Public Utilization of Face Masks in Brazil During COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: Temporal Trend Analysis

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has recorded approximately 8.6 million confirmed cases and more than 450.000 deaths worldwide. As of today, Brazil remains the second most affected country, with more than 1 million confirmed cases and more than 50,000 related deaths. This study aimed to evaluate the temporal trend of the frequency of face mask use among Brazil’s general population.Method: A cross-sectional survey method was adopted in this study. Online survey regarding sociodemographic and protective personal measures against COVID-19 was used to collect data. Data were collected from April 17 to May 15, 2020. The frequency of face mask use was divided into five categories: “never,” “rarely,” “sometimes,” “frequently,” and “always.” Joinpoint regression model was employed to analyze the daily percentage change (DPC) of each category. Ethics aspects were considered.Results: A total of 14,756 volunteers comprised the study sample. The “frequently” and “always” categories represented 71% of the sample, with the former being superior to the latter (39.4% vs. 31.6%, respectively). Temporal trend analysis showed two trend periods for all categories. The “never,” “rarely,” and “sometimes” categories decreased in the first period and stabilized in the second period. Conversely, the “frequently” and “always” categories showed an upward trend. Like other categories, the “frequently” category had stabilized in the second period. However, the “always” category still showed an increasing trend in the second period. The association analysis results showed a decrease in the use of face masks in women, postgraduate people, those aged above 35 years, and those earning more than seven times the federal monthly income minimal wage. However, the use of masks increased among young people and those with elementary to graduate degrees. The “always” use of face masks increased in the south and decreased in the southeast of Brazil. Conclusion: The preponderance of the “frequently” category and the slow DPC in the second trend period of the “always” category suggest the necessity of further enforcement of the use of face masks in Brazil. The adaptation of this new habit among Brazilians is time demanding, and thus strategies must be implemented in a more natural way.

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COVID-19 knowledge, attitude and awareness among preclinical and clinical dental students: An online-based cross-sectional survey

Journal Of Oral Research ◽

10.17126/joralres.2021.026 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Saqib Ali ◽

◽

Saman Tauqir ◽

Beenish Fatima Alam ◽

Faraz Farooqi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Undergraduate Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Face Mask ◽

Dental Students ◽

Basic Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adequate Knowledge ◽

Route Of Transmission

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the understanding and perception of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among the undergraduate preclinical and clinical dental students within Pakistan. Material and Methods: An online survey was developed by the researchers and conducted amongst the undergraduate students at various dental colleges of Pakistan. A pretested questionnaire was used and distributed using social media platforms. The questionnaire consisted of demographics, health status, perception related to general hygiene, understanding and learning attitudes of dental students. Knowledge scores and the attitude responses were compared with the demographics using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and chi-square, as appropriate. Results: A total of 800 undergraduate dental students responded to the survey, out of which 304(38%) were males and 496(62%) were female students. Students in pre-clinical years were 600(75%), while 200(25%) students were in the clinical years. The knowledge of clinical students regarding COVID-19 was statistically higher (4.71/6), compared to the students in pre-clinical years (4.49/6) (p=0.004). Both groups showed adequate knowledge regarding the route of transmission, symptoms and origin of COVID-19, and COVID-19 being a threat to life. Clinical students did not want to re-use the face mask (75%), compared to the preclinical students (68%) (p-0.048). Students in clinical years reported more awareness regarding the recommended hand washing technique during COVID-19 (p-<0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded that dental students in clinical years have adequate knowledge regarding the COVID-19 as compared to the preclinical students. The study identifies all areas where preclinical and clinical students lack basic knowledge. This should be compensated by arranging different webinars and online courses to increase the understanding of both clinical and preclinical students during the pandemic.

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Perceived Myths and Misconceptions about the Novel COVID-19 Outbreak

SciMedicine Journal ◽

10.28991/scimedj-2020-0203-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 108-117

Author(s):

Michael Abiola Okunlola ◽

Emmanuel Lamptey ◽

Ephraim Kumi Senkyire ◽

Serwaa Dorcas ◽

Benita Aki Dooshima

Keyword(s):

Face Mask ◽

The Elderly ◽

World Health ◽

Survey Method ◽

The Novel ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Corona Virus ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Health Organization

The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) which was first reported in Wuhan, China has now spread globally becoming a matter of international concern. The World Health Organization officially changed their classification of the situation from a Public Health Emergency of International Concern to a Pandemic on March 11, 2020. As the corona virus continues to spread rapidly so do the headline news and a host of misconceptions surrounding the outbreak. This paper investigated and highlighted some of the most common misconceptions surrounding the outbreak of the covid-19. Using a cross-sectional survey method, the study collected and analysed data on these misconceptions and examined factors that influence the levels of these misconceptions. The study identified four top misconceptions respondents believe or agree with. These are; the novel corona virus is deadly (83.3%), Hand sanitizers do kill the virus (67.5%), face mask offer protection against the virus (55.8%) and Drying the hands with hand dryer helps to prevent the virus (44.2%). However, respondents were able to disagree, identify correctly and debunked certain statements of misconception. These include coronavirus affect only the elderly (95%), the virus can spread by mosquito bites (87.5%), antibiotics are effective for treatment (60%) and homemade remedies can cure the corona virus (54. 2%). Factors such as employment status and the relatedness of respondent’s occupation to Human Health were found to influence some of these misconceptions. Exploring these misconceptions keep the general public fully educated and informed about the facts of the outbreak as well as avoiding making up these misconceptions to protect themselves.

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Characterization of alcohol consumption and related problems in university students from Mexico City

Salud Mental ◽

10.17711/sm.0185-3325.2021.015 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 44 (3) ◽

pp. 107-115

Author(s):

Roberto Cordero-Oropeza ◽

Mirna García-Méndez ◽

Martha Cordero-Oropeza ◽

Julio Javier Corona-Maldonado

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

University Students ◽

Mexico City ◽

Online Survey ◽

Latent Class ◽

Latent Class Model ◽

Survey Method ◽

Human Beings ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction. In Mexico, alcohol consumption is the main problem related to substance use among university students. Objective. To analyze emerging alcohol consumption patterns in students at a public university through the administration of an online survey. Method. This is a cross-sectional, survey-based study. Participants included 3,888 students from a large university in Mexico City, to whom the alcohol and sociodemographic data section of the Cuestionario de Estudiantes 2014 was electronically administered in August-September 2018 and 2019. Latent Class Analysis was applied to the data obtained. During the research, the principles, norms, and ethical precepts of research on human beings were observed. Results. The relevant variables observed were length of exposure to alcohol, excess alcohol consumption, consumption on a typical day and alcohol-related consequences, which were used to create a model with four groups: teetotalers and early drinkers without consequences, risky drinkers with consequences, experienced risky drinkers without consequences and habitual drinkers with consequences. 36.7% of the sample were classified into groups with consequences and a high likelihood of excess consumption. Discussion and conclusion. Lengthy exposure to alcohol influences measures of frequency and intensity of consumption in relation to the number of consequences suffered. This latent class model can guide the design and priority of universal, selective, or suggested preventive interventions.

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Cross Sectional Survey of Pakistani Muslims Coping Health Anxiety through Religiosity during COVID-19 Pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-64185/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Qaisar Khalid Mahmood ◽

Malik Muhammad Sohail ◽

Muhammad Babar Akram

Keyword(s):

Religious Coping ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Anxiety ◽

Survey Method ◽

Fit Indices ◽

Cronbach’S Alpha ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cronbach's Alpha ◽

Composite Reliability

Abstract This study aims to investigate the role of religiosity in coping with health anxiety during the outbreak of COVID-19, a deadliest pandemic of century which is still affecting billions of lives globally. Using online survey method, the researchers collected the data from 408 Pakistani Muslim respondents. Health anxiety and religious coping were measured through seven items Likert scales. Psychometric analysis showed that both scales, health anxiety (Cronbach’s alpha ά=.87, composite reliability CR=.869) and religious coping (Cronbach’s alpha ά=.893, composite reliability CR=.888), showed good internal consistency. Path analysis, structural equational modeling performed, was performed. All the fit indices (GFI=.932, CFI=.954, TLI=.941, RMSEA=.073 & RMR=.035) were within acceptable limit. The regression results indicated that those who were suffering with health anxiety opted religious coping (β=.54, R2=.29, p<.001). These findings can be helpful for psychiatrists, physicians and researchers to understand psychological complications pertaining infectious diseases.

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Testing the Strain Theory of Suicide – The Moderating Role of Social Support

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000604 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (2) ◽

pp. 82-88 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bob Lew ◽

Ksenia Chistopolskaya ◽

Yanzheng Liu ◽

Mansor Abu Talib ◽

Olga Mitina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Suicidal Behavior ◽

Online Survey ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

Strain Theory ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Strains ◽

Moderating Role

Abstract. Background: According to the strain theory of suicide, strains, resulting from conﬂicting and competing pressures in an individual's life, are hypothesized to precede suicide. But social support is an important factor that can mitigate strains and lessen their input in suicidal behavior. Aims: This study was designed to assess the moderating role of social support in the relation between strain and suicidality. Methods: A sample of 1,051 employees were recruited in Beijing, the capital of China, through an online survey. Moderation analysis was performed using SPSS PROCESS Macro. Social support was measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and strains were assessed with the Psychological Strains Scale. Results: Psychological strains are a good predictor of suicidality, and social support, a basic need for each human being, moderates and decreases the effects of psychological strains on suicidality. Limitations: The cross-sectional survey limited the extent to which conclusions about causal relationships can be drawn. Furthermore, the results may not be generalized to the whole of China because of its diversity. Conclusion: Social support has a tendency to mitigate the effects of psychological strains on suicidality.

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Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24776 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽

Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽

Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽

Thanh Vo Van ◽

Toi Phung Lam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

General Population ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Survey Study ◽

Limited Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

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Survey of young people in one region of the UK on accessing COVID-19 information (SOCIAL)

BMJ Paediatrics Open ◽

10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000942 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. e000942

Author(s):

Oliver G P Lawton ◽

Sarah A Lawton ◽

Lisa Dikomitis ◽

Joanne Protheroe ◽

Joanne Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Young People ◽

Significant Role ◽

Online Survey ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Education Gaps ◽

The Uk

COVID-19 has significantly impacted young people’s lives yet little is known about the COVID-19 related sources of information they access. We performed a cross-sectional survey of pupils (11–16 years) in North Staffordshire, UK. 408 (23%) pupils responded to an online survey emailed to them by their school. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Social media, accessed by 68%, played a significant role in the provision of information, despite it not being considered trustworthy. 89% felt that COVID-19 had negatively affected their education. Gaps in the provision of information on COVID-19 have been identified.

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Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of Community pharmacists regarding COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey in two provinces of Pakistan

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2021.54 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-23

Author(s):

Khayal Muhammad ◽

Muhammad Saqlain ◽

Gul Muhammad ◽

Ataullah Hamdard ◽

Muhammad Naveed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Good Practice ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Vital Role ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Knowledge Age ◽

Good Attitude

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic having no therapy and pharmacists being a part of the healthcare system had a vital role in the management of COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of community pharmacists (CPs) regarding COVID-19. An online survey was conducted among 393 CPs in two provinces of Pakistan during the lockdown period. A validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha, 0.745) was used for data collection. All statistical analysis was analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Among 393 participants, 71.5% (n=281) had good knowledge, 44% (n=175) positive attitude and 57.3% (n=225) had good practice regarding COVID-19. Social media (45.29%, n=178) was reported as the main source to seek information of COVID-19. Good knowledge, age ≥ 26 years and Ph.D. degree level were the substantial determinants (p= <0.05) of a good attitude. Similarly, community pharmacist who had an experience of >5 years, hold a Ph.D. degree, good knowledge and good attitude had higher odds of good practice as compared to reference categories (p= <0.05). In short, majority of CPs had good knowledge, but had a poor attitude and practice towards the COVID-19. Standard-structured educational and counselling programs for CPs regarding COVID-19 are needed for effective management.

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Public knowledge, preferences and experiences about medical substitute decision-making: a national cross-sectional survey

BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care ◽

10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002619 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. bmjspcare-2020-002619

Author(s):

Marcus Sellars ◽

Julien Tran ◽

Linda Nolte ◽

Ben White ◽

Craig Sinclair ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Online Survey ◽

Public Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Medical Decisions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Minimal Support ◽

Substitute Decision Maker ◽

Final Sample ◽

Advance Care

ObjectiveTo describe the Australian adult public’s knowledge and experiences regarding substitute decision-making for medical decisions and their preferences for obtaining information about the substitute decision-maker (SDM) role.MethodsThis is a national cross-sectional online survey of the Australian adult public. The survey examined participants’ advance care planning (ACP) awareness and experience, SDM experiences and preferences for obtaining more information about SDM, and participant knowledge about SDM.ResultsOf 1586 people who opened the survey, 1120 (70.6%) were included in the final sample. 13% (n=142) of participants indicated they had acted as an SDM. A median score of two correct responses out of five showed low to moderate knowledge about the SDM role among all participants, with only 33% reporting awareness of SDM laws existing in Australia. While most (59%) participants ranked a health professional as their preferred source of obtaining information about supporting SDMs, few participants who had been an SDM (n=64, 45%) reported obtaining any support in making medical decisions. The median SDM knowledge scores for people who had discussed ACP (3.0 vs 2.0, U=1 45 222, z=6.910, p<0.001), documented their ACP preferences (3.0 vs 2.0, U=71 984, z=4.087, p<0.001) or acted in the SDM role (3.0 vs 2.0, U=56 353, z=−3.694, p<0.001) were significantly higher compared with those who had not.ConclusionsThe Australian public may have low to moderate knowledge about the SDM role and access only minimal support when making challenging medical decisions.

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Tailor-Made Psychosocial Intervention for the Caregivers in Emergency and Trauma Care Center

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1722815 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (02) ◽

pp. 290-294

Author(s):

T.R. Kanmani ◽

Birudu Raju ◽

Subhas Konar ◽

Dhaval Shukla ◽

Raghavendra Kukkehalli

Keyword(s):

Trauma Care ◽

Psychosocial Intervention ◽

Care Center ◽

Psychosocial Problems ◽

Psychosocial Interventions ◽

Survey Method ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Objective ◽

The Impact

Abstract Introduction The caregiver’s psychosocial problems are unnoticed in the emergency and trauma care center. Therefore, the study objective was to understand the impact of psychoeducation and psychosocial intervention on traumatic brain injury (TBI) caregivers during hospitalization. Methodology The study adopted a descriptive research design. Sixty-three (n = 63) consented caregivers were recruited by using a cross-sectional survey method. Two separate checklists were used to collect the psychosocial problems in emergency and trauma care as well as to know the satisfaction levels of caregivers after the intervention. R free 3.0.1 software was used to calculate the frequency and percentage. Results The caregiver’s mean age was 39 years (39.46 ± 16.22). The majority of the caregivers were males (45; 71.4%) working as daily wagers (42; 66.7%). Caregivers experienced psychosocial problems, that is, depression, anxiety, stress, unable to handle crisis, grief, lack of coping skills (57; 90.5%), emotional distress (57; 90.5%), financial constraints (45; 71.1%), and need for referral services (45; 71.1%). Tailor-made psychosocial interventions were provided to the caregivers. Conclusion To conclude, there is a greater need to provide psychosocial intervention and train the caregivers to provide care for TBI survivors during hospitalization. There is a need to develop the uniform standard operating procedure for medical and psychiatric social workers in providing psychosocial care in emergency and trauma care setting.

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