Low First Wave COVID-19 cases and health seeking behaviors across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
C.N. Ukaga ◽  
S.O. Sam-Wobo ◽  
R.H. Muhammed ◽  
H.O. Mogaji ◽  
O.A. Surakat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Routine Testing ◽  
Home Management ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Very High ◽  
Age Category

This study was carried out across the six geopolitical zones to assess knowledge and health seeking behaviors of Nigerians during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in order to understand the seemingly low cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Structured and pretested short questionnaires were employed to obtain information electronically and physically across the six geopolitical zones on socio-demographic characteristics of participants; the knowledge of participants on COVID-19 disease; availability and accessibility to testing and isolation centers in the communities, attitudes and health seeking behaviors. Atotal of 1023 respondents; 705 (68.9%) males and 318 (31.1%) females across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria participated in this study with 477(46.6%) within the 26-45 years age category, and 6(0.6%) above 66 years. Atotal of 985(96.3%) had heard about COVID-19 at the time of survey while a total of  859(84.0%) of the respondents were aware of the presence of COVID-19 laboratory testing centers. Across the geopolitical zones, majority of the respondents 487(47.6%) claimed there are no routine testing for COVID-19 at their community level, while 303 (29.6%) affirmed otherwise and 216(21.1%) did not know if there were routine testing going on or not. On health seeking behaviors across the  country, majority of the respondents 558(54.5%) affirmed they would visit the hospital as the first point of contact if the opportunitypresented itself, 244(23.9%) claimed they would call the NCDC toll line, 2(0.2%) said they would use prayers, while 1(0.1%) respectively claimed they would use home management strategies through visiting chemist stores and checking the internet for solutions. Findings from this study confirm that there is very high awareness of the COVID-19 disease across the country, and limited number of testing centers at the community level. The implications include the possibility of unreported COVID19 cases in the cities as well as in the  communities. Keywords: COVID-19, knowledge, health seeking behaviors, community level 

scholarly journals Ocular Status, Health Seeking Behaviours and Barriers to Uptake Eye Care Services among Children of Slum Community in Chittagong, Bangladesh

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Eye Care ◽  
General Measure ◽  
Ocular Abnormalities ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Very High ◽  
Slum Community

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to find out the ocular status, ocular health seeking behaviors and barriers to uptake eye care services among children of slum community in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Methods: The study was conducted in several urban slums in Chittagong city, which is home of slum children. A total of 410 children aged 5 to 16 years were clinically examined. Their accompanying guardians were also interviewed for collecting data about health seeking behaviors and identifying the barriers, if any, to uptake eye care services. Three focus group discussions were also held with guardians. Results: About 47.3% of the sampled children were male and 52.7% female. About 40% of the children had some complain where we found 36.6% having some ocular abnormalities. Among the respondents (n=410), related with ocular abnormalities (n=150), the diagnosed problems were; Refractive Error (26.7%), Allergic Conjunctivitis (21.3%), Blepharitis (16.0%), Squint (7.3%), Convergence Insufficiency (6.6%), Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (8.7%), Dacryocystitis (3.3%), Conjunctivitis (4.0%), Congenital Cataract (2.7%), Corneal scar 2.0%, Pseudophakia 2.0%, Xerophthalmia (1.3%). Infrequently Entropin, Ptosis, Corneal Opacities, Retrobulbar Neuritis, Retinal Detachment, Episcleritis, Scleritis, Microphthalmos, Ocular FB, Chalazion, Stye, Nystagmus and Proptosis were also present in limited percentage. However 25.70% were referred to tertiary eye care center, 39.60% were treated with medicine, 22.20% were given optical correction, and 25.70% were given general measure. Most of them (73%) never went to an eye care specialist. The main reasons assigned for not going to a doctor were: financial constraints (16.30%), didn’t feel necessary (33.70%), lack of escort (3.4%), lack of time (3.7%), traditional belief (0.3%) and not aware of hospital doctor (4.5%). The Guardians consider recent cost of treatment is very high. They want low cost treatment, provide free spectacle, increase more hospital facilities and hold free eye camps. Conclusion: This study found very high ocular morbidities among slum children, the vast majority of the guardians’ cannot afford medical treatment for lack of money, awareness, escort, time and indifference to eyes. Though adequate eye care facilities are available in Chittagong city compared to many other urban and rural areas in Bangladesh, most of the slum dwellers can’t take advantage of it for financial reason and lack of knowledge.

scholarly journals P. Falciparum Community Prevalence and Health Seeking Behaviors in Rural Sussundenga District, Mozambique

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique E Earland ◽  
Albino Francisco Bibe ◽  
Anísio Novela ◽  
João Ferrão ◽  
Kelly M Searle
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviors ◽  
International Border

Abstract Background: The large-scale effectiveness of malaria control interventions is differential at international border settings with varying policies, such as that between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Impacts of nationally directed malaria control interventions hinge on understanding malaria transmission and prevention at the community level along international borders. Thus far, few studies have focused on central Mozambique. Our aim was to describe community level P. falciparum transmission dynamics and health seeking behaviors among residents of Sussundenga, Mozambique, a rural village bordering Zimbabwe in Manica Province with high malaria incidence reported at the Sussundenga-Sede health center (RHC). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional community-based survey from December 2019 – February 2020. We used a random household sampling method, based on enumerated households from satellite imagery. All consenting participants completed a survey about malaria risk, prevention, and health seeking-behaviors, and received a P. falciparum malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Results: We enrolled 96 households with 358 individuals. The P. falciparum prevalence was 31.6% (95% CI [26.6-36.5]). Ninety-three percent of participants reported using the Sussundenga-Sede RHC for healthcare. Sixty-six percent of participants (N=233) experienced at least one malaria symptom in the past month, with self-reported fever most frequently reported (19.3%). Of these, 176 (76.5%) sought care in a health facility and 174 (79%) received an RDT with 130 (63%) positive results. Of those with a positive RDT, 127 (97%) received Coartem®. Following treatment, 123 (97%) participants' symptoms resolved within a median of 3 days (IQR: 3-5) ranging from 2-14 days. In this high transmission setting, a high proportion of participants recognized malaria related symptoms then received a proper diagnostic test and treatment in a health facility. Conclusions: Future interventions that leverage this health seeking behavior and strengthen health systems for community interventions will improve malaria control and inform the efficacy of potential interventions at this particular international border.

An observational study of pain self-management strategies and outcomes: does type of pain, age, or gender, matter?

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 645-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion K. Slack ◽  
Ramon Chavez ◽  
Daniel Trinh ◽  
Daniel Vergel de Dios ◽  
Jeannie Lee
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Acute Pain ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Treatment Level ◽  
Pain Group ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Pain Characteristics ◽  
And Gender

AbstractBackground and aimsAcute pain is differentiated from chronic pain by its sudden onset and short duration; in contrast, chronic pain is characterized by a duration of at least several months, typically considered longer than normal healing time. Despite differences in definition, there is little information on how types of self-management strategies or outcomes differ when pain is chronic rather than acute. Additionally, age and gender are thought to be related to types of strategies used and outcomes. However, strategies used and outcomes can be influenced by level of education, socioeconomic status, occupation, and access to the health care system, which can confound associations to type of pain, age or gender. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of strategies used for pain self-management and outcomes with type of pain, acute or chronic, age, or gender in a socioeconomically homogenous population, pharmacists.MethodsPharmacists with acute or chronic pain and a valid email completed an on-line questionnaire on demographic characteristics, pain characteristics, pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for managing pain, and outcomes (e.g. pain intensity). Univariate analysis was conducted by stratifying on type of pain (acute or chronic), then stratifying on gender (men vs. women) and age (younger vs. older). Thea priorialpha level was 0.05.ResultsA total of 366 pharmacists completed the questionnaire, 212 with acute pain (average age=44±12.1; 36% men) and 154 with chronic pain (average age=53±14.0; 48% men). The chronic pain group reported substantially higher levels of pain before treatment, level of post-treatment pain, level of pain at which sleep was possible, and goal pain levels (effect sizes [ES’s]=0.37–0.61). The chronic pain group were substantially more likely to use prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), opioids, and non-prescription pain relievers (ES’s=0.29–0.80), and non-medical strategies (ES’s=0.56–0.77). Participants with chronic pain also were less confident (ES=0.54) and less satisfied (ES=0.52). In contrast, there were no differences within either the acute or chronic pain groups related to gender and outcomes. In the acute pain group, there also were no gender differences related to management strategies. However, younger age in the acute pain group was associated with use of herbal remedies and use of rest. Within the chronic pain group, men were more likely to use NSAIDS and women more likely to use hot/cold packs or massage while older participants were more likely to use massage. Variability in post-treatment level of pain and percent relief was high in all groups (coefficient of variation=25%–100%).ConclusionsThe differences between acute and chronic pain were substantial and included differences in demographic characteristics, pain characteristics, management strategies used, and outcomes. In contrast, few associations between age and gender with either management strategies or outcomes were identified, although the variability was high.ImplicationsWhen managing or researching pain management, acute pain should be differentiated from chronic pain. Because of the substantial variability within the gender and age groups, an individual approach to pain management irrespective of age and gender may be most useful.

scholarly journals Physician Self-disclosure of Lived Experience Improves Mental Health Attitudes Among Medical Students: A Randomized Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 238212051988935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrés Martin ◽  
Julie Chilton ◽  
Doron Gothelf ◽  
Doron Amsalem
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Role Modeling ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviors

Introduction: Depression and suicidal ideation are common among medical students, a group at higher risk for suicide completion than their age-normed peers. Medical students have health-seeking behaviors that are not commensurate with their mental health needs, a discrepancy likely related to stigma and to limited role-modeling provided by physicians. Methods: We surveyed second-year medical students using the Attitudes to Psychiatry (ATP-30) and Attitudes to Mental Illness (AMI) instruments. In addition, we asked questions about role-modeling and help-seeking attitudes at baseline. We then conducted a randomized trial of an intervention consisting of 2 components: (a) a panel of 2 physicians with personal histories of mental illness speaking about their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery to the students, immediately followed by (b) small-group facilitated discussions. We repeated the ATP-30 and AMI after the active/early group was exposed to the panel, but before the control/late group was similarly exposed. Results: Forty-three medical students participated (53% women). The majority of students (91%) agreed that knowing physicians further along in their careers who struggled with mental health issues, got treatment, and were now doing well would make them more likely to access care if they needed it. Students in the active group (n = 22) had more favorable attitudes on ATP-30 ( P = .01) and AMI ( P = .02) scores, as compared with the control group (n = 21). Conclusion: Medical students can benefit from the availability of, and exposure to physicians with self-disclosed histories of having overcome mental illnesses. Such exposures can favorably improve stigmatized views about psychiatry, or of patients or colleagues affected by psychopathology. This intervention has the potential to enhance medical students’ mental health and their health-seeking behaviors.

scholarly journals Whether Public Hospital Reform Affects the Hospital Choices of Patients in Urban Areas: New Evidence from Smart Card Data

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8037
Author(s):  
Fangye Du ◽  
Jiaoe Wang ◽  
Haitao Jin
Keyword(s):  
Smart Card ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Spatiotemporal Resolution ◽  
Hospital Reform ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Smart Card Data ◽  
Public Hospital Reform

The effects of public hospital reforms on spatial and temporal patterns of health-seeking behavior have received little attention due to small sample sizes and low spatiotemporal resolution of survey data. Without such information, however, health planners might be unable to adjust interventions in a timely manner, and they devise less-effective interventions. Recently, massive electronic trip records have been widely used to infer people’s health-seeking trips. With health-seeking trips inferred from smart card data, this paper mainly answers two questions: (i) how do public hospital reforms affect the hospital choices of patients? (ii) What are the spatial differences of the effects of public hospital reforms? To achieve these goals, tertiary hospital preferences, hospital bypass, and the efficiency of the health-seeking behaviors of patients, before and after Beijing’s public hospital reform in 2017, were compared. The results demonstrate that the effects of this reform on the hospital choices of patients were spatially different. In subdistricts with (or near) hospitals, the reform exerted the opposite impact on tertiary hospital preference compared with core and periphery areas. However, the reform had no significant effect on the tertiary hospital preference and hospital bypass in subdistricts without (or far away from) hospitals. Regarding the efficiency of the health-seeking behaviors of patients, the reform positively affected patient travel time, time of stay at hospitals, and arrival time. This study presents a time-efficient method to evaluate the effects of the recent public hospital reform in Beijing on a fine scale.

scholarly journals Relationship of socio-economic status and childhood cancer: an in-hospital cross-sectional study in a developing country

1970 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 180-184
Author(s):  
BJ Brown ◽  
AO Adeleye
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Burkitt Lymphoma ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Socio Economic Status ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviors

Background: Socioeconomic factors are known to affect health quality, disease occurrence as well as health-seeking behaviors in several ways.Objectives: To determine the influence of socio-economic factors on awareness of cancer, healthseeking behaviors among parents of children with cancer in a developing country and occurrence of cancer using Burkitt lymphoma as index malignancy.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that involved children with cancer seen over a 2-year period in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Information was obtained by interview through administration of a questionnaire and retrieval of clinical data from patients’ case notes.Results: The caregivers of 91 children (46 boys, 45 girls) were interviewed including 86 biological parents. Majority (84.6%) of the children belonged to the low socio -economic classes 3-5; 45 of 86 parents (52.3%), more likely in parents from higher socioeconomic classes, were aware of cancer but only 7 (8.1%) knew it could occur in children. There was no association between Burkitt lymphoma and socio-economic class. Twenty-eight (30.8%) parents of the 91 children visited alternate sources of health care, most commonly traditional healers, followed by religious centers. There was no association between visits to such centers and the parents’ socio-economic status or with presentation with metastatic disease.Conclusions: Awareness of childhood cancer is low among this cohort of parents; their socioeconomic status seems to impact on this level of awareness but not on their health-seeking behaviors for their affected children. Focused health education is needed to increase childhood cancer awareness and appropriate healthseeking behavior among the population studied.Key words: socio-economic; childhood; cancer; health-seeking; behaviour; awareness

scholarly journals Identification of Risks Pertaining to Abandoned Housing Projects in Malaysia

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamzah Abdul-Rahman ◽  
Chen Wang ◽  
Nur Hamizah Ariffin
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Housing Projects ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Risk Management Strategies ◽  
Housing Industry ◽  
Ground Condition ◽  
Very High

Housing industry is one of the most dynamic, risky, and challenging industries. In Malaysia, this industry has a poor reputation for managing risks, with many major projects failing to be completed within the allotted time. Due to the inherent risks involved in construction projects, it is essential to recognize the risks that cause problems associated with abandoned housing projects. Therefore, this study aims to identify the risks that contribute to issues of abandoned housing projects and to propose mitigation strategies. The methodologies used in this study are combination of qualitative and quantitative methods of literature review, questionnaire survey, and interview. The results show that many risks are involved in housing project, including risks related to environmental impacts, construction, politics, law, management, finance, materials, and economy, of which the probability of risks from unexpected ground condition, project delays, bureaucracy, contractual disputes between developer and landlord, weakness in management by inexperience developer, and financial crisis is very high. It was also found that all relevant parties involved in housing industry are required to have extensive cooperation in advance and should perform systematic risk management strategies in order to mitigate the risks leading to problems associated with abandoned housing projects.

Symptom overlap for malaria and pneumonia—policy implications for home management strategies

Acta Tropica ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Källander ◽  
Jesca Nsungwa-Sabiiti ◽  
Stefan Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Home Management ◽  
Symptom Overlap
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