Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of the University Students on Malaria Prevention in Kavango East, Namibia

Malaria remains a public health concern in Namibia and it is endemic in many regions, including Kavango east region. University students in Kavango east region are at risk of malaria due to bushy environment and the presence of Kavango river, which makes it easy for mosquitoes to multiply. This study aimed to assess and describe knowledge, attitudes and practices of malaria prevention among university students. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, using a pretested questionnaire to collect data from 239 university students in Kavango east region. A proportionate stratified random sampling was used to sample students from the three faculties on campus. Data were analysed with a Statistical Programme of Social Sciences. The overall response rate was 75% (239) from a total of 318 respondents. Mean age was 21.4 years, respondents comprised of 155 (64.9%) females and 84 (35.1%) males. Almost all respondents (94.5%) know that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and 80% of respondents indicated that malaria is preventable. Usage of mosquito net was the most commonly known preventive measure, indicated by 224 (94%) of respondents. The vast majority of respondents 227 (95%) agreed that the appropriate method to prevent self from getting malaria is to prevent mosquito bites. Surprisingly 80 (33%) of the respondents believe that only children and pregnant women get malaria and therefore it’s only them who need preventive measures. Only 43 (18%) of the respondents always sleep under mosquito nets to prevent themselves from getting malaria. It was concluded that university students in Kavango east region have good knowledge on malaria prevention measures. Although there were some misconceptions noted, especially on the identification of population at risk of malaria, the attitudes on malaria prevention are generally satisfactory. However, the knowledge and attitudes do not reflect in the students’ practices. 

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Community knowledge, attitudes and practices towards Malaria in Ha-Lambani, Limpopo Province, South Africa: A cross-sectional household survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-126229/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mukhethwa Munzhedzi ◽

Elizabeth T. Rogawski McQuade ◽

Jennifer L. Guler ◽

Piper E. Shifflett ◽

Sara Krivacsy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Malaria Transmission ◽

Household Survey ◽

Malaria Prevention ◽

Limpopo Province ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Seeking Behavior ◽

Positive Treatment ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background Malaria remains a global health concern and is endemic in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal Provinces of South Africa, which aims to eliminate malaria by 2025. Community engagement plays a significant role in improving the acceptability and effectiveness of programmes aimed at reducing malaria transmission. The success of such intervention efforts depends on the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the community, and understanding the KAP of community residents may support malaria control efforts in the locality. In this context, we conducted a cross-sectional household survey to assess community KAP on malaria transmission and prevention in the Ha-Lambani village, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Methods Data were collected between November 2018 and May 2019 by questionnaire of 261 consenting adults (213 females and 48 males, ages between 18–95 years) selected from different households. We also conducted a focus group discussion among 13 randomly selected participants. Chi Square tests were used to determine statistical differences by village. Results Study participants (100%, 261/261) were aware of the presence of malaria in their community and 95% associated it with mosquito bites. The local health clinic was the most prominent source of malaria information (85%). Only 22% correctly identified headache, chills and fever as the three most common symptoms of malaria. The majority of participants (98%) knew that effective medication for malaria is available and had a positive treatment seeking behavior. Knowledge of malaria prevention measures was high (82%); contrarily, 97% of respondents did not sleep under a bednet the previous night. The focus group data concurred with these results and also revealed that poor bednet use resulted from lack of access to bednets because community residents could not afford them. Conclusions The study demonstrates that participants have appropriate knowledge about malaria transmission and a positive treatment seeking behavior. However, economic barriers are responsible for the inadequate use of bednets. Therefore, distribution of bednets to the community should be considered to improve practice of malaria prevention measures. Furthermore, knowledge of signs and symptoms and appropriate malaria treatment was limited, and initiatives to improve awareness on these topics should be continued.

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Community knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malaria in Ha-Lambani, Limpopo Province, South Africa: a cross-sectional household survey

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-021-03724-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mukhethwa Munzhedzi ◽

Elizabeth T. Rogawski McQuade ◽

Jennifer L. Guler ◽

Piper E. Shifflett ◽

Sara Krivacsy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Malaria Transmission ◽

Household Survey ◽

Malaria Prevention ◽

Limpopo Province ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Positive Treatment ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background Malaria remains a global health concern and is endemic in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal Provinces of South Africa, which aims to eliminate malaria by 2025. Community engagement plays a significant role in improving the acceptability and effectiveness of programmes aimed at reducing malaria transmission. The success of such intervention efforts depends on the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the community, and understanding the KAP of community residents may support malaria control efforts in the locality. In this context, a cross-sectional household survey to assess community KAP on malaria transmission and prevention in the Ha-Lambani village, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province was conducted. Methods Data were collected between November 2018 and May 2019 by questionnaire of 261 consenting adults (213 females and 48 males, aged between 18 and 95 years) selected from different households. Also, a focus group discussion among 13 randomly selected participants was conducted. Pearson’s Chi Square test was used to determine statistical differences by village. Results Study participants (100%, 261/261) were aware of the presence of malaria in their community and 95% associated it with mosquito bites. The local health clinic was the most prominent source of malaria information (85%). Only 22% correctly identified headache, chills and fever as the three most common symptoms of malaria. The majority of participants (98%) knew that effective medication for malaria is available and had a positive treatment-seeking behaviour. Knowledge of malaria prevention measures was high (82%); contrarily, 97% of respondents did not sleep under a bed net the previous night. The focus group data concurred with these results and also revealed that poor bed net use resulted from lack of access to bed nets because community residents could not afford them. Conclusions The study demonstrates that participants have appropriate knowledge about malaria transmission and a positive treatment-seeking behaviour. However, economic barriers are responsible for the inadequate use of bed nets. Therefore, distribution of bed nets to the community should be considered to improve practice of malaria prevention measures. Furthermore, knowledge of signs and symptoms and appropriate malaria treatment was limited, and initiatives to improve awareness on these topics should be continued.

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Relationship between high rates of intestinal parasitic infections and knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Ndelele Health District populations (East Region, Cameroon): a cross-sectional mixed approach

10.1101/2021.11.29.21267024 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Viviane Ongbassomben ◽

Cyrille Ndo ◽

Ericka A. Lebon ◽

Hugues C. Nana Djeunga ◽

Albert L. Same Ekobo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Health District ◽

Indigenous Populations ◽

Health Concern ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

East Region ◽

Hard To Reach Populations

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections remain of public health concern worldwide, especially among rural and poorest populations as a consequence of precariousness, lack of sanitation, non-availability of potable water and poor hygiene conditions. The present study aimed to better understand the epidemiology of intestinal parasitic infections in rural areas of forested Cameroon.MethodologyA cross-sectional survey was conducted in three Health Areas (Ndelele, Kentzou and Lolo) of the Ndelele Health District (East Region, Cameroon). Information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding intestinal parasitic infections were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and analyzed by the Kato-Katz and formalin-ether concentration techniques to complement simple direct examination.Principal FindingsA total of 406 individuals belonging to three main groups (Kako or Bantu, Baka or Pygmies and Central African Republic refugees) were enrolled in the study. The overall intestinal parasitic infection rate was 74.9%, including 57.2% cases of polyparasitism. Fourteen parasite species were identified, 89.1% being intestinal protozoa and 41.8% belonging to helminths. Infections with helminths were associated with Baka (P < 0.0001). Spring water consumption was associated with hookworm infection (OR = 3.87; P = 0.008). Garbage deposited near houses was positively associated with infection with Giardia lamblia (OR = 3.41; P = 0.003). Polyparasitism was positively linked to washing hand without soap before meal (OR= 11.64; p= 0.002).Conclusion/SignificanceIntestinal parasitic infections exhibited high rates in the Ndelele Health District, especially among indigenous and hard-to-reach populations (Pygmies). Hygiene measures appear as the main drivers sustaining transmission, and targeted strategies should be developed to efficiently fight against these debilitating diseases.Author summaryIntestinal parasitic infections such as soil transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis, remain a public health concern in Cameroon. To better understand the epidemiology of these infections in hard-to-reach populations in rural areas, a cross-sectional study was carried out in three health areas of Ndelele health District in the Eastern-Cameroon. The rate of intestinal parasitic infections was high (74.9%) especially in indigenous populations (Baka-Pygmies) which exhibited high prevalence of soil transmitted helminth infections (83.3%). The study confirmed that the lack of sanitation and poor hygiene largely contribute to the endemicity of intestinal parasitic infections, particularly among indigenous populations. Targeted control strategies seem mandatory to reach these populations and offer them appropriate care to interrupt or reduce the transmission of these diseases.

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Self-medication among Alexandria University students and effect of an educational intervention on their self-medication knowledge, attitudes and practices

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20201056 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 1205

Author(s):

Sara A. Hanafy ◽

Zahira M. Gad ◽

Mohamed D. El Bourgy ◽

Iman H. Wahdan

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Educational Intervention ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Drug Misuse ◽

Health Concern ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices

Background: Self-medication (SM) among university students is a growing prevalent public health concern worldwide. It is highly prevalent in developing countries. SM leads to serious consequences such as drug misuse/abuse and adverse drug reactions. The study aims to determine the prevalence of SM among university students in Alexandria, Egypt and to assess the effect of an educational intervention on their SM knowledge, attitudes and self-reported practices (KAP).Methods: The study was conducted among 400 students using a cross sectional approach followed by one group pre/post-test intervention approach. Data were collected using an interviewing questionnaire. A health education program was designed and implemented among students then KAP were reassessed using the same questionnaire.Results: The prevalence of SM was estimated to be 79.5% among Alexandria University students. About one quarter (24.5%) of students had poor level of knowledge about SM and 47.5% had positive attitude towards SM. Logistic regression analysis revealed that father's occupation as clerical, family member working as healthcare professional, medication sharing practice, and total SM knowledge score were the significant independent factors that affected SM. There were significant differences between pre and post intervention KAP scores.Conclusions: The prevalence of SM is high among university students. There is a significant effect of the intervention program on KAP about SM.

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Knowledge, awareness and practices regarding dengue fever

International Journal of Scientific Reports ◽

10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20180506 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 49 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dushyant M. Nijhawan ◽

Aditi J. Upadhye ◽

Jayshree J. Upadhye

Keyword(s):

Dengue Fever ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mosquito Net ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Public ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

Dengue Outbreaks ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background: The incidence of dengue infections continues to rise worldwide. Good knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among the public are required to successfully prevent or minimize dengue outbreaks. However, very little is known about the public’s KAP on dengue and its prevention. This study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue fever in.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during November to December 2017. 200 residents were surveyed. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was analyzed and statistics taken out. Results: In our study, out of 200 respondents, majority i.e. 170 (85%) of the respondents had heard about dengue. 162 (81%) knew that mosquito bite is the cause of dengue while 80 (40%) were aware that dengue mosquito breeds in clean standing water. Fever was the most consistent response in 188 (94%) respondents followed by GIT symptoms in 74 (37%), rash in 30 (15%), headache and body ache in 12 (6%). Majority i.e.172 (86%) of the respondents relying on mosquito mats and vaporizers. 64 (32%) respondents were using mosquito net, 62 (31%) had net on the windows, 42 (21%) were using sprays while only 10 (5%) were using repellent cream.Conclusions: We found sufficient knowledge on dengue. Also, preventive practices regarding dengue were consistent with the knowledge about these practices. Preventive measures mainly focused towards protection from mosquito bites.

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Knowledge, attitudes and practices about Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among Birzeit University students: A cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-83268/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hani A. Naseef ◽

Ni'meh Al-Shami ◽

Lilian S. Abu Hadba ◽

Leen A. Humos ◽

Ruba N. Shaheen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Health Professions ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Aim: COVID-19 the novel corona virus that has been characterized as a pandemic; as it spreads all over the world and has so far infected more than 20 million worldwide. In Palestine, the first seven cases were documented on March 5th, 2020 followed by the declaration of the state of emergency. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices toward COVID-19 among Birzeit University students.Subject and methods: A cross sectional study was carried out, a questionnaire was developed based on the WHO, CDC, ECDC recommendations. The questionnaire was distributed online and filled by Birzeit University students. Chi-square testing was performed to check for significant association between KAP and different sociodemographic variables. Binary logistic regression performed to identify and control the confounding factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22).Results: A total of 665 students have completed the online questionnaire. The mean age was (20.55±3.069) years. Multivariate analysis revealed that males, students from health professions and scientific faculties and those with highly educated parents had manifested a good knowledge level (GKL) about Covid -19. Regarding students’ practices, less negative practices were prompted by students from health professions faculty and the students living at the middle governorate of Palestine compared to north, south and Jerusalem dwellers. With regards to the practices, the vast majority of the participants held a positive and very cautious practice towards the COVID-19 epidemic.Conclusion: Our results revealed that students had variable knowledge regarding Covid-19 and the vast majority depended on the official media briefs in Palestine as a source of information. With regards to practices, positive and cautious practices towards the COVID-19 epidemic were carried out by the vast majority of participants.

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Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 among university students in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0436 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 32 (4) ◽

pp. 681-686

Author(s):

Shah Faisal ◽

Junaidi Khotib ◽

Elida Zairina

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Government ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices ◽

Area Of Study

Abstract Objectives Pakistan has taken unprecedented measures to control the spread of COVID-19. Complete lockdown followed by smart lockdown and quarantine centres was established. Their awareness and attitude towards COVID-19 had an impact on the individual behaviour of the precautionary measures. The current study examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of university students in Pakistan. Methods An online cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Pakistan. A questionnaire containing demographic and KAP information related to COVID-19 has been created. Results A total of 358 students responded to the survey, and 353 participants completed the study. Among the respondents, 61.5% were male, 76.8% were single, and 58.4% enrolled in a bachelor’s degree. The results showed that most of the respondents (68%) had good knowledge about COVID-19, while the overall knowledge score was 8.78 ± 1.63 (range 1–10). The majority of the respondents (90.9%) were aware of COVID-19, 95.8% knew the sign and symptoms, and 83% of them knew about its transmission. We found a significant difference in knowledge scores across education and area of study p<0.05. More than half (53.5%) of the respondents were satisfied with the facilities provided by the government of Pakistan. The average practices score among the students was 5.08 ± 1.312. A significant difference was found among practice score and area of study p<0.05. Conclusions Most of the students have an adequate level of knowledge and are doing better preventive measures against COVID-19. Health education initiatives are required to ensure best practice among the high-risk groups.

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Knowledge, attitudes and practices of sustainability in two university populations, Colombia

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education ◽

10.1108/jarhe-05-2020-0119 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Walter Salas-Zapata ◽

Jaiberth Antonio Cardona-Arias

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Analytical Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes ◽

Age Attitudes ◽

Practice Knowledge ◽

Two Populations ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

PurposeThe objective of this study was to analyze knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on the sustainability in two populations of university students.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional analytical study with university students.FindingsThe scale employed showed remarkable psychometric properties of reproducibility and validity. Besides, KAP levels were found to be related in the studied population, with higher levels of knowledge and attitudes than those of practice. Knowledge was found to be related to educational cycle and age, attitudes with sex and age and practices with age.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies in the field of KAP related to sustainability and environmental issues in using a validated psychometric scale. As a consequence, this study also offers methodological details necessary to make comparisons with similar populations in other countries.

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The Impact of Information Sources on COVID-19-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) among University Students: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182312462 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (23) ◽

pp. 12462

Author(s):

Israa Baker ◽

Nizar Marzouqa ◽

Bashar Nafe’ Yaghi ◽

Samer Osama Adawi ◽

Shahd Yousef ◽

...

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Information Sources ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Refugee Camps ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Public ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

COVID-19 is an emerging respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus accompanied by a tsunami of misinformation and fake news. This can weaken the public health responses by affecting the COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the public. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was designed during the early stage of the pandemic to evaluate the KAP of Palestinian university students and their commonly used information sources. We found that the most trusted information source among students was the World Health Organization (WHO), followed by the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) briefings and healthcare workers, whereas social media was the most frequently used source of information. The participants exhibited a high level of COVID-19-related knowledge, having an average score of 8.65 (range: 0–10). In total, 76% avoided going to crowded places, and only 33% wore a mask while being outdoors. The vast majority (93%) checked the accuracy of COVID-19-related information before publishing it, 56% used the WHO and MoH briefings for fact-checking, and only 8% relied on healthcare workers. This was particularly the case for those who lived in refugee camps. This study provides an insight into the information sources used by Palestinian university students, the sources they trust, and the information formats they prefer. These results may help public health authorities to locate the information sources through which university students should be targeted. Efforts should be made to recommend healthcare workers as credible information sources. In this way, they will be able to prevent the spread of misleading information and provide high-quality information, especially within unconventional settings such as refugee camps.

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Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Jordan Universities Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.729816 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Tareq M. Osaili ◽

Anas A. Al-Nabulsi ◽

Asma' O. Taybeh

Keyword(s):

Food Safety ◽

University Students ◽

Safety Information ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Cross Contamination ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Safety Knowledge ◽

And Storage ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) amongst university students in Jordan and changes in food-related behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Correlation between food safety KAP scores and general characteristics of university students was also evaluated.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted where an Internet-based questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms. The sample consisted of 1,739 respondents from 29 Jordanian universities. The participants completed a 58-item questionnaire covering demographical characteristics and different food safety aspects which were namely “COVID-19 food-related attributes,” “food cooking and storage,” “personal hygiene.” “cross-contamination prevention/disinfection procedures.” and “restaurant hygiene.” Descriptive statistics, Chi square tests and binary logistic analysis were used to assess the data.Results: The sample consisted of 67.2% females with a mean age of 21.3 ± 1.8 years. The average overall score of the tested aspects was 14.1/34.0 which corresponds to 41.3% of the questions being answered correctly. The percentage of correct answers of “COVID-19 food-related attributes,” “food cooking and storage,” “cross-contamination prevention/disinfection procedures,” “personal hygiene” and “restaurant hygiene” was 56.8, 36.6, 28.4, 44.6. and 36.9%, respectively. A significant (P <0.05) association between respondents' food safety KAP scores and gender, marital status, university degree, employment status, self-rating of food safety knowledge, and the source of food safety information.Conclusion: University students in Jordan had insufficient KAP scores which is a concerning trend during the pandemic. Teaching fundamentals of food safety in the form of short courses/ lectures is recommended.

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