scholarly journals Self-medication practices and associated factors in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 virus: A population-based survey in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Ike Wegbom ◽  
Clement Kevin Edet ◽  
Olatunde Raimi ◽  
Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe ◽  
Victor Alangibi Kiri
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sufficient Knowledge ◽  
Prevention And Treatment

Abstract Background: The anxiety caused by the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) globally has made many Nigerians resort to self-medication for purported protection against the disease, amid fear of contracting it from health workers and hospital environments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the knowledge level, causes, prevalence, and determinants of self-medication practices for the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 in Nigeria.Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and July 2020 among the Nigerian population, using a self-reported questionnaire. Statistical analysis of descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses was done using STATA 15.Results: A total of 461 respondents participated in the survey. Almost all the respondents had sufficient knowledge about self-medication (96.7%). The overall prevalence of self-medication for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 was 41%. The contributing factors were fear of stigmatization or discrimination (79.5%), fear of being quarantine (77.3%), and fear of infection or contact with a suspected person (76.3%). The proximal reasons for self-medication were emergency illness (49.1%), delays in receiving hospital services (28.1%), distance to the health facility (23%), and proximity of the pharmacy (21%). The most commonly used drugs for self-medication were vitamin C and multivitamin (51.8%) and antimalarials (24.9%). These drugs were bought mainly from pharmacies (73.9%). From the multivariate logistic regression model, male gender (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.07–0.54), and sufficient knowledge on SM (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.19–0.77) were significantly associated with self-medication.Conclusion: Despite the high knowledge and the risks associated with self-medication among the respondents, the practice is prevalent for perceived COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Based on the findings of this study the media and the community-based should be engaged to create awareness on the dangers of self-medication and the need for positive health behaviour concerning COVID-19. Pharmacies, patent medicine vendors, and traditional medicine practitioners have a role to play since most of the drugs are bought from them. A review and activation of relevant laws on drug use are also suggested.

scholarly journals Self-Medication Practices and Associated Factors in the Prevention and/or Treatment of COVID-19 Virus: A Population-Based Survey in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Ike Wegbom ◽  
Clement Kevin Edet ◽  
Olatunde Raimi ◽  
Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe ◽  
Victor Alangibi Kiri
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin C ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sufficient Knowledge

Background: The anxiety caused by the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) globally has made many Nigerians resort to self-medication for purported protection against the disease, amid fear of contracting it from health workers and hospital environments. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the knowledge level, causes, prevalence, and determinants of self-medication practices for the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 in Nigeria.Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and July 2020 among the Nigerian population, using a self-reported questionnaire. Statistical analysis of descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses was done using STATA 15.Results: A total of 461 respondents participated in the survey. Almost all the respondents had sufficient knowledge about self-medication (96.7%). The overall prevalence of self-medication for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 was 41%. The contributing factors were fear of stigmatization or discrimination (79.5%), fear of being quarantine (77.3%), and fear of infection or contact with a suspected person (76.3%). The proximal reasons for self-medication were emergency illness (49.1%), delays in receiving hospital services (28.1%), distance to the health facility (23%), and proximity of the pharmacy (21%). The most commonly used drugs for self-medication were vitamin C and multivitamin (51.8%) and antimalarials (24.9%). These drugs were bought mainly from pharmacies (73.9%). From the multivariable logistic regression model, males (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.07–0.54), and sufficient knowledge on SM (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.19–0.77) were significantly associated with self-medication.Conclusion: The key finding of this study was the use of different over-the-counter medications for the prevention (mainly vitamin C and multivitamins) and treatment (antibiotics/antimicrobial) of perceived COVID-19 infection by Nigerians with mainly tertiary education. This is despite their high knowledge and risk associated with self-medication. We suggest that medication outlets, media and community should be engaged to support the rational use of medication.

scholarly journals Drug used pattern by self-medication among the RT-PCR positive health workers in Dhaka city

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elora Sharmin ◽  
Sharmin Begum ◽  
Swarmita Afreen ◽  
Diana Islam ◽  
Sheikh Foyez Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Prescribing Practice

Background: To date there is no effective treatment against COVID-19. Self-medication played one of the major modes of treatment among general population as well as the health workers during this pandemic. Studying the pattern of self-medication among the health care workers (HCWs) may indicate their knowledge and skills towards rational use of medicines. The aim of the study was to assess the pattern self-medication among the COVID-19 affected HCWs.Methods: This cross-sectional survey assessed the pattern of drug used by self-medication among the health workers who were RT-PCR positive in context to Bangladesh.Results: A total of 267 HCWs data were collected. Most of the HCWs were in middle age group between 31-40 years with the mean age of 32.2±5.2. Doctors (83.9%) enrolled five times more than the nurses (16.1%). Most of the HCWs (60.3%) commenced medications just after appearance of symptoms and 27.0% went for the RT-PCR testing. Only 3.7% went to health care facilities for treatment. More than sixty percent of the respondents took medication by themselves just after start the symptoms, 19 (33.7%) took advised from the specialists and attended at health facilities 2.6%. Most of the patients (42.7%) used azithromycin as antimicrobial agent. Paracetamol was the most used drug among the participants (78.65%) followed by antihistamines (67.79%). Average number of drugs used by patients 3.1% and percentage of antibiotics per patients 42.6%.Conclusions: The prescribing practice of antibiotics shows deviation from the standard recommendation. Awareness regarding essentials drug list should be needed. 

scholarly journals Prevalence of eczema among older persons: A population-based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Vijayan Neena ◽  
Neelakandhan Asokan ◽  
Rajany Jose ◽  
A. Sarin
Keyword(s):  
Older Persons ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Background: There are very few population-based studies on the prevalence of eczema among older persons Aims: To estimate the prevalence and types of eczema in those aged 65 years or more in the community and to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based interventions for case finding. Methods: In the first stage of this cross-sectional survey, trained health workers of a non-governmental organization surveyed the eligible population and identified persons likely to have eczema. In the second stage, dermatologists examined such persons to ascertain the diagnosis. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info software version 7. Prevalence of eczema was expressed in percentages. Chi-square test was used for comparing the difference in prevalence of eczema in various age groups and sex. Results: Health workers identified 98 persons as possible cases of eczema after interviewing 385 older persons in the community. Among them 95 persons were examined by dermatologists and 44 were confirmed to have eczema (diagnostic accuracy of health workers = 46.3%).Point prevalence of eczema was 11.4% (44/385). Prevalence was similar in males and females. It was greater (18.2 %) among persons aged 81 years or more. Asteatotic eczema, gravitational eczema and lichen simplex chronicus were the more common types of eczema. Limitations: Possible underestimation of the prevalence rates due to limited medical knowledge of health workers; limited facilities for examination and investigations at the medical camps and home visits. Conclusion: There appears to be a considerable burden of eczema among older persons in the community. A community-based approach involving non-governmental organizations has the potential to identify cases and offer care close to their homes.

scholarly journals Over-the-counter analgesics use is associated with pain and psychological distress among adolescents: a mixed effects approach in cross-sectional survey data from Norway

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rune Jonassen ◽  
Eva Hilland ◽  
Catherine J. Harmer ◽  
Dawit S. Abebe ◽  
Anne Kristine Bergem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Psychological Predictor

Abstract Background Over-the-counter analgesics (OTCA) such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are frequently used by adolescents, and the route of administration and access at home allows unsupervised use. Psychological distress and pain occur simultaneously and are more common among females than among males. There is a dynamic interplay between on-label pain indications and psychological distress, and frequent OTCA use or misuse can exacerbate symptoms. No studies have to date provided an overview of frequent OTCA use in a larger population-based study. The current study used survey data to explore associations between and the relative predictive value of on-label pain indication and measures of psychological distress, together with sex differences for weekly OTCA use. Methods This study included 349,528 adolescents aged 13–19. The data was collected annually between January 2014 and December 2018 as part of the Norwegian Young Data survey. Performance analysis was conducted to explore the relative roles and associations between on-label pain indication and psychological distress in weekly OTCA use. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to explore the unique contributions from four domains of on-label pain indication and psychological distress as measured by a combined measure of anxiety and depression (HSCL-10) and peer-bullying involvement as victims or bullies. Results Thirty percent of females and 13 % of males use OTCA weekly. Headache is the strongest on-label pain predictor of weekly OTCA use, followed by abdominal pain. Depression and anxiety are the strongest psychological predictor of weekly OTCA use, and higher symptom levels and being female increase the strength of this association. Anxiety and depression also predict weekly OTCA use after controlling for physiological pain. Conclusions Sex, pain and anxiety and depression are inter-correlated and strong predictors of frequent OTCA use. Frequent OTCA use in the context of psychological distress may be a form of self-medication that can exacerbate symptoms and decrease psychosocial function. Longitudinal studies that explore causal trajectories between frequent on-label OTCA use and psychological distress are required. OTCA use among adolescents, and particularly among females, with anxiety and depression should be administered with caution and closely monitored.

scholarly journals PROFIL KETEPATAN PENGGUNAAN ANTIBIOTIK PADA KARYAWAN UNIVERSITAS TARUMANAGARA

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 30
Author(s):  
Bernadetha Vania Eveliani ◽  
Shirly Gunawan
Keyword(s):  
Survey Design ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Dose Frequency ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Right

Antibiotik merupakan salah satu golongan obat yang banyak digunakan di Indonesia. Data Riskesdas menunjukkan cukup banyak masyarakat yang menyimpan antibiotik di rumah tangga dimana sebagian besar diperoleh tanpa resep dokter. Banyak masyarakat yang melakukan pengobatan sendiri (swamedikasi).  Tingginya angka penggunaan antibiotik tanpa resep dokter membuat penggunaannya menjadi irasional dan berdampak pada  timbulnya resistensi obat. Salah satu faktor penyebabnya ialah kurangnya pengetahuan masyarakat mengenai penggunaan obat, khususnya antibiotik. Studi ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui gambaran ketepatan penggunaan dan tingkat pengetahuan mengenai antibiotik pada karyawan Universitas Tarumanagara. Studi ini bersifat deskriptif, dilakukan dengan desain cross sectional survey. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui pemberian kuesioner terhadap 114 orang responden. Dari hasil penelitian ini diketahui sebagian besar responden yaitu sebanyak 104 orang (91,2%) mengonsumsi antibiotik amoxycillin. Ketepatan dalam penggunaan antibiotik dinilai dari ketepatan dosis, frekuensi minum obat dan lama pemberian obat. Hasil studi  menunjukkan sebanyak 100% responden telah mengonsumsi antibiotik dengan dosis tepat.  Sebagian besar responden tepat mengonsumsi obat sesuai frekuensi yang dianjurkan (88,6%), dan 93,9% tepat mengonsumsi antibiotik sesuai dengan lama waktu yang seharusnya. Secara umum dapat dinilai sebanyak 70,2% responden telah menggunakan antibiotik dengan tepat dan 47,4% responden memiliki pengetahuan “baik” mengenai antibiotik. Masih ada sebagian responden yang menggunakan antibiotik dengan tidak tepat sehingga perlu ditingkatkan pengetahuan mengenai antibiotik supaya tidak terjadi resistensi antibiotik. Antibiotics are widely used in Indonesia. Riset Kesehatan Dasar (Riskesdas) shows that some people store antibiotics at home, most of which are obtained without a doctor's prescription. Many people do self-medication. The high rate of use of antibiotics without a doctor's prescription makes their use irrational and impacts the emergence of drug resistance. One of the contributing factors is the lack of public knowledge about the use of drugs, especially antibiotics. This study aims to describe the accuracy of the use and level of knowledge about antibiotics in Tarumanagara University employees. This study is descriptive, conducted with a cross-sectional survey design. Data was collected through the provision of questionnaires to 114 respondents. This study showed that most of the respondents, as many as 104 people (91.2%), took amoxicillin antibiotics. The accuracy of antibiotics-using is assessed by determining the accuracy of the dose, frequency of drug-taking, and duration of drug administration. The study results showed that as many as 100% of the respondents had taken the correct dose of antibiotics. Most of the respondents took the right medicine according to the recommended frequency (88.6%) and duration (93.9%). The study showed that 70.2% of respondents had used antibiotics correctly, and 47.4% of respondents have "good" knowledge about antibiotics. Some respondents still misuse antibiotics, so that knowledge about antibiotics needs to be increased so that antibiotic resistance does not occur.

Health Behaviours and Awareness of Canada’s Food Guide: A Population-based Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonsikelelo Mathe ◽  
Calypse B. Agborsangaya ◽  
Christina C. Loitz ◽  
Jeffrey A. Johnson ◽  
Steven T. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Specific Health

Purpose: Lifestyle behaviours among adults reporting awareness of Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) are described. Methods: Data from a cross-sectional survey of adults from Alberta were used to estimate the prevalence of reported health behaviours among respondents aware of the CFG. Results: Respondents (n = 1044) reported general awareness of CFG (mean age 50.3 years; 54.2% female) of whom 82.2% reported awareness of specific CFG recommendations. Respondents reported frequently reading food labels (>58.0%), reading the number of calories (45.5%), the amount of sodium (49.5%), the amount of fat (46.7%), and the type of fat (45.5%) on the food label. Most respondents (90.0%) reported frequently selecting foods to promote health. Approximately one-third of the respondents (35.8%) reported frequently consuming ≥5 portions of vegetables and fruit per day and regularly participating in physical activity (55.3%). Body weight was perceived as healthy by 63.4% of the respondents. Most engaged in 2 health behaviours frequently. Adjusting for important socio-demographic characteristics, those who reported frequently consuming ≥5 portions of vegetables and fruit per day were more likely to engage in a second health behaviour outlined in CGF (OR: 23.6, 95% CI (16.2–34.4)). Conclusion: Awareness of CFG did not translate to positive health behaviours. More proactive population level strategies to support specific health behaviours as outlined in CFG might be warranted.

scholarly journals Use of Over-The-Counter Analgesics for Pain and Psychological Distress Among Adolescents: A Mixed Effects Approach in Cross-Sectional Survey Data From Norway

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rune Jonassen ◽  
Eva Hilland ◽  
Catherine J. Harmer ◽  
Dawit S. Abebe ◽  
Anne Kristine Bergem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Psychological Predictor

Abstract Background: Over-the-counter analgesics (OTCA) such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are frequently used by adolescents, and the route of administration and access at home allows unsupervised use. Psychological distress and pain occur simultaneously and are more common among females than among males. There is a dynamic interplay between on-label pain indications and psychological distress, and frequent OTCA use or misuse can exacerbate symptoms. No studies have to date provided an overview of frequent OTCA use in a larger population-based study. The current study used survey data to explore associations between and the relative predictive value of on-label pain indication and measures of psychological distress, together with sex differences for weekly OTCA use.Methods: This study included 349,528 adolescents aged 13-19. The data was collected annually between January 2014 and December 2018 as part of the Norwegian Young Data survey. Performance analysis was conducted to explore the relative roles and associations between on-label pain indication and psychological distress in weekly OTCA use. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to explore the unique contributions from four domains of on-label pain indication and psychological distress as measured by a combined measure of anxiety and depression (HSCL-10) and peer-bullying involvement as victims or bullies.Results: Thirty percent of females and thirteen percent of males use OTCA weekly. Headache is the strongest on-label pain predictor of weekly OTCA use, followed by abdominal pain. Depression and anxiety are the strongest psychological predictor of weekly OTCA use, and higher symptom levels and being female increase the strength of this association. Anxiety and depression also predict weekly OTCA use after controlling for physiological pain.Conclusions: Sex, pain and anxiety and depression are inter-correlated and strong predictors of frequent OTCA use. Frequent OTCA use in the context of psychological distress may be a form of self-medication that can exacerbate symptoms and decrease psychosocial function. Longitudinal studies that explore causal trajectories between frequent on-label OTCA use and psychological distress are required. OTCA use among adolescents, and particularly among females, with anxiety and depression should be administered with caution and closely monitored.

scholarly journals Predictors of cervical cancer screening uptake in two districts of Central Uganda

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243281
Author(s):  
Alone Isabirye ◽  
Martin Kayitale Mbonye ◽  
Betty Kwagala
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Screening Uptake

Uganda’s cervical cancer age standardized incidence rate is four times the global estimate. Although Uganda’s ministry of health recommends screening for women aged 25–49 years, the screening remains low even in the most developed region (Central Uganda) of the country. This study examined the demographic, social, and economic predictors of cervical cancer screening in Central Uganda with the aim of informing targeted interventions to improve screening. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wakiso and Nakasongola districts in Central Uganda. A total of 845 women age 25–49 years participated in the study. Data were analyzed at bivariate and multivariate levels to examine the predictors of CC (cervical cancer) screening. Only 1 in 5 women (20.6%) had ever screened for cervical cancer. Our multivariate logistic regression model indicated that wealth index, source of information, and knowledge about CC and CC screening were significantly associated with cervical cancer screening. The odds of cervical cancer screening were higher among rich women compared with poor women [AOR = 1.93 (95%CI: 1.06–3.42), p = 0.031)], receiving information from health providers compared with radios [AOR = 4.14 (95%CI: 2.65–6.48), p<0.001, and being more knowledgeable compared with being less knowledgeable about CC and CC screening [AOR = 2.46 (95%CI: 1.49–3.37), p<0.001)]. Overall cervical cancer screening uptake in central Uganda was found to be low. The findings of the study indicate that women from a wealthy background, who had been sensitized by health workers and with high knowledge about CC and CC screening had higher odds of having ever screened compared with their counterparts. Efforts to increase uptake of screening must address disparities in access to resources and knowledge.

scholarly journals Population-based socio-demographic household assessment of livelihoods and health among communities in Migori County, Kenya over multiple timepoints (2021, 2024, 2027): A study protocol

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256555
Author(s):  
Joseph R. Starnes ◽  
Jane Wamae ◽  
Vincent Okoth ◽  
Daniele J. Ressler ◽  
Vincent Were ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Lake Victoria ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Childhood Mortality ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
High Data

Migori County is located in western Kenya bordering Lake Victoria and has traditionally performed poorly on important health metrics, including child mortality and HIV prevalence. The Lwala Community Alliance is a non-governmental organization that serves to promote the health and well-being of communities in Migori County through an innovative model utilizing community health workers, community committees, and high-quality facility-based care. This has led to improved outcomes in areas served, including improvements in childhood mortality. As the Lwala Community Alliance expands to new programming areas, it has partnered with multiple academic institutions to rigorously evaluate outcomes. We describe a repeated cross-sectional survey study to evaluate key health metrics in both areas served by the Lwala Community Alliance and comparison areas. This will allow for longitudinal evaluation of changes in metrics over time. Surveys will be administered by trained enumerators on a tablet-based platform to maintain high data quality.

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