The Autopsy: Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions of Doctors and Relatives of the Deceased

2009 ◽  
Vol 133 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-82
Author(s):  
Olayiwola Abideen Oluwasola ◽  
Olufunmilayo I. Fawole ◽  
Abiodun Jesse Otegbayo ◽  
Gabriel Olabiyi Ogun ◽  
Clement A. Adebamowo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Autopsy Report ◽  
Practice Of Medicine ◽  
The Government ◽  
The University

Abstract Context.—Despite the crucial role that autopsy plays in the development of the science and practice of medicine, autopsy rates have been declining throughout the world in recent decades. Objective.—To identify factors influencing the acceptance of autopsies in Nigeria. Design.—Cross-sectional survey of the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of doctors and relatives of deceased patients on factors influencing acceptance of autopsy at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Results.—Only 38% of relatives had satisfactory knowledge about autopsy and about 50% of doctors knew that physicians' desire for autopsy should not override patients' consent. Doctors identified difficulty in obtaining consent from relatives of deceased patients, administrative problems in requesting autopsy, and delay in obtaining autopsy report as major reasons responsible for the decline in autopsy requests, whereas relatives of the deceased cited fear of mutilation, concerns about delaying the funeral, and objection by the patient before death as reasons for refusal to grant permission for an autopsy. Sociodemographic factors such as age, occupation, religion, ethnicity, and level of education significantly influenced willingness to give consent for autopsy. Conclusions.—There is need for concerted effort on the part of clinicians, pathologists, the public, and the government to resuscitate and sustain the practice of autopsy in Nigeria.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Related Misconceptions and Prevention Practices Among the Public in a Southeastern City in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-159
Author(s):  
Sorochi Iloanusi ◽  
Osaro Mgbere ◽  
Nchebe-Jah Raymond Iloanusi ◽  
Ismaeel Yunusa ◽  
Ekere J. Essien
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
The Public ◽  
Creative Commons ◽  
Study Population ◽  
The Government

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic brought several misconceptions that could hinder individuals from taking necessary measures to prevent infection, thus, undermining the public health containment efforts. We aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 related misconceptions and their associations with demographic characteristics and prevention practices in Onitsha city in Anambra state, Nigeria. Methods: We analyzed data from a cross-sectional survey of 140 adult residents of Onitsha city in Anambra state, Nigeria, conducted in March 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the study population and determine the associations between COVID-19 misconceptions, demographic characteristics, and implementation of COVID-19 prevention practices. Data management and statistical analyses were conducted using SAS JMP Statistical DiscoveryTM Software version 14.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA). Results: The participants’ average age was 34.5 (SD: ±10.9) years, and most were males (54.3%). Misconceptions about COVID-19 among the study population resulted in markedly reduced compliance with nearly all prevention practices. Some participants believed that COVID-19 would not spread in Nigeria (34.4%, p<0.0001), was not fatal (10.8%, p<0.0001), can be prevented and cured through spiritual means (48.2%, P <0.0001), use of herbs (13.6%, P <0.0001), use of antibiotics (11.4%, p<0.0001) and that COVID-19 vaccine was available (25.4%, p<0.01). Misconception about the possibility of COVID-19 spread was significantly associated with non-compliance to all prevention practices (P<0.05) except travel restrictions. Conclusions and Implications for Translation: Our study suggests the need for the government to tailor interventions targeting the common misconceptions in Onitsha in order to improve the public’s trust and compliance with recommended COVID-19 prevention practices. Misconception has become a significant public health challenge, primarily as its prioritization over scientific evidence and guidelines directly affects the pandemic preparedness and control efforts and may cause more people to be at risk of contracting COVID-19.   Copyright © 2021 Iloanusi et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Nonrenewal of Health Insurance Membership in Ejisu-Juaben Municipality of Ashanti Region, Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Kwawukume Mawumenyo Aku ◽  
Kofi Akohene Mensah ◽  
Peter Twum ◽  
Peter Agyei-Baffour ◽  
Daniel Opoku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
National Health Insurance ◽  
National Health ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Systemic Factors ◽  
The Government

Background. In the quest to prevent households from making catastrophic expenditures at the point of seeking healthcare, the government of Ghana introduced the National Health Insurance in 2003. However, people are reluctant to renew their membership. This study was, therefore, conducted to identify factors influencing the nonrenewal of National Health Insurance membership in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 respondents in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality to ascertain factors influencing the nonrenewal of health insurance membership status. Data were entered and analyzed using Stata version 14. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine sociodemographic factors, household factors, and systemic factors influencing the nonrenewal of health insurance status. Statistical significance for all testing was set as p ≤ 0.05 . Results. Sociodemographic factors such as gender (AOR = 0.531; CI = 0.287–0.985) and educational level (AOR = 5.268; CI = 1.130–24.551)) were associated with the nonrenewal of health insurance membership. Income levels in Ghana Cedis were 500–1000 (AOR = 0.216; CI = 0.075–0.617) and 1001–2000 (AOR = 0.085; CI = 0.019–0.383). Systemic decision on factors such as clients’ satisfaction (AOR = 0.149; CI = 0.035–0.640), making copayment (AOR = 0.152; CI = 0,068–0.344), acquiring all prescribed drugs (AOR = 4.191; CI = 2.027–8.668), and awareness of mobile renewal (AOR = 3.139; CI = 1.462–6.739) was associated with nonrenewal of membership. Conclusions. The nonrenewal of health insurance membership was influenced by sociodemographic, household, and systemic factors. Therefore, the Municipal Health Directorate and the National Health Insurance Authority have to work on these factors to reach the target of 100% active coverage in the municipality.

scholarly journals Characterization of non-adopters of COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions through a national cross-sectional survey to assess attitudes and behaviours

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raynell Lang ◽  
Omid Atabati ◽  
Robert J. Oxoby ◽  
Mehdi Mourali ◽  
Blake Shaffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
The Public ◽  
Lower Education Level ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Targeted Marketing ◽  
Pharmaceutical Interventions

AbstractAdoption of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) remains critical to curtail the spread of COVID-19. Using self-reported adherence to NPIs in Canada, assessed through a national cross-sectional survey of 4498 respondents, we aimed to identify and characterize non-adopters of NPIs, evaluating their attitudes and behaviours to understand barriers and facilitators of adoption. A cluster analysis was used to group adopters separately from non-adopters of NPIs. Associations with sociodemographic factors, attitudes towards COVID-19 and the public health response were assessed using logistic regression models comparing non-adopters to adopters. Of the 4498 respondents, 994 (22%) were clustered as non-adopters. Sociodemographic factors significantly associated with the non-adoption cluster were: (1) being male, (2) age 18–34 years, (3) Albertans, (4) lower education level and (5) higher conservative political leaning. Participants who expressed low concern for COVID-19 and distrust towards several institutions had greater odds of being non-adopters. This information characterizes individuals at greatest odds for non-adoption of NPIs to inform targeted marketing interventions.

scholarly journals Face Mask Utilization in the Era of COVID-19: Nigeria Experience

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement Kevin Edet ◽  
Agiriye M. Harry ◽  
Anthony Ike Wegbom ◽  
Olatunde Raimi ◽  
Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background: The use of face masks has been accepted and recommended globally as a tool for COVID-19 protection. The government of Nigeria made wearing of face masks compulsory in public places. However, no evidence has shown user compliance or knowledge. This study investigated the knowledge and utilization of face masks among the Nigerian population. Methods: This was a web-based cross-sectional survey conducted from July 2 to August 28, 2020 using a convenience sampling technique. This was in adherence to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guideline of physical/social distancing. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of frequency with percentage were used to present responses.Results: A total of 811 respondents participated in the survey with the mean age of 36.93±12.17 years, out of which 43.8% were male and 56.2% were female. Christians were 94.6%, those employed were 84.7%, 61.1% attained tertiary education and 50.8% belonged to a household size of 3-5 persons. Almost all the respondents 91.9% and 94% were aware that face masks can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn in the public respectively. 95.3% of the participants had used a face mask as a protection against COVID-19. Furthermore, 90.2% used face masks in the public, 53% used it when entering restricted places, 45.5% when with a suspected case and 30.7% used a mask due to fear of arrest/punishment. The majority of respondents used homemade masks (70%) and 71.2% reused their masks.Conclusion: This study demonstrated adequate knowledge and utilization of face masks among the population. The homemade mask was mostly used. However, there was a poor cleaning culture of the mask among the population. There should be intensive public awareness campaigns through social and mass media on how to clean reusable face masks.

scholarly journals Public Health Problems associated with Informal Settlements around Waterfront Communities in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
D. N. Ogbonna ◽  
J. O. Ogbuku ◽  
S. A. Ngah ◽  
A. Ayotamuno
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Childhood Mortality ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Drainage Systems ◽  
The Public ◽  
Worm Infestation ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
The Government

Port Harcourt municipality, southern Nigeria, is faced with environmental problems with slums and informal settlements communities, ranging from use of poor and overstressed facilities and inadequate water and electricity supplies and lack appropriate garbage disposal facilities and good drainage systems resulting in perennial flooding due to blocked drainage systems resulting in a number of diseases, such as malaria, diarrhea, cold and cough. Communities are densely populated, with more than five people living in a room. Therefore this study was carried out to assess the public health status of slums/ informal settlements in Port Harcourt Municipality in Rivers state. The study utilized a mixed-method approach. A cross-sectional survey questionnaire and in-depth interview were used to collect data. A total of 180 Questionnaires were distributed across the  five (5) selected waterfronts communities in the survey and key informants were interviewed to obtain detailed information about the status of the various communities in the Informal settlements studied. The results of the study revealed that the most prevalent illnesses in all Slums/Informal Settlements were malaria, typhoid, dysentery, diarrhea, coughing, worm infestation, and skin infection. The prevalence rate of infectious disease recorded for all slums/Informal settlements show that Malaria had 15-17%; Typhoid fever14-16%, Diarrhea 11-13%, Dysentery 12-14%, Cough 5-10%, Worm infestation 8-11% and Skin infections 2-4%.  However, Malaria remains the foremost killer disease in Nigeria. It accounts for over 25% of under 5 mortality, 30% childhood mortality and 11% maternal mortality. These results suggest that people living in slums are predisposed to severe outbreak of epidemics, therefore requires an urgent attention for comprehensive interventions from the government and other organizations to strengthen existing programs to improve the public health and quality of life of this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals COVID-19 vaccination acceptability in the UK at the start of the vaccination programme: a nationally representative cross-sectional survey (CoVAccS wave 2)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Mary Sherman ◽  
Julius Sim ◽  
Megan Cutts ◽  
Hannah Dasch ◽  
Richard Amlot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Programme ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Full Regression Model ◽  
National Vaccination Programme

Aim: To investigate factors associated with intention to have the COVID-19 vaccination following initiation of the UK national vaccination programme. Methods: 1,500 adults completed an online cross-sectional survey (13th to 15th January 2021). Linear regression analyses were used to investigate associations between intention to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and sociodemographic factors, previous influenza vaccination, attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19, attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccination and vaccination in general. Participants main reasons for likely vaccination uptake/decline were also solicited. Results: 73.5% of participants (95% CI 71.2%, 75.7%) reported being likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19, 17.3% were unsure (95% CI 15.4%, 19.3%), and 9.3% (95% CI 7.9%, 10.8%) reported being unlikely to be vaccinated. The full regression model explained 69.8% of the variance in intention. Intention was associated with having been/intending to be vaccinated for influenza last winter/this winter, and with stronger beliefs about social acceptability of a COVID-19 vaccine; the need for vaccination; adequacy of information about the vaccine; and weaker beliefs that the vaccine is unsafe. Beliefs that only those at serious risk of illness should be vaccinated and that the vaccines are just a means for manufacturers to make money were negatively associated with vaccination intention. Conclusions: Most participants reported being likely to get the COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and beliefs are a crucial factor underpinning vaccine intention. Continued engagement with the public with a focus on the importance and safety of vaccination is recommended.

scholarly journals Attitude, Perception, and Knowledge of COVID-19 Among General Public in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sammina Mahmood ◽  
Tariq Hussain ◽  
Faiq Mahmood ◽  
Mehmood Ahmad ◽  
Arfa Majeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
The Public ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
The People ◽  
The World ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health Organization

The World Health Organization has acknowledged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease as a pandemic. Efforts are being made all over the world to raise awareness to prevent the spread of the disease. The goal of this study was to assess the attitude, perception, and knowledge of Pakistani people toward COVID-19 disease. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in which a questionnaire of 17 questions was transformed online on Google forms and was sent to random individuals online. A total of 1,000 questionnaires from individuals throughout Pakistan were evaluated. The results revealed that 42.9% of the participants knew about COVID-19 through social media, the largest source of information. Most of the participants (48.3%) started working from home amid the lockdown; 39.9% of the participants reported that they wash their hands every hour, and 56.9% participants are using a surgical mask. About thermal scanners, 30.5% of the people answered they may be effective, and 46.0% of the people think COVID-19 is a bioweapon; 59% of the participants think everyone is susceptible, whereas 83.9% of the people recognize fever as a primary symptom; 65.2% of the people are practicing social distancing, whereas 85.1% of the people think social gatherings causes spread of the disease. In general, participants had a good knowledge about the disease and a positive attitude toward protective measures. The effective measures are being taken by the government and the public; still, there remains a need for further awareness campaigns and knowledge of safe interventions to combat the spread of disease.

scholarly journals Face Mask Utilization in the Era of COVID-19: Nigeria Experience

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Clement Kevin Edet ◽  
Agiriye M. Harry ◽  
Anthony Ike Wegbom ◽  
Olatunde Raimi ◽  
Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
The Government

Background: The use of face masks has been accepted and recommended globally as a tool for COVID-19 protection. The government of Nigeria made wearing of face masks compulsory in public places. However, no evidence has shown user compliance or knowledge. This study investigated the knowledge and utilization of face masks among the Nigerian population. Methods: This was a web-based cross-sectional survey conducted from July 2 to August 28, 2020, using a convenience sampling technique. This was in adherence to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guideline of physical/social distancing. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present the results. Results:  A total of 811 respondents participated in the survey with the mean age of 36.93±12.17 years. Almost all the respondents 91.9% and 94% were aware that face masks can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn in the public respectively.  95.3% of the participants had used a face mask as a protection against COVID-19. Furthermore, 90.2% used face masks in the public, 53% used it when entering restricted places, 45.5% when with a suspected case and 30.7% used a mask due to fear of arrest/punishment. The majority of respondents used homemade masks (70%) and 71.2% reused their masks, but maintained poor cleaning culture. Conclusion: This study demonstrated adequate knowledge and utilization of face masks among the population. The homemade mask was mostly used. However, there was a poor mask cleaning culture among the population. There should be intensive public awareness campaigns through social and mass media on how to clean reusable face masks.

scholarly journals Understanding the Impact of Public Health Advice on Paediatric Healthcare Use During COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Survey of Parents

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Nicholson ◽  
Thérése McDonnell ◽  
Ciara Conlon ◽  
Michael Barrett ◽  
Fergal Cummins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Perception Of Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Service Usage ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Advice ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Hospital avoidance during the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported with a significant decrease in attendance at emergency departments among paediatric populations with potential increased morbidity and mortality outcomes. The present study sought to understand parents’ experiences of healthcare during the initial public health stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A cross-sectional survey of parents of children under the age of 16 (N = 1044). The survey collected demographic information to profile parents and children, capture relevant health information such as pre-existing conditions and/or chronic illness or disability, and health service usage during the pandemic. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and regression analyses were used to determine the factors that influenced avoidance and hesitancy. Results23% of parents stated that they were much more hesitant to access health services upon implementation of the initial public health restrictions. Parents with a higher perception of risk of their children contracting COVID-19 (χ2 (3) =33.8618, p< 0.000), and stronger levels of concern regarding the effects of COVID-19 (χ2 (3) =23.9189, p< 0.000) were more likely to be hesitant. Stress also appeared to be a factor in hesitancy with higher than normal stress levels significantly associated with hesitancy (RRR= 2.31, CI: 1.54 - 3.47), while those with severe/extremely severe stress were over three times more likely to be hesitant (RRR:3.37, CI:1.81 - 6.27). Approximately one third of the sample required healthcare for their children during the public health restrictions to delay the spread of COVID-19, however, one in five of these parents avoided accessing such healthcare when needed. Of those that required healthcare, parents who avoided were more likely to report that the services were needed more by others (χ2 (1) 20.3470, p<0.000). Those who felt that the government advice was to stay away from health services were 1.7 times more likely to be much more hesitant (RRR:1.71, CI; 1.10 – 2.67).ConclusionThe misinterpretation of government public health advice, stress and the perception of risk each contributed to parental avoidance of or hesitancy to utilize healthcare services during the public health measures imposed to combat COVID-19.

Does legitimacy matter in whistleblowing intentions?

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 627-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Musa Mbago ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Henry Mutebi
Keyword(s):  
Public Procurement ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Public Servants ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Unethical Practices ◽  
Time Perceptions ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Behavior

Purpose The purpose of the study is to examine the role of legitimacy in forming whistleblowing behavior in Ugandan procuring and disposing entities (PDEs). Design/methodology/approach This study has adopted both a quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional research design to collect data from a sample of 97 out of the population of 129 PDEs in Kampala, which are regulated by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority. Findings This paper finds that improvement in the perception of public servants about the appropriateness of the Whistleblowers Act and its enforcers can increase on the reporting of unethical practices in public procurement. Research limitations/implications This study has used a cross-sectional survey data. The causal relationships between variables are possibly obscured; as data from all participants are collected at the same point of time, perceptions go on changing over time. Therefore, further studies should use a longitudinal approach. Second, there are no constructs for legitimacy in public procurement and those from law are domesticated. Practical implications There should be a promotion of legitimacy of the Whistleblowers Act and the enforcement agencies of the Act. The government should devise means for the public servants to have an obligation to obey the holders of authority, to trust and have confidence in them and to enforce the Whistleblowers Act in an ethical and normative framework. Originality/value This study reveals the whistleblowing intentions and behavior of public servants in PDEs. This study would help the Government of Uganda to make the Whistleblowing Act legitimate and its enforcers to increase on the reporting of unethical practices in public procurement.

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