scholarly journals The Assessment of Attitudes of Medical Doctors towards Psychiatric Patients—A Cross-Sectional Online Survey in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6419
Author(s):  
Mateusz Babicki ◽  
Kamila Kotowicz ◽  
Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Career Stage ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reliable Assessment ◽  
Polish Society ◽  
Psychometric Tool

(1) Introduction: Stigmatization is a multi-level process leading to depreciation of particular social groups. It is particularly visible among people suffering from mental illnesses. Patient stigmatization is a serious problem in psychiatric care; thus, a reliable assessment of its level is important in the context of effective medical interventions. The aim of this paper is to assess the level of stigmatization of psychiatric patients among doctors. (2) Methods: An online, quantitative, CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) study was conducted in the form of an anonymous, voluntary survey addressed to doctors working in Poland. The questionnaire questions included a socio-geographic assessment and questions assessing the level of stigmatization. A standardized psychometric tool, the MICA-4 Scale for doctors, was also used. The results obtained were compared with the evaluation of the existing reports on stigmatization among Polish society. (3) Results: 501 doctors of various specialties and at various stages of career participated in the study. Most of the respondents were women (75%). The average score of MICA-4 obtained by the respondents was 40.26 (minimum 17; maximum 67; SD 8.93). The women’s score was lower than the men’s (p = 0.034). (4) Conclusions: Stigmatization of psychiatric patients is a common phenomenon among doctors. The type of performed work and career stage has an impact on the perception of psychiatric patients. Specialists scored highest in the MICA-4 Scale, similarly to physicians of surgical fields. Due to the prevalence of the phenomenon of stigmatization, especially among people who are meant to provide patients with help, there is an urgent need to implement anti-stigma programs.

scholarly journals The Assessment of Attitudes of Students at Medical Schools towards Psychiatry and Psychiatric Patients—A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4425
Author(s):  
Mateusz Babicki ◽  
Krzysztof Kowalski ◽  
Bogna Bogudzińska ◽  
Patryk Piotrowski
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Field Of Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Psychometric Tool ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Direct Student

The aim of the study was the assessment of the level of stigmatisation of psychiatric patients and psychiatry as a field of study by students at medical schools in Poland and the comparison of students’ attitudes over the years. The study was conducted based on a proprietary questionnaire assessing the stage of tertiary education, sociodemographic status, and MICA-2 psychometric tool that is used for assessing both the attitudes of students at medical schools towards psychiatry as a field of study and patients with mental health disorders. According to the MICA score, those who have higher scores have more negative attitudes towards psychiatry. The survey consisted of two rounds at an interval of 3 years. Results. The first-round survey, conducted in 2017, involved 480 students. The second-round survey, conducted in 2020, involved 573 students. In both cases, women constituted the vast majority of respondents. Women, as well as medical major students, achieved significantly lower scores than men p < 0.001. The said relationship was also observed for individual experience with mental illness. There was no correlation between the MICA-2 total score and the psychiatry course completion—p = 0.105. However, the levels of stigmatisation are still high. The implementation of educational methods to improve the perception of psychiatric patients by students at medical schools should be taken into consideration. An increase in direct student–patient contact, for example, by means of intensive elective classes, could be beneficial.

scholarly journals Quality of Life of Brazilian Vegetarians Measured by the WHOQOL-BREF: Influence of Type of Diet, Motivation and Sociodemographic Data

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2648
Author(s):  
Shila Minari Hargreaves ◽  
Eduardo Yoshio Nakano ◽  
Heesup Han ◽  
António Raposo ◽  
Antonio Ariza-Montes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vegetarian Diet ◽  
The Other ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Domain 3 ◽  
Domain 4

This study aimed to evaluate the general quality of life (QoL) of Brazilian vegetarians. A cross-sectional study was conducted with Brazilian vegetarian adults (18 years old and above). Individuals were recruited to participate in a nationwide online survey that comprised the WHOQOL-BREF as well as sociodemographic and characterization questions related to vegetarianism. The WHOQOL-BREF is composed of 24 items which are divided into four domains (domain 1: physical health; domain 2: psychological well-being; domain 3: social relationships; and domain 4: environment), plus two general items which were analyzed separately, totaling 26 items. The answers from the questionnaire were converted into scores with a 0–100 scale range, with separate analyses for each domain. Results were compared among groups based on the different characteristics of the vegetarian population. A total of 4375 individuals completed the survey. General average score results were 74.67 (domain 1), 66.71 (domain 2), 63.66 (domain 3) and 65.76 (domain 4). Vegans showed better scores when compared to the other vegetarians, except in domain four, where the statistical difference was observed only for semi-vegetarians (lower score). Individuals adopting a vegetarian diet for longer (>1 year) showed better results for domains one and two, with no difference for the other domains. Having close people also adopting a vegetarian diet positively influenced the results for all domains. On the other hand, it was not possible to distinguish any clear influence of the motivation for adopting a vegetarian diet on the scores’ results. Adopting a vegetarian diet does not have detrimental effects on one’s QoL. In fact, the more plant-based the diet, and the longer it was adopted, the better the results were.

scholarly journals Traditional faith healers as referral sources: A hospital-based descriptive study

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 46-50
Author(s):  
D.K. Thapa ◽  
N. Lamichhane ◽  
S. Subedi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
General Observation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Faith Healer ◽  
Common Notion

Introduction: Mental illnesses are commonly linked with a higher disability and burden of disease than many physical illnesses. But despite that fact, it is a general observation that a majority of patients with mental disorder never seek professional help. To elaborate further, the widely prevalent magico-religious beliefs associated with mental illness and lower literacy, poses significant social obstacles in seeking appropriate health care for psychiatric patients. In general, mental illness is seen as related to life stresses, social or family conflicts and evil spirits and the concept of biological causes of mental illness is rare even among the educated. The idea that illness and death are due to malevolent spirits is common notion that is shared practically by all level of society from the so-called primitive to modern industrialized societies, thus indicating the strong influences of cultural background. When there is a magico- religious concepts of disease causation, there is tendency to consult indigenous healers. Therefore, the patients with mental illness often either visit or are taken to faith healers by their relatives. The objective of the study was to determine the various psychiatric cases that were referred by the traditional faith healers to the authors. Material and Method: This is a cross- sectional, hospital- based descriptive study, conducted at the Psychiatric outpatient department of Pokhara Om Hospital, Pokhara, Kaski, Nepal for the period of one year, from June 2016 to May 2017. The total of 35 cases, referred by the traditional faith healers was included in the study. Subjects of any age, any gender, any literacy level, any caste, from any locality and religious background were included in the study after their consent. Subjects who refused to consent were not included in the study. The psychiatric diagnosis was based on the complete history and examination and ICD- 10 DRC criteria. Results: Though the sample size is small, it is interesting to note that patients with various kinds of mental disorders were referred by traditional faith healers. There were patients suffering from neurotic disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, seizure, substance use disorder, intellectual disability etc seeking the treatment from traditional faith healers. Among the cases referred, predominantly were female and neurotic cases. Most patients were educated. Conclusion: The study shows that patients with various mental disorders visit traditional faith healer. This area surely requires further in-depth look as traditional faith healers can be an important source of referral of psychiatric patients.

scholarly journals Stigma Levels Toward Psychiatric Patients Among Medical Students—A Worldwide Online Survey Across 65 Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mateusz Babicki ◽  
Monika Małecka ◽  
Krzysztof Kowalski ◽  
Bogna Bogudzińska ◽  
Patryk Piotrowski
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Gdp Per Capita ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Per Capita

Background: According to epidemiological data, over 450 million people worldwide suffer from mental disorders, presenting one of the major challenges of modern medicine. In their everyday lives, patients, in addition to fighting the disease itself, often struggle with stigmatization. This phenomenon negatively affects both the diagnostic and therapeutic processes, as well as the patients' everyday functioning. This study aimed to assess stigma attitudes toward psychiatry and psychiatric patients among undergraduate medical students.Methods: This study used a Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI), which included the standardized items from the Mental Illness: Clinicians' Attitudes (MICA-2) scale to evaluate stigma. The study was disseminated via the internet to students from medical universities from 65 countries worldwide. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The study involved 1,216 students from these 65 countries. Most of the sample were women, and most were medical faculty students and students living in cities with more than 500,000 residents. Taking into consideration Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and Human Development Index (HDI) variables, it can be seen that there was a prevalence of medical students from highly developed countries.Results: For the whole sample, the mean MICA-2 score was 40.5 points. Women and medical and nursing students showed more positive attitudes toward psychiatric patients. Students from countries with the highest economic development levels also achieved statistically lower MICA-2 scores. Lower score means a more positive attitude.Conclusion: Stigma toward both psychiatry and psychiatric patients is common among undergraduate medical students. Female students and respondents with a history of mental disorders in countries with high HDI and GDP per capita indices show more favorable attitudes than other medical students. There is a need to further our understanding of the problem of stigmatization, both among the general population and among medical personnel, and to implement and maintain appropriate measures to reduce stigma toward psychiatry.

scholarly journals The effect of the 2019 coronavirus disease outbreak on social relationships: A cross-sectional study in Jordan

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402096663
Author(s):  
Abdallah Y Naser ◽  
Hadeel T Al-Hadithi ◽  
Eman Zmaily Dahmash ◽  
Hassan Alwafi ◽  
Salwan Salah Alwan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Social ◽  
Educational Campaigns

Background: Social relationships refer to the existing associations between family members, friends, neighbours, co-workers, and other associates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has been imposed by the curfew program in Jordan. Aim: To evaluate the effects of social distancing on the social relationships of the Jordanian population. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Jordan between the 6th and the 30th of May, 2020. Our questionnaire was constructed to explore the population’s perception of the quarantine period, how it is affecting their relationship with others, and the characteristics of their social relationships and communication with various population categories, including family members and work colleagues. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of better social relationships and communication. Results: A total of 4,301 participants were involved in this study. The average score of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on social relationships among the whole study population was 5.68 (SD: 2.33) out of 10 (equal to 56.8%), which indicates the marginal strength of the social relationships. Around 31.6% of the participants reported that their social relationships were affected to a high degree by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who were aged 36–45 were positively affected in terms of their social relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic is negatively affecting social relationships, which could ultimately lead to negative health implications. Decision-makers are advised to provide educational campaigns that improve the sociological health of the general population.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Predictors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Youth at the Time of COVID-19: An Online Cross-Sectional Multicountry Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Al Omari ◽  
Sulaiman Al Sabei ◽  
Omar Al Rawajfah ◽  
Loai Abu Sharour ◽  
Khalid Aljohani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Total Prevalence ◽  
Current Prevalence ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Predictors Of Depression

Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental illnesses among young people. Crisis like the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may increase the current prevalence of these illnesses. A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used to (1) explore the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among youth and (2) identify to what extent certain variables related to COVID-19 could predict depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) among young people in six different countries. Participants were requested to complete an online survey including demographics and the DAS scale. A total of 1,057 participants from Oman (n=155), Saudi Arabia (n=121), Jordan (n=332), Iraq (n=117), United Arab Emirates (n=147), and Egypt (n=182) completed the study. The total prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 57%, 40.5%, and 38.1%, respectively, with no significant differences between countries. Significant predictors of stress, anxiety, and depression were being female, being in contact with a friend and/or a family member with mental illness, being quarantined for 14 days, and using the internet. In conclusion, COVID-19 is an epidemiological crisis that is casting a shadow on youths’ DAS. The restrictions and prolonged lockdowns imposed by COVID-19 are negatively impacting their level of DAS. Healthcare organisations, in collaboration with various sectors, are recommended to apply psychological first aid and design appropriate educational programmes to improve the mental health of youth.

scholarly journals Mental Health in the Era of the Second Wave of SARS-CoV-2: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on an Online Survey among Online Respondents in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2522
Author(s):  
Mateusz Babicki ◽  
Ilona Szewczykowska ◽  
Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Current Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Mental Health ◽  
Special Programs ◽  
Psychometric Tool ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
Insomnia Severity

The main objective of this study was to assess mental health during the COVID-19 second wave. The study was conducted using a proprietary questionnaire that had been provided via the Internet to online respondents in Poland. The questionnaire questions included a socio-geographic assessment, proprietary questions assessing the respondents’ current approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a standardised psychometric tool—GHQ-28. The study involved 2155 respondents, 99.8% of whom gave their consent for the participation in the study. A mean GHQ score was 29.25 ± 14.94 points. The criterion for minor mental disorders (≥24 points) was met by 1272 (59.2%) respondents. In overall interpretation as well as in each of GHQ-28 subscales, women obtained significantly higher scores than men (p < 0.001). The restriction on earning opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic is significantly associated with the feeling of anxiety/insomnia severity among the respondents (9.96 vs. 8.82 points; p < 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic, although it has already been experienced for nearly a year, has had a significant association with the general mental health of the respondents in Poland. There is a strong need to implement special programs that offer psychological support in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for those who had direct experience with COVID-19 infection.

scholarly journals Knowledge of stroke and attitude to activate emergency medical services: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Carrossa ◽  
A Favaretto ◽  
C De Luca ◽  
G Boscaro ◽  
D Gregori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Stroke Knowledge

Abstract Introduction Acute brain stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Translating knowledge of stroke warning signs into appropriate actions is critical to decrease prehospital delay, meaning that the population has a key role in reducing the hospitalization time of affected people. Objectives The aim is to understand in which percentage adults (318, without healthcare formation) would react properly by calling emergency medical services (EMS) when presented with hypothetical stroke-related scenarios and how the knowledge of warning signs is related to different factors. Methods a population-based online survey was carried out in a random sample of Italian adults in June-July 2019. The STAT (Stroke Action Test) questionnaire included 21 close-ended questions focused on stroke symptoms. The prevalence and distribution of stroke knowledge was examined. Results 445 subjects were enrolled; the mean age was 36 years. The average score was 10,9/21, and only 21% had an optimal performance. Higher scores are associated with female gender and older age (p &lt; 0,01). When a situation described a single stroke sign, only the 15% recognized the importance to call EMS. The sign/symptom mainly recognized (57%) was “trouble speaking”. Conclusions this study provides data describing stroke knowledge among Italian adults; despite its limitations, the study shows that people hesitate to call EMS when stroke signs and symptoms are presented. The knowledge of stroke signs/symptoms remains lower than the heart attack ones. As expected, it would be 'useful to give proper information and training on stroke signs/symptoms' but also it is fundamental to emphasize that stroke is a medical emergency and needs a fast hospital admission. Key messages There is a lack of knowledge in stroke emergency shall raise community awareness about the need of education campaigns. It is important to improve stroke's signs and symptoms in order to have better prognosis.

scholarly journals Public’s Knowledge and Beliefs towards Universal Safety Precautions during COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal: A web-based Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3-s) ◽  
pp. 133-141
Author(s):  
Deependra Prasad Sarraf ◽  
Pramendra Prasad Gupta ◽  
Shashi Keshwar
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Public ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared as a global pandemic. In the absence of vaccines or specific drugs for COVID-19, a better understanding and implementation of universal safety precautions is essential for the prevention of COVID-19 virus infection globally. People’s adherence to the universal precautions safety measures against COVID-19 is essential which is largely affected by their knowledge and belief. Objectives: To assess the public’s knowledge and belief toward the universal safety precautions during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional web-based online survey was conducted in general public in Nepal during April, 2020. A self-designed questionnaire was prepared using Google forms via docs.google.com/forms for the collection of the data. The study participants were grouped into two categories according to their level of knowledge: excellent (score 80% and above) and average (score less than 80%). Descriptive statistics mean, frequency and percentage were used to analyze the data. Results: Out of 228, majority were male (90.4%) and aged 36-45 years (36%). Mean knowledge score was 4.68±1.41. Most of them (57.9%) had average knowledge. Average of the correct responses in the knowledge and belief domain were found to be 66.9% and 71.2% respectively. Majority of the public (55.3%) believed that home-made alcohol-based hand sanitizer is equally effective to factory-made standard sanitizer against COVID-19 virus. Conclusion: Knowledge toward universal safety precautions against COVID-19 were average among the majority of the public. There was gap between knowledge and belief domain. There is an unmet need for long term educational interventions among the public regarding the preventive methods against COVID-19. Keywords: Knowledge; Belief; COVID-19; Nepal; Public; Universal safety precautions.

scholarly journals Nursing Students' Perceptions, Knowledge, and Preventive Behaviors Toward COVID-19: A Multi-University Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamdan Mohammad Albaqawi ◽  
Nahed Alquwez ◽  
Ejercito Balay-odao ◽  
Junel Bryan Bajet ◽  
Hawa Alabdulaziz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Student Nurses ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Preventive Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Government

Background: Knowledge, perception, and preventive behavior should be considered in the planning of effective educational interventions for the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and in increasing awareness about the health risks brought about by this disease. This research aimed to assess knowledge, perceptions, and preventive behavior toward the COVID-19 infection among student nurses.Methods: The study has quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of 1,226 student nurses from seven universities in Saudi Arabia was surveyed from March 22 to April 4, 2020. A four-part online survey on demographic characteristics, perceptions, knowledge, and preventive behavior of Saudi student nurses was carried out.Results: Nearly all students were aware of the outbreak (99.2%), and most of them received information on COVID-19 primarily from social media (71.0%). Over three-fourths of the students were confident that the government (89.1%) and Ministry of Health (MOH) (86.5%) were doing a good job responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. The overall average score in the knowledge questionnaire was 9.85 (SD = 1.62, range = 0–12), which is equivalent to 82.1%. The majority of the students always performed most of the preventive behavior identified in the survey, except “washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 s after blowing my nose, coughing, or sneezing” (39.2%) and “daily cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces” (41.6%). Being female, being in the fourth year, and gaining good perceived knowledge were associated with high actual COVID-19 knowledge. University, gender, age, academic level, and perceived COVID-19 knowledge were the associated factors.Conclusions: The findings of this study have provided baseline information on the current state of Saudi nursing students' perceptions, knowledge, and preventive behavior toward COVID-19 as the crisis is happening. The findings revealed some areas that should be focused on by nursing education, as well as health agencies, to ensure that the students have adequate knowledge and correct preventive behavior.

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