Evaluation of public knowledge and attitude towards how to use, store and discard expired pharmaceutical drugs in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 103-112
Author(s):  
Ghufran M. Rawas ◽  
◽  
Shahad F. AlAhmadi ◽  
Ahmad H. Mufti ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Pharmaceutical Products ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Saudi Population ◽  
Pharmaceutical Drugs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Expiry Date ◽  
Safe Disposal ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude

This study aimed to evaluate the public knowledge and attitude toward how to use, store and discard unused and expired pharmaceutical drugs among the Saudi population. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of participants toward the usage and disposal of expired pharmaceutical products among the Saudi population via an online survey distributed throughout social media sites during the period of two months from March 2020 to May 2020. Microsoft Excel and graph pad software analyzed the cleaned data. Descriptive statistics on sample characteristics were computed in frequencies and percentages and presented using tables and figures. 650 participants enrolled in the study. 75% of the participants had unused medicine stored at home during study time. The common types of medications kept in households were analgesics (90%) and antibiotics (67%). Most participants showed a well understanding of medication waste (70%) and the potential risks associated with improper drug disposal (85%). There was a lack of received information about safe usage, storage, and disposal practice. About 55% of the participants discarded the unused and expired medications by throwing them in the trash. In light of this study's results, which showed a large percentage of participants kept unused or expired medications in their homes despite their knowledge of the seriousness of this situation. Therefore, it is essential to plan educational programs about the rational use and expiry date of drugs to improve their awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding the safe disposal of unused and expired medications. Guidelines on safe disposal are required, and an organized method of collecting unused and expired pharmaceuticals such as the "drug take-back program" is needed. The pharmacist also has a significant role as a drug expert in educating patients about the drug's uses and how to store and discard it. Keywords: Knowledge, attitude, expired pharmaceutical drugs.

scholarly journals The General Public Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding COVID-19 During the Lockdown in Asian Developing Countries

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2110049
Author(s):  
Sikandar Ali Qalati ◽  
Dragana Ostic ◽  
Mingyue Fan ◽  
Sarfaraz Ahmed Dakhan ◽  
Esthela Galvan Vela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
General Public ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Border Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
The Government

The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the worst global crisis. Since no successful treatment and vaccine have been reported, efforts to improve the public's knowledge, attitudes, and practices are critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to investigate the general public knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding COVID-19. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in three developing countries (China, India, and Pakistan). The reason for choosing only three countries is to identify the cross-border effect statistically and data collection constraints. The IBM SPSS version 23.0 was used for descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analysis of the study. One thousand one hundred and sixty participants completed the study, one-quarter of them were female, and three-quarters were male. The study's findings evidenced that the knowledge and attitude correlation was 58.4% and between knowledge and practices 18.2%. Furthermore, the knowledge was found lower in females, among India and Pakistan, and people aged less and equivalent to 30 years. The attitudes among respondents were found poorer among unmarried females and India and Pakistan residents. While the practices found lower among employed, unemployed and, respondents had a bachelor's degree, and females reside in India. And future studies should focus on factors that influence the government regarding the imposition of lockdown, boost the economy in the pandemic, and motivate the general public to follow the health institution's instructions.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among the General Population During COVID-19 Outbreak in Iran: A National Cross-Sectional Online Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edris Kakemam ◽  
Djavad Ghoddoosi-Nejad ◽  
Zahra Chegini ◽  
Khalil Momeni ◽  
Hamid Salehiniya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
High Level ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Staying At Home

Background: Emerged in December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the largest pandemics ever. During the early phase, little was known about public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) relating to coronavirus disease. This study was designed to determine KAP of Iranians toward COVID-19.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out in Iran from February 25 to April 25 using a self-administered questionnaire on 1,480 people. COVID-19-related KAP questions were adapted from other internationally validated questionnaires specific for infectious diseases.Results: All participants were aware of COVID-19. When asked unprompted, 80% of respondents could correctly cite fever, difficulty in breathing, and cough as signs/symptoms of COVID-19. Most of our sample population knew that staying at home and isolated (95.3%) as well as constant handwashing and using disinfectants (92.5%) could prevent COVID-19. However, there were also widespread misconceptions such as the belief that COVID-19 can be transmitted by wild animals (58%) and by air (48.3%). Unprompted, self-reported actions taken to avoid COVID-19 infection included handwashing with soap and water (95.4%), avoiding crowded places (93%), cleansing hands with other disinfectants (80.), and covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (76.1%). The Internet and social media (94.5%) were the main coronavirus information sources. However, the most trusted information sources on coronavirus were health and medical professionals (79.3%). The majority of participants (77.0%) wanted more information about coronavirus to be available.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that people's knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19 at the time of its outbreak was at a high level.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Paramedic Health Care Workers Towards COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1482-1487
Author(s):  
Cecyli C ◽  
Ezhilarasan G
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Electronic Distribution ◽  
Knowledge Practice ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude

Mankind is experiencing another remarkable involvement in the quickly spreading COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, the sickness fundamentally influences regular daily existence, bringing about a financial emergency. Moreover, the highest risk of getting COVID-19 is for the front line Healthcare workers (HWs). Therefore, utmost importance to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding COVID -19 is needed. An online Cross-sectional research design was utilized for the study. An aggregate of 100 paramedic health workers (Nurses, Pharmacist, Lab technician and Allied health technicians) were chosen using a convenient sampling technique. Data were gathered among eligible healthcare workers through an online survey by electronic distribution of self-administered questionnaire developed by the investigator. The results depict that 80% had adequate knowledge, 84.6% had a positive attitude towards COVID-19 and 88% of participants had appropriate practice related to COVID-19.  There was a positive relationship noted among knowledge and attitude(r=0.114),attitude-practice(r=0.283) and knowledge-practice(r=0.177) at p<.05 and p<.01level respectively.The outcome found that there is no huge affiliation found between selected demographic variables such as age, residence, marital status and source of information but gender and years of experience was significantly associated with knowledge and practice (p=5.18) at p<0.01 and profession was significantly associated with attitude (p=10.92) at p<0.001.

scholarly journals How Gameful Experience Affects Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding COVID-19 Among the Taiwanese Public: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Hsun Peng ◽  
Ming-Han Bai
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Simulation Game ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Public Attention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

BACKGROUND In 2019, with the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the globe, public health systems worldwide faced severe challenges. Amid the pandemic, one simulation game, <i>Plague Inc.,</i> has received substantial attention. This game has indirectly drawn greater public attention to public health issues by simulating pathogen transmission and disease symptoms. OBJECTIVE Against this backdrop, this research investigates whether the gameful experience of <i>Plague Inc.</i> has indirectly affected public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19. METHODS An online survey was conducted through social networking services in Taiwan from May 6-28, 2020. RESULTS A total of 486 subjects participated in this study, of which 276 (56.8%) had played <i>Plague Inc.</i> This study had several findings. First, participants who had played <i>Plague Inc.</i> demonstrated higher levels of knowledge (<i>P</i>=.03, median 7, IQR 7-8) and attitudes (<i>P</i>=.007, median 8, IQR 7-8) than participants who had not played <i>Plague Inc.</i> (knowledge: median 7, IQR 6-8; attitude: median 7, IQR 6-8). Second, there was a significant correlation between creative thinking (ρ=.127, <i>P</i>=.04) and dominance (ρ=.122, <i>P</i>=.04) in attitude. Finally, there was a significant correlation between creative thinking (ρ=.126, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and dominance (ρ=.119, <i>P</i>=.049) in practice. CONCLUSIONS Serious games highlighting the theme of pathogen transmission may enhance public knowledge and attitudes regarding COVID-19. Furthermore, the creative thinking and dominance involved in gameful experiences may act as critical factors in public attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19. These findings should be further verified through experimental research in the future.

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

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002619
Author(s):  
Marcus Sellars ◽  
Julien Tran ◽  
Linda Nolte ◽  
Ben White ◽  
Craig Sinclair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Medical Decisions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Minimal Support ◽  
Substitute Decision Maker ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Advance Care

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

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Healthcare Professionals on COVID-19 and Risk Assessment to Prevent the Epidemic Spread: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study from Punjab, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Usman Rashid Malik ◽  
Naveel Atif ◽  
Furqan Khurshid Hashmi ◽  
Fahad Saleem ◽  
Hamid Saeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

In the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), healthcare professionals (HCPs) have a primary role in combating the epidemic threat. HCPs are at high risk of not only contracting the infection but also spreading it unknowingly. It is of utmost importance to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and the ability to assess the risks associated with the outbreak. A cross-sectional online survey involving physicians, pharmacists, and nurses was conducted. A 39-itemed questionnaire based on the World Health Organization (WHO)COVID-19 risk assessment tool was shared with healthcare professionals in three purposively selected key divisions of Punjab province. Out of 500 healthcare professionals, 385 responded to the survey. The majority (70%) were aged 22–29 years; 144 (37.4%) physicians, 113 (29.4%) nurses, and 128 (33.2%) pharmacists completed the survey. Overall, 94.8% of healthcare professionals scored adequately (>14) for COVID-19-related knowledge; 97.9% displayed an optimistic attitude (>42) and 94.5% had an adequate practice score (>28). Kruskal–Wallis and Jonckheere–Terpstra tests showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in KAP and risk assessment scores among groups; physicians and nurses scored higher as compared to pharmacists. Further research and follow-up investigations on disaster management and risk assessment can help policy-makers better tackle future epidemics.

PP26  Knowledge, attitudes and practices of UK paramedics regarding pharmacology and the legal, management and administration aspects of medicines: a cross-sectional online quantitative survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. e12.2-e12
Author(s):  
Samantha Laws ◽  
Mary Halter ◽  
Chao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Medicines Management ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Perceived Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

BackgroundChanges in the paramedic profession have seen an increased range of medicines available within UK ambulances services. However, poor practice in medicines management has been identified by the Care Quality Commission. Literature in this area is sparse. This study aimed to determine the perceived knowledge, attitudes and practices of paramedics regarding pharmacology and the legal and regulatory issues of medicines management and administration.MethodsThe study utilised a cross-sectional survey design, administering an anonymous online survey to all (approximately 1000) paramedics within one UK NHS ambulance trust. The survey focused on paramedic knowledge on pharmacology, legal supply and administration; self-assessment of knowledge and confidence related to medicine management and administration; and personal characteristics. The primary outcome was percentage of (pre-determined) correct answers.Results251 responses were received. The mean percentage of correct answers was 79.0% (SD 10.0), with variation by question observed, from 34.7 to 97.2% correct responses. A higher correct knowledge was associated with: higher self-rated confidence, lower self-reported knowledge, being less likely to report errors and higher education-based initial route into the paramedic profession.ConclusionThis single-site UK-based survey highlighted variation in medicines knowledge amongst self-selecting paramedic respondents. The results indicate a need for medicines-specific further education for all paramedics, particularly those who have not experienced longer formal education entry routes, integrating a focus on confidence and self-perceived knowledge, and enhancing and embedding integrated improvement strategies. Further research is required with larger, multi-site samples, and to evaluate the impact of education packages developed.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 pandemic among residents of Jharkhand state, India: An online survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpita Rai ◽  
Nishant Nishant ◽  
D Singh ◽  
Nitin Kulkarni ◽  
Shailesh Chaurasia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Radio Channel ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background: People's adherence to control measures is imperative in the fight against COVID-19. The present study was done to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among residents of Jharkhand and to assist government in deciding further course of action during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This study was an online cross sectional survey. The link to the questionnaire was displayed on the official website of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Government of Jharkhand, National Health Mission, Jharkhand, official website of all districts under Jharkhand state administration, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and Information & Public Relations department. Participation of residents in the survey was also extensively propagated using mass media mainly local television networks, radio channel and newspapers. Results: A total of 4683 responses were received from all districts of Jharkhand. Majority of the participants were young adults (47.5%) and number of male participants was more than the females (81.4%). Mean correct knowledge score for participants of this study was 10.73+2.2 (maximum attainable score was 14) while mean practice score for the participants was 4.5+0.69 (maximum attainable score was 5). Knowledge score of the participants was significantly associated with their age, education status and economic class (p<0.05). The participants largely held an optimistic attitude and healthy practices towards COVID-19. Conclusions: Participants had positive attitude but were also logically worried and uncertain about near future. Adequate knowledge of participants was visible in the practices of residents. There was however a gap across age groups, gender, literacy and income levels which should be addressed in future campaigns.

scholarly journals Poultry shop based hygiene practices: a knowledge, attitudes, and practices study on poultry shop personnel of selected districts of Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 2051
Author(s):  
Mohammad Asadul Habib ◽  
M. Ashraful Islam ◽  
Lincon Chandra Shill ◽  
Mahamuda Akter ◽  
Shamima Sultana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Poultry Meat ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background: Food-borne disease outbreaks remain a major global health problem, and cross-contamination from raw meat is a major cause in developed countries due to inadequate handling. The goal of this study was to assess the poultry shop personnel's knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in the selected districts of Bangladesh.Methods: 103 poultry shop personnel were involved in this cross-sectional study.Results: A significant association was observed between the poultry shop personnel and the knowledge (p<0.05), attitudes (p<0.05), and practices (p<0.05) of safe meat-handling. The 68.3% of poultry shop personnel had good, 26.9% had moderate, while only 4.8% of poultry shop personnel had poor knowledge about hygiene practices. The 5.8% of poultry shop personnel showed poor, 19.2% showed moderate and 75% of poultry shop personnel showed good attitude towards hygiene practices. But the poultry shop personnel 36.5% had poor, 44.2% had moderate and only 20% showed good practice of hygiene practices. The knowledge, attitude and practice Mean±SD score of poultry shop personnel was 7.38±2.04, 7.87±2.24 and 4.41±2.38 respectively, indicating that poultry shop personnel had good knowledge and attitude but poor practice. We also found that 42% of poultry shops and poultry shop personnel had maintained totally unhygienic workplace, 56% had moderately hygienic, and while only 2% poultry shops and poultry shop personnel had maintained fully hygienic workplace. Further, linear regression analysis revealed that KAP levels have been significantly associated with age, education, and the majority of knowledge, attitudes, and practice related questions (p<0.05).Conclusions: Public health awareness about safe poultry meat handling and hygiene among poultry shop personnel, in general, should be at the front burner.

scholarly journals Predicting the Willingness of Nurses to Work with COVID-19 Patients: The Impact of Knowledge and Attitude

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulqadir J. Nashwan ◽  
Ahmad A. Abujaber ◽  
Ahmed S. Mohamed ◽  
Ralph C. Villar ◽  
Mahmood M. Al-Jabry
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
High Risk Patient ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nursing Leaders ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nurses And Midwives

Abstract Aim: This study aims to assess the impact of nurses’ knowledge and attitude toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a predictor for their willingness to work with patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Qatar. Design: A cross-sectional study.Methods: A self-administered, 35-item online survey was circulated to the registered nurses and midwives working in Hamad Medical Corporation; the principle healthcare provider in Qatar. Results: A total of 580 attempts to complete the survey. Of them, 377 completed surveys with a response rate of 65%. Logistic regression was used to predict nurses’ willingness to work with patients with COVID-19. Two main factors were found to be significant predictors for nurses’ willingness; knowledge level and the expected remuneration that is associated with the level of exposure to risk. The findings of this study may help nursing leaders design educational programs and remuneration models that may help boost nurses’ willingness to work with high-risk patient groups, especially during crisis situations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document