Public Awareness, Knowledge of Availability, And Willingness to Use Neurosurgical Care Services in Africa: A Cross-Sectional E-Survey Protocol

In a developing country like India, affordable eye care services are limited and less developed. Moreover, a general lack of awareness about proper vision care leads to a rise in the number of individuals with visual impairment. In developing countries like India, the low vision services are still growing. Hence, it becomes necessary to understand the knowledge and practice patterns among optometrists regarding low vision services. This was a cross-sectional study carried out from May 2020 to July 2020 among optometrists across India. The questionnaire was constructed using the information from the already existing literature, and content validity was done through experts in this field. Furthermore, this survey was circulated to 1374 optometrists in the form of Google survey. The participants were able to participate in the survey only after a written informed consent. Analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 20.0 (SPSS, Inc., IBM), to report the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the low vision services in India. In total, 280 individuals participated in this survey, and the mean age of the participants was 28 ± 8 years. There were 156 (55.7%) females and 124 (44.3%) males with a response rate of 20.37%. Out of 280 participants, 184 (65.7%) were involved in clinical practice, whereas 96 (34.3%) in optical practice. Lack of accessibility and time were found to be the two major barriers to enhance knowledge in low vision; however, accessibility, lack of awareness, and cost were the hindering factors to practise low vision services among these participants. This study reports that accessibility to the low vision services and awareness about the services are the barriers to uptake of low vision services. Besides this awareness, training programmes and public awareness would effectively contribute to enhance low vision services.

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Patients’ Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to the Adoption of E-Hospitals: Cross-Sectional Study in Western China

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/17221 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (6) ◽

pp. e17221 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Peiyi Li ◽

Yunmei Luo ◽

Xuexin Yu ◽

Jin Wen ◽

Elizabeth Mason ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care Services ◽

Age Groups ◽

Barriers And Facilitators ◽

Western China ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Care Services ◽

Facilitators And Barriers ◽

Willingness To Use

Background As an innovative approach to providing web-based health care services from physical hospitals to patients at a distance, e-hospitals (ie, extended care hospitals through the internet) have been extensively developed in China. This closed health care delivery chain was developed by combining e-hospitals with physical hospitals; treatment begins with web-based consultation and registration, and then, patients are diagnosed and treated in a physical hospital. This approach is promising in its ability to improve accessibility, efficiency, and quality of health care. However, there is limited research on end users’ acceptance of e-hospitals and the effectiveness of strategies aimed to prompt the adoption of e-hospitals in China. Objective This study aimed to provide insights regarding the adoption of e-hospitals by investigating patients’ willingness to use e-hospitals and analyzing the barriers and facilitators to the adoption of this technology. Methods We used a pretested self-administered questionnaire and performed a cross-sectional analysis in 1032 patients across three hierarchical hospitals in West China from June to August 2019. Patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, current disease status, proficiency with electronic devices, previous experience with web-based health services, willingness to use e-hospitals, and perceived facilitators and barriers were surveyed. Multiple significance tests were employed to examine disparities across four age groups, as well as those between patients who were willing to use e-hospitals and those who were not. Multivariate logistic regression was also performed to identify the potential predictors of willingness to use e-hospitals. Results Overall, it was found that 65.6% (677/1032) of participants were willing to use e-hospitals. The significant predictors of willingness to use e-hospitals were employment status (P=.02), living with children (P<.001), education level (P=.046), information technology skills (P<.001), and prior experience with web-based health care services (P<.001), whereas age, income, medical insurance, and familiarity with e-hospitals were not predictors. Additionally, the prominent facilitators of e-hospitals were convenience (641/677, 94.7%) and accessibility to skilled medical experts (489/677, 72.2%). The most frequently perceived barrier varied among age groups; seniors most often reported their inability to operate technological devices as a barrier (144/166, 86.7%), whereas young participants most often reported that they avoided e-hospital services because they were accustomed to face-to-face consultation (39/52, 75%). Conclusions We identified the variables, facilitators, and barriers that play essential roles in the adoption of e-hospitals. Based on our findings, we suggest that efforts to increase the adoption of e-hospitals should focus on making target populations accustomed to web-based health care services while maximizing ease of use and providing assistance for technological inquiries.

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Patients’ Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to the Adoption of E-Hospitals: Cross-Sectional Study in Western China (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.17221 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Peiyi Li ◽

Yunmei Luo ◽

Xuexin Yu ◽

Jin Wen ◽

Elizabeth Mason ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care Services ◽

Age Groups ◽

Barriers And Facilitators ◽

Western China ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Care Services ◽

Facilitators And Barriers ◽

Willingness To Use

BACKGROUND As an innovative approach to providing web-based health care services from physical hospitals to patients at a distance, e-hospitals (ie, extended care hospitals through the internet) have been extensively developed in China. This closed health care delivery chain was developed by combining e-hospitals with physical hospitals; treatment begins with web-based consultation and registration, and then, patients are diagnosed and treated in a physical hospital. This approach is promising in its ability to improve accessibility, efficiency, and quality of health care. However, there is limited research on end users’ acceptance of e-hospitals and the effectiveness of strategies aimed to prompt the adoption of e-hospitals in China. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to provide insights regarding the adoption of e-hospitals by investigating patients’ willingness to use e-hospitals and analyzing the barriers and facilitators to the adoption of this technology. METHODS We used a pretested self-administered questionnaire and performed a cross-sectional analysis in 1032 patients across three hierarchical hospitals in West China from June to August 2019. Patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, current disease status, proficiency with electronic devices, previous experience with web-based health services, willingness to use e-hospitals, and perceived facilitators and barriers were surveyed. Multiple significance tests were employed to examine disparities across four age groups, as well as those between patients who were willing to use e-hospitals and those who were not. Multivariate logistic regression was also performed to identify the potential predictors of willingness to use e-hospitals. RESULTS Overall, it was found that 65.6% (677/1032) of participants were willing to use e-hospitals. The significant predictors of willingness to use e-hospitals were employment status (P=.02), living with children (P<.001), education level (P=.046), information technology skills (P<.001), and prior experience with web-based health care services (P<.001), whereas age, income, medical insurance, and familiarity with e-hospitals were not predictors. Additionally, the prominent facilitators of e-hospitals were convenience (641/677, 94.7%) and accessibility to skilled medical experts (489/677, 72.2%). The most frequently perceived barrier varied among age groups; seniors most often reported their inability to operate technological devices as a barrier (144/166, 86.7%), whereas young participants most often reported that they avoided e-hospital services because they were accustomed to face-to-face consultation (39/52, 75%). CONCLUSIONS We identified the variables, facilitators, and barriers that play essential roles in the adoption of e-hospitals. Based on our findings, we suggest that efforts to increase the adoption of e-hospitals should focus on making target populations accustomed to web-based health care services while maximizing ease of use and providing assistance for technological inquiries.

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Services Provided for Lactating Mothers at Lactation Management Clinic in Selected Tertiary Level Hospitals

Journal of Preventive and Social Medicine ◽

10.3329/jopsom.v38i2.47867 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 38 (2) ◽

pp. 68-73

Author(s):

Tarannum Tasnim ◽

ANM Shamsul Islam ◽

Mehedi Hasan Azad ◽

Farhana Sharmin

Keyword(s):

Breast Milk ◽

Milk Production ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dietary Advice ◽

Tertiary Level ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Breast Milk Production ◽

Lactating Mothers ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Background: Children are the precious gift from the Almightily Allah and breast milk is an ideal product given to the human being by nature to fulfill all requirements of the offspring until they are matured enough to take adult food. Objective: To assess the services provided for lactating mothers at lactation management centre in selected tertiary level hospitals. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 100 Lactating mothers who were selected conveniently and were interviewed by pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Collected data were processed and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Packages for Social Science) software. Results: Lactation management centre (LMC) is supervised by a consultant and separate room is allotted in both out-patient and in-patient departments. Mothers came with lactation problems were more likely in the first month of the baby (73%) and feeling of not enough milk production was common (49%).Highly significant relationship was found between breast problems of lactating mother and age of child (p<0.001). About 84% respondents received practical demonstration on position and attachment of the baby during lactation. About 91% respondents got dietary advice for enough breast milk production, 75% got dietary advice regarding their child’s weaning food chart and69% got health education. Maximum mothers were informed about LMC by doctor & nurse (82%). Conclusion: Information about LMC services should be disseminated across the country. Lactating mothers should be familiarized with LMC and public awareness should be enhanced for effective management of breastfeeding problem to promote, protect and support the breastfeeding. JOPSOM 2019; 38(2): 68-73

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HUBUNGAN MOBILISASI DINI TERHADAP PENYEMBUHAN LUKA POST OPERASI SECTIO CESARIA

Jurnal Penelitian Keperawatan Medik ◽

10.36656/jpkm.v2i1.187 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 14-17

Author(s):

Nurul Aini Siagian ◽

Syafira Nusaibah ◽

Andayani Boang Manalu

Keyword(s):

Wound Healing ◽

Healing Process ◽

Early Mobilization ◽

Sectio Caesarea ◽

Wound Healing Process ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Services ◽

Healing Wound ◽

Rapid Healing

Early mobilization includes factors that can affect the process of wound healing after surgery. Immediate mobilization in stages is very useful for the process of healing wounds and preventing infection and venous thrombosis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between early mobilization and the process of healing wound post operative sectio caesarea at Sinar Husni General Hospital Medan Helvetia. The research design used was analytic survey with cross sectional approach. The sample in this study used the Consecutive Sampling method of data collection using a checklist sheet conducted on a sample of 19 respondents. The results of the study in this study are the majority of respondents who did early mobilization and who experienced rapid wound healing process as many as 4 people (21%) while the minority of respondents who did early mobilization and who experienced slow wound healing process were 1 person (5.3%). The majority of respondents who did not mobilize early and who experienced a slow wound healing process were 11 people (57.9%) and a minority who did not mobilize early and who experienced rapid healing as many as 4 people (21.1%). Statistical test results obtained p value = 0.046 <0.005. The conclusions of the results of this study indicate there is a relationship between early mobilization and the process of healing post operative sectio of caesarea. Suggestions The results of this study can be applied as a reference to improve nursing care services, especially in providing counseling and assistance to patients.

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Prescription in Locker Box (PILBOX): Remodeling of the Medication Collection Process (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.23266 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lim Jit Fan Christina ◽

Goh Boon Kwang ◽

Chee Wing Ling Vivian ◽

Tang Woh Peng ◽

Goh Qiuling Bandy

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Prescription Medications ◽

Pharmacy Staff ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Team Members ◽

Face To Face ◽

Ranking Score ◽

Study Team ◽

Willingness To Use

BACKGROUND Traditionally, patients wishing to obtain their prescription medications have had to present themselves physically at pharmacy counters and collect their medications via face-to-face interactions with pharmacy staff. Prescription in Locker Box (PILBOX) is a new innovation which allows patients and their caregivers to collect their medication asynchronously, 24/7 at their convenience, from medication lockers instead of from pharmacy staff and at any time convenient to them instead of being restricted to pharmacy operating hours. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the willingness by patients/caregivers to use this new innovation and factors that affect their willingness. METHODS This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over 2 months at 2 public primary healthcare centres in Singapore. Patients or caregivers who were at least 21 yo and turned up at the pharmacies to collect medications were administered a self-developed 3-part questionnaire face-to-face by trained study team members, if they gave their consent to participate in the study. RESULTS A total of 222 participants completed the study. About 40% of them participants were willing to use the PILBOX to collect their medications. Amongst the participants who were keen to use the PILBOX service, slightly more than half (i.e. 52.8%) of them were willing to pay for the PILBOX service. The participants felt that the ease of use (3.46±1.21 i.e. mean of ranking score ± standard deviation) of the PILBOX was the most important factor that would affect their willingness to use the medication pick up service. This was followed by “waiting time” (3.37±1.33), cost of using the medication pick up service (2.96±1.44) and 24/7 accessibility (2.62±1.35). This study also found that age (p=0.006), language literacy (p=0.000), education level (p=0.000), working status (p=0.011) and personal monthly income (p=0.009) were factors that affected the willingness of the patients or caregivers to use the PILBOX. CONCLUSIONS Patients and caregivers are keen to use PILBOX to collect their medications for its convenience and the opportunity to save time, if it is easy to use and not costly.

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The potential role of local pharmacies to assess asthma control: an Italian cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-10080-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

M. Caminati ◽

L. Cegolon ◽

M. Bacchini ◽

N. Segala ◽

A. Dama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Asthma Control ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Asthma Severity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Disease Assessment ◽

Community Pharmacies ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Services ◽

Disease Community

Abstract Background Asthma control and monitoring still represents a challenge worldwide. Although the international guidelines suggest the interplay between secondary and primary care services as an effective strategy to control the disease, community pharmacies’ are seldom involved in asthma control assessment. The present cross-sectional study aimed at providing a picture of the relationship between asthma severity and control in community pharmacies within the health district of the city of Verona (Veneto Region, North-Eastern Italy). Methods A call for participation was launched through the Pharmacists’ Association of Verona. Patients referring to the participating pharmacies with an anti-asthmatic drug medical prescription and an asthma exemption code were asked to complete the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and a brief questionnaire collecting information on their age, sex, smoking status, aerobic physical exercise and usual asthma therapy, which also defined asthma severity. A multinomial logistic regression model was fitted to investigate the risk of uncontrolled as well as poorly controlled vs. controlled asthma (base). Results were expressed as relative risk ratios (RRR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results Fifty-seven community pharmacies accepted to participate and 584 asthmatic patients (54% females; mean-age: 51 ± 19 years) were consecutively recruited from 1st January to 30th June 2018 (6 months). Based upon ACT score 50.5% patients had a controlled asthma, 22.3% a poorly controlled and 27.2% uncontrolled. A variable proportion of patients with uncontrolled asthma were observed for every level of severity, although more frequently with mild persistent form of asthma. Most patients (92%) self-reported regular compliance with therapy. At multinomial regression analysis, patients under regular asthma treatment course (RRR = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.15; 0.77) were less likely to have an ACT< 16 compared to those not taking medications regularly. Conclusions Overall, our findings highlighted an unsatisfactory asthma control in the general population, independently of the severity level of the disease. Community pharmacies could be a useful frontline interface between patients and the health care services, supporting an effective asthma management plan, from disease assessment and monitoring treatment compliance to referral of patients to specialist medical consultancies.

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The impact of coronavirus outbreak on breastfeeding guidelines among Brazilian hospitals and maternity services: a cross-sectional study

International Breastfeeding Journal ◽

10.1186/s13006-021-00377-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Walusa Assad Gonçalves-Ferri ◽

◽

Fábia Martins Pereira-Cellini ◽

Kelly Coca ◽

Davi Casale Aragon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Breastfeeding Support ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Maternity Services ◽

Community Needs ◽

Care Services ◽

Skin Contact ◽

Health Organization ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The World Health Organization recognizes exclusive breastfeeding a safe source of nutrition available for children in most humanitarian emergencies, as in the current pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite the Brazilian national guideline protecting breastfeeding practices, there are many concerns about protecting infants from their infected mothers. This study aimed to analyze how the Brazilian hospitals and maternity services promote and support mothers suspected or diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional and multicenter study which collected data from 24 Brazilian hospitals and maternity services between March and July 2020. Representatives of the institutions completed a questionnaire based on acts to promote and support breastfeeding, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, and Brazil’s federal law recommendations. Results The results showed that in delivery rooms, 98.5% of the services prohibited immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their infants and did not support mothers to initiate breastfeeding in the first hour. On the postnatal ward, 98.5% of the services allowed breastfeeding while implementing respiratory hygiene practices to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Companions for mothers were forbidden in 83.3% of the hospitals. Hospital discharge was mostly between 24 and 28 h (79.1%); discharge guidelines were not individualized. Additionally, a lack of support was noticed from the home environment’s health community network (83.3%). Hospital and home breast pumping were allowed (87.5%), but breast milk donation was not accepted (95.8%). There was a lack of guidance regarding the use of infant comforting strategies. Guidelines specific for vulnerable populations were not covered in the material evaluated. Conclusions In Brazil, hospitals have not followed recommendations to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding during the COVID-19 outbreak. The disagreement between international guidelines has been a major issue. The absence of recommendations on breastfeeding support during the pandemic led to difficulties in developing standards among hospitals in different regions of Brazil and other countries worldwide. The scientific community needs to discuss how to improve maternal and infant care services to protect breastfeeding in the current pandemic.

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Public awareness and anxiety during COVID-19 epidemic in China: A cross-sectional study

Comprehensive Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152235 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 152235

Author(s):

Yunyu Liu ◽

Pengfei Li ◽

Yalan Lv ◽

Xiaorong Hou ◽

Qingmao Rao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Awareness ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

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Risk perception regarding the COVID-19 outbreak among the general population: a comparative Middle East survey

Middle East Current Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s43045-020-00080-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mahmoud Abdel Hameed Shahin ◽

Rasha Mohammed Hussien

Keyword(s):

Risk Perception ◽

General Population ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

The Mean ◽

Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background People’s perceptions of pandemic-associated risk are key factors contributing to increased public participation in disease preventive measures. The aim of the study was to investigate risk perceptions regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, among the general population. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 723 participants, recruited from the general population of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Data collection was performed using a standardized risk perception assessment questionnaire, in April 2020. Results The mean score for the perception of COVID-19 seriousness was significantly higher and the mean scores for the perception of disease susceptibility and extent of anxiety were also higher among Saudi Arabian participants than participants from Egypt and Jordan. Participants from Egypt had significantly lower mean scores for the perception of efficacy and self-efficacy to cope with COVID-19, and significantly lower intention to comply with COVID-19 precautionary measures than the other populations. A significant positive correlation was detected between the perception of COVID-19 seriousness and self-efficacy to handle COVID-19, for the entire sample. The primary reasons reported by participants driving their willingness to perform certain preventive measures against COVID-19 was a feeling of responsibility toward their own health, followed by preventing transmission to other people and the feeling that COVID-19 can be serious. Most of the study sample reported a desire to receive information about COVID-19 treatment, ways to prevent disease contraction, and the incubation period for the novel coronavirus. Also, most of the study sample reported that they prefer receiving COVID-19 updates from national authorities. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, communications designed to promote the adoption of preventive behaviors should focus on increasing the perception of seriousness, the risk perception, self-efficacy to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effectiveness of the adopted behavioral measures for reducing risk. Health education programs that are tailored to various sociodemographic categories, to improve public awareness, perceptions, and attitudes, are vital for increasing the adoption of outbreak preventive measures.

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