scholarly journals Self-medication among Alexandria University students and effect of an educational intervention on their self-medication knowledge, attitudes and practices

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 1205
Author(s):  
Sara A. Hanafy ◽  
Zahira M. Gad ◽  
Mohamed D. El Bourgy ◽  
Iman H. Wahdan
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices

Background: Self-medication (SM) among university students is a growing prevalent public health concern worldwide. It is highly prevalent in developing countries. SM leads to serious consequences such as drug misuse/abuse and adverse drug reactions. The study aims to determine the prevalence of SM among university students in Alexandria, Egypt and to assess the effect of an educational intervention on their SM knowledge, attitudes and self-reported practices (KAP).Methods: The study was conducted among 400 students using a cross sectional approach followed by one group pre/post-test intervention approach. Data were collected using an interviewing questionnaire. A health education program was designed and implemented among students then KAP were reassessed using the same questionnaire.Results: The prevalence of SM was estimated to be 79.5% among Alexandria University students. About one quarter (24.5%) of students had poor level of knowledge about SM and 47.5% had positive attitude towards SM. Logistic regression analysis revealed that father's occupation as clerical, family member working as healthcare professional, medication sharing practice, and total SM knowledge score were the significant independent factors that affected SM. There were significant differences between pre and post intervention KAP scores.Conclusions: The prevalence of SM is high among university students. There is a significant effect of the intervention program on KAP about SM.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of the University Students on Malaria Prevention in Kavango East, Namibia

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Jacob ◽  
Vistolina Nuuyoma
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
University Students ◽  
Malaria Prevention ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Mosquito Net ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
East Region ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Malaria remains a public health concern in Namibia and it is endemic in many regions, including Kavango east region. University students in Kavango east region are at risk of malaria due to bushy environment and the presence of Kavango river, which makes it easy for mosquitoes to multiply. This study aimed to assess and describe knowledge, attitudes and practices of malaria prevention among university students. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, using a pretested questionnaire to collect data from 239 university students in Kavango east region. A proportionate stratified random sampling was used to sample students from the three faculties on campus. Data were analysed with a Statistical Programme of Social Sciences. The overall response rate was 75% (239) from a total of 318 respondents. Mean age was 21.4 years, respondents comprised of 155 (64.9%) females and 84 (35.1%) males. Almost all respondents (94.5%) know that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and 80% of respondents indicated that malaria is preventable. Usage of mosquito net was the most commonly known preventive measure, indicated by 224 (94%) of respondents. The vast majority of respondents 227 (95%) agreed that the appropriate method to prevent self from getting malaria is to prevent mosquito bites. Surprisingly 80 (33%) of the respondents believe that only children and pregnant women get malaria and therefore it’s only them who need preventive measures. Only 43 (18%) of the respondents always sleep under mosquito nets to prevent themselves from getting malaria. It was concluded that university students in Kavango east region have good knowledge on malaria prevention measures. Although there were some misconceptions noted, especially on the identification of population at risk of malaria, the attitudes on malaria prevention are generally satisfactory. However, the knowledge and attitudes do not reflect in the students’ practices. 

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 among university students in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 681-686
Author(s):  
Shah Faisal ◽  
Junaidi Khotib ◽  
Elida Zairina
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Government ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Area Of Study

Abstract Objectives Pakistan has taken unprecedented measures to control the spread of COVID-19. Complete lockdown followed by smart lockdown and quarantine centres was established. Their awareness and attitude towards COVID-19 had an impact on the individual behaviour of the precautionary measures. The current study examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of university students in Pakistan. Methods An online cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Pakistan. A questionnaire containing demographic and KAP information related to COVID-19 has been created. Results A total of 358 students responded to the survey, and 353 participants completed the study. Among the respondents, 61.5% were male, 76.8% were single, and 58.4% enrolled in a bachelor’s degree. The results showed that most of the respondents (68%) had good knowledge about COVID-19, while the overall knowledge score was 8.78 ± 1.63 (range 1–10). The majority of the respondents (90.9%) were aware of COVID-19, 95.8% knew the sign and symptoms, and 83% of them knew about its transmission. We found a significant difference in knowledge scores across education and area of study p<0.05. More than half (53.5%) of the respondents were satisfied with the facilities provided by the government of Pakistan. The average practices score among the students was 5.08 ± 1.312. A significant difference was found among practice score and area of study p<0.05. Conclusions Most of the students have an adequate level of knowledge and are doing better preventive measures against COVID-19. Health education initiatives are required to ensure best practice among the high-risk groups.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Causes of Self Medication among Medical Students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marziyeh Zardosht ◽  
Maryam Dastoorpoor ◽  
Farzaneh Bani Hashemi ◽  
Fatemeh Estebsari ◽  
Ensiyeh Jamshidi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Multistage Sampling ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

<p><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Self-medication is a public health concern because of drug misuse/abuse and its medical, social and psychological problems.</p><p><strong>AIM: </strong>Given the growing prevalence of self-medication, the present study aims to determine the prevalence and causes of self-medication among students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences.</p><p><strong>METHOD:</strong> This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 on 550 students who were selected through multistage sampling from Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, in southeast Iran. Data was collected through a self-report questionnaire.  Test-retest reliability and content validity of this questionnaire were confirmed. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics via t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA).<strong></strong></p><p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> The prevalence of self-medication among students was 50.2%. The most common cause of self-medication was related to students' knowledge about the diseases and medications (58.7%). The majority of drugs consumed arbitrarily included cough and cold medications (94.5%); analgesics (89.9%); antihistamines (80.0%); herbal drugs and distillates (78.9%); vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements and energizers (71.5%); antibiotics (61.8%); and gastrointestinal drugs (54.9%), respectively. The most common illness that led to self-medication was the common cold (95.4%), and the most important source of information regarding self-medication was the students’ own scientific knowledge of medical drugs (80.6%).</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Due to the adverse effects of self-medication, drug dependency, and microbial resistance and the relatively high prevalence of self-medication among students in this study, it would be advisable to organize awareness campaigns to further educate students about self-medication.</p>

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and practice of self-medication among university students in Portugal: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
pp. 145507252096501
Author(s):  
Regina Ferreira Alves ◽  
José Precioso ◽  
Elisardo Becoña
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Predictive Variables ◽  
Predicting Factors ◽  
Engineering Sciences

Aims: To describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of self-medication in college students and to analyse the predicting factors for the engagement in that behaviour. Design: This is a cross-sectional study involving students ( n = 840) from a Portuguese university, selected through stratified and proportional sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire containing, in addition to sociodemographic issues, a scale measuring knowledge about self-medication (α = .488), a scale measuring attitudes towards self-medication (α = .708) and questions about the patterns of self-medication practices (α = .445). Differences between outcomes and sociodemographics were analysed through independent t-tests and ANOVA. A generalised linear model was calculated to determine the predictive variables of self-medication. Results: Over half of the respondents ( 54.3%, n = 434) had used some form of self-medication during the preceding year. Students revealed poor knowledge about the referred practice, correctly answering 1.60 ( SD = 0.936) questions in a total of 3, and favourable attitudes towards self-medication ( M = 2.17, SD = 0.950, range 1–5). Attending engineering sciences (β = .718, 95% CI: 1.373–3.069, p < .001), being female (β = .866, 95% CI: 1.700–3.327, p < .001) and having negative attitudes towards self-medication (β = .367, 95% CI: 1.227–1.698, p < .001) predict the adoption of those practices. Conclusions: Self-medication is a common practice among university students, the level of self-medication knowledge is low and the low score of the level of attitudes revealed that students tended to have a correct positioning towards self-medication. Therefore, the recommendation to develop campaigns or educational programmes becomes obvious, in order to inform about the adverse effects of the use of non-prescribed medicine.

COVID-19 and health information seeking behavior: Digital health literacy survey amongst university students in Pakistan (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubeena Zakar ◽  
Sarosh Iqbal ◽  
Muhammad Zakria Zakar ◽  
Florian Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
University Students ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Seeking Behavior

BACKGROUND Amid to the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health literacy (DHL) has become a significant public health concern. OBJECTIVE This research aims to assess information seeking behavior, as well as the ability to find relevant information and deal with DHL among university students in Pakistan. METHODS An online-based cross-sectional survey, using a web-based interviewing technique, was conducted to collect data on DHL. Simple bivariate and multivariate linear regression was performed to assess the association of key characteristics with DHL. RESULTS The results show a high DHL related to COVID-19 in 54.3% of students. Most of the Pakistani students demonstrated ~50% DHL in all dimensions, except of reliability. Multivariate findings showed that gender, sense of coherence and importance of information were found to be significantly associated with DHL. However, a negative association was observed with students’ satisfaction with information. CONCLUSIONS This led to the conclusion that critical operational and navigations skills are essential to achieve COVID-19 DHL and cope with stress, particularly to promote both personal and community health. Focused interventions and strategies should be designed to enhance DHL amongst university students to combat the pandemic.

scholarly journals An educational intervention program on knowledge about oral hygiene measures

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-426
Author(s):  
Farzana Karim ◽  
Jahanara Begum
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Hygiene Measures

Background: Health education is a process of transmission of knowledge and skills necessary for improvement in quality of life. Objectives: The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the oral hygiene related knowledge among the population in a selected community before and after health education. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 respondents were taken purposively at South Pirerbag of Dhaka city. Baseline data were collected by pre-tested structured questionnaire. An educational intervention program was conducted by dividing the respondents into seven groups, 15 in each group; method was group discussion and lecture; poster, model of teeth and brush were the aids. Post intervention data were collected by the same questionnaire. Results: Among the respondents, 61.32% were male and 38.68% were female, mean age was 46.25 years, 35.85% had primary level education, monthly family income was Tk 5000-10000 in 66.98%. Before intervention 64.15% told that teeth should be cleaned twice daily, 62.26% told teeth should be cleaned by brush and paste and 2.83% told teeth should be cleaned after breakfast and night; whereas after intervention the result was 91.51%, 85.85% and 67.93% respectively. Before intervention 66.98% stated that tobacco is hazardous to health but 32.4% have no idea about the type of diseases that occur due to tobacco; whereas after intervention 89.62% told that tobacco is hazardous to health and most of them had idea about harmful effect of tobacco. Conclusion: Educational intervention program is effective to improve the knowledge of the respondents about oral hygiene. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.20589 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.421-426

Dietary habits and sedentary behaviors among health science university students in Bahrain

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman O. Musaiger ◽  
Muyssar S. Awadhalla ◽  
Mariam Al-Mannai ◽  
Muneera AlSawad ◽  
G.V. Asokan
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary patterns and sedentary behaviors among university students in Bahrain. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with students of the College of Health Sciences in Bahrain using a self-reported questionnaire. All the students enrolled in this college were included in this study (642 students; 90 males and 552 females). The mean age of the sample was 20.1±2.0 years. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information on the students’ breakfast intake, snacking, food frequency intake, and sedentary habits. Results: More than 50% of the students did not consume breakfast on a daily basis. A statistically significant difference (p<0.003) was found between males (19%) and females (35%) in relation to the intake of an afternoon snack. There were no significant gender differences regarding frequency of food intake, except for carbonated beverages (p<0.001) and nuts (p<0.047) consumption. Females were more likely than males to spend time watching television, use the Internet, use a mobile phone and sleep; however, the only significant difference found was for Internet use (p<0.003). Being physically active on a daily basis was more prevalent among males (41.6%) than females (16%) (p<0.001). Females (42.9%) were more prone to sleep for less time (<7 h) than males (34.4%)(p<0.08). Conclusion: The findings indicated that a high percentage of health science students in Bahrain had unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary behaviors. Thus, an intervention program to promote healthy dietary patterns and lifestyle habits among university students is highly recommended.

scholarly journals A Peer-Based Educational Intervention Effects on SARS-CoV-2 Knowledge and Attitudes among Polish High-School Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12183
Author(s):  
Maria Ganczak ◽  
Oskar Pasek ◽  
Łukasz Duda-Duma ◽  
Julia Komorzycka ◽  
Karol Nowak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
School Students ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Serious Disease

To support high school students to develop knowledge they need to adhere to control measures during the pandemic, a peer-based educational intervention on SARS-CoV-2 was developed and its impact was evaluated. Multistage random sampling was used. The 50 min peer-based intervention was conducted by final year medical students. Baseline and post-intervention knowledge and attitudes were assessed. Significance was tested by McNemar’s/Wilcoxon rank tests. Of 518 participants (mean age 17.8 years ± 0.43), 81.0% did not receive any school-based education on SARS-CoV-2. After intervention, the knowledge score improved from 65.2% to 81.6%, attitudes from 63.2% to 70.8% (both p < 0.0001). The effect size after the intervention compared to pre-intervention showed moderate improvement of knowledge, but not attitudes (d = 0.46 and d = 0.18, respectively). Pre- and post-intervention, females, students in non-science programs, living in cities < 250,000 inhabitants had lower knowledge, while fewer males, non-science program students, living in smaller cities presented positive attitudes. Before intervention, 67.0% students correctly named SARS-CoV-2 preventive methods and 73.6% were concerned COVID-19 is a serious disease; these improved after intervention (to 80.1% and 86.3%; p < 0.0001). The intervention was not very successful in increasing the intent to vaccinate for COVID-19 (pre-intervention 52.9%, post-intervention 56.4%; p < 0.007). Peer-based teaching for high school students can be effective in increasing SARS-CoV-2 knowledge and awareness. More efforts are needed to improve attitudes and enhance acceptance of vaccination against COVID-19.

scholarly journals Effect of antenatal education on knowledge and utilization of facility-based delivery services among pregnant women in two health institutions in Alimosho, Lagos state

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 3457
Author(s):  
Orji Urenna Okafor ◽  
Ademuyiwa Iyabo Yewande
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Intervention Package ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Antenatal Education ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Delivery Services

Background: Facility-based delivery care is an essential component of maternity care. Overtime, its under-utilization despite improvement in antenatal attendance has become a public health concern in Nigeria. To assess the effect of antenatal education on the knowledge and utilization of facility-based delivery services among pregnant women in primary health facilities in Alimosho, Lagos.Methods: Quasi-experimental design of 2 groups pre- and post-intervention was adopted and through multi-staged sampling techniques, 128 participants were selected but 117 completed the study. Self-developed structured questionnaire with reliability index of 0.76 was used for data collection. The intervention package was antenatal education package on benefits and components of delivery services. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 statistical package.Results: The mean age of participants in control and experimental groups was 32.3±9.60 and 34.7±8.21 years respectively. Findings revealed moderate knowledge mean score (control- 54.97±10.52; experimental-52.14±11.09) and low pre-intervention utilization mean score (control 13.33±3.41; experimental-13.17±4.21). Findings also showed significant improvement on post-intervention mean knowledge score of 52.14±11.09 versus 104.75±5.56 and a significant difference in post-intervention utilization (p=0.000) and follow-up (p=0.013) on the experimental group.Conclusions: The study concluded that the antenatal education programme had positive effect on the pregnant women’s knowledge and utilization of health facility delivery services, therefore, there is need to strengthen and intensify antenatal education at all levels of healthcare using appropriate teaching techniques.

scholarly journals Public Perceptions and Attitudes of Bangladeshi Population towards Thalassemia Prevention: A Nationwide Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur-E- Alam ◽  
Md Shariful Islam ◽  
Umme Suriea ◽  
Ramisa Binti Mohiuddin ◽  
Md. Muzahidul Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Premarital Screening ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Bangladeshi Population

Abstract Background: Thalassemia is one of the most common life-threatening yet preventable congenital hemoglobin disorders especially in South Asian regions like Bangladesh. It has become a rising public health concern for Bangladesh as 6-12% of the population are carriers and many of them are unaware of it. The purpose of the study is to inspect the knowledge and attitude towards thalassemia among the general people of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in eight administrative regions of Bangladesh between January and October of 2020. A self-administrative close-ended questionnaire was designed to collect information about thalassemia and socio-demographic characteristics. Pearson’s chi-square (χ2) test and One-way ANOVA were performed to assess the association between the demographic variables with knowledge and practice regarding thalassemia. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.Results: Of the 1623 participants, only 44.7% (726/1623) had heard of thalassemia. The mean knowledge of thalassemia was scored 4.75 ± 2.05 out of a total possible score of 10. Half of the participants had no idea that thalassemia was not a transfusion transmitted disease. About 73.1% knew that blood tests are a diagnosis process to determine thalassemia. The urban residing participants had the highest (5.10 ± 1.99) and participants with primary education had the lowest (3.38 ± 1.37) mean score of knowledge. Participants' knowledge score varied significantly by marital status, living pace, literacy and occupation (p< 0.05). However, about 68.2% and 85.5% of the participants showed a positive attitude towards premarital screening of themselves or their family members and donating blood to thalassemia patients, respectively. Conclusion: The study shows that there is a need to disseminate the information on thalassemia since the knowledge gap is huge among people. These findings will assist the implementation of significant steps such as educational programs, health counseling, premarital screening, campaigning, etc. to increase the awareness of thalassemia.

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