Community Consumption of Traditional Medicine and Health Supplements During the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) encourages the community to prioritize basic and personal health needs. This study aimed to explore the consumer behaviour of traditional medicine and health supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia using the Consumer Decision Model approach. A quick online cross-sectional survey involving 215 respondents was carried out from December 23, 2020, until January 2, 2021. This study revealed that the majority of respondents consume the products as forced by the pandemic situation, and their use has increased than before the pandemic. The primary reason for consuming the product is to increase their immunity during a pandemic, and they felt more healthy after consuming it. Social media and television are the primary sources of product information. Furthermore, we found that the majority of respondents were branded product consumers. Respondents were more likely to have good behaviour based on knowledge of the products' legality, dosage, indication, instructions for use, and expiration date. This study sets appropriate consumer behaviour and performs the statistical tests only for branded product consumers. It is concluded that consumer behaviour in this study is related to product advertisement exposure and acceptance, environmental influence, and individual difference.

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Gaps in Nutrition Policy Implementation in Childcare Centres in The Edmonton Metropolitan Region: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research ◽

10.3148/cjdpr-2021-021 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Marjorie Rafaela Lima Do Vale ◽

Anna Farmer ◽

Rebecca Gokiert ◽

Geoff Ball ◽

Katerina Maximova

Keyword(s):

Policy Implementation ◽

Policy Development ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Nutrition Policy ◽

Metropolitan Region ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Writing Evaluation ◽

Additional Support ◽

Implementation Resources

Purpose: To describe (i) nutrition policies in childcare centres, (ii) the resources and processes used to enable policy implementation, and (iii) the association between policy implementation and childcare centres’ or administrators’ characteristics. Methods: Between October 2018 and June 2019 a web-based survey that addressed nutrition policy, policy implementation, and sociodemographic characteristics was sent to eligible childcare programs (centre-based and provided meals) in the Edmonton (Alberta) metropolitan region. The survey was pretested and pilot tested. Statistical tests examined the relationship between policy implementation with centres’ and administrators’ characteristics. Results: Of 312 childcare centres that received the survey invitation, 43 completed it. The majority of centres had a nutrition policy in place (94%). On average, centres had about 9 of the 17 implementation resources and processes assessed. Most often administrators reported actively encouraging the implementation of the nutrition policy (n = 35; 87%) and least often writing evaluation reports of the implementation of the nutrition policy (n = 9; 22%). Administrator’s education level was associated with implementation total score (p = 0.009; Kruskal-Wallis). Conclusion: Most childcare centres had a nutrition policy in place, but many lacked resources and processes to enable policy implementation. Additional support is required to improve nutrition policy development and implementation.

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The Use and Potential Interactions of Herbal Medicines among Diabetic Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i53a33655 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 226-234

Author(s):

Saleh Alghamdi

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Traditional Medicine ◽

Formal Education ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Black Tea ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Research Committee ◽

Cross Sectional

Objectives: The use of herbal medicines as non-conventional treatment is popular, especially in developing countries where people suffering from chronic diseases as diabetes mellitus are more likely to use herbal medicines along with conventional medicines. However, their simultaneous use may concur serious drug interactions and may therefore result in a serious outcome. The present study was designed to identify the most commonly used herbal medicines and conventional anti-diabetic medications among Saudi population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was developed and piloted.Data were retrieved and manually entered in Excel 2016. Frequencies and percentages were utilized to perform descriptive analysis. The study was approved by the Scientific and Research Committee of the main hospital taking part in the study. Results: A total of 347 responses were recorded (69.4% response rate). 54% of participants were male, 53% were between the age of 41 and 64 years, and 35.5% had no formal education. Black tea, Peppermint, ginger, green tea, olive oil, and black seed were among the frequently mentioned herbal medicines. Black tea was used by the majority of patients (80%) while peppermint and ginger were used by more than half of patients, i.e., (56.5%) and (52.7%) respectively. Least common herb used by patients was Artemisia species (2.8%). A majority of patients (53.4%) used traditional medicine at least once daily, and 83% used traditional medicine without their physician's prescription. Conclusion: Concomitant use of herbal and conventional anti-diabetic medication was a common practice among patients in Saudi Arabia, therefore, pharmacists-led educational programs should target both prescribers and general public about the possible interactions/risks of herbal medicines.

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Similarities and Differences in COVID-19 Awareness, Concern, and Symptoms by Race and Ethnicity in the United States: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.20001 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jeb Jones ◽

Patrick S Sullivan ◽

Travis H Sanchez ◽

Jodie L Guest ◽

Eric W Hall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Race And Ethnicity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

The United States ◽

Control Measures ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Similarities And Differences ◽

Hispanic White

BACKGROUND Existing health disparities based on race and ethnicity in the United States are contributing to disparities in morbidity and mortality during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We conducted an online survey of American adults to assess similarities and differences by race and ethnicity with respect to COVID-19 symptoms, estimates of the extent of the pandemic, knowledge of control measures, and stigma. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe similarities and differences in COVID-19 symptoms, knowledge, and beliefs by race and ethnicity among adults in the United States. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey from March 27, 2020 through April 1, 2020. Participants were recruited on social media platforms and completed the survey on a secure web-based survey platform. We used chi-square tests to compare characteristics related to COVID-19 by race and ethnicity. Statistical tests were corrected using the Holm Bonferroni correction to account for multiple comparisons. RESULTS A total of 1435 participants completed the survey; 52 (3.6%) were Asian, 158 (11.0%) were non-Hispanic Black, 548 (38.2%) were Hispanic, 587 (40.9%) were non-Hispanic White, and 90 (6.3%) identified as other or multiple races. Only one symptom (sore throat) was found to be different based on race and ethnicity (P=.003); this symptom was less frequently reported by Asian (3/52, 5.8%), non-Hispanic Black (9/158, 5.7%), and other/multiple race (8/90, 8.9%) participants compared to those who were Hispanic (99/548, 18.1%) or non-Hispanic White (95/587, 16.2%). Non-Hispanic White and Asian participants were more likely to estimate that the number of current cases was at least 100,000 (P=.004) and were more likely to answer all 14 COVID-19 knowledge scale questions correctly (Asian participants, 13/52, 25.0%; non-Hispanic White participants, 180/587, 30.7%) compared to Hispanic (108/548, 19.7%) and non-Hispanic Black (25/158, 15.8%) participants. CONCLUSIONS We observed differences with respect to knowledge of appropriate methods to prevent infection by the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Deficits in knowledge of proper control methods may further exacerbate existing race/ethnicity disparities. Additional research is needed to identify trusted sources of information in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black communities and create effective messaging to disseminate correct COVID-19 prevention and treatment information.

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Đánh giá ảnh hưởng của đau mạn tính lên sức khỏe tổng quát ở bệnh nhân điều trị tại khoa YHCT Bệnh viện TW Huế cơ sở 2

Journal of Clinical Medicine- Hue Central Hospital ◽

10.38103/jcmhch.2020.60.2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Kim Lan Lại Thị

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pain ◽

Traditional Medicine ◽

General Health ◽

Common Symptom ◽

Low Back ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medicine Department ◽

Common Location ◽

The Common

EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF CHRONIC PAIN TO PATIENT’S GENERAL HEALTH AT TRADITIONAL MEDICINE DEPARTMENT OF HUE CENTRAL HOSPITAL BRANCH 2 Background: Pain is a very common symptom in the community and it is a leading cause of patients have to meet doctors and come to hospitals. Chronic pain results in poor quality of life, many days lost from work and high direct and indirect costs for the health care system. Objective: To investigate on chronic pain and general health with their ralated factors on patients at Traditional medicine department. To evaluate the effects of chronic pain to general health. Participants and method: A cross-sectional survey was performed for patients at Traditional medicine department with the pain and general health questionaire from 6/2018 to 6/2019. Results: Duration of chronic pain is very long. The common location of pain is low back. Majority of patients reported their pain condition is from moderate to severe level. Majority of patients have general health is lower moderate level. Conclusion: Chronic pain is one of the major health problems of the population. The common location of pain is low-back. The first is not to determine the effect of pain to general health of patient. Keywords: chronin pain, general health

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A Complementary Alternative Medicine Questionnaire for Young Adults

Integrative Medicine Insights ◽

10.4137/imi.s2281 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. IMI.S2281 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Christine Patterson ◽

Heather Arthur

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Alternative Medicine ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Environmental Influence ◽

Adult Population ◽

Complementary Alternative Medicine ◽

Future Research ◽

Limited Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

Limited information exists on how adolescents decide to use complementary/alternative medicine (CAM). There are also no instruments specific to CAM, for the young adult population, which makes it difficult to explore knowledge in this area. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine the psychometric properties of the CAM Questionnaire for Young Adults which measures young adults’ attitudes about CAM. Participants for this cross-sectional survey were selected from enrolled undergraduate students at an urban university. Factor analysis identified three subscales: 1) positive beliefs about CAM; 2) environmental influence; and 3) psychological comfort. The scale has good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79) and shows beginning demonstration of validity. Its use in this sample revealed that young adults who are female and have used CAM in the past for preventing or treating illness have the most positive attitude towards CAM and the greatest likelihood for continued use. The implication that prevention may play a role in young adults’ attitudes about CAM is a potential focus for future research.

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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Infection Control and Waste Management among Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Bhutan, 2019: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/6691780 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Dorji Gyeltshen ◽

Thinley Dorji ◽

Sonam Choda ◽

Chencho Gyeltshen ◽

Sangay Dorji ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Waste Management ◽

Infection Control ◽

Traditional Medicine ◽

Positive Attitude ◽

Management Practices ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

Waste Management Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Background. In Bhutan, Traditional Medicine (TM) is a part of the government-sponsored free healthcare system and Traditional Medicine Units (TMUs) are colocated with allopathic hospitals. Prevention of healthcare-associated infections and patient safety must apply to all institutionalized healthcare settings including TMUs. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of TM practitioners in Bhutan in the field of infection control and waste management practices. Methods. This was a descriptive study among TM practitioners selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured pro forma and entered in EpiData 3.1 and analyzed in STATA 13.1. Results. There were 132 respondents (response rate 98%). The majority (64%) knew the seven steps of handwashing but their knowledge of WHO’s Five Moments for Handwashing was poor, especially handwashing after aseptic procedures (17%) and handwashing after touching patient surroundings (5%). Handwashing before palpation of the pulse (37%) and using gloves while dispensing medicines (9%) were poor; but the proportions of handwashing before performing moxibustion (96%), correct disposal of sharps (84%), and disinfection of cupping sets (78%) were high. The majority of participants hold a positive attitude towards the adoption of infection control and waste management practices for the benefit of patients. Only 23% had received preservice and 44% had received in-service training on infection control. Conclusions. The knowledge and practices of infection control and waste management are optimal only in select domains of practice. The practitioners hold a positive attitude towards the adoption of infection control and waste management standards.

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Evaluation of the nutrient content of yogurts: a comprehensive survey of yogurt products in the major UK supermarkets

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021387 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. e021387 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

J Bernadette Moore ◽

Annabelle Horti ◽

Barbara A Fielding

Keyword(s):

Product Information ◽

Sugar Content ◽

Nutrient Content ◽

Good Evidence ◽

Total Sugar ◽

Low Fat ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutrient Contents ◽

Total Sugar Content

ObjectivesTo comprehensively survey the sugar and nutrient contents of yogurt products available in UK supermarkets, in particular those marketed to children.DesignA cross-sectional survey of yogurt products available in the UK’s supermarkets in November 2016.MethodsData were collected from five major online UK supermarkets and a process flow strategy was used to place yogurts into eight categories: children’s, dairy alternatives, dessert, drinks, fruit, flavoured, natural/Greek style and organic. A comprehensive database of product information for 921 unique products was created and analysed.ResultsThe total sugar, fat, protein, calcium and energy contents were highly variable across categories, and the ranges were extremely broad. Although lower than the dessert category, the medians (range) of the total sugar content of children’s (10.8 g/100 g (4.8–14.5)), fruit (11.9 g/100 g (4.6–21.3)), flavoured (12.0 g/100 g (0.1–18.8)) and organic (13.1 g/100 g (3.8–16.9)) yogurt products were all well above 10 g/100 g, and represented >45% of total energy. Only two out of 101 children’s yogurt and fromage frais products surveyed qualified as low sugar (≤5 g/100 g). Natural/Greek yogurts had dramatically lower sugar contents (5.0 g/100 g (1.6, 9.5), largely lactose) than all other categories. While low-fat (<3 g/100 g) products had less sugar and energy than higher fat yogurts, nonetheless 55% (285 of 518 low-fat yogurts) contained between 10 and 20 g sugar/100 g. Within the children’s category, fromage frais had higher protein (5.3 g/100 g (3.3, 8.6) vs 3.2 (2.8, 7.1); p<0.0001) and calcium contents (150 mg/100 g (90, 240) vs 130.5 mg/100 g (114, 258); p=0.0015) than yogurts.ConclusionsWhile there is good evidence that yogurt can be beneficial to health, products on the market vary widely in total sugars. Fewer than 9%, and only 2% of the children’s, products surveyed were low enough in sugar to earn ‘green’ in UK front of the pack labelling. Reformulation for the reduction of free sugars in yogurts is warranted.

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Knowledge and preparedness of community pharmacists in the fight against COVID-19 in Zambia

International Journal of Scientific Reports ◽

10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20212836 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (8) ◽

pp. 402

Author(s):

Jimmy Mapenzi Hangoma ◽

Steward Mudenda ◽

Mpande Mukumbwa Mwenechanya ◽

Aubrey Chichoni Kalungia

Keyword(s):

Statistical Tests ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Self Report ◽

Suspected Case ◽

National Guidelines ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Screening Criteria

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has severely strained healthcare systems globally. Community pharmacists remain vital health professionals with unique roles in responding to symptoms, supplying medicines and providing health promotion in the communities where they serve. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge and preparedness of community pharmacists in the fight against COVID-19 in Zambia.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 registered community pharmacists in Zambia from April to May 2020. A self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data using the statistical package for social sciences version 23. All statistical tests were set at 95% confidence level (p<0.05).Results: From a total of 393 community pharmacists, 300 participated in the study indicating a response rate of 76.3%. 97% of the pharmacists knew the common signs and symptoms of COVID-19, 83% knew the national guidelines for screening criteria and 93% were aware that a suspected case of COVID-19 presenting to the community pharmacy needed to be alerted to the national response team. Only 59% knew they needed to self-isolate and self-report should they experience symptoms of COVID-19. 85% stated that personal protective equipment was inadequate in the pharmacies they operated from. 60% of the pharmacists were prepared to participate in the frontline fight against COVID-19.Conclusions: Community pharmacists in Zambia are knowledgeable about COVID-19 signs and symptoms including the technical guidelines on the screening and detection of suspected cases. Community pharmacists are prepared to participate in the frontline fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Zambia.

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The influence of current food and nutrition trends on dietitians’ perceptions of the healthiness of packaged food

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980019005044 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (12) ◽

pp. 2124-2131

Author(s):

Rachael L Thurecht ◽

Fiona E Pelly ◽

Sheri L Cooper

Keyword(s):

Public Perception ◽

Online Survey ◽

Product Information ◽

Negative Influence ◽

Food Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Broad Concept ◽

Food And Nutrition ◽

Packaged Foods

AbstractObjective:To investigate the influence of current food and nutrition trends on dietitians’ perceptions of the healthiness of packaged foods.Design:This observational study used a cross-sectional survey. Participants rated (strongly disagree to strongly agree) the extent to which a range of factors, independent of the energy, nutrient and ingredient content, influenced their perceptions of the healthiness of packaged foods. Two open-ended questions allowed for participants to list additional items they considered important.Setting:Online survey.Participants:Australian dietitians (n 117).Results:The greatest consensus was a positive influence of the fit within the core food groups and presence of seasonal ingredients, and a negative influence of an increasing number of additives. Mixed opinions were obtained for GM ingredients, locally sourced ingredients, labelling of animal welfare and organic certification. Nutritional indicators received a split where almost half of participants disagreed/strongly disagreed that they positively influenced their perception of healthiness. Content analysis of open-ended responses (n 53, 45 %) revealed four broad categories as important in considering healthiness: ‘a whole food approach’, ‘marketing and labelling’, ‘product information’ and ‘context of diet’. A small number of responses (count of 6, 5 %) reported that packaging, advertising and features such as celebrity endorsement were a negative influence.Conclusions:Dietitians have a broad concept of the healthiness of packaged foods, which incorporates elements of food safety, wholeness of the ingredients and marketing. Providing unified messages to the consumer can help to build the public perception of dietitians as experts in nutrition advice and counselling.

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Who Indicates Caesarean Section in Romania? A Cross-Sectional Survey in Tertiary Level Maternity on Childbirth Patients and Doctors' Profiles

10.21203/rs.3.rs-39240/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anca Angela Simionescu ◽

Alexandra Horobet ◽

Erika Marin ◽

Lucian Belascu

Keyword(s):

Health System ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Tertiary Level ◽

Delivery Mode ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical Indication ◽

Delivery Modes ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background. C-section rate in Romania is the second-highest in the European Union (44.1% in 2017) and the number of C-sections performed in the country increased by 32.1% between 2009 and 2017. We offer for the first time insights into the practice and perceptions of patients and doctors in Romania towards delivery mode and on health system particularities that lead to increased numbers of C-sections. The objectives are 1) to compare the preferred modes of birth among women 2) to draw a profile of patients in whose case the actual birth method is different from the preferred method, and 3) to outline a profile of doctors and patients based on the modes of delivery. Methods. We conduct a statistical analysis based on an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional survey on 117 singleton pregnant women more than 36 weeks in spontaneous labor in tertiary level maternity in Romania. Various statistical tests have been used to indicate statistical significance. Results. Our results show an increase of almost 58% in actual childbirth mode against preferred childbirth by C-sections, rather difficult to justify based only on medical emergencies. There are 22 patients with non-concordant C-section indications between preferred and actual mode of birth, 7 of them (31.8%) preferred natural birth and 15 (68.2%) preferred C-section. Scarred uterus is the most frequent medical indication for C-section (30.7%). Overall, birth and birth pain assessment correlates to preferred and actual delivery modes, but respondents distinguish clearly between birth pain alone and their overall birth experience. The profiles of patients with concordant and non-concordant delivery modes are different, and indicate a statistically significant difference between the preference for delivery and actual birth method. Patients who preferred vaginal birth, but gave birth by C-section, are mature and more educated women, in the middle to the high-income category, mostly attended by consultant doctors and specialists. Doctors’ profiles show that specialists and consultants attend the largest share of non-concordant births, while residents and young senior doctors attend mostly vaginal births. Conclusions. We emphasize health system particularities in Romania as triggers of high C-section rates that favor womens’ preferences against C-section medical indication.

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