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Mbonigaba E, Yu F, Reñosa MDC, Cho FN, Chen Q, Denkinger CM, A McMahon S, Chen S. Knowledge and trust of mothers regarding childhood vaccination in Rwanda. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1067. [PMID: 38632541 PMCID: PMC11022416 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18547-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Knowledge and trust are some of the contributing factors to vaccine acceptance(VA) and Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is one of the top threats to global health. A significant drop in childhood vaccination has been observed in recent years. One important reason that influences mothers' choice to either postpone or avoid children's vaccinations is knowledge and trust in childhood vaccines. This study aimed to assess mothers' knowledge and trust on vaccination of their children, and to examine the association between vaccination knowledge and selected socio-demographic factors. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2022 to March 2022 to assess the knowledge and trust of mothers regarding childhood vaccination. Data was collected with self-administered questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to assess factors associated with childhood vaccine knowledge and trust. RESULTS Of the 2,126 Rwandan parents who participated in the study, the proportions with good knowledge of - and good trust in childhood vaccination were 95.5% and 91.4%, respectively. The popular sources of information about childhood vaccination were health care professionals (91.8%) and mass media (28.9%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that good knowledge of - and trust in childhood vaccination were associated with the relationship with child(ren), education, occupation, and monthly income. The Multinomial logistic regression also revealed that the determinants of good knowledge of - and trust in childhood vaccination were; caregiver (p = 4.0 × 10-4, adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR); 1.7, 95%C.I; 1.3 - 2.3), no formal educational status (p = 3.3 × 10-2, aOR; 1.7, 95%C.I; 1.0 - 3.0), the unemployed occupational status (p = 2.4 × 10-2, aOR; 1.2, 95%C.I; 1.0 - 1.4), and persons on more than $401 per month (p = 2.0 × 10-4, aOR; 3.5, 95%C.I; 1.8 - 6.8). CONCLUSION The majority of parents in Rwanda had both good knowledge of-and good trust regarding childhood vaccination. Public health strategies to promote vaccination, education programmes as well as improved communication tools between health care professionals/traditional leaders/religious leaders and parents need to be considered to achieve favourable vaccination attitudes and practices for all parents in Rwanda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Mbonigaba
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public, Health- University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Fengyun Yu
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Donald C Reñosa
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Frederick Nchang Cho
- , Buea, Cameroon
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Qiushi Chen
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, The Harold and Inge Marcus, The Pennsylvania State University, University ParkHarrisburg, PA, USA
| | - Claudia M Denkinger
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shannon A McMahon
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simiao Chen
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Peking, China
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Watts T, Brugger SO. The intersection between climate change, COVID-19, and future pandemics - Perspectives among American transportation network drivers. JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT & HEALTH 2023; 30:101582. [PMID: 36778535 PMCID: PMC9894764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2023.101582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Drivers of Transportation Network Companies (TNC) are an essential workforce that is affected by extreme weather events and high exposure risk to airborne infectious diseases due to their proximity with customers. The purpose of this study was to understand TNC drivers' professional experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and their opinions about climate change and the development of future pandemics. Methods Open- and closed-ended responses were collected during TNC rides and analyzed with content analysis and descriptive statistics. Results We found more participants believed in the COVID-19 pandemic compared to participants who believed in climate change. Overall, participants were less concerned about COVID-19 than climate change. However, several participants felt that the pandemic had a positive impact on the climate system, specifically by reducing air pollution from traffic. Few participants felt that climate change could lead to the development of future pandemics. Conclusions The TNC essential workforce could be integral for identifying transportation and public health sectors solutions for addressing the occupational health needs of an essential workforce, and response to climate change and pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Watts
- Orvis School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Sandra O Brugger
- Division of Hydrologic Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV, USA
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Mixter PF, Kleinschmit AJ, Lal A, Vanniasinkam T, Condry DLJ, Taylor RT, Justement LB, Pandey S. Immune Literacy: a Call to Action for a System-Level Change. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION 2023; 24:00203-22. [PMID: 37089234 PMCID: PMC10117064 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00203-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune literacy-the ability to hear, learn, read, write, explain, and discuss immunological content with varied audiences-has become critically important in recent years. Yet, with its complex terminology and discipline-specific concepts, educating individuals about the immune system and its role in health and disease may seem daunting. Here, we reflect on how to demystify the discipline and increase its accessibility for a broader audience. To address this, a working group of immunology educators from diverse institutions associated with the research coordination network, ImmunoReach, convened virtually. As a result of these discussions, we request a call to action for a system-level change and present a set of practical recommendations that novice and experienced educators from diverse institutions, professional societies, and policymakers may adopt to foster immune literacy in their classrooms and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F. Mixter
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Adam J. Kleinschmit
- Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa, USA
| | - Archana Lal
- Department of Biology, Labette Community College, Parsons, Kansas, USA
| | - Thiru Vanniasinkam
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Danielle L. J. Condry
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Rebekah T. Taylor
- Department of Biology, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Louis B. Justement
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Alabama–Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sumali Pandey
- Department of Biosciences, Minnesota State University–Moorhead, Moorhead, Minnesota, USA
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Welter VDE, Emmerichs-Knapp L, Krell M. Are We on the Way to Successfully Educating Future Citizens?-A Spotlight on Critical Thinking Skills and Beliefs about the Nature of Science among Pre-Service Biology Teachers in Germany. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13030279. [PMID: 36975304 PMCID: PMC10045104 DOI: 10.3390/bs13030279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A rapidly changing world and constantly expanding knowledge requires education to no longer focus on teaching subject-matter knowledge but also to promote students' critical thinking (CT) and an accurate understanding of the nature of science (NOS). However, several studies have shown that these skills are still poorly acquired during formal education. Given the cause-effect sequence from teacher education to teacher action to student learning, it seems reasonable to consider individual factors on the part of (pre-service) teachers as possible contributors to such skill gaps. In our study, we therefore investigated how pre-service biology teachers perform on tasks assessing their CT skills and NOS beliefs. In addition, we addressed the questions of whether test performance and/or the relationships between CT skills and NOS beliefs differ as a function of the number of learning opportunities. Our results show that our participants' CT skills were only in the low-average range. Moreover, 86% of them did not have an informed understanding of NOS. Although participants in the master's program demonstrated clearly superior CT skills than those in the bachelor's program, no such difference was found in terms of NOS beliefs. However, there was a consistent advantage for pre-service teachers who were aspiring to a teaching qualification in two (as opposed to only one) scientific subjects. Our findings provide useful implications, particularly with respect to the influence of learning opportunities in university teacher education and the effectiveness of CT- and NOS-based instructional settings. On a more prospective note, our findings underscore that, given the grand global tasks of the 21st century, it seems more important than ever to ensure that pre-service science teachers have sufficient expertise in CT and NOS in order to increase the likelihood that these teachers will be able to successfully help their future students develop these skills.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Moritz Krell
- IPN-Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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Szwarcwald CL, Boccolini CS, da Silva de Almeida W, Soares Filho AM, Malta DC. COVID-19 mortality in Brazil, 2020-21: consequences of the pandemic inadequate management. Arch Public Health 2022; 80:255. [PMID: 36536434 PMCID: PMC9762984 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-022-01012-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic brought countless challenges to public health and highlighted the Brazilian health system vulnerabilities in facing the emergency. In this article, we analyze data on COVID-19-related deaths in 2020-21 to show the epidemic consequences in Brazil. METHODS The Mortality Information System and the Live Birth Information System were the primary information sources. We used population estimates in 2020-21 to calculate COVID-19 specific mortality rates by age, sex, and educational level. Considering the total number of COVID-19 deaths in 2020-21, the COVID-19 proportional mortality (%) was estimated for each age group and sex. A graph of the daily number of deaths from January 2020 to December 2021 by sex was elaborated to show the temporal evolution of COVID-19 deaths in Brazil. In addition, four indicators related to COVID-19 mortality were estimated: infant mortality rate (IMR); maternal mortality ratio (MMR); number and rate of orphans due to mother's COVID-19 death; the average number of years lost. RESULTS The overall COVID-19 mortality rate was 14.8 (/10,000). The mortality rates increase with age and show a decreasing gradient with higher schooling. The rate among illiterate people was 38.8/10,000, three times higher than a college education. Male mortality was 31% higher than female mortality. COVID-19 deaths represented 19.1% of all deaths, with the highest proportions in the age group of 40-59 years. The average number of years lost due to COVID-19 was 19 years. The MMR due to COVID-19 was 35.7 per 100,000 live births (LB), representing 37.4% of the overall MMR. Regarding the number of orphans due to COVID-19, we estimated that 40,830 children under 18 lost their mothers during the epidemic, with an orphans' rate of 7.5/10,000 children aged 0-17 years. The IMR was 11.7 per 1000 LB, with 0.2 caused by COVID-19. The peak of COVID-19 deaths occurred in March 2021, reaching almost 4000 COVID-19 deaths per day, higher than the average number of deaths per day from all causes in 2019. CONCLUSIONS The delay in adopting public health measures necessary to control the epidemic has exacerbated the spread of the disease, resulting in several avoidable deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Landmann Szwarcwald
- grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Siqueira Boccolini
- grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanessa da Silva de Almeida
- grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adauto Martins Soares Filho
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Deborah Carvalho Malta
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888School of Nursing, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
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Knowledge of Human Monkeypox and Its Relation to Conspiracy Beliefs among Students in Jordanian Health Schools: Filling the Knowledge Gap on Emerging Zoonotic Viruses. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58070924. [PMID: 35888642 PMCID: PMC9317638 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective: The recent multi-country outbreak of human monkeypox (HMPX) in non-endemic regions poses an emerging public health concern. University students in health schools/faculties represent a core knowledgeable group that can be helpful to study from a public health point of view. As future healthcare workers, assessment of their knowledge and attitude towards emerging zoonotic viral infections can be helpful to assess their taught material and courses with potential improvement if gaps in knowledge were identified. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the level of HMPX knowledge, conspiracy beliefs regarding emerging virus infections, as well as their associated determinants among university students studying Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Rehabilitation in Jordanian health schools/faculties. In addition, we sought to evaluate the correlation between HMPX knowledge and the extent of holding conspiracy beliefs regarding emerging viral infection. Materials and Methods: A convenient sample of university students was obtained through an electronic survey distributed in late May 2022 using the chain-referral approach. Assessment of HMPX knowledge and general attitude towards emerging virus infections was based on survey items adopted from previously published literature. Results: The study sample comprised 615 students with a mean age of 20 years and a majority of females (432, 70.2%) and medical students (n = 351, 57.1%). Out of eleven monkeypox knowledge items, three were identified correctly by >70% of the respondents. Only 26.2% of the respondents (n = 161) knew that vaccination to prevent monkeypox is available. Age was significantly associated with better HMPX knowledge for a majority of items. Older age, females, and affiliation to non-medical schools/faculties were associated with harboring higher levels of conspiracy beliefs regarding emerging virus infections. Our data also indicate that lower levels of HMPX knowledge were associated with higher levels of conspiracy beliefs. Conclusion: The current study pointed to generally unsatisfactory levels of knowledge regarding the emerging HMPX among university students in Jordanian health schools/faculties. Conspiracy beliefs regarding emerging virus infections were widely prevalent, and its potential detrimental impact on health behavior should be evaluated in future studies.
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