A Cross-Sectional Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards Malaria Control and Prevention Among Caregivers of Children Under-5 in the Western Area of Sierra Leone

Abstract BackgroundChildren under-5 are the most vulnerable to malaria infection and they suffer serious complications. Sierra Leone is one of the countries with the highest malaria burden in the world. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) towards malaria control and prevention among caregivers of children under-5 in the Western Area of Sierra Leone.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among caregivers of children under-5 visiting the out-patient department of six selected hospitals/community health centers. Data were collected via questionnaire interview with 350 caregivers. Further statistical analyses were performed primarily Spearman’s rank test for inferring the correlations among KAPs, univariate and multivariate logistic regression for demonstration the association between KAPs and socio-demographic characteristics.ResultsWomen made up 97.1% of respondents with the majority being young mothers-including 33 single student moms. 46.3% among respondents were unemployed and 27.1% had no educational background. Only 1.4% received malaria related information from the internet/social media. This KAPs survey indicated that misconception of cause, transmission and clinical symptoms of malaria; unawareness of lethality and severity; inappropriate behaviors in prevention and treatment such as self-medicating were still in existence in caregivers. But a positive correlation in knowledge-attitudes (rs = 0.13, P < 0.05) and attitudes-practices (rs = 0.45, P < 0.001) were revealed. The caregivers being a mother and having at least secondary education were demonstrated associated with positive attitudes and practices. Meanwhile, more urban-based caregivers (79.8%) followed a complete malaria treatment course of ACTs than the rural (63.3%), but in view of ITNs use, more rural-based caregivers presented positive attitudes (85.3%) and practices (70.1%) than the urban (69.9%, 52.0%). The student moms might know more but do less. ConclusionsIn order to better protect children under-5 against lethal malaria, their caregivers, especially young mothers, need strong support to reduce misconceptions, inappropriate behaviors, and provide increased vigilance. It is important to develop an efficient communication channel to disseminate information regarding malaria, especially strengthening community-based media infrastructure, including internet/social media. A increase in education and employment opportunities for women, as well as setting up community-based malaria counselling services, is urgently needed.

Download Full-text

Assessing the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of COVID-19 among Quarantine Hotel Workers in China

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9060772 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 772

Author(s):

Yi-Man Teng ◽

Kun-Shan Wu ◽

Wen-Cheng Wang ◽

Dan Xu

Keyword(s):

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Hotel Workers ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

During the pandemic, quarantine hotel workers face a higher risk of infection while they host quarantine guests from overseas. This study’s aim is to gain an understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of quarantine hotel workers in China. A total of 170 participants took part in a cross-sectional survey to assess the KAP of quarantine hotel workers in China, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chi-square test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), descriptive analysis, and binary logistic regression were used to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with KAP levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that 62.41% have good knowledge, 94.7% have a positive attitude towards COVID-19, but only 78.2% have good practices. Most quarantine hotel workers (95.3%) are confident that COVID-19 will be successfully controlled and that China is handling the COVID-19 crisis well (98.8%). Most quarantine hotel workers are also taking personal precautions, such as avoiding crowds (80.6%) and wearing facemasks (97.6%). The results evidence that quarantine hotel workers in China have acquired the necessary knowledge, positive attitudes and proactive practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study can provide a reference for quarantine hotel workers and their targeted education and intervention.

Download Full-text

Developing an Understanding of Adolescents’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward COVID-19

The Journal of School Nursing ◽

10.1177/1059840520957069 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 36 (6) ◽

pp. 430-441 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Latefa Ali Dardas ◽

Inaam Khalaf ◽

Manar Nabolsi ◽

Omayyah Nassar ◽

Suhaila Halasa

Keyword(s):

School Nurses ◽

Control Measures ◽

Health Practices ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protective Measures ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Adolescents are more likely to engage in risky health practices related to COVID-19. Their compliance with infection control measures is a key factor to mitigate the spread of the disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 and their correlates among Jordanian adolescents. An online cross-sectional survey was utilized. A total of 1,054 Jordanian adolescents aged 12–18 completed and returned the survey. Overall, Jordanian adolescents showed a good base of knowledge regarding COVID-19 (regardless of their demographic characteristics) and tended to hold positive attitudes toward the country’s curfew and other protective measures. The majority of adolescents reported that television and social media were their main source of information on COVID-19, while few reported receiving such information from their schools. The majority reported practicing effective health protective behaviors to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which was significantly predicted by their knowledge and attitudes toward these measures. However, there was a relatively small, yet clinically significant, percentage of adolescents who showed poor knowledge on COVID-19, had negative attitudes toward protective measures, and reported being engaged in risky practices related to infection spread. Tailored efforts are needed to improve the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among adolescents. Raising awareness and promoting positive attitudes are vital to change adolescents’ health practices. Policy makers should ensure that school nurses are available in all schools and working to their full scope. School nurses are the eyes and ears of public health and primary care. They are essential members on pandemic preparedness, reopening and reentry planning teams, and can lead health care in schools and practice in a holistic culturally competent proactive manner to address the needs of students.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in Venezuela: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.633723 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Daniela Lucía Mendoza Millán ◽

Fhabián Stevens Carrión-Nessi ◽

Mario Daniel Mejía Bernard ◽

María Victoria Marcano-Rojas ◽

Óscar Daniel Omaña Ávila ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Medical Training ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frontline Workers ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background: The deterioration of Venezuela's health system in recent years undoubtedly contributes to an increased impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) toward COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic could inform their medical training and improve their preparedness.Methods: A online national cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 26th and May 30th, 2020, to assess KAPs among HCWs in Venezuela.Results: A total of 1,441 HCWs from all 24 regions of the country responded to the survey. The mean age of the HCWs was 44 (SD [standard deviation] 14) years; most were women (66.4%). Most HCWs were specialized doctors (48%), followed by nurses (13%) and resident doctors (12.3%). The majority of HCWs had good knowledge (76.3%), obtained information mainly from scientific literature (85.4%); had negative attitudes (53.6%), felt uncomfortable with their work during the current pandemic (59.8%); and reported appropriate practices (76.9%). However, participation in COVID-19 related training was absent in more than half of the HCWs. Positive attitudes were significantly more frequent in frontline workers than in non-frontline workers (p = 0.001). Bioanalysts, students, and doctors were more likely to have good knowledge; participating in training was a predictor for positive attitudes and older age was an appropriate practice predictor.Conclusions: HCWs, knowledge in Venezuela could be improved by strengthening education and training programs. Strategies should focus on reducing fear and improving attitudes toward the care of COVID-19 patients, as well as the promotion of preventive practices.

Download Full-text

Findings of a Cross-Sectional Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about COVID-19 in Uganda: Implications for Public Health Prevention and Control Measures

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/5917378 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Gerald Okello ◽

Jonathan Izudi ◽

Steven Teguzirigwa ◽

Allan Kakinda ◽

Guido Van Hal

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Control Measures ◽

Health Prevention ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Online Social Media ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) morbidity is rising in Uganda. However, data are limited about people’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Objective. To determine knowledge about COVID-19, attitudes towards presidential directives and Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines, and adherence to practicing public health preventive measures (KAP) in Uganda. Methods. This cross-sectional survey was conducted between April 28 and May 19, 2020. Data were collected using online social media platforms, websites, and popular media outlets. We descriptively summarized data and categorized KAP scores as knowledgeable about COVID-19, positive attitude towards presidential directives and MoH guidelines, and adherent to public health preventive measures, respectively. We tested sex differences in KAP using tests of significance and established independently associated factors using modified Poisson regression analysis, reported using adjusted prevalence risk ratio (aPR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. We studied 362 participants with the following sociodemographic characteristics: 86 (23.8%) aged 25-29 years, 212 (58.6%) males, 270 (74.6%) with tertiary or university levels of education, and 268 (74.0%) urban residents. Of the 362 participants, 264 (93.9%) were knowledgeable about COVID-19 (94.1% males and 93.8% females), 51.3% had positive attitudes towards presidential directives and MoH guidelines (51.0% male and 51.8% female), and 175 (48.3%) were adherent to practicing public health preventive measures (42.9% males and 56.0% females). Compared to males, our data shows that females were more adherent to practicing public health preventive measures (aPR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01-1.53), knowledgeable about COVID-19 (aPR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.95-1.07), and had positive attitudes towards directives and guidelines (aPR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.82-1.25). Conclusions. This study shows that public health prevention efforts should be directed to closing the identified gaps in KAP among Ugandans in order to halt the spread of COVD-19 in Uganda as well as the East African region.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices against the growing threat of COVID-19 among medical students of Pakistan

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0243696 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (12) ◽

pp. e0243696

Author(s):

Khola Noreen ◽

Zil-e- Rubab ◽

Muhammad Umar ◽

Rehana Rehman ◽

Mukhtiar Baig ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Good Practices ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Adequate Knowledge ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background On account of the COVID-19 pandemic, many changes have been implicated in university medical students. We are cognizant that pandemic can be controlled with dedicated contributions from all involved in the healthcare profession. Therefore, it is important to know the pandemic and application of knowledge by the medical students to formulate a further line of management in Pakistan. Objective We aimed toinvestigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 and its impact on medical students of Pakistan. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2020 by a validated self—administered questionnaire. The survey instrument was tailored from a published questionnaire comprised of questions on demographics (6), knowledge (14), attitudes (4), and practices (6). Results Of the 1474 medical students in the study, 576(39.1%) were males, and 898(60.1%) were females. Two-thirds of the participants 1057(71.7%) had adequate knowledge, and almost all the students had positive attitudes (1363(92.5%), and good practices 1406(95.4%) to COVID-19. Two-thirds of the medical students 1023(69%) believed that the COVID-19 outbreak had affected their social, mental, and psychological well-being. One-quarter of the medical students 391(26%) become more religious, 597(40%) realized the importance of life, and 1140(77%) became careless because of the pandemic. The female medical students were 2.545 times (p < .001) and 4.414 times (p < .001) more likely to have positive attitudes and good practices toward COVID-19 as compared to males. Conclusion Medical students, especially females and senior year scholars, were well-versed with desired levels of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive measures toward COVID-19. Most of them recognized COVID 19, is shaping their social, mental, and psychological well-being and encroaching on the healthcare system and economy. The information acquired by the KAP study may help to devise effective preventive strategies for future events.

Download Full-text

Malaria Prevention and Mothers: Sudan

Basic and Applied Sciences - Scientific Journal of King Faisal University ◽

10.37575/b/med/2384 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

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

Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.3390/bs11080105 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

COVID‐19 and Moroccan nursing students: A multicentre cross‐sectional survey on their related knowledge, attitudes and practices

Nursing Open ◽

10.1002/nop2.790 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nada Fakhri ◽

Manar Jallal ◽

Sanaa Belabbes ◽

Khulud Khudur ◽

Rochdi Kaddar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Download Full-text

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Male Transgenders in Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Lahore, Pakistan

Pakistan BioMedical Journal ◽

10.54393/pbmj.v4i1.84 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Akash John ◽

Muhammad Saleem Rana ◽

Asif Hanif ◽

Tallat Anwar Faridi ◽

Sofia Noor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Progressive Failure ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Control Programme ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

The Mean ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a subgroup of retrovirus causing HIV infection which if prolongs turns into a progressive failure of the immune system called as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is commonly prevalent in Male Transgenders who are born male and disobeys the cultural defined social norms and identify themselves as a female. The objective was to assess knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Transgender Community regarding Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Lahore, Pakistan. A Descriptive Cross-sectional Survey was conducted in Nine Towns of Lahore. A sample size of 79 was calculated and data was collected in duration of 9 months. A self-administered survey-based questionnaire was developed using WHO and National AIDS control Programme guidelines followed and pilot tested. Data was collected after Informed consent.The mean age of Respondents was 29.56 ± 8.27 years with minimum and maximum age as 19 and 50. In this study the mean knowledge score of the transgender about HIV Transmission was 2.804±0.32, the mean score of attitudes of transgender were 3.25±0.19 and the mean practice score was 2.931±0.28.Majority of the transgender have insufficient knowledge, and bad attitude towards their health. They have unsafe sexual practice and Drug Interventions playing a significant role in HIV epidemic. Majority of them are uneducated, unemployed and found sex selling and dancing an easiest way of earning. Their knowledge about HIV screening, transmission, and antiretroviral therapy is low.

Download Full-text