scholarly journals Knowledge and Perception of the Risk of Contracting Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Adult Nigerians

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 230-243
Author(s):  
Afocha E. E ◽  
Oladele D. A ◽  
Ajibaye O

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is considered a major public health challenge of this century. The disease caused by the virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a pandemic that has caused severe morbidity and mortality globally including Africa with the limited ability of requisite public health response. Therefore, this survey aims to assess the knowledge and risk perception of COVID-19 among the general public in Nigeria following an index case confirmation in the country. This is an online cross-sectional survey among the general adult population in Nigeria aged 18 years and above. Study variables were summarized using descriptive statistical methods while bivariate analysis was done to determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and outcome variables. Out of 254 respondents who participated in this study, (50.6%) were males and (49.4%) were females. The most stated source of information on COVID-19 was social media (88.5%). More than half (69.3.%) had good knowledge of COVID-19, less than one-third (26.0 %) had average knowledge while just a few had poor knowledge (4.7%) of the disease. Risk perception among the respondents was low and evenly distributed. There was no statistically significant association between, education, gender, and employment status of the respondents and good knowledge of COVID-19. The study suggests that a considerable proportion of respondents have adequate knowledge and awareness related to COVID-19. However, respondent's risk perception of contracting the disease was low. There is a need therefore for robust enlightenment through effective behavioral change communication campaigns. Key words: Knowledge, Perception, Risk, COVID-19, Nigeria.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erick Wesley Hedima ◽  
Samuel Adeyemi Michael ◽  
Emmanuel Agada David

AbstractCOVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly infectious disease declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The Knowledge and risk perception in the adult population may influence adherence to safety guidelines.ObjectiveTo assess the knowledge, preventive measures and risk perception of adult Nigerians regarding COVID-19.MethodsWe conducted an online cross-sectional survey in which five hundred and ten (510) adult participants consented and filled the questionnaire. The questionnaire is divided in to four sections: 1) socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, 2) assessment of knowledge, 3) risk perception and the 4) preventive measures.ResultsOf the 510 respondents, 95.9% claimed knowledge of COVID-19, through the traditional media (55.3%), and social media (41%), while only 3.7% got informed through health officials. Level of education (P=0.0001), income status (P<0.00001) and being a healthcare worker (P=0.002) were significantly associated with a good knowledge of COVID-19. Overall Risk perception was high (median score of 4 out of 5). Risk perception was significantly high among the female participants (P=0.04), young adult (P=0.039) and healthcare providers (P=0.001), while knowledge of preventive measures like avoiding to eat outside the home (P=0.001), traveling to high risk areas (P=0.017), wearing face mask (P=0.01) and eating balanced diet (P=0.014) were significant across gender.ConclusionMost participants demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19 and its preventive measures, while risk perception was higher among healthcare workers. Findings from this survey could guide information campaigns by public health authorities, clinicians, and the media.


Author(s):  
Kahler W. Stone ◽  
Kristina W. Kintziger ◽  
Meredith A. Jagger ◽  
Jennifer A. Horney

While the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline health care workers have been well described, the effects of the COVID-19 response on the U.S. public health workforce, which has been impacted by the prolonged public health response to the pandemic, has not been adequately characterized. A cross-sectional survey of public health professionals was conducted to assess mental and physical health, risk and protective factors for burnout, and short- and long-term career decisions during the pandemic response. The survey was completed online using the Qualtrics survey platform. Descriptive statistics and prevalence ratios (95% confidence intervals) were calculated. Among responses received from 23 August and 11 September 2020, 66.2% of public health workers reported burnout. Those with more work experience (1–4 vs. <1 years: prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08−3.36; 5–9 vs. <1 years: PR = 1.89, CI = 1.07−3.34) or working in academic settings (vs. practice: PR = 1.31, CI = 1.08–1.58) were most likely to report burnout. As of September 2020, 23.6% fewer respondents planned to remain in the U.S. public health workforce for three or more years compared to their retrospectively reported January 2020 plans. A large-scale public health emergency response places unsustainable burdens on an already underfunded and understaffed public health workforce. Pandemic-related burnout threatens the U.S. public health workforce’s future when many challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 response remain unaddressed.


Author(s):  
Devon J. Hensel ◽  
Molly Rosenberg ◽  
Maya Luetke ◽  
Tsung-chieh Fu ◽  
Debby Herbenick

AbstractBackgroundResearch demonstrates that pandemics adversely impact sexual and reproductive health (SRH), but few have examined their impact on people’s participation in sex. We examined self-reported changes in solo and sexual behaviors in U.S. adults during early stages of the public health response to COVID-19.MethodsWe conducted an online, nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of U.S. adults (N=1010; aged 18-94 years; 62% response rate) from April 10-20, 2020. We used weighted multinomial logistic regression to examine past month self-reported changes (decreased, stable or increased) in ten solo and partnered sexual behaviors. Predictor variables included: having children at home, past month depressive symptoms, (ACHA 3-item scale), past month loneliness (UCLA 3-Item Loneliness scale), COVID-19 protection behaviors (adapted 12-item scale), perceived COVID-19 consequences (adapted 10-item scale) and COVID-19 knowledge (adapted 10-item scale).ResultsNearly half of all adults reported some kind of change – most commonly, a decrease – in their sexual behavior in the past month. Having elementary aged children at home, past month depressive symptoms and loneliness and enacting more COVID-19 protective behaviors were associated with both reduced partnered bonding behaviors, such as hugging, cuddling, holding hands and kissing, as well as reduced partnered sexual behaviors, such as oral sex, partnered genital touching and vaginal sex. Greater COVID-19 risk perception and greater COVID-19 knowledge were associated with mixed effects in behavior outcomes.ConclusionsOur data illustrate the very personal ways in which different pandemic-associated factors may create or inhibit opportunities for solo and partnered sex. The centrality of sexuality to health and well-being – even during pandemics – means that a critical piece of public health prevention and management responses should is ensuring that services and resource that support positive sexual decision making remain open and available.


Author(s):  
Ali S. Raja ◽  
Joshua D. Niforatos ◽  
Nancy Anaya ◽  
Joseph Graterol ◽  
Robert M. Rodriguez

AbstractImportanceAlthough widespread vaccination will be the most important cornerstone of the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a critical question remains as to how much of the United States population will accept it.ObjectiveDetermine: 1) rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States public, 2) patient characteristics associated with hesitancy, 3) reasons for hesitancy, 4) healthcare sites where vaccine acceptors would prefer to be vaccinated.Design43-question cross-sectional survey conducted November 17-18, 2020, distributed on Amazon Mechanical Turk, an online labor marketplace where individuals receive a nominal fee (here, $1.80) for anonymously completing tasks.Eligible ParticipantsUnited States residents 18-88 years of age, excluding healthcare workers. A total 1,756 volunteer respondents completed the survey (median age 38 years, 53% female).Main Outcome MeasureMultivariable logistic regression modeled the primary outcome of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (defined as non-acceptance or being unsure about acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine) with respondent characteristics.ResultsA total 663 respondents (37.8%) were COVID-19 vaccine hesitant (374 [21.3%] non-acceptors and 289 [16.5%] unsure about accepting). Vaccine hesitancy was associated with not receiving influenza vaccination in the past 5 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.26-5.07, p<0.01), female gender (OR 2.12, 95%CI 1.70-2.65, p<0.01), Black race (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.05-2.26, p=0.03), having a high school education or less (OR 1.46, 95%CI 1.03-2.07, p=0.03), and Republican party affiliation (OR 2.41, 95%CI 1.88-3.10, p<0.01). Primary reasons for hesitancy were concerns about side effects, need for more information, and doubts about vaccine efficacy. Preferred sites for vaccination for acceptors were primary doctors’ offices/clinics, pharmacies, and dedicated vaccination locations.ConclusionsIn this recent national survey, over one-third of respondents were COVID-19 vaccine hesitant. To increase vaccine acceptance, public health interventions should target vaccine hesitant populations with messaging that addresses their concerns about safety and efficacy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kavin Patel ◽  
Amyn A. Malik ◽  
Aiden Lee ◽  
Madeline Klotz ◽  
John Eric Humphries ◽  
...  

Objectives: Ensuring a high COVID-19 vaccine uptake among U.S. child care providers is crucial to mitigating the public health implications of child-to-staff and staff-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2; however, the vaccination rate among this group is unknown. Methods: To characterize the vaccine uptake among U.S. child care providers, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of the child care workforce. Providers were identified through various national databases and state registries. A link to the survey was sent via email between May 26 and June 23, 2021. Out of 44,771 potential respondents, 21,663 responded (48.4%). Results: Overall COVID-19 vaccine uptake among U.S. child care providers (78.1%, 95% CI [77.3% to 78.9%]) was higher than that of the U.S. adult population (65%). Vaccination rates varied from 53.5% to 89.4% between states. Vaccine uptake differed significantly (p < .01) based on respondent age (70.0% for ages 25-34, 91.5% for ages 75-84), race (70.0% for Black or African Americans, 92.5% for Asian-Americans), annual household income (70.7% for <$35,000, 85.0% for>$75,000), and childcare setting (72.9% for home-based, 79.7% for center- based). Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccine uptake among U.S. child care providers was higher than that of the general U.S. adult population. Those who were younger, lower income, Black or African American, resided in states either in the Mountain West or the South, and/or worked in home- based childcare programs reported the lowest rates of vaccination; state public health leaders and lawmakers should prioritize these subgroups for placement on the policy agenda to realize the largest gains in vaccine uptake among providers.


Author(s):  
Satendra Kumar Verma ◽  
D. Sunil Kumar ◽  
Rufia Shaistha Khanum ◽  
Chandan N. ◽  
M. R. Narayanmurthy

Background: COVID-19 is a Public health emergency of international concern which has affected over 213 countries infecting millions across the globe and also affected the economy worldwide. This study was conducted in Healthcare Workers as they are the frontline warriors in fighting this pandemic and their knowledge, attitude and practices towards the disease are valuable.Methods: Online cross sectional study was conducted on Healthcare Workers. A self-administered Google form was used to collect the data through social media. Data was analyzed using MS Excel. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant obtained using SPSS version 22.Results: The mean age among the participants was 30.7±9.9 years. Majority were in the age group of 20-30 years (60.9%), followed by 31-40 years (18.9%), 41.-50 years (9.1%) and >50 years (5.4%). 46.3% of the participants were females and 53.0% were males. 37.1% were doctors, 14.0% are nurses and 46.9% are paramedical staff. In the present study, Mean knowledge score is 5.86±1.32, mean attitude score is 6.48±0.93 and the mean practice score is 4.60±0.79, thus 95.7% of the participants have good knowledge and attitude, where as 90.3% have good practices towards COVID-19.Conclusions: The HCWs of Karnataka have good knowledge, positive attitude and good practices. To further improve their preparedness and response towards infectious diseases and pandemics mandatory training programs can be introduced, as such programs enhances knowledge and boosts confidence among HCWs which is very crucial in medical as well as public health emergencies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-16
Author(s):  
Shreyan Kar ◽  
Tushar Kanti Das ◽  
Prasanta Kumar Mohapatra ◽  
Brajaballav Kar ◽  
Anupama Senapati ◽  
...  

Background: While it is apparent that old age is associated with multiple health concerns, the extent of its multiplicity and burden is often not clear. It was intended to find out self-reported health concerns for one month and cardiovascular risk factors in middle and older adults. Methods: In the cross-sectional survey, attendees of a Healthy Ageing Conference were approached with a semi-structured questionnaire about their health concerns and cardiovascular risks. Risk of a cardiovascular event in 10 years based on QRISK3 was calculated. Results: A considerable proportion of older adults had a range of physical symptoms, depressive mood state and memory problems. Mean number of health problems reported were 4.8±3.3 (male 4.4±3.1 and female 5.0±4.3). Cardiovascular risk was high, mean QRISK3 score for males were 22.2% (±14.4), and for females 10.3% (±6.6) (p<0.05). On average, the heart age was increased by 7.9±6.2 years (8.6±6.6 years for males and 5.0±3.3 for females). The relative risk of participants was 2.1 for males and 1.5 for females for heart attack or stroke within the ten years, compared to healthy persons. The symptoms and risk factors were elicited easily, and the process probably facilitated improving the awareness about the health concerns holistically. The survey also identified issues related to the engagement of older adults in the existing health care systems. Conclusions: The results suggested that questionnaire-based health screening in a community can identify a range of health concerns and identify multi-morbidity in general and cardiovascular risks in particular. This process may help to focus on the appropriate public health awareness and intervention programmes required in the community.


Author(s):  
Yousif Elmosaad ◽  
Ahmed Al Rajeh ◽  
Asif khan ◽  
Elfatih Malik ◽  
Ilias Mahmud

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in malaria prevention using insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) among mothers of children under five years of age in White Nile State, Sudan. Multistage cluster sampling was used to select 761 mothers for this cross-sectional survey. There were gaps in the KAP in malaria prevention. Only 46.3% of the mothers stated personal protective measures (PPMs) as the best malaria prevention strategy; 54.9% considered ITNs as an effective means; and only 18.7% reported sleeping under an ITN every day. Older mothers were less likely to have good knowledge (OR=0.96), attitudes (OR=0.98) and practices (OR=0.98). Having a Government employee as the head of the household was positively associated with knowledge (OR=2.16) and attitudes (OR=1.96). The mother having a formal education was also positively associated with good knowledge (OR=1.55) and positive attitudes (OR=1.69). Mothers with a monthly household income of <491 Sudanese Pound were more likely to have good knowledge (OR=1.43). Mothers who had good knowledge (OR=4.99) and positive attitudes towards PPMs (OR=2.60) in malaria prevention were found to be more likely to practice preventive measures. Therefore, we recommend focusing on raising mothers’ awareness of the different preventive activities to protect them and their family from malaria.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noureddine Sakhri ◽  
Fatima Zahra Meski ◽  
SOUMIA TRIKI

BACKGROUND Morbidity and mortality in HIV disease is due to immune-suppression leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections (OIs) during the natural course of the disease. In 2015, the HIV prevalence is low in general population and concentrated among key populations. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the prevalence and CD4 correlates of OIs among adult HIV-infected patients attending antiretroviral health care in Morocco, during 2015. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey among all adult PLHIV for admitted in the health care centers during 2015, who had acquired infection disease. Patients’ opportunistic infection status was determined through clinical diagnosis and laboratory investigations. CD4 count was determined using flow cytometry technique. The clinical stage of HIV was identified by the classification of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We collected Socio-demographic and clinical data from patients’ medical records. We performed statistical analysis by using Epi-Info 7.2.0.1 software. The appropriate test was applied, bivariate analysis was made and the differences were significant when p<.05. RESULTS 299 HIV-infected cases were included; 53% were males. The most represented age group was 25-34 years (36.1%). The mean age of the cases was 38.7 ± 16.8. The prevalence of OIs was 47.8%. Tuberculosis (65/299, 21.7%), Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (40/299, 13.4%) and Oral candidiasis (22/299, 7.4%) were the most frequently observed OIs. CONCLUSIONS Tuberculosis, pneumocystis and oral candidacies were the leading OIs, encountered by HIV-infected cases. Preventive measures and early diagnosis of HIV associated to OIs are crucial.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuma Gosha Kanfe ◽  
Nebyu Demeke Mengiste ◽  
Mohammedjud Hassen Ahmed ◽  
Gebiso Roba Debele ◽  
Berhanu Fikadie Endehabtu

BACKGROUND Evidence based practice is a key to increase effectiveness and efficiency of quality health services. To achieve this, utilization of health facility data (DHIS2 data) is required which is determined by knowledge and attitudes of health professionals. Thus, this study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes of health professionals to use DHIS2 data for decision making. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and its associated factors among health professionals to use DHIS2 data for decision making at South west of Ethiopia 2020 METHODS Cross sectional quantitative study methods was conducted to assess Knowledge and Attitudes of health professionals to use DHIS2 data. A total of 264 participants were approached. SPSS version 22 software was used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive and analytical statistics including Bivariable and Multivariable analyses was done RESULTS Overall 130(49.2%) of the respondents had good knowledge to use DHIS2 data (95% CI: [43, 55.3]), whereas over 149 (56.4%) of the respondents had favorable attitudes towards the use of DHIS2 data for decision making purpose (95% CI: [53.2, 59.8]). Skills [AOR=2.20,95% CI:(1.16, 4.19)], Age [AOR= 1.92, 95% CI: (1.03, 3.59)] ,Resources[AOR=2.56, 95% CI:(1.35,4.86)], Staffing[AOR= 2.85, 95% CI : (1.49, 5.48)] and Experiences[AOR= 4.66, 95% CI: (1.94, 5.78)] were variables associated with knowledge to use DHIS2 data whereas Training [AOR= 5.59, 95% CI: (2.48, 5.42)], Feedback [AOR= 4.08, 95% CI: (1.87, 8.91)], Motivation [AOR=2.87, 95% CI: (1.36, 6.06)] and Health need [AOR=2.32, 95% CI: (1.10-4.92)] were variables associated with attitudes of health professionals to use DHIS2 data CONCLUSIONS In general, about half of the study participants had good knowledge of DHIS2 data utilization whereas more than half of respondents had favorable attitudes. Skills, resources, ages, staffing and experiences were the most determinant factors for the knowledge to use DHIS2 data whereas health need, motivation, feedback and training were determinant factors for attitudes to use DHIS2 data


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