scholarly journals Cross-sectional study on awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 among senior pharmacy students.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwa Samir Hamza ◽  
Osama Ahmed Badary ◽  
Mohamed Mohey Elmazar

Abstract Extraordinary actions have been implemented in an effort to control the rapid spread of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in Egypt. People’s adherence to control measures is influenced by their knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the disease. Therefore, in the present study we assessed pharmacy senior students’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire was created and it consisted of 12 questions testing their knowledge about COVID-19nclinical characteristics, transmission routes and prevention and control steps. Among senior pharmacy students (n=238), 70% were females and 63% were living in greater Cairo. Their main source of information included social media (70%), published articles (48%) and television (48%). The overall correct knowledge score was 83%. Most of the students displayed a good COVID-19 knowledge level (72.5% of the students). The students were least informed when trying to answer questions about hyper-coagulation, as a major cause for death in patients with severe COVID-19, and about the timings on the necessity to wear masks practice. Assessment of students’ attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 reflected that 87% of them were confident that health care teams and scientists could win the fight against the virus. In addition, 72% of students agreed that COVID-19 will be controlled successfully. The greater the students’ knowledge, the more confident they felt that COVID-19 will be controlled successfully (OR = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-4.72). Good behavioral practice towards COVID-19 control was confirmed when 87% of students answered that they didn’t go out to any crowded place. Females were 3.6 times (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–3.11) more likely to avoid going out than males. Bad behavioral practice became evident when approximately 50% of students admitted that they did not wear masks when they left their house. Therefore, more efforts should be taken to protect future pharmacists from this pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3Suppl) ◽  
pp. 55-64
Author(s):  
Enkhnaran Tumurbaatar ◽  
Enkhjin Bat-Erdene ◽  
Otgontuya Duurenjargal ◽  
Myagmartseren Erbat ◽  
Tsolmontuya Amartuvshin ◽  
...  

Improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 is critical to control the infection rate of the pandemic successfully. Mongolia declared a state of emergency in January 2020 but no study was performed on public adherence to centralised measures and awareness of the pandemic in Mongolia. This study aimed to determine knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 in the general population, especially regarding the extent to which KAP has contributed to the control measures before local COVID-19 outbreaks. The study was conducted between July and October 2020, when the pandemic was limited to internationally imported cases. We adapted a structured KAP questionnaire that was used to survey residents of Wuhan, China, during the initial outbreak of the pandemic. Participants aged between 13 and 65 years (n=1324, mean age=39.79±14.8), 73.2% were women, and 27.2% held a bachelor's degree or above. The results suggested that 81.9% of the participants had sufficient knowledge about the transmission, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of the disease. In the multiple linear regression, an increase in age and education contributed positively to a high knowledge score (p<0.05, p<0.001, respectively). The majority of the participants (96.2% - 96.5%) had compliance with the measures to control COVID-19 spread with good practices (82.4% - 93.1%) toward COVID-19 prevention. In the binary logistic regression analyses, the COVID-19 knowledge score was associated with a higher likelihood of optimistic attitudes and preventive practices (OR: 0.617 - 0.845). In conclusion, despite the sufficient knowledge toward the COVID-19 pandemic among the general population of Mongolia, a relatively low level of optimistic attitudes and appropriate practices compared to other populations may negatively impact preventing the outbreak in the society. Health education programs aimed at improving COVID-19 knowledge will be helpful to minimise local epidemic growth and the current government measures such as lockdowns, quarantines, and travel restrictions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina M. Al Marzouqi ◽  
Michael E. Otim ◽  
Heba H. Hijazi ◽  
Leena S. Kehail ◽  
Ramsha A. Kamal

Abstract Objectives: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a global health pandemic that continues to have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. This study investigates the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This study uses a cross-sectional study design. The original data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed via a Google Forms link. Participants were healthcare workers currently working in the UAE healthcare facilities and recruited using snowball sampling. The questionnaire collected information on demographic variables and COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice.Results: In total, the sample of 107 healthcare workers completed the survey. About 92% of the participants worked in public institutions, 87% were from Dubai, and 673% were female. The majority were aged 31–40 years (34.6%), and 43% were radiographers. 66.4% held bachelor’s degrees and Indian nationalities were (28%) and the Philippinos were (28%). Most (90.7%) participants knew the absence of fever did not mean that the virus could not transmit from an infected person, and 84.1% agreed that wearing general medical masks prevented one from contracting COVID-19. However, only 36.4% strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19, and 54.2% reported that they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost half of the participants avoided patients who had symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusion: Overall, healthcare workers’ COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices for healthcare workers in UAE healthcare facilities was very high. However, we found gaps in awareness regarding the spread of the pandemic. Our study recommends that providing healthcare workers with education programs and counseling services would help increase their confidence in treating patients with COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
pp. 298-305
Author(s):  
Usman Abubakar ◽  
Abubakar Sha’aban ◽  
Mustapha Mohammed ◽  
Haseeb Tariq Muhammad ◽  
Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman ◽  
...  

Objective: This study evaluated the knowledge and self-reported confidence of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among pharmacy students in Malaysia and Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among final year undergraduate pharmacy students in a university from both Nigeria and Malaysia using a 59-item online questionnaire. Results: A total of 150 final year undergraduate pharmacy students completed the questionnaire. Exposure to infectious diseases clerkship was higher among the Malaysian students (78.2% versus 25.4%; p < 0.001). Overall, the knowledge score for antibiotic resistance and AMS were comparable (6.2 ± 1.5 and 3.6 ± 1.2, respectively versus 5.9 ± 1.6 and 3.3 ± 1.3). The knowledge of antibiotic therapy was higher among the Malaysian students (5.4 ± 1.8 versus 4.2 ± 1.8; p < 0.001) while self-reported confidence to participate in AMS was higher among the Nigerian students (median 48.0, IQR 26 – 75 versus median 36.5, IQR 15 – 75; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Pharmacy students in Malaysia and Nigeria have appreciable knowledge of antibiotic resistance, antibiotic therapy and AMS. More training on topics is recommended to improve the skills and competency of future pharmacists to participate in AMS.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpita Rai ◽  
Nishant Nishant ◽  
D Singh ◽  
Nitin Kulkarni ◽  
Shailesh Chaurasia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: People's adherence to control measures is imperative in the fight against COVID-19. The present study was done to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among residents of Jharkhand and to assist government in deciding further course of action during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This study was an online cross sectional survey. The link to the questionnaire was displayed on the official website of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Government of Jharkhand, National Health Mission, Jharkhand, official website of all districts under Jharkhand state administration, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and Information & Public Relations department. Participation of residents in the survey was also extensively propagated using mass media mainly local television networks, radio channel and newspapers. Results: A total of 4683 responses were received from all districts of Jharkhand. Majority of the participants were young adults (47.5%) and number of male participants was more than the females (81.4%). Mean correct knowledge score for participants of this study was 10.73+2.2 (maximum attainable score was 14) while mean practice score for the participants was 4.5+0.69 (maximum attainable score was 5). Knowledge score of the participants was significantly associated with their age, education status and economic class (p<0.05). The participants largely held an optimistic attitude and healthy practices towards COVID-19. Conclusions: Participants had positive attitude but were also logically worried and uncertain about near future. Adequate knowledge of participants was visible in the practices of residents. There was however a gap across age groups, gender, literacy and income levels which should be addressed in future campaigns.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hani A. Naseef ◽  
Ni'meh Al-Shami ◽  
Lilian S. Abu Hadba ◽  
Leen A. Humos ◽  
Ruba N. Shaheen ◽  
...  

Abstract Aim: COVID-19 the novel corona virus that has been characterized as a pandemic; as it spreads all over the world and has so far infected more than 20 million worldwide. In Palestine, the first seven cases were documented on March 5th, 2020 followed by the declaration of the state of emergency. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices toward COVID-19 among Birzeit University students.Subject and methods: A cross sectional study was carried out, a questionnaire was developed based on the WHO, CDC, ECDC recommendations. The questionnaire was distributed online and filled by Birzeit University students. Chi-square testing was performed to check for significant association between KAP and different sociodemographic variables. Binary logistic regression performed to identify and control the confounding factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22).Results: A total of 665 students have completed the online questionnaire. The mean age was (20.55±3.069) years. Multivariate analysis revealed that males, students from health professions and scientific faculties and those with highly educated parents had manifested a good knowledge level (GKL) about Covid -19. Regarding students’ practices, less negative practices were prompted by students from health professions faculty and the students living at the middle governorate of Palestine compared to north, south and Jerusalem dwellers. With regards to the practices, the vast majority of the participants held a positive and very cautious practice towards the COVID-19 epidemic.Conclusion: Our results revealed that students had variable knowledge regarding Covid-19 and the vast majority depended on the official media briefs in Palestine as a source of information. With regards to practices, positive and cautious practices towards the COVID-19 epidemic were carried out by the vast majority of participants.


Author(s):  
Sima Rugarabamu ◽  
Mariam Ibrahim ◽  
Aisha Byanaku

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is a global health and societal emergency that requires the adoption of Unprecedented measures to control the rapid spread of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic. Residents’ adherence to control measures is affected by their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards the disease, therefore. This study was carried out to investigate KAP towards COVID-19 KAP among residents in Tanzania during the April –May 2020 period of the epidemic.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study that involved a sample of online Tanzanian residents who was recruited randomly by sending an invitation asking to answer my survey”. Survey Monkey tool was used to develop a link and KAP questionnaire for data collection. Participants self-selected themselves when they choose to answer the questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics of participants, Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID. simple descriptive to complex analyses of multivariate was carried out using SPSS 17.ResultsFour hundred residents completed a survey. The mean age of study participants was 32 years, and majorities were females 216 (54.0%). There were no significant differences in demographic variables (p>0.3). Those who held a bachelor’s degree or above (60.3%) had a more correct score. Overall, (84.4%) of participants had good knowledge which was significantly associated with education level (p=0.001). Nearly all of the participants (96.0%) had confidence that COVID-19 will be eliminated. The majority of the respondents (77%) did not go to a crowded place in recent days. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that male gender, age-group of 16-29 years, and education of secondary or lower were significantly associated with lower knowledge score.ConclusionOur findings revealed good knowledge, optimistic attitudes, and appropriate practices towards COVID-19. Suggesting that a community-based health education program about COVID-19 is helpful and necessary to control the disease.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpita Rai ◽  
Nishant Nishant ◽  
DK Singh ◽  
Nitin Madan Kulkarni ◽  
Shailesh Kumar Chaurasia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background People's adherence to control measures is imperative in the fight against COVID-19. The present study was done to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among residents of Jharkhand and to assist government in deciding further course of action during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods This study was an online cross sectional survey. The link to the questionnaire was displayed on the official website of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Government of Jharkhand, National Health Mission, Jharkhand, official website of all districts under Jharkhand state administration, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and Information & Public Relations department. Participation of residents in the survey was also extensively propagated using mass media mainly local television networks, radio channel and newspapers. Results A total of 4683 responses were received from all districts of Jharkhand. Majority of the participants were young adults (47.5%) and number of male participants was more than the females (81.4%). Mean correct knowledge score for participants of this study was 10.73 + 2.2 (maximum attainable score was 14) while mean practice score for the participants was 4.5 + 0.69 (maximum attainable score was 5). Knowledge score of the participants was significantly associated with their age, education status and economic class (p < 0.05). The participants largely held an optimistic attitude and healthy practices towards COVID-19. Conclusions Participants had positive attitude but were also logically worried and uncertain about near future. Adequate knowledge of participants was visible in the practices of residents. There was however a gap across age groups, gender, literacy and income levels which should be addressed in future campaigns.


2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 681-686
Author(s):  
Shah Faisal ◽  
Junaidi Khotib ◽  
Elida Zairina

Abstract Objectives Pakistan has taken unprecedented measures to control the spread of COVID-19. Complete lockdown followed by smart lockdown and quarantine centres was established. Their awareness and attitude towards COVID-19 had an impact on the individual behaviour of the precautionary measures. The current study examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of university students in Pakistan. Methods An online cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Pakistan. A questionnaire containing demographic and KAP information related to COVID-19 has been created. Results A total of 358 students responded to the survey, and 353 participants completed the study. Among the respondents, 61.5% were male, 76.8% were single, and 58.4% enrolled in a bachelor’s degree. The results showed that most of the respondents (68%) had good knowledge about COVID-19, while the overall knowledge score was 8.78 ± 1.63 (range 1–10). The majority of the respondents (90.9%) were aware of COVID-19, 95.8% knew the sign and symptoms, and 83% of them knew about its transmission. We found a significant difference in knowledge scores across education and area of study p<0.05. More than half (53.5%) of the respondents were satisfied with the facilities provided by the government of Pakistan. The average practices score among the students was 5.08 ± 1.312. A significant difference was found among practice score and area of study p<0.05. Conclusions Most of the students have an adequate level of knowledge and are doing better preventive measures against COVID-19. Health education initiatives are required to ensure best practice among the high-risk groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyne Gomes da Vitória ◽  
Jhenifer de Souza Couto Oliveira ◽  
Louise Caroline de Almeida Pereira ◽  
Carolina Perim de Faria ◽  
Jackline Freitas Brilhante de São José

Abstract Background The adoption and evaluation of good practices in food handling in food service are essential to minimizing foodborne diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers in schools in Vitória, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in the school food services of the municipal network of Vitória-ES. The sample of food handlers was obtained by convenience and comprised food handlers involved with preparation and other kitchen-related activities. The instrument consisted of a structured questionnaire with 36 six questions that included sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to good practices and food safety. The questionnaire was answered by 172 food handlers. Pearson correlation test, T-test, Tukey’s test and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS v.20 software. Results Most of the participants were female (96.5%, n = 166), were 40 to 49 years old (44.8%, n = 78), attended high school (57.9%, n = 99), had up to 5 years of experience in the role (39.5%, n = 68). Some of them had participated at least 4 times in training (74.4%, n = 128) of which the most recent session had occurred within 3 months (52.0%, n = 44). The lowest score was obtained for knowledge (7.1 ± 1.22). All the models presented significant results for the F-test. This result show good model fit and results ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 on the Durbin Watson test of residual autocorrelation. The linear regression analysis allowed us to identify that the knowledge score increased with experience, but it was significant only for those who had spent up to 10 years in the role. The knowledge score was associated with experience and training time. Attitudes were significantly related to the schooling and training time. The increase in the classification of practices is shown only through a classification of attitudes. Conclusions Although the food handlers’ knowledge level in general was considered as sufficient, it was inferior to their scores for attitudes and practices regarding certain food safety concepts. Food safety training is ongoing in these units and covers the main aspects that favour the transformation of knowledge into appropriate attitudes and practices.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1650
Author(s):  
Ayed A. Shati ◽  
Saleh M. Al Qahtani ◽  
Shehata F. Shehata ◽  
Youssef A. Alqahtani ◽  
Mohammed S. Aldarami ◽  
...  

Background: Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food. Improper food safety knowledge, poor food handling, and inadequate personal hygiene may allow microbes to grow in sufficient numbers to cause a food-borne illness. The aim of this paper was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food poisoning and its determinants of parents in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 3011 parents in the Aseer region in the southwest region of Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was used to collect the data. The level of knowledge of the participants was scored as a percentage and further classified as “good” or “poor”. Attitudes were classified as “positive”, “neutral”, or “negative” based on a calculated composite mean score. The participants were asked about standard food hygiene practices, and the practices were recorded based on how often they were performed, with the results recorded as “usually”, “sometimes”, or “never”. Results: The age range of the parents was between 18 and 65 years old, with a mean age of 28.9 ± 10.4 years. Among the participants, 96.2% were Saudi, and 81.8% were female. Almost 53% of the fathers and 41% of the mothers were university graduates. About 55% of the mothers were housewives. Almost equal proportions of the parents had “good” and “poor” levels of knowledge on food poisoning. Around 41% of the parents had positive attitudes towards safe food consumption. Older parents (defined as above 30 years of age), males, university graduates, and urban residents had significantly higher levels of knowledge regarding food poisoning. Conclusions: This study provided much needed information on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to food poisoning among parents in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Although most respondents reported satisfactory practices, gaps were identified in knowledge and attitudes. This suggests a need for further investigation focused on the observed practices and strengthening health education activities for the community.


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