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Chaudhry RM, Minhas S, Khan MA, Nargus S, Nawadat K, Khan MA, Kashif M. COVID-19 Testing Trend: A Retrospective Analysis of the Three Major Pandemic Waves in Punjab, Pakistan. Cureus 2024; 16:e52309. [PMID: 38357059 PMCID: PMC10866180 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES There is some evidence in the literature of under-testing of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan. This study aims to explore COVID-19 testing trends and the factors affecting them in a lower middle-income country for future infectious disease policy-making and intervention strategies. METHODOLOGY The study was conducted as a serial cross-sectional study during the three major peaks from March 2020 to June 2021 on 1616 participants in Punjab, Pakistan. This is the first study to explore COVID-19 testing trends in association with flu-like symptoms (FLS) and the factors affecting all three major waves in Pakistan. RESULTS The results show that in all three waves, only 18.8% reported COVID-19 tested despite that 86.7% thought they had already had COVID-19, with 51.3% reporting having FLS and 35.6% with exposure to FLS from their families and 19.8% of positive testing rate among their family members. Out of the survey participants, 66% received vaccination, and over 80% had their eligible family members immunized. Fear of contracting COVID-19 was 69.7% in all three waves. Factors positively associated with the uptake of testing were the age group of 31-40 years with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.27 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.09-5.12) for the second wave and an adjusted odds ratio of 13.75 (95% CI: 9.43-20.01) for the third wave and traveling abroad with odds of 3.08 times when the reference was inland traveling. The adjusted odds ratio to test for FLS was 1.62 (95% CI: 1.21-2.16). CONCLUSION In this study, there is convincing evidence of COVID-19 under-testing and thus under-reporting. This study also suggests that fear-based interventions may be counterproductive; however, economic factors such as education, employment, and traveling are significant in guiding the behavior for infectious disease prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia M Chaudhry
- Oral Medicine, Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, PAK
- Public Health, University Institute of Public Health, The University of Lahore, Lahore, PAK
| | - Sadia Minhas
- Microbiology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, PAK
- Oral Pathology, Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, PAK
| | - Mehroz A Khan
- College of Dentistry, Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, PAK
| | - Shumaila Nargus
- Public Health, University Institute of Public Health, The University of Lahore, Lahore, PAK
| | - Kanza Nawadat
- College of Dentistry, Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, PAK
| | - Muhammad Athar Khan
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bakhtawar Amin Medical and Dental College, Multan, PAK
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Oral Pathology, Bakhtawar Amin Medical and Dental College, Multan, PAK
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Mohamadian H, Faraji A, Ghorrabi AT, Ghobadi-Dashdebi K, Salahshouri A. The COVID-19 pandemic: knowledge, attitudes and practices of coronavirus (COVID-19) among patients with type 2 diabetes. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2023; 42:11. [PMID: 36805712 PMCID: PMC9939854 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-023-00349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is necessary to evaluate COVID-19 data on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) to confirm effective protective practice and to reduce risk in society. Hence, the study was carried out to determine KAP towards COVID-19 and the factors associated with knowledge and practices among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS In this cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study, 357 patients with diabetes in Izeh participated in the study. The sampling method used was convenience sampling method. Data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire of demographic information and KAP of patients with T2D in relation to the new coronavirus. The validity and reliability of the research tool was confirmed using the content validity and test-retest. Data analysis was done in Stata.14.2 and Smartpls 3.2.8 using descriptive and analytical statistical tests. RESULTS The mean score of participants' KAP towards Covid-19 was 74.22 (16.30), 72.88 (14.87), and 70.51 (19.70), respectively. The lowest and the highest score of the patients' knowledge was in the field of transmission (56.60 (20.96)) and care and prevention of the COVID-19 (88.58 (21.88)), respectively. Residence was the most important factor predicting the practice of diabetic patients with an explanatory coefficient ([SMD 1.08 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.30), P < 0.001] and R2 = 0.87%). CONCLUSION Despite the good level of KAP of people towards the COVID-19 disease, there were answers showing poor knowledge, incorrect beliefs and attitudes, and insufficient practice regarding different aspects of the COVID-19 in some cases in our study. Residence was a strong predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients' practice in terms of protective behaviors against Covid-19. Hence, educational needs evaluation based on residence is recommended, especially in rural T2DM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashem Mohamadian
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amrullah Faraji
- Health Services Management, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Tahmasebi Ghorrabi
- Health Care Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamel Ghobadi-Dashdebi
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arash Salahshouri
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Yaya Bocoum F, Kadio K, Some T, Ouedraogo A, Drabo M, Kouanda S. Perceptions of COVID-19 among frontline health workers in Burkina Faso. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2023; 7:963817. [PMID: 36714359 PMCID: PMC9874616 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2022.963817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Introduction In Burkina Faso, the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in March 2020. Health personnel are on the front line of COVID-19 control, and it is important to understand their perceptions and knowledge of the disease. The objective was to determine the knowledge and perceptions of healthcare personnel of COVID-19 in the city of Ouagadougou. Method The study was conducted in five plots in the city of Ouagadougou. A total of 20 health workers from public and private health centers in the city of Ouagadougou were selected during May 2020. In-depth individual interviews were conducted, and a thematic analysis was performed using NVIVO. Results and discussion The routes of transmission identified were promiscuity, respiratory tract, and physical contact. Various symptoms have been noted, such as fever, cough, and runny nose. However, they recognize that these symptoms are not sufficient to make a diagnosis of COVID-19. Similarly, the treatments mentioned are modern medicine and phytomedicine. Conclusion The research has generated information on healthcare workers' knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19. Therefore, they are useful for decision-making regarding protective measures for health workers in the management of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadima Yaya Bocoum
- Département Biomédical et Santé Publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- African Population Health Research Center, WARO, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Kadidiatou Kadio
- Département Biomédical et Santé Publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Fellow Pilote African Postdoctrorat Academy - PAPA, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Télesphore Some
- Département Biomédical et Santé Publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Adidjata Ouedraogo
- Département Biomédical et Santé Publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Maxime Drabo
- Département Biomédical et Santé Publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Seni Kouanda
- Département Biomédical et Santé Publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Institut Africain de Santé Publique (IASP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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Shouli MM, Ayed A, Shouli KM, Alekel K. Knowledge and Perception of the Employees Towards COVID-19 Vaccination at Palestinian Universities. SAGE Open Nurs 2023; 9:23779608231176880. [PMID: 37223220 PMCID: PMC10201136 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231176880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Major efforts are being made to control the spread and impact of the coronavirus pandemic using vaccines. However, willingness to be vaccinated depends largely on factors beyond the availability of vaccines. Objective This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and perception of university employees towards the COVID-19 vaccination. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and June 2021. A total of 310 university employees from six Palestinian universities participated in the study. A self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection and included the following: personal and medical characteristics of the university employees' knowledge and perception regarding receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. Results Three hundred and ten out of 336 questionnaires (92.3% response rate) were completed and returned by the participants. The results revealed that 41.9% of university employees had good knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccination. On the other hand, 51.9% of them had a positive perception of the COVID-19 vaccination. Also, there is a significant difference between the level of knowledge and perception of the COVID-19 vaccine (p < .05). Conclusion Less than half of the university employees had good knowledge, and half of them had a positive attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccination. Also, it has been determined that there is a relationship between the level of knowledge and perception of the COVID-19 vaccine. The study recommended that employees should be involved in educational campaigns to increase their knowledge of the importance of vaccines in COVID-19 prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Mohammad Shouli
- Community Health Nursing Department,
Nablus University for Vocational & Technical Education, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Ahmad Ayed
- Faculty of Nursing, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine
| | - Khaila Mohammad Shouli
- Community Health Nursing Department,
Nablus University for Vocational & Technical Education, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Khalid Alekel
- Community Health Nursing Department,
Nablus University for Vocational & Technical Education, Nablus, Palestine
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Doucet MH, Songbono CT, Plazy M, Martin C, Fritzell C, Sow MS, Traoré FA, Jaspard M, Poda A, Malvy D, Marcy O, Delamou A, Orne-Gliemann J. Perceptions of COVID-19 among communities of Conakry (Guinea): a qualitative study exploring the context of the ANRS COV33 Coverage-Africa therapeutic trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061715. [PMID: 36574985 PMCID: PMC9805824 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore communities' perceptions about COVID-19 in the context of the ANRS COV33 Coverage-Africa clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of treatments in preventing clinical worsening of COVID-19. DESIGN Descriptive qualitative study using semistructured in-depth individual interviews conducted by telephone in French and Soussou between May and September 2021. Data were transcribed, translated in French when applicable and analysed with the thematic analysis method. SETTING The eight neighbourhoods most affected by COVID-19 in Conakry's urban context, capital of Guinea. PARTICIPANTS 4 community leaders acting as key informants-providing insights regarding population's opinions-and six community members, who were exposed to an information session conducted as part of Coverage-Africa. RESULTS According to participants, community members have heterogeneous viewpoints about COVID-19: it exists and is dangerous; it is benign ('bad cold'); or it is fictitious (eg, government conspiracy). The fear of stigmatisation and social isolation of those sick or cured of COVID-19 was largely reported by participants, with illustrations of distressing situations for the victims. To avoid stigma, many patients seem to adopt strategies of discretion (eg, lying/hiding about the disease). Although community attitudes were reported to have evolved since the beginning of the epidemic, stigma remained a pervasive concern for many people. CONCLUSIONS Community perceptions about COVID-19 in Conakry may be partly explained by the Guinean context of Ebola history and of sociopolitical tensions. Stigmatisation of COVID+ people seems to be aimed at protecting others against contamination. However, social avoidance can greatly affect the morale of stigmatised people, especially in collectivist cultures like Guinea. Further investigating stigma, including its role on seeking COVID-19 screening and treatment services, and its consequences on mental health among affected/exposed people, would contribute to identifying improved prevention and care interventions in preparation for future health threats, and to promoting participation in health research. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04920838 (Pre-results stage).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Hélène Doucet
- Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christine Timbo Songbono
- Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Conakry, Guinea
- Africa Center of Excellence (CEA-PCMT), University Gamal Abdel Nasser, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Mélanie Plazy
- Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Caroline Martin
- Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Conakry, Guinea
| | - Camille Fritzell
- Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mamadou Saliou Sow
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Donka National Hospital, Conakry, Guinea
- Infectious Diseases, University Gamal Abdel Nasser, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Fodé Amara Traoré
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Donka National Hospital, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Marie Jaspard
- Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Emerging Infectious Disease Research, Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Paris, France
| | - Armel Poda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU Sourô Sanou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Denis Malvy
- Department of General Practice, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Hospital Centre Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Marcy
- Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alexandre Delamou
- Africa Center of Excellence (CEA-PCMT), University Gamal Abdel Nasser, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Joanna Orne-Gliemann
- Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
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Hannah S, Agho KE, Piya MK, Glenister K, Bourke L, Osuagwu UL, Simmons D. Trends and Factors Associated with Obesity Prevalence in Rural Australian Adults-Comparative Analysis of the Crossroads Studies in Victoria over 15 Years. Nutrients 2022; 14:4557. [PMID: 36364819 PMCID: PMC9659019 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the changes in the prevalence of obesity and associated lifestyle factors using data from repeated cross-sectional, self-reported surveys (Crossroads I: 2001-2003 and Crossroads II: 2016-2018, studies) and clinic anthropometric measurements collected from regional and rural towns in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria. Given that past community studies have only focused categorically on dietary intake, or assessed caloric energy intake, we examined the difference in broad dietary practices at two different times. Clinical assessments from randomly selected household participants aged ≥18 years were analyzed. Differences in obesity prevalence were calculated for each individual variable. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals (CI)) with and without adjustment for key lifestyle factors. There were 5258 participants in Crossroads I and 2649 in Crossroads II surveys. Obesity prevalence increased from 28.2% to 30.8% over 15 years, more among those who ate fried food, but decreased significantly among rural dwellers (31.7: 27.0, 36.8% versus 25.1: 22.9, 27.5%) and those who had adequate fruit intake (28.5: 25.0, 32.3% to 23.9: 21.8, 26.2%). Obesity was associated with older age (≥35 years), use of fat-based spreads for bread (adjusted odds ratio, aOR:1.26: 1.07, 1.48) and physical inactivity. The increase in obesity prevalence especially in the rural towns, was associated with unhealthy dietary behaviour which persisted over 15 years. Understanding and addressing the upstream determinants of dietary intake and choices would assist in the development of future health promotion Programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Hannah
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Kingsley E. Agho
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Milan K. Piya
- Macarthur Diabetes Endocrinology Metabolism Services, Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Kristen Glenister
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Wangaratta, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lisa Bourke
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC 3632, Australia
| | - Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Bathurst Rural Clinical School (BRCS), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia
| | - David Simmons
- Macarthur Diabetes Endocrinology Metabolism Services, Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC 3632, Australia
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Ekpenyong BN, Abu EK, Langsi R, Osuagwu UL, Oloruntoba R, Ovenseri-Ogbomo G, Timothy CG, Charwe DD, Nwaeze O, Goson CP, Miner CA, Ishaya T, Mashige KP, Agho KE. Public awareness and perception towards COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan African countries during the lockdown. Health Promot Perspect 2022; 12:200-211. [PMID: 36276417 PMCID: PMC9508392 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2022.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has caused a universal health crisis resulting in significant morbidities and mortalities particularly among high-risk groups. This study sought to determine regional factors associated with knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 mitigation practices and risk perception of contracting the disease in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous online study was conducted among 1970 participants between April and May 2020, during the lockdown in many SSA countries. Recruitment of participants was via WhatsApp, Facebook and emails using authors’ networks. The outcome variables were KAP (knowledge, attitudes and practice) of COVID-19 and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc test was run to assess the level of KAP by four regions in SSA. Simple and multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses were performed to examine factors associated with the outcome measures in the four SSA regions. Results: Mean knowledge (P=0.707) and risk perception (P=0.904) scores by four regions in SSA did not differ significantly. However, the mean attitude score was higher among West Africans compared with Southern (P=0.019) and Central Africans (P=0.003). MLR analysis revealed that among those living in West (adjusted coefficient β=-0.83 95% CI: -1.19, -0.48) and Southern Africa (β=-0.91 95% CI: -1.42, -0.40), having a primary or secondary education was associated with a decrease in knowledge scores while not being worried about COVID-19 decreased risk perception scores across the four SSA regions(West [β=-6.57, 95% CI: -7.53, -5.62], East [β=-6.24: 95% CI: -8.34,-4.15], Central [β=-6.51, 95% CI: -8.70, -4.31], and Southern Africa [β=-6.06: 95% CI: -7.51, -4.60]). Except among Southern Africans, participants who practiced self-isolation had positive attitude towards COVID-19. Conclusion: Future research on health education regarding COVID-19 or a future related pandemic in SSA should target people with lower education, those who do not self-isolate, those living in Southern and Western Africa and not worried about contracting COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel K Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Raymond Langsi
- Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
| | - Uchechukwu L Osuagwu
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 3629, South Africa
- Bathurst Rural Clinical School, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Bathurst 2795 NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Oloruntoba
- School of Management and Marketing, Curtin Business School, Curtin University, Kent Street , Bentley, WA,Australia
| | - Godwin Ovenseri-Ogbomo
- Department of Optometry, Centre for Health Sciences, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, IV2 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Chikasirimobi G. Timothy
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Deborah D Charwe
- Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, P.O.Box 977 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Obinna Nwaeze
- Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christopher P Goson
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Chundung A Miner
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Tanko Ishaya
- Department of Computer Science, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Khathutshelo P Mashige
- African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 3629, South Africa
| | - Kingsley E. Agho
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 3629, South Africa
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
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Aram SA, Saalidong BM, Opoku EO, Sam Hayford I. Perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Ghana: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e653. [PMID: 35702514 PMCID: PMC9178411 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched many healthcare systems, and it is having detrimental impacts on healthcare workers at the forefront, fighting to save lives. This study sought to assess the relationship between job factors and the perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 at the workplace among healthcare workers and how the relationships are augmented when sociodemographic characteristics are taken into consideration in a limited resource setting (Ghana). Methods A cross-sectional survey of 455 respondents was conducted. Results Overall, 5.93% of the respondents perceived low risk of contracting COVID-19 while 69.45% and 24.62% perceived medium and high risks of contracting COVID-19 at the workplace, respectively. The odds of a high perceived risk versus the combined medium and low perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 at the workplace was 0.461 times lower for healthcare workers who rated their workplace safety systems as good and 0.515 and 0.170 times lower for healthcare workers who indicated occasional and frequent work environment situational assessment (situational awareness), respectively. The odds of high perceived risk were 2.239 times higher for workers who are always emotionally fatigued and 1.829 times higher for healthcare workers who frequently contribute personally to workplace decision-making. The perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 at the workplace was also 1.780 times higher for healthcare workers with tertiary education. Conclusion In terms of health and safety at work, this study recommends that there should be an improvement in implementing safety protocols at health facilities to increase the confidence of healthcare workers. Furthermore, social and psychological support and work environment situational assessment, which can reduce stress and anxiety levels among the healthcare workers, should be implemented if contributing factors such as working outside their area of expertise or job scope cannot be eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Appah Aram
- Department of Environmental ScienceUniversity of Cape CoastCape CoastGhana
- College of Safety and Emergency Management EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuanChina
| | | | - Erica Odwira Opoku
- Department of Economics and ManagementTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuanChina
| | - Isaac Sam Hayford
- Department of Economics and ManagementTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuanChina
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Aklil MB, Temesgan WZ. Knowledge and Attitude towards COVID-19 Vaccination and Associated Factors among College Students in Northwest Ethiopia,2021. Health Serv Res Manag Epidemiol 2022; 9:23333928221098903. [PMID: 35528024 PMCID: PMC9073108 DOI: 10.1177/23333928221098903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is imperative to ensure optimal vaccine uptake at the population level to combat the deadly COVID-19 pandemic disease. However, refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine, poor knowledge, and a negative attitude towards vaccination are the challenges of the world. College students are among the high-risk subgroups of the population to COVID-19 infection and the main source of information and trust in vaccines to the society. Also, their judgement on vaccine affect the public attitude towards vaccination. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination and associated factors among college students in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 626 study participants in Gondar city. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. The level of significance was claimed based on a p-value < 0.05. Results In this study, 46.8% (95% CI: 43.3, 50.6) of study participants had good knowledge and 50% (95% CI: 45.9, 53.7) had a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. Having comorbidity disease and being male were significantly associated with good knowledge. In addition, being married, being a health science student, being exposed to mass media, having a good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination, and having paternal primary education were significantly associated with a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion In general, knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination among college students are low. Comorbidity disease and sex were predictors of COVID-19 vaccination knowledge, whereas, marital status, category of college students, mass media, paternal education and knowledge about COVID-19 vaccination were predictors of COVID-19 vaccination attitude. Alleviating participants’ concerns and improving their confidence through health education is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mastewal Belayneh Aklil
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wubedle Zelalem Temesgan
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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