Disposal Practices of Unused and Leftover Medicines in the Households of Dhaka Metropolis

Background: This fact-finding study aimed to attain an overall idea and knowledge about medicine disposal practices in Dhaka Metropolitan households. Methods: This mixed study (both quantitative and qualitative) was orchestrated to inspect the household leftover medicine disposal pattern’s governing status. A cross-sectional survey was conducted following a structured questionnaire and key informant interview with a household person and in-depth interviews with the top pharmaceutical and government officials. Results: Findings disclose that, for most of the key informants, the terms “drug disposal” and “drug pollution” were unknown; more precisely, 67% and 74% of key informants even did not hear these two terms. Almost all (87%) households faced undesired incidents due to the insecure storage of medicines. People disposed of excess and expired medication in regular dustbins (47%), threw out of the window (19%), flushed within commode (4%), burnt in fire (2%), and reused (4%). A good percentage of people (21%) returned unexpired drugs to the pharmacy and bought other medicines on a need basis. A total of 72% wanted a medicine take-back program, and 100% agreed on mass education on this issue. Officials of pharmaceuticals conferred mixed opinion: top-ranked pharmaceuticals will adopt leftover medicine disposal practices; middle and low-ranked pharmaceutical companies are reluctant, merely denied mentioning the less important issue. Conclusions: The absence of mass awareness and standard laws and policies may explain these existing aberrant practices.

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For which population groups will strong identification and thus eHealth services use not be possible?

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.1030 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

T Vehko ◽

E Lilja ◽

S Parikka ◽

A-M Aalto ◽

H M Kuusio

Keyword(s):

Health Care Services ◽

Service Use ◽

Response Rate ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Population Groups ◽

Digital Services ◽

Operating Environments ◽

Almost All

Abstract Background Digital services are expected to improve the availability of public social and health care services in many European countries as well as in Finland. eHealth and eWelfare services often require strong electronic identification which may form barriers in the availability of care. This study focuses on recognising population groups who are vulnerable to exclusion either by not having access to web or by lacking a strong electronic identification. Methods The data were gathered from the cross-sectional survey on well-being among people aged 20-64 with foreign background (PFB) (FinMonik), conducted in Finland 2018-19 (N = 12 877; response rate 53%). The data from the National survey of health, well-being and service use (FinSote 2017-18) were used as reference data for the overall population, (N = 26 422, response rate 45%). Surveys asked respondents “Do you have at your disposal internet access at home, your workplace, library or some other place?” and 'Do you have at your disposal online banking codes or a mobile certificate for electronic identification online?”. PFB were defined by background country into seven country-groups. The age-standardized proportions with confidence intervals were examined by socio-demographic background variables. Results Almost all (98%) of the overall population reported access to internet, but the proportion was lower (92%) among PFB (p < 0.001). Proportion of having a strong electronic identification was higher among general population (98%) than among PFB (88%) (p < 0.001). In both populations, younger age increased the likelihood of having a strong electronic identification. PFB students reported lower level of strong electronic identification compared to the employed. Conclusions Although most had access to internet and a strong identification, there were statistically significant differences between country-groups and by employment status. Key messages Designing and developing of eHealth and eWelfare services must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have a strong electronic identification. Development of digital services requires user guidance, which takes into account the varying needs and operating environments.

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The Austrian Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA): a cross-sectional survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1140980/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Patrick L.S. van Dun ◽

Lorenzo Arcuri ◽

Johan Verbeeck ◽

Jorge E. Esteves ◽

Francesco Cerritelli

Keyword(s):

Median Number ◽

Diagnostic Techniques ◽

Cervical Region ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Treatment Techniques ◽

New Information ◽

Almost All ◽

English Opera

Abstract Background: Since the previous survey of the osteopathic profession in Austria was almost a decade ago, an update was necessary. The Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA) project was developed as a Europe-based survey, whereby an updated profile of the profession not only provides new data for Austria, but also allows for a clear comparison with other European countries. Methods: A voluntary, online-based, closed-ended survey was distributed across Austria in the period between April and August 2020. The original English OPERA-questionnaire, composed of 52 questions in seven sections, was formally translated in German and adapted to the Austrian situation. Recruitment was performed through social-media and an e-based campaign.Results: The survey was completed by 338 individuals, of which 239 (71%) were female, and the median age was 40-49 years. Almost all respondents had preliminary healthcare training, mainly in physiotherapy (72%). The majority of respondents were self-employed (88%) and working as sole practitioners (54%). The median number of consultations per week was 21-25 and the majority of respondents scheduled 46-60 minutes for each consultation (69%). The most commonly used diagnostic techniques were: palpation of position/structure, palpation of tenderness and visual inspection. The most commonly used treatment techniques were cranial, visceral and articulatory/mobilisation techniques. The majority of patients estimated by respondents consulted an osteopath for musculoskeletal complaints mainly localised in the lumbar and cervical region. Although the majority of respondents experience a strong osteopathic identity, only a small proportion (17%) advertise themselves exclusively as osteopaths. Conclusions: This study represents the first published document to determine the characteristics of the osteopathic practitioners in Austria using large, national data. It provides new information on where, how, and by whom osteopathic care is delivered. The information provided may contribute to the evidence used by stakeholders and policy makers for the future regulation of the profession in Austria.

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The impact of COVID-19 on oncologists: Experience from Egyptian physicians.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.e13514 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e13514-e13514

Author(s):

Abeid Mohamed Athman Omar ◽

Marwa Ramadan ◽

Yomna Khamis ◽

Abdelsalam A. Ismail

Keyword(s):

Family Support ◽

Occupational Safety ◽

Family Members ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Burnout Rate ◽

Almost All ◽

The Impact

e13514 Background: The unprecedented emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has disrupted the patients' and physicians' daily activities, including cancer care. However, little is known on how COVID-19 has impacted oncologists from low and middle-income countries. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among eighty-eight practicing oncologists in Alexandria governorate, Egypt. An electronic, anonymized self-reporting survey was distributed in February 2020 to collect information on occupational safety measures, the prevalence of COVID-19 among respondents, workload, and family support during the pandemic Results: Out of 88 contacted oncologists, 75% completed the survey (n=66). Nearly half (45%) of respondents were residents, 36% were specialists, and 18% were consultants. The mean age of respondents was 34.79 years (SD ±10.42). More than half of the respondents were not comfortable managing cancer patients during the pandemic (56%) and did not feel well-protected at the workplace (58%). However, most (79%) had managed a cancer patient with COVID-19 more than once. Furthermore, almost all participants (98%) have worked with an infected colleague. Nevertheless, to more than half (54%), it made no difference working with a colleague who was previously infected. Most physicians (79%) felt overwhelmed with workload than the pre-pandemic period. Despite being COVID-19 negative, nearly half reported their family members had reduced contact with them due to the fear of being infected. In contrast, 24% are now getting more family support, whereas 27% are experiencing the same contact level as before the COVID-19 era. Physicians lacking family support had a significantly higher burnout rate than those who had family support (p=0.038). However, the burnout rate was similar regardless of doctors' rank, or treating COVID-19 patients, or feeling protected at work. The majority of the participants (75%) had experienced COVID-19 like symptoms, and one third (n=21) were confirmed COVID-19 infected: residents - 52%, specialists - 33%, and consultants - 14%. Nevertheless, we found no association between the rank and being infected with COVID-19 (p=0.632). Most participants thought they were infected at the hospital (38% by patients; 24% by colleagues), and 14% by family members. However, there was no significant association between being infected and feeling protected at work (p=0.823). Most of the infected physicians (61%) received moral support from both the family and colleagues, and 33% received family support only. There was no association between burnout rate and being COVID-19 infected (p=0.719). Conclusions: One-third of the oncologists were COVID-19 positive. Besides, most oncologists feel overwhelmed with workload and experience more burnout than before the COVID-19 era, and it worsens if one lacks family support.

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The Role of Ugandan Public Universities in Promoting Accessible Information and Communications Technology

10.1093/oso/9780198846413.003.0017 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 322-340

Author(s):

Patrick Ojok

Keyword(s):

Public Universities ◽

Information And Communications Technology ◽

Teaching Staff ◽

Communications Technology ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Persons With Disabilities ◽

Accessible Information ◽

Ict Infrastructure ◽

Laws And Policies

Information and communications technology is indispensable for many aspects of life. Information and communications technology design, however, often overlooks the needs of users with disabilities. And even when accessible apps are available for purchase, they can be unaffordable for individuals and institutions in developing countries. Information and communications technology (ICT) is a legislative priority in Uganda, but little is known about the availability and use of accessible ICT services by persons with disabilities in its public universities. Hence, this cross-sectional survey explored the use of accessible ICT by 32 teaching and non-teaching staff in four public Ugandan universities. Positively, findings revealed that most of the staff were aware of national ICT laws and policies. Yet the provision of accessible ICT services remains low, with the most available accessible ICT services being the establishment of separate ICT laboratories; library environments; e-learning platforms; and payment systems. The major barriers to accessible ICT services in the universities were insufficient provision of computers; outdated computers; not enough internet-connected computers; dearth of technical support; meager ICT skills; and meager space. The findings reveal a clear need for collaboration on ICT infrastructure to ensure availability, accessibility, and affordability of ICT for persons with disabilities in higher-education institutions in Uganda.

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Availability and Utilization of WHO Lifesaving Medicines for Children under Five in Public Health Facilities of the Jimma Zone, South West Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

International Journal of Pediatrics ◽

10.1155/2020/3505672 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Tidenek Mulugeta Tujo ◽

Tadesse Gudeta Gurmu

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Centers ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Children Under Five ◽

Under Five ◽

The Past ◽

Jimma Zone ◽

Almost All ◽

Medicines For Children

Background. The increased morbidity and mortality rates in children under five in developing countries are mostly attributed to poor availability and failure of prescribing lifesaving medicines. This study was aimed at evaluating the availability and utilization of the WHO-recommended priority lifesaving medicines for children under five in public health facilities. Method. A cross-sectional survey complemented with a qualitative method was conducted in 14 health centers and four hospitals in the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. In the facilities, we assessed the availability within the last half year and on the day of the visit. Utilization of the medicines was assessed through a review of patient records of the last one year. Twelve in-depth interviews were carried out to collect the qualitative data, and the analysis was executed using thematic analysis. Results. For treatment of pneumonia, amoxicillin dispersible tablets and gentamycin injection were available in 94.4% of the facilities. For treatment of malaria, artemether/lumefantrine was available in 61.1% of the facilities. For pain management, paracetamol tablets were available in 94.4% of the facilities. AZT+3TC+NEV for HIV/AIDS management was available in all facilities. At least one essential medicine was out of stock in the past six months with the average duration of 33.6 days in health centers and 28.25 days in hospitals. Oral rehydration salt and zinc (84.7%) and AZT+3TC+NEV (100%) had better utilization. However, for almost all cases, other nonpriority medicines were highly prescribed. Lack of administrative commitment, supply of near expiry products, complexity of diseases, and lack of customized child formulations were among the challenges of availability and utilization of those medicines. Conclusions. The overall availability of lifesaving medicines on the day of the visit was fairly good but with poor utilization in almost all facilities. Some products were not available for considerable length of time in the past six months.

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Patterns and predictors of food texture introduction in French children aged 4–36 months

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114518002386 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 120 (9) ◽

pp. 1065-1077 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Lauriane Demonteil ◽

Eléa Ksiazek ◽

Agnès Marduel ◽

Marion Dusoulier ◽

Hugo Weenen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Complementary Feeding ◽

Eating Habits ◽

First Year ◽

Age Classes ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Texture ◽

Second Year ◽

Almost All ◽

Linear Regressions

AbstractThe aims of this study were to describe which and when food textures are offered to children between 4 and 36 months in France and to identify the associated factors. An online cross-sectional survey was designed, including questions about 188 food texture combinations representing three texture levels: purées (T1), soft small pieces (T2) and hard/large pieces and double textures (T3). Mothers indicated which combinations they already offered to their child. A food texture exposure score (TextExp) was calculated for all of the texture levels combined and for each texture level separately. Associations between TextExp and maternal and child characteristics and feeding practices were explored by multiple linear regressions, per age class. Answers from 2999 mothers living in France, mostly educated and primiparous, were analysed. Over the first year, children were mainly exposed to purées. Soft and small pieces were slowly introduced between 6 and 22 months, whereas hard/large pieces were mainly introduced from 13 months onwards. TextExp was positively associated with children’s number of teeth and ability to eat alone with their finger or a fork. For almost all age classes, TextExp was higher in children introduced to complementary feeding earlier, lower for children who were offered only commercial baby foods and higher for those who were offered only home-made/non-specific foods during the second year. Our study shows that until 12 months of age the majority of French children were exposed to pieces to a small extent. It provides new insights to further understand the development of texture acceptance during a key period for the development of eating habits.

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Public Perception of the Range of Roles Played by Professional Pharmacists

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16152787 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (15) ◽

pp. 2787 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Anita Majchrowska ◽

Renata Bogusz ◽

Luiza Nowakowska ◽

Jakub Pawlikowski ◽

Włodzimierz Piątkowski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Perception ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Over The Counter ◽

Social Objective ◽

Counter Medication ◽

Health And Illness ◽

Health Related ◽

Almost All

Background: Professional pharmacists should be directly involved in patient healthcare as members of therapeutic teams are not the only dispensers of medication. Public perceptions of the professional role of pharmacists is expressed through patients’ attitudes, trust, and expectations as health and illness consultants, or qualified retailers of medicines. This perception is influenced by numerous determinants, both health-related and social. Objective: This research intends to describe the range of social roles pharmacists play from the perspective of potential pharmacy customers/patients. Methods: The data presented in the article comes from cross-sectional survey-based research, undertaken in 2018, on a representative sample of 600 Polish adults. Results: Over-the-counter medication is purchased by almost all Polish adults, but they do not tend to ask for advice at pharmacies. Most respondents consider a pharmacist to be “a person qualified to sell medicines”, with some of the participants regarding pharmacists as “ordinary retailers”. A small number of respondents are interested in benefiting from pharmaceutical care, but the pharmacy is still perceived to be a point of purchase for medication. Conclusions: Respondents do not treat pharmacists as health advisors and reduce its role to that of dispensing medication. Sociodemographic variables have no significant effect on social perception of pharmacists.

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The Demographic Implications of Crop Farmers-Pastoralists Conflict in Benue North-West, Nigeria

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS ◽

10.47191/ijmra/v4-i7-17 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 04 (07) ◽

Author(s):

Godwin Kwanga ◽

Keyword(s):

Survey Design ◽

Arable Land ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Small Arms ◽

North West ◽

Key Informant ◽

Short And Long Term ◽

Key Informant Interview

Conflicts between crop farmers and pastoralists have become a common feature of economic livelihood in West Africa. The study assessed the demographic implications of crop farmers-pastoralists conflict in Benue North-West, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and a sample of 120 respondents was purposively selected from the three LGAs mostly affected by the pastoralists’ attacks. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interview and field observations and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages and mean). The study in its course found that availability of evergreen arable land (3,27), competition over available evergreen arable lands (3.0), damage to crops (3.12) and the proliferation and availability of cheap small arms and light weapons (2.52) are the major causes of conflict in the area. The study also revealed that the conflict has both short and long term demographic implication on the affected communities. The study recommended sustainable measures towards addressing conflict in the affected communities.

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Using a television documentary to prevent suicide in men and boys

Australasian Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/1039856217749022 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 160-165 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Marisa Schlichthorst ◽

Kylie King ◽

Matthew Spittal ◽

Lennart Reifels ◽

Andrea Phelps ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Positive Feedback ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Masculine Norms ◽

Before And After ◽

Television Documentary ◽

Seeking Help ◽

Almost All ◽

Adaptive Actions ◽

Screening Survey

Objectives: We investigated whether a documentary about masculinity and suicidality ( Man Up) could raise males’ awareness of societal pressures to conform to masculine norms and influence their likelihood of connecting with their male friends and seeking help. Methods: We conducted a repeat cross-sectional survey, posting versions of the survey online before and after Man Up was screened. Results: 1287 male respondents completed the survey; 476 completed the pre-screening survey, 811 the post-screening survey (192 had not viewed Man Up, 619 had). Those who had viewed Man Up were more likely to desire closer relationships with their male friends than those who had not, and had greater awareness of societal pressures on males, but were no more likely to seek help. Almost all respondents who saw Man Up indicated they would recommend it to others, and most said it changed the way they thought about the term ‘man up’. They indicated they would be likely to undertake a number of adaptive actions following the show, and provided overwhelmingly positive feedback. Conclusions: Man Up appeared to effectively address factors that place males at heightened risk of suicide.

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How far do we still need to go? A survey on knowledge, attitudes, practice related to antimicrobial stewardship regulations among Chinese doctors in 2012 and 2016

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027687 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. e027687 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ruyu Xia ◽

Xiaoyang Hu ◽

Merlin Willcox ◽

Xinxue Li ◽

Yuxiu Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Antimicrobial Use ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mobile Phone Application ◽

Almost All ◽

Positive Effect

ObjectivesTo explore doctors’ knowledge, willingness, concerns and the countermeasures to the most stringent antimicrobial stewardship regulations of China which implemented in August 2012.DesignCross-sectional survey. A pretested 32-point structured questionnaire was distributed to doctors by sending a web link via the mobile phone application WeChat through snowball sampling methods and email groups of medical academic societies.SettingChina.ParticipantsDoctors.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe questionnaire inquired about the doctors’ experiences, knowledge, willingness, concerns and the countermeasures to the stewardship policies.ResultsTotal of persons in the groups was 19 791, among them 1194 submitted the answers, within them, 807 were doctors. Doctors had a mean age of 39.0 years. The majority (78.9% in 2012, 89.1% in 2016) reported that they were willing or very willing to accept the regulations. Almost all respondents (93.2%) felt the stewardship regulations had the potential to adversely affect the prognosis of patients who would have been prescribed antimicrobials before they were implemented, and >65% (65.7% in 2012, 66.9% in 2016) of doctors were often or always concerned about the prognosis of these patients. In 2012, 32% of doctors prescribed restricted antimicrobials or suggested patient self-medication with restricted antimicrobials to address doctors’ concerns, and this number decreased to 22.6% in 2016. Although compulsory antimicrobial stewardship training was frequent, less than half of respondents (46.8%) responded correctly to all three knowledge questions.ConclusionAntimicrobial stewardship regulations had some positive effect on rational antimicrobial use. Willingness and practice of doctors towards the regulations improved from 2012 to 2016. Knowledge about rational antimicrobial use was still lacking. Doctors found ways of accessing restricted antibiotics to address their concerns about the prognosis of patients, which undermined the implementation of the stewardship regulations.

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