scholarly journals Stress and Oral Hygiene Practices among South Kashmiri Residents during COVID-19 Pandemic - A Cross-Sectional Study

Author(s):  
Asifa Ashraf ◽  
Ipseeta Menon ◽  
Ritu Gupta ◽  
Vikram Arora ◽  
Dipshikha Das ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Covid-19 is highly contagious disease and has today become a major public health concern in the developing countries worldwide. This study attempted to assess the knowledge, attitude, anxiety experience, perceived mental healthcare, and oral health among adult Kashmiri population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An anonymous online questionnaire was developed using Google forms to avoid person-to-person contact. The structured questionnaire consisted of questions covering several areas: sociodemographic data, knowledge, awareness, attitude about the COVID-19 , the anxiety level, oral hygiene habits during confinement, care and disinfection control behaviours in the dental environment. Results: Due to continuing conflict in Kashmir during the last 18 years there has been a phenomenal increase in psychiatric morbidity. The results reveal that the prevalence of depression was high 46.3% among Kashmiri residents who were anxious with the thought of  COVID-19 virus. In our study it was also found that 66.2% of the responders had a moderate level of knowledge about being getting quarantined and 97.7% of the participants had an adequate knowledge about its preventive aspects. The anxiety levels identified in the study were high i.e. more than 70% of the participants were preoccupied with the COVID-19 pandemic over the past months. Approximately, 42.6% of the participants have been angered and distressed due to being worried about the ongoing pandemic. Oral hygiene and last visit to the dentist were found highly significant in our study i.e. approximately  36.6% of the participants had visited a dentist among which 35.2% had visited only due to consultation advise. Conclusion: Population of Kashmir had a better mean knowledge score regarding this virus but yet mental health is an integral part of overall health and quality of life. Substantial and sustainable improvements can be achieved only when a comprehensive strategy for mental health which incorporates both prevention and care elements is adopted. There is a need to intensify the awareness and address the mental health issues, and importance of oral hygiene of people during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Author(s):  
Ahmed Awadghanem ◽  
Mahmoud Sbaih ◽  
Mohammad Hasoon ◽  
Zaher Yassin ◽  
Ahmad M. Samara ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The use of radiological examination is increasing worldwide. Since radiation exposure can result in many health hazards, medical professionals, as well as medical students, should possess adequate knowledge regarding radiation and its related hazards to protect themselves and the patients. Many studies have assessed medical students’ knowledge on this topic, but never in Palestine. In this study, we aimed to examine Palestinian medical students’ awareness and knowledge regarding radiological examination modalities and their risks on themselves and their patients. Methods This was an observational, cross-sectional, population-based study, conducted to assess the awareness of radiation exposure and its risks among Palestinian medical students. An online questionnaire was implemented on medical students at An-Najah National University. A total knowledge score that ranged from 0 to 22 was calculated for each participant, with higher scores indicating better knowledge regarding radiation doses and the related hazards. Results Two hundred eighty and seven students participated in our study, with a response rate of 71%. The average knowledge score of the participants was 10.97 ± 4.31 out of a maximum of 22 points. Male participants and participants in advanced study years achieved better knowledge scores (p-values were 0.034 and < 0.001, respectively). Perceived radiology knowledge was significantly associated with the actual knowledge score among the participants (p-value< 0.001). Receiving radiology lectures in fourth and fifth years significantly affected the participants’ knowledge score (p-values were < 0.001). Conclusions We found a severe lack of knowledge regarding radiation doses and related risks among medical students. Therefore, we recommend that medical schools update and supplement their curriculum regarding knowledge on radiation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mafalda Sousa-Uva ◽  
António Sousa-Uva ◽  
Marta Mello e Sampayo ◽  
Florentino Serranheira

Abstract Background Telework satisfaction is a Public Health concern, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, and its determinant factors may be related with the negative health effects of teleworking. However, there is still little research exploring this issue. This study aimed to characterize telework during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Portugal and to identify the major predictors of telework satisfaction. Methods This is a cross-sectional study aimed at all teleworkers working in Portugal, during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. Data were collected through a Google Forms platform online questionnaire distributed by a snowball method on social networks. Descriptive statistics included crude and relative frequency data. The associations between sociodemographic characteristics, self-perceived health, organization of working time, concentration at work, work-life balance, work disconnection, working conditions, and organizational demands (flexibility and organizational trust based on E-work Life Scale) with telework satisfaction were estimated through logistic regression. Results This study included 1004 participants. Teleworkers satisfaction levels were high (69%). Better concentration at work (OR = 1.54; 95%CI 1.01–2.34); the satisfaction with the balance between work life and extra work when teleworking (OR = 1.79; 95%CI 1.17–2.74); and higher work flexibility (OR = 2.26; 95%CI 1.46–3.49) were good predictors of greater levels of satisfaction with telework. However, its major predictors were the company’s trust in teleworkers (OR = 4.50; 95%CI 2.89–7.02) and feeling good in the workspace at home (OR = 3.72; 95%CI 1.46–9.49). Conclusions Our findings point that work environment and organizational culture play a crucial role in affecting telework satisfaction. More studies are needed to monitor telework satisfaction and its effects on physical and mental health, so that Public and Occupational Health (and Safety) can be able to identify and implement the best interventions that allow promoting individual health and foster a healthy work environment for teleworkers.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-34
Author(s):  
CP Sedain

Introduction: Maryknoll Nepal has been running community mental health clinics different part of the country. The aim of the study was to find out psychiatric morbidity of patients attending Maryknoll free check up clinic Simara, Bara district of Nepal. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study comprised of all consecutive patients attending Maryknoll free check up clinic Simara, Bara district, Nepal. All the patients attending the free clinics were taken as cases. The study was conducted in January 2009. Demographic data and disease profile of 87 patients attending the clinic were analyzed. The ratios and proportions were used for statistical analysis. Results: Data from Simara free mental health clinic shows that the male to female ratio was 0.55:0.44.The age group 30-39(N-25, 28.74%) followed by age group 20-29 (N-19, 21.84%) was the commonest. The farmer were (N-49, 56.31 %) the most common visitor. The highest number of cases were depressive disorder (N-16, 18.93 %) followed by mania/BPAD (N-14, 16.09 %) and Schizophrenia (N-12, 13.73 %). Conclusion: The commonest incidence of psychiatric illness attending the free clinic is depressive disorder and mania/BPAD. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v2i1.8572 J Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal Vol .2, No.1, 2013 30-34


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morrison Asiamah ◽  
Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo ◽  
Pricillia Nortey ◽  
Nina Donkor ◽  
Anthony Danso-Appiah

Abstract Background: Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADR) is an effective means of ensuring postmarketing surveillance of drugs, and health professionals play a cardinal role through voluntary reporting of ADR. However, the pharmacovigilance system in Ghana is plagued with under-reporting issues, which is of public health concern. Method: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study involving 268 health professionals at Kpone-Katamanso District was carried out. Data on spontaneous reporting of ADR, demographics of participants, knowledge, and attitudes of professionals towards reporting and factors that may influence ADR reporting were collected. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association of the independent variables with spontaneous reporting of ADR.Result: Overall, 77.6% (208) of the 268 respondents had witnessed ADR; however, only 17.3% of the respondents have ever reported an ADR to the FDA. Health professionals who had adequate knowledge on spontaneous reporting of ADR were 51.9%, while 30.3% had very good knowledge of spontaneous reporting of ADR. After statistical adjustment, Age (AOR=2.26, 95%CI= 1.25–4.10), Fear of Legal Consequences (AOR=0.15, 95%CI=0.41–0.51), Time Constraint (AOR=0.3, 95%CI=0.10–0.91), Pharmacovigilance training (AOR= 18.78, 95%CI= 5.46–64.59) and Unavailability of Reporting form (AOR=0.28, 95%CI=0.09– 0.88) were found to be significantly associated spontaneous reporting of ADR. Conclusion: The proportion of health professionals in the Kpone-Katamanso District who spontaneously report observed ADR is low. Our findings underscore the need for the FDA to intensify awareness through media sensitization and engage all relevant stakeholders on the need for the entire population to report ADR.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda A. Fondjo ◽  
Vivian E. Boamah ◽  
Adelaide Fierti ◽  
Dorcas Gyesi ◽  
Eddie-Williams Owiredu

Abstract Background Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. Adequate knowledge about a disorder contributes greatly to its prevention, control and management. This study assessed the level of knowledge of PE and evaluated the factors associated with knowledge adequacy among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a University Hospital in Kumasi-Ghana. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. A validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and history of PE. Knowledge of PE was assessed based on a series of questions regarding the awareness, signs/symptoms, risk factors and complications of PE. Responses were scored percentage-wise and grouped into low (< 60%), moderate (60–80%) and high (80–100%). Knowledge score was then re-stratified into adequate (% score of ≥60%) and inadequate knowledge of PE (% score of < 60%). Results The prevalence of inadequate and adequate knowledge of PE was 88.6% (mean score = 55.5 ± 4.3%) and 11.4% (mean score = 76.3 ± 5.9%), respectively. For participants with adequate knowledge of PE, 9.1% (mean score = 67.4 ± 6.9%) and 2.3% (mean score = 85.2 ± 5.1%) had moderate and high knowledge, respectively. Using univariate logistic regression models, being older (> 35 years old) [cOR = 3.09, 95%CI (0.88–10.88), p = 0.049] and having a higher level of education (> SHS education) [cOR = 4.45, 95%CI (2.18–9.10), p < 0.0001] were significantly associated with greater odds of having adequate knowledge of PE. After controlling for potential confounders in multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found higher level of education to be independently associated with adequate knowledge of PE [aOR = 2.87, 95%CI (1.31–6.30), p = 0.008]. Conclusion The knowledge of PE among pregnant women in Ghana is low. The prominent factor that facilitates adequacy of knowledge of PE is higher level of education.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
María José González-Olmo ◽  
Bendición Delgado-Ramos ◽  
Ana Ruiz-Guillén ◽  
Martín Romero-Maroto ◽  
María Carrillo-Díaz

Abstract Background To find out whether misuse of dental hygiene, in terms of certain dental habits, may facilitate the spread of COVID-19 among cohabiting individuals. Methods 302 COVID-19 infected (PCR +) subjects cohabiting with someone else at home were selected for an observational cross-sectional study. An anonymous online questionnaire was developed using Google forms to avoid person-to-person contact. The structured questionnaire consisted of questions covering several areas: sociodemographic data, cross transmission to another person living together, oral hygiene habits during confinement, care and disinfection control behaviours in the dental environment like sharing toothbrush, sharing toothbrush container, sharing toothpaste, placing brush vertically, placing cap with hole for brush, disinfecting brush with bleach, closing toilet lid before flushing. Results Tongue brushing was more used in the group where there was no transmission of the disease to other members (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found for shared toothbrush use (p < 0.05), although shared use was a minority in this group (4. 7%), significant differences were also found for the use of the same container (p < 0.01), shared use of toothpaste (p < 0.01), toothbrush disinfection with bleach (p < 0.01), brush change after PCR + (p < 0.05). The women performed significantly more disinfection with toothbrush bleach (p < 0.01), closing the toilet lid (p < 0.05) and changing the brush after PCR + (p < 0.05). Conclusions The use of inappropriate measures in the dental environment could contribute to the indirect transmission of COVID-19 between cohabitants.


Author(s):  
Muhammad Salman ◽  
Noman Asif ◽  
Zia Ul Mustafa ◽  
Tahir Mehmood Khan ◽  
Naureen Shehzadi ◽  
...  

Abstract High levels of stress are expected when crises affect people’s lives. Therefore, this web-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among university students from Pakistan to investigate the psychological impairment and coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic. Google forms were used to disseminate the online questionnaire to assess anxiety (Generalized Anxiety disorder-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and the coping strategies (Brief-COPE). A total of 1134 responses (age 21.7±3.5 years) were included. The frequency of students having moderate-severe anxiety and depression (score ≥ 10) were ≍ 34% and 45%, respectively. The respondents’ aged ≥ 31 years had significantly lower depression score than those ≤ 20 years (p = 0.047). Males had significantly less anxiety (6.62 ± 5.70 vs 7.84 ± 5.60, p = 0.001) and depression (8.73 ± 6.84 vs 9.71 ± 7.06, p = 0.031) scores. Those having family member, friend or acquaintances infected with disease had significantly higher anxiety score (8.89 ± 5.74 vs 7.09 ± 5.56, p < 0.001). Regarding coping strategies, majority of respondents were found to have adopted religious/spiritual coping (6.45 ± 1.68) followed by acceptance (5.58 ± 1.65), self-distraction (4.97 ± 1.61) and active coping (4.81 ± 1.57). In conclusion, COVID-19 cause significant impairment on mental health of the students. The most frequent coping strategy adopted by students were religious/spiritual and acceptance coping. During epidemics mental health of students should not be neglected.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S63-S69
Author(s):  
Khalid Almas ◽  
Abdul Samad Khan ◽  
Afsheen Tabassum ◽  
Muhammad Ashraf Nazir ◽  
Ashar Afaq ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices of dental professionals regarding the prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Pakistan. Materials and Methods General dentists and dental specialists working in public and private dental practices, hospitals, and academic institutions participated in this cross-sectional study. A pilot-tested questionnaire was sent to dental professionals through an online link in Pakistan and data collection was completed in April-May 2020. The knowledge score was calculated from 22 variables about the COVID-19. Results The study included data of 343 dental professionals with 47.2% of males and 52.8% of females. The mean knowledge score was 16.78 ± 2.25, and it significantly differed between general dentists (16.55 ± 2.36) and dental specialists (17.15 ± 2.04) (p = 0.020), and those with up to 10 years of experience (16.58 ± 2.28) and those with more than 10 years of experience (17.05 ± 2.2) (p = 0.026). Only 15.5% of the participants were comfortable in treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. A workshop/seminar on the COVID-19 was attended by 23% of the participants. In multivariate analysis, being comfortable in treating patients (odds ratio = 3.31, 95% confidence interval = 1.63, 6.73) was associated with the attendance of workshop/seminar on COVID-19. Conclusions Dental professionals had adequate knowledge about COVID-19, but a few of them were comfortable in treating patients during the pandemic. A minority of dental professionals attended a workshop/seminar on the COVID-19. Continuous education activities should be provided to dental professionals to enhance their role in the prevention of COVID-19 spread and promotion of oral health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-22
Author(s):  
Priscilla Samson ◽  
Jay Narayan Shah

Introduction: The consequences of lockdown, quarantine, and uncertainties of COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused physical sufferings but affected the mental health of the people around the globe. Peritraumatic distress is a strong predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder that may further lead to depression and suicidal risk. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess peritraumatic distress and perceived mental healthcare needs among the residents of a gated community in Kathmandu Valley. Method: This was a quantitative online cross-sectional study conducted during June 2020 among adult residents of a gated community in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. COVID-19 peritraumatic distress index and perceived mental healthcare questionnaire were used to find out peritraumatic distress and mental healthcare needs of the residents. Ethical approval was obtained. Statistical analysis of data was done using SPSS. Result: A total of 45 residents returned the completed forms. Male were 62.2%, 53.3% belonged to 36 to 55 years and 46.7% had at least one comorbidity. Mild to moderate peritraumatic distress was found among 17.82%. Fisher’s exact test showed no association between age, gender, presence of comorbidity and peritraumatic distress (p > 0.05). Perceived mental healthcare needs were felt by more than 91% of the participants. Conclusion: One sixth of the participants had mild to moderate level of peritraumatic distress. Almost all the participants felt they have mental healthcare needs. Study highlights the need for counseling for distress and mental health during COVID-19 pandemic.


Author(s):  
A. H. M. Shamim Al Mamun ◽  
Kamrul Hsan ◽  
Md. Shanjid Sarwar ◽  
Md. Ruhul Furkan Siddique

Background: Millions of people are suffering from food borne illness and it has become a growing public health concern in the world. To reduce the burden of food borne illness, food handlers must have accurate knowledge of food safety. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and level of personal hygiene practice among food handlers of Jahangirnagar University.Methods: It was a descriptive cross sectional study, done among the food handlers in Jahangirngar University Campus, Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 2016 to September 2016. Data were collected from 119 food handlers by using face to face interview using a pre-tested questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 22.0) software was used for data analysis.Results: Study found that 65.55% of the food handlers did not have adequate knowledge regarding personal hygiene. The study also found that 71.4% of the food handlers had poor hygiene practice. The study revealed that age, education and sleeping place and knowledge regarding personal hygiene were significantly associated with the respondent’s personal hygiene practice.Conclusions: The study shows that knowledge and its practice among the food handlers is very poor. Implementation of training and awareness program on personal hygiene are required to improve their knowledge and personal hygiene practice.


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