Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Concerning Covid-19 Preventive Measures Among Healthcare Providers in Jordan

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Disease in Jordan: Implications for Early Detection and Eradication

Background

Gastric cancer and ulcers are responsible for almost 1 million deaths globally each year, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income populations. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major risk factor for both gastric cancer and peptic ulcers, with infection rates surpassing 70% in developing countries and reaching 88% in Jordan. Despite strong evidence linking H. pylori infection to gastric cancer, particularly with CagA-positive strains, public awareness of H. pylori infection, its transmission routes, and associated health risks remains insufficient.

Methods

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to H. pylori-induced stomach ulcers and cancer in a Jordanian population, focusing on early detection and eradication efforts. A survey was administered to 398 participants to evaluate their understanding of H. pylori and its role in gastric disease.

Results

The findings revealed that 64.3% of respondents were aware of H. pylori, with 75.9% recognizing its association with gastric ulcers. However, awareness of the transmission routes and potential complications is limited. The frequent use of antacids for symptom relief also highlights the need for better awareness of appropriate treatments.

Conclusion

Public health education targeting these knowledge gaps could help reduce the incidence of H. pylori-related complications, including gastric cancer, especially in high-prevalence areas such as Jordan. Addressing these deficits and promoting preventive strategies, such as improved hygiene and regular medical check-ups, could facilitate early detection and improve health outcomes for individuals at risk of H. pylori-induced infection.

Enhancing COVID-19 Risk Mitigation in Bisha City Primary Schools: Investigating Teacher and Administrative Staff Awareness Through a Comprehensive Survey

Background and aims This research investigates COVID-19 awareness among primary school teachers and staff in Bisha City. It aims to enhance safety protocols by examining knowledge, awareness levels, and demographic associations. Despite school reopening, concerns linger. The study promotes informed decision-making, fostering a safer school environment and contributing to the well-being of the educational community. Methods In an institutional-based cross-sectional study among primary school teachers and administrative staff in Bisha City, our research aimed to comprehensively evaluate awareness regarding specific measures for minimizing COVID-19 risks. With a sample size of 348 participants, we employed a robust methodology, including online questionnaires addressing sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge about COVID-19 risks. The data collection period spanned from March 2022 to December 2023, providing a temporal context for responses. A pilot test ensured questionnaire clarity, and efforts were made to enhance reliability and validity, incorporating validated scales and iterative adjustments based on feedback. Non-response or incomplete responses were handled transparently, with sensitivity analyses to assess potential impact. The awareness level was measured using 17 Likert scale questions, and predefined categories (poor, moderate, and good) facilitated result interpretation. Researcher influence was minimized through training and inter-rater reliability checks. Confidentiality and anonymity were rigorously maintained, adhering to ethical considerations. Statistical analyses employed frequency tables, percentages, mean, standard deviations, and the chi-square test. Dissemination included academic publications, reports to the educational directorate, and presentations at conferences. This holistic approach contributes to the robustness and societal impact of our study, offering insights into COVID-19 awareness among educators in Bisha City. Results In this study assessing awareness among teachers and administrative staff in Bisha City regarding COVID-19 risk minimization, data from 348 respondents revealed key bio-demographic characteristics. The majority demonstrated good knowledge of environmental (83%) and personal hygiene risks (84%). The chi-square test indicated no significant associations between bio-demographic factors and awareness levels. Specifically, for age groups, χ²(4, N = 348) = 5.46, p = 0.707; for gender, χ²(1, N = 348) = 1.95, p = 0.744; for educational levels, χ²(4, N = 348) = 2.13, p = 0.995; for residency, χ²(1, N = 348) = 1.11, p = 0.892; and for job types, χ²(3, N = 348) = 8.30, p = 0.404. The absence of significant associations underscores the potential universality of successful awareness campaigns, suggesting that future efforts can maintain an inclusive approach without tailoring messages. These results emphasize the importance of sustained awareness efforts across the diverse demographic spectrum of the educational community. Conclusion This study reveals robust COVID-19 awareness among primary school teachers and staff in Bisha City, with no significant demographic associations. Successful, inclusive awareness campaigns can further enhance safety measures and promote well-being in the educational community.

COVID-19 information sources, knowledge, attitude, control practices and the predictors among health workers during the pandemic in Ebonyi state, Nigeria

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed into an endemic COVID-19 disease and health workers continue to be at high risk. The situation requires continued use of COVID-19 control measures by health workers and this will likely depend on their sources of information/knowledge/attitude about COVID-19 and previous use of COVID-19 control measures. We explored the COVID-19 information sources, knowledge, attitude, control practices, and the predictors, among health workers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. We implemented an online-offline analytical cross-sectional survey from March 12 to May 9, 2022 among all categories of health workers (clinical/non-clinical, public/private) working/living in Ebonyi state who gave consent and were selected via convenience/snowballing sampling. Data was collected with a structured self-administered/interviewer-administered questionnaire via WhatsApp/KoBoCollect. Descriptive/inferential analyses were done including multivariate generalized linear models. 1276 health workers were surveyed. The commonest individual source of information about COVID-19 was health workers (used by 83.8%), followed by radio (67.9%), television (59.6%), family members/relatives/friends (57.9%) etc. The main individual source of information for majority of the participants was health workers (for 35.0%) followed by radio (24.5%), television (14.4%) etc. The most trusted individual source of information for majority of the participants was health workers (for 39.4%) followed by radio (26.0%), television (14.3%) etc. Interpersonal sources were the main/most trusted source of information for the majority (48.0%/49.8%) followed by traditional media (39.4%/40.6%) and internet/social media/SMS (12.6%/9.6%). 42.3%, 81.3%, and 43.0% respectively had good knowledge, good attitude, and good control practice about COVID-19. The most important predictors of the main/most trusted sources of information about COVID-19 were place of work (public/private), level of place of work (primary-secondary/tertiary), age, and years of working experience. Good knowledge about COVID-19, good attitude towards COVID-19, strong COVID-19 experience/perception, working at a tertiary facility, tertiary education, and decrease in years of working experience were strong predictors of good control practice about COVID-19. This study's evidence regarding the commonest/main/most trusted information sources and control practice about COVID-19 should be considered by later COVID-19/similar health emergencies' policy actions to optimise emergency health information dissemination and use of control measures by health workers in Ebonyi state/Nigeria/other similar settings.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses Regarding the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 at a Selected Regional Hospital in Namibia

Introduction

As the threat of COVID-19 continues, new evidence and knowledge of the disease is coming to light, thus it is critical to evaluate nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the control and prevention of COVID-19 infections.

Objective

The objective of the study was to assess the KAP of nurses regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19 at a selected regional hospital in Namibia.

Methods

A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was used to quantify and measure the relationships between the demographic variables and the key variables of KAP regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19. A total of 101 respondents were conveniently sampled. Data were collected online and analyzed using SPSS version 27.

Results

The mean scores were: knowledge 26.8 (83.8%), attitude 44.8 (70%), and practice 46.8 (78%). The Pearson's correlation showed that the practice score was positively correlated to the attitude score (r = 0.556, p < 0.01), while the independent samples t-test showed that gender, COVID-19 status, and nurse status had no effect on knowledge, attitude, or practices (p > 0.05). There was a significant mean difference in the attitude scores between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated nurses: t (86.251) = 2.974, p ≤ 0.05, as well as in the practice scores: t (98.956) = 1.989, p < -0.05. Multiple linear regression indicated that the regression model was statistically significant (F = 2.536, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.145).

Conclusion

The results of this study revealed that some of the nurses had inadequate KAP related to the prevention and control of COVID-19. Consequently, these nurses need more intensive training to ensure that they display a high level of knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices regarding the virus. This will both safeguard the nurses and reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Nurses' and Midwives' Awareness of the Recommended Breastfeeding Practices During the Pandemic of COVID-19 and the Associated Factors in Jordan

Introduction

The COVID-19-related restrictions imposed to reduce viral transmission have highlighted the need to support the importance of maternal breastfeeding. Clear guidelines for consistent practices across settings have been drawn up on the basis of the best available data. Emerging recommendations call to increase nurses' and midwives' awareness of these guidelines.

Objective

This study aimed to explore nurses' and midwives' awareness of the recommended breastfeeding practices and associated factors in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An online descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. This study was conducted in clinical settings representing Jordan's North, Middle, and Southern regions. One hundred seventy nurses and midwives were selected through a convenient sampling technique.

Results

The mean total score of the awareness was 7.78 (SD = 1.60); 62.9% of participants were highly aware of the recommended breastfeeding practices. Nurses and midwives who were aware of the recommended breastfeeding practices during the pandemic of COVID-19 (90.7%) were more likely to perceive COVID-19 preventive measures as effective than those who were not aware of breastfeeding practices (74.6%) (χ2  = 7.886, p = .005), while work experience in years (χ2  = 8.966, p < .01) was significantly associated with awareness of the breastfeeding recommended practices.

Conclusion

Most Jordanain nurses and midwives were highly aware of the recommended breastfeeding practices during COVID-19 pandemic. This awareness was positively associated with working experience and perceiving that the preventive measures of COVID-19 are effective. Educational programs for nurses and midwives about breastfeeding practice recommendations are necessary to help mothers obtain appropriate care and education.

Perceived Occupational Stressors and the General Health of Critical Care Nurses During COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction

The COVID-19 situation is placing nurses under great stress which may negatively influence their health.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between occupational stress and general health of critical care nurses during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 150 Jordanian critical care nurses completed the study.

Results

Occupational stress was a significant predictor of nurses' general health. Female gender, young, living with elderly or persons having chronic diseases, and little nursing experience were associated with worse general health, while living with elderly or persons having chronic diseases were associated with more occupational stress.

Conclusion

Providing psychological support services for critical care nurses is required to reduce the impact of occupational stress on nurses' poor general health.