scholarly journals Tickborne disease awareness and protective practices among U.S. Forest Service employees from the Upper Midwest, USA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Schotthoefer ◽  
Kathryn Stinebaugh ◽  
Michael Martin ◽  
Claudia Munoz-Zanzi
Keyword(s):  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Forest Service ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Targeted Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Concern

Abstract Background: People with occupations that require them to spend time working outdoors in suitable tick habitats are predicted to be at an increased risk for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). However, few studies have assessed the risks of outdoor employees.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to evaluate the exposure to ticks and tick-borne disease infections among U.S. Forest Service employees in a high TBD incidence region of northwestern Wisconsin, and to examine their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding TBDs to help guide future education and prevention programs. Chi-square contingency tables, calculations of odds ratios, and logistic regression models were used to identify associations among self-reported employee factors, and the proportion of correctly answered knowledge questions, their ranked concern for TBDs, practicing preventive behaviors, and willingness to pay for protective measures. Results: Ninety-five employees completed the survey. Nearly all respondents (97%) reported recent tick exposure and their knowledge of TBD was high (median score: 80% correct). Fifty-nine percent of respondents had high concern for TBDs, and there was high adherence to conducting body checks for ticks (83% reported always doing them), but only moderate use of tick repellents (24% reported always and 60% reported occasionally using). High concern (OR = 3.4 [1.33- 8.91]) and a history of TBD (OR = 4.66 [1.21 – 17.89]) were positively associated with high practice adherence. Respondents suggested they would be willing to pay for personal protective methods and get a hypothetical vaccine for Lyme disease, but not community-wide efforts to control ticks. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that U.S. Forest Service employees in Wisconsin represent a high risk group for TBD, and despite relatively high TBD knowledge and engagement in tick protection activities, targeted prevention programs are still needed to reduce their risks for tick bites.

scholarly journals Tickborne disease awareness and protective practices among U.S. Forest Service employees from the upper Midwest, USA

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Schotthoefer ◽  
Kathryn Stinebaugh ◽  
Michael Martin ◽  
Claudia Munoz-Zanzi
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Forest Service ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Concern

Abstract Background People with occupations that require them to spend time working outdoors in suitable tick habitats are predicted to be at an increased risk for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). However, few studies have assessed the risks of outdoor employees in the United States. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey to collect data on exposure to ticks and TBD infections among U.S. Forest Service employees in a high TBD incidence region of northern Wisconsin, and to examine employee knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding TBDs to help guide future education and prevention programs. Chi-square contingency tables, calculations of odds ratios, and logistic regression models were used to identify associations among self-reported employee factors, the proportion of correctly answered knowledge questions, their ranked concern for TBDs, adherence to practicing preventive behaviors, and willingness to pay for protective measures. Results Ninety-five employees completed the survey. Nearly all respondents (97%) reported recent tick exposure, with 27% reporting encountering 10 or more ticks per week during peak tick season. Employee knowledge of TBD was high (median score: 80% correct). Fifty-nine percent of respondents had high concern for TBDs, and there was high adherence to conducting body checks for ticks (83% reported always doing them), but only moderate use of tick repellents (24% reported always and 60% reported occasionally using). High concern for TBD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 6.32 [95% confidence intervals, 1.97–20.28]), a history of TBD diagnosis (aOR = 5.88 [1.41–24.55]), and older age (≥ 46 years) (aOR = 3.29 [1.00–10.84]) were positively associated with high practice adherence. Respondents suggested they would be willing to pay for personal protective methods and get a hypothetical vaccine for Lyme disease, but not community-wide efforts to control ticks. Conclusions Our study provides evidence that U.S. Forest Service employees in Wisconsin represent a high risk group for TBD, and despite relatively high TBD knowledge and engagement in tick protection activities, efforts are needed to reduce their risks for tick bites. More generally, our findings suggest that studies to better understand the factors related to the adoption and effectiveness of public health interventions are needed.

scholarly journals Tickborne disease awareness and protective practices among U.S. Forest Service employees from the Upper Midwest, USA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Schotthoefer ◽  
Kathryn Stinebaugh ◽  
Michael Martin ◽  
Claudia Munoz-Zanzi
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Forest Service ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Concern

Abstract Background: People with occupations that require them to spend time working outdoors in suitable tick habitats are predicted to be at an increased risk for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). However, few studies have assessed the risks of outdoor employees in the United States.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to collect data on exposure to ticks and TBD infections among U.S. Forest Service employees in a high TBD incidence region of northern Wisconsin, and to examine employee knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding TBDs to help guide future education and prevention programs. Chi-square contingency tables, calculations of odds ratios, and logistic regression models were used to identify associations among self-reported employee factors, the proportion of correctly answered knowledge questions, their ranked concern for TBDs, practicing preventive behaviors, and willingness to pay for protective measures. Results: Ninety-five employees completed the survey. Nearly all respondents (97%) reported recent tick exposure, with 27% reporting encountering 10 or more ticks per week during peak tick season. Employee knowledge of TBD was high (median score: 80% correct). Fifty-nine percent of respondents had high concern for TBDs, and there was high adherence to conducting body checks for ticks (83% reported always doing them), but only moderate use of tick repellents (24% reported always and 60% reported occasionally using). High concern for TBD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 6.32 [95% confidence intervals: 1.97 – 20.28]), a history of TBD diagnosis (aOR = 5.88 [1.41-24.55]), and older age (≥ 46 years) (aOR = 3.29 [1.00 – 10.84]) were positively associated with high practice adherence. Respondents suggested they would be willing to pay for personal protective methods and get a hypothetical vaccine for Lyme disease, but not community-wide efforts to control ticks. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that U.S. Forest Service employees in Wisconsin represent a high risk group for TBD, and despite relatively high TBD knowledge and engagement in tick protection activities, efforts are needed to reduce their risks for tick bites. More generally, our findings suggest that studies to better understand the factors related to the adoption and effectiveness of public health interventions are needed.

scholarly journals Tickborne disease awareness and protective practices among U.S. Forest Service employees from the Upper Midwest, USA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Schotthoefer ◽  
Kathryn Stinebaugh ◽  
Michael Martin ◽  
Claudia Munoz-Zanzi
Keyword(s):  
Forest Service ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Concern

Abstract Background: People with occupations that require them to spend time working outdoors in suitable tick habitats are predicted to be at an increased risk for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). However, few studies have assessed the risks of outdoor employees.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to collect data on exposure to ticks and TBD infections among U.S. Forest Service employees in a high TBD incidence region of northern Wisconsin, and to examine employee knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding TBDs to help guide future education and prevention programs. Chi-square contingency tables, calculations of odds ratios, and logistic regression models were used to identify associations among self-reported employee factors, and the proportion of correctly answered knowledge questions, their ranked concern for TBDs, practicing preventive behaviors, and willingness to pay for protective measures. Results: Ninety-five employees completed the survey. Nearly all respondents (97%) reported recent tick exposure, with 27% reporting encountering 10 or more ticks per week during peak tick season. Employee knowledge of TBD was high (median score: 80% correct). Fifty-nine percent of respondents had high concern for TBDs, and there was high adherence to conducting body checks for ticks (83% reported always doing them), but only moderate use of tick repellents (24% reported always and 60% reported occasionally using). High concern (OR = 3.4 [1.33- 8.91]) and a history of TBD (OR = 4.66 [1.21 – 17.89]) were positively associated with high practice adherence. Respondents suggested they would be willing to pay for personal protective methods and get a hypothetical vaccine for Lyme disease, but not community-wide efforts to control ticks. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that U.S. Forest Service employees in Wisconsin represent a high risk group for TBD, and despite relatively high TBD knowledge and engagement in tick protection activities, efforts are needed to reduce their risks for tick bites. More generally, our findings suggest that studies to better understand the factors related to the adoption and effectiveness of public health interventions are needed.

scholarly journals Tickborne disease awareness and protective practices among U.S. Forest Service employees from the Upper Midwest, USA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Schotthoefer ◽  
Kathryn Stinebaugh ◽  
Michael Martin ◽  
Claudia Munoz-Zanzi
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Forest Service ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Concern

Abstract Background: People with occupations that require them to spend time working outdoors in suitable tick habitats are predicted to be at an increased risk for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). However, few studies have assessed the risks of outdoor employees in the United States.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to collect data on exposure to ticks and TBD infections among U.S. Forest Service employees in a high TBD incidence region of northern Wisconsin, and to examine employee knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding TBDs to help guide future education and prevention programs. Chi-square contingency tables, calculations of odds ratios, and logistic regression models were used to identify associations among self-reported employee factors, the proportion of correctly answered knowledge questions, their ranked concern for TBDs, adherence to practicing preventive behaviors, and willingness to pay for protective measures. Results: Ninety-five employees completed the survey. Nearly all respondents (97%) reported recent tick exposure, with 27% reporting encountering 10 or more ticks per week during peak tick season. Employee knowledge of TBD was high (median score: 80% correct). Fifty-nine percent of respondents had high concern for TBDs, and there was high adherence to conducting body checks for ticks (83% reported always doing them), but only moderate use of tick repellents (24% reported always and 60% reported occasionally using). High concern for TBD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 6.32 [95% confidence intervals: 1.97 – 20.28]), a history of TBD diagnosis (aOR = 5.88 [1.41-24.55]), and older age (≥ 46 years) (aOR = 3.29 [1.00 – 10.84]) were positively associated with high practice adherence. Respondents suggested they would be willing to pay for personal protective methods and get a hypothetical vaccine for Lyme disease, but not community-wide efforts to control ticks. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that U.S. Forest Service employees in Wisconsin represent a high risk group for TBD, and despite relatively high TBD knowledge and engagement in tick protection activities, efforts are needed to reduce their risks for tick bites. More generally, our findings suggest that studies to better understand the factors related to the adoption and effectiveness of public health interventions are needed.

scholarly journals Gender-Based Violence Risk Mitigation by Non-GBV Specialists Prior to and during COVID-19: A Global Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Humanitarian Practitioners

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13387
Author(s):  
Vandana Sharma ◽  
Annika Gompers ◽  
Jocelyn T. D. Kelly ◽  
Erin Patrick ◽  
Christine Heckman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Available evidence indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic and response measures may lead to increased risk of gender-based violence (GBV), including in humanitarian contexts. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of humanitarian practitioners related to GBV risk mitigation approaches during COVID-19 in order to refine current guidance and inform future materials. A global, online cross-sectional survey of humanitarian practitioners was conducted between November 2020 and April 2021. We calculated descriptive statistics and used Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests to compare knowledge, attitudes, and practices among GBV specialists and non-specialists. Of 170 respondents, 58% were female and 44% were GBV specialists. Almost all (95%) of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they have a role to play in GBV risk mitigation. Compared to GBV specialists, a higher proportion of non-specialists reported little to no knowledge on GBV risk mitigation global guidance (38% vs. 7%, p < 0.001) and on how to respond to a disclosure of GBV (18% vs. 3%, p < 0.001). Respondents reported several barriers to integrating GBV risk mitigation into their work during COVID-19, including insufficient funding, capacity, knowledge, and guidance. Efforts to mainstream GBV risk mitigation actions should continue and intensify, leveraging the lessons and experiences generated thus far.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Malaria Among Forest-Goer Communities in Mukdahan Province, Northeastern Thailand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sriwipa Chuangchaiya ◽  
Mohd Amirul Fitri A. Rahim ◽  
Paisit Chanpum ◽  
Mohd Bakhtiar Munajat ◽  
Nor Diyana Dian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Indoor Residual Spraying ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Bed Nets ◽  
Self Healing ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background: Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Thailand. In Thailand, the transmission now progressively clusters in hotspots along international borders and among high-risk groups, including forest-goers. Therefore, continuous assessment and understanding of the behavioral and perceptions related to malaria exposure in the high-risk group are necessary to achieve the elimination goal. This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to malaria in rural communities living close to a forested area in the northeastern part of Thailand.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three forest-goer communities (i.e. Ban Khok, Ban Koh and Dong Yang) in Khamcha-i district, Mukdahan Province from July and August 2019. Community members aged 18 years and above were interviewed. Demographic, socio-economic information and KAP data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: Overall, 346 individuals were interviewed. Although the household indoor residual spraying (IRS) coverage was 100%, ownership of mosquito bed net was 24.3% and only reported in Ban Khok. Nevertheless, almost all of the respondents were aware that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes (97.7%) and bed nets were used to prevent malaria (94.5%). Regarding practice for managing malaria, the most common practice adopted by the respondents was seeking treatment at the nearby clinic (58.1%), followed by self-healing (38.7%) and self-purchase of medication from a local shop (3.2%). Concerning attitude towards malaria transmission, 69.1% and 24.3% of the respondents reported entering nearby forests and spending the night in the forest within the last six months, respectively. Conclusion: This study found that most respondents living in the villages have an acceptable level of knowledge and awareness about malaria. Nevertheless, the positive attitudes and practices concerning malaria prevention measures against malaria require marked improvement. Therefore, new approaches to improving malaria KAP evidently need in this community.

Malaria Prevention and Mothers: Sudan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousif Elmosaad ◽  
Ahmed Al Rajeh ◽  
Asif khan ◽  
Elfatih Malik ◽  
Ilias Mahmud
Keyword(s):  
Formal Education ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Malaria Prevention ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Bed Nets ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Positive Attitudes

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in malaria prevention using insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) among mothers of children under five years of age in White Nile State, Sudan. Multistage cluster sampling was used to select 761 mothers for this cross-sectional survey. There were gaps in the KAP in malaria prevention. Only 46.3% of the mothers stated personal protective measures (PPMs) as the best malaria prevention strategy; 54.9% considered ITNs as an effective means; and only 18.7% reported sleeping under an ITN every day. Older mothers were less likely to have good knowledge (OR=0.96), attitudes (OR=0.98) and practices (OR=0.98). Having a Government employee as the head of the household was positively associated with knowledge (OR=2.16) and attitudes (OR=1.96). The mother having a formal education was also positively associated with good knowledge (OR=1.55) and positive attitudes (OR=1.69). Mothers with a monthly household income of <491 Sudanese Pound were more likely to have good knowledge (OR=1.43). Mothers who had good knowledge (OR=4.99) and positive attitudes towards PPMs (OR=2.60) in malaria prevention were found to be more likely to practice preventive measures. Therefore, we recommend focusing on raising mothers’ awareness of the different preventive activities to protect them and their family from malaria.

scholarly journals Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Dengue among Physicians: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Kranthi Swaroop Koonisetty ◽  
Ubydul Haque ◽  
Rajesh Nandy ◽  
Nasrin Aghamohammadi ◽  
Tamanna Urmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Aedes Mosquitoes ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Dengue fever is one of the most important viral infections transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Accurate identification of cases and treatment of dengue patients at the early stages can reduce medical complications and dengue mortality rate. This survey aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) among physicians in dengue diagnosis and treatment. This study was conducted among physicians in Turkey as one nonendemic country and Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia as three dengue-endemic countries. The dosing frequencies, maximum doses, and contraindications in dengue fever were examined. The results found that physicians from Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia have higher KAP scores in dengue diagnosis and treatment compared to physicians in Turkey. This may be due to a lack of physician’s exposure to a dengue patient as Turkey is considered a nonendemic country. This assessment may help establish a guideline for intervention strategies among physicians to have successful treatment outcomes and reduce dengue mortality.

scholarly journals Risks of Major Mental Disorders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome among the Offspring of Parents with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Nationwide Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4679
Author(s):  
Ta-Chuan Yeh ◽  
Ya-Mei Bai ◽  
Shih-Jen Tsai ◽  
Tzeng-Ji Chen ◽  
Chih-Sung Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Early Implementation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Irritable Bowel

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder that is highly comorbid with mental disorders. However, few studies have examined the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and schizophrenia in the offspring of parents with IBS. We used nationally representative cross-sectional survey data to analyze cross-generational transmission patterns of both IBS and major mental disorders. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated by using logistic regression models with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Offspring of parents with IBS were more likely to develop IBS themselves (OR = 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.09–2.78), ADHD (OR = 1.33, 95% CI, 1.08–1.62), and MDD (OR = 1.32, 95% CI, 1.04–1.68) than the controls. Data stratification by parental sex revealed that paternal IBS increased risk of ADHD (OR = 1.34, 95% CI, 1.01–1.77) in the offspring, while maternal IBS increased the risk of MDD (OR = 1.51, 95% CI, 1.11–2.06). This is the first study to reveal parental IBS is associated with IBS, ADHD, and MDD among offspring, suggesting the necessity for early implementation of prevention strategies for at-risk children.

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