Knowledge into the Practice against COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study from Ghana

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected populations globally, including Ghana. Knowledge of the COVID-19 disease, and the application of preventive public health interventions are pivotal to its control. Besides a lockdown, measures taken against the spread of the virus include the wearing of face masks, social distancing, regular hand washing with soap and, more recently, vaccination against the virus. In order to establish a possible link between the knowledge of the disease and compliance with preventive measures, including vaccination, a cross-sectional study employing an interview-structured questionnaire was conducted in six regions of Ghana (n = 1560). An adequate level of knowledge of COVID-19 (69.9%) was reported. The linear multiple regression analysis further explicated the differences in the knowledge of COVID-19 among the respondents by their knowledge of cholera and influenza (adjusted R-Square = 0.643). Despite this profound knowledge of the illness, two thirds of the respondents were unwilling to follow basic preventive measures and only 35.3% were willing to be vaccinated. Amazingly, neither knowledge of COVID-19 nor the socio-demographic characteristics had any meaningful influence on the practice of preventive measures. Personal attitude leading to efficient public compliance with preventive measures, therefore, is a critical issue demanding special attention and effective interventions by the government and locals with authority to curb the spread of the pandemic which surpasses the traditional channels of public health communication. This includes a roll-out of persuasion, possibly including public figures and influencers, and in any case, a balanced and open discussion addressing the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to avoid new variants and comparable problems currently facing many countries of Western Europe. Indeed, a profound hesitancy against vaccination may turn African countries such as Ghana for many years into hotspots of new viral variants.

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Knowledge of prevention of COVID-19 among the general people in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study in Rajshahi district

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0243410 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (12) ◽

pp. e0243410

Author(s):

Md. Masud Rana ◽

Md. Reazul Karim ◽

Md. Abdul Wadood ◽

Md. Mahbubul Kabir ◽

Md. Mahidul Alam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Income ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Nuclear Family ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Government

Background Until now, no vaccine or effective drug is available for the control, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19. Preventive measures are the only ways to be protected from the disease and knowledge of the people about the preventive measures is a vital matter. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of the general people in Rajshahi district, Bangladesh regarding the COVID-19 preventive measures. Methodology This cross sectional study was conducted from March 10 to April 25, 2020. Data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire from 436 adult respondents selected by using a mixed sampling technique. Frequency analysis, chi-square test, and logistic regression model were utilized in this study. SPSS (IBM, Version 22) was used for data analysis. 95% confidence interval and p-value = 0.05 were accepted for statistical significance. Results Only 21.6% of the respondents had good knowledge of the COVID-19 preventive measures. The highest 67.2% of them knew that washing hands with soap could prevent the disease, but contrarily, the highest 72.5% did not know that avoidance of touching mouth, nose, and eyes without washing hands was a preventive measure. Only 28.4% and 36.9% of the respondents knew that maintaining physical distancing and avoiding mass gatherings were measures of prevention of COVID-19 respectively. The younger age (≤25 years), low family income (≤15,000 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT), occupation others than business and service, and nuclear family had the lower odds of having no/less knowledge about the preventive measures. Conclusions The knowledge level of the general people regarding prevention of COVID-19 was alarmingly low in Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh, health policy makers and donor agencies should consider the findings and take immediate steps for improving knowledge of the public about prevention of the disease.

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Estimating the costs of the national basic public health services in Zhuhai, China, through activity-based costing: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024831 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. e024831 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zan Wang ◽

Qin Ao ◽

Yinbo Luo ◽

Qi Wang ◽

Zuxun Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Based Costing ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Services ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Per Capita ◽

The Government ◽

The Cost ◽

Capita Cost

ObjectiveOur research aims to estimate the per capita cost of 13 items in the basic public health service (BPHS) project in Zhuhai, China, and provide an economical basis for the improvement of the cost compensation mechanism used by the government.DesignThis research is a cross-sectional study.SettingA total of 19 primary healthcare facilities (PHFs) in Zhuhai, China, are involved in this research.ParticipantsA total of 152 participants (114 personnel engaged in BPHS, 19 financial personnel and 19 PHF heads) were included in this study, which was conducted from May 2017 to July 2017.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe used the activity-based costing model to calculate the cost of providing BPHS in Zhuhai. An analytical hierarchy process was used to determine the difficulty dimension and workload coefficient.ResultsThe weights of the difficulty dimensions in the provision of BPHS in Zhuhai were 35.04% (coordination of residents), 24.03% (staff workload), 21.36% (complexity of work-related skills) and 19.59% (basic qualities of staff). The average difficulty coefficient of each subproject was 5.28. The actual per capita cost of BPHS provision in 2016 was 97.48 RMB (12.76 EUR), which was higher than the actual standard compensation of 55 RMB (7.2 EUR) in Zhuhai. Immunisation was the most costly among the 13 service items (17.82 RMB or 2.33 EUR per person), whereas the management of tuberculosis was the least costly item (0.57 RMB or 0.07 EUR per person).ConclusionsGovernment funds for basic public health services cannot compensate for the actual costs. Accordingly, subsidies should be increased based on the actual per capita cost for sustainable BPHS development. The government should improve the methods used in cost estimation and measures used as the basis for awarding performance incentives.

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ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE GAPS, ATTITUDE AND FEAR OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO COVID 19 IN KERALA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

10.36106/ijar/6901342 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 37-40

Author(s):

Nayna Joseph ◽

Arathy J Nair ◽

Ramakrishnan UK ◽

Deepak KS ◽

Sonu KS ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preventive Measures ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The People ◽

First Case ◽

Married Individuals ◽

The Government ◽

Fear And Anxiety

BACKGROUND th First case of COVID 19 was reported in India on 30 January 2020, in Kerala. Due to lack of denitive treatment and vaccine, the government-imposed lockdown and educated the people about various preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus. People's adherence to these measures is indicative of their knowledge, attitude and fear towards the pandemic. METHODS This is a cross sectional study and data was collected from a self-reporting online questionnaire from 450 participants. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the data was done to assess differences in mean scores and factors associated with Knowledge, attitude and fear. RESULTS Most were knowledgeable about COVID 19. 80.41% was calculated as the overall correct response while 64.2% of the sample reported better knowledge. Females, older age group and married individuals reported the highest mean score of knowledge questionnaire Most Keralites, showed positive attitude towards preventive measures and healthcare workers. However, 53.1% reported high fear. Women were found to have greater fear and anxiety regarding the pandemic as compared to men.

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

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.26452/ijrps.v11ispl1.3564 ◽

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.

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Disposal Practices of Unused Medications Among Patients in Public Health Centers of Dessie Town, Northeast Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study

Current Drug Safety ◽

10.2174/1574886315666200331140400 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 105-110

Author(s):

Haile Kassahun ◽

Dugessa Tesfaye

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Centers ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Global Challenge ◽

Northeast Ethiopia ◽

Unused Medications ◽

At Home

Background: Disposal of pharmaceutical waste among patients is a global challenge especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Improper medication disposal can lead to health problems and environmental contaminations. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess disposal practices of unused medications among patients in public health centers of Dessie town, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 263 patients in four public health centers of Dessie town, Ethiopia from March to June, 2019. Face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires were used to collect data from each study subject. Results: The majority of the respondents, 224 (85.17%) had unused medications at their home during the study period. The most commonly reported disposal method in the present study was flushing down into a toilet 66 (25.09%). None of the respondents practiced returning unused medications to Pharmacy. Moreover, 85 (32.31%) of the respondents reported never disposing their medications and believed that it is acceptable to store medications at home for future use. Conclusion: In the present study, there was a high practice of keeping medications at home and most of the disposal practices were not recommended methods. In addition, most of the respondents did not get advice from pharmacists and other health care professionals on how to dispose off unused medications. Hence, there is a need for proper education and guidance of patients regarding disposal practices of unused medications.

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Obstetric Violence in Spain (Part III): Healthcare Professionals, Times and Areas

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073359 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 3359

Author(s):

Desirée Mena-Tudela ◽

Susana Iglesias-Casás ◽

Víctor Manuel González-Chordá ◽

María Jesús Valero-Chillerón ◽

Laura Andreu-Pejó ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Primary Care ◽

Informed Consent ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lack Of Information ◽

Obstetric Violence

Background: Obstetric violence is a worldwide public health problem, which seems greater in Spain. As no studies were found that identify the most representative healthcare professionals, times, and areas involved in obstetric violence, the objective of this work was to study at what time of maternity, with which professionals, and in what areas women identified obstetric violence. Methods: This descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was performed from January 2018 to June 2019. The main variables were the area (hospital, primary care, both), the time (pregnancy, birth, puerperium), and the professionals attending to women. Results: Our sample comprised 17,541 participants. The area identified with the most obstetric violence for the different studied variables was hospitals. Women identified more obstetric violence at time of birth. Findings such as lack of information and informed consent (74.2%), and criticism of infantile behavior and treatment (87.6%), stood out. The main identified healthcare professionals were midwives and gynecologists, and “other” professionals repeatedly appeared. Conclusions: Having identified the professionals, times, and areas of most obstetric violence in Spain, it seems necessary to reflect on not only the Spanish National Health System’s structure and management but also on healthcare professionals’ training.

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A cross-sectional study using freedom of information requests to evaluate variation in local authority commissioning of community pharmacy public health services in England

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015511 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (7) ◽

pp. e015511 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Adam John Mackridge ◽

Nicola Jane Gray ◽

Janet Krska

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Services ◽

Community Pharmacy ◽

Local Authority ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Freedom Of Information ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Services ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Information Requests

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Knowledge and attitude about tobacco use among school personnel in Bangalore South-a Cross Sectional Study.

RGUHS Journal of Dental Sciences ◽

10.26715/rjds.11_1_5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 14-20

Author(s):

Dr. Padma K Bhat ◽

Dr. Sushma S G ◽

Dr. Jayachandra M Y

Keyword(s):

Tobacco Use ◽

School Personnel ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Second Hand Smoke ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significance Level ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

The Government

Background: Tobacco use is so addictive among youth and is one of the global epidemics which require constant monitoring and timely appropriate action to prevent usage. School personnel play one of the main roles in taking appropriate action. Aim: To assess knowledge and attitude of tobacco use pattern among school personnel in Bangalore city. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out for a period of six months from May to October 2017. Stratified cluster sampling was done to include the government and English medium schools in Bangalore south. All the school personnel in the selected schools were eligible to participate. The data collection tool was GSPS questionnaire (WHO FCTC Tobacco Control). Chi-square test and Fisher’s Exact Test was used to demonstrate cross tabulation with confidence intervals. Significance level of 0.05 was considered for statistical analyses Results : Majority of both Kannada and English medium school personnel did not use any forms of tobacco. Both the English and Kannada medium school personnel were aware of the addictive effect of tobacco, but majority of the Kannada medium personnel said second hand smoke is not harmful as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Tobacco use among school personnel was low. Most of the school personnel were informed about the addictive nature of tobacco.

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