How anxious were Quebec healthcare professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic? A web-based cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may cause significant anxiety among healthcare professionals (HCPs). COVID-19-related psychological impacts on HCPs in Western countries have received relatively little attention. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the levels of anxiety in HCPs working in the province of Quebec (Canada) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and identify factors associated with changes in anxiety scores. METHODS: An exploratory online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Quebec HCPs from April to July 2020. The Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure state anxiety among HCPs. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 426 HCPs completed the survey. Anxiety scores ranged from 20 to 75 points, with 80 being the highest possible value on the STAI scale. Being a female HCP [B = 5.89, 95%confidence interval (CI): 2.49–9.3] and declaring having the intention to avoid caring for patients with COVID-19 (B = 3.75, 95%CI: 1.29–6.22) were associated with increased anxiety scores. Having more years of experience was associated with decreased anxiety scores [B = –0.2, 95%CI: –0.32–(–0.08)]. CONCLUSION: Organizational strategies aimed at preventing and relieving anxiety should target junior female HCPs who express the intention to avoid caring for patients with COVID-19. Seniority could become an important criterion in selecting frontline HCPs during pandemics. Further studies are needed to comprehensively examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian HCPs and identify evidence-based coping strategies.

Download Full-text

Corona virus fear among health workers during the early phase of pandemic response in Nepal: a web-based cross-sectional study

10.1101/2020.11.04.367912 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Pratik Khanal ◽

Navin Devkota ◽

Minakshi Dahal ◽

Kiran Paudel ◽

Shiva Raj Mishra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Family Member ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Early Phase ◽

Health Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Factors Associated

AbstractBackgroundHealth workers involved in COVID-19 response might be at risk of developing fear and psychological distress. This study aimed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 fear among health workers in Nepal during the early phase of pandemic.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the month of April-May 2020 among 475 health workers directly involved in COVID-19 management. The Fear Scale of COVID 19 (FCV-19S) was used to measure the status of fear. Scatter plots were used to observe the relationship between fear and other psychological outcomes: anxiety, depression and insomnia. Multivariable logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with COVID fear.ResultsCOVID-19 fear score was moderately correlated with anxiety and depression, and weakly correlated with insomnia (p<0.001). Nurses (AOR=2.29; 95% CI: 1.23-4.26), health workers experiencing stigma (AOR=1.83; 95% CI: 1.12-2.73), those working in affected district(AOR=1.76; 95% CI: 1.12-2.77) and presence of family member with chronic diseases (AOR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.01-2.25) was associated with higher odds of developing COVID-19 fear as compared to other health workers, health workers not experiencing stigma, working in non-affected district and not having family member with chronic diseases respectively.ConclusionNurses, health workers facing stigma, those working in affect district and having family member with chronic diseases were more at risk of developing COVID-19 fear. It is thus recommended to improve work environment to reduce fear among health workers, employ stigma reduction interventions, and ensure personal and family support for those having family member with chronic diseases.

Download Full-text

Challenges in the Provision of Pediatric Palliative Care in Mexico: A Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey

Journal of Palliative Care ◽

10.1177/08258597211062767 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 082585972110627

Author(s):

Elena Solveig Grüneberg ◽

Jorge Ramos-Guerrero ◽

Tania Pastrana

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Working Conditions ◽

Work Experience ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Pediatric Palliative Care ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Middle Income ◽

Web Based

Objective: An enormous need for pediatric palliative care (PPC) has been reported, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the access to PPC is limited. This study identifies the current challenges in the provision of PPC and their severity from the perspective of healthcare professionals. Method: We conducted a web-based descriptive cross-sectional survey among healthcare professionals treating children in need of palliative care in Mexico in 2019. We used convenience sampling and snowball sampling to acquire participants. Results: Seventy healthcare professionals from Mexico participated. Participants were 64.3% female, on average 45.8 (SD = 10.9) years old, had an average of 15.84 (SD = 10.4) years of work experience and worked in 15 states. The three most severe barriers reported were: (1) Few teams and/or networks of out-of-hospital/domestic support; (2) Absence of training centres and continuing medical/paramedical education in PPC; and (3) Lack of legal, labor, and economic protection for parents who must stop working to be with their children. The barriers related to a lack of awareness and commitment, a lack of support, legal factors, and working conditions were rated highest. Participants considered increased awareness and better knowledge of PPC for all as the top priority, and particularly emphasized the need for better education and training of health professionals. Conclusion: We have identified several barriers to successful palliative care (PC) provision for children. Primarily, these are lack of awareness and commitment, especially of the health authorities and the medical professions, lack of personal and financial support, legal factors, and working conditions. The need to change and improve care exists at the policy level, the health professional level, and the public societal level.

Download Full-text

Icelandic Physical Therapists' Attitudes Toward Adoption of New Knowledge and Evidence-Based Practice: Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20150428 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 96 (11) ◽

pp. 1724-1733 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Solveig A. Arnadottir ◽

Bjorg Gudjonsdottir

Keyword(s):

Evidence Based Practice ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Dissemination And Implementation ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

New Knowledge

Abstract Background A positive attitude toward evidence-based practice (EBP) has been identified as an important factor in the effectiveness of the dissemination and implementation of EBP in real-world settings. Objective The objectives of this study were: (1) to describe dimensions of Icelandic physical therapists' attitudes toward the adoption of new knowledge and EBP and (2) to explore the association between attitudes and selected personal and environmental factors. Design This study was a cross-sectional, Web-based survey of the total population of full members of the Icelandic Physiotherapy Association. Methods The Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) was used to survey attitudes toward EBP; the total EBPAS and its 4 subscales (requirements, appeal, openness, and divergence) were included. Linear regression was used to explore the association between the EBPAS and selected background variables. Results The response rate was 39.5% (N=211). The total EBPAS and all of its subscales reflected physical therapists' positive attitudes toward the adoption of new knowledge and EBP. Multivariable analysis revealed that being a woman was associated with more positive attitudes, as measured by the total EBPAS and the requirements, openness, and divergence subscales. Physical therapists with postprofessional education were more positive, as measured by the EBPAS openness subscale, and those working with at least 10 other physical therapists demonstrated more positive attitudes on the total EBPAS and the openness subscale. Limitations Because this was a cross-sectional survey, no causal inferences can be made, and there may have been unmeasured confounding factors. Potential nonresponse bias limits generalizability. Conclusions The results expand understanding of the phenomenon of attitudes toward EBP. They reveal potentially modifiable dimensions of attitudes and the associated characteristics of physical therapists and their work environments. The findings encourage investigation of the effectiveness of strategies aimed at influencing various dimensions of attitudes toward EBP.

Download Full-text

COVID-19 Among Doctors in Indonesia: Risk of Moderate-Severe and Behavior Adaptation in Personal Protective Equipments Usage After Infection

10.21203/rs.3.rs-944448/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Evy Yunihastuti ◽

Ari Fahrial Syam ◽

Herikurniawan Herikurniawan ◽

Dewi Sumaryani Soemarko ◽

Andrian Wiraguna

Keyword(s):

Occupational Exposure ◽

Multivariate Analyses ◽

Population Based ◽

Occupational Risk ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Essential Factor ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

And Behavior

Abstract Doctors have a greater risk of acquiring COVID-19 due to occupational exposure. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential factor in reducing COVID-19 transmission. We aimed to evaluate the risk of moderate-severe COVID-19 infection and behavior adaptation in PPE usage among doctors who survived COVID-19 in Indonesia. This was an online population-based cross-sectional survey among Indonesian doctors of COVID-19 survivors. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with moderate-severe COVID-19 infection. A total of 389 doctors who survived COVID-19 infection across in Indonesia was included in this study. Most participants were young doctors (20-39 years: 69.7%), general practitioners (50.4%), working in COVID-19 designated hospitals (62.5%), and worked more than 40 hours/week (57.8%). Factors associated with moderate-severe COVID-19 were IMA moderate occupational risk (aOR 4.14, 95% CI: 1.11-15.47), age 40-59 years (aOR 3.24, 95% CI: 1.99-5.29), working in COVID-19 designated hospital (aOR 1.89, 95% CI: 1.18-3.01), and higher BMI (aOR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.00-3.54). N95 respirator and other PPEs use improved after these doctors recovered from COVID-19 infection in isolation and non-isolation rooms. In conclusion, working COVID-19 designated hospital, moderate occupational risk, higher BMI, and age 40-59 were associated with moderate-severe COVID-19 among doctors in Indonesia.

Download Full-text

Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice towards COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

Medical Sciences ◽

10.3390/medsci9010011 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 11

Author(s):

Ali Hassan A. Alnasser ◽

Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq ◽

Mohammed Sheker H. Al-Kalif ◽

Rubayyi Faris B. Shahadah ◽

Khawlah Saad A. Almuqati ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Adequate Knowledge ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice

(1) Background: COVID-19 has become a worldwide public health problem. No previous study has investigated factors associated with COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) after completely lifting the curfew in all Saudi Arabia regions and cities. Therefore, adequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and correct control of COVID-19 are essential to eradicate the disease. Hence, this study aims to assess factors associated with KAP of COVID-19; (2) Methods: This cross-sectional web-based survey was performed with the participation of 4305 individuals aged over 15 years living in Saudi Arabia from 11 to 19 August 2020. They were included using the snowball sampling method; (3) Results: Of the 4305 participants, 94.9% were Saudis, 60% females, and 45.4% were in the age group of 20–34 years, 61.7% married, and 49.3% from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Most of the participants demonstrated good KAP levels (89.6%, 87.2%, and 87.2%) towards the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. In addition, most of the participants (85.8%) used the internet and social media as a source for COVID-19 information (4) Conclusions: The finding showed that most of the participants demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19, positive attitudes, and demonstrated good practices for preventing the spread of disease infection.

Download Full-text

Applicability of the Geographic Tongue Area and Severity Index among Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Clinical Validation of a Newly Developed Geographic Tongue Scoring System

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10235493 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (23) ◽

pp. 5493

Author(s):

Bruna Lavinas Sayed Picciani ◽

Lílian Rocha Santos ◽

Thaylla Núñez Amin ◽

Jonatas Daniel Rocha Santos ◽

Sueli Carneiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Severity Index ◽

Qualitative Assessment ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Oral Medicine ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

Survey Results

Geographic tongue (GT) is a chronic condition of unknown aetiology, with no defined parameters to establish the protocol for evidence-based management. Validation of a newly developed and proposed clinical index to assess the severity of GT could assist in its diagnosis, especially in cases associated with systemic dermatological diseases in the form of psoriasis. Objective: To verify the applicability of the geographic tongue area and severity index (GTASI). This involved healthcare professionals from different specialties to evaluate the usefulness of the GTASI in supporting GT classification, as well as the follow-up process. Methods: One hundred cases of previously diagnosed GT were initially evaluated by three independent, experienced researchers/clinicians to obtain a standardised classification baseline. Subsequently, nine cases of GT were selected, three cases for each category—mild, moderate and severe. These stages were professionally evaluated by 51 healthcare professionals from three groups: 17 dentists (33%), 22 oral medicine specialists (43%) and 12 specialist dermatologists (24%) during a cross-sectional survey. Results: The quantitative and qualitative assessment based on experts’ opinions in the cross-sectional survey demonstrated an acceptable, similar level of GT clinical diagnosis (p > 0.05), with coherence between the various groups of professionals critically appraising the GTASI. An apparent divergence was observed for the moderate GT category, as well as in the group of less experienced evaluators. Conclusion: Whilst the validation of GTASI applicability was successfully executed, the general dental practitioners, specialists in oral medicine and dermatologists were equally capable of correct GT diagnosis and appropriately rating its severity. These coherent results were especially replicated among the experienced clinicians. The validation of the newly proposed index confirmed its reliability as a feasible instrument in oral medicine, with the prospect of its wider implementation in clinical practice.

Download Full-text

Factors associated with ordering food via online meal ordering services

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021001294 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-18

Author(s):

Liyuwork Mitiku Dana ◽

Ellen Hart ◽

Alison McAleese ◽

Alice Bastable ◽

Simone Pettigrew

Keyword(s):

Fast Food ◽

Food Choices ◽

Home Delivery ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Fast Food Restaurant ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Income Levels ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Sugary Drinks

Abstract Objective: Online meal ordering services are increasing in popularity in Australia and globally. Meals ordered online for home delivery are typically less healthy than home-made meals, potentially contributing to weight gain. The aim of the present study was to identify the types of consumers who are most likely to engage in online meal ordering. Design: A cross-sectional survey including items relating to demographic and lifestyle factors was disseminated via a web panel provider. Setting: Australia. Participants: 2,010 Australian adults aged 18+ years. Results: More than a quarter of respondents (28%) engaged in online meal ordering at least once in the previous month. Younger respondents, those with a higher body mass index, and those with higher education and income levels were more likely to have done so. Consuming higher levels of sugary drinks and fast food restaurant patronage were significantly associated with ordering meals online for home delivery. Conclusions: The outcomes of this study suggest that the use of online meal ordering services is becoming a common practice in Australia, and it is therefore important to implement evidence-based strategies and policies to encourage individuals to make healthy food choices when using these services.

Download Full-text

Factors associated with tobacco cessation attempts among inpatients in a psychiatric hospital

The Journal of Smoking Cessation ◽

10.1017/jsc.2020.3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 84-93

Author(s):

Janet K. Otachi ◽

Sarret Seng ◽

Chizimuzo T. C. Okoli

Keyword(s):

Tobacco Cessation ◽

Smoking Initiation ◽

Mental Illnesses ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Psychiatric Facility ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Tobacco Treatment ◽

Cold Turkey

AbstractIntroductionSeveral effective evidence-based tobacco treatment approaches can optimize cessation attempts; however, little is known about the utilization of such strategies by people with mental illnesses (MI) during their cessation attempts.AimsTo examine methods used during and factors associated with tobacco cessation attempts among people with MI.MethodsSelf-administered cross-sectional survey data were obtained from 132 tobacco using inpatients from a psychiatric facility in Kentucky, USA.ResultsOur study found ‘cold turkey’ as the most reported method by inpatient tobacco users with MI in their prior cessation attempts regardless of the psychiatric diagnosis category. Multivariate logistic regression found ethnicity (OR 26.1; 95% CI 2.9–237.1), age at 1st smoke (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0–1.1), importance to quit (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.0–1.4), and receipt of brief tobacco treatment interventions (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0–1.3) significantly associated with quit attempt in the past year.ConclusionDespite the existence of various evidence-based approaches to enhance tobacco cessation among people with MI, ‘cold-turkey’ was the most preferred method in this sample. In addition, this study highlighted ethnicity, importance to quit, age at 1st smoke, and receipt of brief interventions as important factors to consider when tailoring tobacco cessation in this population. Though ethnicity is a non-modifiable factor, an informed provider may intervene skillfully by addressing socio-cultural barriers specific to an ethnic group. Lower ratings on the motivation ruler and early age of smoking initiation could also inform providers when using motivational interviewing and other evidence-based tobacco-cessation approaches.

Download Full-text

Evidence-Based Practice in Primary Care Occupational Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Sweden

Occupational Therapy International ◽

10.1155/2018/5376764 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ann-Charlotte Lindström ◽

Susanne Bernhardsson

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Evidence Based Practice ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Easy Access ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Main Barrier

Introduction. Understanding of attitudes, knowledge, and behaviour related to evidence-based practice (EBP) and guidelines in Swedish occupational therapy is limited. The study aims were to investigate attitudes, knowledge, and behaviour related to evidence-based practice and guidelines of Swedish occupational therapists in primary care.Methods. A web-based survey of 94 Swedish primary care occupational therapists (response rate 53.7%). Data were analysed using logistic regressions.Results. Attitudes towards EBP and guidelines were highly positive (97%–98%). About half of the respondents reported confidence in finding and using evidence. Almost two-thirds reported being aware of guidelines and 47% knowing where to find guidelines. Four-fifths stated that they had easy access to guidelines and 75% that they used guidelines frequently. Men were more likely to feel confident to find research (OR 8.58, 95% CI 1.03 to 71.66;p=0.047) and have easy access to guidelines (OR 9.10, 95% CI 1.94 to 42.83;p=0.005). Occupational therapists older than 50 years were more likely to integrate patient preferences with guideline use (OR 6.44, 95% CI 1.14 to 36.57;p=0.035). Few reported reading scientific articles, and many expressed uncertainty in finding research. The main barrier for using guidelines was reported to be lack of time.Conclusion. Although attitudes among primary care occupational therapists towards EBP are positive and a large proportion report using guidelines, many state that they want to learn more and improve their evidence-based practice skills. The findings suggest that education measures need to be taken to address the identified shortcomings.

Download Full-text

Title: Risk Perception related to COVID-19 among Sub-Sahara Africans: A Web-based Comparative Survey of local and diaspora residents

10.21203/rs.3.rs-258151/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Emmanuel Kwasi Abu ◽

Richard Oloruntoba ◽

Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu ◽

Dipesh Bhattarai ◽

Chundung Asabe Miner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Perception ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Knowledge And Attitude

Abstract Background Perceived risk towards the coronavirus pandemic is a key to improved compliance with public health measures to reduce the infection. This study investigated how Sub-Saharan Africans (SSA) living in their respective countries and those in the diaspora perceive their risk of COVID-19 outbreak and the factors associated. Methods A web-based cross-sectional survey on 1969 participants aged 18 years and above (55.1% male) was conducted between April 27th and May 17th 2020. The dependent variable was perception of risk for contracting COVID-19 scores. Independent variables included demographic characteristics; COVID-19 related knowledge and attitude scores. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses identified the factors associated with risk perception towards COVID-19. Results Among SSA respondents, majority were living in SSA (n = 1855, 92.8%) and 143 (7.2%) in the diaspora. There was no significant difference in the mean risk perception scores between the two groups (p = 0.117), however, those aged 18–28 years had lower risk perception scores (p = 0.003) than the older respondents, while those who were employed (p = 0.040) and had higher level of education (p < 0.001) had significantly higher risk perception scores than other respondents. After adjusting for covariates, multivariable analyses revealed that SSA residents aged 39–48 years (adjusted coefficient, β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.01, 1.19]) and health care sector workers (β = 0.61, 95% CI [0.09, 1.14]) reported a higher perceived risk of COVID-19. Knowledge and attitude scores increased as perceived risk for COVID-19 increases for both SSAs in Africa (β = 1.19, 95% CI [1.05, 1.34] for knowledge; β = 0.63, 95% CI [0.58, 0.69] for attitude) and in Diaspora (β = 1.97, 95% CI [1.16, 2.41] for knowledge; β = 0.30, 95% CI [0.02, 0.58] for attitude). Conclusions There is a need to promote preventive measures with focus on increasing people’s knowledge about COVID-19 and encouraging positive attitude towards the mitigation measures. Such interventions should target older participants and non-healthcare workers.

Download Full-text