scholarly journals KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS ANTHRAX AT THE ANTHRAX BELT SIRAJGONJ DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Rahman ◽  
M. S. Hossain ◽  
M. S. Haque ◽  
M. R. Nabi ◽  
M. G. Morshed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Survey Knowledge

Background: Anthrax is one of the most important endemic zoonotic diseases due to its negative impact on the smallholder farmers associated with mortality in livestock and disease in humans in Bangladesh. Objective: The main objective of this investigation was to assess the extent of knowledge, awareness, attitude and practices addressing anthrax in animals and humans in the communities of Bangladesh Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in the ‘anthrax belt’ Sirajgonj district where several anthrax outbreaks have been reported in both the livestock and humans. A total of 26 household were selected randomly for sampling from each of four villages during the period from August to December 2013. A total of 104 adult respondents participated in the questionnaire survey and the data were calculated by using the formula 4 pq/d2 and Chi-square test using software. Results: Result shows that 55.8% of the community respondents had knowledge of anthrax, while 44.2% of them did not. Analysis of anthrax cases record obtained from respondents showed 49.8% animals, 44.0% humans and 6.2% birds affected with this disease. Only 18.3 to 28.2% respondents knew the clinical signs cutaneous, gastro-intestinal and pulmonary forms, whereas 13.3 to 25.5% respondents knew more than one transmission routes in animals and humans. A certain percentage (2.9 to 16.8% & 8.9 to 20.9%) of community people obtained information on the outbreaks of anthrax in animals and humans from communication media, NGO workers and community health workers. Conclusions: The knowledge on anthrax of the participants was low with no consistent understanding of the disease. The educated family members in farming practices could improve the awareness and knowledge towards zoonotic diseases including anthrax. These findings could be useful for the decision makers to build technical capacity of veterinary medical services and to foster a ‘One Health’ approach especially a continued infection prevention and control training program for animal owners and local residents with close surveillance and reporting, burying or cremation of dead animal carcasses and decontamination and disinfection procedures as well as immunization of animals against anthrax to prevent the infection in endemic areas. Keywords: Anthrax, Bangladesh, Questionnaire survey, Knowledge, Attitude, Anthrax belt district

scholarly journals Health literacy and preparedness of health workers in the private health sector towards the COVID-19 pandemic: Need for integration into the nationwide response

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekaete Tobin ◽  
Vivian Ajekweneh ◽  
Andrew Obi ◽  
Eshan Henshaw
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Private Health Sector

The private health sector has the potential to participate in the COVID-19 pandemic response. The study aimed to assess the health literacy, perceptions, practices, willingness to participate and opportunities for engagement of the private health sector in the COVID-19 response. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among health workers in private health facilities in Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial districts of Edo state between May and June 2020. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires and analysis carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Chi-square test of significance and logistic regression were applied at 5% cut off. A total of 153 health workers participated giving a response rate of 75.0%. Eighty-eight (57.5%) respondents had good knowledge of COVID-19 and 80 (52.3%) held negative perceptions towards COVID-19. Ninety-five (62.1%) respondents believed private health facilities had a role to play in the response particularly in the area of suspected case screening (85.4%). Thirty-one (20.3%) respondents indicated their willingness to participate in the COVID-19 response if their facilities were invited to. Sixty-one (39.9%) and 92 (60.1%) respondents respectively held poor and good practices towards COVID- 19 prevention, with practice significantly associated with educational level (χ2 = 14.10, P < 0.01), profession (χ2 = 15.28, P = 0.01). and previous training in infection prevention and control (IPC) (χ2 = 18.16, P < 0.01). The resources available from the private sector to support the response can be harnessed through engagements with medical directors and health workers in the sector to identify areas of collaboration, address identified gaps in knowledge, improve perception and participation.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practice towards anthrax in northern Ethiopia: a mixed approach study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gebremedhin Romha ◽  
Weldemelak Girmay
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Prevention Method ◽  
Mixed Approach

Abstract Background Anthrax is the second most highly prioritized zoonotic disease in Ethiopia due to its negative impact at the household level, causing disease and production losses in livestock and severe disease in humans. This study seeks to assess the knowledge of, attitudes towards, and practices addressing (KAPs) anthrax in the communities of Eastern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted concurrently with focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) between May 2019 and April 2020. A total of 862 respondents participated in the questionnaire survey. Of these, 800 were local community members while 62 were professionals working at health service institutions. In addition, qualitative data were collected using six FGDs and 11 KIIs. Results Sixty-two percent (496/800) of the community respondents said that they were aware of anthrax while 38% (304/800) of them did not. Only 9.3% (74/800) of the respondents reported that the causative agent of anthrax is germs/microbial. About 56.5% (35/62) of professional respondents said that it is bacterial. More than 60% (64.1%, 513/800) of the respondents did not know that whether the disease was zoonotic or not. Regarding clinical signs, 26.3 (210/800) and 36.8% (294/800) of the respondents could identify at least one in animals and humans, respectively, while 21.3 (170/800) and 20.1% (161/800) knew one or more transmission routes in animals and humans, respectively. Moreover, 43.4% (347/800) and 45.6% (365/800) of the respondents mentioned one or more control/prevention method(s) in animals and humans, respectively. Regarding qualitative results, some of the participants knew the disease (in animals) by their local names: Lalish and Tafia (splenomegaly), and Gulbus (abdominal cramps and shivering). Some reported that anthrax was exclusively a human disease while others recognized its zoonotic potential after the clinical signs in both animals and humans were listed. Conclusion The KAP of the participants regarding anthrax was low. There was no consistent understanding of the disease among the participants. The study also revealed that the participants did not receive consistent, adequate, and continuous education regarding the disease.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Anthrax in Northern Ethiopia: a mixed approach study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gebremedhin Romha ◽  
Weldemelak Girmay
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Prevention Method ◽  
Mixed Approach

Abstract Background: Anthrax is the second most highly prioritized zoonotic disease in Ethiopia due to its negative impact at the household level, causing disease and production losses in livestock and severe disease in humans. This study seeks to assess the knowledge of, attitudes towards, and practices addressing (KAPs) anthrax in the communities of Eastern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Methods : A cross-sectional survey was conducted concurrently with focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) between May 2019 and April 2020. A total of 862 respondents participated in the questionnaire survey. Of these, 800 were local community members, while 62 were professionals working at health service institutions. In addition, qualitative data were collected using six FGDs and 11 KIIs. Results : Sixty-two percent (496/800) of the community respondents said that they were aware of anthrax while 38% (304/800) of them did not. Only 9.3% (74/800) of the respondents reported that the causative agent of anthrax is germs/microbial. About 56.5% (35/62) of professional respondents said that it is bacterial. More than sixty percent (64.1%, 513/800) of the respondents did not know that whether the disease was zoonotic or not. Regarding clinical signs, 26.3 (210/800) and 36.8% (294/800) of the respondents could identify at least one in animals and humans, respectively, while 21.3 (170/800) and 20.1% (161/800) knew one or more transmission routes in animals and humans, respectively. Moreover, 43.4% (347/800) and 45.6% (365/800) of the respondents mentioned one or more control/prevention method(s) in animals and humans, respectively. Regarding qualitative results, some of the participants knew the disease (in animals) by their local names: Lalish and Tafia (splenomegaly), and Gulbus (abdominal cramps and shivering). Some reported that anthrax was exclusively a human disease while others recognized its zoonotic potential after the clinical signs in both animals and humans were listed. Conclusion : The KAP of the participants regarding anthrax was low. There was no consistent understanding of the disease among the participants. The study also revealed that the participants did not receive consistent, adequate, and continuous education regarding the disease.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Anthrax in Northern Ethiopia: a mixed approach study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gebremedhin Romha ◽  
Weldemelak Girmay
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Prevention Method ◽  
Mixed Approach

Abstract Background: Anthrax is the second most highly prioritized zoonotic disease in Ethiopia due to its negative impact at the household level, causing disease and production losses in livestock and severe disease in humans. This study seeks to assess the knowledge of, attitudes towards, and practices addressing (KAPs) anthrax in the communities of Eastern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Methods : A cross-sectional survey was conducted concurrently with focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) between May 2019 and April 2020. A total of 862 respondents participated in the questionnaire survey. Of these, 800 were local community members, while 62 were professionals working at health service institutions. In addition, qualitative data were collected using six FGDs and 11 KIIs. Results : Sixty-two percent (496/800) of the community respondents said that they were aware of anthrax while 38% (304/800) of them did not. Only 9.3% (74/800) of the respondents reported that the causative agent of anthrax is germs/microbial. About 56.5% (35/62) of professional respondents said that it is bacterial. More than sixty percent (64.1%, 513/800) of the respondents did not know that whether the disease was zoonotic or not. Regarding clinical signs, 26.3 (210/800) and 36.8% (294/800) of the respondents could identify at least one in animals and humans, respectively, while 21.3 (170/800) and 20.1% (161/800) knew one or more transmission routes in animals and humans, respectively. Moreover, 43.4% (347/800) and 45.6% (365/800) of the respondents mentioned one or more control/prevention method(s) in animals and humans, respectively. Regarding qualitative results, some of the participants knew the disease (in animals) by their local names: Lalish and Tafia (splenomegaly), and Gulbus (abdominal cramps and shivering). Some reported that anthrax was exclusively a human disease while others recognized its zoonotic potential after the clinical signs in both animals and humans were listed. Conclusion : The KAP of the participants regarding anthrax was low. There was no consistent understanding of the disease among the participants. The study also revealed that the participants did not receive consistent, adequate, and continuous education regarding the disease.

scholarly journals Public Health Workforce Burnout in the COVID-19 Response in the U.S.

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4369
Author(s):  
Kahler W. Stone ◽  
Kristina W. Kintziger ◽  
Meredith A. Jagger ◽  
Jennifer A. Horney
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Public Health Workforce ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The U.S

While the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline health care workers have been well described, the effects of the COVID-19 response on the U.S. public health workforce, which has been impacted by the prolonged public health response to the pandemic, has not been adequately characterized. A cross-sectional survey of public health professionals was conducted to assess mental and physical health, risk and protective factors for burnout, and short- and long-term career decisions during the pandemic response. The survey was completed online using the Qualtrics survey platform. Descriptive statistics and prevalence ratios (95% confidence intervals) were calculated. Among responses received from 23 August and 11 September 2020, 66.2% of public health workers reported burnout. Those with more work experience (1–4 vs. <1 years: prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08−3.36; 5–9 vs. <1 years: PR = 1.89, CI = 1.07−3.34) or working in academic settings (vs. practice: PR = 1.31, CI = 1.08–1.58) were most likely to report burnout. As of September 2020, 23.6% fewer respondents planned to remain in the U.S. public health workforce for three or more years compared to their retrospectively reported January 2020 plans. A large-scale public health emergency response places unsustainable burdens on an already underfunded and understaffed public health workforce. Pandemic-related burnout threatens the U.S. public health workforce’s future when many challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 response remain unaddressed.

Cervical Cancer: Assessment of Its Knowledge, Utilization of Services and Its Determinant Among Female Undergraduate Students in a Low Resource Setting

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2110066
Author(s):  
Chidebe Christian Anikwe ◽  
Philip Chidubem Osuagwu ◽  
Cyril Chijioke Ikeoha ◽  
Okechukwu B Ikechukwu Dimejesi ◽  
Bartholomew Chukwunonye Okorochukwu
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Resource Setting ◽  
Study Population

Background Cervical cancer is a preventable disease that contributes significantly to the death of women. This study is aimed at determining the level of knowledge and utilization of cervical cancer screening and its determinants among female undergraduates of Ebonyi State University. Methods A structured questionnaire was used for a cross-sectional survey of the study population between January 1 and March 3, 2018. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Data were represented with frequency table, simple percentage, mode, range, Chi square and pie chart. The level of significance is at P-value < 0.05. Results Majority (74.8%) of the respondents were aware of cervical cancer and it could be prevented (70.8%). More than three-fifths (68.30%) were informed via health workers, and 86.8% were aware that post-coital vaginal bleeding is a symptom. Less than half (49.8%) knew that HPV is the primary cause, and only 32.9% were aware of the HPV vaccine. One-quarter of the respondent were aware that early coitarche is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Only 41.8% of the women were aware of Pap smear, 9.2% had undergone screening, and 97.6% were willing to be screened. Marital status was the significant determinant of being screened while class level did not significantly influence uptake of cervical cancer screening. The most common reason (20.6%) for not being screened was lack of awareness of the test. Conclusion Our study population had a good knowledge of cervical cancer, but utilization of cervical cancer screening was poor. Awareness creation through the mass media and provision of affordable screening services can promote the use of cervical cancer screening in the study area.

scholarly journals Translation and validation of Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire among reproductive, maternal and newborn health workers in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tumbwene Mwansisya ◽  
Columba Mbekenga ◽  
Kahabi Isangula ◽  
Loveluck Mwasha ◽  
Eunice Pallangyo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Newborn Health ◽  
Training Needs ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Needs Analysis ◽  
Maternal And Newborn Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Continuous professional development (CPD) has been reported to enhance healthcare workers’ knowledge and skills, improve retention and recruitment, improve the quality of patient care, and reduce patient mortality. Therefore, validated training needs assessment tools are important to facilitate the design of effective CPD programs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires. Participants were healthcare workers in reproductive, maternal, and neonatal health (RMNH) from seven hospitals, 12 health centers, and 17 dispensaries in eight districts of Mwanza Region, Tanzania. The training needs analysis (TNA) tool that was used for data collection was adapted and translated into Kiswahili from English version of the Hennessy-Hicks’ Training Need Analysis Questionnaire (TNAQ). Results In total, 153 healthcare workers participated in this study. Most participants were female 83 % (n = 127), and 76 % (n = 115) were nurses. The average age was 39 years, and the mean duration working in RMNH was 7.9 years. The reliability of the adapted TNAQ was 0.954. Assessment of construct validity indicated that the comparative fit index was equal to 1. Conclusions The adapted TNAQ appears to be reliable and valid for identifying professional training needs among healthcare workers in RMNH settings in Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to test the use of the TNAQ in broader healthcare systems and settings.

Quality of Life in People Living With HIV: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey in Belgium

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-264
Author(s):  
Gert Scheerder ◽  
Sandra Van den Eynde ◽  
Patrick Reyntiens ◽  
Ria Koeck ◽  
Jessika Deblonde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

This cross-sectional survey explored the quality of life in 505 people living with HIV in Belgium. Several domains of quality of life were impaired: 26% had been diagnosed with depression and 43% had weak social support. HIV-related stigma is still widespread, with 49% believing most people with HIV are rejected and 65% having experienced discrimination due to HIV. The impact of HIV was limited on professional life, but 40% experienced a negative impact on life satisfaction and 41% a negative impact on sexual life. For several domains, people with a recent diagnosis of HIV and long-term survivors had significantly worse scores. This survey also uncovered strengths of people living with HIV, such as positive coping and HIV self-image. Expanding the scope of quality of life in people living with HIV may provide a more complete picture of relevant life domains that may be impacted by living with HIV, but this needs further validation.

scholarly journals The Challenges and Knowledge Gaps in Malaria Therapy: A Stakeholder Approach to Improving Oral Quinine Use in the Treatment of Childhood Malaria in Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Bartholomew Yir-Erong ◽  
Marcel Tunkumgnen Bayor ◽  
Isaac Ayensu ◽  
Stephen Yao Gbedema ◽  
Joshua Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Bitter Taste ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Modes Of Transmission ◽  
Malaria Therapy ◽  
Care Givers ◽  
Childhood Malaria

Background. The study was undertaken to elicit the knowledge, views, and perceptions of key stakeholders on malaria, its bioburden, and treatment options, in order to ascertain the knowledge gabs and challenges, especially in the use of oral quinine in childhood malaria. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a well-structured Likert Scale and self-administered questionnaire. The principal site of the study was a government-run children’s hospital located in the Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metro of Accra. The study population included health workers, parents, and guardians or care givers. The participants were 300, purposively selected, and consisted of both men (41%) and women (59%) who were twenty years and above, whether employed (42%), self-employed (37%), or unemployed (21%). Results. Majority of the participants (78%) demonstrated above average knowledge of malaria. However, their awareness of the causes, modes of transmission, signs, and symptoms as well as preventive mechanisms of malaria did not result in low incidence of malaria. About 77% of the respondents agreed they would seek treatment within 24 hours once signs and symptoms are detected. Though close to 50% undertook home treatment of malaria, majority eventually sought treatment at hospital or clinic. Above 92% of respondents knew that quinine is used to treat malaria and agreed its bitter taste greatly affects compliance, especially in children. Consequently, 95% of the respondents would be glad if its bitter taste is masked. Conclusion. The study demonstrated the availability of substantial knowledge of the devastating effects of malaria, especially in children. Therefore, there is the need to ensure the availability and utilization of effective paediatric formulations in the fight against malaria. From this study, fast dissolving oral thin film with a good mouth feel, would be the formulation of choice for quinine.

scholarly journals Prevalence of eczema among older persons: A population-based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Vijayan Neena ◽  
Neelakandhan Asokan ◽  
Rajany Jose ◽  
A. Sarin
Keyword(s):  
Older Persons ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Background: There are very few population-based studies on the prevalence of eczema among older persons Aims: To estimate the prevalence and types of eczema in those aged 65 years or more in the community and to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based interventions for case finding. Methods: In the first stage of this cross-sectional survey, trained health workers of a non-governmental organization surveyed the eligible population and identified persons likely to have eczema. In the second stage, dermatologists examined such persons to ascertain the diagnosis. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info software version 7. Prevalence of eczema was expressed in percentages. Chi-square test was used for comparing the difference in prevalence of eczema in various age groups and sex. Results: Health workers identified 98 persons as possible cases of eczema after interviewing 385 older persons in the community. Among them 95 persons were examined by dermatologists and 44 were confirmed to have eczema (diagnostic accuracy of health workers = 46.3%).Point prevalence of eczema was 11.4% (44/385). Prevalence was similar in males and females. It was greater (18.2 %) among persons aged 81 years or more. Asteatotic eczema, gravitational eczema and lichen simplex chronicus were the more common types of eczema. Limitations: Possible underestimation of the prevalence rates due to limited medical knowledge of health workers; limited facilities for examination and investigations at the medical camps and home visits. Conclusion: There appears to be a considerable burden of eczema among older persons in the community. A community-based approach involving non-governmental organizations has the potential to identify cases and offer care close to their homes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document