scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceived Barriers toward Genetic Testing and Pharmacogenomics among Healthcare Workers in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 216
Author(s):  
Azhar T. Rahma ◽  
Mahanna Elsheik ◽  
Bassam R. Ali ◽  
Iffat Elbarazi ◽  
George P. Patrinos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Testing ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Scientific Models ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Or Education ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean

In order to successfully translate the scientific models of genetic testing and pharmacogenomics into clinical practice, empowering healthcare workers with the right knowledge and functional understanding on the subject is essential. Limited research in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have assessed healthcare worker stances towards genomics. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes on genetic testing. A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers practicing in either public or private hospitals or clinics as pharmacists, nurses, physicians, managers, and allied health. Participants were recruited randomly and via snowball techniques. Surveys were collected between April and September 2019; out of 552 respondents, 63.4% were female, the mean age was 38 (±9.6) years old. The mean knowledge score was 5.2 (±2.3) out of nine, which shows a fair level of knowledge. The scores of respondents of pharmacy were 5.1 (±2.5), medicine 6.0 (±2.0), and nursing 4.8 (±2.1). All participants exhibited a fair knowledge level about genetic testing and pharmacogenomics. Of the respondents, 91.9% showed a positive attitude regarding availability of genetic testing. The top identified barrier to implementation was the cost of testing (62%), followed by lack of training or education and insurance coverage (57.8% and 57.2%, respectively). Building upon the positive attitudes and tackling the barriers and challenges will pave the road for full implementation of genetic testing and pharmacogenomics in the UAE. We recommend empowering healthcare workers by improving needed and tailored competencies related to their area of practice. We strongly urge the stakeholders to streamline and benchmark the workflow, algorithm, and guidelines to standardize the health and electronic system. Lastly, we advocate utilizing technology and electronic decision support as well as the translational report to back up healthcare workers in the UAE.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Related to COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-sectional Study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina M. Al Marzouqi ◽  
Michael E. Otim ◽  
Heba H. Hijazi ◽  
Leena S. Kehail ◽  
Ramsha A. Kamal
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Objectives: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a global health pandemic that continues to have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. This study investigates the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This study uses a cross-sectional study design. The original data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed via a Google Forms link. Participants were healthcare workers currently working in the UAE healthcare facilities and recruited using snowball sampling. The questionnaire collected information on demographic variables and COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice.Results: In total, the sample of 107 healthcare workers completed the survey. About 92% of the participants worked in public institutions, 87% were from Dubai, and 673% were female. The majority were aged 31–40 years (34.6%), and 43% were radiographers. 66.4% held bachelor’s degrees and Indian nationalities were (28%) and the Philippinos were (28%). Most (90.7%) participants knew the absence of fever did not mean that the virus could not transmit from an infected person, and 84.1% agreed that wearing general medical masks prevented one from contracting COVID-19. However, only 36.4% strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19, and 54.2% reported that they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost half of the participants avoided patients who had symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusion: Overall, healthcare workers’ COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices for healthcare workers in UAE healthcare facilities was very high. However, we found gaps in awareness regarding the spread of the pandemic. Our study recommends that providing healthcare workers with education programs and counseling services would help increase their confidence in treating patients with COVID-19.

scholarly journals Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance among undergraduate medical students in a medical college of Gujarat: institution based cross-sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 754
Author(s):  
Krutarth R. Brahmbhatt ◽  
Amul B. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
The Mean

Background: Antimicrobial-resistant organisms are spreading worldwide, and the pipeline for new antimicrobials remains meager. The next generation of doctors must be better prepared to use antimicrobials more sparingly and appropriately.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students of GMERS Medical College Junagadh from January to May 2017. Self-administered structured close ended questionnaire in English was used. Pearson’s correlation co-efficient, t test and ANOVA were used as tests of significance.Results: Total 130 students participated in the study. Participation of females (48.5%) and males (51.5%) was almost equal. Almost 60% participants had adequate knowledge about antimicrobial resistance. The mean antimicrobial resistance knowledge score of participants was 22.7 (SD: ±5.27, min: 8, max: 37).Conclusions:Important finding of the study was that just one forth of the participants agreed that information they have received so far in medical course regarding antimicrobial resistance is adequate. The budding doctors should receive correct, adequate information regarding antimicrobial resistance.  

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19 Pandemic among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina M. Al Marzouqi ◽  
Michael E. Otim ◽  
Leena S. Kehail ◽  
Ramsha A. Kamal
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
New Variant ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19 Pandemic) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is a global health issue that continues to have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. A new variant, Omicron variant, has just been detected in Southern Africa. Most countries are jittery and unsure what the impact of this new variant will be. This study, undertaken in 2021, investigated the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to the COVID-19 Pandemic among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods: We used an online questionnaire to collect data using the Google Forms link in this cross-sectional study. The participants included healthcare workers currently working in UAE healthcare facilities using snowball sampling. The questionnaire contained information on demographic variables and COVID-19 Pandemic-related KAP.Results: Among the participants, the majority (90.7%) knew that the absence of fever did not mean there was no chance of transmission from an infected person. Further, 84.1% agreed that wearing general medical face masks helps prevent one from contracting COVID-19 Pandemic. However, only 36.4% strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19 Pandemic, while 54.2% indicated they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost half the participants noted that they avoided patients who had symptoms of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Conclusion: Overall, the COVID-19 Pandemic-related KAP for healthcare workers in UAE healthcare facilities was very high. However, we found gaps in awareness regarding the spread of the virus. We recommend providing healthcare workers with education programs and counseling services to help increase their confidence in treating patients with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

scholarly journals Awareness, perceptions and practices regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene among students of a college in Bengaluru Urban district, South India: a cross sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 1126
Author(s):  
S. Deepa ◽  
Twinkle Agrawal ◽  
Teny Attokaran ◽  
Farah Naaz Fathima ◽  
Avita Rose Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Urban District ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
College Going ◽  
The Mean

Background: Millions of women face significant barriers in menstrual hygiene management due to inadequate awareness, misconceptions and erroneous practices. The objectives of the study were to assess the awareness, perceptions and practices regarding menstruation and their associated factors among youth of a peri-urban college in Bangalore Urban district.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among both male and female students studying in a degree college. A pre-designed, face-validated structured questionnaire was administered to all students present on the day of the study.Results: Of the 758 students, 372 (49.1%) were male and 386 (50.9%) were female. The mean age was 19.35±1.40 years. A consolidated score above 50% i.e. 07/14 was considered adequate for knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 7.51±2.52. Overall 389 (51.3%) students had adequate knowledge. Awareness levels were significantly better among females (72.3%) than males (29.6%). Among the female students, 384 (99.5%) were aware of sanitary napkins, 165 (42.7%) of menstrual cup, 12 (3.1%) of tampon and 254 (65.8%) of reusable cloth, however majority (96.9%) preferred use of sanitary napkins. Among the female students, 42.6% were expected to follow some social and cultural restrictions during menstruation. Main source of information regarding menstruation and various menstrual products was internet. Misconceptions documented regarding menstruation included the belief that menstrual blood is poisonous (75.2%). Positive attitude towards menstruation was low both among male students (21.5%) and female students (48.4%).Conclusions: Awareness levels were poor among males than females. Practices regarding menstrual hygiene were adequate. However, misconceptions were widely prevalent among both genders indicating the need for health education among college-going childhood.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Knowledge and Perceptions about Pharmacovigilance Activities among Pharmacy Students in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Osemene Kanayo Patrick ◽  
Afolabi Margaret Olubunmi
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Knowledge Domain ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Studies on pharmacovigilance (PV) activities in Nigeria focused on perceptions of PV among professional healthcare workers are described here. There is paucity of information on pharmacy students’ knowledge about PV activities. Hence, this study, evaluated the knowledge and perceptions of final year pharmacy students about PV activities using descriptive and inferential statistics. A cross sectional study was undertaken in three Nigerian universities with a pretested questionnaire during the period of January and February, 2016. The questionnaire included closed-ended questions on demographic variables and questions designed to achieve the objectives of the study. Data was analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics 20 and presented in percentages, means, standard deviations and median at 50% percentile. The mean knowledge score of pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reporting for the final year students was 4.25±0.18. There were significant differences in the mean scores of knowledge domain by age groups 21-24 years 4.8±0.70, 25-30 years 6.2 ± 0.84 and >30 years 4.6±0.72 at p=0.001; gender: male 4.1±1.20 and female 4.4±0.98 at (p=0.0001) as well as the current universities attended as follows University 1 with a scrore of 5.1±1.03, University 2 had a mean score of 6.3±0.99 at p=0.0120 and University 3 with a mean score of 4.3±1.01 at p=0.012. Furthermore, significant difference exist in the mean values of pharmacovigilance knowledge between those who had taking some courses in pharmacovigilance (7.3± 0.22) and those who did not (4.7 ± 0.13) at p=0.0001. Generally, the students had inadequate knowledge of PV activities. Therefore, emphasis on relevant PV courses in their curriculum is necessary.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(1): 1-13, 2017

scholarly journals Knowledge, Perceived Risk, and Preventive Behaviors amidst Covid-19 Pandemic among Dental Students in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
Azlini Ismail ◽  
Nur Hanisah Ismail ◽  
Nur Yasrin Maisarah Abu Kassim ◽  
Widya Lestari ◽  
Ahmad Faisal Ismail ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Preventive Behavior ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Dental Schools

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has affected dental education in Malaysia. However, studies on dental students’ knowledge, perception, and behaviors with regards to COVID-19 are very limited. Thus, this study aims to determine the knowledge status, perceived risk, and preventive behaviors of dental students in Malaysia regarding COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students from 13 dental schools across Malaysia using online questionnaires. Results: From 355 respondents, 93.5% obtained a high score of knowledge of COVID-19. Female respondents scored higher than males in perceived risks and preventive behaviors. Chinese respondents scored highest in knowledge, while Malay respondents had the highest perceived risk score. The mean preventive behavior score did not vary across ethnicity. On-campus students scored higher in knowledge and perceived risk whereas off-campus students practiced more preventive behaviors. Clinical students’ knowledge score was higher than preclinical students. Final year students scored higher in knowledge and perceived risk compared to their juniors. Conclusion: The majority of dental students have good knowledge and a high perceived risk of COVID-19, and they practiced most of the preventive behaviors. However, the latest information on this disease should be incorporated into dental schools’ curriculums and updated periodically.

scholarly journals Mean Knowledge Score of Self-Medication among First and Second Year Medical and Dental Students in a Medical College: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (243) ◽  
pp. 1146-1149
Author(s):  
Sajala Kafle ◽  
Nisha Jha ◽  
Ravi Shankar Pathyil
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Medical And Dental Students

Introduction: Self-medication is common among medical students. Medical and dental students can also educate the population about the use of medicines. The aim of the study was to find the mean knowledge score of self-medication among first and second year medical and dental students at a medical college in Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in a medical college from 1st to 28th February 2021 using a structured online questionnaire after obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Committee (approval number 077/78/32). Convenience sampling method was undertaken. The responses were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. Results: Out of 173 students the mean±SD knowledge score was 79.47±6.76. The mean knowledge score of the participants of age group 17-18, 19-20 and 21-22 years were 83.8, 79 and 79.1 respectively. The mean knowledge scores of the male and female participants were 80.2 and 78.6 respectively. Similarly, the knowledge scores of respondents from undergraduate medical and dental backgrounds were 80.1 and 77.7 respectively. Conclusions: Knowledge of self-medication was high among the students. However, educational sessions to further improve and strengthen knowledge can be carried out to improve the knowledge.

scholarly journals Predictors of black fungus fear during the COVID-19 pandemic among the Bangladeshi health workers: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Kamrul Hasan ◽  
Humayun Kabir ◽  
Mamunur Rahman ◽  
Anjan Kumar Roy ◽  
Dipak Kumar Mitra
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Raised of mucormycosis or black fungus cases middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, fear associated with black fungus may turn out to be a terrifying public health issue. This study aimed to assess the association between the fear and knowledge of black fungus and other determinants among healthcare workers in Bangladesh. Methods: From 25th May 2021 to 5th June 2021, a cross-sectional study was carried out among healthcare workers. For data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic, a semi-structured online questionnaire was used followed by convenient and snowball sampling methods. A multivariable linear regression model was fitted to assess the association between the fear and knowledge of black fungus and other determinants. Results: A total of 422 healthcare workers participated in this study. The results indicated that with the increased knowledge score of black fungus, the average score of black fungus fear was significantly increased (β = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.50, p <0.001). Alongside, the respondents having insomnia had a higher score of black fungus fear compare to not having insomnia (β = 3.91, 95% CI: 2.49, 5.33, p <0.001) significantly. The gender, profession, and death due to COVID-19 of friends and family members had a significant effect on black fungus fear score increment. Conclusion: Even in the COVID-19 pandemic, the black fungus fear among healthcare workers may hinder their quality of life. Our study findings recommend an emphasis on the mental health aspects and ensure support to the healthcare workers so that they can tackle the ongoing situation with lesser frictions. Keywords: Mucormycosis, black fungus, COVID-19, fear, knowledge, insomnia, health workers.

scholarly journals Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare workers towards Hepatitis B virus infection in Mogadishu, Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayan Aden Moussa ◽  
Abdkeren Abdullahi Abdi ◽  
Sharif Alhassan Abdullahi
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
B Virus ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is globally distributed with its attendant complications such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Somalia is among the countries with high prevalence of HBV infection. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers (HCW) towards HBV infection in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted on HCW to assess KAP towards HBV infection. Standardized questionnaires were distributed to 470 HCW recruited for the study from five hospitals. Data for demographic characteristics were described using percentages. Scores for KAP were presented as mean ±standard deviation. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used deduce inferences between the mean KAP and demographic characteristics of the participants. Spearman’s rho correlation was used to determine any association between the KAP of the HCW. Results Of the 470 distributed questionnaire, 430 questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 91.5%. Majority (73%) of the participants had tertiary education. The mean scores for KAP were 16.3±4.4, 6.9±0.4, 7.03±1.5 respectively. Significant ( P<0.01 ) positive correlation between the KAP variables were observed. Professional cadre and marital status were found to be associated with mean KAP ( P<0.001 ). Conclusion This study revealed an acceptable level of KAP among the HCW and a potential source of participants for awareness campaign against HBV infection in Somalia.

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