scholarly journals Combatting Substandard and Falsified Medicines: Public Awareness and Identification of Counterfeit Medications

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faris El-Dahiyat ◽  
Khairi M. S. Fahelelbom ◽  
Ammar Abdulrahman Jairoun ◽  
Sabaa Saleh Al-Hemyari
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Data Collection Tool ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Identification Rate ◽  
Counterfeit Medicines ◽  
Sociodemographic Data ◽  
Falsified Medicines

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the identification rate of substandard and falsified medications and its association with knowledge among public.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in different geographic areas among a convenient sample of people aged 18 or older. A validated web-based electronic questionnaire was used for data collection tool. The questionnaire contained three sections assessing the following: (1) Sociodemographic data; (2) Knowledge regarding counterfeit medicines; and (3) Ability to identify counterfeit medicines, according to 12 questions rated on a five-point Likert scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between sociodemographic factors and counterfeit medication identification rate.Results: A total of 320 people participated in the study. Only 98 participants (30.6%, 95% CI 25.6–35.7%) identified the counterfeit medications. Ability to correctly identify counterfeit medications was significantly higher in participants who were older (p = 0.016), single (p = 0.001), Asian (p = 0.001), or American (p = 0.019), as well as those who indicated that they would check the certification of the medications (p = 0.015) and report counterfeit medications to the authorities (p < 0.0001).Conclusions: These results underscore the need for greater public awareness of the hazards associated with counterfeit medicines.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the Greek population regarding the COVID-19 pandemic during the national lockdown (March 23 - May 03, 2020): A web-based cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Anestis ◽  
Odysseas Lomvardeas ◽  
Nikolaos Papadakis
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Disease Etiology ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions

AbstractObjectiveThe study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward the COVID-19 pandemic during the total lockdown of spring 2020 in Greece.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 13 to May 5, 2020. Adult residents of Greece anonymously completed an online survey that was distributed through email and social media. A total of 1396 fully complete questionnaires were collected. Demographic questions, questions regarding the knowledge about the disease etiology, diagnosis and prevention, and questions related to the respondents’ attitude and perception toward the restriction measures and the confidence in different kinds of institutions providing information were included in the survey items. The appropriate statistical analyses were conducted according to the type of variable and the research question.ResultsThe highest knowledge scores were found in females (74.8%, p = 0.015), individuals over 60 years old (77.3%, p < 0.001) and individuals having completed post-secondary or tertiary education (76.5%, p < 0.001). Five attitude patterns toward the pandemic were identified: “trust in institutions”, “trust in the restriction measures”, “trust in media and the internet”, “trust in traditional institutions”, and “measures deniers”. Age, education, and knowledge score were the factors defining the attitudinal patterns revealed.ConclusionsEducation and public awareness of scientifically accurate information are the means for eliminating individually and socially irresponsible and dangerous behaviors and protecting public health in periods of health crises.

scholarly journals Public Awareness and Attitude towards Counterfeit Medicines in Sudan: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wala Wagiella ◽  
Shaza Shantier ◽  
Elrasheed Gadkariem
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Counterfeit Medicines ◽  
The Government

Background: Counterfeit medicines (CFMs) are a global problem with significant and well-documented consequences for global health and patient safety, including drug resistance and patient deaths. Reports of counterfeit pharmaceuticals in Africa indicate a wide variety of detrimental effects. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the extent, awareness, and attitude of the public in Sudan towards CFMs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted applying pretested and structured questionnaires. The awareness and attitude were assessed statistically and the association between those and different demographic characteristics was calculated using Fisher exact test and Spearman correlation. Results: A total of 386 participants have enrolled in the study. The majority of the respondents (58%) were found to be aware of the term CFMs with social media mentioned to be the main source. 73% of the respondents considered CFMs of worse quality suggesting getting the medicine from a trustworthy pharmacist in order to avoid buying CFMs. 56% reported their ability to distinguish CFMs from the side effects rather than the package and cost. Education was suggested by 82% of the respondents to have a vital role in combating CFMs spread through workshops and campaigns. 68% of the participants were found to have a fair awareness of CFMs. Furthermore, 80% of them showed a good attitude toward CFMs Conclusion: Current literature includes gaps in knowledge and attitude towards CFMs. Therefore attention and concentrated efforts are required on the part of the government, drug manufacturers, and health care providers especially pharmaceutical analysts to ensure that only drugs of acceptable quality reach the patient.

Services Provided for Lactating Mothers at Lactation Management Clinic in Selected Tertiary Level Hospitals

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-73
Author(s):  
Tarannum Tasnim ◽  
ANM Shamsul Islam ◽  
Mehedi Hasan Azad ◽  
Farhana Sharmin
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dietary Advice ◽  
Tertiary Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breast Milk Production ◽  
Lactating Mothers ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Background: Children are the precious gift from the Almightily Allah and breast milk is an ideal product given to the human being by nature to fulfill all requirements of the offspring until they are matured enough to take adult food. Objective: To assess the services provided for lactating mothers at lactation management centre in selected tertiary level hospitals. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 100 Lactating mothers who were selected conveniently and were interviewed by pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Collected data were processed and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Packages for Social Science) software. Results: Lactation management centre (LMC) is supervised by a consultant and separate room is allotted in both out-patient and in-patient departments. Mothers came with lactation problems were more likely in the first month of the baby (73%) and feeling of not enough milk production was common (49%).Highly significant relationship was found between breast problems of lactating mother and age of child (p<0.001). About 84% respondents received practical demonstration on position and attachment of the baby during lactation. About 91% respondents got dietary advice for enough breast milk production, 75% got dietary advice regarding their child’s weaning food chart and69% got health education. Maximum mothers were informed about LMC by doctor & nurse (82%). Conclusion: Information about LMC services should be disseminated across the country. Lactating mothers should be familiarized with LMC and public awareness should be enhanced for effective management of breastfeeding problem to promote, protect and support the breastfeeding. JOPSOM 2019; 38(2): 68-73

Awareness of the preventive measures against Covid -19 spread among small shop owners

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1144-1150
Author(s):  
Muralidharan V A ◽  
Gheena S
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Positive Perception ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Small Shop ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Covid -19 is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered strain of coronavirus. As there is no vaccine discovered, the only way to prevent the spread is through following the practice of social isolation. But prolonged isolation may also lead to psychological stress and problems. The objective of the survey was to assess the knowledge and awareness of preventive measures against Covid 19 amongst small shop owners. A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted amongst the small shop owners.  A structured questionnaire comprising 15-17 questions had been put forth to assess the Covid 19 related knowledge and perception. The shopkeepers were contacted telephonically and responses recorded. The data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS statistics. Although the majority of the population had a positive perception about the preventive measures against the Covid spread, 36% of the shopkeepers were not aware of the preventive measures against the Covid spread. This study found optimal knowledge and perception of the preventive measures against Covid spread among the shopkeepers but misinformation and misunderstanding still prevailing. The shopkeepers are crucial in the prevention of the spread of Covid 19 and educating them might aid us in the fight against Covid- 19. 

A focus on postpartum depression among Jordanian mothers

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110001
Author(s):  
Esra’ O Taybeh
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Marital Conflict ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Unplanned Pregnancies

Background: The magnitude of postpartum depression in Jordan is under documented, and little is known about its potential sociodemographic and clinical correlates. Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors associated with postpartum depression among Jordanian mothers in the first 18 months after delivery. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from April to June 2020 in Jordan. A web-based survey was used for recruiting eligible participants. An Arabic version of the validated self-administered Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire was used to measure postpartum depression with a cut-off score of ⩾12 which indicates probable depression. Results: A total of 1,071 Jordanian women participated in the study. Of those, 567 women had postpartum depression (52.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that postpartum depression was significantly associated with marital conflict (OR: 4.91; 95% CI: 2.36–10.20), negative attitude from the pregnancy (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.45–0.99), unplanned pregnancies (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.16–2.60), lack of social support (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.12–3.32), time from last delivery (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98–1.00), insomnia (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.35–0.82), and depression during the pregnancy (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.33–0.78). Most of the participants (65.7%) sought social support to avoid, reduce, or treat postpartum depression. Conclusions: Postpartum depression among Jordanian women was the highest in comparison to that of women in other countries in the region. Therefore, screening for the presence of depressive symptoms should be implemented during regular pregnancy care visits. Social support should be encouraged in order to avoid, reduce, or treat postpartum depression.

scholarly journals Self-Perceived Life Satisfaction during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6234
Author(s):  
Christina Brogårdh ◽  
Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund ◽  
Frida Eek ◽  
Kjerstin Stigmar ◽  
Ingrid Lindgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Life Domains ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Life Satisfaction

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.

scholarly journals Risk Factors of Inadequate Bowel Preparation for Screening Colonoscopy

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2740
Author(s):  
Efrat L. Amitay ◽  
Tobias Niedermaier ◽  
Anton Gies ◽  
Michael Hoffmeister ◽  
Hermann Brenner
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Bowel Preparation ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Screening Colonoscopy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Screening Practice ◽  
Abdominal Symptoms ◽  
Inadequate Bowel Preparation

The success of a colonoscopy in detecting and removing pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions depends heavily on the quality of bowel preparation. Despite efforts, 20–44% of colonoscopy participants have an inadequate bowel preparation. We aimed to assess and compare risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation and for the presence of advanced colorectal neoplasms in routine screening practice. In this cross-sectional study, among 8125 participants of screening colonoscopy in Germany with a comprehensive assessment of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle and medical history, we examined factors associated with inadequate bowel preparation and with findings of advanced neoplasms using adjusted log-binomial regression models. Among the identified risk factors assessed, three factors were identified that were significantly associated with inadequate bowel preparation: age ≥ 70 years (adjusted prevalence ratios, aPR, 1.50 95%CI 1.31–1.71), smoking (aPR 1.29 95%CI 1.11–1.50) and abdominal symptoms (aPR 1.14 95%CI 1.02–1.27). The same risk factors were also associated with the prevalence of advanced neoplasms in our study (aPR 1.72, 1.62 and 1.44, respectively). The risk factors associated with inadequate bowel preparation in this study were also associated with a higher risk for advanced neoplasms. Inadequate bowel preparation for colonoscopy might lead to missed colorectal cancer (CRC) precursors and the late diagnosis of CRC. People at high risk of advanced neoplasms are in particular need of enhanced bowel preparation.

scholarly journals Knowledge and perceptions of cardiopulmonary resuscitation amongst New Zealand podiatrists: a web-based survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Brenton-Rule ◽  
Daniel Harvey ◽  
Kevin Moran ◽  
Daniel O’Brien ◽  
Jonathon Webber
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Sudden Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Past

Abstract Background Podiatrists in New Zealand have a duty of care to assist patients in an emergency, and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is a requirement for registration. However, it is unknown how competent and confident podiatrists are in administering CPR and how they would respond in an emergency. Having a health professional who has a competent knowledge of CPR and skills in basic life support, can improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest. Therefore, the aim of this study was to survey New Zealand podiatrists to determine their CPR knowledge and qualifications; beliefs about the application of CPR; and perceptions of their competency in CPR. Methods This cross-sectional study used a web-based survey. Participants were New Zealand registered podiatrists with a current annual practising certificate. The 31-item survey included questions to elicit demographic information, CPR practice and attitudes, and CPR knowledge. Responses were collected between March and August 2020. Results 171 podiatrists responded to the survey. 16 % of the podiatrists (n = 28) had performed CPR in an emergency, with a 50 % success rate. Participants were predominantly female (n = 127, 74 %) and working in private practice (n = 140,82 %). Nearly half of respondents were younger than 40 years (n = 75,44 %) and had less than 10 years of clinical experience (n = 73, 43 %). Nearly all (n = 169,97 %) participants had received formal CPR training in the past two years, with 60 % (n = 105) receiving training in the past 12 months. Most respondents (n = 167,98 %) self-estimated their CPR ability as being effective, very effective, or extremely effective. Participants’ knowledge of CPR was variable, with the percentage of correct answers for CPR protocol statements ranging between 20 and 90 %. Conclusions This study provides the first insight into New Zealand podiatrists’ CPR knowledge and perceptions. Podiatrists were found to have high levels of CPR confidence but demonstrated gaps in CPR knowledge. Currently, New Zealand registered podiatrists require biennial CPR re-certification. However, resuscitation authorities in New Zealand and overseas recommend an annual update of CPR skills. Based on this study’s findings, and in line with Australia and the United Kingdom, the authors recommend a change from biennial to annual CPR re-certification for podiatrists in New Zealand. Trial registration The study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620001144909).

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