scholarly journals Assessment of lifestyle, herbs, dietary and pharmacological preventive measures used among the public in Jordan to boost immunity during COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 1969-1974
Author(s):  
Reem Issa ◽  
Dima Albals ◽  
Ala Yehya ◽  
Fayez Shriedh
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Citrus Fruits ◽  
Virus Spread ◽  
The Public ◽  
Rational Drug ◽  
Lifestyle Practices ◽  
Staying At Home

Purpose: To assess the methods and practices for strengthening immunity and limiting virus spread among the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.Method: A questionnaire was designed and distributed to the public in Jordan. Socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle practices, and intakes of herbs, vitamins, diet, and medications during the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed.Results: A total of 1048 participants completed the survey, 75 % of which were females and 60 % were in the age group of 18 - 34 years. The majority (75 %) agreed that staying at home along with social distancing would be their best protective measure, combined with hygienic practices and disinfection (71 %). Ginger and mint (49 and 45 %), vitamins D and C (52 and 34 %;) were predominantly used. Of the participants, 77 and 66 %, respectively increased their consumption of citrus fruits and foods rich in vitamin C, when they experienced influenza-like symptoms, while 13 and 18 % of the participants used antibiotics and paracetamol, respectively. Moreover, 61 and 63 % of participants were aware of the guidelines on the use of antibiotics and NSAIDs for the treatment of viral infections.Conclusion: The public practices reflect the positive beliefs about lifestyle practices, and the use of herbs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and medication intake. There is a need to promote healthy practices and increase awareness of rational drug use.

scholarly journals The Methodology of Assessing the Criminogenity of Administrative Territorial Units

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 351-366
Author(s):  
Ainagul Karipova ◽  
Kuanysh Baltabaev ◽  
Yerbol Omarov ◽  
Talgat Makhanov
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Statistical Information ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Mathematical Methods ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Past ◽  
Spectral Scale ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Legal Statistics

The authors study the issues of applying mathematical methods to the assessment of the criminogenic levels in administrative-territorial units of the Republic of Kazakhstan. They have analyzed a considerable volume of statistical information for the past 20 years and, as a result, have identified the highest and the lowest number of registered crimes. Several indices were used to develop an index of criminogenity (ranging) of regions: crime level, graveness of crimes, size of population in a certain area. They recommend to define the public danger of crimes as a numerical value expressed in abstract units - points - based on the average sanctions, an average punishment imposed by a court and an average rating assigned by experts (researchers, practical specialists). The authors have studied modern Kazakh and foreign publications on the use of mathematical methods in criminology. The results of assessment according to three methods of ranging - legislative (legal), court, and expert - are presented in the tables. There is a correlation between legislative (legal) and court assessments. Calculations were used to determine the criminal status of some territorial units, which makes it possible to compare the number of crimes and the degree of their public danger for the population in the over-16 age group. In order to analyze the administrative-territorial units of the same type, the cities have been grouped according to the size of population. The presented methodology is reflected in the spectral scale on the «Map of Criminal Infringements» of the Committee for Legal Statistics and Special Records of the Prosecutor Generals Office for the Republic of Kazakhstan; it takes into account the distribution of cities into four groups which, in the end, will make it possible to obtain a maximally objective assessment of the criminal situation and to take preventive measures.

scholarly journals Trends in non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) related community practice for the prevention of COVID-19 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259229
Author(s):  
Damen Hailemariam ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Samson Wakuma ◽  
Yifoker Tefera ◽  
Teferi Abegaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Community Practice ◽  
Age Group ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Facilities ◽  
Preventive Practices ◽  
First Case ◽  
Respiratory Hygiene

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Ethiopia since March 13, 2020, when the first case was detected in Addis Ababa. Since then, the incidence of cases has continued to increase day by day. As a result, the health sector has recommended universal preventive measures to be practiced by the public. However, studies on adherence to these preventive measures are limited. Objective To monitor the status of preventive practices of the population related to hand washing, physical distancing, and respiratory hygiene practices at selected sites within the city of Addis Ababa. Methods Weekly cross-sectional non-participatory observations were done during the period of April-June, 2020. Data was collected using the Open Data Kit (ODK) tool in ten public sites involving eight public facilities targeted for individual observations. Ten individuals were randomly observed at each facility over two days a week at peak hours of public services. WHO operational definitions of the preventive behaviors were adopted for this study. Observations were conducted anonymously at gates or entrances of public facilities and places. Results A total of 12,056 individual observations with 53% males and 82% in an estimated age range of 18–50 years age group were involved in this study. There was an increase in the practice of respiratory hygiene from 14% in week one to 77% in week 10, while those of hand hygiene and physical distancing changed little over the weeks from their baseline of 24% and 34%, respectively. Overall, respiratory hygiene demonstrated an increased rate of 6% per week, while hand hygiene and physical distancing had less than a 1% change per week, Females and the estimated age group of 18–50 years had practice changes in respiratory hygiene with no difference in hand hygiene and physical distancing practices. Respiratory hygiene took about six weeks to reach a level of 77% from its baseline of 24%, making an increment of about 9% per week. Conclusion The public practice of respiratory hygiene improved threefold whereas hand hygiene and physical distancing revealed no change. Regularly sustained public mobilization and mass education are required to sustain the achievements gained in respiratory hygiene and further hand hygiene and physical distancing.

Assessment of COVID-19 Related Misinformation among the Community in Basrah, Iraq

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (CSI) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Rubaye ◽  
Dhurgham Abdulwahid ◽  
Aymen Albadran ◽  
Abbas Ejbary ◽  
Laith Alrubaiy
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Educational Levels ◽  
The Public ◽  
First Case ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Central District

Background: There has been a rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 infection and its mortality rate since the first case reported in February 2020. This led to the rampant dissemination of misinformation and rumors about the disease among the public. Objectives: To investigate the scale of public misinformation about COVID-19 in Basrah, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a 22-item questionnaire to assess public knowledge and understanding of information related to the COVID-19 infection. Results: A total of 483 individuals completed the questionnaire. The most frequent age group was 26–35 years (28.2%); there were 280 (58%) males and 203 (42%) females. Of the participants, 282 (58.4%) were with an education level below the Bachelor’s degree, 342 (70.8%) were married, and 311 (64%) were living in districts in Basra other than the central district. Overall, 50.8% (11.8/ 22 * 100%) of individuals had the correct information regarding COVID-19. There was a significant association between the level of COVID-19 related misinformation and participants’ educational levels and occupation (p <0.05). However, there was no significant difference found across sex, age group, marital state, and area of residence. Conclusions: Misinformation related to COVID-19 is widely spread and has to be addressed in order to control the pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19, misinformation, knowledge, Iraq

scholarly journals Trends of Stomach Cancer in Central Serbia

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 665
Author(s):  
Miodrag M. Stojanovic ◽  
Natasa K. Rancic ◽  
Marija R. Andjelkovic Apostolovic ◽  
Aleksandra M. Ignjatovic ◽  
Mirko V. Ilic
Keyword(s):  
Stomach Cancer ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
P Value ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Joinpoint Regression ◽  
Mortality Trends ◽  
Incidence Trend ◽  
Incidence And Mortality

Somach cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The objective of the paper was to analyze the incidence and mortality trends of stomach cancer in Central Serbia in the period between 1999–2017. Materials and Methods: trends and annual percentage change (APC) of the incidence and mortality rate with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by joinpoint regression analyses. The optimal number of Joinpoints was identified using the Monte Carlo permutation method. The trend was considered to be significantly increasing (positive change) or decreasing (negative change) when the p-value was below 0.05 (p < 0.05). Results: the total number of new cases was 16,914 (10,873 males and 6041 females) and the total number of mortality cases was 14,790 (9348 in and 5442 in females). Almost one third (30.8%) of new cases were registered in the 60–69-year age group, and new cases were significantly more frequent in males than in females (30.8% vs. 29.02%, p < 0.001). Joinpoint regression analysis showed a significant decrease of incidence trend in females during the 2000–2015 period with APC of −2.13% (95% CI: −3.8 to −0.5, p < 0.001). An insignificant decrease in incidence trend was in males with APC of −0.72% (95% CI: −2.3 to 0.9, p = 0.30). According to the joinpoint analysis, a significant decrease of mortality trends both in males during 2000–2015 with APC of −2.21% (95% CI: −1.6 to −7.5, p ≤ 0.001 and in females, during the same period, with APC of −1.75% (95% CI: −2.9 to −0.6, p < 0.001) was registered. From 2015 to 2017, a significant increase of mortality was registered with APC of 44.5% (95% CI: from 24.2 to −68.1, p ≤ 0.001) in females and in males with APC of 53.15% (95% CI: 13.5 to −106.6, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: a significant decrease of stomach cancer incidence trend in females and insignificant decrease of incidence trend in males were determined in Central Serbia. Based on presented results, the mortality trend decreased significantly both in males and in females during 2000–2015, and from 2015 to 2017 we recorded a significant increase in mortality in both sexes. We found significantly more new cases in women than in men in the age group of 40–49, and the mortality of stomach cancer was significantly more frequent among females compared to males in the age groups 30–39, as well as in the 50–59 age group. There is a need for improving recording and registration of new cases of stomach cancer, especially in females. Urgent primary and secondary preventive measures are needed—introducing stomach cancer screening and early detection of premalignant changes. Urgent primary and secondary preventive measures are needed.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Face Coverings in Mitigating the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3666
Author(s):  
Olukayode James Ayodeji ◽  
Seshadri Ramkumar
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
United States ◽  
District Of Columbia ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Sharp Change ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Health Challenges ◽  
Effective Preventive Measure

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the biggest public health challenges of the 21st century. Many prevalent measures have been taken to prevent its spread and protect the public. However, the use of face coverings as an effective preventive measure remains contentious. The goal of the current study is to evaluate the effectiveness of face coverings as a protective measure. We examined the effectiveness of face coverings between 1 April and 31 December 2020. This was accomplished by analyzing trends of daily new COVID-19 cases, cumulative confirmed cases, and cases per 100,000 people in different U.S. states, including the District of Columbia. The results indicated a sharp change in trends after face covering mandates. For the 32 states with face covering mandates, 63% and 66% exhibited a downward trend in confirmed cases within 21 and 28 days of implementation, respectively. We estimated that face covering mandates in the 32 states prevented approximately 78,571 and 109,703 cases within 21- and 28-day periods post face covering mandate, respectively. A statistically significant (p = 0.001) negative correlation (−0.54) was observed between the rate of cases and days since the adoption of a face covering mandate. We concluded that the use of face coverings can provide necessary protection if they are properly used.

scholarly journals A Decision-Making Model for Deterring Food Vendors from Selling Harmless Low-Quality Foods as High-Quality Foods to Consumers

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Po-Yu Chen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Criminal Liability ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Dynamic Approach ◽  
Food Adulteration ◽  
The Public ◽  
Food Market ◽  
Decision Making Model

For certain types of foods, food vendors often label low-quality foods that are harmless to human health as foods of excellent quality and sell these falsely labeled products to consumers. Because this type of food poses no harm to human health, when public health units discover their act of false labeling or food adulteration, vendors are only penalized with a fine rather than having them assume criminal liability. Upon discovering vendors act of falsely labeling food, public health units typically punish the involved parties according to the extent of false labeling. Such static protective measure is ineffective. Instead, the extent of punishment should be based not only on the extent of false labeling, but also on the frequency of food sampling as well as the number of samples obtained for food inspections. Only through this dynamic approach can food adulteration or false labeling be effectively prevented. Adopting the standpoint of the public sector in food safety management, this study developed a mathematical model that facilitates discussion on the aforementioned problems. Furthermore, we discussed how the supply-demand environmental factors of the food market are influenced by the administrative means that the public health units have used to prevent food false labeling.

scholarly journals The Interactive Effects of Cognition on Coping Styles among Chinese during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3148
Author(s):  
Zemin Cai ◽  
Shukai Zheng ◽  
Yanhong Huang ◽  
William W. Au ◽  
Zhaolong Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Level ◽  
Coping Style ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Positive Coping ◽  
Negative Coping

Background: The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seriously affected people’s life. The main aim of our investigation was to determine the interactive effects of disease awareness on coping style among Chinese residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 616 Chinese residents from 28 provinces were recruited to participate in this investigation. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic characteristics, cognition of COVID-19, and disease-related stress sources. Coping styles were assessed via the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). Results: The survey showed that the main source of information on COVID-19 was different in relation to gender, age, educational level, and occupation (p < 0.001). People’s knowledge of the disease, preventive measures, and stress factors were different in relation to demographic characteristics (p < 0.001). Compared with the baseline values, the scores of positive coping and negative coping based on SCSQ in relation to gender, age, educational level, and occupation were statistically significant (p < 0.001, except for participants older than 60 years). Different educational levels corresponded to statistical significant differences in positive coping (p = 0.004) but not in negative coping. Conclusions: During the pandemic, people with different characteristics had different levels of preventive measures’ awareness, which influenced their coping styles. Therefore, during public health emergencies, knowledge of prevention and control measures should be efficiently provided to allow more effective coping styles.

An Analytical Study Carried Out to Identify Symptoms of Occupational Lung Diseases and Preventive Measures among Workers Involved in Marble Industries in Rajsamand District of Rajasthan

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (02) ◽  
pp. 53-57
Author(s):  
Kalika Gupta ◽  
Mitin Parmar ◽  
Pranav Bhavsar ◽  
Milan Chaudhary
Keyword(s):  
Lung Disease ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Occupational Lung Diseases

BACKGROUND Occupational lung diseases are diseases affecting the respiratory system, including occupational asthma, black lung disease and many more. Workers exposed to marble dust stand an increased risk of suffering from asthma symptoms, chronic bronchitis, nasal inflammation and impairment of lung functions. The recognition of occupational causes can be made difficult by years of latency between exposure in the workplace and the occurrence of disease. Through this study, authors have established the importance of early identification of symptoms of occupational lung diseases and the importance of preventive measures that can be applied to reduce incidence of such diseases. METHODS This was a cross sectional community-based study conducted on 340 marble mining or cutting workers of Rajnagar [Morwar], Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, for a duration of three months. Workers were clinically examined and asked about environmental conditions and use of preventive measures through a questionnaire designed by the investigators and with the help of pamphlets and videos, educational interventions were provided. RESULTS Almost 90 % of the workers didn’t use protective measure like mask or shield. Among the 10 % workers who were using safety measures, 60 % were using face mask and 20 % were using apron at the work place. After the educational intervention given by investigators, around 63 % had started using various safety measures. CONCLUSIONS Early interventions after development of symptoms are important as they can decrease chances of further worsening of the condition. Health education, periodic health check-ups and use of protective measures are the essence in preventing occupational lung diseases. KEYWORDS Occupational Lung Disease, Cough, Marble Workers, Silicosis

High national acceptance for COVID-19 contact tracing technologies in Taiwan (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. Garrett ◽  
Yuwen Wang ◽  
Joshua P. White ◽  
Yoshihisa Kashima ◽  
Simon Dennis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Virus Spread ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Public ◽  
Privacy Measures ◽  
Credible Intervals

BACKGROUND Governments worldwide have introduced COVID-19 tracing technologies. Taiwan, a world leader in controlling the virus’ spread, has introduced the Taiwan ‘Social Distancing App’ to facilitate COVID-19 contact tracing. However, for these technologies to be effective, they must be accepted and used by the public. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to determine public acceptance for three hypothetical tracing technologies: a centralized Government App, a decentralized Bluetooth App (e.g., Taiwan’s Social Distancing App), and a Telecommunication tracing technology; and model what factors contributed to their acceptance. METHODS Four nationally representative surveys were conducted in April 2020 sampling 6,000 Taiwanese residents. Perceptions and impacts of COVID-19, government effectiveness, worldviews, and attitudes towards and acceptance of one-of-three hypothetical tracing technologies were assessed. RESULTS Technology acceptance was high across all hypothetical technologies (67% - 73%) and improved with additional privacy measures (82% - 88%). Bayesian modelling (using 95% highest density credible intervals) showed data sensitivity and perceived poor COVID-19 policy compliance inhibited technology acceptance. By contrast, technology benefits (e.g., returning to activities, reducing virus spread, lowering the likelihood of infection), higher education, and perceived technology privacy, security, and trust, were all contributing factors to overall acceptance. Bayesian ordinal probit models revealed higher COVID-19 concern for other people than for one’s self. CONCLUSIONS Taiwan is currently using a range of technologies to minimize the spread of COVID-19 as the country returns to normal economic and social activities. We observed high acceptance for COVID-19 tracing technologies among the Taiwanese public, a promising and necessary finding for the successful introduction of Taiwan’s new ‘Social Distancing App’. Policy makers may capitalize on this acceptance by focusing attention towards the App’s benefits, privacy and security measures, making the App’s privacy measures transparent to the public, and emphasizing App uptake and compliance among the public. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable.

CONCERNING THE STRUCTURE OF PUBLIC LEGAL INTEREST IN CRIMINAL COURT PROCEEDINGS

2021 ◽  
pp. 26-30
Author(s):  
Алексей Викторович Дашин ◽  
Петр Михайлович Малин ◽  
Алексей Васильевич Пивень
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Criminal Court ◽  
Public Authority ◽  
Criminal Proceedings ◽  
Criminal Process ◽  
The Public ◽  
House Arrest ◽  
Legitimate Interest ◽  
Court Proceedings ◽  
Constituent Elements

В статье анализируется структура публичного законного интереса в уголовном судопроизводстве, входящих в него элементов на примере института домашнего ареста. Авторская модель публичного законного интереса участников уголовного процесса «привязана» к стадийности и может распространяться не только на вопросы, связанные с мерами пресечения. По мнению авторов, публичный законный интерес в контексте рассматриваемой проблемы воплощается в жизнь на основе нормативно установленного действия, содержащего конкретно сформулированные правила, устанавливающие четко определенные права и обязанности участников правоотношений. Данная деятельность сопряжена с определенными этапами (стадиями), которые в той или иной степени характерны соответствующей мере пресечения, и возможна в той стадии, где осуществляется оценка действий, предпринятых должностным лицом, осуществляющим производство по уголовному делу. Реализация публичного законного интереса, заявленного следователем, дознавателем на избрание домашнего ареста, зависит от того, как соответствующие устремления оценят другие должностные лица - руководитель следственного органа, прокурор (не обладающие правами реализации публичного законного интереса), то есть от их усмотрения. Законодатель не предоставляет следователю, дознавателю возможность «непосредственно» обратиться в суд - участнику процесса, наделенному правом реализовать их устремление на избрание меры пресечения. Подобные «преграды» не предусмотрены в законе для иных участников уголовного процесса, не наделенных публичной властью и стремящихся реализовать свой законный интерес. The article analyzes the structure of public legitimate interest in criminal proceedings, its constituent elements on the example of the institution of house arrest. The author's model of the public legitimate interest of participants in the criminal process is «tied» to the stage and can extend not only to issues related to preventive measures. According to the authors, public legitimate interest in the context of the problem under consideration is brought to life on the basis of a normatively established action containing specifically formulated rules establishing clearly defined rights and obligations of participants in legal relations. This activity is associated with certain phases (stages) that are more or less characteristic of the corresponding measure of restraint, and is possible at the stage where the actions taken by the official conducting the criminal proceedings are evaluated. The realization of the public legitimate interest declared by the investigator, the investigating officer for the election of house arrest depends on how the relevant intentions will be evaluated by other officials - the head of the investigative body, the prosecutor (who do not have the rights to realize the public legitimate interest), i.e. on their discretion. The legislator does not give the investigator, the inquirer the opportunity to turn «directly» to the court - a participant in the process, entitled to realize their intentions for the election of measures of restrain. Such «barriers» are not provided in the law for other participants in the criminal process who are not endowed with public authority and who seek to realize their legitimate interest.

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