scholarly journals Awareness, perceived risk and protective behaviours of Myanmar adults on COVID-19

Author(s):  
Kyaw S. Mya ◽  
Aye S. M. ◽  
Win A. Hlaing ◽  
Su S. Hlaing ◽  
Thida Aung ◽  
...  

Background: COVID-19 was originated from Wuhan city, China in December 2019 and spread very fast to all over the world. This study was carried out to assess the awareness, perceived risk and protective behaviours of Myanmar adults on COVID-19.Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted using face to face interview method among 597 adults from Yangon and Bago regions. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to determine the factors influencing on practicing protective behaviours and the results were described by adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: Almost all, 584 (98%) of 597 respondents, have heard about COVID-19. Among those 584 respondents, 87% had low knowledge level. Risk perception level towards COVID-19 was moderate to high. Regarding perception to information in social media, about 36% of the respondents agreed on sharing news from social media without verifying the sources. Only 22% reported good protective behaviours. Multivariable analysis revealed that knowledge score (aOR=1.19, 95% CI- 1.08-1.30) was significantly and positively influenced the protective behaviours. The odds of protective behaviour of participants from Ayeyarwaddy (aOR=0.41, 95% CI- 0.19-0.91) and other states and regions (aOR=0.49, 95% CI- 0.24-0.99) were significantly less than those of participants from Yangon.Conclusions: The study concluded that community has no enough knowledge and inadequate protective behaviours to prevent COVID-19. The awareness raising activities and mass media health education should urgently be conducted focusing on hand washing, cough etiquette, social distancing behaviours and responsibility to inform suspected cases to local health authority to prevent COVID-19. Further research using nationally represented sample are warranted.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thinley Dorji ◽  
Saran Tenzin Tamang ◽  
TVSVGK Tilak

Background: Bhutan lacks a medical school and all their medical students are trained outside in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India. When the COVID-19 pandemic let to closure of medical schools in these countries, the Bhutanese medical students were repatriated in March-April 2020. Upon return, they were kept in government-sponsored facility quarantine for 21 days. This study assessed their knowledge on COVID-19 as a part of self-learning and attitude as part of preparedness towards participation in government's health response to COVID-19. Method: This was a cross-sectional study among medical students who had returned to the country. This survey was conducted through an online questionnaire while the students were in 21-day facility quarantine. The sample size calculated was 129 and a convenient sampling was used. Knowledge was assessed using 20 questions, each scored 1/20. Cumulative score of score of >=80% was categorized as "good knowledge", score of >=60-79% was considered "satisfactory knowledge", and score <60% was considered "poor knowledge." Correlation between knowledge score and duration of clinical clerkship was tested using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Attitude of students towards their willingness to participate in the national COVID-19 response were tested using rating scales. Data were analysed using Stata 13.1. Results: 120 medical students responded to this survey (response rate = 93%). Eighty-eight (74%) had good knowledge, 28 (23%) had satisfactory knowledge and only four (3%) had poor knowledge on COVID-19. The students scored high on the symptomatology, mode of transmission, prevention and treatment options and on local epidemiology; and scored low on the forms of mechanical ventilations and on the home-management of non-critical cases. The knowledge score correlated with duration of clinical clerkship (r = 0.326, p = 0.001). The primary source of information were social media sites (102, 85%), television (94, 78%) and newspapers (76, 63%). The majority (78, 65%) were willing to participate in the government's COVID-19 response but could not identify what roles they could play. The fear of contracting COVID-19 was reported in only in 8.7%. Conclusions: The medical students had good knowledge on COVID-19 and were self-learned through social media, television and newspapers. The students held positive attitude towards participation in the government's COVID-19 response.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 140-149
Author(s):  
Zahra Sharifi-Heris ◽  
Sedigheh Moghasemi ◽  
Mark Ghamsary ◽  
Saba Moodi ◽  
Zainab Ghprbani ◽  
...  

Background Pregnant women are a high-risk population for mental health effects during a pandemic. Objective This study aims to examine the association of perceived risk toward COVID-19 viral infection acquisition and maternal mental distress. Methods In a cross-sectional study, a total of 392 pregnant women were recruited. Data gathered using the perceived stress scale, State-Trait anxiety inventory, Beck depression inventory, and protective behaviour were assessed. Linear regression analysis was applied in both unadjusted and adjusted models to assess the association between the exposure and outcome variables. Results In all five unadjusted and adjusted models, the perceived risk of COVID-19 acquisition remained a highly significant predictor for stress, anxiety factor 1 and 2, depression, and protective behaviours (P<0.001). Conclusion COVID-19 may be an important additional stress source for pregnant women.


Author(s):  
Beatrice Letizia Crippa ◽  
Alessandra Consales ◽  
Daniela Morniroli ◽  
Flavia Lunetto ◽  
Maria Enrica Bettinelli ◽  
...  

AbstractFathers are known to impact breastfeeding outcomes. We aimed to explore paternal knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding, and possible association with breastfeeding rates at discharge. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 200 fathers of healthy term neonates. At discharge, fathers were asked to rate their degree of agreement to 12 items on a 5-point Likert scale. A total score was obtained from their answers. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to verify if the total score was predictive of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model was then used to adjust for possible confounders. ROC analysis was performed, and a Youden’s total score cut-off value was determined to define total score’s performance in predicting exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. Fathers showed a solid knowledge of maternal (87%) and neonatal (98%) benefits of breastfeeding, skin-to-skin (99.5%), rooming-in (79%), and responsive feeding (67.5%); conversely, only 51% knew about the recommended use of pacifiers. Fathers felt personally involved in babies’ feeding in 79% of cases. An association was found between total score and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge at univariate (OR: 1.07, p = 0.04) but not at multivariable analysis (OR: 1.07, p = 0.067). ROC analysis was not statistically significant (AUC 0.58, p = 0.083).Conclusion: By using a novel instrument aimed at quantifying fathers’ knowledge and overall attitude toward breastfeeding, this study underlines the importance of including fathers in the promotion of breastfeeding. Expanding the classic mother-baby dyad to a more modern mother-father-baby triad may impact breastfeeding outcomes at discharge. What is known:• Social support plays a major role in improving breastfeeding outcomes.• Fathers may greatly influence initiation and duration of breastfeeding; the more they know, the more helpful they can be.What is new:• A multidisciplinary team created a structured questionnaire aimed at quantifying fathers’ knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding.• The association between a higher questionnaire total score and exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge highlights the importance of including fathers in the promotion of breastfeeding, as part of the breastfeeding team.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
Azlini Ismail ◽  
Nur Hanisah Ismail ◽  
Nur Yasrin Maisarah Abu Kassim ◽  
Widya Lestari ◽  
Ahmad Faisal Ismail ◽  
...  

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has affected dental education in Malaysia. However, studies on dental students’ knowledge, perception, and behaviors with regards to COVID-19 are very limited. Thus, this study aims to determine the knowledge status, perceived risk, and preventive behaviors of dental students in Malaysia regarding COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students from 13 dental schools across Malaysia using online questionnaires. Results: From 355 respondents, 93.5% obtained a high score of knowledge of COVID-19. Female respondents scored higher than males in perceived risks and preventive behaviors. Chinese respondents scored highest in knowledge, while Malay respondents had the highest perceived risk score. The mean preventive behavior score did not vary across ethnicity. On-campus students scored higher in knowledge and perceived risk whereas off-campus students practiced more preventive behaviors. Clinical students’ knowledge score was higher than preclinical students. Final year students scored higher in knowledge and perceived risk compared to their juniors. Conclusion: The majority of dental students have good knowledge and a high perceived risk of COVID-19, and they practiced most of the preventive behaviors. However, the latest information on this disease should be incorporated into dental schools’ curriculums and updated periodically.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Di Martino ◽  
P Di Giovanni ◽  
F Cedrone ◽  
M D'Addezio ◽  
A Di Girolamo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In Italy, the loss of confidence in vaccines has resulted in low vaccination coverage also among healthcare workers (HCWs). Low vaccination coverage among HCWs may lead to dangerous outbreaks and may increase absenteeism. The aim of this study was to investigate vaccine coverage and the attitudes toward vaccination among HCWs. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from August to November 2019 among HCWs referring to all the hospitals of the Local Health Authority 02 of Abruzzo Region, Italy. The survey was based on the questionnaire proposed by the H-ProImmune Project, aiming at investigating vaccination coverage and beliefs towards vaccination. Besides a descriptive analysis of the results, a logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between vaccine coverage and type of occupation (medical doctor, nurse, obstetric nurse, other). Results A total of 347 HCWs were enrolled in the study. The 57.3% reported to have missed diphtheritis-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccination, the 50.1% reported to have missed measles-mumps-rubella (MPR) vaccination, and the 62.5% reported to have missed flu vaccination. In comparison with medical doctors, obstetric nurses were more likely to be associated to MPR vaccination (OR 2.8;95%CI 1.1-7.6; p = 0.047). As far as flu vaccination was concerned, both nurses and obstetric nurses showed lower confidence (respectively OR 0.2; 95%CI 0.1-0.3; p &lt; 0.001 and OR 0.1; 95%CI 0.1-0.5; p = 0.003). Moreover, other healthcare professionals reported to believe in natural immunization more than in vaccination (26.5%; p &lt; 0.001) and they were also worried about long-term effects of vaccination (10.2%; p = 0.044). Differently, nurses were more frequently worried about vaccine side effects (24%; p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions This survey shows that the vaccination coverage taken into consideration results to be below the 95% threshold. Training on vaccine and mandatory measures may be necessary in order to achieve better coverage. Key messages Among HCW all vaccination coverage considered resulted below the threshold. Training on vaccine and mandatory measures may be needed in order to achieve better coverage.


2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (06) ◽  
pp. 822-826
Author(s):  
MUHAMMAD LAIQ UZ ZAMAN KHAN ◽  
MASOOD JAWAID ◽  
KAMRAN HAFEEZ ◽  
Ubedullah Shaikh

Introduction: Blood born infection is also one of the medical profession hazard which is added due to virus transmission byneedles and medical instruments and Hepatitis and HIV viruses are leading viruses in this hazard. Medical students who are activelyparticipating in clinical practices and due to contact with patients, face exposure of patient’s needles, instruments, and blood and this exposurestarts in clinical posting of third year when their clinical knowledge and professional skills are in early phases. Objective: To assess andevaluate the existing level of knowledge about these blood born infections (Hepatitis B, C and AIDS) to ensure their participation in clinicalactivities during their clinical posting. Design: An observational cross sectional study with prospective data. Setting: Dow InternationalMedical College. Period: from 2010 to 2011. Methodology: This is an observational cross sectional study with prospective data, done through aquestionnaire survey on third year MBBS students. Results: 47% of the students have fear about to be infected by patient’s examination duringclinical posting and majority of students have misconceptions about transmission of these infections. Students have more knowledge aboutHIV compare to hepatitis but there is no relation in knowledge score and student’s fear as shown by p value of 0.3 and 0.73 for HBV and HIV butfor HCV (p= 0.035) during this study. Conclusions: Up to half of the students have fear to be infected by these infections during patient’sexamination and this perceived risk of infection is due to lack of knowledge and these misconceptions and attitude to these patients are thesources to make them reluctant in active participation of clinical activities directly related to patient.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tosin Philip Oyetunji ◽  
Oyelakin ◽  
Olusegun Ayomikun Ogunmola ◽  
Olorunyomi Felix Olorunsogbon ◽  
Foluso O. Ajayi

Abstract Background: Pandemics such as the current COVID-19 pandemic are often associated with heightened fears and significant adjustments in health behaviours. Aim: This study was aimed to assess perceived risk, anxiety and protective health behaviours of the general public during the early phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in NigeriaMethods: A cross-sectional study among 1197 respondents aged 18 years and above between April 27th to May 16th, 2020. Result: More than half (61.9%) of the respondents have high risk perception towards COVID-19. Using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, high anxiety level was found in 37.2% of the study respondents. Male gender (OR=1.38,CI=1.09-1.74), being employed (OR=1.53,CI = 1.21- 1.95) and high risk perception (OR=1.33, CI = 1.05-1.69) were positively associated with observance of more than one protective measure against COVID-19. Having not more than 12 years of education (OR=0.51, CI=0.32-0.81) was negatively associated with observance of more than one protective behaviour. High risk perception (OR=1.82; CI=1.42-2.34), having not more than 12 years of education (OR=1.73; CI= 1.13-2.64), and being employed (OR =1.29; CI=1.01-1.64) were positively associated with anxiety. Being aged 25-34 years (OR=0.34; CI =0.12-0.94) and being aged 35-54 years (OR=0.30; CI=0.10-0.85) were found to be protective against developing COVID-19- related anxiety.Conclusions: This study showed that risk perception has influence on both anxiety and observance of protective behaviours. Being a novel experience, this research has implications to support current and future response to a pandemic experience.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S97-S104
Author(s):  
Saqib Ali ◽  
Beenish Fatima Alam ◽  
Faraz Farooqi ◽  
Khalid Almas ◽  
Sara Noreen

Abstract Objective The aims of this study were to investigate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of Pakistani medical and dental undergraduate students toward COVID-19 during the surge of its outbreak. Materials and Methods The multicentered, cross-sectional study was carried out nationwide among undergraduate medical and dental students. A convenience sampling technique was used. A self-developed online questionnaire was pretested to be completed by the participants. It was distributed using social media. The survey was comprised of questions related to demographics, health status, general hygiene perception, understanding, and the learning attitudes of the students. Comparisons of the knowledge scores and the attitude responses with the demographic information were done using the independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Chi-square, as appropriate. Results Of the 937 total respondents, 353 (38%) were males and 582 (62%) were females; two students did not mark their gender. Of these, 680 (73%) were dental students and 257 (27%) were medical students. The mean knowledge score of the female dental students (5.15 ± 1.08) was significantly higher than that of the male students (4.87 ± 1.09). Overall, the mean knowledge score was statistically higher among the medical students in comparison to the dental students (5.21 ± 1.15, 5.05 ± 1.09; p = 0.054), respectively. Conclusion The medical and dental students were both aware of the importance of the use of a mask. The medical students had a greater awareness regarding the mode of transmission, symptoms, and origin of COVID-19. However, the dental students showed better understanding of the use of surgical masks and the correct protocol for hand washing. Social media was considered the main source for COVID-19 related information.


Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Di Martino ◽  
Pamela Di Giovanni ◽  
Arturo Di Girolamo ◽  
Piera Scampoli ◽  
Fabrizio Cedrone ◽  
...  

Background: In Italy, the loss of confidence towards vaccination resulted in low vaccine coverage, also among healthcare workers (HCWs). Indeed, low vaccination coverage among HCWs can lead to dangerous outbreaks of disease, reduce productivity, and increase absenteeism. The aim of this study was to investigate the vaccine coverage and attitudes toward vaccination among HCWs. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs referred to all hospitals of the Local Health Authority 02 of Abruzzo Region, Italy. The survey was based on the questionnaire proposed by the H-ProImmune Project. Results: A total of 347 HCWs were enrolled in the study. Of these, 57.3% reported missing diphtheritis-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccination, 50.1% reported missing measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination, and 62.5% reported missing flu vaccination. Regarding attitudes, other healthcare professionals reported to believe more in natural immunization compared to vaccination (26.5%; p < 0.001), and they were worried about long-term effects of vaccination (10.2%; p = 0.044). Conclusions: This survey showed all vaccination coverage considered resulted below the 95% threshold. Training on vaccination and mandatory measures may be needed in order to achieve better coverage.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emad Aborajooh ◽  
Mohammed Qussay Al-Sabbagh ◽  
Baraa Mafrachi ◽  
Muhammad Yassin ◽  
Rami Dwairi ◽  
...  

UNSTRUCTURED We aimed to measure levels of knowledge, awareness, and stress about COVID-19 among health care providers (HCP) in Jordan. This was a cross-sectional study on 397 HCPs that utilized an internet-based questionnaire to evaluate knowledge about COVID-19, availability of personal protective equipment (PEE), future perception, and psychological distress. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with knowledge and psychological stress. Overall, 24.4% and 21.2% of the participants showed excellent knowledge and poor knowledge, respectively. Social media (61.7%) was the most commonly used source of information. Being female (β= 0.521, 95% CI 0.049 to 0.992), physician (β=1.421, 95% CI 0.849 to 1.992), or using literature to gain knowledge (β= 1.161, 95% CI 0.657 to 1.664) were positive predictors of higher knowledge. While having higher stress (β= -0.854, 95% CI -1.488 to -0.221) and using social media (β= -0.434, 95% CI -0.865 to -0.003) or conventional media (β= -0.884, 95% CI -1.358 to -0.409) for information were negative predictors of knowledge levels. HCPs are advised to use the literature as a source of information about the virus, its transmission, and the best practice. PPEs should be secured for HCPs to the psychological stress associated with treating COVID-19 patients.


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