scholarly journals Lack of Awareness of the Impact of Improperly Disposed Of Medications and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Indonesian Households

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofa D. Alfian ◽  
Widya N. Insani ◽  
Eli Halimah ◽  
Nabilla A. Qonita ◽  
Siti S. Jannah ◽  
...  

Introduction: Disposal of unused medications through environmentally unsafe routes is common in Indonesia. The lack of awareness of the impact of improperly disposed of medications is a significant contributing factor. The objectives of this study were to identify factors associated with lack of awareness of the impact of improperly disposed of unused medications and to assess the associations of awareness with medication disposal practices among the general population in Indonesia.Patients and methods: An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted using nonprobability sampling in Bandung, Indonesia, from November 2017 to January 2018 among respondents who were older than 18 years, had used any medication in the past, were literate, and had signed an informed consent document. Disposal practices and awareness regarding the impact of improperly disposed of unused medications were collected using an online- and a paper-based pre-validated questionnaire. The paper-based questionnaires were distributed to respondents in public places such as city center, markets, and religious places. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess associations of sociodemographic and other related factors with a lack of awareness. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported.Results: Of 497 participating respondents, 433 and 64 respondents filled an online- or a paper-based questionnaire, respectively. Most respondents were female, aged between 18 and 30 years, and students/university students. Of 497 respondents, more than half (53.1%) were not aware that improper medication disposal could harm the environment and population health. Most respondents (79.5%) had never received information about proper medication disposal practices. The education level, the number of stored medications at home, and previous education about medication disposal practices were significantly associated with awareness of proper practices. In the multivariate analysis, only those with previous education about medication disposal practices were less likely to report a lack of awareness (OR: 0.043; 95% CI: 0.02–0.09). Respondents with a lack of awareness tended to dispose of their unused medications in the garbage or shared them with friends or relatives.Conclusion: There is a clear need to increase awareness of the importance of proper medication disposal practices, in particular among the student population of Bandung city, Indonesia. Healthcare providers can play an important role by educating this specific population on the proper disposal of unused medications.

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e055916
Author(s):  
Jun Kako ◽  
Yoshiyasu Ito ◽  
Kohei Kajiwara ◽  
Yasutaka Kimura ◽  
Takahiro Kakeda ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic is spreading globally with a high risk of mortality. It is also significantly affecting mental health. For nursing students, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health is predicted to be significant; however, sufficient data have not been obtained. Therefore, this study will aim to assess the mental health of nursing students and evaluate the related factors.Methods and analysisThis proposed study is a cross-sectional survey using a self-report questionnaire. An online questionnaire will be distributed among all nursing students of eight universities in Japan. The survey questionnaire will consist of questions related to demography, life satisfaction, fear of COVID-19, mental health and physical activities. The target sample size is 1300 nursing students. We will calculate descriptive statistics for each measurement item and perform univariate and logistic regression analyses to evaluate the potential risk factors for anxiety, depression and insomnia symptoms in nursing students. The strength of association will be assessed using the OR and its 95% CIs. Statistical significance will be set at a p<0.05.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the University of Hyogo on 22 March 2021 (ID: 2020F29). In addition, all of the participating facilities required ethical approval from their local IRBs. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. We believe that the proposed large-scale investigation of the mental health of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic and the relationship between mental health and fear of COVID-19 are novel and will be a strength of this study.


Author(s):  
Irfanuzzaman Khan ◽  
Jennifer Loh ◽  
Abu Saleh ◽  
Ali Quazi ◽  
Majharul Talukder

Despite the growing popularity of social media internationally, an extant review of the literature revealed a low rate of social media usage among healthcare professionals. While cynicism amongst healthcare professionals might be a reason, there might be other factors that could explain healthcare professionals’ reluctance to use social media in their practices. This research investigated potential barriers that affected healthcare professionals’ behavioural intention to use social media. A cross-sectional survey was randomly administered to 824 healthcare professionals working in Australian healthcare organisations. At the end of data collection, 219 usable responses were collected. Analysis of data via structural equation model (SEM) found that perceived trust, privacy threats, professional boundary, facilitating conditions and self-efficacy significantly influence the notion of perceived usefulness and ease of use. In addition, information quality directly influences health professionals’ perceived ease of utilising social media technology. The result also indicated that gender moderates the relationship between barrier-related factors and perceived usefulness and ease of use. This study’s findings have important implications for healthcare providers and policymakers regarding medical professionals’ perceptions of the potential challenges in using social media as well as developing strategies to counter misinformation against the backdrop of COVID-19.


Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 611
Author(s):  
Mohamed Mekhemar ◽  
Sameh Attia ◽  
Christof Dörfer ◽  
Jonas Conrad

Multiple investigations have reported high psychological distress among students since the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak started. This survey examined the associations between psychological features, and several demographic and social factors among dental students in German universities. Dental students registered in German universities nationwide were asked to join this survey via a self-directed online questionnaire, from July 2020 to January 2021. This study assembled data on demographic statistics, the depression anxiety stress scales (DASS-21), and the impact of events scale—revised (IES-R) instrument. The relationships between demographic-related variables and mental consequences of depression, anxiety, stress, intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal were inspected. Two hundred and eleven students contributed to the questionnaire and conveyed overall normal or mild outcomes of depression, anxiety, stress, intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal. In addition, female gender, cardiovascular diseases, smoking habits, and seeing the COVID-19 outbreak as a financial risk were stated as significant related factors (p < 0.05), with increased IES-R and DASS-21 scores. These results highlight the features that should be considered to better protect dental students’ mental health in German universities during the crisis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Y. Khanji ◽  
Carmela Maniero ◽  
Sher NG ◽  
Imrana Siddiqui ◽  
Jaya Gupta ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented strain to healthcare systems worldwide and posed unique challenges to the healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the general public.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health, behavioral, and physical wellbeing of HCPs in the early and mid-term periods of the pandemic in comparison to non-HCPs. Thus, facilitating and guiding optimum planning and delivery of support to HCPs.Methods and AnalysisAn observational cross-sectional survey and cohort study aiming to enroll over 1050 participants (minimum, 800 HCPs and 250 controls). Study questionnaires will be completed at baseline and after 6-weeks and 4-months. Recruitment initiated July 2020. The study was designed in London, United Kingdom, but open to participants worldwide. Baseline: Questionnaires comprising of validated self-administered screening tools for depression, anxiety, sleep-related issues, wellbeing, and burnout. The questionnaires also explore changes in behavior and physical wellbeing of the participants. In addition, associations of these mental health and behavioral factors with work-related factors and support will be explored. Six-weeks and 4-months follow-up: Follow-up questionnaires will assess change in symptoms of anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, use of alcohol and other substances, behavioral or interpersonal relationship changes. Physical wellbeing will be assessed through the presence of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection and absence from work. We will also evaluate the impact of variable provision of personal protection equipment (supply and training), extended working hours, and concern for the wellbeing of family members, anxiety levels, and evidence of burnout.Statistical ConsiderationsThe study has 80% power to detect a 10% difference of combined depression and/or anxiety symptoms between the groups using two-sided type 1 error at 0.05 at baseline. Assuming that only 50% of these HCPs agree to be a part of a cohort survey, we will have 80% power to detect around 12% difference in the two groups in reported physical symptoms (20% vs. 32.3%), or prevalence of depression and/or anxiety at the end of the study.EthicsThe study was approved by the Cambridge East, Research Ethics Committee (20/EE/0166).Trial Registration NumberClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04433260.


2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. e100389
Author(s):  
Ruyan Luo ◽  
Rao Fu ◽  
Lu Dong ◽  
Zheyi Du ◽  
Wei Sun ◽  
...  

BackgroundIn recent years, energy drinks (EDs) have been widely used among young people around the world. The extensive use of EDs also affects the sleep and exercise of adolescents.AimsThis study aimed to investigate the consumption of EDs, the knowledge, attitude towards EDs and associated factors of EDs consumption among adolescents in Shanghai, China.MethodsA total of 4608 adolescents completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing EDs use history, knowledge and attitude towards EDs. Adolescent Self-rating Life Events Checklist (ASLEC) was used to assess their life events. All participants were divided into two groups based on whether they used them or not. t-test and χ2 test were used to compare the differences between the two groups, and binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the related factors for EDs consumption.Results70.5% of the participants reported having ever used EDs. The main avenues to getting information on EDs were from advertisements. 67.56% of them believed that EDs had adverse effects on health. 22.09% of the participants and 31.55% of their parents took a negative attitude towards EDs. Compared with the non-consumption group, participants in the consumption group were likely to be male, with older age, identified EDs more correctly and did not believe EDs had adverse effects, with more positive attitude and higher ASLEC score. Logistic regression results showed that gender, age, attitude of parents and themselves, knowledge of EDs and ASLEC score significantly predicted EDs consumption.ConclusionEDs consumption was popular among adolescents in Shanghai, and the tailored intervention programmes need to be developed based on the characteristics of adolescents.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1458-1468
Author(s):  
Nadeeya ‘Ayn Umaisara Mohamad Nor ◽  
Hana Maizuliana Solehan ◽  
Nurul Azmawati Mohamed ◽  
Zatul Iffah Abu Hasan ◽  
Nur Syazana Umar ◽  
...  

Malaysian government started the Movement Control Order (MCO) on 18th March 2020, as one of the initiatives to prevent the more massive outbreak of COVID-19. Recent statistics showed a rapid rise in the numbers of positive COVID-19 patients. However, the statistics on COVID-19 patients being discharged showed that the higher authority was very committed in managing COVID-19 crisis. This online study was conducted among 1,543 Malaysian adults using a validated questionnaire to explore more findings on the Malaysian’s Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) level towards COVID-19 prevention during the MCO period. Descriptive study and binary logistic regression were performed using SPSS version 22. This study showed that the majority of respondents have good KAP level regarding COVID-19 prevention. WhatsApp and Telegram were the primary sources of information used by the respondents. Education level was the main predictor for knowledge (OR: 2.083, CI: 1.605-2.702), attitude (OR:1.854, Ci; 1.42-2.42) and practice (OR: 1.745, CI; 1.326-2.096) regarding COVID-19 prevention (p<0.001). Knowledge (OR; 1.636, CI: 1.302-2.054) and practice (OR;2.328, CI: 1.858-2.916) were predictors of attitude regarding COVID-19 prevention (p<0.001). In conclusion, total adherence to the Movement Control Order (MCO) along with public health interventions focusing on behavioral change may play vital roles in breaking the chain of infection. 


Author(s):  
Nidhi Yadav ◽  
Gayatri Vishwakarma ◽  
Prahalad Rai Sodani ◽  
Preetham Kabbinahithlu ◽  
Priyanka Anchalia

Introduction: Implementation of quality management systems and accreditation is the best way to understand disaster preparedness of any hospital. The National Board of Hospitals and Healthcare providers (NABH) has laid down standards for hospital. These standards along with the Disaster Management Act 2005 give direction and guidelines to the hospitals for ensuring that hospital prepare for unprecedented events or disaster situations. Aim: To assess the influence of NABH accreditation on disaster preparedness and response of accredited hospitals of North India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, ex-post facto research was conducted in accredited hospitals on North India to understand their level of disaster preparedness and response. Purposive sampling was done and nine hospitals were selected. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic and disaster profile including procedural, structural and non-structural elements. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22.0 was used for statistical analysis purpose. Results: Accreditation plays very important role in preparing the hospitals and curating their response towards a disaster event. This study found significant level of disaster preparedness in the accredited hospitals irrespective of the structural difference and age of the hospital. Conclusion: The 4th edition of NABH standards has its 8thChapter on Facility Management and Safety, this chapter has 7 Standards and 46 Objective elements. It guide the hospital regarding provision of safe and secure environment for patients, their families, staff and visitors. Accreditation is the best way to evaluate disaster preparedness of any hospital.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 312-323
Author(s):  
Carlos Eduardo Díaz-Castrillón ◽  
Natalia Cortés ◽  
Juan Felipe Díaz-Castrillón ◽  
Manuela Pineda ◽  
Sara Sierra Tobón

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has led health services to adapt, surgical training has had to restructure, and personal life has had to thrive hardships. We aimed to describe the evolution of surgeons' and residents' perceptions about the impact COVID-19 has had on Colombia's surgical practice. Methods. Descriptive cross-sectional study using a structured electronic survey among general surgery residents, and graduated surgeons who have a clinical practice in Colombia. Results. 355 participants were included, with a median age of 37 years (IQR 30, 51), and 32.1% female. There were 28.7% residents, 43.3% general surgeons, and 27.8% subespecialist in surgery. Overall, 48.7% of respondents were from Bogotá, and 38.8% worked at academic private hospitals. Although almost all participants reported having used telemedicine platforms during the pandemic, 58% of the respondents did not view telemedicine as sufficient for follow-up consults. More than 80% of surgeons surveyed reported that their monthly incomes had been reduced. Discussion. The second survey showed a better-perceived adherence to safety protocols at their institutions than at the beginning of the pandemic. However, the toll on economic and academic domains are substantial among the surgical community. As the pandemic's effects are expected to last longer in our region, telemedicine services acceptance and healthcare providers' job stability need to be improved in Colombia.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takafumi Kawano ◽  
Oliver Muensterer ◽  
Rosemary MacKenzie ◽  
Salvatore Cascio

Abstract Background: The two-part examination of the European Board in Pediatric (EBPS) Surgery was established in 2005 with the aim of ensuring harmonization of standards of training in Europe. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the examination on career progression using a validated questionnaire. Methods: Between 2005 and 2016 a total of 227 candidates successfully passed part 2 of the EBPS examination. Of these, we were able to successfully contact 160 candidates by email and ask them to complete a validated online questionnaire,the Career Success Scale (CSS). Eighty-five candidates answered and 49 completed all items of the questionnaire (recall of 31%). Information on demographics, work environment, publication output, and self-reflecting personal opinion on the impact of EBPS certification on career progression was also queried. Results: A recall of 31% was obtained (49 out of 160). Most respondents were male (82%), had published scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals (93%), were actively presenting at conferences (96%), and believed that passing the examination helped them reach their career goals (61%). Involvement in multicenter studies was reported by 51% of respondents, 16% had obtained research awards, 16% received scholarships, and 9% reported research as their principal activity. Conclusion: Candidates who passed the European Board Exam reported a high level of academic activity. Most of them believed that passing the exam had a positive effect on their career development.


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