scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding COVID-19 and its Impact on Dentistry: A Cross-sectional Survey among Nepalese Dentists

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-9
Author(s):  
N. Khanal ◽  
A.K. Singh

Background: Coronavirus Disease, 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious respiratory disease with high transmissibility. Dentists are at inherent risk because of aerosol generating procedures exposing dentists to the respiratory and oral secretions of the patients. Objective: To assess the knowledge, awareness, and practice (KAP) of the Dentists to combat the pandemic which could help shape future guidelines and policies to be implemented in dental settings. Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study included series of multiple-choice questions distributed online, assessing dentists’ KAP towards COVID-19, its impact on dentistry and their psychological well-being. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 20 for mac Operating System (OS). Descriptive statistics was performed, and frequencies of responses were reported in proportion. Non-parametric tests of independence and Chi-square test were performed to see the association between the categorical variables. Result: Around 84% of the respondents accurately answered mode of transmission, 68% inquired about the travel history while only 49% measured the body temperature. Also, only 42% were receiving salary. A statistically significant difference concerning impact and practice during the COVID-19 was observed between general practitioner and specialist working at different work places. Conclusion: Majority of Dentists have good knowledge and awareness but there were certain pitfalls in attitude and practice level calling out for more efficient training programs, precise guidelines, and treatment protocols to put into practice. Also, the mental distress and the financial impact subjected upon dentist require to be further explored determining the association between their mental health during and post COVID-19 outbreak.

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-117
Author(s):  
Deepa Kunwar ◽  
Snigdha Subham ◽  
Manisha Nepal ◽  
Jwolan Khadka

Background: Coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratorysyndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).COVID-19 is a global pandemic affecting all aspects of life in all countries. Endodontist are at inherent risk because of aerosol generating procedures. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among Endodontists of Nepal to combat the COVID 19 pandemic. Method:A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Endodontist of Nepal from March to June 2021.Convenient sampling method was adopted. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20.Descriptive statistics was performed, percentage and frequency distribution were assessed. Chi-square tests wereused to see the association between the categorical variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:  Out of the total 81 Endodontists who responded to our study, 55.6% of them were females and 44.4% males. Around 65%were from Bagmati province.Majority (87.7%) of responders reported that they categorize the cases on the basis risk assessment, 56.8% do not perform routine procedures during the pandemic. Maximum (97.5%) of the responders discuss about COVID-19 with the patients.About 55% of the responders use rubber dam during the endodontic procedures, while 17.3% of the responders do not use them at all. Conclusion:Endodontists of Nepal werefound to have good knowledge, attitude and practice score, which is important to overcome the present pandemic scenario of COVID19.Certain pitfalls in attitude and practice level can be decreased by efficient training programs, precise guidelines, and treatment protocols.


Author(s):  
Saurav Kumar ◽  
Shiv Prakash ◽  
Mona Srivastava

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the attitude of the school and college-going students towards online classes. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted on 228 school and college-going students fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria selected through purposive sampling methods. A semi-structured online questionnaire consisting of a socio-demographic questionnaire and Attitude towards online classes (ATOC) questionnaire was prepared by the researcher using Google form. The link of the questionnaire was sent to all the selected respondents through WhatsApp messages and emails. The data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 20 software. The reliability of the attitude questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha test. The association between categorical variables was assessed using Chi-square tests. The comparison between variables was assessed using the students independent t-test.Results: More than half of the respondents (51.32%) were found with a positive attitude towards online classes. There was a significant association found between attitude towards online classes and socio-demographic variables such as age (p<0.05), academic level (p<0.05), and family income (p<0.01). The respondents who attended online classes (p<0.05), have technical knowledge (p<0.01), and got supported by their parents in the study (p<0.05) were found significantly high positive attitudes towards online classes. There was a significant difference found in the attitude of the respondents who faced psychological disturbances such as a decline in attention-concentration (p<0.05), irritation-anger (p<0.01), and tension (p<0.05) due to online classes.Conclusions: Although, online classes are more beneficial for the students and teachers in their academic activities during the lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic but it can’t take place of traditional face-to-face classes. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 110-121
Author(s):  
Sharaf E Sharaf

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease that is increasing in Saudi Arabia (SA) and globally. Obesity self-management among individuals is essential for managing obesity and its complications. This study aimed to conduct an obesity knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) assessment and prevalence of used pharmaceutical anti-obesity medications among individuals with obesity in SA. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2021. The participants completed a validated online administered questionnaire using the Survey Monkey website. Potential participants were approached in governmental hospitals, leisure centers, and shopping malls. The chi-square test was used to assess associations between categorical variables. In addition, correlations between the participants' KAP and outcome variables were measured using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results: In all, 410 obese individuals (mean age 40±14 years, range 18–80 years) were surveyed. Overall, 68% of participants reported good obesity knowledge, and 63% reported a good attitude, while 72% reported poor practice. In addition, there were significant positive linear correlations between knowledge and attitude (r=0.44, P<0.001), knowledge and practice (r=0.14, P<0.01), attitude and practice (r=0.11, P<0.05), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) (r=0.25, P<0.01), while there were significant negative linear correlations between knowledge and BMI (r=−0.20, P<0.001), attitude and BMI (r=−0.19, P<0.001), practice and BMI (r=−0.67, P<0.001), knowledge and WC (r=−0.10, P<0.05), attitude and WC (r=−0.10, P<0.05), and practice and WC (r=−0.45, P<0.001). Interestingly, 67% of participants did not use any approved pharmaceutical anti-obesity medications due to a lack of anti-obesity treatment knowledge and safety. Conclusion: The participants reported good knowledge and attitudes toward obesity, although these were not reflected in their practice levels. The lack of pharmaceutical knowledge, safety, and use of anti-obesity medications contributed directly to poor practice levels. Health authorities should establish clinical and pharmaceutical health education programs incorporating the latest pharmaceutical anti-obesity medications, including their applications and safety, for enhancing self-management and awareness among obese individuals.


Author(s):  
Kanayo P Osemene ◽  
Maduabuchi R Ihekoronye ◽  
Adebayo Lamikanra

Background Although generic medicines are used extensively in Nigeria information from community pharmacists about these drugs are scanty and therefore inadequate. This is why this study has been designed to bridge the knowledge gap, attitudes, as well as the perception and practice of community pharmacists about generic medicines in Nigeria. Method A questionnaire-guided cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 380 community pharmacists who were randomly selected from community pharmacies between April and June 2019 in Southwestern Nigeria. Data generated in the course of this study was analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Chi-square was used to test proportions and to determine associations between categorical variables. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was used to determine correlation between dependent variables. Result Mean knowledge score of community pharmacists about generic medicines(GM) was 5.6 ± 2.9 out of a total maximum score of 10. Results showed that 47.9% of respondents had poor knowledge, 27.6% average knowledge and 24.5% good knowledge about GM. Knowledge was significantly associated (p = .000) with all demographic characteristics except professional qualifications. A majority (89%) of the respondents were of the view that patients need more explanations when GMs are dispensed to them. In addition, 90.3% of the respondents were of the opinion that GM will improve access to medicine because they are cheaper and easily affordable. About 93% practice generic substitution without consulting prescribing physicians. Furthermore, 85% of the respondents claim they stock mainly GMs. Conclusion Community pharmacists in Nigeria had a positive attitude, perception and practice about GM, but exhibited sub-optimal knowledge in understanding issues concerning generic medicines. It is concluded that there is the need for continuous training and education to enhance professional knowledge of pharmacists in the area of GM substitution.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nualnong Wongtongkam

Purpose Violence directed at ambulance paramedics has attracted increasing public attention because of its major negative impact on the physical and psychological well-being of victims and productivity of organisations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of violent incidents, contributing factors, burnout and post-traumatic symptoms among paramedics. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was distributed in two ambulance services in Tasmania and South Australia, with self-administered instruments completed online. In total, 48 respondents completed questionnaires. Findings There were no significant differences between sites in timing of violent incidents, consequences of traumatic events or organisation provision. Surprisingly, over 90 per cent of paramedics had not been pushed, slapped, beaten, scratched or spat on in the previous month. There was a statistically significant difference between genders for being yelled at or verbally abused (p=0.02). When considering burnout, female paramedics showed significantly higher levels of emotional exhaustion t(37)=–2.32, p=0.02 and lower levels of career satisfaction than their male counterparts, t(37)=3.32, p=0.00. Originality/value Although prevalence rates of violent incidents seemed lower than expected, policy interventions to encourage female paramedics to display their professional identities and steps to enhance well-being and safety while on duty should be considered.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-7
Author(s):  
Benish Shahzadi ◽  
Sadaf Tareen ◽  
Syeda Hina Zahoor ◽  
Hamid Hussain ◽  
Malik Muhammad Ali ◽  
...  

Objective: Musculoskeletal discomfort is common in people working in poor ergonomic designs with prolonged poor posture. The main purpose of this study was to compare the postural discomfort among right and left-handed university students of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was carried out using standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. Samples were collected by simple convenient sampling technique from 221 students (53.8% females and 46.2% Males) comprising of 110 left and 111 right-handed University students. Results: The comparison of percentages among left and right-handed participants at hip, knee and ankle were as follows: hip (left-handed 19% and 5.42% right-handed), knee (left-handed 17.19%, right-handed 9.04%), ankle (left-handed 9.50%, right-handed 8.14%). The prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal discomfort was significant in left-handed participants as compared to right-handed participants. The highest frequency of discomfort was found in the neck and shoulder region of left-handed participants. Chi square test showed a significant difference in frequencies of discomfort in left and right-handed participants (p<0.01), whereas there was as such no significance in ankle region (p>0.05). Conclusion: Postural discomfort was more prevalent among left-handed university students as compare to right-handed students. The highest frequency of discomfort was found in the neck and shoulder region of left-handed participants. Further research and attention should be directed towards the relation of handedness with musculoskeletal discomfort and factors influencing postural discomfort in left-handed students.


Author(s):  
Clement Kevin Edet ◽  
Agiriye M. Harry ◽  
Anthony Ike Wegbom ◽  
Benjamin O. Osaro

Introduction: Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic there has been concerns about the imminent collapse of the health system if healthcare workers are physically, mentally, and socially affected to the point where service delivery is compromised. Therefore, this study investigated the fear, psychosomatic symptoms, and satisfaction of the Primary Healthcare Workers (PHCWs) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Rivers State Nigeria. Methods: A facility cross-sectional survey was conducted involving the primary healthcare workers. Descriptive analysis of mean with standard deviation were reported for continuous variables, frequency and percentage were used to report categorical variables. Results: A total of 412 PHCWs participated in the study (mean age: 39.5±7.5). 223 (54.4%) were sure of going to work, while 260 (63.4%) were afraid of contracting the COVID-19 virus. However, 294 (71.7%) were not stigmatized and 256 (62.4%) were satisfied with their capacity for work. Also, 333 (81.2%), 357(87.3%), and 271(66.6%) were not satisfied with, transportation, money to meet their daily needs, and work environment, respectively. Perceived psychosomatic symptoms by respondents were chest pain (50.0%), stomach upset (38.0%), lump in the throat (40.0%), no feeling of hunger (52.0%), and shortness of breath (32.0%). Anxiety and stress symptoms experienced were inability to concentrate (38.2%), got angry easily (24.9%), worried (48.5%), low mood, anxiety, or depression (24.1%) and afraid of encountering security personnel on their way to work (67.6%). Conclusions: We observed perceived fears, psychosomatic, anxiety, and stress symptoms, as well as low satisfaction among the primary healthcare workers. We suggest that the government and health care agencies should put in place measures that will improve the psychological well-being and mental health of the PHCWs during the pandemic.


F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Muzaheed Muzaheed ◽  
Omar S. El-Masry ◽  
Ali A. Rabaan ◽  
Faisal Alzahrani ◽  
Amer Alomar ◽  
...  

Background: Continuous evaluation of students and employee’s knowledge and attitude in clinical laboratories is mandatory to ensure a high level of competency, proper practice and to assess the need for training, which shall be reflected on the quality of laboratory results. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice in microbiology laboratories among employees (at King Fahd Hospital of the University) and clinical laboratory students (at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University)    Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of 30 2nd year students, 26 3rd year students, 24 4th year students in the Clinical Laboratory Sciences department, and 30 employees. Participants completed a survey comprising 30 questions to assess their knowledge and attitude towards the use of equipment and practice in the microbiology laboratory. Results: The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the average scores of all levels of students regarding their knowledge (p = 0.85, 0.999, and 0.869), attitude (p = 0.883, 0.996, 0.853), and practice (p=0.633, 0.325, 0.858) in the microbiology laboratory. Employees scores (knowledge;5.03±2.646, attitude; 12.03±4.89, and practice; 7.7±6.11) were quite poor, as indicated by the lower average results than that of students (knowledge; 5.65±3.08, attitude; 13.25±5.33, and practice; 13.46±5.7). Conclusions: It is concluded that the knowledge, attitude, and practice of students and employees in the microbiology laboratory needs to be meticulously monitored and improved to ensure high achievement of learning outcomes and better overall performance in the laboratory. This may be achieved through using frequent quizzes and continuous education programs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. OR1-OR6
Author(s):  
Swati Pathak ◽  
Shivalingesh KK ◽  
Henna Mir ◽  
Divya Srivastava ◽  
Adeeba Saleem ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: In India, the percentage of deaths caused by tobacco smoking is anticipated to rise from 1.4 percent in 1990 to 13.3 percent by 2020.Health care experts have done their best to persuade and counsel users to quit the habit through their collaborative efforts. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Assessment of dentistry students' attitudes and practices concerning tobacco cessation strategies, as well as the role of information in their promotion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was carried out at the Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly among the dental professionals, i.e. final year, interns, postgraduates students. The questionnaire was designed to test the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental students regarding tobacco use. The self-administered survey included a set of questions. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test had been used to test associations between their responses among age, qualification, and academic year using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22. RESULTS: A total of 300 surveys were sent out, with a 96.39 percent response rate. There were 54 percent females and 46 percent males among the 250 participants. Approximately 68 percent of people were between the ages of 20 and 23. In the current study, 32.4 percent were seeking MDS and 67.6 percent were pursuing BDS. Nearly half of those prefer to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) as a cigarette cessation recommendation to patients, followed by self-quitting at 48% and pharmaceutical approaches at 1.2 percent. DISCUSSION: More than half of the respondents had an average level of awareness of smoking cessation therapies, and the majority of them had a favorable attitude toward their provision. As a result, it is important to persuade students to develop an interest in learning about tobacco quitting strategies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 34

Sleep is a condition of the body and mind which typically occurs for several hours every night, in which the nervous system is inactive, the eyes are closed, the postural muscles are relaxed, and consciousness is practically suspended. Daytime sleepiness, or difficulty in maintaining a desired level of wakefulness, is frequently viewed by the general population as a common experience and predictable consequence of insufficient sleep. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness and factors associated with medical students in a private university in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among year 1 to year 5 medical students. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0. A minimum sample size of 400 was obtained. The percentage of Excessive day time sleepiness (EDS) among the students was 44% (176 of 400). Association between EDS and other independent variables was seen by the Chi-square test with p-value < 0.05 considered as a significant association. Of the various factors determined, a statistically significant association was found between internet usage and EDS.


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