HIV-Related Knowledge and Stigma Among the General Population in the Southeast of Iran

Background: HIV-related stigma is a barrier to effective HIV responses among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Objectives: The current study aimed at measuring HIV-related stigma, and its associated factors among the general population in the Southeast of Iran. Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 900 individuals in Kerman, Southeast of Iran, from July to September 2016. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including (I) demographic and background characteristics; (II) HIV-related stigma; and (III) HIV-related knowledge. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 using descriptive statistics, as well as bivariable and multivariable linear regressions. Results: Low, moderate, and high levels of stigmatizing attitudes toward PLHIV were reported by 39.1%, 57.8%, and 3.1% of the participants, respectively. Female sex(beta = 0.33, P value = 0.01) and those not having a history of HIV testing (beta = 0.45, P value < 0.001) had, on average, higher levels of stigmatizing attitudes, while those with a higher level of education (beta = -0.97, P value < 0.001) had, on average, lower levels of stigmatizing attitudes. Conclusions: Gender-sensitive educational interventions need to be developed to reduce the negative attitude towards PLHIV in Iran.

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HIV-Related Stigma Among Healthcare Providers in Different Healthcare Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kerman, Iran

International Journal of Health Policy and Management ◽

10.15171/ijhpm.2019.92 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Fatemeh Tavakoli ◽

Mohammad Karamouzian ◽

Ali Ahmad Rafiei-Rad ◽

Abedin Iranpour ◽

Mehrdad Farrokhnia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Work Experience ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Teaching Hospitals ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Stigma ◽

Stigmatizing Attitudes

Background: Stigmatizing attitudes among healthcare providers are an important barrier to accessing services among people living with HIV (PLHIV). This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the status and correlates of HIV-related stigma among healthcare providers in Kerman, Iran. Methods: Using a validated and pilot-tested stigma scale questionnaire, we measured HIV-related stigma among 400 healthcare providers recruited from three teaching hospitals (n=363), private sectors (n=28), and the only voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) center (n=9) in Kerman city. Data were gathered using self-administered questionnaires at participants’ workplace during Fall 2016. To examine the correlates of stigmatizing attitudes, we constructed bivariable and multivariable linear regression models. Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of stigma score was 25.95 ± 7.20 out of the possible 50, with higher scores reflecting more stigmatizing attitudes. Paramedics, nurses’ aides, and housekeeping staff had the highest, and VCT personnel had the lowest average stigma scores, respectively. Multivariable regression analyses showed that prior experience of working with PLHIV (β=-2.48; P=.03), exposure to HIV-related educational courses (β=-2.03; P=.02), and <10 years of work experience (β=-2.70; P<.001) were associated with lower stigma scores. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the need for health managers to provide training opportunities for healthcare providers, including programs that focus on improving HIV-related knowledge for healthcare providers. Enforcing policies that aim to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination among healthcare providers in Iran are urgently needed.

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assessing knowledge, attitude and practices of miners and post-occupational miners towards pneumoconiosis in Wusakile Township, Kitwe, Zambia:cross sectional study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.16851 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Stephen Banda

Keyword(s):

Negative Attitude ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dust Exposure ◽

P Value ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Negative Attitudes ◽

Poor Knowledge ◽

Mining Areas

BACKGROUND Occupational conditions are deadly health hazards especially where dust exposure is inevitable causing chronic disabilities, impaired respiratory function and ultimately leading to death if no intensive measures are put in place. Unhealthy practices and negative attitudes rise in the number of cases of pneumoconiosis due to poor health education and awareness strategies. Pneumoconiosis is not only a health problem but also a social and economic burden on the livelihood of people living in mining areas around the globe. OBJECTIVE to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of miners and post-occupational miners towards pneumoconiosis in Wusakile Township, Kitwe, Zambia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was employed to conduct a research in Wusakile Township and a questionnaire was customized in order to syphon data relevant to the study as well to be brief. The study was conducted among 73 participants who were randomly selected among miners and post-occupational miners and all satisfied the inclusion criteria. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data. The data was entered and analysed using IBM SPSS software version 23. RESULTS Among 73 participants interviewed, 33.99% of participants had poor knowledge on the complications of pneumoconiosis. However, despite this poor knowledge, all participants had an idea about pneumoconiosis particularly silicosis. 13.70% of the respondents had bad practices towards pneumoconiosis while 86.30% had some good practices towards pneumoconiosis. Of the total participants, 19.18% of the participants had a negative attitude towards pneumoconiosis. Correlation between the level of education and practices of participants using Pearson Chi-Square, a p value of 0.021 (significant) was found ruling out the null hypothesis. CONCLUSIONS Information about pneumoconiosis and awareness programs towards pneumoconiosis are not widely disseminated among miners and post-occupational miners. There is still a significant number of participants who need to be educated more about pneumoconiosis and its complications so that attitude and practices are improved and also promote full community participation by involving competent health professionals to help in implementing preventive measures.

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Factors influencing the quality of life in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus infection in Almaty, Kazakhstan

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/0956462419876484 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (13) ◽

pp. 1318-1328

Author(s):

Bakhytkul T Zhakipbayeva ◽

Zhamilya S Nugmanova ◽

Melissa Tracy ◽

Guthrie S Birkhead ◽

Gulzhakhan M Akhmetova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Social Services ◽

Interdisciplinary Approach ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Patient Health

The study purpose was to determine the factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Kazakhstan. A convenience sample of 531 adult PLHIV registered at the Almaty City AIDS Center was used for this cross-sectional study. HRQoL data were collected with the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life HIV brief questionnaire, depression – with Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and clinical data were retrieved from medical records. Multivariate logistic and Tobit censored regressions were used to examine the relationship of socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors with HRQoL and the six specific HRQoL domains: 35.8% of participants did not report good HRQoL. The following variables were identified as independent predictors of poor HRQoL: probable depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 13.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.56–39.52); history of injecting drug use (AOR 2.10, 95% CI: 1.40–3.14); CD4+ T-cell count <200 cells/mm3 (AOR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.30–3.62); previously married status (AOR 2.23, 95% CI: 1.16–4.28); and co-infection with tuberculosis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, Chlamydia, herpes simplex, or cytomegalovirus (AOR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.06–2.39). HRQoL of PLHIV in Almaty was independently influenced by several factors. An interdisciplinary approach is needed in planning healthcare and social services addressing improvement of HRQoL among PLHIV.

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Time perspective and associated factors in Brazilians living with HIV

British Journal of Nursing ◽

10.12968/bjon.2019.28.9.580 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (9) ◽

pp. 580-586

Author(s):

Denize Cristina de Oliveira ◽

Daniela Sousa Oliveira ◽

Hellen Pollyanna Mantelo Cecilio ◽

Thémistoklis Apostolidis ◽

Raildo da Silva Coqueiro

Keyword(s):

Time Perspective ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Important Variable ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Temporal Perspective ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Behavioural Factors ◽

Living With Hiv

Background: a person's time perspective can be an important variable for the understanding of behaviours that interfere with the quality of life of people living with HIV. Aims: to analyse the relationships between socio-demographic, clinical, and behavioural variables and the time perspective in Brazilians living with HIV. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 281 people living with HIV in Brazil. The time perspective was evaluated using the Zimbardo Temporal Perspective Inventory (ZTPI-25). Results: the main findings indicate that people living with HIV are more oriented towards a future and positive past perspective, and that socio-demographic, clinical, and behavioural factors may influence the different temporal perspective constructs in people living with HIV. Conclusion: health professionals can use the results of the present study to support strategies that encourage individuals living with HIV to self-care and lead healthier lives.

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Positive Correlation Between General Public Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding COVID-19 Outbreak 1 Month After First Cases Reported in Indonesia

Journal of Community Health ◽

10.1007/s10900-020-00866-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

pp. 182-189 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dina Keumala Sari ◽

Rina Amelia ◽

Ridha Dharmajaya ◽

Liza Meutia Sari ◽

Nadya Keumala Fitri

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

General Public ◽

Positive Attitude ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Negative Attitude ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes

AbstractThe increasing number cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections in the general population in Indonesia raises questions concerning the public’s knowledge and attitudes regarding this pandemic. To determine the correlation between the general public’s knowledge and attitudes regarding the COVID-19 outbreak 1 month after the first cases were reported in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study was conducted between early March and the end of April 2020 in the general population of Indonesia, beginning with the North Sumatra region, where the spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia began. Questionnaires were randomly distributed online in the red zone in Indonesia. Data were collected by collecting people’s responses to the questionnaire, which were distributed via WhatsApp (WA) application and were competed independently by the participants. A descriptive analysis was conducted to describe the demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes of the general population. A total of 201 people had good knowledge (98%) and a positive attitude (96%) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The respondents had a negative attitude in relation to two aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak: having to always maintain a distance of 1.5 m when in crowds, and not being able to regularly exercise or eat nutritious food (78.6% and 79.1%, respectively). Most people in Indonesia have good knowledge and a positive attitude regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. However, negative attitudes were still found in this study, and as a result, transmission prevention measures cannot reach their maximum effectiveness by simply publicizing the increase in day-to-day cases to the general public.

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Factors associated with HIV-related stigma toward people living with HIV among nurses in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, China: a cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.2.11578/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Yao Yin ◽

Angela Chia-Chen Chen ◽

Shaoping Wan ◽

Hong Chen

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Hiv Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Related Stigma ◽

Tertiary Hospitals ◽

Living With Hiv

Abstract Background The Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture has one of the most serious human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics in China. Evidence shows HIV-related stigma toward people living with HIV (PLWH) among nurses impedes HIV prevention and treatment. However, only limited research about HIV-related stigma toward PLWH from the perspective of nurses in Liangshan has been conducted. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess HIV-related stigma toward PLWH among nurses and determine factors associated with it in Liangshan, China. Methods Using a stratified, random cluster sampling method, registered nurses (N=1,248; primary hospitals=102, secondary hospitals=592, tertiary hospitals=554) were recruited 10 hospitals in Liangshan. All participants completed an anonymous online survey measuring sociodemographic characteristics, HIV-related stigma and HIV knowledge. We used multiple stepwise regression analysis to examine factors associated with HIV-related stigma toward PLWH among these nurses. Results The mean score of HIV-related stigma among nurses was 50.7 (SD = 8.3; range 25-78). Nurses who were more experienced, had higher levels of education, and were working in tertiary hospitals reported higher level of HIV-related stigma. Those who had better HIV knowledge, reported a willingness to receive HIV-related training, were working in areas that had a high prevalence of HIV, had prior experience working in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) specialized hospitals, and worked in hospitals that had policies to protect PLWH showed a lower level of HIV-related stigma toward PLWH. Conclusions Findings suggested that providing culturally congruent education and training about HIV and care, and having hospitals that promoted policies protecting PLWH, may reduce HIV-related stigma toward PLWH among nurses in China.

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Assessment of General Populations Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions Toward the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): A Cross-Sectional Study From Pakistan

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2021.747819 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Saadullah Khattak ◽

Maqbool Khan ◽

Tahir Usman ◽

Johar Ali ◽

Dong-Xing Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

General Populations

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health threat and caused a universal psychosocial impact on the general population. Therefore, the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions (KAPs) of the general population are critical for the development and effective implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP) to contain the contagion and minimize the losses. Therefore, the current study was conducted to understand and evaluate the KAPs of Pakistani populations toward the COVID-19.Methods: An online cross-sectional study was carried out among participants from 1 May to 30 July 2020 in different areas of Pakistan. The respondents of the study were the general population with age ≥ 18 years. The poll URL was posted on several channels after a call for participation. Other social media platforms such as WeChat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Messenger, and LinkedIn were engaged to maximize general population engagement. The questionnaire included details about sociodemographic, knowledge about COVID-19, perceptions toward universal safety precautions of COVID-19, and beliefs attitude toward the COVID-19. The obtained data were exported into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and SPSS software version 21 for windows. The descriptive statistics values were presented in frequencies and percentages. Binary logistic regression, Chi-square test, and one-way ANOVA were applied to analyze the participants' socio-demographic characteristics and variables related to KAPs. P-value < 0.05 was recorded as significant.Results: A total of 1,000 participants were invited of which 734 participated in this study. The response rate was 73.4% (734/1,000). The gender, marital status, education, and residence showed a significant association with the knowledge score. The majority of the study participants were thinking that COVID-19 may be more dangerous in elderly individuals 94.5% (n = 700), and individuals with chronic diseases or severe complications 96.7% (n = 710) (p = 0.00). More than half of the participants 52.5% (n = 385) showed their concern that either they or their family members might get the infection. More than 98% (n = 703), (P-value = 0.00) of the participants held that COVID-19 would be successfully controlled in Pakistan by following the standard SOPs and government guidelines.Conclusion: This study showed that the general population of Pakistan has good awareness and reasonable attitudes and perceptions toward the full features of the COVID-19. The current study suggests that mass-level effective health education programs are necessary for developing countries to improve and limit the gap between KAP toward COVID-19.

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ACCEPTANCE OF COVID-19 VACCINE AMONG GENERAL POPULATION IN IRAQ

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine ◽

10.37319/iqnjm.3.1.9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 93-103

Author(s):

Hasanain Ghazi ◽

Taqi Taher ◽

Shaymaa Alfadhul ◽

Sumayah Al-Mahmood ◽

Shaimaa Hassan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Pharmaceutical Companies ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

The Public ◽

Flu Vaccine

COVID19 emerged as one of the biggest global public health crises in recent history. Many pharmaceutical companies have raced against time to develop a vaccine, so that the pandemic can be brought under control. The aim of the current study was to assess the acceptance of the COVID19 vaccine among the general population in Iraq. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1069 respondents from different states of Iraq using questionnaires administered online. Though a total of 77.6% of the respondents agreed to take the COVID19 vaccine when available, a majority (64.3%) said they would wait for some time before taking the vaccine. Around two-thirds agreed to pay a price for the vaccine and the majority (48.6%) preferred the Oxford (AstraZeneca) vaccine. There was a significant association between age, working status, educational level, having family members infected with COVID19 and taking flu vaccine before with acceptance of Covid19 vaccine with P value (<0.001, <0.001, <0.001,0.05, <0.001) respectively. Overall, there is high acceptance willingness among the general population to pay for COVID19 vaccine, once it is available. More education and promotion are needed to assure the public that the vaccine is effective and safe. Keywords: Vaccine, Acceptance, COVID-19, Iraq.

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Stigmatization among People Living with HIV/AIDS at the Kumba Health District, Cameroon

Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC) ◽

10.1177/2325958219899305 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 ◽

pp. 232595821989930 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Thomas Obinchemti Egbe ◽

Cynthia Adanze Nge ◽

Hermann Ngouekam ◽

Etienne Asonganyi ◽

Dickson Shey Nsagha

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hiv Treatment ◽

Health District ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stigma Reduction ◽

Related Stigma ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Hiv Aids

We determined the level, type of stigma, and risk factors associated with stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) by conducting a cross-sectional study from April to June 2018 in 3 HIV treatment centers in the Kumba Health District (KHD), Cameroon. We reviewed hospital registers, conducted focus group discussions, and administered structured questionnaires. For data analysis, we used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0. We recorded a total stigma index score of 59.1. Internal stigma (odds ratio [OR] 2.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74-4.98) was common in PLWHA. Also, younger age <30 years (adjusted OR [AOR]: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.17-0.94) was linked with stigma reduction while low level of education (AOR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.02-2.97) increased the stigma level. HIV-related stigma is pervasive in the lives of PLWHA, with most of them having internal stigmatization. Appropriate health education on HIV will be crucial in reducing stigmatization in the KHD.

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Study protocol for a nationwide Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) survey on diabetes in Singapore’s general population

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037125 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. e037125

Author(s):

PV AshaRani ◽

Edimansyah Abdin ◽

Roystonn Kumarasan ◽

Fiona Devi Siva Kumar ◽

Saleha Shafie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Study Protocol ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Research Review ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

IntroductionThis study aims to establish the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of the general population (people with and without diabetes) towards diabetes. The study will examine (a) recognition and understanding of causes, prevention and treatment strategies of diabetes; (b) identify the knowledge gaps and behavioural patterns that may hamper diabetes prevention and control; (c) stigma towards and stigma perceived by people with diabetes and (d) awareness of anti-diabetes campaigns.Methods and analysisThe study is a nationwide, cross-sectional study of Singapore’s general population aged 18 years and above (n=3000), comprising Chinese, Malay, Indian and other ethnic groups, who can understand English, Chinese, Malay or Tamil language. The sample was derived using a disproportionate stratified sampling using age and ethnicity. The proportion of respondents in each ethnic group (Chinese, Malay and Indian) was set to approximately 30%, while the proportion of respondents in each age group was set around 20% in order to ensure a sufficient sample size. The respondents will be administered questionnaires on diabetes KAP, stigma towards diabetes, lifestyle, diet and awareness of local anti-diabetes campaigns. The analysis will include descriptive statistics and multiple logistic and linear regression analyses to determine the socio-demographic correlates of correct recognition of diabetes, help-seeking preferences, as well as overall knowledge and attitudes among those with and without diabetes. We will consider a p value ≤0.05 as significant.Ethics and disseminationThis study protocol has been reviewed by the Institutional Research Review Committee and the National Healthcare Group Domain Specific Review Board (NHG DSRB Ref 2018/00430). The results of the study will be shared with policymakers and other stakeholders. There will be a local mass media briefing to disseminate the findings online, in print and on television and radio. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in scientific meetings.

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