scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude, Risk and Fear Assessment of Health Professionals towards Covid-19 in Perspective of Workplace, Local and National Policy

Author(s):  
Ram Lochan Yadav ◽  
Laxmi Kumari Yadav ◽  
Rosan Churasiya ◽  
Md. Nazrul Islam

Background: Health professionals, the frontline fighters, are under high risk of being infected with a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Many health workers in the world, including Nepal, have lost their lives in fighting with COVID-19. Thus, we assessed the knowledge, attitude, risk, and fear among health professionals towards COVID-19 and evaluated their satisfaction with local and governmental policies of Nepal. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study included 150 (male-44% and female-56%) health professionals with mean age 26.14±6.092 years working at Chitwan Medical College, Nepal. The questionnaire included 40 statements having four categories to assess 1) the participant’s knowledge about COVID-19, 2) the risk and attitude, 3) their fears, and 4) stake holder’s role in encouraging health professionals to allay their fears and avert negative attitudes.

Author(s):  
José Tuells ◽  
Cecilia M. Egoavil ◽  
Isabel Morales-Moreno ◽  
Elena Fortes-Montoya ◽  
Carlos Salazar-García ◽  
...  

Health professionals are the most influential and main sources of information about vaccines for the general population, as they are regarded as role models by patients and society. The objective of the present study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of a group of university Nursing students about vaccines, as well as their sources of information and their education needs. A cross-sectional study was performed through a questionnaire (55 items) provided to Nursing students at two Spanish universities. A total of 1122 students participated in the study. The mean score obtained for knowledge about vaccines was 44.6 ± 4.3, and for attitudes towards vaccines, it was 37.2 ± 3.9. Hepatitis B (94.7%) and the Flu (89%) are the two main vaccines they should receive as health workers. The main source of information was the family environment (65.6%). Most of them considered that post-graduate education about vaccines should be provided by academic entities (universities, 62.7%). Among the health professionals, Nurses (85.5%) must be better educated and trained on the subject of vaccines. It is therefore necessary to delve into and complete the nurses’ training on vaccines, to educate them about the risks at the individual level, and their decisive role as promoters of the vaccination strategy for the general population. Universities must become the leaders in vaccine education and training.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira ◽  
Douglas Assis Teles Santos ◽  
Ricardo Borges Viana ◽  
Juliana Moreira Guimarães ◽  
Jéssica Nathalia Soares Oliveira ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Post-poliomyelitis syndrome is a clinical condition that can affect poliomyelitis survivors. Our aim was to evaluate post-poliomyelitis syndrome knowledge among Brazilian health professionals. Methods A self-administered questionnaire (30 questions) was designed to probe knowledge about poliomyelitis and post-poliomyelitis syndrome. From the questionnaire, we created a structured exam to evaluate the performance of the professionals. The exam was composed of 20 questions and a score was provided, varying from 0 (totally ill advised) to 20 (totally well-informed). Results In general, physicians, physiotherapists and nurses demonstrated a better understanding of poliomyelitis and post-polio syndrome. The health professionals who had received previous information about poliomyelitis and PPS had significantly higher scores than those that had never received information (p<0.001). On average, this difference was approximately 28.6%. Conclusions The findings of the present study indicate a critical need for the improvement of PPS knowledge among Brazilian health professionals.


2021 ◽  
Vol 319 ◽  
pp. 02019
Author(s):  
Tidiane Diallo ◽  
Abdourahamane Diara ◽  
Sanou Khô Coulibaly ◽  
Youssoul Konaté ◽  
Hinde Hami ◽  
...  

Introduction: In Mali, the irrational use of drugs constitutes a public health problem through the misuse of certain psychotropic and / or analgesic drugs for drug addiction purposes. The aim of this study was to measure the consumption of drugs diverted from their therapeutic use in Bamako. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Bamako with a sample of 260 respondents: 98 health workers and 162 clients (pharmacies) / patients (hospitals). Results: Men were more affected than women, with 62% of cases. The 15-45 age group accounted for 55% of cases. According to the results, workers and students respectively represented 19% and 17% of cases. Promethazine (20%), the combination Paracetamol / codeine / caffeine (13%) and Tramadol (11%) were the drugs most commonly used and diverted from their medical use among clients of pharmacies. According to pharmacists, the drugs affected by misuse were Misoprostol (10%), Clonazepam (9%) and Promethazine (9%). According to doctors and nurses, Misoprostol, Promethazine and diazepam were used for other purposes with 23%, 16% and 13%, respectively. Conclusion: In order to reduce this practice, a synergy of action by health professionals is essential for the rational use of drugs.


Author(s):  
Kishore S. Gudegowda ◽  
Subathra Vengatesan ◽  
Ranganath T. Sobagiah

Background: Worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980. Stress is the major factor which contributes to obesity. Medical education is highly stressful. Even though medical students should be extra conscious about overweight and obesity, its prevalence was found out to be high among them. So this study was done with the aim to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Medical College students and also to assess the factors influencing it.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among second and third year medical students of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, from July- September 2014. Informed written consent was obtained from the study participants after explaining the purpose of study. Out of 494 students, 424 had willingly participated in the study. Data was collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured, self administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data.Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 14.6% and 11.3%. Overweight and obesity were more observed in boys (9.7%, 6.8%) than girls (5%, 4.5%). 25.9% girls & 11.1% boys were considered to have central obesity. 74.5% overweight/obese often feel stress at time of exams and 56.0% among them eat more during exams.Conclusions: The prevalence was found to be high among medical college students which were contributed by various factors. This can be reduced by modifying their diet, engaging in regular physical activity.


1970 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
MN Hossain ◽  
Z Rahman ◽  
S Akhter

A cross sectional study was carried out at the department of Forensic Medicine in Dhaka Medical College during the period of January 2008 to December 2009. Data were collected from 3rd copy of the post mortem reports which were preserved in the department of Forensic Medicine with the verbal consent of the doctors who performed autopsy report. During this period total 5114 autopsies were conducted. Out of this 970 cases (19%) were suicidal in nature. It was noticed that all suicidal deaths occurred from 10 years to all age group respectively, but top amongst age group of suicidal deaths occurred in between 21 to 30 years of people. Suicidal deaths are more common in female than male. Suicidal deaths due to hanging is highest, next common causes of death due to organophosphorus compund poisoning. Suicidal deaths by hanging is more in female than male but in poisoning cases male are more lvictimised than female. Objectives of our study are to see the occurrence and methods of suicidal death. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i1.9957 BMJ 2011; 40(1): 18-21


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-145
Author(s):  
Krishna Chandra Devkota ◽  
S Hamal ◽  
PP Panta

Pleural effusion is present when there is >15ml of fluid is accumulated in the pleural space. It can be divided into two types; exudative and transudative pleural effusion. Tuberculosis and parapneumonic effusion are the common cause of exudative pleural effusion whereas heart failure accounts for most of the cases of transudative pleural effusion. This study was a hospital based cross sectional study performed at Nepal Medical College during the period of January 2016-December 2016. A total of 50 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Pleural effusion was confirmed by clinical examination and radiology. After confirmation of pleural effusion, pleural fluid was aspirated and was analysed for protein, LDH, cholesterol. The Heffner criteria was compared with Light criteria to classify exudative or transudative pleural effusion. Among 50 patients, 30 were male and 20 were female. The mean age of patient was 45.4±21.85 years. The sensitivity and specificity of using Light criteria to detect the two type of pleural effusion was 100% and 90.9%, whereas using Heffner criteria was 94.87%, 100% respectively(P<0.01). There are variety of causes for development of pleural effusion and no one criteria is definite to differentiate between exudative or transudative effusion. In this study Light criteria was more sensitive whereas Heffner criteria was more specific to classify exudative pleural effusion. Hence a combination of criteria might be useful in case where there is difficulty to identify the cause of pleural effusion.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Banda

BACKGROUND Occupational conditions are deadly health hazards especially where dust exposure is inevitable causing chronic disabilities, impaired respiratory function and ultimately leading to death if no intensive measures are put in place. Unhealthy practices and negative attitudes rise in the number of cases of pneumoconiosis due to poor health education and awareness strategies. Pneumoconiosis is not only a health problem but also a social and economic burden on the livelihood of people living in mining areas around the globe. OBJECTIVE to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of miners and post-occupational miners towards pneumoconiosis in Wusakile Township, Kitwe, Zambia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was employed to conduct a research in Wusakile Township and a questionnaire was customized in order to syphon data relevant to the study as well to be brief. The study was conducted among 73 participants who were randomly selected among miners and post-occupational miners and all satisfied the inclusion criteria. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data. The data was entered and analysed using IBM SPSS software version 23. RESULTS Among 73 participants interviewed, 33.99% of participants had poor knowledge on the complications of pneumoconiosis. However, despite this poor knowledge, all participants had an idea about pneumoconiosis particularly silicosis. 13.70% of the respondents had bad practices towards pneumoconiosis while 86.30% had some good practices towards pneumoconiosis. Of the total participants, 19.18% of the participants had a negative attitude towards pneumoconiosis. Correlation between the level of education and practices of participants using Pearson Chi-Square, a p value of 0.021 (significant) was found ruling out the null hypothesis. CONCLUSIONS Information about pneumoconiosis and awareness programs towards pneumoconiosis are not widely disseminated among miners and post-occupational miners. There is still a significant number of participants who need to be educated more about pneumoconiosis and its complications so that attitude and practices are improved and also promote full community participation by involving competent health professionals to help in implementing preventive measures.


Author(s):  
Sofia Pappa ◽  
Joshua Barnett ◽  
Ines Berges ◽  
Nikolaos Sakkas

The burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on health systems and the physical and mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been substantial. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the psychological wellbeing of mental health workers who provide care to a vulnerable patient population that have been particularly affected during this crisis. A total of 387 HCWs from across a large urban mental health service completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic, lifestyle and work-based information and validated psychometric scales. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively; sleep problems with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS); burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI); and resilience with the Resilience Scale-14 (RS-14). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine potential mediating factors. Prevalence of burnout was notable, with 52% recording moderate/severe in Emotional Exhaustion, 19.5% moderate/severe in Depersonalisation, and 55.5% low/moderate Personal Accomplishment. Over half of all respondents (52%) experienced sleep problems; the presence of depressive symptoms was a significant predictor of insomnia. An increase in potentially harmful lifestyle changes, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and overeating was also observed. However, high Resilience was reported by 70% of the samples and the importance of this is highlighted. Female gender was associated with increased levels of depression and emotional exhaustion while those with a history of mental health conditions were most at risk of affective symptoms, insomnia, and burnout. Overall, our study revealed considerable levels of psychological distress and maladaptive coping strategies but also resilience and satisfaction with organizational support provided. Findings can inform tailored interventions in order to mitigate vulnerability and prevent long-term psychological sequelae.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e046638
Author(s):  
Sk Masum Billah ◽  
Abdullah Nurus Salam Khan ◽  
S M Rokonuzzaman ◽  
Nafisa Lira Huq ◽  
Marufa Aziz Khan ◽  
...  

Study objectiveTo evaluate the competency of trained health workers in detecting and managing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy during routine antenatal check-ups (ANCs) at primary care facilities in Bangladesh.Study design and settingsCross-sectional study; conducted in 26 primary care facilities.Outcome measuresAccurate diagnosis of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.MethodIn total 1560 ANC consultations provided by primary health workers, known as Family Welfare Visitors (FWVs), were observed using a structured checklist between October 2017 and February 2018. All consultations were reassessed by study physicians for validation.ResultOf the ‘true’ cases of gestational hypertension (n=32), pre-eclampsia (n=29) and severe pre-eclampsia (n=16), only 3%, 7% and 25%, respectively, were correctly diagnosed by FWVs. Per cent agreement for the diagnosed cases of any hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 9% and kappa statistics was 0.50 (p value 0.0125). For identification of any hypertensive disorders by FWVs, sensitivity and positive predictive values were 14% and 50%, respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between the blood pressure measurements taken by FWVs and study physicians. Only 27% of those who had ‘some protein’ in urine were correctly identified by FWVs. Women diagnosed with any of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by FWVs were more likely to be counselled on at least one danger sign of pre-eclampsia (severe headache, blurring of vision and upper abdominal pain) than those without any such diagnosis (41% vs 19%, p value 0.008). All four cases of severe pre-eclampsia diagnosed by FWVs were given a loading dose of intramuscular magnesium sulphate and three among them were referred to a higher facility.ConclusionThe FWVs should be appropriately trained on risk assessment of pregnant women with particular emphasis on accurately assessing the diagnostic criteria of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and its management.


Author(s):  
Chiara Lorini ◽  
Laura Ricotta ◽  
Virginia Vettori ◽  
Marco Del Riccio ◽  
Massimiliano Alberto Biamonte ◽  
...  

In Western countries, one of the main barriers to entomophagy is repulsion toward insects. Few studies have investigated the factors that influence attitudes toward entomophagy. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving a sample of 248 university students, focusing on disgust and other potential attributes that can influence insect consumption, including health literacy. We used a 17-item self-administered questionnaire. Consistent with the literature, two items were chosen as outcome variables to evaluate the predictors of the propensity to consume insects: “Have you ever eaten insects or insect-based products?” and “How disgusting do you find eating insects?” The data analysis shows that having already eaten insects is inversely associated with the level of disgust (OR: 0.1, p < 0.01); and it is positively associated with higher levels of health literacy (OR: 3.66, p > 0.01). Additionally, having some knowledge and information about entomophagy is inversely associated with a higher level of disgust (OR: 0.44, p = 0.03 and OR: 0.25, p = 0.03, respectively), while being female is positively associated with disgust (OR: 3.26, p < 0.01). Our results suggest the potential role of health literacy, in addition to other factors, in influencing the willingness to taste insects. However, further studies involving larger and non-convenience samples are needed to confirm our hypothesis.


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