scholarly journals ATTITUDE TOWARDS INFLUENZA VACCINE AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION OF LATVIA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 333-341
Author(s):  
Denija Dzirne ◽  
Zanda Boginska ◽  
Gunars Strods
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
General Population ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Influenza Infection ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
High Risk Patient ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Annual influenza epidemics are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly and in those with underlying diseases. During the global COVID-19 pandemic WHO and CDC have emphasized the importance of reducing risk of influenza virus spread and protecting high risk patient groups from complications caused by the influenza virus. Influenza vaccine may also reduce the burden on healthcare systems while we wait for a COVID-19 vaccine. Although the influenza vaccine has been around for a while, there are still many who question the efficiency, safety and usefulness of it. The article aims to study the attitude of the Latvian adult population towards influenza vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: a quantitative, cross-sectional study based on an anonymous online survey consisting of 12 questions. Data was analysed by using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Results: major part of the respondents do not support influenza vaccine, but almost a half support the vaccination or have changed their attitude towards it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data shows lack of knowledge about influenza infection, influenza vaccine and vaccine side effects, therefore further educational campaigns should be developed for the general population.  

scholarly journals Guidelines for Physical Activity—A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Their Application in the General Population. Have We Achieved Our Goal?

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3980
Author(s):  
Stefano Palermi ◽  
Anna Maria Sacco ◽  
Immacolata Belviso ◽  
Veronica Romano ◽  
Pietro Montesano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Practical Applications

National and international healthcare organizations propose guidelines for physical activity worldwide, defining its characteristics. These guidelines’ practical applications are difficult to estimate, since they are not fully followed. The aim of the present cross-sectional observational study was to assess awareness about guidelines for physical activity and to evaluate their practical applications in a sample of the Italian population. In total, 310 participants completed an online survey (mean age 29.10 ± 4.44), assessing the habits, beliefs and health effects of physical activity. In total, 39.35% of respondents were inactive. In total, 6.91% of active respondents did not perform a warm-up phase at the beginning of each training session and 77.14% did not check their own heart rate during the training session. Approximately half of respondents reported erroneous beliefs about the type, frequency and volume of physical activity, compared to data proposed by the guidelines. The preventive effect of physical activity was clearly perceived for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and depression. Several subjects misinterpreted the preventive role of physical activity in colon and breast cancers, and in femur and vertebral fractures. Habits and beliefs about physical activity in the general population are far from the guidelines and recommendations. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the conscious practice of physical activity further.

scholarly journals Relationship between Quality of Nursing Work Life and Uniformed Nurses’ Attitudes and Practices Related to COVID-19 in the Philippines: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 9953
Author(s):  
Juneffer Villamen Navales ◽  
Amadou Wurry Jallow ◽  
Chien Yu Lai ◽  
Chieh Yu Liu ◽  
Shu Wen Chen
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Quality Of Nursing

(1) Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly worldwide. Uniformed nurses have played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines; however, uptake of literature is limited. This study assessed the relationship between quality of nursing work life (QNWL) and nurses’ attitudes and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Participants were recruited from four government hospitals in the Manila metropolitan area of the Philippines. Participants completed three questionnaires in an online survey: a demographic questionnaire, a QNWL questionnaire, and the attitude and practices toward COVID-19 questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, a one-way analysis of variance, the Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical linear regression were applied for data analysis. (3) Results: The mean age of the participants was 29 years. Most of the participants were single women who were not certified in their specialties. A total of QNWL scores were high, indicating that the participants displayed favorable attitudes and practices in relation to COVID-19. A statistically significant relationship was observed between QNWL, specialty certification, and practices related to COVID-19. Practices related to COVID-19 were a significant predictor of QNWL and one of its subscales, work design. (4) Conclusion: Young adult uniformed nurses in the Philippines have assumed numerous responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing these frontline nurses with comprehensive specialized education and training is crucial.

scholarly journals An Online Survey: Assessing Anxiety Level among General Population during the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic in Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (T1) ◽  
pp. 451-458
Author(s):  
Kholisotul Hikmah ◽  
Lucky Prisandy ◽  
Gea Melinda ◽  
M. Ibraar Ayatullah
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
General Population ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety Level ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND: Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous country, is grappling with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) catastrophe as cases continue to rise. This situation induces uncertainties and changes in daily life, leading to uneasiness among the population, which may trigger anxiety symptoms. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the anxiety level among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 267 adults from June 10, 2020, to June 15, 2020, the transition phase week after Large-scale Social Restriction of Indonesia. The survey was conducted online using a Google Form distributed through social media (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter). Respondents over 18 years old, who agreed to participate in this study, were asked to complete the questionnaire by clicking the link. The anxiety level was measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. RESULTS: The results of this study showed a significant correlation between age (p = 0.010), education (p = 0.039), personal income (p = 0.034), media exposure (p < 0.01), physical activity (p < 0.01), and anxiety diagnosis (p < 0.01) with the anxiety level among general people. However, ordinal logistics regression revealed that only respondents living in the city (odds ratio [OR] = 2.476) and people with clinician-anxiety diagnosis (OR = 5.116) were more likely to experience anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. CONCLUSION: According to the obtained results, age, education level, average income per month, media exposure, physical activity, and anxiety diagnosis correlated with anxiety incidence, whereas risk factors of anxiety included current residence and anxiety diagnosis.

scholarly journals Mental Health Status of Adults with Cardiovascular or Metabolic Diseases by Gender

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 514
Author(s):  
Yeunhee Kwak ◽  
Yoonjung Kim ◽  
Soo Jin Kwon ◽  
Haekyung Chung
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
General Population ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Health Improvement ◽  
Cross Sectional

This study aimed to compare mental health in people with cardiovascular or metabolic diseases and the general adult population in each gender. Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases affect mental health, and the prognosis and incidence rates of these diseases differ by age. To date, studies comparing mental health in adults with cardiovascular or metabolic diseases by gender and with the general population have been insufficient. This work is a cross-sectional study. Data from 9828 men and 13,389 women aged 19 years or older from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V and VI (2010–2013) were used. Men and women with cardiovascular diseases showed high risks of stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. Men with metabolic diseases had worse mental health in relation to depression and suicidal ideation, and women with metabolic diseases in relation to stress and depression, indicating a need for intervention and management of mental health by gender for these individuals. There is a need to develop a clear perception and understanding, both among practitioners and the general population, of mental health issues associated with having cardiovascular or metabolic diseases. Active, specific health improvement and training programmes considering gender differences are necessary.

scholarly journals Intake of vitamin B12 and other characteristics of women of reproductive age on a vegan diet in Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Amanda J. Benham ◽  
Danielle Gallegos ◽  
Katherine L. Hanna ◽  
Mary T. Hannan-Jones
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Participant Characteristics

Abstract Objective: (i) to examine demographic and health characteristics of women of reproductive age on a vegan diet in Australia and compare these to the general population, (ii) to identify sources and intake of vitamin B12, and compare intake to current recommendations (iii) examine associations between participant characteristics and adequacy of vitamin B12 intake. Design: In this cross-sectional study data was collected via an online survey. Demographic and health characteristics of women on a vegan diet were compared to women in the general population (using Australian Bureau of Statistics data). Intake of vitamin B12 was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire and estimation of supplemental intake. Setting: Australia. Participants: Participants (n1530) were women 18-44 years who had been on a vegan diet for at least six months. Results: While Body Mass Index, smoking habits and intakes of fruit and vegetables compared favourably to the general population, 26% of respondents had estimated intakes of vitamin B12 below recommendations. Analyses of relationships between vitamin B12 intake and participant characteristics revealed that the strongest predictor of intake was supplementation (p<0.001), however, 25% had not supplemented with vitamin B12 in the past three months. Conclusions: The vitamin B12 intakes of a substantial proportion of Australian women of reproductive age consuming a vegan diet do not meet the recommended intake, which could adversely affect their health, and, if they are pregnant or lactating, that of their infants too. There is a need for further research in this area to identify effective strategies to address this situation.

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the adult population in Bangladesh: A nationwide cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan Al Banna ◽  
Abu Sayeed ◽  
Satyajit Kundu ◽  
Enryka Christopher ◽  
M Tasdik Hasan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regressions ◽  
Economy And Education ◽  
The Impact

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has imposed threats on both physical andmental health since its outbreak. This study aimed to explore the impactof the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among a representativesample of home-quarantined Bangladeshi adults. A cross-sectional designwas used with an online survey completed by a convenience samplerecruited via social media. A total of 1,427 respondents were recruited,and their mental health was assessed by the DASS-21 measure. Theprevalence of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms was 33.7%and 57.9%, respectively, and 59.7% reported mild to extremely severelevels of stress. Perceptions that the pandemic disrupted life events,affected mental health, jobs, the economy and education, predictions ofa worsening situation, and uncertainty of the health care system capacitieswere significantly associated with poor mental health outcomes.Multivariate logistic regressions showed that sociodemographic factorsand perceptions of COVID-19 significantly predict mental health outcomes.These findings warrant the consideration of easily accessible lowintensitymental health interventions during and beyond this pandemic.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional assessment of predictors for COVID-19 vaccine uptake: an online survey in Greece

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petros A Galanis ◽  
Irene Vraka ◽  
Olga Siskou ◽  
Olympia Konstantakopoulou ◽  
Aglaia Katsiroumpa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccination Rate ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Education

Background: A high level of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the general population is essential to control the pandemic. Objective: To estimate the percentage of the general population vaccinated against the COVID-19 and to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional study in Greece during August 2021. We included individuals over 18 years of age. Independent variables included socio-demographic data of the participants and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and pandemic. Our outcome variable was COVID-19 vaccination status, measured through yes/no answers. Results: Most participants had been vaccinated against the COVID-19 (87.8%), while about half had been vaccinated against influenza (52.5%). Multivariate analysis identified that increased age and a higher level of education were associated with an increased likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination. Also, participants working in health services, participants without a previous COVID-19 diagnosis, and those with previous seasonal influenza vaccination history had a greater probability to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, increased self-perceived severity of COVID-19, knowledge regarding COVID-19, and trust in COVID-19 vaccines and scientists were associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. On the other hand, the likelihood of vaccination was lower for participants who were more concerned about the side effects of COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions: Understanding the factors affecting individuals decision to take a COVID-19 vaccine is essential to improve the COVID-19 vaccination coverage rate. Policymakers and scientists should scale up their efforts to increase the COVID-19 vaccination rate among specific population groups such as young people, people with a low level of education, people with negative attitudes towards vaccination, etc.

scholarly journals Seasonal trends of Influenza in Islamabad, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 318-322
Author(s):  
Sania Raza ◽  
Muhammad Usman ◽  
Imran Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Influenza Infection ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Peak Activity ◽  
Pathology Laboratory ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Set Up

Background: Viral outbreaks have always been a challenging task for clinicians and Influenza virus has been on top of the list. The history of influenza epidemic reveals its devastating effects in the form of multiple deaths and economic burden. Hence this study was planned to recognize the peak activity time span of Influenza infection and its frequency in our set-up at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was performed in Pathology Laboratory, Shifa international hospital Islamabad from April 2016 to March 2019. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from patients of all age groups, with clinically suspected influenza infection throughout the year, irrespective of gender, according to hospital’s standard policy. Samples were analysed on GeneXpert kit (Xpert Flu Assay). Data collected was entered and then analysed in SPSS version 17. Results: Of the total 591 samples included in study, 233 (39.4%) were positive for influenza (Flu A or Flu B), while 358 (60.6%) showed negative results. Total 172 (73.8%) were positive for Flu A while 61 (26.1%) were positive for Flu B. Among Flu A cases, 107 (62.2%) were positive for H1N1. Most of the positive cases (n=206; 88.4%) were reported in the months of January and February during the three-year period (2016-2019) of this study. Conclusions: Influenza virus has peak activity in the months of January and February. Both Influenza A and B are circulating in the environment but Flu A is predominant and H1N1 is more prevalent.

scholarly journals The Effect of Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on Digital Eye Strain Symptoms Among the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Abusamak ◽  
Hatim Jaber ◽  
Hamzeh Mohammad Alrawashdeh
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
Eye Problems ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Eye Symptoms

Abstract Purpose: the study examined the effect of prolonged lockdown on the development and increased severity of digital eye strain (DES) symptoms among the general population. Methods: An online survey was conducted in March 2020 on social media platforms in Jordan. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to demographic characteristics, past medical and ocular history, frequency of using digital devices before and during lockdown, and the emergence and severity of DES symptoms.Results: Data from 1,460 responders were analyzed. About half of the respondents were between 30- 49 years, 28.4 % were retired, 21% had chronic systemic illness, and 23% reported chronic eye problems. A rise in the use of digital devices during lockdown was reported by 957 participants, with 33% of them used digital devices more than 4 hours a day. The most common symptoms before and during lockdown were neck and shoulder pain, which revealed the most significant association (X2 201.61, p 0.000). Female gender, existence of chronic eye problems and systemic diseases, and duration of using digital devices were found to be statistically significant factors associated with increasing severity of eye symptoms during lockdown. Regarding developing new eye complaints during the lockdown, only taking regular breaks was not significant (p 0.336). People with chronic eye problems and increased time using devices during lockdown developed new eye complaints three times more than before the lockdown and males were two times more likely than females to have more severe eye symptoms.Conclusion: The majority of the population developed new DES symptoms due to the lockdown. Public awareness of healthy practices and ergonomic use of digital devices is recommended.

scholarly journals Mental health consequences during alerting situations and recovering to a new normal of coronavirus epidemic in 2019: a cross-sectional study based on the affected population

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Zhang ◽  
Rujun Zheng ◽  
Yan Fu ◽  
Qianqian Mu ◽  
Junying Li
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Death Anxiety ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Traumatic Experience ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Targeted Interventions

Abstract Background As a major virus outbreak in the twenty-first century, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented hazards to mental health globally. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study based on the results of an online survey. The survey was conducted 1 month after the outbreak (February 18–29, 2020) and repeated at the time of resuming activity (April 8–14, 2020). The 15-item Death Anxiety Scale (T-DAS) was used to assess the degree of death anxiety, and the Chinese version of PTSD checklist-civilian version (PCL-C), for PTSD symptom clusters. Through convenient sampling, a total of 7678 cases were collected. Results Our findings showed that even after the lockdown was lifted, the prevalence of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and death anxiety remained significantly high in the general population affected by the outbreak. Regression model analysis showed that PTSD was significantly associated with age > 50 years, contact history/living community, poor health status of participants, past traumatic experience (PTE), and medical occupation. Moreover, death anxiety mediated the relationship between life-threatening PTE and PTSD, indicating that reducing death anxiety could buffer the negative effects of PTE on PTSD. Conclusions Despite the lifting of the lockdown, long-term adverse psychological effects remain in the affected general population. The management of mental health after major public health events is important, and high-risk groups such as the elderly and healthcare workers should receive targeted interventions. In addition, the study suggests that methods for alleviating death anxiety must be included in plans to manage the psychological impact of public health emergencies.

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