scholarly journals Knowledge and perceptions towards candidate COVID-19 vaccines among practicing physicians of Tamil Nadu: a cross-sectional pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 4432
Author(s):  
K. R. S. Sivapriya ◽  
A. Keerthana ◽  
Balaji Arumugam ◽  
R. Nivetha
Keyword(s):  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Professional Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Engagement Strategies ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
The World ◽  
Speed Up ◽  
Practicing Physicians

Background: The world is in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic and WHO is working in collaboration with scientists, business and global health organizations to speed up the pandemic response and they are racing to find a vaccine. COVAX the largest and most diverse COVID-19 vaccine portfolio in the world launched by WHO. There are currently over 189 COVID-19 vaccine candidates under development, with 40 of these in the human trial phase. This study was done to assess the knowledge and perceptions towards candidate COVID-19 vaccines among practicing physicians.Methods: A cross-sectional study were done among 129 practicing physicians using a semi-structured, validated, questionnaire through online Google forms after obtaining the informed consent. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results: The study was done among 129 practicing physicians of which 65 (50.4%) were males and 64 (49.6%) were females and majority of them in the age group of 21-40 years (77.5%) with a mean age of 34.89±9.906 years. 82.2% of the participants were working with the clinical specialty of which 95 (73.6%) with 10 years of professional experience and 23 (17.8%) had 10-20 years of professional experience. Majority of the practicing physicians 92 (72.3%) have average knowledge towards COVID-19 vaccines. Overall, the physicians showed positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines and 107 (82.9%) said that COVID-19 vaccine was really needed to control the pandemic.Conclusions: The study recommends promoting all precautionary and preventive measures of COVID-19 with a comprehensive training program for the practicing physicians before the implementation of COVID-19 vaccines which will support public engagement strategies and help to build preparedness for potential vaccine introduction. 

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls in Thandalam, Tamil Nadu

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL4) ◽  
pp. 1703-1708
Author(s):  
Sukanya L ◽  
Roshinidevi Baskaran
Keyword(s):  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
School Girls ◽  
Sanitary Pads ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Study Participants

The topic of menstrual hygiene has been highly stigmatised in India due to which girls tend to lack awareness regarding various scientific and practical aspects of menstruation. This lack of awareness among adolescent girls regarding menstrual hygiene can lead to negative impacts on their reproductive health. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among school-going adolescent girls. A cross-sectional study using a pre-validated questionnaire was conducted among 168 adolescent school-going girls and found that only 37.3% of the study participants were aware of menstruation before attaining menarche. Only 25.3% of study participants either slept or ate separately from their family members while menstruating. All participants were using sanitary pads and disposed of them after usage indicating no reuse. Proper wrapping and disposal of pads in closed garbage bins was followed by 97% of study participants. A significant association between awareness of the cause of menstruation and the higher class of study was established. Though knowledge about menstruation before attaining menarche is meagre, the practices and attitude regarding were reasonable compared to other studies, mainly attributed to awareness and help received after menarche.

Nigerian physiotherapists’ perception of direct access and patients’ self-referral

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chidozie Emmanuel Mbada ◽  
Kayode D. Ojetola ◽  
Rufus Adesoji Adedoyin ◽  
Udoka A. C. Okafor ◽  
Olubusola E. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Support ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Professional Autonomy ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Physiotherapy Practice ◽  
South West ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

Background: The global advocacy for Direct Access (DA) and Patients’ Self-Referral (PSR) to physiotherapy is consistent with the quest for promoting professional autonomy and recognition. It was hypothesized in this study that the attainment of this clarion call in Nigeria may be hamstrung by challenges similar or different from those reported in other climes. Objective: This study assessed the perception of DA and PSR among Physiotherapists (PTs) in South-West, Nigeria. Methods: One hundred PTs from ten purposely selected public-funded out-patient facilities from South-West, Nigeria responded in this cross-sectional study, yielding a response rate of 75% (100/150).  A previously validated questionnaire for World Confederation of Physical Therapists (WCPT) on the global view of DA and PSR for physical therapy was used in this study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: There was a high awareness on legislation regulating practice (91%) and scope (84%) of the profession. Respondents assert that the extant legislation allows for DA (49%) and PSR (97%). However, 40% of the respondents opined that the baccalaureate qualification of PTs was inadequate for competence in DA and PSR; and a post-professional residency programme was mostly recommended (52%). Public support for DA and PSR to physiotherapy was rated more than the advocacy role of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (60% vs. 40%). Physicians’ (71%) and politicians’ (65%) views were rated the major barrier to achieving DA and PSR status in physiotherapy. Similarly, physicians’ (90%) and politicians’ (88%) support was perceived as the major facilitator.  Conclusion: Physiotherapy practice in Nigeria has the semblance of autonomy in DA and PSR but is devoid of legislative support. Most Nigerian physiotherapists assume professional autonomy but were not aware of the lack of legal support for DA and PSR. The current entry-level academic curricula were considered to be deficient and inadequate for autonomous practice in Nigeria.  Physicians and politicians were the most important barrier or facilitator to achieving legal support for DA and PSR in physiotherapy in Nigeria.

scholarly journals The prescription pattern and awareness about antibiotic prophylaxis and resistance among a group of Egyptian pediatric and general dentists: a cross sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam Mohsen Aly ◽  
Marwa Aly Elchaghaby
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Antibiotic Prophylaxis ◽  
Antibiotic Prescription ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
General Dentists

Abstract Background The use of antibiotics in dentistry as prophylaxis and treatment is frequent. Their misuse has led to a major public health problem globally known as antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to assess the pattern of antibiotic prescription and its prophylactic use for systemic conditions. Besides, this study evaluated the awareness and adherence to antibiotic prescription guidelines and antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines along with awareness of antibiotic resistance across pediatric and general dentists. Methods An overall of 378 pediatric and general dentists meeting the required eligibility criteria, fulfilled a pre-designed validated questionnaire. Data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. Results A significant statistical difference was found among the pediatric and general dentists regarding antibiotics prescription for most of the oral conditions where Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic among the two groups (53% pediatric dentist and 52% general dentist). The majority of pediatric and general dentists, on the other hand, were aware of antibiotic resistance and prescribing recommendations. Conclusions The present study showed a tendency to overprescribe and overuse antibiotics in certain dental conditions among the participants. The vast majority of dentists, especially general dentists do not have adherence to professional guidelines for antibiotics prescription in children despite their awareness of antibiotic resistance and prescription guidelines.

scholarly journals High prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma patients and the impact of vitamin D levels, a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. E. Oortgiesen ◽  
J. A. Kroes ◽  
P. Scholtens ◽  
J. Hoogland ◽  
P. Dannenberg - de Keijzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Hypovitaminosis D ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is common in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We hypothesized that the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and PN described in diabetes mellitus patients may also be present in MM patients. Methods To study this potential association, we assessed the incidence of hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D < 75 nmol/L [= 30 ng/mL]) in smouldering and active MM patients in two Dutch hospitals. Furthermore, a validated questionnaire was used to distinguish different PN grades. Results Of the 120 patients included between January 2017 and August 2018, 84% had an inadequate vitamin D level (median vitamin D level 49.5 nmol/L [IQR 34–65 nmol/L]; mean age: 68 years [SD ± 7.7]; males: 58%). PN was reported by 69% of patients (n = 83); however, of these 83 patients, PN was not documented in the medical records of 52%. An association was found between lower vitamin D levels and higher incidence of PN in the total population (P = 0.035), and in the active MM patients (P = 0.016). Conclusion This multi-centre cohort study showed that PN and hypovitaminosis D are common in MM patients, and addressing low vitamin D levels in the treatment of MM patients might be beneficial in reducing the risk of PN. More attention for PN is warranted, as PN is underreported by clinicians. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of vitamin D in the development of PN in patients with MM. Clinical trial registration Netherland Trial Register NL5835, date of registration July 28, 2016

Basic life support awareness level among medical students in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebraheem Albazee ◽  
Mohammad Alnifise ◽  
Lina Almahmoud ◽  
Ahmed Alsaeedi ◽  
Mohammed Al-balawi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Basic Life Support ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Arrest ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Awareness Level

Objective: Performing basic life support (BLS) in patients with cardiopulmonary arrest decreases mortality and morbidity. In addition, BLS knowledge is a prerequisite for medical graduation. The present study was conducted to determine the awareness level of undergraduate medical students in Jordan regarding BLS and background knowledge. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 17 April 2021 and 12 May 2021. A validated questionnaire was used as an online Google form and was posted in all medical student groups and Jordanian universities through various social medias. We categorized level of awareness into two groups: adequate awareness for those who got 60% or more, and inadequate awareness for those who got less than 60% in BLS test. Chi-square test was used to compare different variables. Results: A total of 886 students with a mean age of 21.5 (± 2.2) years completed the survey, including 552 females (62.3%). Among participated students, only 281 (31.7%) had adequate awareness, whereas 605 (68.3%) had inadequate awareness, with a mean score of 10 (± 3.8) out of 20. Surprisingly, there was no statistically significant correlation (P=0.210) between grade point average (GPA) and awareness level among participated students. On the contrary, we detected statistically significant relationships (P<0.001) between various variables and awareness level. Conclusion: Overall, we found that awareness of BLS among medical students in Jordan is not adequate. We can improve the awareness of medical students in this regard through obligating them to educate the general population, especially school students, as a volunteer campaign.

Parental Perception of the Role of Color Additives in Food on Children's Behavior in Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 308-311
Author(s):  
Hafiz A. Makeen ◽  
Saad S. Alqahtani ◽  
Nawazish Alam ◽  
Santhosh J. Menachery ◽  
Rabea M. Ageeli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children's Behavior ◽  
Food And Beverages ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Coloring Agents ◽  
Artificial Food Colors

Natural and artificial food colors are widely used in a variety of food products. This study was designed to assess the awareness and perception of coloring agents present in food and beverages on children's behavior among people of Jazan, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on representative samples of 387 married people from different places in Jazan region of Saudi Arabia from August to December 2019. The study utilized a validated questionnaire consisting of 12 questions to gather the information from 387 participants (52.9% males and 47.03% females). Approximately 77% were young adults; belong to age group of 26-45 years (P = 0.000). Majority (40.5%) of them had four or more children (P = 0.000). While significant level of knowledge about the use of foods and beverages containing coloring agent was found in the participants (P = 0.001), they were not aware that it may affect the child's health. Only 24.7% were able to tell the name of a coloring agent (P = 0.001). Significant percentage (88.9%) of parents reported about child hyperactivity after consumption of specific type of food and beverages, particularly fizzy drinks (35.61%), chocolates (31.82%), and sweets and candy (30.3%). Target populations were considered to be aware of presence of coloring agent in food and beverages used by their children regularly but they are not much aware of its harmful effect on long-term use.

Cross-Sectional Study on Stigma among Care Givers of Patients with Mental Illness in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (28) ◽  
pp. 2484-2488
Author(s):  
Umesh G ◽  
Asokan T.V. ◽  
Roselin V ◽  
Sri Santhanakrishnan V V
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Interview Schedule ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Care Center ◽  
Care Givers ◽  
Family Interview

BACKGROUND Stigma experienced by caregivers of patients with mental illnesses remains unnoticed. This study was conducted to evaluate the stigma perceived by the care givers of patients with various mental illnesses and the factors associated with stigma. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among the care givers of patients with mental illnesses who accompanied the patients to the outpatient department (OPD) of Psychiatry in Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, from January 2017 to March 2017. A total of hundred care givers were included in the study. All care givers aged between 18 - 50 years of age in both sexes were included in the study. Care givers of substance abuse cases were excluded from the study. A total of hundred care givers with fifty care givers of neurosis patients and another fifty care givers of psychosis were included in the study. Family interview schedule (FIS) stigma scale was used to assess the stigma perceived by care givers. Data was entered in Microsoft excel and data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17. RESULTS Mean perceived stigma score was 12.27 ± 9.43. High, low and zero stigma was noted among 44 %, 36 % and 20 % of care givers, respectively. Also, it was found that care givers of psychosis patients had more stigma than the care givers of neurosis patients (P = 0.0008). Statistically significant association was found between patient’s duration of illness (P = 0.003), patient’s diagnosis (P = 0.000) and care givers burden (P = 0.000) with severity of stigma perceived by the care givers. CONCLUSIONS Proportion of stigma prevailing among the care givers is high and it depicts only the cases which were reported to the health care center, whereas a larger proportion of cases remains not seeking the health care. An early intervention by conducting routine assessments of the mental status of caregivers is necessary. KEYWORDS Stigma, Care Givers, Mental Illnesses, Family Interview Schedule

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