Knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients with chronic illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey from Pakistan

Absence of short-term changes in knowledge and attitudes among household contacts of COVID-19 cases during the post-acute phase of the pandemic in Catalonia and Navarre, Spain

Objectives

To evaluate short-term changes in knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and preventive measures during the post-acute phase of the pandemic in Spain.

Methods

A survey was performed in Catalonia and Navarre between May-2022 and July-2023 in household contacts of COVID-19 cases. Knowledge and attitude were assessed at baseline and at three months, using a Likert scale. Responses were grouped according to correct or incorrect.

Results

At baseline, 172 subjects were contacted, 118 (69%) of which completed a follow-up interview three months later. Knowledge of correct hand-washing and mask protocols had maintained over time (-1.7%, p = 0.553 and - 2.5%, p = 0.473, respectively). Attitudes toward preventive measures was adequate in the first interview (86%), but attitudes regarding use of face masks decreased significantly (-9.1%, p = 0.048) over time in participants with higher risk of severe COVID-19. However, most short-term changes in knowledge and attitudes were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Household contacts showed correct knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and its preventive measures, without significant changes in the short term despite a relaxation of government-mandated preventive measures. These results provide relevant information in case of a new health emergency due to respiratory viruses.

Socio-demographic determinants of Monkeypox virus preventive behavior: A cross-sectional study in Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Monkeypox (mpox), re-emerging zoonotic infectious disease, is striking the world with serious public health concerns, especially in non-endemic countries. The public's knowledge and attitude towards the monkeypox virus (MPXV) influence their adherence to preventive strategies. Therefore, we aimed to assess the public's knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of MPXV in Pakistan.

METHODS

We collected data for this cross-sectional study from 1040 participants via online self-reported questionnaire from July 5th, 2022, to August 1st, 2022. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 29 items in four sections, assessing socio-demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding MPXV. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V.25, and factors associated with MPXV knowledge, attitude, and practices were identified by using logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1040 participants were included. 61.4% were male, and 57.2% had graduation level education. Only 34.4% had good knowledge about MPXV, and 30% knew the effectiveness of the smallpox vaccine against MPXV. 41.7% had a positive attitude, 48.6% agreed that it is a fatal disease, and 44.6% were in favour of banning travel from endemic to non-endemic regions. 57.7% had good practices, and 69.9% would use protective measures if MPXV became an epidemic. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that gender and education significantly impacted knowledge (p<0.05). While monthly income status had a significant impact on attitudes (p<0.05). The practices were positively correlated with gender and education (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The majority of study participants had inadequate levels of knowledge, and attitudes regarding MPXV. To prevent the emergence and spread of MPXV in Pakistan, a comprehensive strategic framework for public health education must be established and implemented.

Self-Care Practices of Patients with Non-Communicable Diseases during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Individuals with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. This study explores the lived experience of patients with NCDs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of COVID-19 on their self-care. An interpretive phenomenological analysis approach was used that involved in-depth interviews with patients who received medical services from a family medicine clinic, along with caregivers who responded on their behalf. An inductive thematic approach was utilized to analyze the data. Interview respondents included 17 patients with NCDs and four caregivers. The patients had a mean age of 65.7 ± 11.3 years and were diagnosed with an NCD, a mean of 4.8 ± 1.1 years previously. Self-care practices used during the pandemic were classified as therapeutic or preventive. Patients responded to changes in healthcare services by seeking in-person services for their acute illnesses and accepting remote services for underlying chronic conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the self-care practices of patients with NCDs. Most patients paid more attention to self-care during this time, while some became more concerned with other aspects of their life.