scholarly journals Awareness and perception of COVID-19 among the general population: A Middle Eastern survey

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0250461
Author(s):  
Ruba M. Jaber ◽  
Baraa Mafrachi ◽  
Abdallah Al-Ani ◽  
Mustafa Shkara
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Two Populations

Due to the sudden emergence of the novel coronavirus as a worldwide pandemic, this study aimed to evaluate the awareness and practices of both the Jordanian and Iraqi populations during the early stages of the pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between the 19th and 22nd of March to assess the public’s awareness toward COVID-19. Multiple scored domains were used to assess the differences between the two populations. Statistical analysis was conducted to reveal the influence of sociodemographic variables on these scores. A total of 3167 participants were recruited in the study, of which, 1599 (50.5%) were from Jordan and 1568 (49.5%) were from Iraq. More than half of the Jordanian (56.8%) and Iraqi participants (53.2%) showed average or adequate awareness about COVID-19. More than 60% of both populations relied on medical staff for COVID-19 related information. Social media was the second most common COVID-19 information source, as it was reported by 53.7% of Jordanian participants and 62.8% of Iraqi participants. More than 90% of both populations participated in precautionary measurements. Finally, about 20% of both populations failed to recognize droplet inhalation as a source of transmission. Despite the portrayed awareness levels, governmental involvement is warranted to increase the public’s awareness and fill the gaps within their knowledge.

scholarly journals Preparedness of Healthcare Workers towards Handling COVID-19 Outbreak in the Gambia

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 36-42
Author(s):  
Joseph W Jatta ◽  
Jean Claude Romaric Pingdwindé Ouédraogo ◽  
Yusupha Sanyang ◽  
Daniel Nebongo ◽  
Tahir Ahmed Touray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
The Gambia ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that began in Wuhan, China rapidly became a public health concern and a challenge for healthcare systems globally.  In the wake of the first confirmed case in The Gambia, concerns were raised in some quarters about the health system's preparedness to handle the outbreak. Therefore, we aimed to assess health personnel's knowledge and preparedness in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak in The Gambia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires distributed online through social media. Descriptive, bivariate, and binary logistic analyses were done using SPSS Version 22. Results: We obtained 333 valid responses. Most participants reported that their health facility has some form of preparedness; however, only a small proportion reported enough PPEs in the health facility. About half (50.5%) showed good knowledge of COVID-19. There was a statistically significant difference among the professions regarding their reaction if they were found positive of COVID-19 (p=0.006). There was a significant association between health professions [other professions (Odds ratio [OR]=0.2, 95% Confidence interval [CI]:0.04–0 .9; p=0.038)] and overall knowledge of COVID-19. Conclusion: Our findings showed some form of preparedness towards COVID-19 among healthcare workers. However, many aspects, such as the availability of PPEs and their proper use and knowledge, need improvement. Thus, training and an adequate supply of equipment are required to better respond to upcoming COVID-19 waves and future outbreaks. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2021-03-SI-5 Full Text: PDF

scholarly journals Health-Seeking Influence Reflected by Online Health-Related Messages Received on Social Media: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahila Iftikhar ◽  
Bahaa Abaalkhail
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND Major social networking platforms, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter, have become popular means through which people share health-related information, irrespective of whether messages disseminated through these channels are authentic. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the demographic characteristics of patients that may demonstrate their attitudes toward medical information shared on social media networks. Second, we address how information found through social media affects the way people deal with their health. Third, we examine whether patients initiate or alter/discontinue their medications based on information derived from social media. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey between April and June 2015 on patients attending outpatient clinics at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients who used social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter) were included. We designed a questionnaire with closed-ended and multiple-choice questions to assess the type of social media platforms patients used and whether information received on these platforms influenced their health care decisions. We used chi-square test to establish the relationship between categorical variables. RESULTS Of the 442 patients who filled in the questionnaires, 401 used Facebook, WhatsApp, or Twitter. The majority of respondents (89.8%, 397/442) used WhatsApp, followed by Facebook (58.6%, 259/442) and Twitter (42.3%, 187/442). In most cases, respondents received health-related messages from WhatsApp and approximately 42.6% (171/401) reported ever stopping treatment as advised on a social media platform. A significantly higher proportion of patients without heart disease (P=.001) and obese persons (P=.01) checked the authenticity of information received on social media. Social media messages influenced decision making among patients without heart disease (P=.04). Respondents without heart disease (P=.001) and obese persons (P=.01) were more likely to discuss health-related information received on social media channels with a health care professional. A significant proportion of WhatsApp users reported that health-related information received on this platform influenced decisions regarding their family’s health care (P=.001). Respondents’ decisions regarding family health care were more likely to be influenced when they used two or all three types of platforms (P=.003). CONCLUSIONS Health education in the digital era needs to be accurate, evidence-based, and regulated. As technologies continue to evolve, we must be equipped to face the challenges it brings with it.

scholarly journals A Cross-sectional Online Survey on Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of COVID-19 among Ghanaians

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebenezer Akuoko ◽  
Cyril Alando
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
The Government ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Continuous Use ◽  
Descriptive Statistical Analysis

Abstract This study examined knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of COVID-19 among Ghanaians. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using Google forms to recruit 503 participants over six weeks. We performed descriptive statistical analysis, and presented results in tables/charts. From the results, 66.4% of respondents depended on social media for COVID-19 related information, and 59.8% mostly heard/read about preventive measures in all COVID-19 information heard/read. Knowledge was adequate, but with noticeable gaps. Attitude was generally positive, with 84.1% willing to accept reintegration of treated COVID-19 patients. Perceptions were healthy, with only 3.8% perceiving insusceptibility. We conclude that these findings contribute significantly to the literature on COVID-19 in Ghana. We recommend the continuous use of social media by the Government of Ghana and relevant stakeholders for COVID-19 communications, and further research in the general population for evidence based COVID-19 prevention interventions in Ghana.

scholarly journals Elderly individuals living by themselves: knowledge and measures to prevent the novel coronavirus

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darlene Mara dos Santos Tavares ◽  
Nayara Gomes Nunes Oliveira ◽  
Gianna Fiori Marchiori ◽  
Mariana Silva Freitas Guimarães ◽  
Lenniara Pereira Mendes Santana
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Objective: to describe the occurrence of COVID-19 and the health services used by elderly individuals living by themselves; identify the knowledge held by elderly individuals regarding the transmission, signs and symptoms of COVID-19, as well as factors associated with poor knowledge of preventive measures according to sociodemographic and clinical variables. Method: cross-sectional survey conducted by telephone or mobile with 123 elderly individuals living by themselves in the Health Macro-Region of Triângulo Sul in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Descriptive analysis was performed along with bivariate and multiple linear regression (p<0.05). Results: most elderly individuals did not present COVID-19 signs and symptoms (97.5%), were aware of how it is transmitted (86.6%), and of its signs and symptoms (90.8%). The elderly individuals were familiar with four preventive measures on average. After social distancing began, 85.7% of them left home and implemented three preventive measures on average, the most frequent of which was the use of face masks (99.0%). Being a man (p=0.001), 80 years old or older (p=0.045), and having fewer years of schooling (p=0.010) were associated with having less knowledge regarding the COVID-19 preventive measures. Conclusion: the elderly individuals were knowledgeable on COVID-19, but did not implement all the preventive measures. Male elderly individuals living by themselves with a low educational level are more vulnerable to COVID-19.

scholarly journals Role of Pharmacists in COVID-19 Disease: A Jordanian Perspective

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam Abdel Jalil ◽  
Mervat M Alsous ◽  
Khawla Abu Hammour ◽  
Mais M Saleh ◽  
Rimal Mousa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Economic Outcomes ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Community Transmission

Abstract Objectives: The novel 2019 coronavirus outbreak that first appeared in Wuhan has quickly gained global attention, due to its high transmissibility and devastating clinical and economic outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the possible roles of Jordanian pharmacists in minimizing the stage of community transmission. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using Google forms targeting Jordanian pharmacists was conducted during March 2020 and distributed electronically by means of social media. Using the survey tool, we measured the pharmacists’ knowledge, the educative activities they perform, and their perceptions regarding undertaking traditional and untraditional roles during the COVID-19 outbreak, as specified by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Collected data were analyzed using SPSS version-19. Results: Jordanian pharmacists (n = 449) reported performing various educative activities, and in general, they were knowledgeable about various aspects of the COVID-19 disease (median knowledge score: 20 [range, 13-25]), but certain gaps in knowledge were detected that must be addressed. Pharmacists had positive perceptions about both their traditional and untraditional roles specified by the FIP, the median perceptions score was 4 (range, 1-5). Conclusions: Jordanian pharmacists can be used to reduce community transmission of the outbreak. However, more actions are required to keep pharmacists knowledgeable with recent disease updates to enable them to perform their tasks effectively during times of crisis.

scholarly journals Perception of telemedicine among medical practitioners in Malaysia during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 468-480
Author(s):  
How Kit Thong ◽  
◽  
Danny Kit Chung Wong ◽  
Hardip Singh Gendeh ◽  
Lokman Saim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Daily Practice ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Insurance Reimbursement ◽  
Barriers To Implementation ◽  
Conventional Health Care ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought unprecedented changes in the way conventional health care is delivered. This study examined if clinicians’ perceptions regarding telemedicine and its barriers to implementation in Malaysia have changed during this pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Malaysian medical doctors of various specialties in four urban healthcare facilities between June 2020 and July 2020. A total of 146 (41.7%) out of 350 responses were obtained. 62% of doctors reported a reduction greater than 50% in outpatient visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of doctors either found telemedicine useful in situations similar to COVID-19 (34.2%) or that it is essential to their daily practice (42.5%). However, only 22% reported using telemedicine for consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic. 74% of doctors felt that telemedicine would only benefit up to 30% of their patient population. Significantly more female doctors (80%) felt that telemedicine would benefit their patients compared to male doctors (45.8%) (P=0.03). Physicians (51.3%) were more inclined to adopt telemedicine in comparison to surgeons (32.4%) (P=0.03). The majority cited medico-legal issues and consent (80.6%), billing and charges (66.7%) and insurance reimbursement (62.5%), technical difficulties (62.5%) as their barrier to the adoption of telemedicine. Female doctors and physicians were more willing to adopt telemedicine when compared to male doctors and surgeons. Although the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to improve the perception, significant barriers should be resolved before many can incorporate it into their practice.

scholarly journals A Cross-sectional Online Survey on Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of COVID-19 among Ghanaians

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebenezer Akuoko ◽  
Cyril Alando
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
The Government ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Continuous Use ◽  
Descriptive Statistical Analysis

Abstract This study examined knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of COVID-19 among Ghanaians. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using Google forms to recruit 503 participants over six weeks. We performed descriptive statistical analysis, and presented results in tables/charts. From the results, 66.4% of respondents depended on social media for COVID-19 related information, and 59.8% mostly heard/read about preventive measures in all COVID-19 information heard/read. Knowledge was adequate, but with noticeable gaps. Attitude was generally positive, with 84.1% willing to accept reintegration of treated COVID-19 patients. Perceptions were healthy, with only 3.8% perceiving insusceptibility. We conclude that these findings contribute significantly to the literature on COVID-19 in Ghana. We recommend the continuous use of social media by the Government of Ghana and relevant stakeholders for COVID-19 communications, and further research in the general population for evidence based COVID-19 prevention interventions in Ghana.

scholarly journals Perceived Myths and Misconceptions about the Novel COVID-19 Outbreak

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 108-117
Author(s):  
Michael Abiola Okunlola ◽  
Emmanuel Lamptey ◽  
Ephraim Kumi Senkyire ◽  
Serwaa Dorcas ◽  
Benita Aki Dooshima
Keyword(s):  
Face Mask ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
World Health ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) which was first reported in Wuhan, China has now spread globally becoming a matter of international concern. The World Health Organization officially changed their classification of the situation from a Public Health Emergency of International Concern to a Pandemic on March 11, 2020. As the corona virus continues to spread rapidly so do the headline news and a host of misconceptions surrounding the outbreak. This paper investigated and highlighted some of the most common misconceptions surrounding the outbreak of the covid-19. Using a cross-sectional survey method, the study collected and analysed data on these misconceptions and examined factors that influence the levels of these misconceptions. The study identified four top misconceptions respondents believe or agree with. These are; the novel corona virus is deadly (83.3%), Hand sanitizers do kill the virus (67.5%), face mask offer protection against the virus (55.8%) and Drying the hands with hand dryer helps to prevent the virus (44.2%). However, respondents were able to disagree, identify correctly and debunked certain statements of misconception. These include coronavirus affect only the elderly (95%), the virus can spread by mosquito bites (87.5%), antibiotics are effective for treatment (60%) and homemade remedies can cure the corona virus (54. 2%). Factors such as employment status and the relatedness of respondent’s occupation to Human Health were found to influence some of these misconceptions. Exploring these misconceptions keep the general public fully educated and informed about the facts of the outbreak as well as avoiding making up these misconceptions to protect themselves.

scholarly journals Sensory-Processing Sensitivity and COVID-19 Stress in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Resilience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuhei Iimura
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Psychologists worldwide are becoming increasingly concerned about the negative impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on adolescents’ mental health. However, compared to studies involving adults, research on adolescents is limited. To further understand adolescents’ mental health during the pandemic, the present study examined whether resilience, as a protective factor, buffers the relationship between the personality trait of environmental sensitivity and COVID-19-related distress. A total of 141 adolescents (53.7% women, Mage = 18.91 years, SDage = 0.82 years) living in urban Japan completed an online cross-sectional survey in October 2020. The results showed that sensitivity was positively, though weakly, correlated with COVID-19 stress and negatively correlated with resilience. Resilience was negatively correlated with COVID-19 stress. Mediation analysis showed that resilience buffered the negative relationship between sensitivity and COVID-19 stress, and its indirect effect was statistically significant, albeit close to zero. These results suggest that higher sensitivity is not necessarily a vulnerability factor, if resilience can be enhanced.

Psychological and behavioral responses of pregnant women during the early COVID-19 outbreak: Epicenter and non-epicenter regions (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huailiang Wu ◽  
Nga-Kwo Chan ◽  
Casper C.J. Zhang ◽  
Jian Huang ◽  
Huiyun Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Population Based ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Psychological Demands

BACKGROUND By middle April 2020, the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has spread globally and caused more than 2 million confirmed cases and 140 thousand deaths. During this ongoing outbreak, the psychological demands of pregnant women needed to be acknowledged because they are likely to present symptoms of depression, stress or other mental discomfort during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE By middle April 2020, the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has spread globally and caused more than 2 million confirmed cases and 140 thousand deaths. During this ongoing outbreak, the psychological demands of pregnant women needed to be acknowledged because they are likely to present symptoms of depression, stress or other mental discomfort during pregnancy. METHODS A population-based cross-sectional survey was carried out to collect the data of sociodemographic and other psychological assessments and responses through a national online platform. A total of 1901 pregnant women were included in this study. Each participant finished standardized rating scales on stress, depression, and responses to COVID-19. Independent t-test and chi-squared tests were used to compare outcomes between epicenter and non-epicenters in China. RESULTS Pregnant women in the epicenter appeared to have a significantly higher prevalence rate of suspected PSTD than the non-epicentral region. A slightly higher proportion of pregnant women in epicenter worried about infectious risks and outcomes related to their fetus. However, no significant difference was found between the probable PPD levels of the two regions. Pregnant women in both epicenter and non-epicentral regions have adapted their behaviors to mitigate the infection risks. CONCLUSIONS Epidemic situations could result in higher risks of psychological problems during pregnancy. Even outside of the epicenter, the depressive symptoms of pregnant women were more severe than during regular times. Several implications in antenatal care are also yielded for clinical application especially for countries in the early COVID-19 outbreak due to pandemic.

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