scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practices of community pharmacists regarding COVID-19: A paper-based survey in Vietnam

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0255420
Author(s):  
Huong Thi Thanh Nguyen ◽  
Dai Xuan Dinh ◽  
Van Minh Nguyen

Objective To survey the knowledge, attitude, and practices of Vietnamese pharmacists regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Method This cross-sectional, paper-based study was conducted from June to August 2020. A validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.84) was used to interview 1,023 pharmacists in nine provinces of Vietnam. Analysis of covariance was employed to identify factors associated with the knowledge of pharmacists. The best model was chosen by using the Bayesian Model Averaging method in R software version 4.0.4. Results The mean knowledge score was 12.02 ± 1.64 (range: 6–15), which indicated that 93.4% of pharmacists had good knowledge of COVID-19. There was no difference in the average score between males and females (p > 0.05). The multivariate linear regression model revealed that the knowledge was significantly associated with pharmacists’ age, education level, and residence (p < 0.001). About attitude and practices, pharmacists daily sought and updated information on the COVID-19 pandemic through mass media and the internet (social network and online newspapers). Nearly 48% of them conceded that they communicated with customers when at least one person did not wear a face mask at the time of the COVID-19 outbreak. At medicine outlets, many measures were applied to protect pharmacists and customers, such as equipping pharmacists with face masks and hand sanitizers (95.0%), using glass shields (83.0%), and maintaining at least one-meter distance between two people (85.2%). Conclusion The pharmacists’ knowledge of COVID-19 transmission, symptoms, and prevention was good. Many useful measures against the spread of this perilous virus were applied in medicine outlets. However, pharmacists should restrict forgetting to wear face masks in communication with medicine purchasers. The government and health agencies should have practical remedies to reduce the significant differences in the COVID-19 knowledge of pharmacists among provinces and education-level groups.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Qais Blebil ◽  
Juman Abdulelah Dujaili ◽  
Enie Teoh ◽  
Pik Sze Wong ◽  
Bhuvan KC

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is becoming a global epidemic, which is still undertreated despite increased treatment availability and increase in therapeutic options. This study aimed to explore the awareness, knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Vitamin D among the general public in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in a public area using a convenience samplingtechnique to recruit participants around Selangor and Kuala Lumpur shopping malls area. An anonymous self-administeredquestionnaire was used for data collection and it was circulated to 603 Malaysian. A total of 400 participants were completed and returned to the researchers.   Result: Although 90.5% of the participants have heard/learnt about Vitamin D. About 78.0% of them showed limited knowledge about some aspects of Vitamin D with (mean ± SD = 1.78 ± 0.894). Additionally, there was a negative attitude towards Vitamin D and sunlight exposure. For instance, nearly 70.0% of the respondents did not like to expose themselves to sunlight.  Only 30.0% of the participants had taken Vitamin D supplement before.There is a small, positive correlation between the knowledge score and education level, rho = 0.124, n = 400, P = 0.013, with a higher score associated with higher education level. Conclusion: The findings provided a piece of contemporary real-world evidenceon the lack of knowledge and practices about Vitamin D among the general public. Therefore, extensive health educational campaigns for the public should be implemented by the government to raise their knowledge on the importance of Vitamin D.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (02) ◽  
pp. 65-69
Author(s):  
Maria Shakoor Abbasi ◽  
Naseer Ahmed ◽  
Azad Ali Azad ◽  
Fatima Fouad ◽  
Humza Daudpota ◽  
...  

Objectives: To assess the concepts of complete denture occlusion among dental fraternity. Study Design And Setting: Cross-sectional study conducted at various dental hospitals and institutes of Karachi, for a period of six months, from 1st June’2019 to 30th November’2019 Methodology: Total 849 dental practitioners who are currently practising were included. A well-structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. SPSS version 25 was used. Results: Bilateral balanced occlusion was an ideal occlusion by majority subjects i.e, 530(62.4%) in patients with wellformed ridges, followed by 464(54.7%) candidates with skeletal class 1, total 376(44.3%) chose it with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, 365(43%) in single complete denture cases, 339(39.9%) with increased inter-arch space, 298(35.1%) with parafunction habits, 296(34.9%) in patients with history of neuromuscular disorder and 271(31.9%) where a complete denture opposes a removable partial denture. Furthermore, Lingualized occlusion was preferred by 341(40.25%) participants for patients with skeletal class 3. Total 316(37.2%) candidates chose it for patients with displaceable supporting tissue followed by 264(31.1%) who chose it for skeletal 2 and 260(30.6%) for cases of highly resorbed ridges. Lastly, 311(36.6%) chose canine guided occlusion with highly resorbed ridges accompanied by high aesthetic demand A significant difference between education level and knowledge of occlusal schemes was also found. Chi-square (73.87), df 6, p-value =0.000. Conclusion: Dental practitioners lack adequate knowledge of occlusal schemes in terms of prescription in complete denture patients. A significant difference between the education level and knowledge of occlusal schemes was found. Therefore, awareness of various occlusal schemes should be increased at undergraduate level.


Author(s):  
Dwi Endarti ◽  
Irfan Ahmad ◽  
Tri Murti Andayani

Hepatitis A is a viral disease with a high potential for morbidity and mortality which is also the second highest incidence in Indonesia after hepatitis B. The purpose of this research is to measure knowledge of Indonesian community about hepatitis A disease and vaccine and to analyze the factors related to knowledge. This study used an observational survey research design applying a cross-sectional multi-center approach. The number of sample was 500 respondents located in 5 provinces in Indonesia, namely DIY, Lampung, West Java, North Kalimantan, and Central Sulawesi. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire that was modified from the questionnaire in a similar study before. The results showed that the mean of knowledge score obtained was 75.2% ± 12.2% with a median of 76.9%. There are 2 items of knowledge that were lack understood by respondents, namely treatment of hepatitis A that cannot be treated with antibiotics and immunizations and hepatitis A is not included yet in the national immunization program in Indonesia. Statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney test showed that there were significant differences score of knowledge between groups on the characteristics of the number of dependents (p=0,000), experience of hearing a disease (p=0,000), experience of hearing a vaccine (p=0,000) and the experience of the child being vaccinated (p=0,000). It is recommended that the government conducts education programs for the community of Indonesia to improve knowledge related to hepatitis A diseases and the benefits of using hepatitis Avaccine.


Author(s):  
Irfan Ahmad ◽  
Dwi Endarti ◽  
Tri Murti Andayani

Hepatitis A is a viral disease with a high potential for morbidity and mortality. It is also the second highest viral disease in Indonesia after hepatitis B. Community’s knowledge regarding Hepatitis A disease dan vaccine is required to support such program for eradication of Hepatitis A. The aims of this study was to measure the knowledge of Indonesian community about hepatitis A disease and its vaccine indicated from knowledge score of correct answer towards questionnaire, as well as to analyze the factors that can influence it indicated from difference of mean of knowledge scores among groups of respondents characteristics. This study used an observational survey research design applying a cross-sectional multi-center approach. The number of sample was 500 respondents located in 5 provinces in Indonesia, namely DIY, Lampung, West Java, Central Kalimantan, and Central Sulawesi. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire that was modified from the questionnaire in a similar previous study. The results showed that public knowledge related to diseases and hepatitis A vaccine in Indonesia was considered sufficient with the mean score obtained was 75.2% ± 12.2%. Statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney test showed that there were significant differences in score of knowledge between groups on the characteristics of experience of hearing a disease (p=0,000), experience of hearing a vaccine (p=0,000) and the experience of the child being vaccinated (p=0,000). There are 2 items of knowledge that werelack understood by respondents, namely treatment of hepatitis A that cannot be treated with antibiotics and immunizations and hepatitis A is not included yet in the national immunization program in Indonesia. It is concluded that community knowledge regarding hepatitis A disease and vaccine was fair (mean knowledge score between 65 – 80%). However, the government still needs to conduct educational programs for the Indonesian community about disease prevention through the vaccination process and provide counseling about the types of vaccines that are not included in the national health insurance program in Indonesia.


Author(s):  
Agus Mulyawan ◽  
Rita Sekarsari ◽  
Nuraini Nuraini ◽  
Eriyono Budi

ABSTRACT Covid-19 is still a serious world problem with the number of cases still rising and falling every day. In response to this, the government is currently aggressively humiliating the Covid-19 Vaccination program and at the same time encouraging the public to continue to carry out health protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands and maintaining distance. This study aims to describe the level of community compliance in the application of post-Covid-19 vaccination health protocols in the Pakuhaji Health Center Work Area. The design in this study was cross sectional. Data collection using online and manual questionnaires. The sample is 85 respondents who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 to 1 or 2, respondents were taken by purposive sampling technique. The results obtained as many as 17 respondents (20%) in the non-compliant category and 68 respondents (80%) in the obedient category. And based on the characteristics of the respondents age, gender, and education. Based on this study, it was found that respondents with early adulthood (18-40 years) were more obedient to the implementation of health protocols. based on gender, female respondents were much more obedient in implementing health protocols and furthermore based on education level, respondents with middle to high education levels were much more obedient in implementing health protocols. ABSTRAK Covid-19 hingga saat ini masih menjadi permasalahan dunia yang serius dengan jumlah kasus yang masih naik turun setiap harinya. Dalam menanggapi hal tersebut pemerintah saat ini sedang gencar malukan program Vaksinasi Covid-19 dan sekaligus menganjurkan masyarakat untuk tetap melakukan protokol kesehatan seperti memakai masker, mencuci tangan dan manjaga jarak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui gambaran tingkat kepatuhan masyarakat dalam penerapan protokol kesehatan post Vaksinasi Covid-19 di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Pakuhaji. Desain pada penelitian ini adalah cross sectional. Pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner secara online dan manual. Sample berjumlah 85 responden yang sudah vaksinasi Covid-19 ke 1 atau 2, responden diambil dengan teknik purposive sampling. Hasil penelitian didapatkan sebanyak 17 responden (20%) dengan kategori tidak patuh dan 68 responden (80%) dengan kategori patuh. Dan berdasarkan karakteristik responden usia, jenis kelamin, serta pendidikan. Berdasarkan penelitian ini, ditemukan responden dengan usia dewasa awal (18-40 tahun) lebih patuh terhadap penerapan protokol kesehatan. Selain itu berdasarkan jenis kelamin, responden perempuan jauh lebih patuh dalam penerapan protokol kesehatan dan selanjutnya berdasarkan tingkat pendidikan, responden dengan tingkat pendidikan menenga hingga tinggi jauh lebih patuh dalam penerapan protokol kesehatan.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 329-337
Author(s):  
Mariana Tumin ◽  
Md Mizanur Rahman ◽  
Zulkifli Jantan

People with mental illness often encounter stigma and discrimination. Mental illness-related stigma and discrimination represent the enormous obstacles that stand in the way of delivering mental health care. Little is known about stigma and discrimination toward mental illness in rural Sarawak. Thus, this study aimed to identify the stigma and discrimination towards mental illness among Sarawak’s rural community and the factors affecting them. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 840 respondent adults aged 21 and above. A validated Community Attitude towards Mental Illness (CAMI) and Discrimination towards Mental Illness questionnaire was used for data collection. A Two-way Multiple Analysis of Covariance (Two-way MANCOVA) test was carried out to determine how much gender and education level influence stigma and discrimination towards mentally ill patients. Analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference of standardised stigma and discrimination scores with education level (p<.001), but not with gender (p>.05). Age had a positive linear effect on both stigma and discrimination, whereas experience with mentally ill patients negatively affected both stigma and discrimination. Individuals with a lower level of education, older in age, and lesser experience in dealing with the mentally ill would have a higher level of stigma and discrimination towards mental illness. Thus, targeted and practical strategies need to be organised and implemented to combat mental illness-related stigma and discrimination.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-107
Author(s):  
Patrick Orengo Omari

Purpose: To determine the stakeholder aspects influencing implementation of food security projects in Msambweni District, KenyaMethodology: The study adopted a cross sectional descriptive case study. The population to be comprised the residents of Msambweni district who practice farming activities. Sampling of farmers was done at random from the existing divisions and locations of Msambweni district. The primary data was gathered using questionnaires that were semi-structured. Descriptive analysis was used and this included the use of weighted means, standard deviation, relative frequencies and percentages. The results of the analysis were presented using tables, percentages and bar-charts.Results: Results indicated that land ownership was a key determinant in influencing food projects implementation. The findings indicated that land ownership made the implementation of food security projects easy and faster. There was a positive and significant relationship between food security project implementation and land ownership. The findings also indicated that there are taboos in their community which discourage some types of farming methods and some food crops and if people in Msambweni were to disregard cultural beliefs farm productivity and food sufficiency would change positively. The findings were also supported by a negative correlation and the relationship between food project and cultural practices was found not to be statistically significant. Results indicated that farming methods and inputs were key determinants of food security project implementation. The findings indicated that farming methods influenced the implementation of food projects at Msambweni district.  The correlation between farming methods and food security project implementation was found to be strong and positive. Results indicated that education was a key factor that influences food security project implementation. However the findings also indicated that education level of the respondents did not matter so much as long as they apply the correct farming methods and attend farming seminars and workshops. There results also showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between education level and food security project implementation.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Based on the results, it is recommended to the farmers to ensure that they retain their own lands and avoid selling and put the land into good use by practicing farming. It is recommended to the farmers that they review the existing taboos and beliefs and disregard them as this can lead to improved food security due to embracement of the government food security project implementation. It is also recommended that the farmers should have an open mind in fighting hunger as this will ensure that all people work to the betterment of improving food security issues regardless of the religion and culture. It is further recommended to the farmers to evaluate the advantages of mechanized farming methods and traditional farming practices and embrace the better option. The study also recommends that the farmers should attend the farmer’s workshops and seminars organized by the government to exchange ideas and learn also new tactics of farming activities. The study recommends that the farmers to organize themselves in groups to invite the agricultural officers so that they can be trained on various farming methods and on how to improve their productivity. It is also recommended that the government should look for ways of communication modern methods of farming using locally understood languages to ensure that the whole country embraces changes at the same pace.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faisal Alnemer ◽  
Raed Aljohani ◽  
Abdulrahman Alajlan ◽  
Mohammad Aljohani ◽  
Ibrahim Alozaib ◽  
...  

The use of topical olive oil (OO) for skin health is common among Saudis and worldwide. Therefore, this cross-sectional study is aimed at assessing the use of topical OO for skin health among Saudis in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was administered to Saudis at four different malls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 401 participants were enrolled in the study. The results showed that the average knowledge score of the participants was 3.4±0.3 (out of 5) and 87% had fair knowledge. The top source of knowledge among the participants was friends/relatives. In the attitude section, the average score was 4.1±0.5 (out of 5). Females had a higher attitude score 4.2±0.5 as compared to males 4±0.5 (P=0.03). The most common reason for using topical OO among the participants was skin moisturizing (73%). Female gender was the only significant factor associated with the use of topical OO (P < 0.001). The use of topical OO for skin health is highly prevalent in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Therefore, more awareness of the benefits and adverse effects of topical OO use is required especially from health educational organizations. The preliminary results of this study suggest further research with a larger sample in an academic setting across the nation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Medha Mathur ◽  
Navgeet Mathur

Abstract Background After the launch of COVID-19 vaccine by the government of India in 2021, the current study was conducted to assess the vaccine hesitancy among health care workers regarding COVID-19 vaccination and its safety, efficacy, rolling out strategy and undesirable effects. Methods This cross-sectional study, conducted on health care workers vaccinated at a tertiary care center of southern Rajasthan using a pre-designed and pre-validated questionnaire to collect data through the ‘Exit Interview’ technique after consent and ethical approval. Results Out of 3102, 56.8% were male and 43.2% were female health care workers. Out of total 80.7% and 73.2% of study participants perceived the vaccine as safe and effective respectively. The vaccine hesitancy was contributed due to apprehension for undesirable effects following immunization (19.3%). The commonest undesirable effect was pain at the injection site. The perception regarding the timing of rolling out of vaccine and readiness for COVID appropriate behavior after vaccination was significant (p &lt; 0.001). The mean time spent at vaccination site was 33.90 (±11.34) minutes ranging 5-120 minutes (median = 35; interquartile range (IQR) = 10; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 33.50-34.30). Conclusions The study concludes that the apprehension of undesirable effects contributed to vaccine hesitancy, but it was perceived safe and effective by health care workers. Key messages The vaccine hesitancy among general population and vaccine acceptance will be affected directly by instance shown by health care workers who presented themselves at the forefront both for battling the pandemic and accepting the vaccine.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhas P. Shewale ◽  
Suvarna Sanjay Sane ◽  
Dhammasagar Dnyaneshwar Ujagare ◽  
Rais Patel ◽  
Sudipto Roy ◽  
...  

Background: To control the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, the Government of India (GoI) had taken stringent precautionary measures during the lockdown period. This study aimed to explore determinants affecting adherence to protective measures against COVID-19 infection among rural and semi-urban settings of Maharashtra, India.Methods: A cross-sectional telephonic survey among 1,016 adults from randomly selected households was conducted between June 5 and July 16, 2020. The data were explored for knowledge, awareness, practices related to protective measures, and self-risk perception. Socio-demographic and attitudinal correlates of failure to use protective measures against COVID-19 were measured.Results: In the survey, 72% of the participants were men. The mean age was 46 years (SD: 13.8). The main source of information was television (91%); however, information from healthcare providers (65%) and mass media announcements (49%) was trustworthy. Washing hands immediately with soap after returning from outdoors was reported by 95% of the respondents, always using a mask while outdoors by 94%, never attended social gatherings by 91%, always using hand sanitizer while outside by 77%, and 68% of the respondents followed all protective measures. The knowledge score [mean score 20.3 (SD: 2.4) out of 24] was independently associated with the risk of not using protective measures, with each unit increase in knowledge score, the risk of not using protective measures reduced by 16%. No source of income was independently associated with not using protective measures [AOR 1.5 95% CI (1.01–2.3)].Conclusions: The COVID-19 public health interventions and behavior change communication strategies should be specifically directed towards the low socio-economic populations through trusted sources. The association between knowledge and practices demonstrates the importance of accurate public health communication to optimally follow preventive measures, such as structural interventions to address poverty and employment policies to address the unemployment crisis are required. Surveillance activity is needed to understand the actual behavior change among the population.


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