scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and precautionary practices towards COVID-19 among healthcare professionals in Karachi, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 1117-1124
Author(s):  
Sadia Shakeel ◽  
Hina Rehman ◽  
Mohammad Azmi Hassali ◽  
Faraz Hashmi

Introduction: With the increase in the incidence rate of COVID-19, healthcare professionals (HCPs) being at the frontline of the outbreak response are at higher risk of getting exposure and suffering from the infection. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and precautionary practices of HCPs towards COVID-19. Methodology: The current study was a descriptive, cross-sectional, online study directed to the HCPs working in a metropolitan city of Karachi, during February 2020 and March 2020 using a self-administered questionnaire. A systematic random sampling approach was adopted. Results: A total of 286 completed surveys were incorporated in the investigation with a response rate of 74.28%. The median (interquartile range, IQR) knowledge score was 18.79 (17.64-19.57). Physicians were found to be more knowledgeable (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 0.17-4.26, p = 0.003) as compared to other HCPs. Similarly, the HCPs working in private work settings (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.54-2.79, p=0.001), having more experience (OR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.64-2.78; p < 0.005) were found to be more well-informed than HCPs working in public sector (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.63–0.72; p = 0.004). The correlation between the knowledge and attitude of respondents was found to be significantly correlated (correlation coefficient: 0.13, p < 0.005). Conclusions: The findings of the study revealed that HCPs were well conversant and have an optimistic attitude towards COVID-19. Further contemplates are required to evaluate the understanding of HCPs at a national level so that viable mediations could be planned to combat this pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (03) ◽  
pp. 399-406
Author(s):  
Nazish Waheed ◽  
Brekhna Jamil ◽  
Robina Usman ◽  
Humera Waqar

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate medical students toward research. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Private Medical Colleges of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Period: November 2018 to July 2019. Material & Methods: A total of 938 final year medical students participated in the study. A validated self administered questionnaire was used for the collection of data. The student’s perception was assessed through questionnaire based on 5-point Likert scale. For the assessment of knowledge MCQs were marked as 1 in case of correct answer and 0 in case of incorrect answer. Results: Out of 1300 students, 938 returned the questionnaire resulting in a 74% response rate. 481(51%) participants were male and 457(49%) were females. The participants had a mean knowledge score of 6.103 out of a total of 15 questions and mean attitude score of 76.29. Conclusion: This study concludes a low knowledge score coupled with a positive attitude of doing research. More attention must be placed on these parameters in the curriculum to improve student knowledge in health research.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1600
Author(s):  
Samantha Yun-Kai Poon ◽  
Jason C. Hsu ◽  
Yu Ko ◽  
Shao-Chin Chiang

Despite the first approval of biosimilars’ in 2010, biosimilar products usage has remained low in Taiwan. This cross-sectional survey study assessed healthcare professionals’ (HCPs)—hospital pharmacists, oncologists, and rheumatologists—knowledge, and attitudes toward biosimilars. More precisely, their knowledge and attitude towards biosimilars’ current usage and regulations in Taiwan were analyzed. The mean ± standard deviation knowledge score was 2.56 ± 0.86 out of 4 (n = 395), and a difference in knowledge score was determined according to the hospital types (p = 0.004). Rheumatologists possessed significantly higher confidence in their knowledge of biosimilars than other HCPs (p = 0.001). Pharmacists showed the highest acceptance—and rheumatologists the least—for switching patients from reference drugs to biosimilars (p = 0.02). Hospital type was associated with the respondent’s confidence in their knowledge (p = 0.04) and the preference for distinguishable naming of biosimilars (p = 0.007). Their knowledge scores were associated with their confidence in the efficacy and safety of biosimilars (p = 0.02). The study found that the current level of biosimilar knowledge of HCPs in Taiwan is low. The higher the knowledge score, the greater the confidence in biosimilars and the familiarity with relevant regulations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maha M. AlRasheed ◽  
Hatoon AlAli ◽  
Abdulrahman F. Alsuwaid ◽  
Suhail Khalaf ◽  
Sondus I. Ata ◽  
...  

This study aimed to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and concerns toward gene therapy in Saudi Arabia. We conducted an online cross-sectional survey via convenience sampling during the period from December 2018 to March 2019. A total of 419 (358 pharmacists and 61 physicians) responded to our questionnaire. Three hundred and nine (73.7%) were male, and the mean (±SD) age of 32.0 ± 7.7 years. The mean knowledge scores of all participants, pharmacists, and physicians were 3.8 ± 1.9, 3.8 ± 1.9, and 3.7 ± 1.9, respectively (P = 0.73). Higher knowledge score was associated with younger age (Coefficient: −0.03; P = 0.02), male (Coefficient: 0.57; P = 0.01), master's degree (Coefficient: 0.93; P = 0.003) and Ph.D. holders (Coefficient: 1.10; P = 0.01), and participants graduated from Canada (Coefficient: 2.10; P = 0.01).Moreover, about half of the respondents (55%) were concerned about gene therapy, and genetics training at college was considered the best gene therapy education method by 69.4%. Attitude score was not significantly associated with the profession (P = 0.88) but positively correlated with the knowledge score (rho= 0.4; P &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, pharmacists and physicians showed limited knowledge with a positive attitude toward gene therapy. Therefore, educational programs on gene therapy need to be considered, focusing primarily on the safety, and social acceptance of such new therapeutic management.


Author(s):  
Sumana Sen ◽  
Naveen Kumar Bandari

Background: Generic drugs are similar in terms of strength, safety and therapeutic benefit as compared to innovator counterparts. Generics have a favourable financial profile and a positive effect on medication adherence. Palpable change was not observed with the use of generics. This study has been designed to gauge the knowledge and attitude concerning generic drugs among medical students in their 5th semester of MBBS course and interns in the final six months of their compulsory rotatory residential internship (CRRI) program in the state of Telangana.Methods: It was a cross sectional, online-questionnaire based study across medical colleges in Telangana. The questions were designed with the help of Google forms and the website links were circulated to the participants through students and interns’ whatsapp groups.Results: 95.1% of interns and 92.7% of students had knowledge of generic drugs. Significant number of students had a notion that brand drugs are for serious illnesses. Majority in both the groups maintained a neutral opinion when it came to mandatory prescribing of generics.Conclusions: Our study revealed a similar knowledge level about generic in both the groups and 40.9% of interns and 41.4% of students had a knowledge score of more than or equal to 80. Interns didn’t agree with incentivisation of brand drugs. 37.9% of interns and 32.3% of students had an attitude score of more than or equal to 80. Therefore implementation of certain practices like stocking of more generics at medical college pharmacies, more research and incentivisation of generic use can translate into a rise of generic usage.


Author(s):  
Sandrine Roussel ◽  
Alain Deccache ◽  
Mariane Frenay

Introduction: The implementation of Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) remains a challenge. An exploratory study highlighted two tendencies among practitioners of TPE, which could hamper this implementation: an oscillation between identities (as caregivers versus as educators) and an inclination towards subjective psychological health objectives. Objectives: To verify whether these tendencies can be observed among an informed audience in TPE. Next, to explore the variables associated with one or other of these tendencies. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey by a self-administered questionnaire was carried out among 90 French-speaking healthcare professionals. Statistical analyses (chi-square, logistic regression) were then conducted. Results: Sixty percent of respondents displayed identity oscillation, which was found to be linked to task oscillation, patient curability, scepticism towards medicine and practising in France. Fifty-six percent pursued subjective psychological health objectives, which was found to be associated with health behaviour objectives and a locus of power in the healthcare relationship distinct from those seen in the pre-existing health models (biomedical, global). This tendency seems to constitute an alternative model of TPE. Discussion & conclusion: Identity oscillation and subjective psychological health objectives can be both observed. This study stresses the need to deliberate on the form(s) of TPE that is/are desired.


Author(s):  
M.K. Sreelakshmi ◽  
Suneesh Kuruvilla ◽  
Ramanarayanan Subramaniam ◽  
Pooja Latti ◽  
Ramanarayanan Venkitachalam

Abstract Background: Chengannur, a town in the south Indian state of Kerala, was 1 of the worst affected towns during the floods of 2018. Post-flood, Kerala state was under the threat of many infectious diseases including leptospirosis, but did not report any leptospirosis infections. Objectives: This study was conducted with the following objectives: (1) Assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the prevention of leptospirosis among the flood affected population and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) of Chengannur; and (2) Analyze the factors responsible for and contributing to leptospirosis control in the area post flood. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire based observational study was conducted among 2 groups: the flood affected population, and ASHA. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts. Part A contained the socio-demographic information. Part B contained questions on assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the prevention, and control of leptospirosis. Part C was only for the ASHA involved. Results: The final sample size was 331 (244 from the general population and 87 ASHAs). With respect to knowledge, attitude, and practice, the responses were dichotomized into correct and wrong responses. The mean knowledge score was 9.01 ± 1.08 (maximum score of 10), mean attitude score was of 3.61 ± 0.55 (maximum score of 4) and the mean practice score was 4.12 ± 1.05 (maximum score of 5). Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude scores did not significantly differ between the general population and ASHA, but the practice score showed a higher score among the ASHA, all of which could have probably contributed to the prevention of a leptospirosis outbreak in the region.


2021 ◽  
pp. 81-84
Author(s):  
Poorwa Roy ◽  
Praveen Davuluri ◽  
Nandini Roy

Background and aim: The world is currently facing a public health emergency in the form of COVID-19 pandemic. United Kingdom conrmed it's initial cases in February 2020 and since then the NHS (National Health Services) and its healthcare workers have been working diligently to ght this pandemic facing unprecedented challenges. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) survey was conducted using a questionnaire among healthcare professionals belonging to an NHS University Health Board in Wales, UK. The responses were assessed and relevant statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: Atotal of 208 frontline NHS Workers participated in the study. Mean knowledge score in the study was 87.83%. Majority (67.79%) of the participants had a high knowledge score. Knowledge scores were found to have a positive association with age. The general attitude among the participants was found to be optimistic with a mean attitude score of 69.87%. Practices varied amongst the participants with 77.5% reporting regular use of the mask at work. Conclusion: This study reects that majority of healthcare professionals had a sound knowledge and understanding about the pandemic with an optimistic attitude towards its control. Majority of them have been implementing safe practices at workplace.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur-E- Alam ◽  
Md Shariful Islam ◽  
Umme Suriea ◽  
Ramisa Binti Mohiuddin ◽  
Md. Muzahidul Islam ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Thalassemia is one of the most common life-threatening yet preventable congenital hemoglobin disorders especially in South Asian regions like Bangladesh. It has become a rising public health concern for Bangladesh as 6-12% of the population are carriers and many of them are unaware of it. The purpose of the study is to inspect the knowledge and attitude towards thalassemia among the general people of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in eight administrative regions of Bangladesh between January and October of 2020. A self-administrative close-ended questionnaire was designed to collect information about thalassemia and socio-demographic characteristics. Pearson’s chi-square (χ2) test and One-way ANOVA were performed to assess the association between the demographic variables with knowledge and practice regarding thalassemia. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.Results: Of the 1623 participants, only 44.7% (726/1623) had heard of thalassemia. The mean knowledge of thalassemia was scored 4.75 ± 2.05 out of a total possible score of 10. Half of the participants had no idea that thalassemia was not a transfusion transmitted disease. About 73.1% knew that blood tests are a diagnosis process to determine thalassemia. The urban residing participants had the highest (5.10 ± 1.99) and participants with primary education had the lowest (3.38 ± 1.37) mean score of knowledge. Participants' knowledge score varied significantly by marital status, living pace, literacy and occupation (p< 0.05). However, about 68.2% and 85.5% of the participants showed a positive attitude towards premarital screening of themselves or their family members and donating blood to thalassemia patients, respectively. Conclusion: The study shows that there is a need to disseminate the information on thalassemia since the knowledge gap is huge among people. These findings will assist the implementation of significant steps such as educational programs, health counseling, premarital screening, campaigning, etc. to increase the awareness of thalassemia.


Author(s):  
Ammar Ali Saleh Jaber ◽  
Yaser Mohammed Al-Worafi ◽  
Abdullah Ahmed Dhabali

Purpose This study aims to explore patients’ knowledge and beliefs toward generic medicines and identify the factors affecting their beliefs toward them in Yemen. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to July 1, 2016. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 590 adult patients in Sana’a. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences® (IBM SPSS) version 26 for Windows. Results Overall, 370 patients participated in this study. The study identified that a majority of the respondents did not know the similarities and differences between generic and branded medication and had negative beliefs toward generic medication. The study identified the factors contributing to the patients’ beliefs toward generic medication. Conclusion Yemeni patients had poor knowledge and negative beliefs toward generic medication. Educational programs provided to patients and healthcare professionals regarding generic medication can improve patients’ knowledge and correct their beliefs in this regard.


Author(s):  
Zaitul Akmal AZ ◽  
Salmah N ◽  
ND Ismail ◽  
Muhammad Akmal MN ◽  
Khairatul Nainey K

Introduction: In Malaysia, the rate of adolescents involved in sexual activities has increased and starts at an earlier age. Data from NHMS 2017 showed that 7.3% among surveyed 13 to 17 years-old adolescents have already had sex. The rate of teenage pregnancies is also increasing at 3.7-3.9% between the years 2009 until 2011. Therefore, an effective SRH Programme should be conducted in schools to equip them with adequate knowledge regarding this subject.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 145 randomly selected secondary school students aged 13 to 15 years old, attending the SRH Programme in a secondary school in Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia. The objective of this programme is to deliver knowledge and promote awareness among adolescents regarding SRH. The programme consists of intervention using adolescent-friendly module and games. A pre- and post-test were given to the participants to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme using the validated SRH questionnaire (Malay version). The questionnaire consists of fourteen and six items for knowledge and attitude, respectively.Results: The result showed an increase in the mean knowledge score (±SD) after the SRH Programme at the school from 7.25 ± 2.44 for pre-test to 9.70 ± 3.17 for post-test. The mean difference in pre- and post-test was 2.45 (95% CI: 2.02, 2.87) and was statistically significant (p<0.001). In terms of attitudes, the majority of the students felt that they have enough knowledge to make a gooddecision regarding sexual reproductive health issues after the SRH programme. However, there was only a small increment with regards to their attitudes on assertiveness.Conclusion: This study demonstrated an increase in the level of knowledge among adolescents in Cheras after the SRH programme using the adolescent-friendly module and games. However, there is no significant change in attitude among adolescents regarding SRH.Future SRH programmes need to be done regularly to instil positive attitudes among adolescents in dealing withsexual reproductive dilemmas.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2021 Page: S20


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