scholarly journals Title: Risk Perception related to COVID-19 among Sub-Sahara Africans: A Web-based Comparative Survey of local and diaspora residents

Author(s):  
Emmanuel Kwasi Abu ◽  
Richard Oloruntoba ◽  
Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu ◽  
Dipesh Bhattarai ◽  
Chundung Asabe Miner ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Perceived risk towards the coronavirus pandemic is a key to improved compliance with public health measures to reduce the infection. This study investigated how Sub-Saharan Africans (SSA) living in their respective countries and those in the diaspora perceive their risk of COVID-19 outbreak and the factors associated. Methods A web-based cross-sectional survey on 1969 participants aged 18 years and above (55.1% male) was conducted between April 27th and May 17th 2020. The dependent variable was perception of risk for contracting COVID-19 scores. Independent variables included demographic characteristics; COVID-19 related knowledge and attitude scores. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses identified the factors associated with risk perception towards COVID-19. Results Among SSA respondents, majority were living in SSA (n = 1855, 92.8%) and 143 (7.2%) in the diaspora. There was no significant difference in the mean risk perception scores between the two groups (p = 0.117), however, those aged 18–28 years had lower risk perception scores (p = 0.003) than the older respondents, while those who were employed (p = 0.040) and had higher level of education (p < 0.001) had significantly higher risk perception scores than other respondents. After adjusting for covariates, multivariable analyses revealed that SSA residents aged 39–48 years (adjusted coefficient, β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.01, 1.19]) and health care sector workers (β = 0.61, 95% CI [0.09, 1.14]) reported a higher perceived risk of COVID-19. Knowledge and attitude scores increased as perceived risk for COVID-19 increases for both SSAs in Africa (β = 1.19, 95% CI [1.05, 1.34] for knowledge; β = 0.63, 95% CI [0.58, 0.69] for attitude) and in Diaspora (β = 1.97, 95% CI [1.16, 2.41] for knowledge; β = 0.30, 95% CI [0.02, 0.58] for attitude). Conclusions There is a need to promote preventive measures with focus on increasing people’s knowledge about COVID-19 and encouraging positive attitude towards the mitigation measures. Such interventions should target older participants and non-healthcare workers.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Kwasi Abu ◽  
Richard Oloruntoba ◽  
Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu ◽  
Dipesh Bhattarai ◽  
Chundung Asabe Miner ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Perceived risk towards the coronavirus pandemic is key to improved compliance with public health measures to reduce the infection rates. This study investigated how Sub-Saharan Africans (SSA) living in their respective countries and those in the diaspora perceive their risk of getting infected by the COVID-19 virus as well as the associated factors. Methods A web-based cross-sectional survey on 1969 participants aged 18 years and above (55.1% male) was conducted between April 27th and May 17th 2020, corresponding to the mandatory lockdown in most SSA countries. The dependent variable was the perception of risk for contracting COVID-19 scores. Independent variables included demographic characteristics, and COVID-19 related knowledge and attitude scores. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses identified the factors associated with risk perception towards COVID-19. Results Among the respondents, majority were living in SSA (n = 1855, 92.8%) and 143 (7.2%) in the diaspora. There was no significant difference in the mean risk perception scores between the two groups (p = 0.117), however, those aged 18–28 years had lower risk perception scores (p = 0.003) than the older respondents, while those who were employed (p = 0.040) and had higher levels of education (p < 0.001) had significantly higher risk perception scores than other respondents. After adjusting for covariates, multivariable analyses revealed that SSA residents aged 39–48 years (adjusted coefficient, β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.01, 1.19]) and health care sector workers (β = 0.61, 95% CI [0.09, 1.14]) reported a higher perceived risk of COVID-19. Knowledge and attitude scores increased as perceived risk for COVID-19 increased for both SSAs in Africa (β = 1.19, 95% CI [1.05, 1.34] for knowledge; β = 0.63, 95% CI [0.58, 0.69] for attitude) and in Diaspora (β = 1.97, 95% CI [1.16, 2.41] for knowledge; β = 0.30, 95% CI [0.02, 0.58] for attitude). Conclusions There is a need to promote preventive measures focusing on increasing people’s knowledge about COVID-19 and encouraging positive attitudes towards the mitigation measures such as vaccines and education. Such interventions should target the younger population, less educated and non-healthcare workers.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratik Khanal ◽  
Navin Devkota ◽  
Minakshi Dahal ◽  
Kiran Paudel ◽  
Shiva Raj Mishra ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundHealth workers involved in COVID-19 response might be at risk of developing fear and psychological distress. This study aimed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 fear among health workers in Nepal during the early phase of pandemic.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the month of April-May 2020 among 475 health workers directly involved in COVID-19 management. The Fear Scale of COVID 19 (FCV-19S) was used to measure the status of fear. Scatter plots were used to observe the relationship between fear and other psychological outcomes: anxiety, depression and insomnia. Multivariable logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with COVID fear.ResultsCOVID-19 fear score was moderately correlated with anxiety and depression, and weakly correlated with insomnia (p<0.001). Nurses (AOR=2.29; 95% CI: 1.23-4.26), health workers experiencing stigma (AOR=1.83; 95% CI: 1.12-2.73), those working in affected district(AOR=1.76; 95% CI: 1.12-2.77) and presence of family member with chronic diseases (AOR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.01-2.25) was associated with higher odds of developing COVID-19 fear as compared to other health workers, health workers not experiencing stigma, working in non-affected district and not having family member with chronic diseases respectively.ConclusionNurses, health workers facing stigma, those working in affect district and having family member with chronic diseases were more at risk of developing COVID-19 fear. It is thus recommended to improve work environment to reduce fear among health workers, employ stigma reduction interventions, and ensure personal and family support for those having family member with chronic diseases.


Author(s):  
Asma Munir Khan ◽  
Shazia Nawabi ◽  
Muhammad Qasim Javed

Abstract Background: Present study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitude of dental faculty at Qassim University, regarding novel COVID 19 disease. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted on the faculty at undergraduate dental school. The self-designed e-survey was administered to 78 faculty members to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards the COVID-19 disease. Data analysis was conducted by using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequency and percentages. Chi-square test was utilized to identify the correlation between the independent and dependent variables. The inferential statistics (Kruskal-Wallis tests and Mann-Whitney U test) were utilized for assessing the significance between study variables. The association between knowledge and attitude was evaluated by using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 55 faculty members (70.5%) responded. Mean knowledge score was 10± 2.71. 37 (67.3%) respondents showed positive attitude towards COVID-19 while 18(32.7%) displayed negative attitude. The mean attitude score was 4.08±0.50. Significant difference was found in knowledge (p-value=0.04) and attitude (p-value=0.015) of dental faculty based on designation.Conclusions: Qassim University dentists were mindful of the COVID-19 symptoms, means of transmission, Cross-infection control and operative protocols practiced within dental clinics. However, dentists exhibited inadequate knowledge about the specific dental procedures that safeguard the dental staff and patients from COVID-19 in context of current outbreak.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuki Sahashi ◽  
Hirohisa Endo ◽  
Tadafumi Sugimoto ◽  
Takeru Nabeta ◽  
Kimitaka Nishizaki ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) treating and caring for patients with emerging infectious diseases often experience psychological distress. However, the psychological impact and behavior change of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among HCWs are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the worries and concerns of HCWs regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsIn this cross-sectional survey, a web-based questionnaire was distributed among HCWs working in hospitals or clinics across Japanese medical facilities from April 20 to May 1, 2020. The questionnaire comprised items on demographics, worries and concerns, perceptions regarding the sufficiency of information, and behavioral changes pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsA total of 4386 HCWs completed the survey; 1648 (64.7%) were aged 30-39 years, 2379 (54.2%) were male, and 782 (18.1%) were frontline HCWs, directly caring for patients with COVID-19 on a daily basis. 3500 HCWs (79.8%) indicated that they were seriously worried about the pandemic. The most frequent concern was the consequence of becoming infected on their family, work, and society (87.4%). Additionally, the majority (55.5%) had restricted social contact and almost all HCWs endorsed a shortage in personal protective equipment (median, 8/9 (interquartile range; 7-9) on a Likert scale). There was no significant difference in the degree of worry between frontline and non-frontline HCWs (8/9 (7-9) vs. 8/9 (7-9), p=0.25). Frontline HCWs, compared to non-frontline HCWs, were more likely to have the need to avoid contact with families and friends (24.8% vs. 17.8%, p<0.001) and indicated that they cannot evade their professional duty during the COVID-19 pandemic (9/9 (7-9) vs. 8/9 (6-9), p<0.001). Further, the extremely low proportion of frontline HCWs reported that they would take a leave of absence to avoid infection (1.2%).ConclusionsBoth frontline and non-frontline HCWs expressed comparable concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Because HCWs, especially frontline HCWs, reported that they cannot be obliged to do avoid their duty, effective mental health protection strategies should be developed and implemented for HCWs.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 574
Author(s):  
Kavita Batra ◽  
Yashashri Urankar ◽  
Ravi Batra ◽  
Aaron F. Gomes ◽  
Meru S ◽  
...  

Objective: This study’s objective was to examine the knowledge, performance in practicing protective behaviors, and risk perception of Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) among dental students of India. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from 10–30 August 2020, involving 381 dental students that were enrolled at the Uttaranchal Dental and Medical Research Institute in India. A web-based structured questionnaire assessed the COVID-19 related knowledge, protective behaviors, and risk perception performance. The independent-samples-t and analysis of variance tests were used to analyze the differences in knowledge, protective behaviors, and perception across the groups. Results: Of the dental students surveyed, 83% had adequate knowledge of COVID-19, and nearly 80% followed appropriate practices regarding COVID-19. The COVID-19 related risk perception was higher among females as compared to males. COVID-19 related knowledge was significantly correlated with preventive behaviors (r = 0.18; p < 0·01) and risk perception (r = 0.10; p < 0.05). We found a high score of COVID-19 related knowledge and precautionary behaviors and moderate risk perception among students. Conclusions: Knowledge and protective behaviors towards infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, have clinical applications in developing educational and formal training programs to promote adherence to the infection control practices among dental students. Clinical significance: The findings of this study will inform policymakers to emphasize on effective risk communication. Dental institutions can incorporate infection control modules in the current curriculum, thereby making future dental professionals capable of performing effective infection control management in the clinical settings. This is critical in improving their knowledge of infection control practices to minimize the risk of nosocomial infections.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asma Munir Khan ◽  
Shazia Nawabi ◽  
Muhammad Qasim Javed

Abstract Background: Present study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitude of dental faculty at Qassim University, regarding novel COVID 19 disease. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted on the faculty at undergraduate dental school. The self-designed e-survey was administered to 78 faculty members to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards the COVID-19 disease. Data analysis was conducted by using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequency and percentages. Chi-square test was utilized to identify the correlation between the independent and dependent variables. The inferential statistics (Kruskal-Wallis tests and Mann-Whitney U test) were utilized for assessing the significance between study variables. The association between knowledge and attitude was evaluated by using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 55 faculty members (70.5%) responded. Mean knowledge score was 10± 2.71. 37 (67.3%) respondents showed positive attitude towards COVID-19 while 18(32.7%) displayed negative attitude. The mean attitude score was 4.08±0.50. Significant difference was found in knowledge (p-value=0.04) and attitude (p-value=0.015) of dental faculty based on designation.Conclusions: Qassim University dentists were mindful of the COVID-19 symptoms, means of transmission, Cross-infection control and operative protocols practiced within dental clinics. However, dentists exhibited inadequate knowledge about the specific dental procedures that safeguard the dental staff and patients from COVID-19 in context of current outbreak.


F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Muzaheed Muzaheed ◽  
Omar S. El-Masry ◽  
Ali A. Rabaan ◽  
Faisal Alzahrani ◽  
Amer Alomar ◽  
...  

Background: Continuous evaluation of students and employee’s knowledge and attitude in clinical laboratories is mandatory to ensure a high level of competency, proper practice and to assess the need for training, which shall be reflected on the quality of laboratory results. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice in microbiology laboratories among employees (at King Fahd Hospital of the University) and clinical laboratory students (at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University)    Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of 30 2nd year students, 26 3rd year students, 24 4th year students in the Clinical Laboratory Sciences department, and 30 employees. Participants completed a survey comprising 30 questions to assess their knowledge and attitude towards the use of equipment and practice in the microbiology laboratory. Results: The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the average scores of all levels of students regarding their knowledge (p = 0.85, 0.999, and 0.869), attitude (p = 0.883, 0.996, 0.853), and practice (p=0.633, 0.325, 0.858) in the microbiology laboratory. Employees scores (knowledge;5.03±2.646, attitude; 12.03±4.89, and practice; 7.7±6.11) were quite poor, as indicated by the lower average results than that of students (knowledge; 5.65±3.08, attitude; 13.25±5.33, and practice; 13.46±5.7). Conclusions: It is concluded that the knowledge, attitude, and practice of students and employees in the microbiology laboratory needs to be meticulously monitored and improved to ensure high achievement of learning outcomes and better overall performance in the laboratory. This may be achieved through using frequent quizzes and continuous education programs.


2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 238212052110664
Author(s):  
Intessar Sultan ◽  
Mohammed Fuad Bardi ◽  
Abdulrahman Mohammed Baatta ◽  
Saif Almaghrabi ◽  
Rehab Abdelfattah Mohammed

Introduction The robotic surgery and procedures are increasing worldwide. It is unknown whether medical students are well prepared for their future exposure to such technology. Objectives This study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitude of medical students from Saudi Arabia (SA) towards the robotic surgery. Methods We performed a cross-sectional survey of medical students at different colleges of medicine in SA. A web-based self-administered questionnaire using google forms was completed over a 2-month period starting on June 2021. Comparison between those with and without background about robotic surgery was performed. Results A total of 239 medical students from both governmental (46%) and private colleges (54%) responded to the questionnaire. 51.9% were interested in the surgical field and 37.7% considered themselves tech-savvy persons. Only (22.6%) had previous background about robotic surgery mainly from internet. Many (63.2%) showed positive attitude towards robotic surgery and expected that using robots will improve surgical outcomes. 48.5% of the students expected that patients in SA will not accept the robotic surgeries. Some (51.1%) concerned that robots could replace the surgeons and could make them less professional. Many believed that SA should invest and expand the robotic surgeries (69.1%). Students with background in robotic surgery had significantly younger median age (p < 0.030), earlier academic years (p < 0.001), higher GPA (p < 0.025), and more tech-savvy personality (p < 0.000) compared to those without background. Conclusion Most medical students are unaware of robotic surgery, but they have positive attitude with some concerns. Young students who consider themselves tech-savvy persons are in a better position, but they access their knowledge from internet rather than from their medical education. Medical curricula and residency training program should take these findings into consideration for preparing the future surgeons in SA.


Author(s):  
Nitin S. Kunnoor ◽  
Sharanabasappa Singanal ◽  
Lohit K.

Background: Several studies have shown lack of sufficient knowledge and awareness among doctors on ADR reporting. Knowledge and attitude of doctors about ADR greatly influences extent of reporting. Identifying factors affecting ADR-reporting is vital to enable Pharmacovigilance teams to implement interventions to enhance rate and quality of reporting of ADRs. Hence, this study is done to evaluate perceptions of doctors towards ADR-reporting and to determine barriers for reporting ADR.Methods: Cross sectional study conducted among doctors using a validated questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitude, practice and barriers for reporting ADRs. The questionnaire captured the demographic details, knowledge (14), attitudes (7) and practice pattern (4) towards pharmacovigilance. Descriptive statistics was used to assess the response among doctors.Results: Of 157 doctors who responded to questionnaire, 90% of doctors were aware of pharmacovigilance program mainly through PVG activities by AMC and pharmacology classes. Only 47% doctors reported ADRs. The composite score on knowledge of ADR reporting and on knowledge of ADR burden was found to be moderate. 90% doctors opined ADR monitoring in hospital should be mandatory. 83% doctors opined ADR reporting by one person can make significant difference to community. One-third doctors felt there should be financial reward for ADR-reporting. In suspected cases, 57% doctors include ADR as differential diagnosis. 61% doctors said they will document ADR in patient file and 78% reports to AMC. More than one-third doctors don’t know where and how to report ADR. One-third doctors felt management of patients was more important than reporting ADR. Nearly one-fourth didn’t report fearing legal liabilities, difficulty diagnosing ADR and negative impact on doctors.Conclusions: Knowledge about ADR-reporting and attitude towards it is adequate. But, because of many barriers, actual practice of ADR-reporting is unsatisfactory. Hence, Pharmacovigilance training is essential for doctors to promote and improve ADR-reporting.


Author(s):  
Chandrashekhar Mahato ◽  
Sunilkumar Suryavanshi

Background: The world health organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic on 11th March 2020. As this is a novel illness, thus knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to the pandemic is a new area of research. KAP in a non-COVID facility, such as a psychiatric institution is rare.Methods: Cross-sectional survey with purposive sampling, conducted at central institute of psychiatry, Ranchi, India. A sample of 235 healthcare workers consisting of nurses, wards attendants, and housekeeping staff took part in the study. Participants completed a 36-item questionnaire assessing their KAP related to COVID-19.Results: 79.42% of healthcare workers in this study had adequate knowledge of COVID-19 symptomatology, transmission, management, and preventive measures. 89.79% were confident that India would win the battle against COVID-19. 35.32% fear to work in a hospital, but on the other hand, 80.85% of healthcare staff considered coming to work as part of their duty. Good practices like wearing a mask before leaving home and practicing proper cough hygiene were observed. The significant difference found in KAP among the three groups. Spearman’s correlation was significant between age, level of education of the participants with the KAP.Conclusions: The study suggests increased attention is required towards the training of the healthcare workers to enhance their knowledge and attitude so that the practices can be improved.


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