scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among the General Population During COVID-19 Outbreak in Iran: A National Cross-Sectional Online Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edris Kakemam ◽  
Djavad Ghoddoosi-Nejad ◽  
Zahra Chegini ◽  
Khalil Momeni ◽  
Hamid Salehiniya ◽  
...  

Background: Emerged in December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the largest pandemics ever. During the early phase, little was known about public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) relating to coronavirus disease. This study was designed to determine KAP of Iranians toward COVID-19.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out in Iran from February 25 to April 25 using a self-administered questionnaire on 1,480 people. COVID-19-related KAP questions were adapted from other internationally validated questionnaires specific for infectious diseases.Results: All participants were aware of COVID-19. When asked unprompted, 80% of respondents could correctly cite fever, difficulty in breathing, and cough as signs/symptoms of COVID-19. Most of our sample population knew that staying at home and isolated (95.3%) as well as constant handwashing and using disinfectants (92.5%) could prevent COVID-19. However, there were also widespread misconceptions such as the belief that COVID-19 can be transmitted by wild animals (58%) and by air (48.3%). Unprompted, self-reported actions taken to avoid COVID-19 infection included handwashing with soap and water (95.4%), avoiding crowded places (93%), cleansing hands with other disinfectants (80.), and covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (76.1%). The Internet and social media (94.5%) were the main coronavirus information sources. However, the most trusted information sources on coronavirus were health and medical professionals (79.3%). The majority of participants (77.0%) wanted more information about coronavirus to be available.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that people's knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19 at the time of its outbreak was at a high level.

Author(s):  
Edris Kakemam ◽  
Djavad Ghoddoosi-Nejad ◽  
Zahra Chegini ◽  
Khalil Momeni ◽  
Hamid Salehinia ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19, which emerged in December 2019, is the largest pandemic ever to occur. During the early phase, little was known about public awareness relating to Coronavirus disease. This study was designed to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among the Iranian public towards COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was carried out in Iran from 2 March to 8 April 2020 using a self-administered questionnaire on 1,480 people. COVID-19-related KAP questions were adapted from other internationally validated questionnaires specific to infectious diseases.ResultsAll participants were aware of COVID-19. When asked unprompted, 80% of respondents could correctly cite fever, difficulty breathing and cough as signs/symptoms of COVID-19. Most of our sample population knew that by staying at home and staying isolated (95.3%, 95 % CI: 94.2-96.3) as well as constant hand washing and using disinfectants (92.5%, 95 % CI: 91.1-93.8) could prevent COVID-19. However, there was also widespread misconceptions such as the belief that COVID-19 can be transmitted by wild animals (58%, 95 % CI: 55.5-60.5) and by air (48.3%, 95 % CI: 45.7-50.8). Unprompted, self-reported actions taken to avoid COVID-19 infection included hand washing with soap and water (95.4%, 95 % CI: 94.3-96.4), avoiding crowded places (93%, 95 % CI: 91.7-94.3), cleaning hands with other disinfectants (80.9 %, 95 % CI: 78.9-82.9), and covering mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing (76.1 %, 95 % CI: 73.9-78.2). The internet and social media (94.5%, 95 % CI: 93.3-95.6) were the main Coronavirus information sources. However, the most trusted information sources on Coronavirus were health and medical professionals (79.3%, 95 % CI: 77.2-81.3). The majority of participants (77.0%, 95 % CI: 74.8-79.1) wanted more information about Coronavirus to be available.ConclusionOur findings suggest that people’s knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 at the time of its outbreak was of a high level. Therefore, health systems should use multiple ways, such as mass media, phone applications, electronic, print, and tele-education to increase KAP related to COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noura Baniyas ◽  
Mohamud Sheek-Hussein ◽  
Nouf Al Kaabi ◽  
Maitha Al Shamsi ◽  
Maitha Al Neyadi ◽  
...  

AbstractCOVID-19 pandemic is the largest unprecedented viral pandemic of the 21st century. We aimed to study the COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among medical and health sciences students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We performed a cross-sectional study between 2nd June and 19th August 2020. The survey was developed using online Survey Monkey. The link was distributed via UAE University to all students and via WhatsApp© groups. The self-administered questionnaire was conducted in English and comprised of two parts: socio-demographic characteristics and KAP towards COVID-19. A total of 712 responses to the questionnaire were collected. 90% (n=695) were under-graduate, while 10% (n=81) were post-graduate students. Majority (87%, n=647) stated that they obtained COVID-19 information from multiple reliable sources. They were highly knowledgeable about COVID-19 pandemic but 76% (n=539) did not recognize its routes of transmission. 63% (n=431) were worried of getting COVID-19, while 92% (n=633)) were worried that a family member could get infected with the virus. 97% (n=655) took precautions when accepting home deliveries, 94% (n=637) had been washing their hands more frequently, and 95% (n=643) had been wearing face masks. In conclusion, participants showed high levels of knowledge and awareness about COVID-19. They were worried about getting infected themselves or their family members, and had good practices against COVID-19.


Author(s):  
Lincango-Naranjo Eddy ◽  
Solis-Pazmino Paola ◽  
Rodriguez-Villafuerte Santiago ◽  
Lincango-Naranjo Jose ◽  
Vinueza-Moreano Paul ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundAs the disease caused by the new coronavirus has spread globally, economic instability in healthcare systems has been significant, and the lack of knowledge, positive attitudes and appropriate practices among people has led to the magnification of this disease. This reality is especially accentuated in Ecuador where, although many healthcare workers have been called to help in the regions most affected, the shortage of them combined with cultural and macroeconomic factors have led Ecuador to face the most aggressive outbreak in Latin America. In this context, the participation on the front line of final year medical students is indispensable. For that reason, appropriate training on COVID-19 for final year medical students is an urgent need that universities and health systems must guarantee. We aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices in Ecuadorian final year medical students in order to identify the knowledge gaps, perceptions and behavior patterns which could guide the design of better medical education curricula regarding COVID-19.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional 33-item online survey conducted between April 6 to April 20 assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis toward COVID-19 in Ecuadorian final year medical students. It was sent by email and by Facebook and WhatsApp.ResultsA total of 309 students responded to the survey. 88% of students scored high (≥ 70% correct) for knowledge of the disease. The majority of students were pessimistic about possible government actions, which is reflected in the negative attitude towards the control of COVID-19 in Ecuador and volunteering during the outbreak (77%, and 58% of the students, respectively). Moreover, 91% of students said they did not have adequate protective equipment or training in their health facilities.ConclusionsThe high level of students’ knowledge, with coexisting negative attitudes, suggests Ecuador has a capable upcoming workforce that could benefit from an opportunity to strengthen, improve and advance their training in preparation for COVID-19. Creating a national curriculum may be one of the most effective ways for all students to be trained, while simultaneously focusing on the students’ most pressing concerns. Hopefully with this, negative attitudes will improve and students will be better qualified.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. e12.2-e12
Author(s):  
Samantha Laws ◽  
Mary Halter ◽  
Chao Wang

BackgroundChanges in the paramedic profession have seen an increased range of medicines available within UK ambulances services. However, poor practice in medicines management has been identified by the Care Quality Commission. Literature in this area is sparse. This study aimed to determine the perceived knowledge, attitudes and practices of paramedics regarding pharmacology and the legal and regulatory issues of medicines management and administration.MethodsThe study utilised a cross-sectional survey design, administering an anonymous online survey to all (approximately 1000) paramedics within one UK NHS ambulance trust. The survey focused on paramedic knowledge on pharmacology, legal supply and administration; self-assessment of knowledge and confidence related to medicine management and administration; and personal characteristics. The primary outcome was percentage of (pre-determined) correct answers.Results251 responses were received. The mean percentage of correct answers was 79.0% (SD 10.0), with variation by question observed, from 34.7 to 97.2% correct responses. A higher correct knowledge was associated with: higher self-rated confidence, lower self-reported knowledge, being less likely to report errors and higher education-based initial route into the paramedic profession.ConclusionThis single-site UK-based survey highlighted variation in medicines knowledge amongst self-selecting paramedic respondents. The results indicate a need for medicines-specific further education for all paramedics, particularly those who have not experienced longer formal education entry routes, integrating a focus on confidence and self-perceived knowledge, and enhancing and embedding integrated improvement strategies. Further research is required with larger, multi-site samples, and to evaluate the impact of education packages developed.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamideh Mahdaviazad ◽  
Gholamreza Abdolahifar

AbstractObjectivePublic education and training that focus on appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and practices have had a crucial role in preparedness. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of households regarding natural disasters in Shiraz, Iran.MethodsIn this cross-sectional descriptive study, we used a stratified random sampling technique. The data collection tool was a self-administered questionnaire, which was completed in through face-to-face interviews. The data were analyzed with the SPSS statistical software package (version 16).ResultsThe overall mean scores were 7.3±2.0 for knowledge, 26.3±6.5 for attitudes, and 5.2±2.2 for practices. Mean scores for all 3 factors were higher in women and married participants. In other comparisons, the differences were statistically significant only for the associations between gender and the score for practices. The mean knowledge score was lower in illiterate participants than in other categories of educational status.ConclusionOur findings showed that the knowledge of households regarding disaster preparedness was encouraging, but that of attitudes and practices might be improved through a greater focus on motivational educational programs and cooperation among the organizations involved in public awareness. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1–4)


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terthu K Ngodji ◽  
Jessica Rebert ◽  
Ehimario U Igumbor ◽  
Vistolina Nuuyoma

Background: There is compelling evidence that male circumcision (MC) is associated with reduced risk of contracting HIV. For this reason, MC is recommended for countries like Namibia where HIV prevalence is high and MC rates are low. Following this recommendation, a national MC campaign was considered to introduce MC as an additional HIV prevention strategy with the intention of rolling it out in communities where MC is not traditionally practised and where heterosexually transmitted HIV infection rates are high. Little is known about the acceptability of MC in traditionally non-circumcising communities in Northern Namibia.Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of MC among men presenting for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in a traditionally non-circumcising ethnic group in the northern Namibia.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 331 Oshiwambo-speaking males aged 18 years and older, presenting for VCT services. Data was analysed using Epi-Info 2008, Version 3.5.1.Results: The self-reported prevalence of MC in the study sample was 15.4%, with 38% of those reporting being circumcised during their childhood (1-13 years) and 44% being circumcised for health-related reasons. Most respondents (n = 241, 74.4%) had heard that MC reduces the men’s risk of HIV infection. Up to 53.1% of the respondents had good knowledge regarding MC; moreover, the majority of the respondents (n = 194, 66.6%) reported that it is easier for uncircumcised men to acquire HIV infection. It was found that men aged 25 to 34 years were more willing to be circumcised than the other age groups.Conclusions: A high level of knowledge of MC was revealed. Accordingly, the idea of MC is likely to be accepted, especially if it is implemented to reduce the risk of HIV infection.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpita Rai ◽  
Nishant Nishant ◽  
D Singh ◽  
Nitin Kulkarni ◽  
Shailesh Chaurasia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: People's adherence to control measures is imperative in the fight against COVID-19. The present study was done to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among residents of Jharkhand and to assist government in deciding further course of action during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This study was an online cross sectional survey. The link to the questionnaire was displayed on the official website of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Government of Jharkhand, National Health Mission, Jharkhand, official website of all districts under Jharkhand state administration, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and Information & Public Relations department. Participation of residents in the survey was also extensively propagated using mass media mainly local television networks, radio channel and newspapers. Results: A total of 4683 responses were received from all districts of Jharkhand. Majority of the participants were young adults (47.5%) and number of male participants was more than the females (81.4%). Mean correct knowledge score for participants of this study was 10.73+2.2 (maximum attainable score was 14) while mean practice score for the participants was 4.5+0.69 (maximum attainable score was 5). Knowledge score of the participants was significantly associated with their age, education status and economic class (p<0.05). The participants largely held an optimistic attitude and healthy practices towards COVID-19. Conclusions: Participants had positive attitude but were also logically worried and uncertain about near future. Adequate knowledge of participants was visible in the practices of residents. There was however a gap across age groups, gender, literacy and income levels which should be addressed in future campaigns.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benboubker Moussa ◽  
Nhili Aziz ◽  
Tarik Sadki ◽  
Boujamaa El Marnissi

Gloves are worn to protect hands from contamination and microorganisms; this measurement tries to isolate the hands of the healthcare workers to ensure a better protection, with an aim of minimizing the risk of transmission of infectious agents to patients. This survey aims at assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards disposable gloves use among nursing staff at Hassan II University Teaching Hospital in Fez. This is a cross-sectional prospective and evaluative study that covers a two-month period. Data were collected using an anonymous and self-administered questionnaire. The population studied was quite young with 76,5% aged between 20-30 years. The results have shown that 264 (85.99%) of participants had received training in disposable gloves mastering. Moreover, 161 (52.3%) claimed to change always disposable gloves while moving from one patient to another. In contrast, 231 (75.2%) emphasized the need to change gloves each time they have been in contact with blood or other body fluids. However, the Studies by self- administered questionnaires, as is the case for our investigation, inform about self-declared claims and are not always related to practical implications Inappropriate glove use was frequently declared in this study. This survey showed a misconception of the risk in several practice situations, some good results of wearing gloves reflect this engendered feeling of individual protection.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Asadul Habib ◽  
M. Ashraful Islam ◽  
Lincon Chandra Shill ◽  
Mahamuda Akter ◽  
Shamima Sultana ◽  
...  

Background: Food-borne disease outbreaks remain a major global health problem, and cross-contamination from raw meat is a major cause in developed countries due to inadequate handling. The goal of this study was to assess the poultry shop personnel's knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in the selected districts of Bangladesh.Methods: 103 poultry shop personnel were involved in this cross-sectional study.Results: A significant association was observed between the poultry shop personnel and the knowledge (p<0.05), attitudes (p<0.05), and practices (p<0.05) of safe meat-handling. The 68.3% of poultry shop personnel had good, 26.9% had moderate, while only 4.8% of poultry shop personnel had poor knowledge about hygiene practices. The 5.8% of poultry shop personnel showed poor, 19.2% showed moderate and 75% of poultry shop personnel showed good attitude towards hygiene practices. But the poultry shop personnel 36.5% had poor, 44.2% had moderate and only 20% showed good practice of hygiene practices. The knowledge, attitude and practice Mean±SD score of poultry shop personnel was 7.38±2.04, 7.87±2.24 and 4.41±2.38 respectively, indicating that poultry shop personnel had good knowledge and attitude but poor practice. We also found that 42% of poultry shops and poultry shop personnel had maintained totally unhygienic workplace, 56% had moderately hygienic, and while only 2% poultry shops and poultry shop personnel had maintained fully hygienic workplace. Further, linear regression analysis revealed that KAP levels have been significantly associated with age, education, and the majority of knowledge, attitudes, and practice related questions (p<0.05).Conclusions: Public health awareness about safe poultry meat handling and hygiene among poultry shop personnel, in general, should be at the front burner.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpita Rai ◽  
Nishant Nishant ◽  
DK Singh ◽  
Nitin Madan Kulkarni ◽  
Shailesh Kumar Chaurasia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background People's adherence to control measures is imperative in the fight against COVID-19. The present study was done to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among residents of Jharkhand and to assist government in deciding further course of action during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods This study was an online cross sectional survey. The link to the questionnaire was displayed on the official website of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Government of Jharkhand, National Health Mission, Jharkhand, official website of all districts under Jharkhand state administration, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and Information & Public Relations department. Participation of residents in the survey was also extensively propagated using mass media mainly local television networks, radio channel and newspapers. Results A total of 4683 responses were received from all districts of Jharkhand. Majority of the participants were young adults (47.5%) and number of male participants was more than the females (81.4%). Mean correct knowledge score for participants of this study was 10.73 + 2.2 (maximum attainable score was 14) while mean practice score for the participants was 4.5 + 0.69 (maximum attainable score was 5). Knowledge score of the participants was significantly associated with their age, education status and economic class (p < 0.05). The participants largely held an optimistic attitude and healthy practices towards COVID-19. Conclusions Participants had positive attitude but were also logically worried and uncertain about near future. Adequate knowledge of participants was visible in the practices of residents. There was however a gap across age groups, gender, literacy and income levels which should be addressed in future campaigns.


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