Prevalence and Predictors of Smoking among Gambian Men: A Cross-Sectional National WHO STEP Survey

Background: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the world, with a higher burden in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence and predictors of smoking among Gambian men using nationally representative data. Methods: Data was collected in 2010 from a random, nationally representative sample of 4111 adults aged 25–64 years (78% response rate) using the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise cross-sectional survey methods. Our analyses focused on men with valid information on smoking status (n = 1766) because of the low prevalence of smoking among women (1%). Results: The prevalence of current smoking among men was 31.4% (95% CI: 27.2–35.9). The median age of starting smoking was 19 years; 25% started before the age of 18 years and 10% started aged 8–10 years. Rural residence, underweight, and hypertension were significantly associated with smoking. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of smoking among Gambian men. It is evident that cigarettes are obtained by minors in The Gambia, as a high proportion of current smokers started at a young age. Advice and support to quit smoking should be extended to all smokers regardless of their age and whether or not they have any underlying health conditions.

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Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of COVID-19 Pandemic in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria- The Initial Experience

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research ◽

10.9734/jammr/2021/v33i2031101 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 27-37

Author(s):

E. K. Mgbe ◽

C. G. Mgbe ◽

S. N. Ezeofor ◽

J. F. Etiki

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

World Health ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The World ◽

Enugu State ◽

Health Organization

Background: The world is experiencing a global corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic. As of 9th June 2020, over 7 million confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and more than 400,000 deaths had been reported in more than 30 countries of the world according to World Health Organization. Aim: We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and vulnerability perception of Enugu state residents during the coronavirus outbreak in order to facilitate better health care outcomes. Methodology: A prospective Web-based cross-sectional survey was designed for this study which was conducted in March 2020 among Enugu state residents. The obtained data were coded, validated, and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS software, version 24. Descriptive analysis was applied to calculate the frequencies and proportions and Chi-Square Test was also used. A preliminary phase was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaire before its use. Results: The study showed that significant number (99.6%) of the respondents had heard about Covid-19 and the most stated source of knowledge was social media (57.6%), followed by Newspaper and television shows (50.2%) while the least was from General Practitioner (GP) (8.9%). There was over 75% agreement with, and practice, of all known covid precautionary measures and less than 35% responses for wrong claims and practices about covid -19. Conclusion: The overall knowledge, attitude, and perception are high in Enugu state population although few still has background combined superstitious believes. Social media and internet are the highest used facility for acquisition of knowledge and information in Enugu, Nigeria.

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Is there a syndrome of bullying?

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh.2012.013 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jorge Srabstein ◽

Thomas Piazza

Keyword(s):

Health And Safety ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

World Health ◽

Emotional Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Psychosomatic Disorder ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Usa ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Health Organization

Abstract Objective: We investigated the existence of a psychosomatic disorder associated with bullying by delineating its health and safety and correlates, and defining the demographic characteristics of the USA adolescents affected by this condition. Methods: This study was based on an analysis of USA data from the 1996 World Health Organization Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey. The survey provides nationally-representative, cross-sectional survey information on 9938 USA students in Grades 6–10. We examined those students who were involved in bullying as a victim and/or as a bully, with or without a self-reported cluster of depression, “bad mood”, “feeling low”, “feeling nervous” and sleeping difficulties, and one or more physical symptoms (headaches, stomach aches, back aches, dizziness). Results: A cluster of physical and emotional symptoms linked to their participation in bullying as bullies and/or victims was reported by 9.5% of adolescents, with a higher frequency of 8th Grade students and a predominance of females. These students were 8.14 times more likely to hurt themselves on purpose and 4.20 times more likely to hurt others purposely than their peers who were not involved in bullying and did not suffer from a cluster of physical and emotional symptoms. Conclusions: This study may elicit further examination and debate about the existence of a nosological entity linked to bullying. Pending further research, the present results should support the need to ascertain participation in bullying, as a bully and/or as a victim, in all pediatric visits. Furthermore, there is a need to enquire about symptoms and risks related to this form of abuse.

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A cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 preparedness in governmental hospitals of North-West Ethiopia

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312121993292 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212199329

Author(s):

Abebe Tiruneh ◽

Tikuneh Yetneberk ◽

Denberu Eshetie ◽

Bassazinew Chekol ◽

Moges Gellaw

Keyword(s):

World Health Organization ◽

Acceptable Level ◽

World Health ◽

Treatment Center ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The World ◽

Health Organization ◽

The Impact ◽

South Gondar

Introduction: The novel coronavirus was first reported in December 2019, from Wuhan, China, and it has been declared as a pandemic by World Health Organization on 7 January 2020, and from that time till now the disease transmitted across the world. Hospitals need to be prepared for the overwhelming COVID-19 cases in their respective hospitals. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the level of hospital preparedness for COVID-19 in South Gondar Zone Governmental Hospitals, 2020. Methods: The institutionally based survey was conducted in South Gondar Zone Hospitals from 20 July to 25 July 2020. We used the World Health Organization preparedness checklist for COVID-19, and the checklist has three options for eight hospitals (not started, in progress, and started), so each hospital evaluated out of 208 points (104 items × 2) to assess each hospital their preparedness based on the checklist. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 21, is used for the analysis of the data. We used descriptive statistics and explained by using text and tables. Results: We evaluated all eight hospitals in these zone hospitals and only one hospital was in an acceptable level of preparation (>146 points), three hospitals were in an insufficient level of preparation (73–145 points), and the other four hospitals were grouped under the unacceptable level of preparation (<72 points) for COVID-19. And in all hospitals, there was no laboratory diagnostic method and treatment center for the COVID-19 virus. Conclusion: From the level of COVID-19 pandemic preparation from eight hospitals, only one hospital reaches the level of an acceptable level of preparedness. Mobilizing the community and other stakeholders to equip the hospital with resources and prioritization is recommended to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

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The Durability, Functionality and Acceptability of Novel Screened Doors and Windows After Four Years of Use in A Gambian Village: A Cross-Sectional Survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1114197/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fiona C. Shenton ◽

Musa Jawara ◽

Majo Carrasco-Tenezaca ◽

Jakob Knudsen ◽

Umberto D'Alessandro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Malaria Control ◽

Scale Up ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The World ◽

Trained Staff ◽

Window Blinds ◽

Health Organization

Abstract Background: The World Health Organization recommends house screening as a tool for malaria control, yet evidence of the long-term durability, functionality and acceptability of this intervention is lacking. Here we examined the sustainability and use of novel types of screened doors and windows four years after installation in a Gambian village. Methods: A survey of 31 houses, each with two screened doors and two screened windows, was conducted in the rainy season. There were four types of screened door and two types of screened window. Trained staff carried out the survey and interviews of room owners were conducted in the local language before translation into English.Results: Structurally, the manufactured doors and windows were highly durable and in excellent condition. Most doors shut smoothly 50/61 (82%), although only 25/61 (41%) shut fully automatically with the latch slotting into the hole on the frame and holding fast. Door locks were less robust, with only (24/61) 39% present and working. Blinds proved especially flimsy, with only 4/109 (4%) of door blinds and 10/56 (18%) of window blinds present and in working order. Householders hung curtains inside most doors 50/61 (82%) and in 26/61 (43%) of the windows. Front doors were commonly found propped open 21/31 (68%) and 23/27 (85%) of those with a front door curtain, put their curtains down at night. Doors and windows were well liked, 19/31 (61%) of respondents were happy with them because they kept mosquitoes out 14/31 (45%) and provided security 12/31 (39%). The main reason given for the use of curtains was to provide privacy 26/28 (93% of those with curtains), especially while the door was open or had ‘see-through’ panels.Conclusions: Overall, the screened doors and windows were in excellent condition after four years of use. Improvements to the lock design are needed before scale-up. Installation of screening in buildings should be accompanied with health messaging recommending that at night, doors and windows be closed and curtains lifted or drawn to one side - to improve ventilation and keep the house cool.

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Family Medicine Practitioners’ Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-99463/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Marion Dutour ◽

Anna Kirchhoff ◽

Cécile Janssen ◽

Sabine Meleze ◽

Hélène Chevalier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

The Self ◽

World Health ◽

Patient Anxiety ◽

Self Perception ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Crisis ◽

The World ◽

Health Organization

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world, but also caregiver’s practices. The World Health Organization warned about the stress it could generate for General Practitioners (GPs). In France, GPs were not involved in the decision-making process for organization of care before and during the first COVID-19 wave. Our objective was to estimate the self-perception of stress at the beginning of the pandemic in France, among GPs from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (AuRA), a french administrative area severely impacted by COVID-19, and to identify which factors may have modulated this perception.Methods We conducted an online cross-sectional survey between 8th of April to 10th of May 2020. The self-perception of stress was evaluated using the 10-item Perceived Stress Score (PSS-10). An agreement score developed by the study scientific committee was measured for 31 positive assertion. Factors associated with stress were investigated using logistic regression, and triangulation based on verbatim analysis. Results Overall, 898 individual answers were collected. A total of 437 GPs (49%) were stressed (PSS≥27), and 283 GPs (32%) had a very high level of stress (PSS≥30). Perceived stress was associated with multiple components, and involved classic psychosocial risk factors such as emotional requirements: 415 GPs (49%) were affected by patient anxiety (OR=3.41, 95%CI [1.87-6.36], p<0.001). But in this context of health crisis, the main determinant of GPs’ stress appears to be the diversity and quantity of information from diverse sources (614 GPs (69%, OR=2.21, 95%CI [1.40-3.50], p<0.001). GPs felt isolated in a hospital-based model.Conclusion The first COVID-19 wave was stressful for AuRA’s GPs. One of the main determinants seems to be the diversity and quantity of information received from the health authorities.

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Attitude, Perception, and Knowledge of COVID-19 Among General Public in Pakistan

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2020.602434 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Sammina Mahmood ◽

Tariq Hussain ◽

Faiq Mahmood ◽

Mehmood Ahmad ◽

Arfa Majeed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protective Measures ◽

The Public ◽

Awareness Campaigns ◽

The People ◽

The World ◽

The Government ◽

Health Organization

The World Health Organization has acknowledged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease as a pandemic. Efforts are being made all over the world to raise awareness to prevent the spread of the disease. The goal of this study was to assess the attitude, perception, and knowledge of Pakistani people toward COVID-19 disease. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in which a questionnaire of 17 questions was transformed online on Google forms and was sent to random individuals online. A total of 1,000 questionnaires from individuals throughout Pakistan were evaluated. The results revealed that 42.9% of the participants knew about COVID-19 through social media, the largest source of information. Most of the participants (48.3%) started working from home amid the lockdown; 39.9% of the participants reported that they wash their hands every hour, and 56.9% participants are using a surgical mask. About thermal scanners, 30.5% of the people answered they may be effective, and 46.0% of the people think COVID-19 is a bioweapon; 59% of the participants think everyone is susceptible, whereas 83.9% of the people recognize fever as a primary symptom; 65.2% of the people are practicing social distancing, whereas 85.1% of the people think social gatherings causes spread of the disease. In general, participants had a good knowledge about the disease and a positive attitude toward protective measures. The effective measures are being taken by the government and the public; still, there remains a need for further awareness campaigns and knowledge of safe interventions to combat the spread of disease.

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Ten-years cardiovascular risk among Bangladeshi population using non-laboratory-based risk chart of the World Health Organization: Findings from a nationally representative survey

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0251967 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (5) ◽

pp. e0251967

Author(s):

Abu Abdullah Mohammad Hanif ◽

Mehedi Hasan ◽

Md Showkat Ali Khan ◽

Md. Mokbul Hossain ◽

Abu Ahmed Shamim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

World Health Organization ◽

Smoking Status ◽

World Health ◽

Representative Survey ◽

Cvd Risk ◽

The World ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Bangladeshi Population ◽

Health Organization ◽

Very High

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently developed a non-laboratory based cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk chart considering the parameters age, sex, current smoking status, systolic blood pressure, and body mass index. Using the chart, we estimated the 10-years CVD risk among the Bangladeshi population aged 40–74 years. We analyzed data from a nationally representative survey conducted in 2018–19. The survey enrolled participants from 82 clusters (57 rural, 15 non-slum urban, and 10 slums) selected by multistage cluster sampling. Using the non-laboratory-based CVD risk chart of the World Health Organization (WHO), we categorized the participants into 5 risk groups: very low (<5%), low (5% to <10%), moderate (10% to <20%), high (20% to <30%) and very high (> = 30%) risk. We performed descriptive analyses to report the distribution of CVD risk and carried out univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with elevated CVD risk (> = 10% CVD risk). Of the 7,381 participants, 46.0% were female. The median age (IQR) was 59.0 (48.0–64.7) years. Overall, the prevalence of very low, low, moderate, high, and very high CVD risk was 34.7%, 37.8%, 25.9%, 1.6%, and 0.1%, respectively. Elevated CVD risk (> = 10%) was associated with poor education, currently unmarried, insufficient physical inactivity, smokeless tobacco use, and self-reported diabetes in both sexes, higher household income, and higher sedentary time among males, and slum-dwelling and non-Muslim religions among females. One in every four Bangladeshi adults had elevated levels of CVD risk, and males are at higher risk of occurring CVD events. Non-laboratory-based risk prediction charts can be effectively used in low resource settings. The government of Bangladesh and other developing countries should train the primary health care workers on the use of WHO non-laboratory-based CVD risk charts, especially in settings where laboratory tests are not available.

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Household economic costs associated with mental, neurological and substance use disorders: a cross-sectional survey in six low- and middle-income countries

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2019.20 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Crick Lund ◽

Sumaiyah Docrat ◽

Jibril Abdulmalik ◽

Atalay Alem ◽

Abebaw Fekadu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

World Health Organization ◽

World Health ◽

Economic Costs ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

The World ◽

Health Organization

BackgroundLittle is known about the household economic costs associated with mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders in low- and middle-income countries.AimsTo assess the association between MNS disorders and household education, consumption, production, assets and financial coping strategies in Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda.MethodWe conducted an exploratory cross-sectional household survey in one district in each country, comparing the economic circumstances of households with an MNS disorder (alcohol-use disorder, depression, epilepsy or psychosis) (n = 2339) and control households (n = 1982).ResultsDespite some heterogeneity between MNS disorder groups and countries, households with a member with an MNS disorder had generally lower levels of adult education; lower housing standards, total household income, effective income and non-health consumption; less asset-based wealth; higher healthcare expenditure; and greater use of deleterious financial coping strategies.ConclusionsHouseholds living with a member who has an MNS disorder constitute an economically vulnerable group who are susceptible to chronic poverty and intergenerational poverty transmission.Declaration of interestD.C. is a staff member of the World Health Organization. The authors alone are responsible for the views expressed in this publication and they do not necessarily represent the decisions, policy or views of the World Health Organization.

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Psychosocial Factors, Smoke-Free Restrictions, and Media Exposure in Relation to Smoking-Related Attitudes and Behaviors among Adults in Armenia and Georgia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18084013 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 4013

Author(s):

Christina N. Wysota ◽

Marina Topuridze ◽

Zhanna Sargsyan ◽

Ana Dekanosidze ◽

Lela Sturua ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Smoking Status ◽

Media Exposure ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Quit Attempts ◽

Multivariable Regression ◽

Readiness To Quit ◽

Perceived Harm

Background: Perceived harm, social influences, smoke-free policies, and media exposure have been understudied in relation to tobacco-related attitudes/behaviors in aggregate or in low and middle-income countries; thus, this study examined these factors collectively in relation to smoking-related outcomes among Armenian and Georgian adults. Methods: Using 2018 cross-sectional survey data (n = 1456), multivariable regression analyses examined these factors in relation to smoking status, perceived harm among nonsmokers, and readiness to quit and past-year quit attempts among smokers. Results: Significant predictors (p < 0.05) of current smoking (27.3%) included lower perceived harm, more smoking friends, and fewer home and vehicle restrictions. Among nonsmokers, more home and restaurant/bar restrictions, fewer vehicle restrictions, greater anti-tobacco media exposure, and less pro-tobacco media exposure predicted greater perceived harm. Among smokers, greater perceived social acceptability of smoking, less anti-tobacco media exposure, and greater pro-tobacco media exposure predicted readiness to quit (12.7% of smokers). More smoking friends, more home restrictions, less anti-tobacco media exposure, and greater pro-tobacco media exposure predicted past-year quit attempts (19.2%). Conclusions: Findings support the importance of smoke-free policies but were counterintuitive regarding the roles of social and media influences, underscoring the need to better understand how to address these influences, particularly in countries with high smoking rates.

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Active Aging in ASEAN Countries: Influences from Age-Friendly Environments, Lifestyles, and Socio-Demographic Factors

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18168290 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 8290

Author(s):

Sariyamon Tiraphat ◽

Vijj Kasemsup ◽

Doungjai Buntup ◽

Murallitharan Munisamy ◽

Thang Huu Nguyen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

Quantitative Research ◽

World Health ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Active Aging ◽

Older Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Middle Income ◽

Multi Stage ◽

Health Organization

Active aging is a challenging issue to promote older population health; still, there is little clarity on research investigating the determinants of active aging in developing countries. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the factors associated with the active aging of the older populations in ASEAN’s low and middle-income countries by focusing on Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand. The study is a cross-sectional quantitative research study using multi-stage cluster sampling to randomize the sample. The sample consists of 2031 older people aged 55 years and over, including 510 Thai, 537 Malaysian, 487 Myanmar, and 497 Vietnamese. We collected a quantitative questionnaire of age-friendly environmental scale and active aging scale based on the World Health Organization (WHO) concept. The predictors of active aging include age-friendly environments, lifestyles, and socioeconomic factors; the data are analyzed by using multiple logistic regression. After adjusting for other factors, we found that older people living in a community with higher levels of age-friendly environments are 5.52 times more active than those in lower levels of age-friendly environments. Moreover, the older population with healthy lifestyles such as good dietary intake and high physical activity will be 4.93 times more active than those with unhealthy lifestyles. Additionally, older adults with partners, higher education, and aged between 55 and 64 years will be 1.70, 2.61, and 1.63 times more active than those with separate/divorce/widow, primary education, and age at 75 years or higher, respectively. Our results contribute considerable evidence for ASEAN policy-making to promote active aging in this region.

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