Dietary Knowledge and Practices among Non-Medical Staff at Babcock University in Ogun State, Nigeria

Objective: Good nutrition is important in promoting health and is dependent on the quality of food eaten. Little has been researched on the dietary practices among the workforce in Nigeria. This study aimed at assessing the dietary knowledge, practices, and factors influencing dietary practices and work productivity among the non-medical staff of Universities. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 398 non-medical staff of Babcock University who were selected using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 21) to compute frequency distributions, means, and standard deviations. Nutritional knowledge, dietary practices, and barriers to work productivity were assessed. Inferential statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The mean age among respondents was 38.68±11.04, with the majority being female 54.6%. of the respondents (61.1%) of Yoruba origin, about three percentiles (66%) were members of staff while (34%) were faculty members. The computed level of knowledge and dietary-based practices scores were (2.57±0.61) and (3.64±1.44) respectively, indicating poor knowledge and dietary practices, while the barriers that influence work productivity among workers (11.34±5.286) were high at 87.2%. No significant association was found between nutritional knowledge and dietary practices of staff and faculty (p=.154), but a significant association was found between dietary practices and work productivity of staff and faculty (p=.019) Conclusion: Health education and promotion of good nutrition should be incorporated in the workplace, interventions that will improve work productivity among workers are also encouraged. This will culminate in a well-fed and healthy workforce.

Download Full-text

Relationship Between SMEs Sources of Funds and Investment Evaluation Techniques

Business and Management Studies ◽

10.11114/bms.v4i4.3780 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 61

Author(s):

Rose Jestina Katabi ◽

Romanus Dimoso

Keyword(s):

Survey Design ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frequency Distributions ◽

Investment Evaluation ◽

Personal Saving ◽

Evaluation Techniques ◽

Selection Of

This paper analysed the sources of funds that influence the selection of investment evaluation techniques of SMEs in Tanzanian. Cross-sectional survey design was used to explain the sources of funds influencing the selection of investment evaluation techniques among Tanzanian SMEs. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data to a sample of 301 SMEs drawn from SIDO in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma regions. Data were collected though questionnaires and transformed into suitable format for analysis using statistical packages for the survey, while for the case study interviews were used. Statistical techniques used in this study were descriptive (frequency distributions, tabulation, and cross-tabulation) and inferential statistics (bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis) which were used to determine whether or not there is a relationship between sources of funds of SMEs, and investment evaluation techniques. The findings of the study revealed that personal saving and commercial banks were found to be factors influencing the selection of investment evaluation techniques.Keywords: Relationship, Sources of funds, SMEs, Investment evaluation techniques

Download Full-text

Exploring Weight Stigma in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18179141 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (17) ◽

pp. 9141

Author(s):

Nora Althumiri ◽

Mada H. Basyouni ◽

Norah AlMousa ◽

Mohammed F. AlJuwaysim ◽

Adel Alhamdan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Bariatric Surgery ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Weight Stigma ◽

Waterpipe Smoking ◽

Nutritional Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated

Background: Weight stigma (WS) in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, is widely ignored. People with obesity are blamed for their weight, and there is a common perception that weight stigmatization is justifiable and may motivate individuals to adopt healthier behaviors. The authors of this study aimed to explore WS prevalence and factors associated with WS in a large nationwide study of Saudi Arabian adults. Methods: This study was a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted via phone interviews in June 2020. A proportional quota-sampling technique was adopted to obtain equal distributions of participants by age and sex across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. In total, 6239 people were contacted, and 4709 (75.48%) responded and completed the interview. The authors of the study collected data about WS using the Arabic Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), BMI, smoking, nutritional knowledge, bariatric surgery, risk of depression, and demographic variables. Results: Participants had a mean age of 36.4 ± 13.5 (18–90), and 50.1% were female. The prevalence of higher WS was 46.4%. Among other risk factors, there was a significant association between WS and obesity (odds ratio (OR): 3.93; 95% CI: 2.83–5.44; p < 0.001), waterpipe smoking (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.20–2.69; p < 0.001), bariatric surgery (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.53–2.81; p < 0.001), and risk of depression (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.36–2.09; p < 0.001). Conclusion: This was the first study to explore WS and its associated factors among adults in a community setting in Saudi Arabia. This study revealed some risk factors associated with WS that may help to identify people at risk of WS and to develop interventions to reduce WS, such as improving nutritional knowledge, correcting the ideas about bariatric surgery and obesity in general, and ceasing waterpipe smoking.

Download Full-text

Influence of Business Characteristics on Selection of Investment Evaluation Techniques: The Case of Tanzanian SMEs

Journal of Management Research ◽

10.5296/jmr.v10i4.13634 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 41

Author(s):

Rose J. Katabi ◽

Romanus L. Dimoso

Keyword(s):

Financial Management ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Sales Growth ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frequency Distributions ◽

Investment Evaluation ◽

Evaluation Techniques ◽

Selection Of

This study was conducted in two phases; first as a survey and second as a case study. The study used a cross-sectional survey design to explain the business characteristics influencing the selection of investment evaluation techniques among Tanzanian SMEs. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data to a sample of 301 SMEs drawn from SIDO in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma regions. Data were collected though questionnaires and transformed into suitable format for analysis using statistical packages for the survey, while for the case study interviews were used. Statistical techniques used in this study were descriptive (frequency distributions) and inferential statistics (multivariate analysis) which were used to determine whether or not there is a relationship between business characteristics and selection of investment evaluation techniques. Results of this study shows that, sales growth, industry of business, level of education and finance education of owners, were the business characteristics that influence the selection of investment evaluation techniques.Theoretical and practical contributions in the area of investment decisions for SMEs in Tanzania are made based on the findings of the study. On theoretical contributions, the study provided a better understanding on small business characteristics and how they influenced the selection of investment evaluation techniques. On practical contributions, owners should maintain high sales growth; improve education background by attending short courses on financial management, because these two characteristics significantly affect the selection of investment evaluation techniques.

Download Full-text

PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF STREET HAWKING ON THE WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN IN ANYIGBA, DEKINA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Pakistan Journal of Public Health ◽

10.32413/pjph.v8i1.138 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 01-07

Author(s):

Alfred Eboh

Keyword(s):

Local Government ◽

Survey Design ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Well Being ◽

Local Government Area ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Perceived Effects ◽

The Government

Background: The hawking of wares by children has been a serious issue confronting the Nigerian society. Children hawk in some of the most horrible conditions conceivable, where they face a serious risk of injury, chronic illness, kidnapping, rape or death. Objective: The focus of this study was to assess the perceived effects of street hawking on the well-being of children in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. Methods: The population of this study consists of parents of the street hawkers in Anyigba while cross-sectional survey design was used through the purposive sampling technique to choose the sample size of one hundred and sixty-two (162) respondents. The validated structured questionnaire and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) served as the instruments for the data collection respectively. The hypotheses were tested using Chi-Square at a predetermined 0.05 level of significance. The quantitative data were analysed with the aid of the SPSS (version 20). Results: The results indicated among others that street hawking had significant social implications and physical consequences on children's moral behaviour as well as health status in the study area. Conclusion: The study, therefore, concluded that the government of Kogi State should carry out an enlightenment campaign through the media and religious institutions on the negative consequences of street hawking are recommended as panacea. Also, the child right act instrument and its implementation should be strengthened in order to curb street hawking in the study area.

Download Full-text

Knowledge and Communication of the National Core Standards Tool

Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ◽

10.25159/2520-5293/3659 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Winnie Thembisile Maphumulo ◽

Busisiwe Bhengu

Keyword(s):

Pearson Correlation ◽

Healthcare Delivery ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Quality Of Healthcare ◽

Survey Study ◽

Public Healthcare ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Professional Nurses

The National Department of Health in South Africa has introduced the National Core Standards (NCS) tool to improve the quality of healthcare delivery in all public healthcare institutions. Knowledge of the NCS tool is essential among healthcare providers. This study investigated the level of knowledge on NCS and how the NCS tool was communicated among professional nurses. This was a cross-sectional survey study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select hospitals that only offered tertiary services in KwaZulu-Natal. Six strata of departments were selected using simple stratified sampling. The population of professional nurses in the selected hospitals was 3 050. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit 543 participants. The collected data were analysed using SPSS version 25. The study showed that only 16 (3.7%) respondents had knowledge about NCS, using McDonald’s standard of learning outcome measured criteria regarding the NCS tool. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the communication and knowledge was r = 0.055. The results revealed that although the communication scores for the respondents were high their knowledge scores remained low. This study concluded that there is a lack of knowledge regarding the NCS tool and therefore healthcare institutions need to commit themselves to the training of professional nurses regarding the NCS tool. The findings suggest that healthcare institutions implement the allocation of incentives for nurses that attend the workshops for NCS.

Download Full-text

Are Future Doctors Prepared to Address Patients’ Nutritional Needs? Cooking and Nutritional Knowledge and Habits in Medical Students

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine ◽

10.1177/15598276211018165 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 155982762110181

Author(s):

Sam Sugimoto ◽

Drew Recker ◽

Elizabeth E. Halvorson ◽

Joseph A. Skelton

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Prior Knowledge ◽

The United States ◽

First Year ◽

Nutritional Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutritional Needs ◽

Second Year ◽

First Year Medical Students

Background. Many diseases are linked to lifestyle in the United States, yet physicians receive little training in nutrition. Medical students’ prior knowledge of nutrition and cooking is unknown. Objective. To determine incoming medical students’ prior nutrition knowledge, culinary skills, and nutrition habits. Methods. A dual-methods study of first-year medical students. Cross-sectional survey assessing prior knowledge, self-efficacy, and previous education of cooking and nutrition. Interviews of second-year medical students explored cooking and nutrition in greater depth. Results. A total of 142 first-year medical students participated; 16% had taken a nutrition course, with majority (66%) learning outside classroom settings. Students had a mean score of 87% on the Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire versus comparison group (64.9%). Mean cooking and food skills score were lower than comparison scores. Overall, students did not meet guidelines for fiber, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Interviews with second-year students revealed most learned to cook from their families; all believed it important for physicians to have this knowledge. Conclusions. Medical students were knowledgeable about nutrition, but typically self-taught. They were not as confident or skilled in cooking, and mostly learned from their family. They expressed interest in learning more about nutrition and cooking.

Download Full-text

Obesity in Saudi Arabia in 2020: Prevalence, Distribution, and Its Current Association with Various Health Conditions

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9030311 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 311

Author(s):

Nora A. Althumiri ◽

Mada H. Basyouni ◽

Norah AlMousa ◽

Mohammed F. AlJuwaysim ◽

Rasha A. Almubark ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

National Level ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Age And Gender ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

And Gender ◽

Colon Diseases

The global prevalence of obesity is increasing. Obesity is associated with many chronic diseases and health conditions. This study aims to estimate the current prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia and described the current national-level status of the association between obesity and various health conditions. This study is a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted over phone-interviews in June 2020. In this study, a proportional quota-sampling technique was used to obtain equal distributions of participants, stratified by age and gender, across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. Weight and height were self-reported, and the obesity was determined as BMI ≥ 30. Logistic regression adjusted for age and gender was used for exploring current associations between obesity and health conditions. Of the 6239 participants contacted, 4709 participants responded and completed the interview with a response rate of 75.48%. Of them, 50.1% were female, the mean age was 36.4 ± 13.5 (Range: 18–90), and the median age was 36. The national weighted prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was 24.7%, and the prevalence in the sample (unweighted) was 21.7%. Obesity was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes [Odd ratio, (OR) = 1.52], hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.69), hypertension (OR = 1.61), lung diseases (OR = 1.69), rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 1.57), sleep apnea (OR = 1.82), colon diseases (OR = 1.31), and thyroid disorders (OR = 1.8). This study provides an update on the recent prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia. It also shows the variation in prevalence rates between different regions, which might be explored further. Although obesity shows a decreasing trend, almost one-quarter of this study sample were obese. Obesity is currently associated with many health conditions that can affect the individuals’ quality of life, impose stress on the healthcare system and impose an economic burden on the country. This evidence highlights the need for action to focus more on obesity in Saudi Arabia.

Download Full-text

Two-stage mental health survey of first-line medical staff after ending COVID-19 epidemic assistance and isolation

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience ◽

10.1007/s00406-021-01239-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Li Xu ◽

Dingyun You ◽

Chengyu Li ◽

Xiyu Zhang ◽

Runxu Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Medical Staff ◽

Psychological Intervention ◽

Psychological Status ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Two Stage ◽

Cross Sectional

AbstractFacing with COVID-19 epidemic such a catastrophic health emergency, the mental health status of medical staff deserves attention. We conducted a two-stage of psychological status monitoring after the end of the assistance and 14 days of isolation, further targeted the vulnerable groups in need of intervention. The study is a cross-sectional survey on 1156 Yunnan medical staff aid to Hubei. Used Cluster sampling method to collect data at 2 time points (at the end of returning from Wuhan and the 14th day of isolation), from March 18, 2020 to April 6, 2020. Female and nurse had higher rates of depressive symptoms than male and doctors and other occupations. The proportion of female with mild and above moderate anxiety levels (22.91%, 2.61%) was higher than male (17.35%, 1.03%) (p < 0.05). Female had a better impaired sleep quality (45.06%, 17.49%) more than male (28.57%, 7.94%). Medical staff supported in Wuhan and with junior professional titles reported a higher proportion of sleep quality impairment. At the 14th isolation day stage, the proportion of nurses changed from depression to health (9.15%) and from health to depression (6.1%) better than doctors. The front-line medical staffs had suffered greater psychological pressure in the treatment process of major public health emergency. Researches on the dynamic monitor for the change of psychological status after aiding epidemic areas were still in relatively blank stage. Targeting the vulnerable characteristics of aiding medical staff is significant for effective psychological intervention and sustainable operation of health system.

Download Full-text

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CELL PHONE USAGE AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN

Journal of Musculoskeletal Research ◽

10.1142/s0218957722500038 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sujata Mandhwani ◽

Sadaf Zia ◽

Emad Salman Shaikh ◽

Dante Duarte ◽

Erum Tanveer

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Cell Phone ◽

Smart Phone ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

The Body ◽

Camera Phone ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Margin Of Error

The adverse effects of excessive mobile phone (MP) use on children include deprivation from sleep, increased risk of lack of concentration, depression, anxiety and obesity. No such study has been conducted in children from Pakistan. Objectives: To assess the association of MP usage and musculoskeletal disorders in school going children. Methods: This was a cross sectional survey. Data were collected from different private schools of Karachi, Pakistan. Convenient non probability sampling technique was used. A sample size of 385 students was taken keeping a confidence interval of 95% with 5% margin of error. Results: A total of 385 subjects participated. It was also noticed that 75.6% (291) students have smart phone and 5.2% (20) have conventional phone and remaining 19.2% (74) have camera phone. It was noticed that the participants 306 (79.5%) said they slept for 1–2[Formula: see text]h daily and 30 (7.8%) had sleep for 3–4[Formula: see text]h daily. One hundred and four 104 (27%) had noticed pain in neck. Conclusion: The use of MP for any activity was associated with sleep deprivation and pain in wrist/hands followed by neck and upper back pain. The usage of MP should be limited to avoid the stress on musculoskeletal parts of the body.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of health system in Iraq from people's point of view: a comparative study of two different eras

Journal of Ideas in Health ◽

10.47108/jidhealth.vol4.iss2.100 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 380-387

Author(s):

Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo ◽

Adil H. Alhusseiny ◽

Shukr Mahmood Yaseen ◽

Mustafa Ali Mustafa Al-Samarrai ◽

Anmar Shukur Mahmood

Keyword(s):

Health System ◽

Health Sector ◽

Health Resources ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Point Of View ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Current Health ◽

Multi Stage ◽

Geographical Regions

Background: Since the 2003 United States–British Coalition military invasion, Iraq has been in a state of continuous deterioration at all levels, including the health sector. This study aimed to elicit the viewpoints of the Iraqi people on the current health system, focusing on many provided health services and assessing whether the public prefers the current health system or that was provided before the invasion. Methods: A cross-sectional survey designed to explore the Iraqi people’s opinions on their health system. A self-administered questionnaire using a multi-stage sampling technique was distributed in five geographical regions in Iraq to collect the data from the head of household between 1st October and 31st of December 2019. Multiple logistic regressions were recruited to determine the significant contributing variables in this study. Results: A total of 365 heads of households (response rate: 71.7%) with the mean age of 48.36 + 11.92 years (ranged 35-78) included in the study. Most of the respondents (61.4%) complained of healthcare inaccessibility, 59.7% believed that health resources were not available, 53.7% claimed a deterioration in the quality of care, and 62.2% believed that the political / media position did not contribute to positive changes during the past two decades. Indeed, most respondents (66.0%) believe that the current healthcare system is worse than before. In the multivariate analysis, there was a statistically significant relationship between the characteristics and opinions of the respondents. Young age group (p = 0.003), men (p = < 0.001), unmarried (p = 0.001), high educated (p = < 0.001), rural resident (p = < 0.001), unemployed (p = 0.003), monthly income of less than USD 400 (p = < 0.001), consider themselves to be unhealthy (p = 0.001), and those who think that people are unhappy now than two decades ago (p = 0.012) have a more negative opinion of the health system. Conclusions: Most Iraqis surveyed expressed disappointment from the health system after the 2003 US-led invasion. The current health system is faltering at all levels and does not meet the citizens' basic needs. Health Transformation Program (HTP) has become inevitable to develop an accessible, affordable, high-quality, efficient, and effective health system.

Download Full-text