The Role of Intern Pharmacists in Implementing Innovative and Sustainable Practices to Enhance Rates of Non-influenza Immunizations

Background Intern pharmacists are likely an underutilized resource for addressing immunization barriers and improving immunization rates. Studies have addressed methods that pharmacists use to improve immunization rates, but few have focused on the role of intern pharmacists, with particular emphasis on non-influenza immunizations. Methods An online survey was distributed through email listservs associated with California pharmacy schools and organizations. Data collected included title (“pharmacist” or “intern pharmacist”), practice setting, perceptions of the intern pharmacists’ role in improving immunization rates (strongly agree to strongly disagree using a 5-point Likert scale), and opinions regarding potential implementations. Immunization barriers were assessed using a 9-point scale, from least to most feasible to be addressed. Statistical comparisons between intern pharmacist and pharmacist responses were made using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Results A total of 133 respondents completed the survey. The immunization barrier most likely to be successfully overcome by intern pharmacists was lack of patient awareness. There was strong support in favor of intern pharmacists having greater involvement in programs that increase patient non-influenza immunization rates. The two most feasible implementations by intern pharmacists were determined to be intern-led college/university campus clinics providing free non-influenza immunizations and educational booths/outreaches that raise awareness about immunizations. Conclusion Identification of immunization barriers capable of being addressed by intern pharmacists and effective intern pharmacist-led initiatives may contribute to enhanced immunization outcomes. Future steps include the implementation of intern pharmacist-led activities and further evaluation of whether these intern pharmacist-specific initiatives contribute to increasing non-influenza immunizations.

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Role of community-based measures in adherence to self-protective behaviors during first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Health Promotion Perspectives ◽

10.34172/hpp.2021.10 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 69-79

Author(s):

Asma Ayyed AL-Shammary ◽

Sehar un-Nisa Hassan ◽

Aqeela Zahra ◽

Fahad Bin Zafir Algahtani ◽

Shadi Suleiman

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Online Survey ◽

Personal Responsibility ◽

Protective Behaviors ◽

Community Based ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Second Wave

Background: The expected second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has started in various regions of the world. Public health experts warned that it could be as lethal as the first wave if people did not comply with self-protective measures. Currently, there is a gap in the literature on the relationship between peoples’ assessment of the effectiveness of community-based measures regarding adherence to self-protective behaviors for COVID-19 prevention and control. This study aimed to assess the role of the perceived effectiveness of community-based measures in adherence to self-protective behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The cross-sectional online survey conducted from March 24 to June 22, 2020. The study sample Included 400 participants (49% male and 51% female) from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The outcome measure was compliance to four self-protective behaviors i.e., "social distancing;" "wearing facemask;" "washing hands more frequently;" and "disinfecting surfaces in homes." We computed Chi-square statistics and odds ratios (ORs) using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The findings demonstrated that participants aged 25–34 years old were 25% less likely to comply with hand hygiene (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.33–0.95) and social distancing (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.34–0.98). Misconceptions related to COVID-19 significantly decreased compliance with self-protective behaviors by up to 27%. Participants who rated government decisions as useful were approximately 1.7 times more likely to comply with self-protective behaviors. Conclusion: Community-based measures should focus on engaging segments of the population That are currently less compliant. Health education policies should also focus on enhancing the perceived sense of control and personal responsibility and reduce anxiety levels. A continuous commitment to the implementation of preventive interventions and the clarification of misconceptions are required to combat the expected second wave.

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PERCEPTIONS OF CHINA AND OTHER GREAT POWERS AMONG KAZAKHSTAN AND KYRGYZSTAN YOUTH

Central Asia and the Caucasus ◽

10.37178/ca-c.21.4.07 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 71-83

Author(s):

Nurettin CAN ◽

Ibrahim KONCAK ◽

Sanar MUHYADDIN ◽

Ibrahim KELEŞ

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Political Influence ◽

Great Powers ◽

The Other ◽

Chi Square ◽

Central Asian ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Central Asian Countries ◽

Using Data

This article studies the perception of great powers in the eyes of students in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan using data collected through an online survey. The research has compared the perceptions of China’s and other Great Powers’ economic, political, and military authority among the youth of Central Asian countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. To analyze these perceptions, young people from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (N = 262) took part in a survey in the spring of 2021. Responses were analyzed to reveal the differences in perception by applying descriptive and inferential statistical methods, i.e., one-sample t-test. An association of geodemographic factors with the perception towards global powers was discovered by applying the chi-square test statistical method. The early research revealed that the role of the other Great Powers was seen mainly in political terms, while China’s role was mostly economic, however, recent studies made it clear that China’s political influence is increasing in the region. Another finding from this research is that China’s position on human rights and environmental issues is more negatively perceived than that of the other Great powers.

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The Role of Self-Feeding in Food Acceptance Among Toddlers

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa054_114 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 1042-1042

Author(s):

Kameron Moding ◽

Elizabeth Carney ◽

Jennifer Fisher ◽

Susan Johnson

Keyword(s):

Shared Control ◽

Age Group ◽

Infants And Toddlers ◽

Point Scale ◽

Chi Square ◽

Food Acceptance ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Standardized Residuals ◽

And Control

Abstract Objectives The ability to self-feed using utensils develops steadily from late infancy through toddlerhood. Here, we examine differences in food acceptance when infants and toddlers are self-fed versus caregiver-fed. Methods Caregivers (89% mothers) and their infants/toddlers (n = 57, 46% female, 86% black) aged 6–11 months (n = 13), 12–23 months (n = 29), and 24–36 months (n = 15) participated in laboratory visits that were video recorded. Children were offered both smooth and lumpy potato purees on a spoon. Caregivers were instructed to offer each texture until the child accepted 2 bites or refused 3 times. Trained coders watched the videos to determine who controlled each offer (caregiver, child, or both) and rated the child's acceptance of each offer (4-point scale: 0 = refusal, 1 = enforced, 2 = accept, 3 = anticipation). Acceptance was further dichotomized into refusal (0 or 1) or acceptance (2 or 3). Chi-square analyses were conducted to test the association between acceptance and who controlled the spoon offers for each bite, for each age group. Results Infants (6–11 months) were fed by their caregivers during 100% of offers. Younger toddlers (12–23 months) were fed the majority of offers by their caregiver (66%) and were the only age group to have shared control of some offers with their caregiver (4%). Older toddlers (24–36 months) were fed 50% of offers by their caregiver. An association was observed between acceptance and control of the spoon for both younger toddlers (χ2 = 16.21, P < .001) and older toddlers (χ2 = 51.22, P < .001). Both groups of children were more likely to accept smooth and lumpy potato purees when they had the opportunity to self-feed (Standardized residuals = 2.2 and 3.4) and were more likely to reject offers controlled by the caregiver (SR = −2.4, −3.7). Conclusions Both younger and older toddlers in our cohort were more likely to accept smooth and lumpy purees when they had the opportunity to self-feed compared to when they were fed by their caregivers. These findings suggest that giving children opportunities to self-feed may facilitate food acceptance during toddlerhood. Funding Sources None.

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Sharing, Adaptation and Organization of Open Educational Resources: Exploring the Teachers’ Attitude of Sukhothai Thamathirat Open University, Thailand

International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology - Regular Issue ◽

10.35940/ijeat.a1016.109119 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 31-36

Keyword(s):

Knowledge Society ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Open Educational Resources ◽

Open Educational Resource ◽

Open University ◽

Point Scale ◽

Chi Square ◽

Statistical Measures ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Strongly Agree

The Open Educational Resource(OER) is based on culture of sharing and learning, encouraging the teachers to adopt existing OER, adapt and share with others to keep up the cycle of collaboration and continuous improvement. Understanding teachers’ attitude towards the use of OER and comparing data across institutions may help to recognize the issues that impact OER take-up. The major objectives of the paper is to study the teacher’s attitude towards OER at Sukhothai Thamathirat Open University(STOU), Thailand. The teachers’ attitude towards OER scale with a five-point scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree was used in this study. Based on the scale, adaptation & use of OER and sharing of OER can be identified. The questionnaire was distributed to the faculty of STOU. There were 32 respondents of STOU considered for analysis. Data captured through online form.The data have been analyzed quantitatively by implying statistical measures. The frequency measures were used to present the demographic as well as other data along with chi-square test. The analysis was done in SPSS.Teachers of Thailand are encouraged to share OER for their professional enhancement and personal satisfaction. It is interesting to find that majority of them are motivated to share and contribute to OER for dissemination of ideas in a knowledge society.

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A study of indoor air quality investigations in B.C health authorities

BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal ◽

10.47339/ephj.2014.161 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

Debbie Lee ◽

BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health ◽

Helen Heacock ◽

Bobby Sidhu

Keyword(s):

Air Quality ◽

Indoor Air Quality ◽

Indoor Air ◽

Online Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Volatile Organic ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Indoor Air Pollutants

Canadians spend 90 percent of their lifetime indoors and are currently aware that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can negatively impact human health. If there are any IAQ problems, the Health Authorities will conduct IAQ investigations to respond to the complainants or resolve the conflicts. An online survey to Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and specialists was used to understand the frequencies that B.C. Health Authorities conduct IAQ investigations, the locations Health Authorities encountered most IAQ queries, the different types of pollutants that IAQ instruments are used for and the preference for instruments chosen. Five common indoor air pollutants, such as mould, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, particulate matters (PMs), CO and CO2, were chosen and the Chi-Square test was used to analyze the data in this study. This study showed that most EHOs had never conducted IAQ investigations since they had worked in the B. C Health Authorities. Mould problems between landlord and tenant were EHOs mostly encountered. The study found that EHOs referred to other agencies or consultants when they received complaints. The data showed that the method of managing IAQ problems was associated with the Health Authorities because few EHOs from Vancouver Coastal Health indicated they had used equipment to conduct IAQ investigations. The mostly encountered location and frequency of conducting radon investigations were significantly associated with the Health Authorities due to an on-going project in Northern Authority. Most EHOs and specialists had shown that they educated public regarding to the information of IAQ instead of monitoring the IAQ pollutants. The results of this study indicate that EHOs did not get involved in IAQ investigations often and also showed that mould problems were the mostly encountered IAQ problems between the Health Authorities. The most important role of EHOs and specialists in this area is to educate public to solve or prevent IAQ problems.

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Food Choices and COVID-19: A Study of Traditional Dietary Habits in Chandigarh, India

Society & Sustainability ◽

10.38157/society_sustainability.v3i1.244 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 18-25

Author(s):

Suraj Das ◽

Anindya Jayanta Mishra

Keyword(s):

Dietary Habits ◽

Food Choices ◽

Cultural Perspective ◽

Chi Square ◽

Primary Survey ◽

Societal Norms ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

And Gender ◽

Strongly Agree

The study aims to understand the traditional dietary habits during the COVID-19 pandemic and to comprehend the role of societal norms associated with gender in the context of Chandigarh, India. The present paper reports the findings from a cross-section survey conducted in September-October 2020 in Chandigarh in India. In total, there were 70 participants for the primary survey. A five-point Likert scale was used for the primary survey on a scale anchored with Strongly Agree (5) to Strongly Disagree (1). We conducted a Chi-square test and Regression Analysis to test the hypothesis. The result proved that socio-cultural and gender norms are significant for food choice during pandemics. The study will benefit the policymakers while framing the policy dealing with pandemic considering the local socio-cultural perspective. The sample size was very small. Therefore, the outcomes of the study may not be generalized for the whole population of Chandigarh, India.

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Pharmacist-Prescribed Hormonal Contraception: Does Didactic Hormonal Contraception Education Affect Student Pharmacist Perceptions of This Professional Activity?

Pharmacy ◽

10.3390/pharmacy9030145 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 145

Author(s):

Rachel Rikard ◽

Jennifer Elliott ◽

Erin Dalton ◽

Rebecca H. Stone

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Clinical Skills ◽

Hormonal Contraception ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Pharmacy Students ◽

Scope Of Practice ◽

Professional Activity ◽

Chi Square ◽

Didactic Training ◽

Strongly Agree

Since 2014, select states have allowed pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraception (HC). This study describes student pharmacists’ perceptions of a pharmacist’s scope of practice, education, and interest, and identifies differences between students who have completed didactic HC content in their professional curriculum versus those who have not. A voluntary online survey was emailed to all students in three Georgia pharmacy schools. Descriptive statistics were reported. Likert square responses were dichotomized, and Chi square testing identified differences between groups. A total of 1256 students were invited, 35% completed the survey, of those 68% had received HC didactic content in their curriculum. Regardless of HC education, most students “agree” or “strongly agree” that pharmacists are adequately educated to prescribe HC (92% vs. 86%, p = 0.05) and prescribing HC is within the pharmacist’s scope of practice (89% vs. 84%, p = 0.12). Although not currently permitted in Georgia, most are interested in prescribing (97% vs. 96%, p = 0.5). Of the students who have received HC didactic content, 87% felt “moderately”, “well”, or “extremely well-educated” regarding HC prescribing clinical skills. Regardless of didactic training, pharmacy students believe pharmacists are prepared to prescribe HC and support pharmacist-prescribed HC as a part of their future professional scope of practice.

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Pharmacists as a Source of Advice on Medication Use for Athletes

Pharmacy ◽

10.3390/pharmacy8010010 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 10

Author(s):

Kwang Choon Yee ◽

Michael De Marco ◽

Mohammed S. Salahudeen ◽

Gregory M. Peterson ◽

Jackson Thomas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Response Rate ◽

Medication Use ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Demographic Information ◽

Chi Square ◽

Drug Classes ◽

Unintentional Doping ◽

World Anti Doping Agency

Background: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) specifies substances that competitive sportspersons are not allowed to take. Some of these substances are contained in common medicines used in everyday medical practice and could be used by athletes by accident. Objectives: This study aimed to explore pharmacists’ knowledge and confidence in guiding athletes about the use of medicines in professional sport. Methods: Registered pharmacists in Australia were invited to participate in an online survey. The survey had five domains and aimed to identify pharmacists’ demographic information, interest in sport, familiarity with WADA guidelines, knowledge on prohibited drug classes, and their opinion about the role of pharmacists in educating athletes on medication use. Descriptive statistics were provided and where appropriate, Chi-square, Mann–Whitney and independent t-test were used to identify potential associations and difference between means. Results: One hundred and thirty-five pharmacists (response rate of 10.6%) completed the survey, with the majority indicating that they were not confident in advising athletes on medication use. Although most respondents believed that pharmacists have a role in the education of athletes to help avoid unintentional doping, only about a quarter indicated that they had sufficient knowledge to advise athletes. About one-half of the respondents could provide fully correct answers when asked to identify the WADA status of some commonly used drugs. Conclusions: The results of the survey indicate that upskilling is required to enable pharmacists in Australia to provide accurate medication advice to professional athletes.

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A Landscape Study of Sichuan University (Wangjiang Campus) from the Perspective of Campus Tourism

Land ◽

10.3390/land9120499 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 499

Author(s):

Deqiang Cheng ◽

Chunliu Gao ◽

Tiantian Shao ◽

Javed Iqbal

Keyword(s):

Campus Culture ◽

University Campus ◽

Point Scale ◽

Natural Landscape ◽

Line Scale ◽

Research Themes ◽

Tourism Resource ◽

Multi Level ◽

Level Scale

University campus tourism is an important component and extension of urban tourism. The campus landscapes at universities act as major reflections of the interaction between regional natural and humanistic environments and initiate a strong visual perception or sensory feelings of the campus, which play a positive guiding role in campus tourism resource development. In order to better understand the role of landscapes in campus tourism, the Wangjiang Campus of Sichuan University was selected as the study area. Campus landscapes under the comprehensive influence of natural and humanistic environments were studied based on three different multi-level (scale) perspectives including: (i) point scale, (ii) line scale and (iii) plane scale, as well as different research themes comprising: (i) landscapes of buildings and vegetation, (ii) color landscapes, (iii) landscapes of campus space utilization, and (iv) thermal landscapes. The results show that the Wangjiang Campus landscapes have strong environmental natural landscape components linked with strong humanistic landscapes, which may provide lively, positive and relaxed visual feelings to tourists in the form of affirmative landscape services. The formation and development of the campus landscapes are affected by the geographic environments and campus culture, and it is conducive to the formation of unique campus genius loci. Nowadays, the landscapes of Wangjiang Campus have become a distinctive visiting card of campus tourism. This study would be helpful in better understating of the campus landscapes using new perspectives, as well as could be used as references for the development of university-campus-tourism.

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Oncologists’ perceived confidence in managing pre-existing chronic comorbidities during patients’ active cancer treatment.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2019.37.15_suppl.e18036 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e18036-e18036

Author(s):

Dudith Pierre-Victor ◽

Iman K. Martin ◽

Brenda Adjei ◽

Mary Shaw-Ridley ◽

Bruce D. Rapkin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Treatment ◽

Online Survey ◽

Care Physician ◽

Coordinated Care ◽

Chi Square ◽

Oncology Research ◽

Medical Oncologists ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Strongly Agree ◽

Active Cancer

e18036 Background: Cancer frequently occurs with other chronic diseases, and this poses serious care coordination challenges during patients’ active cancer treatment (ACT). There is limited research addressing chronic comorbidity (CC) management during ACT. This study aimed to examine practicing oncologists’ perceived confidence in independently managing CC during ACT. Methods: Oncologists in the National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) were surveyed about their perceived confidence in managing CC. The Likert scale survey was piloted-tested, IRB-approved, and administered to oncologists. In December 2018, NCORP network oncologists were sent an email invitation to complete the online survey. Pearson chi-square test was used to identify oncologists’ differences in perceived confidence in managing CC. Results: Among the 201 respondents of the ongoing survey, 48% were medical oncologists, 21.2% radiation or surgical oncologists, and 30.8% were of other specialties. Overall, 69% agreed (agree or strongly agree), 17.3% were neutral, and 13.4% disagreed (strongly disagree or disagree) that they were confident in managing all CC independently. While 69% of oncologists were confident when managing any CC, only 49% and 19.8% remained confident when managing CC previously managed by a primary care physician (PCP) and by a non-oncology subspecialist, respectively. Across oncologic subspecialties, 47.6%, 77.9% and 72.1% of radiation/surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and those of other specialties, respectively, agreed that they were confident in independently managing CC (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Most oncologists are confident in managing all CC during patients’ ACT. However, they were less confident with CC previously managed by PCPs, and even less confident for CC previously managed by non-oncology subspecialists. These results indicate opportunities for greater collaboration between oncology and non-oncology specialists to ensure complete and coordinated care for cancer patients with comorbidities.

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