scholarly journals Misinformation, Fears and Adherence to Preventive Measures during the Early Phase of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12266
Author(s):  
Bartosz M. Nowak ◽  
Cezary Miedziarek ◽  
Szymon Pełczyński ◽  
Piotr Rzymski
Keyword(s):  
Early Phase ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Public Understanding ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Public Response

The response to the pandemic requires access to accurate information and public understanding and adherence to preventive measures. This online cross-sectional study of adult Poles (n = 1337) assessed the frequency of COVID-19 preventive behaviors, fears related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and beliefs in COVID-19-related conspiracy theories during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic when the nationwide lockdown was imposed (April 2020). As shown, 22% of surveyed admitted not to wash their hands frequently, while 12% did not use disinfectants. These two behaviors were also less frequent in individuals with medical education. The highest levels of pandemic-related fears were associated with health loss in relatives, pandemic-induced economic crisis, and government using a pandemic to control citizens by the state. A significant share of surveyed individuals believed that the pandemic was intentional action to weaken non-Chinese economies (32%) or was deliberately induced for profits from selling vaccines (27%). Men, individuals with no children, and subjects with lower education were significantly less likely to adhere to sanitary measures (handwashing, disinfection, avoiding face touching, changes in greeting etiquette, face-covering when coughing or sneezing), and were less concerned over self and relatives’ health. At the same time, men were less prone than women to the conspiracy theories related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate that adherence to sanitary measures during the pandemic can be a challenge also in developed countries, while misinformation campaigns (also concerning vaccines) have already affected the general public during the early phase of the epidemiological outbreak. The study provides observations that may be useful in the management of the public response to future epidemics.

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

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

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

scholarly journals Dissociation, Cognitive Reflection and Health Literacy Have a Modest Effect on Belief in Conspiracy Theories about COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5065
Author(s):  
Vojtech Pisl ◽  
Jan Volavka ◽  
Edita Chvojkova ◽  
Katerina Cechova ◽  
Gabriela Kavalirova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Cognitive Reflection ◽  
Variance Explained ◽  
Modest Effect

Understanding the predictors of belief in COVID-related conspiracy theories and willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 may aid the resolution of current and future pandemics. We investigate how psychological and cognitive characteristics influence general conspiracy mentality and COVID-related conspiracy theories. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on data from an online survey of a sample of Czech university students (n = 866) collected in January 2021, using multivariate linear regression and mediation analysis. Sixteen percent of respondents believed that COVID-19 is a hoax, and 17% believed that COVID-19 was intentionally created by humans. Seven percent of the variance of the hoax theory and 10% of the variance of the creation theory was explained by (in descending order of relevance) low cognitive reflection, low digital health literacy, high experience with dissociation and, to some extent, high bullshit receptivity. Belief in COVID-related conspiracy theories depended less on psychological and cognitive variables compared to conspiracy mentality (16% of the variance explained). The effect of digital health literacy on belief in COVID-related theories was moderated by cognitive reflection. Belief in conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 was influenced by experience with dissociation, cognitive reflection, digital health literacy and bullshit receptivity.

scholarly journals Use of complementary and alternative therapies by patients with eye diseases: a hospital-based cross-sectional study from Palestine

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dania Jaber ◽  
Rafat Abu Ghannam ◽  
Waleed Rashed ◽  
Mohammad Shehadeh ◽  
Sa’ed H. Zyoud
Keyword(s):  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Alternative Therapies ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Therapies ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Abstract Background Generally, complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are accepted methods of treatment by patients with various types of conditions. Their use is becoming especially prevalent among patients with eye problems even in developed countries. Thus, we aimed to determine the pattern of use of CAT in this patient population, to identify the patient characteristics associated with the use of CAT, and to assess the types of CAT used. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Palestine at An-Najah National University Hospital between the time periods of October 2019 to May 2020, using questionnaire-based face to face interviews. Data were collected through convenience sampling. Patients responded to the questionnaire, which was focused on information adapted from previous research in this area, covering socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, types of CAT, source of information, and side effects on CAT use. Results A total of 86 patients were interviewed for our study. Over two thirds, 67% reported using CAT for the specific purpose of improving their eye condition, and about one third (29.1%) received more than one therapy. The most common therapies reported were duea’ (i.e. supplication) (47.1%) and herbal therapies (24.1%). It was shown that patients with bilateral involvement of their eyes were almost twice more likely to describe using CAT than patients with unilateral eye pathology (p = 0.006). Also, patients who underwent surgery as their route of treatment were significantly less likely to use CAT (p = 0.043). Most of our study participants mentioned a non-physician source as their source of information regarding CAT with family members being the most frequently mentioned (30.2%) followed by the internet (25.6%) and friends (19.8%). Conclusions The prevalence of CAT use among patients with eye disease is somewhat high in our study population. Because CAT may trigger adverse reactions, influence the progression of the disease, and interfere with conventional treatment, the ophthalmologist should frequently be asked patients with such diagnostics regarding the use of these therapies. Further work is required to analyze the mechanisms of action and to establish realistic guidelines for the use of these modalities.

scholarly journals Microalbuminuria in Ischaemic Stroke and its Relationship with Neurological Defects

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (Number 2) ◽  
pp. 15-18
Author(s):  
S S Chowdhury ◽  
T Mehdi ◽  
F Alam ◽  
R Ishrat ◽  
S Parveen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Stroke is Me third common cause of death in developed countries. Ischaernic stroke accounts for about 83 percent of all cases. For ischaemic stroke, besides modifiable and nononodifiable risk factors. there are some potential nosy risk factors which include mieroalbuminuria. Site objective of this study was to observe the association of microalbuminuria with isehaemic stroke and as well as consequent neurological deficits. This cross sectional study was done among 100 diagnosed patients of ischaeoric stroke of both sexes. A structured questionnaire and checklist was used to collect data through face to face interview. Urinary microalbuminuria was mesured in all study subjects and assessment of necrological defects was done by modified Ranakin scale. The study revealed that the frequency of presence of microallmminteria was significantly high in ischaernic stroke. Higher the level of mieroalburninuria higher was the necrological deficit. So, microalbunrinuria may be a marker for the process to develop the ischamnic stroke.

scholarly journals Stratification of BMI categories among older adults within and across countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-263
Author(s):  
Carmen D Ng
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nutrition Transition ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Programme Implementation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Global Ageing

AbstractObjective:Within- and across-country nutritional disparities were examined among older adults in six different countries at varying levels of development.Design:Cross-sectional study.Participants:Older adults (aged 50 years or over) in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa using the Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE).Results:While the distribution of BMI categories varied by country, development-related characteristics were generally related to BMI category in a similar way: urban-living, educated and wealthier individuals were typically more likely to be in a higher BMI category. However, there were some exceptions that corroborate findings in more developed countries. Indeed, a pooled partial proportional odds model which included gross domestic product per capita interactions made the case for intertwining processes of development and the nutrition transition.Conclusions:Population segments to be targeted by nutrition policy and programme implementation might need to change over the course of development.

Awareness, Attitude, and Adherence to Preventive Measures in Patients at High Risk of Melanoma. A Cross-Sectional Study on 185 Patients

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 552-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Bertolin ◽  
Maria C. Cercatto ◽  
Celia Requena ◽  
Carlos Serra-Guillen ◽  
Beatriz Llombart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals Neurophobia: How Do Sudanese Medical Students Perceive Neurology- A Cross-sectional Study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiba A. A. Ali ◽  
Mohamed Alebeed ◽  
Yousuf Hasan Yousuf Bakhit
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Large Contribution ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Third ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: The fear of neuroscience by medical students is a global issue known as neurophobia which has been detected in medical schools from both developing and developed countries. It may contribute to the decreased number of neurologists that is already found to be low globally and augment the growing burden of neurological disorders. This study aimed to evaluate this issue among Sudanese medical students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students from 8 medical schools using an online form questionnaire and responses were collected. Results: A total of 338 responses with 90.4% response rate were collected. Neurology was reported as the most difficult subject to learn (mean ± SD = 3.88 ± 0.90)(P< .01),the second least subject in drawing up differential diagnosis(3.32 ± 1.07) )(P =.000), the third least regarding confidence in clinical examination (3.23 ± 1.24)(P =.000),the third poorest quality of teaching (3.12 ± 1.26)(P =.000), and the third favorite subject as a career option (3.41 ± 1.4)(P > .004).Neuroanatomy was the biggest contributor to the difficulty of neurology (have a very large or large contribution by 51.5% of students) and More/Improved peer discussions were the most factor that could improve neurology teaching (mean ± SD = 3.47 ± 1.39). students perceive a career in neurology to be associated with good travel and research opportunities and poor job satisfaction and work/life balance. ability to make a significant difference in a patient’s life was the most factor encouraging students to chase a career in neurology (21.6%of students) and job satisfaction was the most discouraging factor (20.7%). On performing logistic regression, caring for a friend or relative suffering from neurological disease and increased confidence in knowing exactly what neurologists do were found to have a significant effect on increasing the possibility of pursuing a career in neurology (P =.01 and P< .005 respectively).Conclusion: Students’ perception of neurology is almost the same worldwide and didn’t change over decades in contrast to the growing burden of neurological diseases and population aging. So, a lot of work should be done globally to investigate and manage this issue.

scholarly journals Having children is associated with a higher prevalence of COVID-19 among young adults in Kuwait

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saba Altamimi ◽  
Zain Almokhaizeem ◽  
Heba Alfouzan ◽  
Bedour AlHajri ◽  
Deema Alenezi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Confidence Intervals ◽  
Poisson Regression ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Ratios

Objectives: The role of children in the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear. We investigated whether having children is associated with self-reported COVID-19 among adults. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled adults (n=2368; aged ≥21 years). Prior COVID-19 diagnosis and having children were self-reported. Associations were assessed using Poisson regression and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Results: Overall, 4.8% (114/2355) of the participants reported having had COVID-19. In the total sample, having children showed a trend for association with having had COVID-19 (aPR: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.99-2.14). Among participants aged 21-29 years, having children was associated with an increased prevalence of COVID-19 (aPR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.21-5.20). Such an association was not detected in adults aged ≥30 years. Conclusions: Our epidemiological findings highlight the possible role of children in spreading COVID-19. Hence, preventive measures should consider the role of children.

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