An evaluation of the knowledge and practices of Metro Vancouver residents regarding mould

Background: The average Canadian spends approximately 90% of their day indoors, a proportion of which may be in public spaces, thereby making Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) a pertinent topic for the fields of Public and Environmental Health. Mould complaints are one of the top IAQ complaints received by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) in BC. Mould is ubiquitous in both the outdoor and indoor environment. However, once indoors, mould will grow unhindered on most surfaces as long as moisture is present. Accumulating evidence has established relationships between indoor environments and health. Thanks to the Internet, the amount of readily available information regarding mould today is vast but may not necessarily be valid nor reliable. It is important, therefore, to consider what the public does or does not know and where they are getting their information. This study evaluated the public perception of Metro Vancouver residents in regards to mould as an IAQ issue in order to provide Public and Environmental Health practitioners, including EHOs, with a deeper understanding of how to effectively address queries from the public regarding this topic. Methods: Data for this study was collected through a self-administered online questionnaire and disseminated using social media and the snowball effect. Questions were designed to collect demographic information and evaluate the knowledge and attitudes as well as the behaviour and practices of participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically the independent samples t-test and the analysis of variance (ANOVA), were used to analyze the results. Results: With an average 14.59 out of 20 points, respondent knowledge scores were, in general, fair. There was no statistically significant difference between respondent knowledge score and their gender, age, level of education, income or housing status. Conclusions: Although respondent knowledge scores were fair, a few gaps in knowledge were identified. Further, most of the sample population did not know specifically where to access reliable information on mould. These insights may be useful for Public and Environmental Health professionals when addressing queries from the public regarding this topic.

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A study on the public perception of waste-to-energy facilities in Metro Vancouver

BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal ◽

10.47339/ephj.2015.133 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

Carol Leung ◽

BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health ◽

Helen Heacock

Keyword(s):

Public Perception ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Educational Background ◽

Municipal Waste ◽

Waste To Energy ◽

Second Phase ◽

The Public ◽

Metro Vancouver ◽

Significant Difference

BACKGROUND: Metro Vancouver is proposing a second waste-to-energy (WTE) facility to be built within the regional district. WTE facilities are used to reduce the volume of waste going to landfill sites. With Metro Vancouver’s desire to become the Greenest City in the World by 2020, WTE facilities are one option to achieve this goal. The proposal is currently in its second phase, and is looking for an ideal location. However, there are debates over whether the use of WTE facilities is an ideal method of municipal waste disposal. The aim of this research project was to measure the public knowledge and opinion of WTE facilities across various demographics. METHODS: A survey regarding knowledge and opinion of WTE facilities was generated and distributed online via social media platforms. Microsoft Excel and NCSS software were used to analyze the data to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: There were a total of 111 respondents. Demographic information was analyzed against the respondent’s knowledge score of WTE facilities. There is no statistically significant difference between educational background, age group, or place of residence and attaining a particular knowledge score of WTE facilities (p=0.51, p=0.31, p=0.22 respectively). The results indicated a limited knowledge of WTE facilities in the general public, with a mean score of 3.6 out of a maximum of 5. 59% of respondents indicated that they felt neutral towards WTE facilities, while 24% believed they were the most desirable method of managing municipal waste, and 21% believed they were least desirable. CONCLUSION: Results suggests that WTE facilities are not well understood, and not enough knowledge has been provided to the public in order for them to formulate a consensus on supporting or rejecting the use of WTE facilities. In such cases, the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) can act as an educator to help the public make an informed decision on the effects of WTE facilities and the consequences of different methods of handling municipal solid waste.

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The influence of celebrity chefs on a student population

British Food Journal ◽

10.1108/bfj-09-2013-0253 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 117 (2) ◽

pp. 614-628 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Samantha Rosemary Lane ◽

Stephanie Margaret Fisher

Keyword(s):

Food Habits ◽

Public Perception ◽

Academic Research ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Modern Society ◽

Student Population ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Content Type ◽

The Public ◽

Study Population

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the exposure of a student population to celebrity chef television programmes, to assess the influence these figures have, and how they are perceived. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted through an online questionnaire distributed at Bath Spa University. The approach included asking respondents why they watched programmes featuring celebrity chefs; to select a named celebrity chef whom they thought had most influenced their food habits, and to name particular chefs relating to campaign descriptions. Findings – A significant proportion of the study group watched television programmes fronted by celebrity chefs (84 per cent); the main reason for watching was for entertainment. Overall, reported influence was insignificant, though Jamie Oliver was selected as the chef with most influence on the respondent’s food habits. Jamie Oliver’s campaign to improve school dinners was also the most recognised, and celebrity chefs were generally viewed positively. Research limitations/implications – The study population was quite specific in its gender, age and ethnicity, and therefore might not be representative of wider society. Further work could consider gender differences in chef influence, as well as different forms of exposure. Originality/value – Despite their ubiquity, academic research into the role of the celebrity chef in modern society is limited, where very few studies have assessed the influence of named chefs or the public perception of these figures. This paper gives an insight into this under-researched field.

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Gender-biased public perception of STEM fields, focusing on the influence of egalitarian attitudes toward gender roles

Journal of Science Communication ◽

10.22323/2.19010208 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (01) ◽

pp. A08

Author(s):

Yuko Ikkatai ◽

Azusa Minamizaki ◽

Kei Kano ◽

Atsushi Inoue ◽

Euan McKay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gender Roles ◽

Gender Bias ◽

Public Perception ◽

Public Perceptions ◽

Stem Fields ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

The Public ◽

Low Level ◽

Academic Fields ◽

Egalitarian Attitudes

Many studies have examined the impression that the general public has of science and how this can prevent girls from choosing science fields. Using an online questionnaire, we investigated whether the public perception of several academic fields was gender-biased in Japan. First, we found the gender-bias gap in public perceptions was largest in nursing and mechanical engineering. Second, people who have a low level of egalitarian attitudes toward gender roles perceived that nursing was suitable for women. Third, people who have a low level of egalitarian attitudes perceived that many STEM fields are suitable for men. This suggests that gender-biased perceptions toward academic fields can still be found in Japan.

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Assessment of Awareness and Knowledge on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic among Seafarers

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9020120 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 120

Author(s):

Gopi Battineni ◽

Getu Gamo Sagaro ◽

Nalini Chintalapudi ◽

Marzio Di Canio ◽

Francesco Amenta

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Educational Status ◽

Control Measures ◽

P Value ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Novel Coronavirus

Background: The ongoing pandemic due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is becoming a serious global threat. Experts suggest that the infection can be controlled by immediate prevention measures. Sailing is one of the occupational categories more vulnerable to this virus outbreak due to the proximity of the working conditions. Objective: Awareness and knowledge assessments of seafarers towards the current epidemic is mandatory to understand the effectiveness and success of the infection control measures adopted by shipping companies. Methods: In this study, we presented an online questionnaire survey to determine the knowledge levels of COVID-19 among seafarers. The data were collected by self-reported survey, and analysis was done by the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The t-test was used to understand the knowledge attitude differences to COVID-19 among different occupational groups of seafarers, and the p-value ≤ of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 1,458 responses received, 92.82% had a college or university degree. The results reported that the mean COVID-19 knowledge score was 5.82 (standard deviation = 0.51, range 0–6), and the overall correct percentage was 97%. There was a statistically significant difference between age groups (F (4, 1453) = 5.44, p < 0.001) and educational groups (F (4, 1453) = 1.52, p < 0.001). The knowledge score was not significantly different across the educational status of the participants (F (2, 1455) = 1.52, p = 0.220). Conclusions: The present study highlighted good knowledge and behaviours among sailors about COVID-19. However, shipping companies need to come up with new campaigns to hold optimistic practices and suitable guidelines on ships, including cruise boats, to keep sea workers always alert and collaborative in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

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Public risk perception and responsive behaviors in the United States, United Kingdom, and Brazil during the COVID-19 Pandemic: a cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-124810/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Anran Wang ◽

Xiaolei Xiu ◽

Sizhu Wu

Keyword(s):

Risk Perception ◽

Public Perception ◽

Close Contact ◽

The United States ◽

Living Environment ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protective Measures ◽

The Public ◽

The Us

Abstract Background: Understanding public perception and behaviors toward COVID-19 is valuable for mitigating the severe epidemic. Our study aimed to investigate differences of the public from the US, UK, and Brazil on the aspects of the living environment, behaviors, attitude and risk perception. Methods: Dataset were taken from the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Survival Calculator project. 89554 respondents from the US (n=71812), UK (n=10392), and Brazil (n=7350) completed online questionnaire survey from April 28 to July 8. Frequencies and percentages were calculated to describe respondents’ responses. Chi-square tests with Holm-Bonferroni correction and binary logistic regression were used to determine the differences in environmental status, behaviors and worried degree of participants among the three countries, and further explore the sociodemographic characteristics related to protective measures. Results: Brazil participants had the highest risk perception to COVID-19, followed by the US, and the UK was the lowest (39.02±24.57 vs. 32.72±22.38 vs. 29.47+22.39, P<0.001). More Brazil participants expressed that they were worried about COVID-19. The proportion of respondents from the US and UK who reported they were not worried about COVID-19 was 2.00 times (95%CI: 1.80-2.23) and 3.24 times (95%CI: 2.88-3.65) that of Brazil. A higher percentage of Brazil respondents reported they were in close contact with more than ten people, using public transport and engaging in work. Regarding behaviors, social distancing (ranges:84.9%-86.8%) and washing hands (ranges:84.8%-90.3%) were the most frequently used protective measures, but respondents from the US (69.8%) and UK (15.8%) were relatively reluctant to wear masks. Moreover, it was found that participants from ethnic minorities were more likely to take protective measures. But males, respondents under 20 years, and respondents with poor economic conditions had various degrees of neglect to take steps. Meanwhile, healthcare workers also had a relatively stronger awareness of protection. Conclusion: There are significant differences in the environment, behaviors, attitude and risk perception of the public from the US, UK and Brazil. The sociodemographic subgroups analysis indicated that it is necessary to enhance protection publicity and support for specific groups. Our findings are conducive to the public health authorities to carry out more targeted publicity work of COVID-19 protection measures.

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Environmental Health Evaluation for Jatinegara Apartment from the Perception of Kampung Pulo Displaced People

10.31227/osf.io/a58ht ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Deffi Ayu Puspito Sari

Keyword(s):

Environmental Health ◽

Public Perception ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Economic Status ◽

The Public ◽

Building Area ◽

Displaced People ◽

The Government ◽

House Building ◽

Descriptive Method

(This is a preprint version). Limited land availability and population growth resulted in the emergence of illegal housing and slums in Jakarta. Kampung Pulo area in East Jakarta is one of the regions occupied by the illegal structures and slums. To overcome the problem, the Government of DKI Jakarta built a simple rental apartment (Rusunawa) used for relocation of Kampung Pulo community. The aims of this research are to study the socio-economic condition of Rusunawa residents, the environmental health of Rusunawa Jatinegara compared to Kampung Pulo, and to know the influence of socio-economic status to the opinion of displaced people. Using descriptive method, scoring, analysis correlation and multiple regression (SPSS 16.0). The results show that majority of the education level of residents in Rusunawa Jatinegara is dominantly junior and senior high school, whereas the majority of their income is high. The parameter according to the public perception which is far better in Rusunawa compared within Kampung Pulo that is flood and animal transmitting diseases such as rats and flies. Partially the level of education affects the public perception while the income level does not change the public perception of the comparison between the environmental health in Rusunawa Jatinegara and the environmental health in Kampung Pulo. Simultaneously the level of the education and the income has positive impact to the public perception on the comparison of the environmental health in Rusunawa Jatinegara and the environmental health in kampong Pulo. Interestingly, apart from better environment health standar by Ministry of Health, according to the society's perception, 5 out of 20 parameters of the environmental health in Rusunawa is worse when it is compared to Kampung Pulo, the settings are water quality, rooms layout, lighting, sleeping area, and house building area.

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Alternative Mowing Regimes’ Influence on Native Plants and Deer

10.54718/bybx1010 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

John Guyton ◽

Jeanne C. Jones ◽

Edward Entsminger

Keyword(s):

Plant Communities ◽

Carrying Capacity ◽

Public Perception ◽

Management Practices ◽

Native Plants ◽

Strong Support ◽

Native Plant ◽

The Public ◽

Public Survey ◽

Significant Difference

This study evaluated mowing regimes, changes in native and non-native plant communities, deer presence in the research plots,and public perception of various management practices on ROWs. No significant difference was found in the height of vegetation 3 weeks after each mowing between research plots mowed 4 times per year and plots mowed only once per year in uplands or lowlands. Native plants increased in plots mowed once per year and deer preferred the frequently mowed plots where clovers and vetches had been seeded. Increasing the carrying capacity of the lowlands with more extensive plantings of clover and vetch may attract deer, thus encouraging them to browse and use the underpasses beneath bridges and making the ROWs safer. The public survey found strong support for wildflowers on ROWs and a distaste for litter. Further, respondents would tolerate a less manicured ROW if it saved money, made the roads safer, and hid litter.

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Knowledgeof Dermatology Residents on the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Clinical Research in Dermatology ◽

10.15226/2378-1726/7/4/001124 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Fadil Mohammad ◽

Ahmad Alhaj ◽

Ali Al Ajimi ◽

Abdulhadi Jfri ◽

Elzibeth O’Brien ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Geographic Location ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

General Information ◽

P Value ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Gcc Countries ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean

Background: A novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread throughout the world leading to a global pandemic. As a result, all healthcare workers have been profoundly affected. Objectives: The goal of our study is to identify the level of knowledge and the effect of COVID-19 on dermatology residents. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis in which 77 dermatology residents from three Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Canada completed an online questionnaire-based survey. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: one general information about the resident and three on knowledge, safety measures and impact of COVID-19, with a total of 26 questions. The questionnaire was scored out of 10 with those above the mean considered as having satisfactory knowledge. Results: The mean (SD) knowledge score was 6.25 (1.6). There was a statistically significant difference noted between the GCC countries and Canada in terms of the knowledge score (p-value=0.035). Only 14% of dermatology residents felt competent in managing COVID-19 patients. Seventy percent felt that the pandemic has negatively affected their dermatology training. Conclusion: Dermatology residents demonstrated a difference in knowledge score in relation to the geographic location of the program. Almost 46% of residents illustrated a satisfactory knowledge score about COVID-19. Only a small percentage of residents are confident in treating COVID-19 patients. Subsequently, the need for improved education of residents regarding COVID-19 before redeployment is warranted.

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Consumers’ knowledge and attitude towards Chinese herbal tea and consumption of Chinese herbal tea in selected district in Kedah

Food Research ◽

10.26656/fr.2017.4(3).327 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 666-673

Author(s):

Teh D.Y. ◽

S.N. Jaafar ◽

Asma' A.

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Public Understanding ◽

Herbal Tea ◽

Useful Knowledge ◽

The Public ◽

Chinese Herbal ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Chinese Herbal Tea

Interest in botanical remedies has attracted growing attention in Chinese herbal teas among industry, scientists and consumers. A survey was conducted among 203 respondents recruited from several Chinese herbal shops in a selected town in Kedah. Data were subjected to obtain descriptive statistics and inferential tests. The results showed that more than half of consumers have moderate knowledge level and almost positive attitude towards Chinese herbal tea. Consumers of different races have a significant difference in knowledge score towards Chinese herbal tea. In addition, consumers’ attitude between different age groups was also found to be different. Consumers’ gender, race, age, marital status, and employment status were associated with their Chinese herbal tea consumption. This study revealed public’ understanding towards knowledge, attitude and consumption towards Chinese herbal tea. It is anticipated that these findings may benefit authorities in policies and regulations development and convey correct information and useful knowledge for the public as well as Chinese herbal tea traders for strategic marketing to meet consumers’ demand.

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Are Saudi adults supportive of Saudi Food & Drug Authority’s food policies? Assessment of public support & awareness for Saudi Food & Drug Authority’s food policies

10.21203/rs.3.rs-34372/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Suzan Tami ◽

Mohammed Al-Mahish

Keyword(s):

Public Perception ◽

Public Support ◽

Food Products ◽

T Test ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Public ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Food Policies ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Numerous countries, including Saudi Arabia, are considering nutrition and food policies to help control the obesity epidemic and other non-communicable diseases. The present study examined public support and awareness, among Saudi adults, for the Saudi Food and Drugs Authority’s (SFDA) food policies, specifically whether public support and awareness for SFDA policies and regulations have a significant impact on their average Body Mass Index (BMI), and how socio-economic variables impact the public support and awareness for SFDA policies and regulations. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 584 Saudi adults completed an electronic questionnaire, collected data on whether the public were aware and supportive of SFDA’s different food polices and regulations. To examine whether participants’ awareness and support of SFDA’s food policies had a significant impact on their average BMI, two sample t-test was used, and a logistic regression model was used to examine the impact of demographics variables on participants’ support and awareness for SFDA policies and regulations. Results Saudi adults followed SFDA’s latest news and regulations and were supportive of SFDA’s food policies. Particularly, high support was for food policies of requiring restaurants and coffee shops to report calorie amounts in foods and beverages, reducing the salt amount in bread, eliminate hydrogenated oil from food products, and preventing misleading written nutrition information on food products, and preventing food advertisements without permission. The results of the two-sample t-test showed that there was a significant difference in the mean BMI between the participants who followed and those who did not follow SFDA news and regulations. The mean BMI between the participants who cooperated and those who did not cooperate with SFDA by reporting food safety violations was significantly different. The results of the binary logit model indicated that several socio-demographic characteristics were significantly associated with food policy awareness and support. Conclusion The findings of this study may assist nutrition educators to plan programs to improve health-related behaviors, and may allow stakeholders and policy makers to consider public perception and social desirability in the policy-making and implementation process.

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