% as having positive attitudes and almost all (95%) were practicing prevention of COVID-19. The knowledge of the respondent was correlated with preventive practices (r=.173, p<0.05). Multiple regression showed that respondents in the age groups 35-44 years and 45-54 years were 2.8 times and 5.7 times more likely to have good knowledge respectively. Non-smokers were 79% less likely to have good knowledge (OR=.219, p<0.05). Respondents with no comorbidity were 50% less likely to have good knowledge (OR=.503, p <0.05), when compared to those having co-morbidities. Respondents with the highest level of education was found to be positive predictor of positive attitudes (OR =7.3, p <0.05). Primary Health Care users have poor knowledge, negative attitudes but practiced properly for the prevention of the transmission of COVID-19. Mass education is required to educate communities to improve knowledge and attitudes on COVID-19 epidemic in SA.

Download Full-text

Resumption of School amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices among Final-Year Senior High Students at a Technical Institute in Ghana

Education Research International ◽

10.1155/2021/8893057 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Stephen Dajaan Dubik ◽

Kingsley E. Amegah ◽

Alhassan S. Adam

Keyword(s):

Health Education ◽

Good Practice ◽

Expert Advice ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Technical Institute ◽

Traditional Media ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant challenges to Ghana’s education system, leading to the closure of schools for months. On 31 May 2020, the government of Ghana took a bold decision based on expert advice to reopen schools for final-year students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, data for students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 are limited. We sought to investigate students’ level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 at Tamale Technical Institute, Ghana. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 175 final-year students from June to August 2020. A validated questionnaire adapted from previous studies was distributed to the students in their various classes by the researchers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and multivariate logistic regression. All analyses were significant at a p value of less than 0.05. Results. The mean age of the study participants was 21.1 years (SD = 2.67), with more males (72.0%) than females participating in the study. The majority (69.7%) of the students trust traditional media sources, i.e., television and radio to receive COVID-19-related information. Awareness about COVID-19 was high (98.3%), and in total, 62.9% (n = 110) had good knowledge, 58.3% (n = 102) had positive attitudes, and 54.9% (n = 96) had good practices towards COVID-19. Factors associated with knowledge were receiving education on COVID-19 (AOR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.55) and mother level of education (AOR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.66). Positive attitudes towards COVID-19 were 63% less likely among students who did not receive education on COVID-19 (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.90). Students who received education on COVID-19 exhibited good practice towards COVID-19 than students who did not receive education on COVID-19 (p = 0.014). Conclusion. Final-year students of Tamale Technical Institute possess good knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19. Our findings demonstrate the significant role of health education in improving students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19. We recommend continuous and targeted health education to mitigate the widespread misconceptions about COVID-19 through the use of traditional media such as television and radio.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in Venezuela: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.633723 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Daniela Lucía Mendoza Millán ◽

Fhabián Stevens Carrión-Nessi ◽

Mario Daniel Mejía Bernard ◽

María Victoria Marcano-Rojas ◽

Óscar Daniel Omaña Ávila ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Medical Training ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frontline Workers ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background: The deterioration of Venezuela's health system in recent years undoubtedly contributes to an increased impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) toward COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic could inform their medical training and improve their preparedness.Methods: A online national cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 26th and May 30th, 2020, to assess KAPs among HCWs in Venezuela.Results: A total of 1,441 HCWs from all 24 regions of the country responded to the survey. The mean age of the HCWs was 44 (SD [standard deviation] 14) years; most were women (66.4%). Most HCWs were specialized doctors (48%), followed by nurses (13%) and resident doctors (12.3%). The majority of HCWs had good knowledge (76.3%), obtained information mainly from scientific literature (85.4%); had negative attitudes (53.6%), felt uncomfortable with their work during the current pandemic (59.8%); and reported appropriate practices (76.9%). However, participation in COVID-19 related training was absent in more than half of the HCWs. Positive attitudes were significantly more frequent in frontline workers than in non-frontline workers (p = 0.001). Bioanalysts, students, and doctors were more likely to have good knowledge; participating in training was a predictor for positive attitudes and older age was an appropriate practice predictor.Conclusions: HCWs, knowledge in Venezuela could be improved by strengthening education and training programs. Strategies should focus on reducing fear and improving attitudes toward the care of COVID-19 patients, as well as the promotion of preventive practices.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, attitudes and practices on tuberculosis infection prevention and associated factors among rural and urban adults in northeast Tanzania: A cross-sectional study

PLOS Global Public Health ◽

10.1371/journal.pgph.0000104 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (12) ◽

pp. e0000104

Author(s):

Method Kazaura ◽

Switbert Rwechungura Kamazima

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Good Practices ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Rural And Urban ◽

Study Participants ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Almost 10 million of the global population was infected with tuberculosis (TB) in 2017. Tanzania is among countries with high incidence of TB. Although control measures of TB are multi factorial, it is important to understand the individual’s knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in order to control TB infection. We conducted a cross-sectional study in northeast Tanzania; recruited and interviewed 1519 adults from two districts, one rural and another urban. We scored each participant using several questions for each construct of KAP. A study participant scoring at least 60% of the possible maximum scores was considered as having a good knowledge, positive attitude or good practices. And herein, a participant having positive TB attitude would mean they acknowledge TB exist, recognizes its impact on health and would seek or advise TB-infected individuals to seek the correct remedies. We applied multiple linear regression analysis to assess independent individual-level factors related to TB on KAP scores in the rural and urban populations. Overall, less than half (44%) of the study participants had good overall knowledge about TB infection and significantly more urban than rural adult population had good overall knowledge (p<0.001). Almost one in ten, (11%) of all study participants had positive attitudes towards TB infection. More urban study participants, (16%) had positive attitudes than their rural counterparts, 6%). Almost nine in ten (89%) of all study participants had good practices towards TB prevention and control; significantly more adults in urban, (97%) than the rural populations (56%) (p<0.01). Predictors of KAP scores were individual’s education and main source of income. Adults in rural and urban northeast Tanzania have poor knowledge, attitudes and practices for TB infection and prevention. Strategies focusing on health education are important for control of TB, especially among rural communities.

Download Full-text

Malaria Prevention and Mothers: Sudan

Basic and Applied Sciences - Scientific Journal of King Faisal University ◽

10.37575/b/med/2384 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yousif Elmosaad ◽

Ahmed Al Rajeh ◽

Asif khan ◽

Elfatih Malik ◽

Ilias Mahmud

Keyword(s):

Formal Education ◽

Effective Means ◽

Malaria Prevention ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Positive Attitudes

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in malaria prevention using insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) among mothers of children under five years of age in White Nile State, Sudan. Multistage cluster sampling was used to select 761 mothers for this cross-sectional survey. There were gaps in the KAP in malaria prevention. Only 46.3% of the mothers stated personal protective measures (PPMs) as the best malaria prevention strategy; 54.9% considered ITNs as an effective means; and only 18.7% reported sleeping under an ITN every day. Older mothers were less likely to have good knowledge (OR=0.96), attitudes (OR=0.98) and practices (OR=0.98). Having a Government employee as the head of the household was positively associated with knowledge (OR=2.16) and attitudes (OR=1.96). The mother having a formal education was also positively associated with good knowledge (OR=1.55) and positive attitudes (OR=1.69). Mothers with a monthly household income of <491 Sudanese Pound were more likely to have good knowledge (OR=1.43). Mothers who had good knowledge (OR=4.99) and positive attitudes towards PPMs (OR=2.60) in malaria prevention were found to be more likely to practice preventive measures. Therefore, we recommend focusing on raising mothers’ awareness of the different preventive activities to protect them and their family from malaria.

Download Full-text

Assessing the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of COVID-19 among Quarantine Hotel Workers in China

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9060772 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 772

Author(s):

Yi-Man Teng ◽

Kun-Shan Wu ◽

Wen-Cheng Wang ◽

Dan Xu

Keyword(s):

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Hotel Workers ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

During the pandemic, quarantine hotel workers face a higher risk of infection while they host quarantine guests from overseas. This study’s aim is to gain an understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of quarantine hotel workers in China. A total of 170 participants took part in a cross-sectional survey to assess the KAP of quarantine hotel workers in China, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chi-square test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), descriptive analysis, and binary logistic regression were used to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with KAP levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that 62.41% have good knowledge, 94.7% have a positive attitude towards COVID-19, but only 78.2% have good practices. Most quarantine hotel workers (95.3%) are confident that COVID-19 will be successfully controlled and that China is handling the COVID-19 crisis well (98.8%). Most quarantine hotel workers are also taking personal precautions, such as avoiding crowds (80.6%) and wearing facemasks (97.6%). The results evidence that quarantine hotel workers in China have acquired the necessary knowledge, positive attitudes and proactive practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study can provide a reference for quarantine hotel workers and their targeted education and intervention.

Download Full-text

Are good knowledge and positive attitudes regarding the cigarettes and other tobacco products act prevalent among rural Indian adults?

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20175800 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 289

Author(s):

Pracheth R. ◽

Varun N. ◽

Ravindra Y. M. ◽

Preethi S. ◽

Tasmiya K. ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary School ◽

Rural Area ◽

Economic Status ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Tobacco Products ◽

Socio Economic Status ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Study Participants

Background: Cigarettes and other tobacco products (COTPA) Act is a legislation passed to curb tobacco use in India by imposing restrictions on tobacco products. This study appraised knowledge and attitudes regarding COTPA Act among adults in a rural area and elicited socio-demographic predictors of knowledge and attitudes regarding COTPA Act among study participants.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2014 on adults (aged ≥18 years) in a rural area of Coastal Karnataka. A pre-designed, pre-tested proforma was used to collect information from study participants regarding their knowledge and attitudes about COTPA Act. Knowledge and attitude scores were computed. A score of ≥4 was good knowledge and ≥3 was regarded as positive attitudes.Results: Nearly 49.14% had good knowledge, while 51.29% displayed positive attitudes. Those belonging to upper and upper middle socio-economic class (Class I+Class II) had higher odds for good knowledge (AOR=2.09, 95% CI=0.82-5.92), when compared to their counterparts belonging to other socio-economic classes. Age ≥60 years (AOR=3.80, 95% CI= 0.30-9.98), education beyond primary school (AOR=2.88, 95% CI=1.24-6.19), upper and upper middle class socio-economic status (AOR=3.68, 95% CI=1.34-7.02) were the key predictor variables for positive attitudes.Conclusions:Nearly half the study participants had good knowledge and positive attitudes towards COTPA Act. High socio-economic status could predict good knowledge, while age ≥60 years, education beyond primary school and a high socio-economic status were the key variables predicting positive attitudes. Educational campaigns can help improve knowledge. Assessment of knowledge and attitude is imperative prior to implementation of policies to ensure effectiveness.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of telemedicine education and training of French medical students and residents

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare ◽

10.1177/1357633x20926829 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1357633X2092682

Author(s):

Sarina Yaghobian ◽

Robin Ohannessian ◽

Thomas Iampetro ◽

Isabelle Riom ◽

Nathalie Salles ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Medical Curriculum ◽

Education And Training ◽

National Scale ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Regulatory Changes ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Video Consultation ◽

And Training ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Introduction Telemedicine is a remote medical practice that is progressively expanding in France. In 2018, regulatory changes authorised telemedicine to become part of daily clinical practice. Telemedicine education and training (ET), however, has not been widespread, despite its integration in the medical curriculum since 2009. The objective of this study was to examine the self-perceived knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) and ET of telemedicine ET from medical students and residents in France. Methods A national survey was distributed online (15 December 2018 to 3 March 2019) to approximately 135,000 medical students and residents in medical schools ( n = 38). The survey consisted of a total of 24 binary and Likert-scale questions covering telemedicine ET and KAP. Results In total, 3,312 medical students and residents completed the survey. Synchronous video consultation was the most well-known telemedicine activity (86.9%); asynchronous tele-expertise was the least recognised (40.3%). Most respondents (84.8%) stated they were not familiar with telemedicine regulations. The relevance of telemedicine for improving access to care was acknowledged by 82.8% of students and residents; 14% of respondents stated they had previously practised telemedicine during their studies; 14.5% stated they had received telemedicine ET; however, 97.9% stated they were not sufficiently trained. Discussion This is the first national scale study on telemedecine ET by medical students and residents, to date. Despite positive attitudes, participants were found to have limited telemedicine ET, knowledge and practices. The demand for telemedicine ET is increasing. Such studies that incorporate the perspectives of medical students and residents may strengthen the implementation of telemedicine ET in the future.

Download Full-text

Misinformation Drives Low Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Coverage in South African Girls Attending Private Schools

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.598625 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Tracy Milondzo ◽

Johanna C. Meyer ◽

Carine Dochez ◽

Rosemary J. Burnett

Keyword(s):

Human Papillomavirus ◽

Private Sector ◽

South African ◽

Private Schools ◽

Hpv Vaccination ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Negative Attitudes ◽

School Based ◽

Positive Attitudes

Background: Cervical cancer, caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is the leading cause of female cancer deaths in South Africa. In 2014, the South African National Department of Health introduced a free public sector school-based HPV vaccination programme, targeting grade 4 girls aged ≥9 years. However, private sector school girls receive HPV vaccination through their healthcare providers at cost. This study investigated HPV vaccination knowledge, attitudes and practices of caregivers of girls aged ≥9 years in grades 4–7 attending South African private schools.Methods: A link to an online survey was circulated to caregivers via an email sent to school principals of all private schools in four provinces enrolling girls in grades 4–7. Following a poor post-reminder response, a paid Facebook survey-linked advert targeting South African Facebook users aged ≥25 years nationally was run for 4 days, and placed on the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre's Facebook page for 20 days.Results: Of 615 respondents, 413 provided HPV vaccination data and 455 completed the knowledge and attitudes tests. Most (76.5%) caregivers had good knowledge and 45.3% had positive attitudes. Of their daughters, 19.4% had received ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine. Of caregivers of unvaccinated girls, 44.3% and 41.1%, respectively were willing to vaccinate their daughters if vaccination was offered free and at their school. Caregivers of unvaccinated girls were more likely [odds ratio (OR): 3.8] to have been influenced by “other” influences (mainly online articles and anecdotal vaccine injury reports). Of caregivers influenced by their healthcare providers, caregivers of unvaccinated girls were more likely (OR: 0.2) to be influenced by alternative medical practitioners. Caregivers of vaccinated girls were more likely to have good knowledge (OR: 3.6) and positive attitudes (OR: 5.2). Having good knowledge strongly predicted (OR: 2.8) positive attitudes. Having negative attitudes strongly predicted (OR: 0.2) girls being unvaccinated.Conclusion: Providing free school-based HPV vaccination in the private sector may not increase HPV vaccination coverage to an optimal level. Since misinformation was the main driver of negative attitudes resulting in <20% of girls being vaccinated, an advocacy campaign targeting all stakeholders is urgently needed.

Download Full-text