Herbal and dietary supplement use in Bangkok: A survey

2014 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayuree Tangkiatkumjai ◽  
Helen Boardman ◽  
Dawn-Marie Walker
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Thai People ◽  
Dietary Supplement Use

Abstract: People living in Asian countries including Thailand are likely to use herbal and dietary supplements (HDS). However, there is limited evidence of their usage in Thailand. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the prevalence of HDS usage amongst a general population in Bangkok; (2) patterns of HDS use; (3) reasons why Bangkok residents use HDS.: This cross-sectional survey recruited 400 Thai people aged 15 years or over at busy bus stops in Bangkok, Thailand, using convenience sampling. Data were collected via an interview regarding demographics, HDS usage and reasons of using HDS. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, were used to analyse the prevalence and the patterns of HDS use.: The prevalence of HDS usage in the previous 6 months was 52%. The majority of people who took herbs used them to treat illnesses (58%), whereas the majority of people who took dietary supplements used them to promote well-being (65%). Respondents reported using HDS due to their efficacy (28%), wanting to try them (26%) and safety concerns with conventional medicines (15%).: Health care providers should be aware of HDS use amongst Thai residents in Bangkok. Policy makers should educate people about appropriate HDS use.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Healthcare Professionals on Covid-19 in Lesotho: a Cross-sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Nyangu ◽  
Maseabata Ramathebane
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract BackgroundHealth care professionals at the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic require continued support to ensure not only their well-being, but enhanced care for those infected by the disease.AimThe aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of health care providers regarding the Covid-19 pandemic in Lesotho. MethodologyA quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from a sample of 190 health care workers who were conveniently sampled from a total of 25 health care facilities (12 hospitals and 13 health center clinics). The sample included nurses, doctors, pharmacists, laboratory scientists/ technicians, dentists, counsellors, and administrative assistants. A total of 255 structured questionnaires were distributed and 190 of them were returned completed (75% response rate). Data were collected in September 2021 and analyzed using SPSS (vs23). Permission to conduct this study was granted by the relevant authorities. Informed written consent was given by the participants in writing before they could take part in this study.ResultsThe level of education was found to be associated with positive perceptions of the respondents on the Covid-19 pandemic. Respondents generally had positive views about the Covid-19 pandemic. Their views were positive as they understood that Covid-19 can affect anyone including themselves and is not a disease for any particular race. They were also aware that they could contract Covid-19, even despite pre-existing conditions. Respondents perceived that there was a positive prognosis after contracting Covid-19 if necessary precautions were taken. They had positive perceptions as they knew that the virus was affecting many people worldwide, including the elderly, and were willing to take the test and did not mind having to pay for it if asked to do so. Even though the Covid-19 test was viewed not to take too much time, respondents felt that it is rather painful and uncomfortable. The test providers were perceived as friendly and not rude, and respondents did not have any preferred gender for the test providers. Respondents were also willing to discuss issues on Covid-19 with families and friends. Majority of the respondents lived close to health care facilities.ConclusionsThis study concludes that health care providers at the frontline were mostly nurses. Positive perceptions about the Covid-19 pandemic in Lesotho were found as respondents were knowledgeable, and were willing to test for the disease. Test providers were viewed as pleasant and health care facilities were accessible. This shows positive progress towards fighting the pandemic in Lesotho.RecommendationsSupport for frontline healthcare professionals remains crucial to ensure effective service delivery. More education can be provided to improve the general views about the Covid-19 to improve uptake of services not only amongst healthcare professionals but the general public as well.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Patterns of Dietary Supplement Use among Students Attending King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 004695802110208
Author(s):  
Abdulraof Alqrache ◽  
Mostafa Mostafa ◽  
Omar Ghabrah ◽  
Ziyad Ghabrah ◽  
Nezar Kamal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
King Abdulaziz University ◽  
Dietary Supplement Use ◽  
Harmful Effects ◽  
Selection Of

Oral dietary supplements (DSs) include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, energy drinks, and herbal products. The use of DSs is increasing and their manufacturers promote their benefits. Studies have validated some of these benefits, but have also indicated that some DSs can have adverse effects, especially if used without the appropriate supervision. Little information on DS use among Saudis is available. This study assessed the use of dietary supplements among male and female university students with the goal of educating the community about DSs and the dangers associated with their misuse. Online and paper validated questionnaires were administered to King Abdulaziz University (KAU) students between September 2019 and January 2020. The responses were collected and analyzed statistically. Of the 954 KAU students who completed the survey, one-third used DSs (42.9% women vs 25.7% men). Of these, 51.7% believed that DSs are essential for health, 41.7% classified them as both food and drugs, 67.2% were aware that DSs could not replace a healthy diet, and 25.8% were aware of their potentially harmful effects. Multivitamins and minerals were the most used DSs. DS awareness among KAU students is limited. Additional health education is necessary to assist students in their selection of the most suitable DSs.

scholarly journals Prevalence, risk factors and sources of anxiety among Emergency Department healthcare workers in Pakistan during COVID-19 pandemic: A single center survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Haroon ◽  
S. S. Owais ◽  
A. S. Khan ◽  
J. Amin
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Nonparametric Tests ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontline Workers

Summary COVID-19 has challenged the mental health of healthcare workers confronting it world-wide. Our study identifies the prevalence and risk of anxiety among emergency healthcare workers confronting COVID-19 in Pakistan. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in an Emergency Department using the Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), and questions about sources of anxiety. Of 107 participants, 61.7% were frontline workers. The prevalence of anxiety was 50.5%. Nonparametric tests determined that nurses, younger and inexperienced staff, developed significant anxiety. Multivariate ordinal regression determined independent risk factors for developing anxiety were younger age (OR 2.11, 95% CI 0.89–4.99) and frontline placement (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.33–1.66). Significant sources of stress were fear of infecting family (P = 0.003), lack of social support when the health care providers were themselves unwell (P = 0.02) and feelings of inadequate work performance (P = 0.05). Our study finds that HCWs’ anxiety is considerable. Appropriate measures for its alleviation and prevention are required.

A survey of Cambodian health-care providers' HIV knowledge, attitudes and intentions to take a sexual history

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 346-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Webber ◽  
N Edwards ◽  
I D Graham ◽  
C Amaratunga ◽  
I Gaboury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Theory Of Planned Behaviour ◽  
Sexual History ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Planned Behaviour

Cambodia has one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV in Asia and is scaling up HIV testing. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 358 health care providers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia to assess readiness for voluntary testing and counselling for HIV. We measured HIV knowledge and attitudes, and predictors of intentions to take a sexual history using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Over 90% of health care providers correctly answered knowledge questions about HIV transmission, but their attitudes were often not positive towards people living with HIV. The Theory of Planned Behaviour constructs explained 56% of the variance in intention to take a sexual history: the control providers perceive they have over taking a sexual history was the strongest contributor (51%), while social pressure explained a further 3%. Attitudes about taking a sexual history did not contribute to intention. Interventions with Cambodian health care providers should focus on improving skills in sexual history-taking.

scholarly journals Why did some parents not send their children back to school following school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e001014
Author(s):  
Lisa Woodland ◽  
Louise E Smith ◽  
Rebecca K Webster ◽  
Richard Amlôt ◽  
Antonia Rubin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
School Closure ◽  
Special Educational Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Vulnerable Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Educational Potential ◽  
Voluntary Basis

BackgroundOn 23 March 2020, schools closed to most children in England in response to COVID-19 until September 2020. Schools were kept open to children of key workers and vulnerable children on a voluntary basis. Starting 1 June 2020, children in reception (4–5 years old), year 1 (5–6 years old) and year 6 (10–11 years old) also became eligible to attend school.Methods1373 parents or guardians of children eligible to attend school completed a cross-sectional survey between 8 and 11 June 2020. We investigated factors associated with whether children attended school or not.Results46% (n=370/803) of children in year groups eligible to attend school and 13% (n=72/570) of children of key workers had attended school in the past 7 days. The most common reasons for sending children to school were that the child’s education would benefit, the child wanted to go to school and the parent needed to work. A child was significantly more likely to attend if the parent believed the child had already had COVID-19, they had special educational needs or a person in the household had COVID-19 symptoms.ConclusionsFollowing any future school closure, helping parents to feel comfortable returning their child to school will require policy makers and school leaders to communicate about the adequacy of their policies to: (A) ensure that the risk to children in school is minimised; (B) ensure that the educational potential within schools is maximised; and (C) ensure that the benefits of school for the psychological well-being of children are prioritised.

scholarly journals Community-Based Participatory Research and Drug Utilization Research to improve Childhood Diarrhea Case Management in Ujjain, India: A Cross Sectional Survey

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditya Mathur ◽  
Devendra Baghel ◽  
Jitendra Jaat ◽  
Vishal Diwan ◽  
Ashish Pathak
Keyword(s):  
Case Management ◽  
Drug Utilization ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Household Waste ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Childhood Diarrhea ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Utilization Research ◽  
Drug Utilization Research

Childhood diarrhea continues to be a major cause of under-five (U-5) mortality globally and in India. In this study, 1571 U-5 children residing in nine rural villages and four urban slums in Ujjain, India were included with the objective to use community participation and drug utilization research to improve diarrheal case management. The mean age was 2.08 years, with 297 (19%), children living in high diarrheal index households. Most mothers (70%) considered stale food, teething (62%) and hot weather (55%) as causes of diarrhea. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related characteristics revealed that most (93%) households had toilets, but only 23% children used them. The study identified ineffective household water treatment by filtration through cloth by most (93%) households and dumping of household waste on streets (89%). The results revealed low community awareness of correct causes of diarrhea (poor hand hygiene, 21%; littering around the household, 15%) and of correct diarrhea treatment (oral rehydration solution [ORS] and zinc use, 29% and 11%, respectively) and a high antibiotic prescription rate by health care providers (83%). Based on the results of the present study, context-specific house-to-house interventions will be designed and implemented.

scholarly journals COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in underserved communities of North Carolina

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0248542
Author(s):  
Irene A. Doherty ◽  
William Pilkington ◽  
Laurin Brown ◽  
Victoria Billings ◽  
Undi Hoffler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Underserved Communities ◽  
Safety Concerns

Background In the United States, underserved communities including Blacks and Latinx are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, describe attitudes related to vaccination, and identify correlates among historically marginalized populations across 9 counties in North Carolina. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey distributed at free COVID-19 testing events in underserved rural and urban communities from August 27 –December 15, 2020. Vaccine hesitancy was defined as the response of “no” or “don’t know/not sure” to whether the participant would get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it became available. Results The sample comprised 948 participants including 27.7% Whites, 59.6% Blacks, 12.7% Latinx, and 63% female. 32% earned <$20K annually, 60% owned a computer and ~80% had internet access at home. The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 68.9% including 62.7%, 74%, and 59.5% among Whites, Blacks, and Latinx, respectively. Between September and December, the largest decline in vaccine hesitancy occurred among Whites (27.5 percentage points), followed by Latinx (17.6) and only 12.0 points among Blacks. 51.2% of respondents reported vaccine safety concerns, 23.7% wanted others to get vaccinated first, and 63.1% would trust health care providers about the COVID-19 vaccine. Factors associated with hesitancy in multivariable logistic regression included being female (OR = 1.90 95%CI [1.36, 2.64]), being Black (OR = 1.68 1.16, 2.45]), calendar month (OR = 0.76 [0.63, 0.92]), safety concerns (OR = 4.28 [3.06, 5.97]), and government distrust (OR = 3.57 [2.26, 5.63]). Conclusions This study engaged the community to directly reach underserved minority populations at highest risk of COVID-19 that permitted assessment of vaccine hesitancy (which was much higher than national estimates), driven in part by distrust, and safety concerns.

Factors associated with choice of delivery with or without epidural analgesia among laboring women: a cross-sectional survey at a tertiary care hospital of a developing country

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samina Ismail ◽  
Shemila Abbasi ◽  
Sobia Khan ◽  
Abdul Monem ◽  
Gauhar Afshan
Keyword(s):  
Epidural Analgesia ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Hospital Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Natural Birth

AbstractAims:The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors responsible for epidural analgesia (EA) refusal among parturient patients.Methods:In this prospective cross-sectional study of six months, we included all consenting postpartum patients having a non-operative delivery in the obstetric unit of our hospital. Data were collected on a predesigned questionnaire and included information such as parity, education, reasons for delivering with or without EA, source of information and patient satisfaction. Knowledge regarding EA was assessed from patients delivering without EA.Results:From 933 patients enrolled, 730 (78.2%) delivered without EA, and 203 (21.7%) with EA. Only 11 (1.5%) patients refused EA for the reason of having natural birth process. Otherwise common reasons were misconceptions (65.9%) and lack of awareness about EA (20.5%); 70.5% had no knowledge of common side effects of EA. Among patients delivering with EA, 92.6% were offered EA by health care providers and had obstetricians and anesthesiologists as their sources of information.Conclusions:Patients in developing countries are laboring without EA, even in centers where there is a provision for it. The main reasons for not availing themselves of EA are lack of awareness and knowledge and misconceptions, rather than the desire to have un-medicated natural birth.

scholarly journals Risk Perception and Worries among Health Care Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from an Italian Survey

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 535
Author(s):  
Mariangela Valentina Puci ◽  
Guido Nosari ◽  
Federica Loi ◽  
Giulia Virginia Puci ◽  
Cristina Montomoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers

The ongoing pandemic scenario, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has had a considerable impact on public health all over the world. Italy was one of the most affected countries, as the first European full-blown outbreak occurred there. The exposure of the Italian health care workers to COVID-19 may be an important risk factor for psychological distress. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe worries and risk perception of being infected among Italian Health Care Workers (HCWs) during the first wave of the pandemic. In total, 2078 HCWs participated in a web survey (78.8% were females). The highest percentage of respondents were physicians (40.75%) and nurses (32.15%), followed by medical (18.00%), health care support (4.50%) and administrative (4.60%) staff. In a score range between 0 (not worried) and 4 (very worried), our results showed that participants declared that they were worried about the Coronavirus infection with a median score of 3 (IQR 2-3) and for 59.19% the risk perception of being infected was very high. In addition, HCWs reported they suffered from sleep disturbances (63.43%). From the analysis of the psychological aspect, a possible divergence emerged between the perceived need for psychological support (83.85%) and the relative lack of this service among health care providers emerged (9.38%). Our findings highlight the importance of psychological and psychiatric support services not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in other emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) scenarios. These services may be useful for health authorities and policymakers to ensure the psychological well-being of health care professionals and to promote precautionary behaviors among them.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among the General Population in Saudi Arabia during Covid-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 9183
Author(s):  
Hasan Saeed Alamri ◽  
Abdullah Algarni ◽  
Shehata F. Shehata ◽  
Ali Al Bshabshe ◽  
Nada N. Alshehri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
General Population ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on public mental health. Our objective was to assess prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among the general population in Saudi Arabia during this pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used targeting all accessible populations in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from participants using an electronic pre-structured questionnaire. Psychological impact was assessed using the Arabic version of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). A total of 1597 participants completed the survey. In total, 17.1% reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms; 10% reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms; and 12% reported moderate to severe stress levels. Depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly higher among females, younger respondents, and health care providers. Depression was higher among smokers, singles, and non-working respondents. Anxiety was higher among those reporting contacts with COVID-19 positive cases, previously quarantined and those with chronic health problems. Our findings reaffirm the importance of providing appropriate knowledge and specialized interventions to promote the mental well-being of the Saudi population, paying particular attention to high-risk groups.

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