scholarly journals Attitude and perceptions towards COVID-19 among pregnant women in Singapore: A cross-sectional survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Wai Kheong Lee ◽  
Loy See Ling ◽  
Yang Liying ◽  
Jerry Chan Kok Yen ◽  
Tan Lay Kok

Abstract Background COVID-19 may predispose pregnant women to higher risks of severe disease and poorer neonatal outcome. Psychological sequalae of this pandemic may pose a greater conundrum than its clinical aspects. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women cope with this global pandemic and its ramifications. The aims of the study are to understand the attitude and perceptions of non-infected pregnant women towards the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore. Methods An online cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 awareness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Singapore was conducted. An internet link was provided to complete an online electronic survey on Google platform using a quick response (QR) code on mobile devices. The online survey consists of 34 questions that were categorized into 4 main sections, namely 1) social demographics 2) attitude on safe distancing measures 3) precaution practices and 4) perceptions of COVID-19. Results A total of 167 survey responses were obtained over eight weeks from April to June 2020. The majority of women were aged ≤35 years (76%, n=127), were of Chinese ethnicity (55%, n=91), attained tertiary education (62%, n=104) and were not working as frontline staff (70%). Using multiple linear regression models, Malay ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.04, 0.44) was associated with higher frequency of practicing social distancing. Malay women (β 0.48; 95% CI 0.16, 0.80) and those who worked as frontline staff (β 0.28; 95% CI 0.01, 0.56) sanitized their hands at higher frequencies. Age of ≥36 years (vs. ≤30 years, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.01, 0.46), Malay (vs. Chinese, β 0.27; 95% CI 0.06, 0.48) and Indian ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.41; 95% CI 0.02, 0.80), and attendance at high-risk clinic (vs. general clinic, β 0.20; 95% CI 0.01, 0.39) were associated with higher frequency of staying-at-home.Conclusion It is important for clinicians to render appropriate counselling and focused clarification on the effect of COVID-19 among pregnant women for psychological support and mental wellbeing.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
ryan wai kheong lee ◽  
loy see ling ◽  
yang liying ◽  
jerry kok yen chan ◽  
Tan Lay Kok

Abstract Background COVID-19 may predispose pregnant women to higher risks of severe disease and poorer neonatal outcome. Psychological sequalae of this pandemic may pose a greater conundrum than its clinical aspects. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women cope with this global pandemic and its ramifications. The aims of the study are to understand the attitude and perceptions of non-infected pregnant women towards the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore. Methods An online cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 awareness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Singapore was conducted. An internet link was provided to complete an online electronic survey on Google platform using a quick response (QR) code on mobile devices. The online survey consists of 34 questions that were categorized into 4 main sections, namely 1) social demographics 2) attitude on safe distancing measures 3) precaution practices and 4) perceptions of COVID-19. Results A total of 167 survey responses were obtained over eight weeks from April to June 2020. The majority of women were aged ≤35 years (76%, n=127), were of Chinese ethnicity (55%, n=91), attained tertiary education (62%, n=104) and were not working as frontline staff (70%). Using multiple linear regression models, Malay ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.04, 0.44) was associated with higher frequency of practicing social distancing. Malay women (β 0.48; 95% CI 0.16, 0.80) and those who worked as frontline staff (β 0.28; 95% CI 0.01, 0.56) sanitized their hands at higher frequencies. Age of ≥36 years (vs. ≤30 years, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.01, 0.46), Malay (vs. Chinese, β 0.27; 95% CI 0.06, 0.48) and Indian ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.41; 95% CI 0.02, 0.80), and attendance at high-risk clinic (vs. general clinic, β 0.20; 95% CI 0.01, 0.39) were associated with higher frequency of staying-at-home.Conclusion It is important for clinicians to render appropriate counselling and focused clarification on the effect of COVID-19 among pregnant women for psychological support and mental wellbeing.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
RYAN WAI KHEONG LEE ◽  
LOY SEE LING ◽  
YANG LIYING ◽  
JERRY CHAN KOK YEN ◽  
TAN LAY KOK

Abstract BackgroundCOVID-19 may predispose pregnant women to higher risks of severe disease and poorer neonatal outcome. Psychological sequalae of this pandemic may pose a greater conundrum than its clinical aspects. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women cope with this global pandemic and its ramifications. The aims of the study are to understand the attitudes and precaution practices of non-infected pregnant women towards the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore.Methods An online cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 awareness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Singapore was conducted. An internet link was provided to complete an online electronic survey on Google platform using a quick response (QR) code on mobile devices. The online survey consists of 34 questions that were categorized into 4 main sections, namely 1) social demographics 2) attitude on safe distancing measures 3) precaution practices and 4) perceptions of COVID-19. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine women’s precaution practices among six independent socio-demographic variables, including age, ethnicity , education , front-line jobs, history of miscarriage and type of antenatal clinic (general , high risk).ResultsA total of 167 survey responses were obtained over eight weeks from April to June 2020. The majority of women were aged ≤35 years (76%, n=127), were of Chinese ethnicity (55%, n=91), attained tertiary education (62%, n=104) and were not working as frontline staff (70%). Using multiple linear regression models, Malay ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.04, 0.44) was associated with higher frequency of practicing social distancing. Malay women (β 0.48; 95% CI 0.16, 0.80) and those who worked as frontline staff (β 0.28; 95% CI 0.01, 0.56) sanitized their hands at higher frequencies. Age of ≥36 years (vs. ≤30 years, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.01, 0.46), Malay (vs. Chinese, β 0.27; 95% CI 0.06, 0.48) and Indian ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.41; 95% CI 0.02, 0.80), and attendance at high-risk clinic (vs. general clinic, β 0.20; 95% CI 0.01, 0.39) were associated with higher frequency of staying-at-home.ConclusionSocial demographical factors including age > 36 years old, Malay ethnicity, employment in front line jobs and attendance at high-risk clinics are likely to influence the attitudes and precaution practices among pregnant women towards COVID-19 in Singapore. Knowledge gained from our cross-sectional online survey can better guide clinicians to communicate better with pregnant women. Hence, it is important for clinicians to render appropriate counselling and focused clarification on the effect of COVID-19 among pregnant women for psychological support and mental wellbeing.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Wai Kheong Lee ◽  
See Ling Loy ◽  
Liying Yang ◽  
Jerry Kok Yen Chan ◽  
Lay Kok Tan

Abstract Background COVID-19 may predispose pregnant women to higher risks of severe disease and poorer neonatal outcome. Psychological sequalae of this pandemic may pose a greater conundrum than its clinical aspects. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women cope with this global pandemic and its ramifications. The aims of the study are to understand the attitudes and precaution practices of non-infected pregnant women towards the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore. Methods An online cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 awareness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Singapore was conducted. An internet link was provided to complete an online electronic survey on Google platform using a quick response (QR) code on mobile devices. The online survey consists of 34 questions that were categorized into 4 main sections, namely 1) social demographics 2) attitude on safe distancing measures 3) precaution practices and 4) perceptions of COVID-19. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine women’s precaution practices among six independent socio-demographic variables, including age, ethnicity, education, front-line jobs, history of miscarriage and type of antenatal clinic (general, high risk). Results A total of 167 survey responses were obtained over 8 weeks from April to June 2020. The majority of women were aged ≤35 years (76%, n = 127), were of Chinese ethnicity (55%, n = 91), attained tertiary education (62%, n = 104) and were not working as frontline staff (70%). Using multiple linear regression models, Malay ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.04, 0.44) was associated with higher frequency of practicing social distancing. Malay women (β 0.48; 95% CI 0.16, 0.80) and those who worked as frontline staff (β 0.28; 95% CI 0.01, 0.56) sanitized their hands at higher frequencies. Age of ≥36 years (vs. ≤30 years, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.01, 0.46), Malay (vs. Chinese, β 0.27; 95% CI 0.06, 0.48) and Indian ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.41; 95% CI 0.02, 0.80), and attendance at high-risk clinic (vs. general clinic, β 0.20; 95% CI 0.01, 0.39) were associated with higher frequency of staying-at-home. Conclusion Social demographical factors including age > 36 years old, Malay ethnicity, employment in front line jobs and attendance at high-risk clinics are likely to influence the attitudes and precaution practices among pregnant women towards COVID-19 in Singapore. Knowledge gained from our cross-sectional online survey can better guide clinicians to communicate better with pregnant women. Hence, it is important for clinicians to render appropriate counselling and focused clarification on the effect of COVID-19 among pregnant women for psychological support and mental well being.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
RYAN WAI KHEONG LEE ◽  
LOY SEE LING ◽  
YANG LIYING ◽  
JERRY CHAN KOK YEN ◽  
TAN LAY KOK

Abstract BackgroundCOVID-19 may predispose pregnant women to higher risks of severe disease and poorer neonatal outcome. Psychological sequalae of this pandemic may pose a greater conundrum than its clinical aspects. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women cope with this global pandemic and its ramifications. The aims of the study are to understand the attitudes and precaution practices of non-infected pregnant women towards the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore.Methods An online cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 awareness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Singapore was conducted. An internet link was provided to complete an online electronic survey on Google platform using a quick response (QR) code on mobile devices. The online survey consists of 34 questions that were categorized into 4 main sections, namely 1) social demographics 2) attitude on safe distancing measures 3) precaution practices and 4) perceptions of COVID-19. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine women’s precaution practices among six independent socio-demographic variables, including age, ethnicity , education , front-line jobs, history of miscarriage and type of antenatal clinic (general , high risk).ResultsA total of 167 survey responses were obtained over eight weeks from April to June 2020. The majority of women were aged ≤35 years (76%, n=127), were of Chinese ethnicity (55%, n=91), attained tertiary education (62%, n=104) and were not working as frontline staff (70%). Using multiple linear regression models, Malay ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.04, 0.44) was associated with higher frequency of practicing social distancing. Malay women (β 0.48; 95% CI 0.16, 0.80) and those who worked as frontline staff (β 0.28; 95% CI 0.01, 0.56) sanitized their hands at higher frequencies. Age of ≥36 years (vs. ≤30 years, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.01, 0.46), Malay (vs. Chinese, β 0.27; 95% CI 0.06, 0.48) and Indian ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.41; 95% CI 0.02, 0.80), and attendance at high-risk clinic (vs. general clinic, β 0.20; 95% CI 0.01, 0.39) were associated with higher frequency of staying-at-home.ConclusionSocial demographical factors including age > 36 years old, Malay ethnicity, employment in front line jobs and attendance at high-risk clinics are likely to influence the attitudes and precaution practices among pregnant women towards COVID-19 in Singapore. Knowledge gained from our cross-sectional online survey can better guide clinicians to communicate better with pregnant women. Hence, it is important for clinicians to render appropriate counselling and focused clarification on the effect of COVID-19 among pregnant women for psychological support and mental wellbeing.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Hammerich ◽  
Kent Stuber ◽  
Sheilah Hogg-Johnson ◽  
Anser Abbas ◽  
Martin Harris ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patient-centred care is internationally recognized as a foundation of quality patient care. Attitudes of students towards patient-centred care have been assessed in various health professions. However, little is known how chiropractic students’ attitudes towards patient-centred care compare to those of other health professions or whether they vary internationally, and between academic programs. Objective To assess the association of select variables on student attitude towards patient-centred care among select chiropractic programs worldwide. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) to assess students’ patient-centred attitudes towards the doctor-patient relationship. Eighteen items were scored on a 1 to 6 Likert scale; higher scores indicating more patient-centredness. All students from seven chiropractic educational programs worldwide were invited to complete an online survey. Results were analyzed descriptively and inferentially for overall, sharing and caring subscales. General linear regression models were used to assess the association of various factors with PPOS scores. Results There were 1858 respondents (48.9% response rate). Student average age was 24.7 (range = 17–58) years and 56.2% were female. The average overall PPOS score was 4.18 (SD = 0.48) and average sharing and caring subscale scores were 3.89 (SD = 0.64) and 4.48 (SD = 0.52), respectively. There were small but significant differences in all PPOS scores by gender, age, and program. Year/semester of study within a program typically was not associated with scores, neither was history of previous chiropractic care nor having family members who are health professionals. Conclusion This is the first international study assessing students’ attitudes of patient-centred care in chiropractic educational programs. We found small but significantly different PPOS scores between chiropractic programs worldwide that did not change across year/semester of study. Scores tended to be lower than those reported among medical students. Observed differences may be related to curricular content, extent of patient exposure and/or regional cultural realities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-128
Author(s):  
Graham R Oliver ◽  
Christopher D Lynch ◽  
Padhraig S Fleming

Objective: To survey the opinion of recently qualified and established orthodontists on the perceived value of their training and to identify specific areas which which were considered to be deficient, adequately covered or focussed on excessively. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey Setting: Online electronic questionnaire. Participants: Members of the British Orthodontic Society (BOS). Methods: An electronic questionnaire was circulated to members of the BOS focusing on dental education history, and opinions concerning orthodontic teaching generally and specific clinical and non-clinical subjects. Information was also obtained in terms of possible need for improvement, modification or removal of teaching on focused academic and clinical aspects. Results: A total of 217 responses were received from 1080 emailed invitations resulting in a response rate of 20.1%. Respondents were generally satisfied with their training both in relation to theoretical, academic and practical aspects. However, training was regarded as deficient by some respondents in respect of temporary anchorage devices (38%), bonded retainers (6%), experience with lingual appliances (47%), removable aligners (44%), inter-proximal reduction (24%) and adult orthodontics (16%), working with therapists (32%), and NHS contracts (47%) and commissioning (47%). Conclusion: The overall satisfaction of BOS members with postgraduate orthodontic training is generally high, although both recently qualified and established practitioners emphasised the need for better exposure to training in specific practical aspects and practice management within the NHS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharmila Khumra ◽  
Andrew A. Mahony ◽  
Phillip J. Bergen ◽  
Amy T. Page ◽  
Rohan A. Elliott

Abstract Background Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are usually limited in resources and scope. Therefore, wider engagement of hospital pharmacists in reviewing antimicrobial orders is necessary to ensure appropriate prescribing. We assessed hospital pharmacists’ self-reported practice and confidence in reviewing antimicrobial prescribing, and their knowledge in making AMS interventions. Methods We conducted an Australia-wide, cross-sectional survey in October 2017. A link to the online survey was emailed to hospital pharmacists via the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia. Factors associated with higher knowledge scores were explored using linear regression models. Results There were 439 respondents, of whom 272 (61.7%) were from metropolitan public hospitals. Pharmacists were more likely to assess the appropriateness of intravenous, broad-spectrum or restricted antibiotics than narrow-spectrum, oral antibiotics within 24–72 h of prescription; p < 0.001. Fifty percent or fewer respondents were confident in identifying AMS interventions related to dose optimization based on infection-specific factors, bug-drug mismatch, and inappropriate lack of spectra of antimicrobial activity. The median knowledge score (correct answers to knowledge questions) was 6 out of 9 (interquartile range, 5–7); key gaps were noted in antimicrobials’ anaerobic spectrum, beta-lactam allergy assessment and dosing in immunocompromised patients. Clinical practice in inpatient areas, registration for 3–5 years and receipt of recent AMS education were associated with higher knowledge scores. More interactive modes of education delivery were preferred over didactic modes; p ≤ 0.01. Conclusion Gaps in practice, confidence and knowledge among hospital pharmacists were identified that could inform the design of educational strategies to help improve antimicrobial prescribing in Australian hospitals.


Author(s):  
Ahmed Hossain ◽  
Mohammad Ali ◽  
Hasinur Rahaman Khan ◽  
Gias Ahsan

Background: We aim to profile and contextualize the level of positive mental health among the healthy population during the beginning of nationwide lockdown over COVID-19 in Bangladesh. Design and setting: An online sample of 1404 healthy individuals was collected through the authors' networks with residents and popular media in Bangladesh. The survey was conducted between March 27, 2020, and April 7, 2020, following the Bangladesh government's lockdown announcement. Method: A questionnaire comprising the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) and sociodemographic information was posted to an online survey. Results: The mean wellbeing value was 38.4 (standard deviation, 11.2), indicating a lower mental health level exist in adults. Also, the mean wellbeing score for males was 39.0 (10.8) units compared to females with scores 37.0 (11.2), and the highest scores for government workers was 41.2 (11.8). Unemployment (35.6) or business employees (35.5) have a lower level of mental health. In the lockout days, the elderly population of age 50 years and above had high day-to-day variation of wellbeing scores. After confounding adjustment in multivariable linear regression models, there found a better wellbeing scores for males (estimate=1.79, 95% CI=0.5, 3.1), and government-workers (estimate=5.86, 95% CI=2.2, 9.5). Moreover, the never-married female had significantly higher well-being score compared to married women (estimate=3.31, 95% CI=1.0, 5.7). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with low mental wellbeing that indicates depression in our study. Suggestions for improvement will be implemented to promote the mental health to women, unemployed and business communities. Older people 50 years of age and over reported a greater day-to-day variation in their mental health. The married women with their decreased mental wellbeing should be given special consideration. The research will help let clinicians and policymakers decide where the measures can be implemented to improve their mental health during and after this pandemic.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e049494
Author(s):  
Josiah Brown Wilson ◽  
Andreas Deckert ◽  
Rupal Shah ◽  
Nicholas Kyei ◽  
Lauretta Copeland Dahn ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo examine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of COVID-19 of rural and urban residents in Liberia to inform the development of local social and behaviour change communication strategies.DesignCross-sectional, mixed-mode (online and telephone) survey using non-probability sampling.SettingAll 15 counties in Liberia with a focus on Maryland County.ParticipantsFrom 28 May to 28 June 2020, data were collected from a total of 431 adults aged 18 years and older (telephone 288 (66.8%); online 143 (33.2%)) out of a total of 741 contacts.Main outcome measuresKAP scores. Frequencies and proportions were calculated, followed by univariate and multivariable analyses to examine the association between KAP scores and the sociodemographic variables.ResultsAround 69% of the online survey respondents were younger than 35 years of age, compared with 56% in the telephone interviews. The majority (87%) of online respondents had completed tertiary education, compared with 77% of the telephone respondents. Male participants, on average, achieved higher knowledge (52%) and attitude scores (72%), in contrast to females (49% and 67%, respectively). Radio (71%) was the most cited source for COVID-19 information, followed by social media (63%). After controlling for sociodemographic variables, adaptive regression modelling revealed that survey mode achieved 100% importance for predicting knowledge and practice levels with regard to COVID-19.ConclusionsThe survey population demonstrated moderate COVID-19 knowledge, with significant differences between survey mode and educational level. Correct knowledge of COVID-19 was associated with appropriate practices in Maryland County. Generalisation of survey findings must be drawn carefully owing to the limitations of the sampling methods. Yet, given the differences in knowledge gaps between survey modes, sex, education, occupation and place of residence, it is recommended that information is tailored to different audiences.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 3196
Author(s):  
Andrea Horvath ◽  
Agata Stróżyk ◽  
Piotr Dziechciarz ◽  
Hania Szajewska

This cross-sectional online survey performed in Poland aimed to improve understanding of how COVID-19 pandemic restrictions affected complementary feeding practices among parents of infants aged 4 to 12 months. Self-selected parents were recruited through the internet. The anonymous questionnaire was opened during two intervals during COVID-19 restrictions. The primary outcome was an assessment of sources of information and infant feeding practices in the context of COVID-19 restrictions. Data from 6934 responders (92.2% mothers) were analyzed. Most responders received information from multiple sources, with other parents, family members, or friends being the most frequently reported (48.6%), followed by webinars and experts’ recommendations (40.8%). COVID-19 restrictions largely did not impact the method of feeding, changes in feeding patterns, or complementary feeding introduction, although the latter was more likely to be impacted in families with average versus the best financial situations. Multivariate logistic regression analysis also most consistently showed that parents with a tertiary education and living in a city above 500 k were at higher odds of using webinars/experts’ recommendations, internet/apps, and professional expert guides and lower odds of claiming no need to deepen knowledge. This study clarifies major issues associated with complementary feeding practices during the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions in Poland.


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