scholarly journals Survey of the Knowledge and Use of Antibiotics among Medical and Veterinary Health Professionals and Students in Portugal

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2753
Author(s):  
Ana Marta-Costa ◽  
Carla Miranda ◽  
Vanessa Silva ◽  
Adriana Silva ◽  
Ângela Martins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent and complex problem worldwide, exacerbated by the frequently inappropriate use of antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to survey the levels of knowledge and awareness about antibiotic use and stewardship, among human and veterinary health professionals or students in Portugal, and the associations between antibiotic knowledge factors and socio-professional groups. In cross-sectional survey design, a total of 449 online structured questionnaires were completed in 2018–2019. The statistical analysis was performed dividing the respondents into four groups, A (undergraduate students), B (PhD students and researchers), C (lecturers), and D (technicians and other occupation). Among all respondents, 17% (n = 75) revealed some gap in knowledge about antibiotic resistance and the antibiotics that should be administered for different infection types (bacterial, viral, or fungal). Of the 159 pet owners among the respondents, only half had administered antibiotics to their animal and 64% (n = 102) knew that veterinary prescription is mandatory when administering antibiotics to animals. All groups statistically agreed that the AMR is a major public health problem and the antibiotics should be administrated for bacterial infections and used until the whole pack has been finished (p = 0.00). As expected, only groups B and C demonstrated a higher level of knowledge to recognize the antibiotic name and their active ingredient than undergraduate students (p = 0.00). About the antibiotic use on pets, only group B was statistically significant to no used antibiotics on their pets (p = 0.00). However, groups A, C, and D were statistically significant for the knowledge about the mandatory veterinarian prescription and groups C and D were significantly statistics for fully aware of the transmission of bacteria between animals and humans. In conclusion, in matters related to AMR, the behavior, education, and training of the general public and health professionals, including those who prescribe antibiotics for humans and animals, need to be improved.

scholarly journals Patients’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic use at a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Ramchurren ◽  
Y. Balakrishna ◽  
S. Mahomed
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Regional Hospital ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major public-health problem globally and inappropriate antibiotic use is being increasingly recognised as the main force driving this resistance. Communities can contribute to the reduction of antibiotic resistance by using antibiotics appropriately and as prescribed. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients regarding antibiotic use at a regional hospital in South Africa.Method: An observational analytic, cross-sectional study was conducted at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital between May and June 2017. A validated questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions was administered to outpatients. Patients’ responses were scored and categorised as poor or good for knowledge, attitude and practice.Results: A total of 386 patients were interviewed. Only 205 (53%) patients had a good level of knowledge. Although 270 (70%) patients knew that antibiotics are indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections, 211 (55%) patients incorrectly thought that antibiotics are also used to treat viral infections. Only 168 (44%) patients were aware of the resistance associated with overusing antibiotics. With regard to patients’ attitudes, 164 (42%) patients believed that taking antibiotics for the common cold helped them to recover faster and 178 (46%) patients expected the doctor to prescribe more than one antibiotic for a severe cold. Overall, 157 patients (40%) reported having shared antibiotics with friends or family. Patients with good knowledge were six times more likely to have good antibiotic practices (OR 5.8; 95% CI 0.3–10.6; p 0.001).Conclusion: A well-planned education programme for the public should be undertaken to improve the knowledge and uses of antibiotics among patients.

scholarly journals Stress and Its Impact on Academic and Social Life of Undergraduate University Students in Ghana: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-44
Author(s):  
Koawo Edjah ◽  
Francis Ankomah ◽  
Ebenezer Domey ◽  
John Ekow Laryea
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractStress is concomitant with students’ life and can have a significant impact on their lives, and even how they go about their academic work. Globally, in every five visits by patients to the doctor, three are stress-related problems. This study examined stress and its impact on the academic and social life among students of a university in Ghana. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Using the stratified and simple random (random numbers) sampling methods, 500 regular undergraduate students were engaged in the study. A questionnaire made up of Perceived Stress Scale and Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale was used to gather data for the study. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), with AMOS were used for the analyses. It was found that majority of the students were moderately stressed. Paramount among the stressors were academic stressors, followed by institutional stressors, and external stressors. Stress had a significant positive impact on the academic and social life of students. It was concluded that undergraduate students, in one way or the other, go through some kind of stress during the course of their study. It was recommended that the university, through its Students’ Affairs, and Counselling Sections, continue to empower students on how to manage and deal with stress in order to enhance their academic life.

scholarly journals Self-perceived employability among undergraduate students at a South African university

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doret Botha
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
The Self ◽  
The South ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Employability ◽  
Managerial Implications

Orientation: South Africa has been suffering from persistently high levels of unemployment since 2008. The youth is regarded as the most at-risk group in the South African labour market and unemployment amongst the youth is considered one of the most critical socio-economic problems in South Africa. Increasing one’s employability is essential to securing employment and enhancing one’s well-being.Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university.Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a scarcity of published research on the self-perceived employability amongst undergraduate students at higher education institutions in South Africa.Research approach/design and method: The study was conducted within a positivistic research paradigm. A quantitative-based cross-sectional survey design was used. Convenience sampling was used to select the students who were included in the survey. Data were collected through a web-based survey, using a standardised coded questionnaire that consisted of a five-point Likert-type scale.Main findings: The results indicated that the respondents were relatively confident about their internal employability, but they were less confident about their opportunities in the external labour market.Practical/managerial implications: Understanding one’s employability and the accompanied issues creates awareness of one’s potential, skills and knowledge to become a successful citizen and employee.Contribution/value-add: The study shed light on the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university and consequently contributes to the existing literature on employability in the South African context.

scholarly journals Assessment of General Public’s Knowledge and Opinions towards Antibiotic Use and Bacterial Resistance: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Urban Setting, Rufisque, Senegal

Pharmacy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oumar Bassoum ◽  
Ndèye Sougou ◽  
Mayassine Diongue ◽  
Mamadou Lèye ◽  
Mouhamad Mbodji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Resistance ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Awareness Campaigns

Background: Bacterial resistance is a major public health problem worldwide. One solution to this scourge is to sensitize the general public on rational use of antibiotics. Our goal was to assess people’s knowledge and opinions about antibiotic use and bacterial resistance in an urban setting. Method: We performed a cross-sectional study. A convenience sampling was done. A questionnaire was administered to 400 persons during face-to-face interviews. Results: Most respondents thought that antibiotics are effective against colds/flu (69.8%), cough (72.3%) and sore throat (64.4%). At the same time, 42.8% stated that antibiotic therapy can be stopped as soon as the symptoms disappear. Only 8.8% and 41.8% of people knew that handwashing and vaccination prevented bacterial resistance. Globally, 7% of people had a good knowledge. Socio-demographic variables were not associated with the level of knowledge. The main sources of information were entourage and pharmacy staff. Regarding the opinions, 78.3% of surveyed participants the people thought that that people overuse antibiotics. Additionally, 28% said that they have no role to play against bacterial resistance. Conclusion: People living in an urban setting had a low knowledge about antibiotic use and bacterial resistance. There is a need to implement awareness campaigns. Further studies on population practices toward antibiotic use are necessary.

A Follow-Up Study of the Indicators of Teaching Presence Critical to Students in Online Courses

2013 ◽  
pp. 67-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Sheridan ◽  
Melissa A. Kelly ◽  
David T. Bentz
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Teaching Presence ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Follow Up Study

The purpose of the study presented in this chapter was to examine students’ perceptions of the importance of various indicators of teaching presence for their success in online courses. A cross-sectional survey design was used to identify the indicators that students perceived to be most important and to determine whether there were potential differences between graduate students and undergraduate students in terms of the students’ perceptions. Although the indicators that students rated as most important were similar for both groups of students, there were statistically significant differences for a few of the indicators. Students’ comments suggested additional indicators and provided insights about the importance of dispositions in online courses.

scholarly journals Bayesian conditional autoregressive models to assess spatial patterns of diarrhoea risk among children under the age of 5 years in Mbour, Senegal

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sokhna Thiam ◽  
Guéladio Cissé ◽  
Anna-Sofie Stensgaard ◽  
Aminata Niang-Diène ◽  
Jürg Utzinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Spatial Patterns ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Varying Coefficients ◽  
Unit Increase ◽  
Conditional Autoregressive ◽  
Diarrhoeal Diseases

Diarrhoeal diseases remain a major public health problem, causing more than half a million child deaths every year, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite existing knowledge on the aetiologies and causes of diarrhoeal diseases, relatively little is known about its spatial patterns in LMICs, including Senegal. In the present study, data from a cross-sectional survey carried out in 2016 were analysed to describe the spatial pattern of diarrhoeal prevalence in children under the age of 5 years in the secondary city of Mbour in the south-western part of Senegal. Bayesian conditional autoregressive (CAR) models with spatially varying coefficients were employed to determine the effect of sociodemographic, economic and climate parameters on diarrhoeal prevalence. We observed substantial spatial heterogeneities in diarrhoea prevalence. Risk maps, stratified by age group, showed that diarrhoeal prevalence was higher in children aged 25-59 months compared to their younger counterparts with the highest risk observed in the north and south peripheral neighbourhoods, especially in Grand Mbour, Médine, Liberté and Zone Sonatel. The posterior relative risk estimate obtained from the Bayesian CAR model indicated that a unit increase in the proportion of people with untreated stored drinking water was associated with a 29% higher risk of diarrhoea. A unit increase in rainfall was also associated with an increase in diarrhoea risk. Our findings suggest that public health officials should integrate disease mapping and cluster analyses and consider the varying effects of sociodemographic factors in developing and implementing areaspecific interventions for reducing diarrhoea.

Why Do Students Engage in Examination Malpractice? The University for Development Studies Experience

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
John Dadzie Thompson ◽  
Gilbert Ansoglenang ◽  
Suuk Laar
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Academic Dishonesty ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Development Studies ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The University

Any form of examination malpractice is unacceptable, fraudulent, and signifies an act of academic dishonesty with significant punitive consequences. This paper investigated the reasons why students engage in examination malpractice during examinations at the University for Development Studies (UDS). The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design for this research and targeted undergraduate students of the Tamale Campus of the UDS. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 278 out of a total student population of 6,729 for the study. They responded mainly to questionnaire and a few open ended questions to provide the needed data for analysis. The findings suggest that (i) smuggling of prepared notes on pieces of papers (foreign material) into the examination hall,(ii) writing of examination answers on palms, thighs and other body parts, and (iii) communication by seeking for answers from colleagues are the three topmost forms/methods students engage to cheat during examinations. The desire to obtain good grades just as the more intelligent students pushes some students to cheat during examinations. The introduction of scanners and e-search software, the spacing of sitting arrangements, installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in large examination halls may help curb cheating.

scholarly journals Public knowledge of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in Tangail, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 1838
Author(s):  
Masuder Rahman ◽  
Sakila Akter ◽  
Fatama Tous Zohora ◽  
Abu Zaffar Shibly
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Heart Attack ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Unhealthy Diet ◽  
Common Risk Factors

Background: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a major public health problem throughout the world. In Bangladesh, the reliable data concerning various aspects of CVD is inadequate at present due to lack of national population-based surveys or central administrative health data. Given the rising incidence of CVDs in Bangladesh, an improved understanding of the CVD, symptoms and risk factors is needed. Hence, this study was performed to assess the level of knowledge towards CVD types, warning symptoms of heart attack or stroke, and CVD risk factors.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 2018 to June 2018 using standard questionnaire on a sample of 350 randomly selected Bangladeshi individuals. All the data of the study were input in SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 20.0 software from IBM for windows and the gathered data thus analyzed using SPSS & Microsoft Excel.Results: The respondents’ knowledge about types of CVD, symptom heart attack, symptom of stroke and the risk factors of CVD are 38.9%, 67.7%, 35.7%, and 92.9% respectively. The most common risk factors of CVD found to be known by around than two-third of respondents were unhealthy diet (66.9%), physical inactivity (64.3), obesity (61.4%), and smoking (58.6%).Conclusions: The respondents’ knowledge about types of CVD, symptom heart attack, symptom of stroke and the risk factors of CVD are 38.9%, 67.7%, 35.7%, and 92.9% respectively. The most common risk factors of CVD found to be known by around than two-third of respondents were unhealthy diet (66.9%), physical inactivity (64.3), obesity (61.4%), and smoking (58.6%).

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Clinicians, Nurses and Pharmacists Regarding Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Five Centre Survey from India

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akshata Mane ◽  
Shweta Kamat ◽  
Harish Thanusubramanian
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Antibiotic Usage ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Kap Survey ◽  
Wide Range

Introduction: Increasing awareness and practice of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) has gained immense importance in Indian hospitals for preventing the irrational use of antibiotics. India is one of the world’s largest consumers for antibiotics. Assessment of the local Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and AMS among Healthcare Providers (HCPs) will help in designing effective public health policies and engaging the community in campaigns against increasing microbial resistance. Aim: To understand the status of AMS programs and practices in five private sector multispecialty hospitals situated in the East, West, North and South zones of the country and to assess the KAP of HCPs regarding AMR and AMS. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the implementation of AMS in five hospitals among clinicians, nurses and pharmacists across India using a predeveloped AMS checklist between June 2019 and October 2019. The analysis was done between July and August 2020. Responses were collected using a five-point Likert scale, with choices ranging from ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’.Descriptive analysis was done for the KAP survey to determine the percentages of participants under each response category. Results: Total 32 clinicians, 55 nurses and eight pharmacists responded to the KAP survey (100% response rate). The clinicians were aware that AMR is caused by irrational prescribing of antimicrobials (n=31, 96.87%) and improper diagnosis of infective conditions (n=27, 84.37%). However, knowledge of clinicians on infection control practices (n=6, 18.75% disagreed) in controlling AMR and practice of referring local epidemiology before prescribing antimicrobials (n=7, 21.87% did not follow routinely) could be improved. The knowledge and practice of nurses and pharmacists on antibiotic use were spread over a wide range. According to the nurses, AMR was mainly caused by using antimicrobials for non bacterial infections (n=30, 54.54%) and deviations from their standard duration (~63.64%-72.73%). As per pharmacists, the lack of restrictions on antimicrobial usage and widespread use or overuse of antibiotics were major contributors to AMR (n=3, 37.5% strongly agreed). Both nurses and pharmacists could benefit from reinforced training on antibiotic usage. Conclusion: Implementation of AMS was not adequate in private Indian hospitals. Although clinicians have good knowledge on antibiotic use, it was not equally reflected in their practice. The KAP data of nurses and pharmacists suggest that training and education on appropriate antibiotic usage should be emphasised. More efforts are required to improve AMS practices in hospitals.

scholarly journals Ownership and Utilisation of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Tiko Health District, Southwest Region, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Paulette Ngum Fru ◽  
Frederick Nchang Cho ◽  
Andrew N. Tassang ◽  
Celestina Neh Fru ◽  
Peter Nde Fon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Measure ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Health District ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets

Introduction. Malaria is and remains a serious health concern in Africa. In Cameroon, where malaria is endemic and a major public health problem, the major control measure put in place is the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). In the Tiko Health District (THD), the challenges have been to assess and to evaluate the ownership and utilisation of LLINs. This study sought to assess the ownership and utilisation rates of LLINs in the THD. Methodology. A cross-sectional survey involving 418 households was conducted in four health areas in the THD. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on LLIN ownership and utilisation as well as sociodemographic characteristics. Results. The ownership of at least one LLIN per household, coverage, and accessibility were, respectively, 89%, 56.2%, and 66.3%, while installing LLINs on all beds in the household, sleeping under LLINs the previous night (SULPN), and universal utilisation were 72%, 24.9%, and 14.1%, respectively. Factors significantly associated with the ownership of at least one LLIN per household were respondent’s age and gender. Heat (21.1%) and forgetfulness (6.5%) were the main reasons postulated for irregular utilisation of LLINs. Conclusion. The ownership LLINs failed to guarantee utilisation and definitely effective control of malaria in the THD, as expected. Continuous and appropriate use of LLINs is indispensable, in addition to periodic sanitation, booster campaigns of LLIN distribution, and evaluation research for effective prevention and control of malaria.

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