scholarly journals PRACTICE OF PROPER HANDWASHING AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG STAFF IN A MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-274
Author(s):  
San San Oo ◽  
Mohd Salami Ibrahim ◽  
Myat Moe Thwe Aung ◽  
Yuzana Mohd Yusop ◽  
Azmi Hassan ◽  
...  

In higher education setting throughout the world, the practise of handwashing among staff is essential, particularly in the period of COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the overwhelming evidence on the effectiveness of proper handwashing, the knowledge, attitude and practice of handwashing among the staff of higher education have not been well investigated. Consequently, a cross-sectional study among staff in a university in Malaysia was conducted to identify the prevalence of proper handwashing and its associated factors. The data was collected using questionnaires in Google form from 18th June to 21st June 2020. Statistical analyses involved simple and multiple logistic regression with backward likelihood ratio method. Out of 349 participants, 31.8% (95% CI:  26.9,36.7) had proper handwashing practice. The results of the multivariable analysis revealed that the total knowledge scores (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.001, 1.071) and the total attitude scores (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.152, 1.321) were found to be significantly associated with proper handwashing practice among staff. Our study suggests that having the right knowledge and favourable attitudes are crucial towards achieving the proper handwashing practise. Additional supports for promoting a conducive ecosystem may also likely be needed to sustain a long-term practice of proper handwashing.

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Belayneh Ayanaw Kassie ◽  
Aynishet Adane ◽  
Eskeziaw Abebe Kassahun ◽  
Amare Simegn Ayele ◽  
Aysheshim Kassahun Belew

Background. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak affects the global social, economic, and political context and becomes a significant threat to healthcare providers who are among the exposed groups to acquire and transmit the disease while caring and treating patients. It is crucial to comply with prevention recommendations so as to stay safe and protected. Therefore, this study aimed to assess COVID-19 preventive practice and associated factors among healthcare workers in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 630 healthcare workers in Northwest Ethiopia from March to April 2020. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. A pretested and structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were entered using Epi Info 7 and analyzed using STATA 16 statistical software. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify associated factors. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval was used to determine independent predictors of COVID-19 preventive practice. In multivariable analysis, a variable with a P value of less than 0.05 was considered as statically significant. Result. Among 630 healthcare workers participated in the study, the overall good preventive practice towards COVID-19 was found to be 38.73% (95% CI: 34.8, 42.5). Being a male healthcare provider (AOR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.10), having work experience of 6–10 years (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.23, 4.00), and having poor attitude towards COVID-19 (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.22) were found to be significantly associated with poor COVID-19 preventive practice among healthcare workers. Conclusion. Overall compliance towards COVID-19 preventive practice among healthcare workers was found to be low. Multiple education and training platforms with focus on COVID-19 preventive measures and adequate personal protective equipment and supplies should be provided for healthcare providers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumit Malhotra ◽  
Mani Kalaivani ◽  
Ramashankar Rath ◽  
Manya Prasad ◽  
Praveen Vashist ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Uncorrected refractive errors contribute enormously to the burden of avoidable visual impairment worldwide. There is a huge disparity in different parts of the globe in context to spectacle coverage for distance vision. This study was undertaken with objectives of determining prevalence of spectacle coverage, unmet needs and associated factors among adults in a rural community of north India. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out within selected clusters of Jhajjar district of Haryana. All participants aged > 15 years underwent visual acuity assessment by LogMAR “E” screening chart. Participants with presenting visual acuity < 6/12 in any eye and all current spectacle users underwent detailed ophthalmic examination and refraction. Additional details about spectacles, barriers for their use and willingness to pay for them were collected. Participants with met and unmet need for spectacle use at visual acuity > 6/12 was computed. These are reported as proportions with 95% confidence intervals. Associated factors with unmet need were determined using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 6910 participants were examined. The current spectacle use was 7.5% (95% Confidence Interval CI: 6.5, 8.7). The spectacle coverage was found in 33.3% (95% CI: 30.0, 36.7) participants among those in need. The unmet need was found in 10.8% of participants (95% CI: 10.1, 11.6). On multivariable analysis, odds of unmet need was associated with age, gender, level of education and marriage status. The most common barrier for refractive correction was lack of perceived need for refraction and its correction. Conclusion There is substantial unmet need for distance vision spectacles in this population. It is imperative that multi-component intervention be implemented to improve spectacle coverage in this rural north Indian setting.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raja Ram Dhungana ◽  
Achyut Raj Pandey ◽  
Bihungum Bista ◽  
Suira Joshi ◽  
Surya Devkota

Objective. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension in newly declared municipalities of Kathmandu, Nepal.Design, Settings, and Participants. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in the municipalities of Kathmandu District, Nepal, between January and July 2015. Study participants were aged 18 to 70 years, residing permanently in the study sites. Municipalities, Wards, households, and respondents were selected randomly.Results. Of the 587 participants, 58.8% were females, mean (SD) age was 42.3 (13.5) years, 29.3% had no formal education, 35.1% were Brahmins, and 41.2% were homemakers. Prevalence of hypertension was 32.5% (95% CI: 28.7–36.3). Age, gender, education, ethnicity, occupation, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diabetes, menopausal history, and family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension were significantly associated with hypertension. In multivariable analysis, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, body mass index, and diabetes were identified as significant explanatory variables for hypertension.Conclusion. This study demonstrated that the people living in newly established municipalities of Kathmandu, Nepal, have a high burden of hypertension as well as its associated factors. Therefore, community-based preventive approaches like lifestyle modification and early detection and treatment of hypertension might bring a substantial change in tackling the burden effectively.


Author(s):  
Yahya F. S. M. ◽  
Islam M. Shamsal

Background: Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is to consider the first step to improving the public health of urban people. Primary health-related risk factors are largely induced by urban people's daily WASH practice and this is the leading cause of mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) globally. About 28% of Bangladeshi people are living in urban areas and the megacity Dhaka accounts for around 40% of the urban population. In this explanatory research, we explored the knowledge, attitude and practice on WASH and associated factors of drivers’ communities in Dhaka, Bangladesh.Methods: The study was an observational descriptive cross-sectional study and both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The study was conducted between 03 September 2020, and 28 February 2021. A total of 109 drivers, 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 8 key informant interviews (KIIs) were also conducted.Results: The vast majority of drivers were middle age and a few were younger. The vast majority of drivers were experienced and the current job duration was about 7.94±8.33 years. The majority of drivers usually passed leisure time by playing ludo, chess, carrom, cards, chatting online on Facebook (FB), watching the drama on YouTube, watching television (TV), hearing radio programs and gossiping with colleagues. Two-third of the drivers disposing of food waste in the dustbin, and one-third kept inside the vehicle aiming to dispose of it dustbin although some of them throw it into the street.Conclusions: Study findings suggested that there is a need to create WASH facilities and intensive campaigns on hygiene and sanitation to create awareness among aged drivers to practice health and hygiene during duty hours. 


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wubie Birlie Chekol ◽  
Debas Yaregal Melese

Abstract Objective: this study was aimed to assess the incidence and associated factors of laryngospasm among pediatric patients who undergone surgery under general anesthesia (GA). Results : The incidence of laryngospasm among pediatric patients who undergone surgery under GA was 57 (18.39%) . Of this 34 (59.6%) were happened during emergence, 12 (21.1%) during maintenance and 11 (19.3%) during induction phase of GA. In multivariable analysis, airway anomalies (AOR : 14.64,95%CI:1.71,125.04) , orophyrangeal secretion (AOR : 2.45,95%CI:1.19,5.06), attempts of airway devices insertion (AOR : 2.47,95%CI:1.16,5.22) , upper respiratory tract infection (AOR : 2.91,95%CI:1.008,8.41) and inadequate depth of anesthesia (AOR : 7.92,95%CI:2.7,23.22) were significantly associated with incidence of laryngospasm .


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Shahbaznejad ◽  
Mohammad Reza Navaeifar ◽  
Faeze Sadat Movahedi ◽  
Fatemeh Hosseinzadeh ◽  
Seyed Alireza Fahimzad ◽  
...  

Abstract Background It has been determined that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic needs social distancing and proper measures to prevent its spreading. This study aimed to determine COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, and practice among Sari Birth Cohort (SBC) members. Methods In this cross-sectional study linked to the SBC in north of Iran, mothers living in Sari and its suburbs from March 28 to April 8, 2020 were evaluated. The measurement tool was an online researcher-made, self-reported knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire related to COVID-19. Results In total, 1449 mothers with a mean age of 31.51 ± 5.73 years participated. Of them, 82.4% had good knowledge (98.6% in healthcare workers and 79.2% in housewives, p = 0.000). Most of them were worried about spread of the disease in the country (97.4%) and agreed that COVID-19 will finally be successfully controlled around the world (72.2%). Sleep disturbance was reported in 42.7% of mothers. Eighty-eight percent of cases wore masks and gloves when leaving home, 99.4% washed their hands frequently while 12.9% went to any crowded places. People with better knowledge followed safer practices (p = 0.000) and were more worried about the spread of the disease in the country and infection (among themselves and their first-degree relatives) (p = 0.000). Conclusions Most of the SBC members had a good level of knowledge about COVID-19 but were worried about a long-term pandemic period. They also had good practices regarding the prevention of the disease.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gelana Fekadu Mijena ◽  
Sintayehu Nigussie ◽  
Tesfaye Gobena ◽  
Habtamu Mitiku ◽  
Hassen Abdi

Abstract Background Despite blood transfusion has been available for the past 200 years; there is still a significant shortage of blood and blood products especially in low and middle income countries. In 2016 national blood demand of Ethiopia was estimated to be one million units per year, while only 17.4% (173,930) units of blood collected in the same year. Out of 25,400 units of blood requirement per year in West Hararghe, only 2750 units (10.8%) was collected in 2016 and 80% of these were from Civil servants. The aim of the study was to assess voluntary blood donation practice and associated factors among Chiro Town’s civil servants in 2018. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 383 civil servants selected by multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using self-administer and pre-tested questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association between determinant factors and voluntary blood donation practice. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated to identify factors associated with the outcome variables in the multivariable analysis. A P<0.05 and AOR with 95% CI were used to report significance and strength of multivariable association, respectively. Results The life -time voluntary blood donation practice among civil servants was 43.7%(38.3,49.3). Having willingness to donate, [AOR=2.54; 95%CI=1.39, 4.65], being knowledgeable about blood donation [AOR=3.32; 95%CI=2.02, 5.46] and listening to mass media [AOR=1.83; 95%CI=1.01, 3.35] were variables significantly associated with voluntary blood donation practice. Conclusions This study shows poor Voluntary Blood donation practice while, having knowledge, willingness and access to mass media are attributable factors for blood donation practice in the study area.


2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1449-1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Delpizzo Castagno ◽  
Anaclaudia Gastal Fassa ◽  
Manuel Augusto Pereira Vilela ◽  
Rodrigo Dalke Meucci ◽  
Deiner Paulo Martins Resende

Hyperopia is the most common refractive condition in childhood. There are few studies on moderate hyperopia and associated factors. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of moderate hyperopia and associated factors among school children. A cross-sectional study comprising 1,032 students attending 1st to 8th grades at two public schools was conducted in a Southern Brazilian urban area in 2012. Cycloplegia was used to examine both eyes and refractive error was measured through auto-refraction. A socioeconomic and cultural questionnaire was administered. Multivariable analysis was performed through Poisson regression. Moderate hyperopia prevalence was 13.4% (95% CI, 11.2-15.4) and 85% of these did not wear glasses. Age was inversely associated with moderate hyperopia, while female gender RP = 1.39 (95%CI, 1.02 - 1.90) and white skin RP = 1.66 (95%CI, 1.04 - 2.66) were risk factors for this outcome. This study makes progress in estimating mild and moderate hyperopia prevalence both by age range and specific age. It emphasizes how the lack of this condition being corrected in southern Brazil is a serious problem. It highlights the importance of detailing and characterizing the amount of time spent on close-range, long-range and outdoor activities.


Author(s):  
Ejiro C. Iwuoha ◽  
Ngozi C. Ekeleme ◽  
Chika L. Uche

Background: Early diagnosis of breast cancer has been associated with better outcomes in diagnosed cases. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an inexpensive but effective method of identifying breast masses that may be cancerous. Objectives: To identify the knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE among women in Abia State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study of 415 women in Aba, a commercial city in Abia State. Pretested questionnaires were administered on women who consented to participate in the study. Analysis of data was done using IBM SPSS Version 20. Results: The mean age of the 415 participants was 36.7±9.9 years. About 9% of respondents had a positive family history of breast cancer. Majority of the women; 76% (331) had heard of BSE with highest (34%) source of information being radio and television. While 67.5% knew how to do BSE, only 32% knew the right frequency for performing BSE. Though majority of women agreed that it was necessary to see a doctor for breast examination; only 39% had done so previously while 54% felt having a doctor examine their breast would be embarrassing. Only 28% of the women had practiced BSE in the past. Reasons given for not practicing BSE were lack of knowledge and forgetfulness. Conclusion: This study demonstrated high knowledge and good attitude but poor practice of BSE.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 117863022110523
Author(s):  
Awash Almebo ◽  
Hunachew Beyene Mangasha ◽  
Zemachu Ashuro ◽  
Negasa Eshete Soboksa ◽  
Girum Gebremeskel Kanno ◽  
...  

Background: Long-term consumption of water containing an excessive amount of fluoride causes dental and skeletal fluorosis. De-fluoridation options differ in terms of scale, efficacy, long-term viability, and user acceptance. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the challenges of using fluoride-filtered water and its associated factors among households. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May, 2018 among 405 randomly selected households in Dugda Woreda of Ethiopia Rift Valley East Shewa Zone, Oromia Region. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. SPSS version 20 was used to enter and analyze the collected data. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify association between dependent and independent factors and explained by odds ratio with 95%CI. Results: A total of 228 (56.3%) households were found to utilize fluoride filtered water from community water supply schemes for drinking and cooking purposes. No family history of fluorosis (AOR = 44.4, 95%CI: 18.8, 104.74), monthly income of less than 1000 ETB (AOR = 0.03, 95%CI: 0.004, 0.23), good knowledge of community fluoride filter schemes (AOR = 5.93, 95%CI: 1.30, 26.9), and not afford to pay bill of ⩾0.50 ETB [AOR = 0.4, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.91] were factors significantly associated with utilization of community-level fluoride-filtered water. Conclusion: In this study, more than half of the households used fluoride filtered water. Family monthly income, affordability, presence of family members with the history of fluoride exposure, and knowledge about community fluoride filter schemes were factors significantly associated with utilization of community-level fluoride-filtered water.


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