scholarly journals Protective measures are associated with the reduction of transmission of COVID-19 in Bangladesh: A nationwide cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0260287
Author(s):  
Nadim Sharif ◽  
Khalid J. Alzahrani ◽  
Shamsun Nahar Ahmed ◽  
Rubayet Rayhan Opu ◽  
Nayan Ahmed ◽  
...  

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major public health issue globally. Preventive health measures against COVID-19 can reduce the health burden significantly by containing the transmission. A few research have been undertaken on the effectiveness of preventive strategies such as mask use, hand washing, and keeping social distance in preventing COVID-19 transmission. The main aim of this study was to determine the association of the preventive measures with the reduction of transmission of COVID-19 among people. Data was collected during January 06, 2021 to May 10, 2021 from 1690 participants in Bangladesh. A validated questionnaire was used to collect both the online and offline data. Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association among the variables. The prevalence of COVID-19 was 11.5% (195 of 1690) among the population. Age, gender, occupation and monthly income of the participants were significantly associated with the likelihood of following the preventive measures. The risk of infection and death reduced significantly among the participants following preventive measures (p = .001). The odds of incidence was lower among the participants using masks properly (OR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01–0.43), maintaining social distances (OR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.33), avoiding crowded places (OR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02–0.19) and hand shaking (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.09–0.41). This study suggests that preventive health measures are significantly associated with the reduction of the risk of infection of COVID-19. Findings from this study will help the policymakers to take appropriate steps to curb the health burden of COVID-19.

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-66
Author(s):  
Prerna Bansal ◽  
Dipendra Khatiwada ◽  
Hari Prasad Upadhyay

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and sixth leading cause of death in Nepal. Preventing new infections of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is crucial to reduce TB burden and death. The source of infection is an open (sputum positive) case of pulmonary tuberculosis. Poor management of TB-related waste like disposal of sputum by patients has been reported as a risk factor for increasing susceptibility to active TB infection. The present study was undertaken to assess preventive measures practiced by TB patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 82 tuberculosis patients who visited the five different DOTs centres of Bharatpur Municipality of Chitwan district, Nepal during December 2016 to February 2017. To find the association between variables, chi-square test was used. P-value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.  Results: The Mean ± SD of age of patients was 37.02±18.90 years. 67.10% of the patients received health education on preventive measures. 59.8% of the respondents had good practice on prevention measures of TB. Only 3.70% used burning method for the sputum disposal after diagnosis of TB. None of the respondents used boiling method for the disposal of sputum. Among all only 6% practiced safe method of sputum disposal. The statistically significant variables with health education were preventive measures like self isolation (ᵪ2 = 7.54, p = 0.006), covering face while coughing and sneezing (ᵪ2 = 4.113, p = 0.043) and keeping surrounding clean (ᵪ2= 7.880, p = 0.005).  Conclusions: Patients and family members should be well educated on practicing different preventive measures by further strengthening the preventive measures strategy in the transmission of tuberculosis if we envisioned to end TB by 2035.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-97
Author(s):  
TLS Gowri ◽  
M Ramadevi ◽  
Aparna Vedapriya ◽  
V Janaki ◽  
Jana Siva Koti Srinivasa Rao ◽  
...  

Qualitative dissections require knowledge of dissection tool kit and dissection skills which acquired will allow dissector to take care for cadaveric donor while acquiring the experience and knowledge of a successful dissection. This promotes the researcher to equip the learner in initial phase with dissection skills and tools.The main objective of the study is to analyse the learner prior and after interventional sessions as to how effective the session would be helpful in improving the quality and participation of learners in dissection. A qualitative prospective cross-sectional study was done in 168 Learners of I MBBS by an interventional session on the topic through General lecture and demonstration. Learners were assessed prior and after the interventional session by same validated questionnaire. Perceptions of learners were also taken. The obtained data were compared and its significance was analysed by Chi-square test using Epi info 7.1 software.The pre and post-test scores showed a significant improvement of 64 percent on average with p value less than 0.001 indicating that the session was fruitful. 80% of learners also opined that the session stimulated interest in the subject and improved their dissection skills.An interventional session on “Awareness of dissection skills and tools” in the initial phase would increase the Learners performing quality dissections with ease. This would also help the learner to acquire better independent surgical skills and understanding in clinical phases of learning and therefore would recommend it in early phase of I MBBS Anatomy.


Author(s):  
Babu Noushad ◽  
Gopi Suresh Vankudre

Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the barriers and perception towards spectacle wear among student population of University of Buraimi, Oman. Methods: This descriptive, questionnaire based, cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2017 and May 2018.  To evaluate participant’s barriers and perception towards spectacle wear, a self-designed, validated questionnaire prepared in English language, obtained responses from 170 a university student population within the Sultanate of Oman. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between the type of perception with the socio-demographic and refractive error related profiles of the participants. Results: All participants with inappropriate spectacle correction (61.82%) responded to the questionnaire.  Majority of them (73.5%, n = 125) were having their eyes examined for the first time. Only 28 (16.5%) were wearing spectacles. Nearly half of the participants (54%, n = 91) had positive attitude towards spectacle wear, followed by negative (36%, n = 62) and neutral perception (10%, n = 17). Participants from a health science background had a higher positive perception towards spectacle wear compared to the non-medical study majors (P = 0.012). The difference in the perception scores between myopic and hypermetropic refractive error group was statistically insignificant (P = 0.882). Conclusion: A majority of the participants were having inappropriate spectacle corrections and did not undergo any prior ocular examinations. Very few participants were wearing spectacles, however, it was inappropriate concerning their current refractive status. The other reasons for spectacle non-wear were, ordering of new spectacles, lost them, or were broken. Nearly half of the participants had positive perceptions towards spectacle wear. The positive perception was higher among students with health-related majors. The study stresses to extend the current school eye health initiative within the region to the university level. A holistic eye health promotional approach integrating students, teachers, and parents can help in improving spectacle wear within the population. Keywords: Eyeglasses; Refractive errors; School eye health; Spectacle compliance; Patient compliance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 190-206
Author(s):  
Chin Mun Wong ◽  

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Zika infection as Public Health Emergency of International Concern in 2016. In this study, we aimed to assess the knowledge and risk perception towards Zika infection among the forest fringe population in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study of with 433 adult respondents in Malaysia completed the assisted-administered validated questionnaire on knowledge and perception to Zika infection. Bidirectional analysis on the person and item abilities were tested using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Rasch. The knowledge and perception levels were tested against significant sociodemographic or socioeconomic variables using Pearson’s Chi Square; covariates were then adjusted at multivariate level using binary logistic regression. Both knowledge and perception domains were well-targeted. Complementing results from SPSS and Rasch showed poor knowledge and poor risk perception levels in slightly more than half of the respondents [knowledge score: 50.8% (SPSS), 55.4% (Rasch); perception score: (58.0% (SPSS), 58.2% (Rasch)]. With covariates adjusted, non-bumiputra (non-natives) of higher education level, higher household income and recent jungle visits showed good knowledge level. Adult, menopaused women from Perak state showed better risk perception level towards Zika. Majority of the forest fringe population in Malaysia have poor knowledge and risk perception towards the Zika infection. This questionnaire is a suitable tool to assess knowledge and perception towards Zika infection among the forest fringe populations in Southeast Asia.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 395
Author(s):  
Elayaraja Kandasamy ◽  
Senthil Kumar Andy

Background: Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the most common esophageal disorder in children of all ages. GER becomes pathological when reflux increase in frequency and intensity, associated with esophageal and respiratory symptoms. Thus, the study was determined to assess the prevalence of GERD in regurgitant children of age 6 to 24 months with evaluation of IGERQ score (Infant Gastro Esophageal Reflux Questionnaire).Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in Gastroenterology Department, Institute of child Health and Hospital for Children, Egmore, Chennai from September 2007 to September 2009. 123 regurgitant children of age 6-24 months were enrolled. Clinical examination and validated questionnaire with total score of 25 was used. Data analysis was aided by EPI info programme. Chi square with P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. IGERQ score was evaluated by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive valve and negative predictive valve.Results: The prevalence of GERD in regurgitant infant and children is 30.8%. Refusal of feeds and poor weight in regurgitant children significantly correlated with GERD. sensitivity was 84%, specificity was 96%, positive predictive value was 91%, negative predictive value was 93%Conclusions: Clinical diagnosis of GERD is sufficient in most instances and a questionnaire may aid in diagnosis the disease. IGERQ score is easily adaptable. IGERQ score >5 has high specificity positive and negative predictive value but reproducibility in our population need further evaluation. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 379-383
Author(s):  
Ehab Mudher Mikhael ◽  
Mohammed Khudhair Hasan ◽  
Sama Zaid Abdulridha

Background: Antibiotics are life-saving drugs that if misused lead to antibiotic resistance and consequently to a substantial public health issue. Pharmacists have a major role in ensuring the rational use of antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to assess antibiotic knowledge among final year pharmacy students at Baghdad University. Methods: A cross sectional study using a newly developed and validated questionnaire was given for 148 final year (5th stage) students at Baghdad University – College of Pharmacy during November 2016. Only 140 students (response rate 93%) completed the questionnaire. The 10 items-questionnaire consisted of 5 major domains: Antibiotic effectiveness, side effects, resistance, use in specific cases (e.g., during pregnancy and septicemia), and the legal issues of antibiotic dispensing. Results: Only 20% of students have good overall antibiotic knowledge. The least knowledge for pharmacy student was in regard to antibiotic side effects and antibiotic resistance at which only 22% and 19% of pharmacists possessed good antibiotic knowledge respectively. Knowledge of student was the best in legal issues of antibiotic dispensing. There was a non-significant difference in antibiotic knowledge between male and female pharmacy students. Conclusion: Antibiotic knowledge among pharmacy students at Baghdad University was very poor and less than expected.


Author(s):  
Beatriz Rosana Gonçalves de Oliveira Toso ◽  
Bruna Regina Bratti Frank Terre ◽  
Ana Cristina de Oliveira e Silva ◽  
Elucir Gir ◽  
Juliano de Souza Caliari ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To identify factors associated with the adoption of non-pharmacological preventive measures against covid-19 by healthcare workers within their families. Method: This is an analytical cross-sectional study carried out from October 1st to December 31st, 2020, with 11,513 healthcare workers in Brazil. Data collection through a virtual questionnaire on the platform Survey Monkey. To characterize the participants, descriptive statistical analysis was used with measures of absolute and relative frequency. Using inferential statistics, independent variables and outcome were compared, with hypothesis tests for association (chi-square, Fisher’s exact test), logistic regression, and Woe analysis. A significance level of 95% was used. Results: Most workers used measures such as hand hygiene, environmental sanitation, food hygiene, use of fabric masks, and physical distancing from family members. The association among variables was significant for the region, especially the South region, female sex, and nursing professionals. Conclusion: Healthcare workers adopt preventive measures against covid-19 within family life, especially the women and nursing professionals, with family isolation being the measure of greatest adherence.


Author(s):  
Khairunnisa B ◽  
Azizah Nasution

Objectives: to assess the pharmacists' perception about their roles in tuberculosis (TB) control program in Medan, Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the pharmacists' perception about their roles in TB control program in Medan, Indonesia using a validated questionnaire. The pharmacists involved in this study (n=117) were asked to choose answering yes, no or do not know for their perception on their roles in TB control program. The collected data consisted of demographics (gender, age, place of practice, and working experience) and the pharmacists’ perception on their roles in TB control program were organized and analyzed by applying descriptive and Chi-square analyses using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 19, Chicago, IL, USA) (p value <0.05 was considered significant). Results: Mean age of the participants was 38.6 (standard deviation=11.7) years. Most of them (76.1%) were female. Distribution of the participants by place of practice:  pharmacy, 78.6%; hospital, 20.5%. Most of them (63.2%) have heard about directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) program. More than 90% of them realized that they could play their roles as providers, managers of anti-TB drugs, drug informans, ensurers for adherence to the TB treatment, educators for patients and publics on TB and its treatment. Only 26.5% of them knew that they could also play their role as inventors of early suspected TB in the community.Conclusion: The study proved that the pharmacists’ roles could be utilized and enhanced to optimize TB control programs in Indonesia.Keywords: Pharmacists’ role, Tuberculosis, DOTS Program


Author(s):  
Maimoona Ashfaq ◽  
Bahisht Rizwan ◽  
Sana Farooq ◽  
Anum Raheem ◽  
Misbah Arshad

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major public health issue, as it results in chronic pain, reduces physical function, and diminishes the quality of life. Awareness related to osteoarthritis is needed to improve the condition. Objective: To fnd out the knowledge regarding the dietary practices among osteoarthritis patients, visiting Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Orthopedic and OPD Departments of the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, for 4 months. The data were collected through a pretested questionnaire from 100 osteoarthritis patients using the non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were tabulated and analyzed with the help of SPSS version 24.0. Frequencies were calculated, and the Pearson chi-square test was applied. Results: The analysis revealed a significant association between level of education, knowledge regarding the dietary practices and progression of the disease. Conclusions: Based on the current study results, patient's level of education had significant association with knowledge, dietary practices, and joints pain and progression of disease among osteoarthritis patients. Majority of patients due to low knowledge about osteoarthritis have poor dietary practices.  


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2080
Author(s):  
Garba M. KHALID ◽  
Umar I. IDRIS ◽  
Abubakar I. JATAU ◽  
Yusuf H. WADA ◽  
Ya'u ADAMU ◽  
...  

Background: Occupational Violence is prevalent among healthcare workers, including pharmacists, and poses a big threat to their job satisfaction, safety, and social wellbeing. Objective: This study seeks to assess the incidents and factors associated with occupational violence towards pharmacists in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists practicing in Nigeria, using an online survey (Google FormTM). Occupational violence was assessed using a validated questionnaire. The survey was conducted and reported based on the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). Participants were recruited by sharing the survey link via social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Results: A total of 263 respondents returned the online questionnaire, with a completion rate of 99.2%. The prevalence of occupational violence was 92.7% (95% CI, 90 to 96). Violent events occurred among 48.7% of pharmacists with at least six years of experience, and 68.4% of hospital pharmacists. The commonly reported factors associated with the violence include long waiting times in the pharmacy (36.5%), refusal to fulfil aggressor’s demands (22.1%), and counseling/poor communication (21.7%). Events related to verbal abuse were reported among 95% of the participants. The prevalence of violence was significantly higher among hospital pharmacists, compared with those practicing in administration/regulatory, and in community pharmacies (chi-square=10.213 (2); p=0.006). Similarly, physical aggression was higher among hospital pharmacists (chi-square=10.646 (2), p = 0.005). Conclusions: The prevalence of occupational violence towards pharmacists practicing in Nigeria appeared to be high. Major factors associated with the violence were refusal to fulfil aggressors’ demands and frustrations due to long waiting times at pharmacy. Recommended strategies to slowdown the incidences of violence were improved pharmacists’ workforce, interprofessional harmony, and penalties against perpetrators.


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