scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Risk Perception, Behaviour and Preventive Measures at Schools in Berlin, Germany, during the Early Post-Lockdown Phase: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2739
Author(s):  
Franziska Hommes ◽  
Welmoed van Loon ◽  
Marlene Thielecke ◽  
Igor Abramovich ◽  
Sascha Lieber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
School Level ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specific Igg

Briefly before the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Berlin, Germany, schools closed in mid-March 2020. Following re-opening, schools resumed operation at a reduced level for nine weeks. During this phase, we aimed at assessing, among students and teachers, infection status, symptoms, individual behaviour, and institutional infection prevention measures. Twenty-four primary and secondary school classes, randomly selected across Berlin, were examined. Oro-nasopharyngeal swabs and capillary blood samples were collected to determine SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR) and specific IgG (ELISA), respectively. Medical history, household characteristics, leisure activities, fear of infection, risk perception, hand hygiene, facemask wearing, and institutional preventive measures were assessed. Descriptive analysis was performed. Among 535 participants (385 students, 150 staff), one teenager was found to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 (0.2%), and seven individuals exhibited specific IgG (1.3%). Compared to pre-pandemic times, screen time (e.g., TV, gaming, social media) increased, and the majority of primary school students reported reduced physical activity (42.2%). Fear of infection and risk perception were relatively low, acceptance of adapted health behaviors was high. In this post-lockdown period of low SARS-CoV-2 incidence in Berlin, individual and school-level infection prevention measures were largely adhered to. Nevertheless, vigilance and continued preventive measures are essential to cope with future pandemic activity.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 infection, risk perception, behaviour, and preventive measures at schools in Berlin, Germany, during the early post-lockdown phase: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska Hommes ◽  
Welmoed van Loon ◽  
Marlene Thielecke ◽  
Igor Abramovich ◽  
Sascha Lieber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
School Level ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Specific Igg

AbstractBackgroundBriefly before the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Berlin, Germany, schools closed in mid-March 2020 for six weeks. Following re-opening, schools gradually resumed operation at a reduced level for nine weeks preceding the summer holidays.AimDuring this phase, we conducted a situational assessment in schools among students and teachers as to infection status, symptoms, affective, behavioural, educational issues, and preventive measures.MethodsAt twenty-four randomly selected primary and secondary schools, one class each was examined. Oro-nasopharyngeal swabs and capillary blood samples were collected to assess SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR) and specific IgG (ELISA), respectively. Medical history, household and schooling characteristics, leisure time activities, fear of infection, risk perception, hand hygiene, physical distancing, and facemask wearing were assessed.ResultsAmong 535 participants (385 students, 150 staff), one teenager was SARS-CoV-2 infected (0.2%), and seven individuals exhibited specific IgG (1.3%); 16% reported symptoms upon examination, and 48% in the preceding 14 days. Compared to before the pandemic, the proportion of leisure time spent as screen-time increased, and the majority of primary school students reported reduced physical activity. Fear of infection and risk perception were relatively low, but acceptance of adapted health behaviours was high. Governmental preventive measures were adequately implemented, with primary schools performing better than secondary schools.ConclusionIn this phase of rare infection and low seroreactivity, individual and school-level infection prevention and control measures were largely adhered to. Nevertheless, vigilance, continued and proactive preventive measures, and well-rehearsed reaction options are essential to cope with increasing pandemic activity.

scholarly journals Compliance towards infection prevention measures among health professionals in public hospitals, southeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study with implications of COVID-19 prevention

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Demisu Zenbaba ◽  
Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽  
Abulie Takele ◽  
Yohannes Tekalegn ◽  
Ahmed Yassin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Good Compliance ◽  
Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract Introduction The new coronavirus disease 2019 is an emerging respiratory disease caused by the highly contagious novel coronavirus which has currently overwhelmed the world. Realizing a comprehensive set of infection prevention measures is a key to minimize the spread of this virus and its impacts in all healthcare settings. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the compliance towards COVID-19 preventive measures and associated factors among health professionals in selected public hospitals, southeast Ethiopia. Methods A descriptive hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 660 health professionals in public hospitals of southeast Ethiopia from October 1 to 31, 2020. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected by interview using structured and pretested questionnaires. Ordinary logistic regression modeling was used to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratio. To declare the statistical significance of factors associated with the outcome variable, P-value < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval were used. Results A total of 654 health professionals were involved in the study; of whom, 313 participants were nurses. The overall good compliance and knowledge of health professionals regarding COVID-19 preventive measures were 21.6 and 25.5%, respectively. Working in the general hospital (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.38, 0.79), service year (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.35, 3.21), knowledge (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI 1.14, 2.89), and water availability (AOR = 3.26; 95% CI 2.25, 4.72) were some of the factors found to have a statistically significant association to compliance of health professionals regarding COVID-19 preventive measures. Conclusion In this study, nearly one fifth of health professionals had good compliance towards COVID-19 prevention practices. Thus, a consistent supply of COVID-19 prevention materials, facilities, and improving the knowledge of health professionals through on and off-job training are crucial.

Exploration of Creative Thinking Skills of Students in Physics Learning

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
Muhammad Asriadi ◽  
Edi Istiyono
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physics Learning ◽  
Thinking Ability ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Creative Thinking Ability

This study aims to determine the ability of creative thinking high school students in physics learning, know the form of assessment of creative thinking abilities. The study was conducted at SMAN 6 Yogyakrata. This type of research is a survey with a cross-sectional method that is a survey conducted once and at a time. The subjects were the principals, teachers of physics from SMAN 6 Yogyakrata and 30 grade XI students. observations, interviews, and questionnaires were used as data collection techniques. The data analysis method used was the quantitative-qualitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that the creative thinking ability of class XI MIA 1 students at SMAN 6 Yogyakarta can be said to be in the average and quite good category, although there are some students whose level of creative thinking ability is low. In addition, the form of assessment used by physics teachers has not been effective and accurate enough in assessing students 'creative thinking abilities. So it is recommended to use The Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) in physics learning because it has been proven to be accurate in assessing students' creative thinking abilities.

scholarly journals Risk perception regarding the COVID-19 outbreak among the general population: a comparative Middle East survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Abdel Hameed Shahin ◽  
Rasha Mohammed Hussien
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
General Population ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background People’s perceptions of pandemic-associated risk are key factors contributing to increased public participation in disease preventive measures. The aim of the study was to investigate risk perceptions regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, among the general population. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 723 participants, recruited from the general population of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Data collection was performed using a standardized risk perception assessment questionnaire, in April 2020. Results The mean score for the perception of COVID-19 seriousness was significantly higher and the mean scores for the perception of disease susceptibility and extent of anxiety were also higher among Saudi Arabian participants than participants from Egypt and Jordan. Participants from Egypt had significantly lower mean scores for the perception of efficacy and self-efficacy to cope with COVID-19, and significantly lower intention to comply with COVID-19 precautionary measures than the other populations. A significant positive correlation was detected between the perception of COVID-19 seriousness and self-efficacy to handle COVID-19, for the entire sample. The primary reasons reported by participants driving their willingness to perform certain preventive measures against COVID-19 was a feeling of responsibility toward their own health, followed by preventing transmission to other people and the feeling that COVID-19 can be serious. Most of the study sample reported a desire to receive information about COVID-19 treatment, ways to prevent disease contraction, and the incubation period for the novel coronavirus. Also, most of the study sample reported that they prefer receiving COVID-19 updates from national authorities. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, communications designed to promote the adoption of preventive behaviors should focus on increasing the perception of seriousness, the risk perception, self-efficacy to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effectiveness of the adopted behavioral measures for reducing risk. Health education programs that are tailored to various sociodemographic categories, to improve public awareness, perceptions, and attitudes, are vital for increasing the adoption of outbreak preventive measures.

scholarly journals The Influence of Social Media use on Practice of Covid-19 Preventive Measures Among Ethiopian Residents: An Online Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Abinet Arega Sadore ◽  
Demelash Woldeyohannes Handiso ◽  
Tekle Ejajo Wontamo ◽  
Dejene Ermias Mekango ◽  
Sisay Moges
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Preventive Practice ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background: Infection with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a severe public health issue worldwide. A broad amount of information related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was disseminated by social media in Ethiopia. To date, there is limited evidence on the influence of social media use for covid-19 related information on covid-19 preventive practice. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of social media use on the practice of COVID-19 preventive measures in Ethiopia. Methods: This study employed an anonymous internet-based online cross-sectional survey using Google forms to collects the data from the respondents from 15 May to 17 June 2020 in Ethiopia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between social media usage as a predictor and COVID-19 preventive practice, after adjusting for socio-demographic and risk perception of COVID-19 variables. The data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 372 respondents have participated in the study. From 372, 208(55.9%) respondents in this study were male. Study participants who had good utilization of social media to get COVID-19 related information were 9.5 times engaged in COVID-19 preventive practices compared to study participants who had poor utilization of social media to get covid-19 related information (AOR= 9.59, 95% CI = 5.70 - 16.13). Also, study participants who had a high-risk perception of COVID-19 were 2.6 times engaged in COVID-19 practices compared to study participants who had a low-risk perception of covid-19 (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.58 - 4.38). Study participants who were students at the time of this study were four times more likely to show adequate COVID-19 preventive practice score compared to those who had another occupational status (AOR= 4.07, 95% CI= 1.66 - 9.98) Conclusions: Our results show that the usage of social media networks can have a positive effect on the practice of preventive measures and public safety against COVID-19; high-risk perception contributed to preventive activities against COVID-19. Social networking platforms can be used by public health agencies as an important method to raise public health understanding by disseminating concise messages to targeted audiences.

scholarly journals Responsiveness of Occupational Health Risk and Preventive Measures Practice by the Workers Employed in Tannery Occupation in Kanpur, India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gyan Chandra Kashyap ◽  
Praveen Chokhandre ◽  
Shri Kant Singh
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
School Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Strong Focus ◽  
Tannery Workers

Occupational health covers all aspects of health and safety in the workplace and has a strong focus on primary prevention of hazards. The objective of the study was to understand the extent of awareness about occupational health risks involved in tannery occupation and adopted preventive measures by the tannery workers of Kanpur, India. Information for the present research was strained from a cross-sectional household study of tannery workers in the Jajmau area of Kanpur. The survey was piloted through the period January–June 2015, and 284 samples were collected. The prevalence of awareness of tannery work is very hazardous in nature varies from 73–93% among the tannery workers. Tannery workers having a middle-school level of education were 3.01 times more likely to be aware of the hazards as compared to the illiterate workers. Tannery workers aged 36 and above were less likely to aware of a hazardous work environment. Further, tannery workers who belong to the younger cohort (16–24 years) reported a higher awareness of respiratory problems (38%), skin complaints (59%), and gastrointestinal issues (21%) than those aged 36 years and above. About one-third of Beam house workers (33%) and over a quarter (26%) of the wet finishing had moderate to high dermal contact with the chemicals. The study’s outcomes give a clear indication of the effect of the workstation environment on the health status of workers and require the use of adequate measures to improve the facilities and thereby the health status of tannery workers.

scholarly journals Implementasi Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris Berbasis Tematik Terpadu Bagi Siswa Sekolah Dasar

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1110-1117
Author(s):  
Meiliana Nurfitriani ◽  
Mohammad Fahmi Nugraha ◽  
Budi Hendrawan
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Elementary School Students ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
School Level ◽  
English Learning ◽  
School Students ◽  
Research Article ◽  
Library Research ◽  
Knowledge Interests

This study aims to determine how integrated thematic-based English learning is for elementary school students. The method used is a qualitative research method with descriptive analysis techniques with library research by examining the implementation of integrated thematic-based English learning for elementary school students. Data collection is done by reducing documents in the form of reports, news and research articles both nationally and internationally related to the topic of this research article. The results showed that the integration between student experience and previous knowledge possessed by children with English learning presented in a theme, will help children to gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes holistically. The theme developed is of course taking into account the children's knowledge, interests, and environment. Each skill in English is also not taught separately but is learned in an integrated manner with other skills. Therefore, the concept of learning English as a foreign language in accordance with the concept of an integrated thematic approach will be able to provide the value of knowledge, skills, and attitudes as a whole whose process is in line with the characteristics of children at the elementary school level.

Knowledge, Information Sources, and Preventive Measures in response to the Infectious Diseases in Chinese Children and Adolescents: A national Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Zeng ◽  
Feifei Li ◽  
Wei Liang ◽  
Yinyue Liu ◽  
Bin Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Chinese Children ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Living Situation ◽  
Chinese Children And Adolescents

BACKGROUND Infectious diseases are a priority in public health. Improving the knowledge and preventive measures of children and adolescents is important for disease prevention. Information sources play a crucial role in delivering disease-related knowledge. However, there is limited national-level evidence of the knowledge, information sources, and preventive measures in response to infectious diseases in Chinese children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and interrelationships of knowledge, preventive measures of infectious diseases, and the information sources among Chinese children and adolescents. METHODS Participants in this cross-sectional study were embedded in a baseline survey of a national multi-centered cluster randomized controlled trial in seven provinces in China, using questionnaires to evaluate their level of knowledge and prevention measures, and the main source of information on infectious diseases. RESULTS A total of 30,287 children aged 6-17 years were enrolled. The mean scores of knowledge and preventive measures for infectious diseases were 2.35(SD=0.93) and 12.16 (SD=2.52), respectively. The majority of children and adolescents received information of infectious diseases through school (86.7%) and related groups (86.5%), followed by electronic media (73.4%). The results indicated that there were significant differences in knowledge and preventive measures among children and adolescents with different gender, age, children situation, living situation, residence, region, parents’ age and education level (P<0.05). In addition, multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender, age, living situation, residential area, region, mother's age, father's education level, knowledge score and main information source could better predict the score of preventive measures. Living with parents (vs Not living with parents; β=0.055 P<0.001), household income of 5000-10000 yuan (vs. Less than 5000 yuan; 0.024, P<0.001), south areas (vs. North: β=0.021), mother's age>35 years (vs.≤35years; 35-45 years: β=0.020, P=0.008; ≥45 years: β=0.022, P=0.005), father's education in high school/vocational school (vs. Junior high school and below; β=0.024, P=0.001), and high knowledge score (β=0.102, P<0.001) were more likely to have a high infectious disease prevention measures score(P<0.05). On the contrary, males (vs Females; β=-0.003, P<0.001), older (vs. 6-8 years; 12-14 years: β=-0.130, P<0.001;15-17years: β=-0.253, P<0.001), rural areas (vs. Urban; β=-0.023, P=0.001), central areas (vs. North; β=-0.036, P<0.001), and fathers aged 35-45 years (vs. ≤35 years; β=-0.021, P=0.009) were significantly associated with low infectious disease prevention measure scores(P<0.05). Interestingly, children or adolescents who accept information about infectious diseases through schools (vs. No; Yes: β=0.054, P<0.001) and paper media (vs. No; Yes: β=0.054, P<0.001) tend to score higher on measures to prevent infectious diseases(P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The national survey provides an overview of knowledge, information sources, and preventive measures in response to infectious diseases in Chinese children and adolescents. The research findings add values to the future intervention and policy-making for promoting the preventive measures of infectious diseases in children and adolescents.

scholarly journals Risk Perception of COVID−19 Community Transmission among the Spanish Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (23) ◽  
pp. 8967
Author(s):  
José Miguel Mansilla Domínguez ◽  
Isabel Font Jiménez ◽  
Angel Belzunegui Eraso ◽  
David Peña Otero ◽  
David Díaz Pérez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Spanish Population ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Perception Of Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Set Up

On 11 March 2020 the SARS-CoV−2 virus was officially declared a pandemic and measures were set up in various countries to avoid its spread among the population. This paper aims to analyse the perception of risk of COVID−19 infection in the Spanish population. A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study was conducted with a total of 16,372 Spanish participants. An online survey was used to gather data for 5 consecutive days over the compulsory lockdown period which was established after the state of emergency was declared. There is an association between socio-demographic variables and risk perception, and a very strong relationship between this perception and contact and direct experience with the virus in a family, social or professional setting. We also found that compared to working from home, working outside the home increased the perception of risk of infection and the perception of worsening health. Understanding the public perception of the risk of COVID−19 infection is fundamental for establishing effective prevention measures.

scholarly journals A Middle School Program to Prevent E-Cigarette Use: A Pilot Study of “CATCH My Breath”

2020 ◽  
Vol 135 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven H. Kelder ◽  
Dale S. Mantey ◽  
Duncan Van Dusen ◽  
Kathleen Case ◽  
Alexandra Haas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Middle Schools ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
The United States ◽  
School Level ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional

Objectives: From 2017 to 2018, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use increased 78% among high school students and 48% among middle school students in the United States. However, few e-cigarette prevention interventions have been evaluated. We determined the feasibility and initial effectiveness of “CATCH My Breath,” an e-cigarette prevention program, among a sample of middle schools in central Texas. Methods: Twelve middle schools in Texas (6 intervention schools and 6 control schools) participated in the CATCH My Breath pilot program during 2016-2017. CATCH My Breath is rooted in social cognitive theory, consists of 4 interactive in-class modules, and is collaboratively administered via classroom and physical education teachers, student–peer leaders, and social messaging (eg, school posters). We collected 3 waves of data: baseline (January 2017), 4-month follow-up (May 2017), and 16-month follow-up (May 2018). Using school as the unit of analysis, we tested a repeated cross-sectional, condition-by-time interaction on e-cigarette ever use, psychosocial determinants of use, and other tobacco use behaviors. Analyses controlled for school-level sociodemographic characteristics (eg, sex, race/ethnicity, and percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch). Results: From baseline to 16-month follow-up, increases in ever e-cigarette use prevalence were significantly lower among intervention schools (2.8%-4.9%) than among control schools (2.7%-8.9%), controlling for covariates ( P = .01). Intervention schools also had significantly greater improvements in e-cigarette knowledge (β = 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21-1.21; P = .008) and perceived positive outcomes (β = –0.12; 95% CI, –0.23 to –0.02; P = .02) than control schools, controlling for covariates from baseline to 16-month follow-up. Conclusion: Ever e-cigarette use was lower among middle schools that implemented the CATCH My Breath program than among those that did not. Replication of findings among a larger sample of schools, using a group-randomized, longitudinal study design and a longer follow-up period, is needed.

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