scholarly journals Hand washing knowledge and practice among school going children in Duwakot, Bhaktapur: A cross sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 110-115
Author(s):  
Pratibha Manandhar ◽  
Ram Krishna Chandyo

Background: Diarrhea and acute respiratory tract infection are the commonest cause of morbidity and mortality in Nepal. Proper hand washing techniques help to reduce the incidence of diarrhea and acute respiratory infection in children.Objective: Objective of this study was to identify hand washing knowledge and practice among school children of Duwakot, Bhaktapur.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 340 students of grade V, VI and VII from both the government and private schools of Duwakot, Bhaktapur. Convenient sampling technique was applied in government schools (due to less number of students) whereas students were randomly selected from private school (due to large number).Result: All the students had knowledge about the hand washing technique before meal and after defecation. Almost all (99.4%) students reported that they wash hand before meal and 92.4% students reported that they practiced hand washing after defecation. But, only 8.5% students at school and 47% students at home regularly washed hand with soap and water. However 91.6% students at school and 81% students at home washed hand only by water due to unavailability of soap.Conclusion: Although students had hand washing knowledge; proper hand washing practices was lagging behind.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melash Belachew Asresie ◽  
Gizachew Worku Dagnew

Institutional delivery is the foundation for diminishing maternal mortality. Evidence showed that community-based behavioral change interventions are increasing institutional delivery in developing countries. By understanding this, the government of Ethiopia launched a community-based intervention called “pregnant women’s conferences” to improve institutional delivery. This study was conducted to assess its effectiveness on institutional delivery among 871 women who gave birth within the last 12 months (435: pregnant women’s conference attendants and 436: pregnant women’s conference non-attendants) in 2017. It was a community-based comparative cross-sectional study and participants were selected using a multistage-simple random sampling technique. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The result showed that institutional delivery among women who attended pregnant women’s conferences was 54.3% (95%CI: 49.9–59.1), higher compared with 39.9% (95%CI: 35.3%- 44.7%) of women who did not attend the conference. Likewise, the level of well-preparedness for birth was higher among women who attended the conference (P = 38.9%, 95%CI: 33.8–43.7), compared with their counterparts (P = 25.7%, 95% CI: 22.2–29.4). Similarly, women’s knowledge of obstetric danger signs was higher among women who attended the conference. Therefore, encouraging pregnant women to attend the conference should be strengthened.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243410
Author(s):  
Md. Masud Rana ◽  
Md. Reazul Karim ◽  
Md. Abdul Wadood ◽  
Md. Mahbubul Kabir ◽  
Md. Mahidul Alam ◽  
...  

Background Until now, no vaccine or effective drug is available for the control, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19. Preventive measures are the only ways to be protected from the disease and knowledge of the people about the preventive measures is a vital matter. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of the general people in Rajshahi district, Bangladesh regarding the COVID-19 preventive measures. Methodology This cross sectional study was conducted from March 10 to April 25, 2020. Data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire from 436 adult respondents selected by using a mixed sampling technique. Frequency analysis, chi-square test, and logistic regression model were utilized in this study. SPSS (IBM, Version 22) was used for data analysis. 95% confidence interval and p-value = 0.05 were accepted for statistical significance. Results Only 21.6% of the respondents had good knowledge of the COVID-19 preventive measures. The highest 67.2% of them knew that washing hands with soap could prevent the disease, but contrarily, the highest 72.5% did not know that avoidance of touching mouth, nose, and eyes without washing hands was a preventive measure. Only 28.4% and 36.9% of the respondents knew that maintaining physical distancing and avoiding mass gatherings were measures of prevention of COVID-19 respectively. The younger age (≤25 years), low family income (≤15,000 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT), occupation others than business and service, and nuclear family had the lower odds of having no/less knowledge about the preventive measures. Conclusions The knowledge level of the general people regarding prevention of COVID-19 was alarmingly low in Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh, health policy makers and donor agencies should consider the findings and take immediate steps for improving knowledge of the public about prevention of the disease.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-26
Author(s):  
Sushila Shrestha ◽  
Geeta Kamal Shrestha

Background:  Health facility delivery is considered a critical strategy to improve maternal health. The Government of  Nepal is promoting institutional delivery through different incentive programs and the establishment of birthing centers.  The objective of this study was to identify utilization of institutional delivery and its associated factors.Method:  A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among the mothers of under five children in Dhungkharka.  Pre-tested questionnaire was administered to 170 mothers between 15-45 years of age group. Household survey was done by using purposive sampling technique and face to face interview technique was used to collect the data from 1st Julyto 30 th December 2014. Data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistic with SPSS version 16. Association with  institutional delivery was assessed by using chi-square test.Results: Among the total participants, 90.0% of them had institutional delivery. The higher proportions of institutional  delivery were found in both literate mothers (p=0.001), and literate husband (p=0.023). The proportion of institutional  delivery among the mothers decided by their relatives (husband, father/mother-in-laws and other family members) for  institutional delivery had higher portion (p=0.048) of  institutional delivery than participants who decide themselves.Conclusion: Utilization of institutional delivery was much higher than national figure. Institutional delivery was associated  with both educational status of mothers and their husband. Decision made by husband, mother in-law, father in-law and other family members were also associated with institutional delivery. So, to increase institutional delivery, family members need to be encouraged for safe motherhood program.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College Vol. 6, No. 1, 2017, page: 22-26


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berhe Tesfai ◽  
Hagos Milkyas ◽  
Fitsum Kibreab ◽  
Meron Goitom ◽  
Hermon Berhe ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Water and sanitation entitles the human right to affordable access and sanitation. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice on sanitation, hygiene and water utilization and to estimate the prevalence of diarrhea in Afabet city.Methods: It was a community-based descriptive cross-sectional type of study with a multistage cluster sampling technique. First, 12 clusters were selected from the city and 30 households were nominated from each cluster. Then, a total of 360 individuals were sampled and every family head was interviewed. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire and field observation was used for data collection from December 05-20, 2020. Cross tabulation and association of variables using chi-square test was determined and results were weighted as cluster sampling was used. Results: A total of 360 respondents were enrolled in the study with females (75.3%) and Muslin (99.0%) predominance. About 66.2% and 66.9% respondents were satisfied with the amount and quality of water they received respectively. The prevalence of diarrhea in the community in the last six months of 2020 was 13.0%. The investigators practically approved that 90.7% of the communities revealed functional toilets and feces were observed in only 5.7% of the living area of the community. The community’s comprehensive good knowledge and practice was 99.4% and 93.0% respectively. Their comprehensive knowledge and practice showed significant association with age, sex, marital status, level of education, household size and distance to municipality water source (p<0.001). Furthermore, their comprehensive knowledge and practice, prevalence of diarrhea, presence of latrine, distance from their home to municipality water source and hand washing practice were significantly associated with the administrative area of the study participants (p<0.001).Conclusion: The community had good level of knowledge and practice but the prevalence of diarrhea was relatively high. Latrines were highly utilized but the usage of soap, personal and food hygiene was slightly low. The level of comprehensive practice, prevalence of diarrhea, distance to municipality water source and hand washing practice was associated to the administrative areas. Enhancing environmental sanitation, personal hygiene and provision of adequate and clean water are highly recommended.


Author(s):  
S. Kuzhali ◽  
P. Kalyani ◽  
A. John William Felix

Background: Dental caries is a public health problem in developing countries like India. Indian trends show increase in prevalence of dental caries over last five decades with prevalence of 50 to 60%. The present study was conducted to find out the prevalence of dental caries and to find out the associated risk factors for dental caries among 13- and 14-years school children in urban Chidambaram.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out for the period of 3 months from October to December 2019. 136 students from one government and private school were selected conveniently. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire, which were analyzed using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23.Results: The prevalence of dental caries was found to be 58.8%. The prevalence of dental caries was found to higher among the boys (62.1%), lower socioeconomic class students (80.4%) and students studying in the government school (66.7%). There is significant association between frequency of brushing, rinsing of mouth after taking food, brushing technique, frequency changing of brush, duration of brushing and presence of dental caries. (p<0.001).Conclusions: Lack of awareness, poor oral hygienic practices are seemingly the contributing factors for the development of dental caries. Dental caries is a preventable disease which can be alleviated by creating community awareness through health education activities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 117955652110413
Author(s):  
Addisu Seneshaw Bezabih ◽  
Daniel Eshetu ◽  
Nigussie Yohanis ◽  
Agete Tadewos Hirigo

Background: Exposure to sunlight is vital for the synthesis of vitamin-D and vitamin D plays an important role in growth and bones strength. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of infants exposure to sunlight among lactating women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 01 to 30, 2019 among 327 infant coupled lactating mothers attended at Yirgalem General Hospital. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect relevant data through a convenient sampling technique. Results: A total of 84.7% of respondents exposed infants to sunlight. More than 94% knew the benefit of exposing infants to sunlight. About 20.9%, 25.6%, and 19.9% of mothers exposed infants to sunlight within 15, 16 to 30, and 31 to 45 days of birth, respectively. In addition, 59.9% of respondents exposed infants to sunshine daily and 72.2% exposed without clothing the infants’ body. Moreover, 63.5% of mothers have applied lubricants and overall 54.5% of mothers exposed infants to sunlight in good practice. Unemployed women were 4.7 times more likely (aOR; 95%CI: 4.7; 2.0-11.4) to expose infants to sunlight when compared to those employed, while women whose husbands have at least secondary education level were 5.1 times more likely (aOR; 95%CI: 5.1; 1.6-16.1) to expose infants to sunlight when compared to those unable to read and write. Conclusion: More than 45% and more than one-third of lactating mothers had poor practice and exposed infants to sunlight for inadequate time, respectively. Therefore, the finding indicates a need for awareness creation to increase women’s knowledge and practice toward the exposure of infants to sunlight.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Haile Kassahun ◽  
Dugessa Tesfaye

Background: Disposal of pharmaceutical waste among patients is a global challenge especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Improper medication disposal can lead to health problems and environmental contaminations. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess disposal practices of unused medications among patients in public health centers of Dessie town, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 263 patients in four public health centers of Dessie town, Ethiopia from March to June, 2019. Face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires were used to collect data from each study subject. Results: The majority of the respondents, 224 (85.17%) had unused medications at their home during the study period. The most commonly reported disposal method in the present study was flushing down into a toilet 66 (25.09%). None of the respondents practiced returning unused medications to Pharmacy. Moreover, 85 (32.31%) of the respondents reported never disposing their medications and believed that it is acceptable to store medications at home for future use. Conclusion: In the present study, there was a high practice of keeping medications at home and most of the disposal practices were not recommended methods. In addition, most of the respondents did not get advice from pharmacists and other health care professionals on how to dispose off unused medications. Hence, there is a need for proper education and guidance of patients regarding disposal practices of unused medications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L. McKune ◽  
Daniel Acosta ◽  
Nick Diaz ◽  
Kaitlin Brittain ◽  
Diana Joyce- Beaulieu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Given the emerging literature regarding the impacts of lockdown measures on mental health, this study aims to describe the psychosocial health of school-aged children and adolescents during the COVID-19 Safer-at-Home School mandates. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2020 (n = 280) among K-12 students at a research school in North Central Florida. Bivariate analysis and logistic and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine socio-demographic and knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) predictors of indicators of anxiety-related, depressive, and obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD)-related symptoms. Outcomes (anxiety, OCD, and depressive related symptoms) were measured by indices generated based on reported symptoms associated with each psychosocial outcome. Results Loss of household income was associated with increased risk for all three index-based outcomes: depressive symptoms [aOR = 3.130, 95% CI = (1.41–6.97)], anxiety-related symptoms [aOR = 2.531, 95%CI = (1.154–5.551)], and OCD-related symptoms [aOR = 2.90, 95%CI = (1.32–6.36)]. Being female was associated with being at higher risk for depressive symptoms [aOR = 1.72, 95% CI = (1.02–2.93)], anxiety-related symptoms [aOR = 1.75, 95% CI = (1.04–2.97)], and OCD-related symptoms [aOR = 1.764, 95%CI = (1.027–3.028)]. Parental practices protective against COVID-19 were associated with children being at higher risk of depressive symptoms [aOR = 1.55, 95% CI = (1.04–2.31)]. Lower school level was associated with children being at higher risk of anxiety-related and OCD-related symptoms. Conclusions As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, schools should prioritize mental health interventions that target younger, female students, and children of families with income loss. Limiting the spread of COVID-19 through school closure may exacerbate negative psychosocial health outcomes in children, thus school administrators should move quickly to target those at greatest risk.


Author(s):  
Eduardo Sánchez-Sánchez ◽  
Ylenia Avellaneda-López ◽  
Esperanza García-Marín ◽  
Guillermo Ramírez-Vargas ◽  
Jara Díaz-Jimenez ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to determine healthcare providers’ knowledge and practices about dysphagia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out based on a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire addressed to healthcare providers in Spain. A total of 396 healthcare providers participated in the study. Of these, 62.3% knew the definition of dysphagia as a swallowing disorder. In addition, up to 39.2% of the participants reported that they did not know whether the EatingAssessmentTool (EAT-10) dysphagia screening test was usedin their own clinical settings. Similarly, up to 49.1% of them did not know the ClinicalExaminationVolume-Viscosity (MECV-V) method. Nearly all participants (98.8%) reported that thickeners must be used forall liquids administered to patients. A higher percentage of respondents based the choice of texture on patient’s tolerance (78.2%) rather than on the MECV-V result (17.3%). In addition,76.4% of the professionals had witnessed a bronchoaspiration; after it, 44.4% (n = 175) of them reported the appearance of pneumonia, and 14.5% (n = 57) the death of the patient (p = 0.005). The participants revealeda moderate/low knowledge ofthe definition, diagnosis, and clinical management of liquid dysphagia, which indicates some room for improvements.


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