A STUDY OF AWARENESS, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE TEACHING COMMUNITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION

2021 ◽  
pp. 40-43
Author(s):  
C. M. Math ◽  
S. B. Javali ◽  
Mohan Sunkad
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
World Health ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Urban Teaching ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Teaching Community ◽  
Rural Teaching

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The unprecedented global health crisis we are facing is affecting all parts of society and changing lives and livelihoods. International efforts have been applied to prevent the spread of the virus through personal hygiene, masks and social distancing as prevention measures. AIMS:To assess the Awareness, Attitude and Practices towards COVID-19 Pandemic in the Teaching Community. METHOD:An online survey consisting of self-rated questions related to Awareness, Attitude and Practices towards COVID-19 Pandemic in the Teaching Community was carried out between December 2020 and January 2021. The main outcome measures were awareness, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 Pandemic in the Teaching Community. RESULTS: 80 teaching community respondents participated in the survey. A signicant and positive correlation was seen between attitude and their practices (r=0.3110, p=0.0050). Asignicant differences were observed between age groups with mean attitude and practice scores (p<0.05) and urban teaching community have signicant and higher practice scores as compared to rural teaching community (p<0.05) CONCLUSION: Results indicate there is an average level of awareness, attitude and practice towards COVID-19 Pandemic in the Teaching Community. But urban teaching community have good attitude and practices towards the COVID-19. It is important to monitor and address the rural teaching community about the awareness, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 Pandemic after the lockdown.

scholarly journals Do they really wash their hands? Prevalence estimates for personal hygiene behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic based on indirect questions

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Mieth ◽  
Maike M. Mayer ◽  
Adrian Hoffmann ◽  
Axel Buchner ◽  
Raoul Bell
Keyword(s):  
Social Desirability ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Hygiene Measures ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Crosswise Model

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, billions of people have to change their behaviours to slow down the spreading of the virus. Protective measures include self-isolation, social (physical) distancing and compliance with personal hygiene rules, particularly regular and thorough hand washing. Prevalence estimates for the compliance with the COVID-19 measures are often based on direct self-reports. However, during a health crisis there is strong public pressure to comply with health and safety regulations so that people’s responding in direct self-reports may be seriously compromised by social desirability. Methods In an online survey, an indirect questioning technique was used to test whether the prevalence of hygiene practices may be lower than in conventional surveys when confidentiality of responding is guaranteed. The Extended Crosswise Model is an indirect questioning technique that guarantees the confidentiality of responding. To the degree that direct self-reports are biased by social desirability, prevalence estimates of hygiene practices such as thorough hand washing based on the Extended Crosswise Model should be lower than those based on direct self-reports. Results We analysed data of 1434 participants. In the direct questioning group 94.5% of the participants claimed to practice proper hand hygiene; in the indirect questioning group a significantly lower estimate of only 78.1% was observed. Conclusions These results indicate that estimates of the degree of commitment to measures designed to counter the spread of the disease may be significantly inflated by social desirability in direct self-reports. Indirect questioning techniques with higher levels of confidentiality seem helpful in obtaining more realistic estimates of the degree to which people follow the recommended personal hygiene measures. More realistic estimates of compliance can help to inform and to adjust public information campaigns on COVID-19 hygiene recommendations.

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards Covid-19 pandemic of pharmacy students in University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

MedPharmRes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 5-11
Author(s):  
Quynh Diem Le ◽  
Nghi Hue To ◽  
Thuy Thi Thu Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Ho Chi Minh City ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Good Level ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Introduction: The rapid increase of infected cases and fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic has created a huge health crisis to the world and Vietnam in particular. Health professionals were put under massive pressure in preventing pandemic. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) during the COVID-19 disease through an online survey as well as related infection control practices among pharmacy students in the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP). Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted based on the data obtained from an online questionnaire. Correlation analysis was performed using statistical tests and linear regression model for practice. The total study sample, chosen based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria was taken from pharmacy students in UMP during the study period. Results: A scale of KAP towards COVID-19 was developed with 43 questions and received 1,089 responses. We acknowledged that the awareness and practice of these students were at a good level (with a mean score of 8.37±0.77 and 8.46±1.33, respectively) and the attitude was optimistic with a mean score of 6.22±0.68. Related factors to practice included gender (p=0.005), year of study (p=0.013); to knowledge included the time spent in university (p=0.040); to attitude included social distancing (p=0.024). Multivariable regression analysis showed that practice is related with male gender (β=-0.254; p=0.001), the first 3 school years (β = 0.173; p=0.020), knowledge score (β =0.154; p=0.003). Conclusions: Based on a constructive scale, the study noted students' knowledge-attitude-practice towards COVID-19 at a good level. School year and knowledge scores positively affected practice scores, while male students had a negative effect.

scholarly journals Consideration of the Psychological and Mental Health of the Elderly during COVID-19: A Theoretical Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 8098 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunho Lee ◽  
Goo-Churl Jeong ◽  
JongEun Yim
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Induced Stress ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

COVID-19 has spread worldwide causing an unprecedented public health crisis. After the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in March 2020, the number of confirmed cases and deaths has continued to increase. This situation may be prolonged until an effective, tested, and safe treatment is available. COVID-19 can occur at any age. However, the maximum confirmed cases and deaths have occurred among the elderly. Particularly, the mental and physical health of the elderly aged above 60 and classified as high-risk groups is more vulnerable than other age groups, requiring more attention. Strong social restraint, social distancing, and quarantine measures to prevent the COVID-19 spread have raised concerns about their mental health. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze and identify the psychological concepts and protective factors that support and constitute these guidelines and strategies and prepare practical suggestions and guidelines to protect the mental health of the elderly during COVID-19. These discussions will facilitate a deeper understanding and expansion of these guidelines and strategies. Therefore, this study explores factors—including pandemic-induced stress, self-integration, self-efficacy, and resilience—in order to prepare practical and detailed suggestions and guidelines using studies that considered these factors, including coping with COVID-19-induced stress, social support, and physical activity.

scholarly journals Risk, Trust, and Flawed Assumptions: Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid V. Ebrahimi ◽  
Miriam S. Johnson ◽  
Sara Ebling ◽  
Ole Myklebust Amundsen ◽  
Øyvind Halsøy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Natural Immunity ◽  
Factors Associated

Background: The pace at which the present pandemic and future public health crises involving viral infections are eradicated heavily depends on the availability and routine implementation of vaccines. This process is further affected by a willingness to vaccinate, embedded in the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy. The World Health Organization has listed vaccine hesitancy among the greatest threats to global health, calling for research to identify the factors associated with this phenomenon. Methods: The present study seeks to investigate the psychological, contextual, and sociodemographic factors associated with vaccination hesitancy in a large sample of the adult population. 4571 Norwegian adults were recruited through an online survey between January 23 to February 2, 2021. Subgroup analyses and multiple logistic regression was utilized to identify the covariates of vaccine hesitancy. Results: Several subgroups hesitant toward vaccination were identified, including males, rural residents, and parents with children below 18 years of age. No differences were found between natives and non-natives, across education or age groups. Individuals preferring unmonitored media platforms (e.g., information from peers, social media, online forums, and blogs) more frequently reported hesitance towards vaccination than those relying on information obtainment from source-verified platforms. Perceived risk of vaccination, belief in the superiority of natural immunity, fear concerning significant others being infected by the virus, and trust in health officials’ dissemination of vaccine-related information were identified as key variables related to vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: Given the heterogeneous range of variables associated with vaccine hesitancy, additional strategies to eradicate vaccination fears are called for aside from campaigns targeting the spread of false information. Responding to affective reactions in addition to involving other community leaders besides government and health officials present promising approaches that may aid in combating vaccination hesitation.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Information Sources and the Relationship with Attitudes in Battling the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among the Malaysian Public (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Mohamad ◽  
Jen Sern Tham ◽  
Suffian Hadi Ayub ◽  
Mohammad Rezal Hamzah ◽  
Hasrul Hashim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Information Source ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Relationship

BACKGROUND There are multiple media platforms and various resources available on COVID-19. Identifying people’s preferences is key to building public confidence and planning for successful national health intervention strategies. OBJECTIVE This study examines the sources of information for COVID-19 used by the Malaysian public and identifies those that are associated with building public confidence as well as positive perceptions toward the Malaysian government. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey of 4,850 Malaysian residents was conducted. Participant demographics, media use, information source, and attitudes surrounding COVID-19 were assessed. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to gauge the relationship between demographics, information source and attitudes toward COVID-19. RESULTS Malaysians primarily utilized television and Internet news portals for information on COVID-19. The Malaysian Ministry of Health was the most preferred source of COVID-19 information. Respondents who referred to the Ministry of Health, television and the Malaysian National Security Council had greater odds in believing that the country could win the battle against COVID-19 and that the government was handling the health crisis well. Those who used the World Health Organization, friends, YouTube, family and radio as sources of information were less likely to harbor confidence and positive belief toward combating COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Managing information and sustaining public confidence is important in a pandemic. Health authorities should pay considerable attention to the use of appropriate media channels and sources to allow for more effective dissemination of critical information to the public. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practice towards the novel corona virus among Bangladeshi people: Implications for mitigation measures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alak Paul ◽  
Dwaipayan Sikdar ◽  
Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain ◽  
Md Robed Amin ◽  
Farah Deeba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
The Government ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

AbstractThe current novel coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak, COVID-19, was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China has spread all over the world causing startling loss of lives, stalling the global economy and disrupting the social life. One of the challenges to contain the COVID-19 is making people adopt personal hygiene, social distancing and self-quarantine practices which are all related to knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of the people in respective countries. Bangladesh, the most densely populated countries with a fast-growing economy and moderate literacy rate, has shown many hiccups in its efforts to implement COVID-19 policies. Understanding KAP may give the policy makers to make informed decisions. Hence, this study aimed to make a quick assessment of KAP of people in relation to COVID-19 in Bangladesh. An online survey using a pre-tested questionnaire conducted in late March 2020 attained 1837 responses across Bangladesh. However, 1589 completed responses were included in statistical analysis to calculate KAP scores, their interrelations with socio-demographic variables. The overall KAP is poor with only 10% of the respondents showed good knowledge with parallel attitudes and practices. Socio-demographic factors have strong bearings on the KAP scores. Significantly higher KAP score is evident in female over male respondents, among aged (45 years and above) over younger respondents and among retired and homemakers above students and public service holders. The study indicated a panic fuelled by poor understanding of COVID-19 associated facts and the need for the government to ensure more granular and targeted awareness campaigns in a transparent and factual manner to gain public confidence and arrest more meaningful public participation in mitigation measures. The study provides a baseline of KAP among people in Bangladesh on COVID-19.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practice of the Sudanese people towards COVID-19: an online survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Abdelrahim Osman Mohamed ◽  
Eilaf Ali Mohamed Elhassan ◽  
Abdelrahim Osman Mohamed ◽  
Awab Aldow Mohammed ◽  
Hassan Alshaikh edris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
P Value ◽  
Attitude Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Abstract Background The Novel Corona virus SARS-CoV-2 emerged to affect the human population in 2019 causing COVID-19 pandemic. The only preventive measures available are social distancing, hand washing and face masks. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the Sudanese people towards COVID-19. Methods An online cross-sectional study targeting adult Sudanese people was conducted in April 2020. The study used a self-administered questionnaire containing 18 knowledge questions, 5 questions for attitude and six questions for practices. Social media such as Facebook and WhatsApp were utilized to disseminate the questionnaire. The total number of eligible questionnaires available for analysis by the end of the period was 987. Results The mean (±SD) age of respondents was 30.13 (±9.84) years with males representing 55.4%. The majority were university and higher education levels (95.2%), residing in Khartoum (71.7%). The mean (±SD) knowledge score of the participants was 15.33 (± 2.24) and was found to be associated with education level and age groups (p-value = 0.022, P value =0.010) respectively. The mean (±SD) attitude score was 04.15 (± 0.97) and was significantly associated with older groups and better-educated participants (p-value =0.001, p-value = 0.048) respectively. The practices related to COVID-19 preventive measures mean (±SD) was 02.58 (± 1.73) with a significant difference between age groups and area of residence. Conclusions This study showed that the participants had good knowledge and satisfactory attitude that was not similarly expressed into practice. Efforts are needed in health education and law enforcement to improve the practices among all groups with special emphasis on younger and less educated males.

scholarly journals Risk, Trust, and Flawed Assumptions: Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid V. Ebrahimi ◽  
Miriam S. Johnson ◽  
Sara Ebling ◽  
Ole Myklebust Amundsen ◽  
Øyvind Halsøy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Natural Immunity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

Background: The pace at which the present pandemic and future public health crises involving viral infections are eradicated heavily depends on the availability and routine implementation of vaccines. This process is further affected by a willingness to vaccinate, embedded in the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy. The World Health Organization has listed vaccine hesitancy among the greatest threats to global health, calling for research to identify the factors associated with this phenomenon.Methods: The present cross-sectional study seeks to investigate the psychological, contextual, and sociodemographic factors associated with vaccination hesitancy in a large sample of the adult population. 4,571 Norwegian adults were recruited through an online survey between January 23 to February 2, 2021. Subgroup analyzes and multiple logistic regression was utilized to identify the covariates of vaccine hesitancy.Results: Several subgroups hesitant toward vaccination were identified, including males, rural residents, and parents with children below 18 years of age. No differences were found between natives and non-natives, across education or age groups. Individuals preferring unmonitored media platforms (e.g., information from peers, social media, online forums, and blogs) more frequently reported hesitance toward vaccination than those relying on information obtainment from source-verified platforms. Perceived risk of vaccination, belief in the superiority of natural immunity, fear concerning significant others being infected by the virus, and trust in health officials' dissemination of vaccine-related information were identified as key variables related to vaccine hesitancy.Conclusion: Given the heterogeneous range of variables associated with vaccine hesitancy, additional strategies to eradicate vaccination fears are called for aside from campaigns targeting the spread of false information. Responding to affective reactions in addition to involving other community leaders besides government and health officials present promising approaches that may aid in combating vaccination hesitation.

scholarly journals Effects of firefighting on semen parameters: an exploratory study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. L13-L15
Author(s):  
Michelle Engelsman ◽  
Leisa-Maree L Toms ◽  
Xianyu Wang ◽  
Andrew P W Banks ◽  
Debbie Blake
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Personal Hygiene

Lay summary Firefighters are occupationally exposed to heat intensities and chemical concentrations that may affect fertility. Twenty firefighters participated in an exploratory study assessing fertility of firefighters via an online survey and semen analysis. Data analysis included consideration of demographic characteristics, reproductive history and occupational exposures. Overall, firefighter semen parameters were below World Health Organisation reference values designating fertility in men. Firefighters younger than 45 years had a higher incidence of abnormal semen parameters (42%) than those aged 45 years or greater (9%). Increased rank and higher levels of occupational and/or personal hygiene were associated with improved semen quality. Increased frequency of fire exposure was associated with a reduction in normal forms, volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count. Sperm clumping was greater than 10% in 26% of samples, suggesting reduced semen quality. This exploratory study provides novel data that support the hypothesis of an association between semen quality and firefighter’s occupational exposure to toxic environments.

scholarly journals General public Knowledge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at early stages of the pandemic: results of a random online survey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Alqahtani ◽  
V Krishnaraju ◽  
Mona Alqarni ◽  
Mohammed Al-Sheikh Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
General Public ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
General Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Knowledge Levels

Abstract AbstractBackground: A novel coronavirus was identified at the end of 2019 in Wuhan City, China. Later, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the disease caused by the virus coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and declared a pandemic in March 2020. Saudi and global health agencies have provided various COVID-19 knowledge tools and facts to the general public. Therefore, this study aims to assess COVID-19 knowledge among the general public in Saudi Arabia at the early stages of the pandemic, including knowledge of prevention practices, home quarantine measures, and compliance with governmental restrictions.Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. The study included 1006 participants who responded to a random online COVID-19 public knowledge questionnaire that included five sections: demographic characteristics, general knowledge, prevention practices, home quarantine measures, and knowledge of governmental restrictions. Data were collected from a random sample recruited through the circulation of the questionnaire on social media platforms and were then analysed by descriptive statistical methods. Three levels of knowledge were established: excellent, intermediate, and poor. Differences in the percentages of participants with different knowledge levels by the demographic variables were analysed using the chi-square test.Results: Regarding overall general knowledge of COVID-19, 75%, 24%, and 1% of the participants had excellent, intermediate, and poor knowledge levels, respectively. Knowledge levels were significantly different by nationality and age (P=0.027 and 0.008, respectively). The majority of participants (98.4%) reported excellent knowledge of prevention practices, with no statistically significant differences among groups (P>0.005). Older age groups reported higher knowledge of home quarantine measures (86.6% and 86.4% of the 51-60 and older than 60 age groups, respectively, P=0.001). Approximately 50% of Saudis reported excellent knowledge of the restrictions imposed by the Saudi government to control the spread of COVID-19, while approximately 45% of non-Saudis had an excellent level of knowledge (P= 0.009).Conclusion and recommendations: High levels of knowledge about the virus, including prevention practices, are essential. The provision of COVID-19 facts and knowledge tools should be focused on younger generations to enhance compliance with the governmental restrictions required to stop the spread of COVID-19.

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