scholarly journals Knowledge and Practices on Preventive Measures of Blood Borne Diseases Among Non-Medical Attendants Working in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-215
Author(s):  
S Sanjel ◽  
S Tuladhar ◽  
K Khanel

Background Blood and certain body fluids pose the greatest threat to health due to sharp injuries spreading blood borne pathogens that cause serious illness when transmitted. Despite the high sickness rate, sanitation staff lacked awareness regarding protections from contacting soiled materials while handling biomedical wastes. Objective The study aims to find out the knowledge and practices on preventive measures of blood borne diseases among non-medical attendants. Method Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the knowledge and practices on preventive measures on blood borne diseases among all the 53 non-medical personnel in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital. Respondents scoring ≥50% on knowledge score were taken as having adequate knowledge. A Nepali version of pre-tested structured and semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct interview. Participation in the study was voluntary and written consent was taken before inquiry. Outcomes were measured in both descriptive and inferential ways. Result The adequate knowledge was found among 86.8% of the respondents on the blood borne diseases whereas 50.9% of them had proper practice on it. Although, there is poor positive correlation between the mean knowledge score and literacy, the correlation was significant (r = 0.341, p < 0.05). Alike, the mean practice score and work experience demonstrated significant correlation (r = 0.319, p <0.05). Conclusion Although knowledge score of male was high, female had higher practices score. Both knowledge and practice score increased due to the participation in the training programs and increment in experience. There was significant positive correlation between the mean knowledge score and literacy, and the mean practice score and work experience. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i3.12506 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2013; 43(3):210-215

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda A. Fondjo ◽  
Vivian E. Boamah ◽  
Adelaide Fierti ◽  
Dorcas Gyesi ◽  
Eddie-Williams Owiredu

Abstract Background Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. Adequate knowledge about a disorder contributes greatly to its prevention, control and management. This study assessed the level of knowledge of PE and evaluated the factors associated with knowledge adequacy among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a University Hospital in Kumasi-Ghana. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. A validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and history of PE. Knowledge of PE was assessed based on a series of questions regarding the awareness, signs/symptoms, risk factors and complications of PE. Responses were scored percentage-wise and grouped into low (< 60%), moderate (60–80%) and high (80–100%). Knowledge score was then re-stratified into adequate (% score of ≥60%) and inadequate knowledge of PE (% score of < 60%). Results The prevalence of inadequate and adequate knowledge of PE was 88.6% (mean score = 55.5 ± 4.3%) and 11.4% (mean score = 76.3 ± 5.9%), respectively. For participants with adequate knowledge of PE, 9.1% (mean score = 67.4 ± 6.9%) and 2.3% (mean score = 85.2 ± 5.1%) had moderate and high knowledge, respectively. Using univariate logistic regression models, being older (> 35 years old) [cOR = 3.09, 95%CI (0.88–10.88), p = 0.049] and having a higher level of education (> SHS education) [cOR = 4.45, 95%CI (2.18–9.10), p < 0.0001] were significantly associated with greater odds of having adequate knowledge of PE. After controlling for potential confounders in multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found higher level of education to be independently associated with adequate knowledge of PE [aOR = 2.87, 95%CI (1.31–6.30), p = 0.008]. Conclusion The knowledge of PE among pregnant women in Ghana is low. The prominent factor that facilitates adequacy of knowledge of PE is higher level of education.


Author(s):  
Krutarth R. Brahmbhatt ◽  
Amul B. Patel

Background: Antimicrobial-resistant organisms are spreading worldwide, and the pipeline for new antimicrobials remains meager. The next generation of doctors must be better prepared to use antimicrobials more sparingly and appropriately.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students of GMERS Medical College Junagadh from January to May 2017. Self-administered structured close ended questionnaire in English was used. Pearson’s correlation co-efficient, t test and ANOVA were used as tests of significance.Results: Total 130 students participated in the study. Participation of females (48.5%) and males (51.5%) was almost equal. Almost 60% participants had adequate knowledge about antimicrobial resistance. The mean antimicrobial resistance knowledge score of participants was 22.7 (SD: ±5.27, min: 8, max: 37).Conclusions:Important finding of the study was that just one forth of the participants agreed that information they have received so far in medical course regarding antimicrobial resistance is adequate. The budding doctors should receive correct, adequate information regarding antimicrobial resistance.  


Author(s):  
S. Deepa ◽  
Twinkle Agrawal ◽  
Teny Attokaran ◽  
Farah Naaz Fathima ◽  
Avita Rose Johnson

Background: Millions of women face significant barriers in menstrual hygiene management due to inadequate awareness, misconceptions and erroneous practices. The objectives of the study were to assess the awareness, perceptions and practices regarding menstruation and their associated factors among youth of a peri-urban college in Bangalore Urban district.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among both male and female students studying in a degree college. A pre-designed, face-validated structured questionnaire was administered to all students present on the day of the study.Results: Of the 758 students, 372 (49.1%) were male and 386 (50.9%) were female. The mean age was 19.35±1.40 years. A consolidated score above 50% i.e. 07/14 was considered adequate for knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 7.51±2.52. Overall 389 (51.3%) students had adequate knowledge. Awareness levels were significantly better among females (72.3%) than males (29.6%). Among the female students, 384 (99.5%) were aware of sanitary napkins, 165 (42.7%) of menstrual cup, 12 (3.1%) of tampon and 254 (65.8%) of reusable cloth, however majority (96.9%) preferred use of sanitary napkins. Among the female students, 42.6% were expected to follow some social and cultural restrictions during menstruation. Main source of information regarding menstruation and various menstrual products was internet. Misconceptions documented regarding menstruation included the belief that menstrual blood is poisonous (75.2%). Positive attitude towards menstruation was low both among male students (21.5%) and female students (48.4%).Conclusions: Awareness levels were poor among males than females. Practices regarding menstrual hygiene were adequate. However, misconceptions were widely prevalent among both genders indicating the need for health education among college-going childhood.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-116
Author(s):  
Ch. O. V. Nagateja ◽  
P. Bhavya Sree ◽  
G. Padma Sri

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared covid-19 as a pandemic on 11th march 2020. Since no treatment is available, following preventive measures is only the effective way to stop the spread of covid-19. This study aimed to assess knowledge regarding covid-19 and its preventive measures and to create awareness about covid-19 among healthcare students and non-healthcare students. Methods: An online cross sectional study was conducted in 2 months i.e., from 1st Aug. 2020 to 30th Sept. 2020 among healthcare students and non-health care students. To determine the scoring of questionnaire, mean of knowledge scores and standard deviation were calculated. Results: A total of 766 students were participated in this study. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 23. Males were 496 and females were 270. Health care students were 423 and 343 students are non-health care students. Overall knowledge about covid-19 infection was good among 480 students, average among 183 students and was poor among 103 students. The mean knowledge score of healthcare students (8.41) is higher than non-health care students (6.11) towards covid-19 infection and its preventive measures. Conclusion: This study reveals that majority of the students were knowledgeable about covid-19 infection and its preventive measures. The mean knowledge score of healthcare students (8.41) is higher than non-health care students (6.11) indicating that the health care students have more knowledge. Though the overall knowledge on covid-19 was good enough among health care students and non-health care students, still there is a need for education to increase knowledge especially among non-health care students. Keywords: SARS-COV 2 virus, Covid-19 infection, health care students, non-healthcare students, knowledge, awareness, India.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259402
Author(s):  
Emmanuella Chinonso Osuala ◽  
Boikhutso Tlou ◽  
Elizabeth Bolanle Ojewole

Background Foods and the nutrients they contain can interact with drugs and thereby interfere with their therapeutic safety and efficacy. Adequate knowledge of healthcare professionals (HCPs) about drug-food interactions can help in preventing potential drug-food interactions among patients. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of HCPs about common drug-food interactions. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 459 HCPs from three public hospitals in eThekwini district, KwaZulu-Natal between November 2018, and January 2019. Informed consent was obtained from the HCPs, and a structured questionnaire was thereafter administered. Data were analysed using SPSS® version 25. Factors associated with knowledge of the HCPs were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results Of the 459 participants, 22.2% (n = 102) were doctors, 11.3% (n = 52) pharmacists, 63.8% (n = 293) nurses and 2.6% (n = 12) dietitians. Most of the HCPs were females 79.7% (n = 366), the mean age of the HCPs was 38.61±0.48. The knowledge score of the HCPs was 22.66±0.25 out of an overall score of 46. The HCPs poorly identified food types that interact with drugs and correct administration time of drugs relative to meals. Being a pharmacist (OR: 14.212, CI: 4.941–40.879, p<0.001), doctor (OR: 5.223, CI: 2.146–12.711, p<0.001), or a dietitian (OR: 5.476, CI: 1.103–27.191, p = 0.038) was associated with higher knowledge of drug-food interactions. Conclusion The HCPs in this survey had low drug-food interaction knowledge. These findings suggest the need for additional training and educational courses for the HCPs on drug-food interactions.


Author(s):  
Emrah Ersoy ◽  
Esra Saatçi ◽  
Cüneyt Ardiç

INTRODUCTION: Adequate knowledge about body mass index (BMI), which is a traditional method of measuring obesity, and about obesity-related pregnancy risks will possibly decrease obesity-related pregnancy complications in women contemplating pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to determine knowledge levels of women contemplating pregnancy about BMI and pregnancy risks related with obesity. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, our sample was 211 married women age 18 to 45 years old who visited a family physician in Fındıklı Center of Goitre Research and Treatment between June to August 2020. Patients completed the questionnaire including sociodemographic data, questions about BMI and questions about effects of obesity on pregnancy via the face-to-face interview method. The data was analyzed using statistical analysis program. RESULTS: The mean age of participants (n=211) was 31.7 ± 5.9 years. Of the participants, 40.3% (n=85) stated that they received pre-pregnancy counseling and 37.4% (n=79) had BMI score between 25 to 29.9. The mean BMI knowledge score of participants was 0.99±0.69 out of 5, and the mean BMI knowledge score of participants who received preconceptional counselling was significantly higher than those who did not (p=0.01). The mean BMI knowledge score of participants who stated 'high' or 'very high' risk level for each complication during pregnancy of a morbid obese woman was significantly higher than those of the remaining groups (p<0.05). In case of that a morbid obese woman loses weight before pregnancy, the mean BMI knowledge score of participants who stated 'lower' or 'much lower' risk level for each complication during pregnancy significantly higher than those of the remaining groups (p<0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study, we determined women who contemplating pregnancy had inadequate BMI knowledge levels, but had adequate awareness about effects of obesity on pregnancy and potential pregnancy risks related obesity. The conversation of family physicians about BMI with their patients will ensure them to realise their own weight as well as effective prevention and management of obesity, and will increase awareness of women contemplating pregnancy about obesity related pregnancy risks.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Ahenkorah Fondjo ◽  
Vivian E. Boamah ◽  
Adelaide Fierti ◽  
Dorcas Gyesi ◽  
Eddie-Williams Owiredu

Abstract Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. Adequate knowledge about a disorder contributes greatly to its prevention, control and management. This study assessed the level of knowledge of PE and evaluated the factors associated with knowledge adequacy among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a University Hospital in Kumasi-Ghana. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the at a University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. A closed-ended validated well-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and history of PE. Knowledge of PE was assessed based on a series of questions regarding the awareness, signs/symptoms, risk factors and complications of PE. Responses were scored percentage-wise and grouped into low (<60%), moderate (60-80%) and high (80-100%). Knowledge score was then re-stratified into adequate (% score of ≥ 60%) and inadequate knowledge of PE (% score of < 60%). Results: The prevalence of inadequate and adequate knowledge of PE was 88.6% (mean score = 55.5 ± 4.3%) and 11.4% (mean score = 76.3 ± 5.9%), respectively. For participants with adequate knowledge of PE, 9.1% (mean score = 67.4 ± 6.9%) and 2.3% (mean score = 85.2 ± 5.1%) had moderate and high knowledge, respectively. Using univariate logistic regression models, being older (>35 years old) [cOR=3.09, 95%CI (0.88-10.88), p=0.049] and having a higher level of education (> SHS education) [cOR=4.45, 95%CI (2.18-9.10), p<0.0001] were significantly associated with greater odds of having adequate knowledge of PE. After controlling for potential confounders in multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found higher level of education to be independently associated with adequate knowledge of PE [aOR=2.87, 95%CI (1.31-6.30), p=0.008]. Conclusion: The knowledge of PE among pregnant women in Ghana is low. The prominent factor that facilitates adequacy of knowledge of PE is higher level of education.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Anu Olowookere ◽  
Adegboyega Adeleke Abiodun ◽  
Joseph Gbenga Omole ◽  
Akinwumi Oluwole Komolafe ◽  
Akintunde Julius Olowookere ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Postmortem examination is necessary to diagnose the cause of sudden death, and family caregivers are expected to consent to this examination. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, practices and willingness of family caregivers to consent to postmortem examination of their relative if they die suddenly in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study of family caregivers of our patients that completed an interviewer administered semistructured questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitude, practices and willingness to consent to postmortem examination of their relative if they die suddenly. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.RESULTS: A total of 224 caregivers were interviewed. The mean age (SD) was 34.95 (11.74), ranging 22-75 years. They were parents (32.6%), siblings (37.9%), spouses (11.2%) and other relatives (18.3%). Only 17% had adequate knowledge, 44.6% positive attitude and 11.2% good practices to postmortem examination of sudden death. The majority (75.9%) would consent to postmortem examination of their relatives if they die suddenly. Sociodemographic variables associated with willingness to consent to postmortem examination after relative’s sudden death include being male (AOR 3.61; 95%CI 3.09-8.92; p=0.001), having tertiary education (AOR 4.83; 95%CI 1.01-8.29; p=0.034), Christianity (AOR 2.59; 95%CI 1.25-5.35; p=0.010) and skilled worker (AOR 1.43; 95%CI 1.33-3.80; p=0.020).CONCLUSION: Some family caregivers would not consent to postmortem examination of their relatives when they die suddenly. Sensitization programs targeting family caregivers are necessary to increase knowledge and enhance prevention of sudden death as well as improve willingness to consent to postmortem examination when their relatives die suddenly.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (ICON-2022) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faiza Ahmed ◽  
Lubna Abbasi ◽  
Fivzia Herekar ◽  
Ahsun Jiwani ◽  
Muhammad Junaid Patel

Objectives: To assess knowledge and perception among Pakistani physicians towards sepsis. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Indus Hospital and Health Networks from September 2020 to March 2021. The International Sepsis Survey questionnaire was adapted, and its link was sent to trainee physicians as well as specialists, and consultants practicing in various hospitals via social media. Knowledge and perception were scored and 50% was considered the cut-off score for adequacy. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: Analysis was done on 222 respondents who completed the survey. 37.9% of the participants had adequate knowledge. Knowledge regarding sepsis was significantly associated with specialty, ICU/CCU/HDU, and work experience (P-value <0.0001). More recent trainee physicians and those with more experience in critical care areas demonstrated better knowledge. Over 2/3rd of the respondents strongly agreed that sepsis remains one of the unmet needs in critical care today. Conclusion: A common belief exists that sepsis remains a challenge to treat among doctors. Moreover, there is consensus that it is the most frequently miss diagnosed condition in critical care and a dire need exists for its early diagnosis. Additionally, prompt management of presumed sepsis is imperative to improve outcomes. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.ICON-2022.5775 How to cite this:Ahmed F, Abbasi L, Herekar F, Jiwani A, Patel MJ. Knowledge and perception of Sepsis among Doctors in Karachi Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(2):380-386. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.ICON-2022.5775 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


Author(s):  
Zaitul Akmal AZ ◽  
Salmah N ◽  
ND Ismail ◽  
Muhammad Akmal MN ◽  
Khairatul Nainey K

Introduction: In Malaysia, the rate of adolescents involved in sexual activities has increased and starts at an earlier age. Data from NHMS 2017 showed that 7.3% among surveyed 13 to 17 years-old adolescents have already had sex. The rate of teenage pregnancies is also increasing at 3.7-3.9% between the years 2009 until 2011. Therefore, an effective SRH Programme should be conducted in schools to equip them with adequate knowledge regarding this subject.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 145 randomly selected secondary school students aged 13 to 15 years old, attending the SRH Programme in a secondary school in Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia. The objective of this programme is to deliver knowledge and promote awareness among adolescents regarding SRH. The programme consists of intervention using adolescent-friendly module and games. A pre- and post-test were given to the participants to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme using the validated SRH questionnaire (Malay version). The questionnaire consists of fourteen and six items for knowledge and attitude, respectively.Results: The result showed an increase in the mean knowledge score (±SD) after the SRH Programme at the school from 7.25 ± 2.44 for pre-test to 9.70 ± 3.17 for post-test. The mean difference in pre- and post-test was 2.45 (95% CI: 2.02, 2.87) and was statistically significant (p<0.001). In terms of attitudes, the majority of the students felt that they have enough knowledge to make a gooddecision regarding sexual reproductive health issues after the SRH programme. However, there was only a small increment with regards to their attitudes on assertiveness.Conclusion: This study demonstrated an increase in the level of knowledge among adolescents in Cheras after the SRH programme using the adolescent-friendly module and games. However, there is no significant change in attitude among adolescents regarding SRH.Future SRH programmes need to be done regularly to instil positive attitudes among adolescents in dealing withsexual reproductive dilemmas.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2021 Page: S20


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