Trust in the Healthcare System and Physicians in Croatia: A Survey of the General Population

Trust in healthcare systems and physicians is considered important for the delivery of good healthcare. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random three-stage sample of the general population of Croatia (N = 1230), stratified by regions. Of respondents, 58.7% displayed a high or very high level of trust in the healthcare system, 65.6% in physicians, and 78.3% in their family physician. Respondents’ views regarding patients’ roles in the discussion of treatment options, confidence in physicians’ expertise, and underlying motives of physicians were mixed. Respondents with a lower level of education, those with low monthly incomes, and those from smaller settlements had lower levels of trust in physicians and the healthcare system. Trust in other institutions, religiosity and religious beliefs, tolerance of personal choice, and experience of caring for the seriously ill and dying were predictors of trust in healthcare and physicians. Our findings suggest that levels of healthcare-related trust in Croatia are increasing in comparison with previous research, but need improvement. Levels of trust are lowest in populations that are most vulnerable and most in need of care and protection.

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AWARENESS ABOUT INDOOR AIR POLLUTION IN GENERAL POPULATION OF RAWALPINDI AND ISLAMABAD

Pakistan Journal of Public Health ◽

10.32413/pjph.v8i2.118 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 80-83

Author(s):

Nadia Tariq ◽

Tamkeen Jaffry ◽

Rahma Fiaz ◽

Abdul Majid Rajput ◽

Sadaf Khalid

Keyword(s):

Air Pollution ◽

General Population ◽

Indoor Air ◽

Indoor Air Pollution ◽

Economic Status ◽

Educational Status ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Indoor air pollutants are increasingly being associated with respiratory illnesses leading to high degree of morbidity and mortality. There are not sufficient epidemiological studies from Pakistan which assess level of awareness of indoor air pollution resulting in respiratory diseases in population. Methods: This cross sectional survey was carried out on general population of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. Sample size was 223 study subjects selected by non-probability convenient sampling. Knowledge of the study subjects was determined with regard to indoor air pollution, its effects on health and different sources of indoor air pollution with the help of a questionnaire. The influence of age, gender, educational status and socio economic status on the level of awareness was also analyzed. Results: Out of total 223 participants, 115 were males and108 females. Participants aware of indoor air pollution were 91.5% and adequate awareness about its sources was 80.7%. Those who knew indoor air pollution is detrimental to health were 95.1%. Awareness about building construction dust as source of indoor air pollution was maximum (84.8%). There was significant difference in awareness among participants with different monthly incomes and educational status and also between males and females. Conclusion: This study concludes that general population of Rawalpindi/Islamabad has fairly good awareness about sources of indoor air pollution. Use of harmful material causing indoor air pollution should be limited or substituted with better ones where possible.

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Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24776 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽

Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽

Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽

Thanh Vo Van ◽

Toi Phung Lam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

General Population ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Survey Study ◽

Limited Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

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Perspectives of future pharmacists on the potential for development and implementation of pharmacist prescribing in Qatar

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy ◽

10.1007/s11096-019-00946-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 42 (1) ◽

pp. 110-123

Author(s):

Mohammad Issam Diab ◽

Angham Ibrahim ◽

Oraib Abdallah ◽

Alla El-Awaisi ◽

Monica Zolezzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pharmacist Prescribing ◽

Barriers To Implementation ◽

Special Training Program

AbstractBackground Pharmacists in many developed countries have been granted prescribing authorities under what is known as “non-medical prescribing” or “pharmacist prescribing”. However, such prescribing privileges are not available in many developing countries. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the perspectives of future pharmacists (recent pharmacy graduates and pharmacy students) on pharmacist prescribing and its potential implementation in Qatar. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used: (1) a cross-sectional survey using a pre-tested questionnaire and; (2) focus group discussions to allow for an in-depth understanding of the issue, with a focus on pharmacists prescribing competencies as well as barriers for its implementation. Main outcome measures Future pharmacists’ perspectives and attitudes towards pharmacist prescribing in Qatar. Results The majority of the respondents (94.4%) indicated awareness of the prescribing competency related to selecting treatment options. Furthermore, the majority (92.4%) believed that pharmacists should undergo prescribing training and accreditation before been legally allowed to prescribe, a point that was reiterated in the focus group discussions. Participants generally expressed support for collaborative and supplementary prescribing models when developing prescribing frameworks for Qatar. Four categories emerged under the theme barriers to implementation of pharmacist prescribing: lack of prescribing competency, pharmacist mindset, lack of accessibility to patient records and counseling rooms, and diversity of education and training background. Conclusion The majority of recent pharmacy graduates and students were in favor of pharmacist prescribing been implemented in Qatar. However, a special training program was deemed necessary to qualify pharmacists to prescribe safely and effectively.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Intention among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9080835 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 835

Author(s):

Mohammed Noushad ◽

Mohammad Zakaria Nassani ◽

Anas B. Alsalhani ◽

Pradeep Koppolu ◽

Fayez Hussain Niazi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Healthcare System ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Positive Sign ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Public Health Strategies

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused largescale morbidity and mortality and a tremendous burden on the healthcare system. Healthcare workers (HCWs) require adequate protection to avoid onward transmission and minimize burden on the healthcare system. Moreover, HCWs can also influence the general public into accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, determining COVID-19 vaccine intention among HCWs is of paramount importance to plan tailor-made public health strategies to maximize vaccine coverage. A structured questionnaire was administered in February and March 2021 among HCWs in Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling, proceeding the launch of the vaccination campaign. HCWs from all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia were included in the study. In total, 674 out of 1124 HCWs responded and completed the survey (response rate 59.9%). About 65 percent of the HCWs intended to get vaccinated. The intention to vaccinate was significantly higher among HCWs 50 years of age or older, Saudi nationals and those who followed the updates about COVID-19 vaccines (p < 0.05). The high percentage (26 percent) of those who were undecided in getting vaccinated is a positive sign. As the vaccination campaign gathers pace, the attitude is expected to change over time. Emphasis should be on planning healthcare strategies to convince the undecided HCWs into accepting the vaccine in order to achieve the coverage required to achieve herd immunity.

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Poor social support and loneliness in chronic headache: Prevalence and effect modifiers

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/03331024211020392 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 033310242110203

Author(s):

Maria Lurenda Westergaard ◽

Cathrine Juel Lau ◽

Karen Allesøe ◽

Anne Helms Andreasen ◽

Rigmor Højland Jensen

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Chronic Headache ◽

Medication Overuse ◽

Odds Ratios ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Poor Social Support ◽

Very High

Objective To explore the prevalence of poor social support and loneliness among people with chronic headache, and how these might be effect modifiers in the relationships between chronic headache and stress, medication overuse, and self-rated health. Background Poor social support and loneliness are consistently linked to worse health outcomes. There are few epidemiologic studies on their effect on headache. Methods The Danish Capital Region Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey, was conducted in 2017. Participants were asked about headache, pain medication use, social support, loneliness, perceived stress, and self-rated health. Data were accessed from sociodemographic registers. Logistic regression analyses were performed to test for effect modification. Results The response rate was 52.6% (55,185 respondents) and was representative of the target population. People with chronic headache were more likely to report poor social support and loneliness compared to those without chronic headache ( p < 0.0001 for both). Odds ratios for the combination of chronic headache and poor social support were very high for stress (odds ratio 8.1), medication overuse (odds ratio 21.9), and poor self-rated health (odds ratio 10.2) compared to those without chronic headache and with good social support. Those who reported both chronic headache and loneliness had a very high odds ratio for stress (odds ratio 14.4), medication overuse (odds ratio 20.1), and poor self-rated health (odds ratio 15.9) compared to those without chronic headache and low loneliness score. When adjusted for sociodemographic factors, poor social support and loneliness were not significant effect modifiers in almost all these associations. Loneliness was a significant effect modifier in the association between chronic headache and medication overuse, but exerted greater effect among those who did not report they were lonely. Conclusion Poor social support and loneliness were prevalent among people with chronic headache. The combination of chronic headache and poor social support or loneliness showed higher odds ratios for stress, medication overuse, and poor self-rated health compared to those with good social support and low loneliness scores. The effect of loneliness in the relationship between chronic headache and medication overuse warrants further study.

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Vaccination knowledge, attitudes and practices in patients with HIV: a cross-sectional survey

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.824 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

S Rousset ◽

G Voglino ◽

E Boietti ◽

A Corradi ◽

M R Gualano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Infectious Diseases ◽

Health System ◽

Vaccination Coverage ◽

Public Health System ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Hiv Patients ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Contagion Risk ◽

High Level

Abstract Background Infectious diseases are more common and severe in patients with HIV, which show different response to vaccines and a diminished protection. It is therefore very important to assess knowledge and attitudes towards vaccination in people with HIV, since precise vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy are not well established in this subgroup of patients. Methods A sample of 119 patients with HIV completed a cross-sectional survey. Patients were recruited during their routine medical examination at the infectious diseases clinic in Turin. The survey explored these main areas: demographics and history of HIV infection, vaccination history, attitudes towards vaccination, confidence in the public health system, contagion risk and disease seriousness perception. In this preliminary phase descriptive analysis were conducted. Results Preliminary data show that mean age of the participants was 49.51 years, 80% were males. The median of HIV infection duration was 10 years, while the median of the lymphocyte count was 762.50 cells/mm3. The disease with the highest vaccination coverage was tetanus (88.7%), considered a serious or very serious disease by 85.6% of the participants, despite low or very low contagion risk perception (84.1%). The disease with the lowest vaccination coverage was Herpes Zoster (7.3%), despite high or very high seriousness perception (70%). Furthermore, 99.1% of the participants showed high or very high confidence toward public health system professionals, and the majority of them (59.5%) stated that vaccines are more useful for the community than for the single person. Conclusions Vaccination coverage is still not fully satisfactory regarding diseases considered infrequent or mild. Considering the high level of confidence toward the public health system that has emerged, it is necessary to implement informative and operative strategies about vaccination for European HIV patients, which are particularly at risk regarding infectious diseases. Key messages Vaccination coverage and risk perception in HIV patients is not satisfactory for many diseases and an effort to implement informative strategies in Europe is needed. The role of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases in HIV patients should be recognized and strengthened by relying on the high level of confidence toward European public health systems.

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Parental evaluation of a revised autism spectrum disorder diagnostic process for children under 36 months of age

Paediatrics & Child Health ◽

10.1093/pch/pxaa130 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jean-François Lemay ◽

Shauna Langenberger ◽

Scott McLeod

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Early Intervention ◽

Parent Education ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Diagnostic Process ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Level

Abstract Background The Alberta Children’s Hospital-Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic (ACH-ASDC) was restructured due to long wait times and unsustainable clinic workflow. Major changes included the initiation of pre- and post-ASD parent education sessions and distinct ASD screening appointments before the ASD diagnostic appointment. Methods We conducted a parental program evaluation in summer 2018 of the ACH-ASDC. We used a cross-sectional survey to evaluate key outcomes including parental satisfaction, and the percentage of families obtaining access to government supports and early intervention programs. Results For the 101 eligible patients diagnosed with ASD under 36 months of age 70 (69.3%) parents agreed to participate. The mean diagnostic age of the children diagnosed with ASD was 30.6 months (SD=4.1 months). There were no statistically significant age differences between biological sexes. Ninety-three per cent of parents felt that ASD educational sessions were useful, and 92% of parents were satisfied to very satisfied with the overall ASD diagnostic process. Ninety per cent of parents had access to at least one of the key resources available for ASD early intervention in our province following diagnosis. Parents reported a positive impact on intervention provided to their child in the areas of communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Conclusion Parents of children diagnosed with ASD expressed a high level of satisfaction with the restructured ACH-ASDC process. Implementing parent education sessions was well received and met parents’ needs. Parents were able to access intervention services following diagnosis and reported positive impacts for their child. Re-envisioning program approaches to incorporate novel strategies to support families should be encouraged.

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Assessing Factors Associated with TB Awareness in Nepal: A National and Subnational Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105124 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5124

Author(s):

Yoko Iwaki ◽

Santosh Kumar Rauniyar ◽

Shuhei Nomura ◽

Michael C. Huang

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Factors ◽

Influential Factors ◽

Regional Level ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Middle Income ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Information And Communication ◽

High Level

Tuberculosis (TB) has still remained a serious global health threat in low- and middle-income countries in recent years. As of 2021, Nepal is one of the high TB burden countries, with an increasing prevalence of cases. This study evaluates factors associated with TB awareness in Nepal. This study uses data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey carried out from June 2016 to January 2017. Multilevel logistic regression is performed to examine the association of demographic and socioeconomic factors with TB awareness. Our findings show a high level of TB awareness in all seven provinces of Nepal. Province 5 has the highest level of awareness (98.1%) among all provinces, followed by provinces 3 and 4, while province 6 has the lowest awareness level (93.2%) compared to others. Socioeconomic factors such as wealth, education and owning a mobile phone are significantly associated with TB awareness. Socioeconomic determinants are influential factors associated with TB awareness in Nepal. The wide variation in the proportion of awareness at a regional level emphasizes the importance of formulating tailored strategies to increase TB awareness. For instance, the use of mobile phones could be an effective strategy to promote TB awareness at a regional level. This study provides valuable evidence to support further research on the contribution of information and communication technology (ICT) usage to improving TB awareness in Nepal.

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Exposure of Petrol Station Attendants and Auto Mechanics to Premium Motor Sprit Fumes in Calabar, Nigeria

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2009/281876 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 2009 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

N. E. Udonwa ◽

E. K. Uko ◽

B. M. Ikpeme ◽

I. A. Ibanga ◽

B. O. Okon

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Potential Risk ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Petrol Station ◽

Risk Of Exposure ◽

Structured Questionnaire

A population-based-cross-sectional survey was carried out to investigate the potential risk of exposure to premium motor spirit (PMS) fumes in Calabar, Nigeria, among Automobile Mechanics (AM), Petrol Station Attendants (PSA) and the general population. Structured questionnaire was administered on the randomly chosen subjects to elicit information on their exposure to PMS. Duration of exposure was taken as the length of work in their various occupations. Venous blood was taken for methaemoglobin (MetHb) and packed cells volume (PCV). Mean MetHb value was higher in AM (7.3%) and PSA (5.8%) than in the subjects from the general population (2.7%). PCV was lower in PSA (30.8%), than AM (33.3%) and the subjects from the general population (40.8%). MetHb level was directly proportional, and PCV inversely related, to the duration of exposure. The study suggested increased exposure to petrol fumes among AM, PSA, and MetHb as a useful biomarker in determining the level of exposure to benzene in petrol vapour.

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Pengamalan Hidup Beragama dalam Kalangan Mahasiswa Institut Pengajian Tinggi Islam di Malaysia

al-Irsyad: Journal of Islamic and Contemporary Issues ◽

10.53840/alirsyad.v4i2.57 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 78-93

Author(s):

Nazneen Ismail ◽

Norul Huda Bakar ◽

Mariam Abd. Majid ◽

Hasnan Kasan

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Religious Life ◽

Religious Practice ◽

Specific Model ◽

Personality Inventory ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Religious Devotion ◽

Muslim Religiosity ◽

High Level

Religious life, which also refers to piety, is the highest level as a Muslim. It is achieved through the practice of religious devotion and appreciation based on true understanding. As students of Islamic Institutes of Higher Education (IPTI), they have a reputation as a group that understands and practices Islam in everyday life. This includes faith, worship, and morals. Various studies have been conducted to evaluate the religious life of university students. However, studies on students of Islamic Institutes of Higher Education (IPTI) have received inadequate attention. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the level of religious practice among students of Islamic Institutes of Higher Education (IPTI) in Malaysia. This quantitative study used a cross-sectional survey approach by distributing the Muslim Religiosity Personality Inventory questionnaire or the MRPI (2011) to students from four selected Islamic Institutes of Higher Education (IPTI). The selection was conducted using zone-based methods, namely, UIAM (West), USIM (South), UniSHAMS (North), and KUIPSAS (East). A total of 400 sets of questionnaires was distributed randomly to students from the selected universities. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequency and mean. The findings show that students possess a high level knowledge of Islamic values and a high religiosity personality. Thus, this study is a basis to the requirement for establishing a specific model in the development of religious life so that empowerment can be done from time to time with the supervision of the university. ABSTRAK Hidup beragama juga disebut sebagai takwa merupakan tingkatan tertinggi sebagai Muslim. Ia dicapai melalui pengamalan dan penghayatan agama yang tinggi berasaskan kepada kefahaman yang benar. Sebagai mahasiswa Institut Pengajian Tinggi Islam (IPTI) mereka mempunyai imej sebagai golongan yang memahami dan mengamalkan Islam dalam kehidupan seharian. Ini meliputi akidah, ibadah dan akhlak. Pelbagai kajian telah dijalankan untuk menilai tahap hidup beragama mahasiswa universiti. Namun, kajian terhadap mahasiswa IPTI didapati kurang diberikan tumpuan. Justeru, kajian ini bertujuan mengenalpasti tahap pengamalan hidup beragama dalam kalangan mahasiswa Institut Pengajian Tinggi Islam (IPTI) di Malaysia. Kajian ini bersifat kuantitatif menggunakan pendekatan tinjauan keratan rentas dengan mengedarkan borang soal selidik Muslim Religiositi Personality Inventory atau singkatannya MRPI (2011) kepada mahasiswa daripada empat buah IPTI terpilih. Pemilihan IPTI dilakukan melalui kaedah penentuan zon iaitu UIAM (Barat), USIM (Selatan), UniSHAMS (Utara) dan KUIPSAS (Timur). Sebanyak 400 set soal selidik diedarkan kepada mahasiswa universiti secara rawak bebas. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif melibatkan frekuensi dan min. Dapatan menunjukkan mahasiswa mempunyai tahap pengetahuan sarwajagat Islam dan personaliti religiositi yang tinggi. Justeru, kajian ini menjadi asas kepada keperluan pembinaan model khusus bagi pembangunan hidup beragama supaya pemerkasaan dapat dilakukan dari masa ke masa dengan pemantauan daripada pihak universiti.

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