Adoption Of Preventive Measures Research Articles

Media Literacy and Its Potential Influence on Mpox-Related Perceptions and Prevention Intentions in China During the 2022 Multi-Country Outbreak of Mpox

ABSTRACT Media literacy plays an increasingly important role in health communication during public health emergencies. The present study aimed to investigate the level of media literacy and its association with disease perceptions and behavioral intentions of receiving vaccination services among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in China during the 2022 multi-country mpox outbreak. The data were from a large-scale cross-sectional survey conducted among 2,493 YMSM aged 18–29 years in six provincial regions in China in September 2022. A total of 2,079 YMSM who had obtained mpox information from social media platforms were included in this study. Correlation analysis and path analysis were conducted. The mean age of the sample was 24.7. After controlling for background variables, significant positive correlations were found in several pairs between media literacy, mpox-related perceptions (including perceived susceptibility to mpox, perceived severity of mpox, perceived benefits of mpox vaccination, and self-efficacy of receiving mpox vaccination), and the behavioral intention of receiving mpox vaccination. The mpox-related perceptions played a significant mediation role in the association between media literacy and intention of receiving mpox vaccination (indirect effect = 0.165, p < .001, effect size = 82.1%). Media literacy is crucial for developing disease perceptions during public health emergencies and may further influence the adoption of preventive measures. As social media platforms have become the main battle field of health communication during disease outbreaks, improvement of media literacy is urgently warranted.

A Cross-sectional Study on the Awareness of Miscarriage among Students of the University of Cyberjaya

Miscarriage is generally defined as the loss of an intrauterine pregnancy before 24 completed weeks of gestation. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines miscarriage as ‘the expulsion from its mother of an embryo or fetus weighing 500 g or less, corresponding to a gestational age of up to 20 completed weeks of gestation with no signs of life’. This study serves as an initial investigation on the level of awareness of miscarriage among students of the University of Cyberjaya. It is a cross-sectional study which involves the students of University Of Cyberjaya, a set of questionnaires were distributed among themselves to determine the prevalence of the condition or knowledge in question. Overall, out of 449 respondents 73,7%; n:331 of the respondents are within the age of 20- 29 years old. The results of this study shows that four of five categories, which are the gender (female, 71%, p=0.004), age group (20-29 years old, 94.9%, p=0.002), ethnicity (Indian, 40.2%, p=0.013) and courses (MBBS, 52.1%, p=0.701) show remarkable associations with students' knowledge levels regarding miscarriage. It was also found that the respondents agreed on idea of substance abuse (57.0%, mean = 4.314) is the most common risk factor for miscarriage and the best preventative measure to overcome this problem is by controlling sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, tobacco, and alcohol consumption (56.1%, p&lt;0.001). Our research also proves that there is a significant relationship among knowledge levels, awareness of risk factors, and the adoption of preventive measures related to miscarriage among students at the University of Cyberjaya. Higher knowledge levels are associated with increased awareness of risk factors (p&lt;0.001), and both knowledge and awareness are positively correlated with the adoption of preventive measures (p&lt;0.001 respectively).

Looking Beyond the Lens of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Africa.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a lethal viral disease that has severe public health effects throughout Africa and a case fatality rate of 10%-40%. CCHF virus was first discovered in Crimea in 1944 and has since caused a substantial disease burden in Africa. The shortage of diagnostic tools, ineffective tick control efforts, slow adoption of preventive measures, and cultural hurdles to public education are among the problems associated with continued CCHF virus transmission. Progress in preventing virus spread is also hampered by the dearth of effective serodiagnostic testing for animals and absence of precise surveillance protocols. Intergovernmental coordination, creation of regional reference laboratories, multiinstitutional public education partnerships, investments in healthcare infrastructure, vaccine development, and a One Health approach are strategic methods for solving prevention challenges. Coordinated efforts and financial commitments are needed to combat Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and improve all-around readiness for newly developing infectious illnesses in Africa.

Knowledge and practices on lymphatic filariasis in patients with filarial morbidity in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil

BackgroundLymphatic filariasis (LF) is a stigmatizing and debilitating disease that represents a significant global public health challenge. Information regarding the knowledge and practices of individuals with filarial morbidities is limited, and this understanding is crucial for the implementation of effective control strategies. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and practices of individuals with filarial morbidity residing in two intervention areas of the Elimination Program in the city of Olinda, Brazil.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with residents who reported filarial morbidity in 2010, four years after the start of mass drug administration, in the intervention areas of the LF Elimination Program in the city of Olinda, Brazil. The knowledge and practices of patients with reported filarial morbidity in an endemic area were scrutinized using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect pertinent information. Data were analyzed utilizing the R language version 3.6.1.ResultsFilarial morbidity was reported in 338 patients. Dermatolymphangioadenitis emerged as the most frequently reported clinical form (50.9%). Mosquito bites were the most commonly cited form of transmission, accounting for 296 cases (87.6%). Approximately 80% (266) confirmed the adoption of prevention measures. Participants reported that the treatment involved the administration of medication. The existence of a cure for parasitosis was indicated by 212 subjects (62.7%).ConclusionsIndividuals with reported filarial morbidity exhibit varying levels of conceptions, knowledge, and practices regarding the disease, despite residing in an endemic area and receiving consistent visits from family health teams. Health services must identify shortcomings in this approach to minimize disparities, thereby enabling health education to effectively contribute to disease control and elimination in the municipality.

Impact of perinatal factors on meconium aspiration syndrome in full-term newborns and the construction of a column chart prediction model: An observational study.

To explore the influence of perinatal-related factors on meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in full-term neonates and construct a nomogram prediction model for risk stratification of neonatal MAS and adoption of preventive measures. A total of 424 newborns and their mothers who were regularly examined at our hospital between January 2020 and December 2023 who had meconium-contaminated amniotic fluid during delivery were retrospectively selected as participants. Neonates were divided into MAS and non-MAS groups based on whether MAS occurred within 3 days after birth. Data from the 2 groups were analyzed, and factors influencing MAS were screened using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The R3.4.3 software was used to construct a nomogram prediction model for neonatal MAS risk. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to evaluate the performance of the model, and its clinical effectiveness was evaluated using a decision curve. Among the 424 neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, 51 developed MAS within 3 days of birth (12.03%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a low amniotic fluid index before delivery (OR = 2.862, P = .019), advanced gestational age (OR = 0.526, P = .034), cesarean section (OR = 2.650, P = .013), severe amniotic fluid contamination (OR = 4.199, P = .002), low umbilical cord blood pH (OR = 2.938, P = .011), and low neonatal Apgar 1-min score (OR = 3.133, P = .006) were influencing factors of MAS in full-term neonates. Based on the above indicators, a nomogram prediction model for MAS risk of full-term newborns was constructed. The area under the ROC curve of the model was 0.931. The model was also tested for goodness-of-fit deviation (χ2 = 3.465, P = .903). Decision curve analysis found that the model was clinically effective in predicting the net benefit of MAS risk in neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. The construction of a column chart prediction model for neonatal MAS risk based on prenatal amniotic fluid index, gestational age, delivery method, amniotic fluid contamination level, newborn umbilical blood pH value, and Apgar 1-min score has a certain application value.

Autonomous and policy-induced behavior change during the COVID-19 pandemic: Towards understanding and modeling the interplay of behavioral adaptation.

Changes in human behaviors, such as reductions of physical contacts and the adoption of preventive measures, impact the transmission of infectious diseases considerably. Behavioral adaptations may be the result of individuals aiming to protect themselves or mere responses to public containment measures, or a combination of both. What drives autonomous and policy-induced adaptation, how they are related and change over time is insufficiently understood. Here, we develop a framework for more precise analysis of behavioral adaptation, focusing on confluence, interactions and time variance of autonomous and policy-induced adaptation. We carry out an empirical analysis of Germany during the fall of 2020 and beyond. Subsequently, we discuss how behavioral adaptation processes can be better represented in behavioral-epidemiological models. We find that our framework is useful to understand the interplay of autonomous and policy-induced adaptation as a "moving target". Our empirical analysis suggests that mobility patterns in Germany changed significantly due to both autonomous and policy-induced adaption, with potentially weaker effects over time due to decreasing risk signals, diminishing risk perceptions and an erosion of trust in the government. We find that while a number of simulation and prediction models have made great efforts to represent behavioral adaptation, the interplay of autonomous and policy-induced adaption needs to be better understood to construct convincing counterfactual scenarios for policy analysis. The insights presented here are of interest to modelers and policy makers aiming to understand and account for behaviors during a pandemic response more accurately.

Bullying against Healthcare Professionals and Coping Strategies: A Scoping Review.

Violence against healthcare professionals is an event that further burdens the daily lives of those who try every day to care for and assist those who need it most. In an attempt to overcome these events, there are coping strategies that can be used to reduce the stress caused. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the phenomenon of violence against healthcare professionals and the relationship between the bullying suffered by these professionals and the coping strategies they developed to overcome these moments. To this end, a scoping review was conducted in which eight articles were selected for final analysis from a total of 276 articles found in three electronic databases (EBSCO, PubMed, and Web of Science). This review concludes that the most common workplace bullying behaviours include excessive workloads, humiliation and ridicule, impossible deadlines, and verbal attacks. Professionals reported negative impacts, such as helplessness, depression, stress, insomnia, and the desire to change jobs. Victims of workplace bullying often expressed their intention to leave their current job or even abandon the profession. Problem-focused coping strategies are the most used. The studies indicated that workplace bullying negatively affects professionals in physical and mental terms, as well as in terms of quality of life at work, requiring more research and adoption of preventive measures to identify and combat the problem.

Dyslipidemia: the association between risk and protective fac-tors in adolescence

Objective: Assessing risk and protective factors associated with dyslipidemia in adolescents. Materials and Methods: The study population comprised 77.833 schoolchildren of Montes Claros Country - MG, whereas the final sample comprised 635 adolescents (10 to 16 years old). Socio-demographic, biological, behavioral and family history variables were herein analyzed. Metabolic parameters encompassed total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein choles-terol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Results: The female sex (p-0.008) and the age groups 10-11 / 12-13 years (p-0.008 and p-0.035) presented changes related to mixed hyperlipidemia. Overweight was associated with changes in TG (p-0.000) and with low HDL-c (p-0.000). Family history of dyslipidemia showed association (p-0.016) with undesirable LDL-c. However, sexual maturation was associated as protective factor with the development of hyper-triglyceridemia (p-0.001), and with-low HDL-c in the female sex. Conclusion: The identification of frequencies and factors presented in the current research is a potential tool to help subsidizing the elaboration and implementation of public policies addressing the adoption of preventive measures and health promotion in adolescence.

Inhibition of personal protective action against heat by gender stereotypes: A Japanese survey conducted in the summer of 2023

Exposure to extreme heat significantly affects human health and often causes death. Public health agencies encourage people to take preventive action against heat illness. Research on risk reduction behavior reveals that perceived effectiveness, self-efficacy, and risk perception motivate people to implement measures against various risks. This study empirically examines how gender stereotyping affects the use of umbrellas. Accordingly, Tokyo residents (N = 658) were surveyed on September 27 and 28, 2023, regarding their frequency of use of protective materials against heat during the summer of 2023. Results revealed that the survey participants associated the use of umbrellas more with women than with men. Hence, gender stereotype reduced the participants' use of umbrellas regardless of their gender. Self-efficacy had a stronger effect on umbrella use than any other explanatory variable. This study did not find evidence that perceived effectiveness, cost, and effort determine umbrella use. The findings imply that while creating messages to promote the adoption of preventive measures against extreme heat, they should consider how stereotypes affect people's willingness to adopt certain measures.

Актуальные вопросы применения антимонопольного комплаенса в сфере недропользования

The market economy, which gives a certain freedom for entrepreneurial activity, at the same time dictates compliance with the established rules of competition, which are fraught with the risk of competition restrictions associated with antimonopoly violations, first of all, we are talking about the monopolization of the market, the creation of discriminatory conditions, etc. in the field of subsoil use. Antimonopoly risks mostly arise due to subjective reasons (human factor), less often under the influence of external factors (emergency situations). The adoption of preventive measures in the activities of companies is an effective measure in the control, regulation, and elimination of risks. Such an institution of preventive measures is the antimonopoly compliance system. The purpose of the study is to develop proposals for the application of antimonopoly compliance procedures in the field of subsoil use. The authors analyzed the regulatory legal acts in the field of antimonopoly legislation and the practice of their application, concluded that it is advisable to apply compliance procedures in the field of subsoil use.

Factors associated with diabetes knowledge, attitudes and practices among people aged 18 and over in the commune of Niakhene in Senegal.

More than 422 million people worldwide have diabetes in 2016, and 1.6 million deaths are attributed to diabetes each year. Knowledge of preventive measures would enable the adjustment of preventive policies. Hence this study on knowledge and practices in rural Senegal. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical survey of subjects aged at least 18 and living in the commune of Niakhene, carried out in October 2020. A systematic random sample, stratified by sex and age group, was used. The questionnaire was based on the STEPS 2015 tool and a review of the literature. In addition to personal characteristics, the questionnaire was used to measure knowledge of symptoms, complications, risk factors, attitude to the disease and screening practices. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed using R 4.0.2 software. A total of 300 subjects were surveyed. The average age was 35.3 years (+/-16.9), and 52.3% were women. Knowledge (62.7%) was associated with higher education (ORaj2.46{1.16-3.44}), awareness by healthcare staff (ORaj2.88{1.60-5.34}), and a family history of diabetes (ORaj3.09{1.06-11.3}). The positive attitude (53%) was associated with male sex (ORaj1.98{2.07-7.52}), awareness via audio-visual information sources (ORaj3.87{2.07-7.52}), community awareness (ORaj 3.87{2.07-7.52}), existence of a family history of hypertension and knowledge of diabetes (ORaj3.34{2.5-7.69}). Screening was carried out in 34.3% of patients. The associated risk factors were male sex (ORaj 1.95{1.12-3.34}), higher education (ORaj2.49{1.12-559}) and positive attitudes to diabetes (ORaj1.83{1.04-3.26}). One of the most effective interventions against this disease is the adoption of preventive measures which involve early detection and strengthening communication for more effective prevention.

Effects of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Work Readiness of Undergraduate Nursing Students in China: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Newly graduated nurses with strong work readiness are more likely to smoothly transition from school to clinical settings. However, even before the pandemic, this transition from nursing graduate to clinical nurse was often challenging. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of the initial wave of COVID-19 on the work readiness of nursing students. A convergent mixed-method design was employed. For the quantitative study, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 graduating nursing students from four Chinese public higher education institutions. The questionnaire comprises three parts: socio-demographic information, the Chinese version of the Work Readiness Scale for Graduate Nurse, and a questionnaire on the socio-behavioral impact of COVID-19 on the general population. In the qualitative study, a semi-structured interview was carried out with 8 students who took part in the survey. The results from both parts were integrated using the "Pillar Integration Process". The study identified six key pillars: "Graduating nursing students possess fundamental knowledge, skills, and a preparedness in terms of attitude and psychology"; "Specialist knowledge and skills and soft skills for transition from nursing students to clinical nurses need to be strengthened"; "The most obvious impact of COVID-19 on nursing students are the adoption of preventive measures and the limitations in study and daily life due to household confinement"; "Growth in both personal and professional awareness"; "Negative effects of fear and anxiety"; and "Negative effects of household confinement". Graduating nursing students require additional preparation in specialized nursing knowledge, skills, and soft skills to make a successful transition from students to clinical nurses. It is important to acknowledge that the impact of COVID-19 on students' work readiness has both positive and negative aspects. Therefore, whether during the pandemic or post-graduation, these students will benefit from increased support from universities and hospitals.

Spatial disparities in risk management in China: application of the theory of planned behavior

The application of risk management strategies is a common approach in emergency response scenarios. However, scant knowledge exists regarding its utilization in the specific context of an outbreak, both theoretically and practically. This study delves into the realm of risk management during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on four key measurements: risk avoidance (RA), risk reduction (RD), risk transfer (RT), and risk retention (RR). Using 800 valid responses collected from 31 provinces across China between August 1 and September 30, 2020, this study investigates spatial disparities in individuals’ intentions towards risk management. To achieve this, an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behavior (E-TPB) is applied. The Structural Equation Model’s path analyses revealed several findings: (1) discernible spatial disparities in RR, RA, and RD intentions between large and small cities; (2) RD and RR intentions were significantly associated with attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and risk perception; (3) RA and RT intentions were significantly associated with attitude and risk perception; (4) risk perception exihibiting both direct and indirect effects on RA and RR intentions. This study contributs to the urban studies literature by extending the theoretical framework of risk management in the context of COVID-19. It enhances the measurement tools employed in the TPB model and scrutinizes spatial disparities in the adoption of preventative measures against COVID-19. The findings underscore the importance for local policymakers to consider geographical differences when formulating effective strategies for COVID-19 prevention.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Towards COVID-19 Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Rural Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveTo identify knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 among pregnant and postpartum women in rural Bangladesh, and to assess any association with antenatal care attendance (ANC).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Northern Bangladesh’s Sherpur district with a sample of pregnant and post-partum women enrolled in ‘Poriborton’, a community-based cluster Randomised Controlled Trial. Knowledge, attitude, and practices toward COVID-19, and any association with antenatal care practices were assessed through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Composite measures for knowledge, attitude, and practices of COVID-19 were generated. Specific knowledge on COVID-19 and the association of antenatal care were presented as descriptive statistics. An adjusted odds ratio was used to examine the association between categorical variables.ResultsOut of 4835 women, 34.0% correctly identified five or more COVID-19 symptoms, 31.8% knew three or more modes of coronavirus transmission, and 57.0% knew five or more preventive measures. Most (90.1%) had a “more positive attitude to testing” and 65.1% reported adequate practice of preventive measures. Women with adequate knowledge of COVID-19 were more likely to report both a positive attitude to testing (OR:2.96; 95% CI: 1.38–6.37) and adopt adequate practices of preventive measures (OR: 4.30;95% CI: 2.90–6.36). Education and being employed influenced KAP related to COVID-19. Only 14.9% were satisfied with their knowledge of COVID-19. Television was the main source of COVID-19-related specific information.ConclusionsWe found that improved knowledge was associated with positive attitudes and behaviours that lead to the adoption of preventive measures. There was no association with ANC practices as attendance was very low in this region. The findings could be utilised to develop communication strategies for future public health emergencies in similar settings.

What are the Strategies for Controlling Hydatid Cysts in Developing Countries?

Hydatid cysts (HC), caused by the tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus, pose a significant public health challenge in many developing countries. These cysts primarily affect livestock, such as sheep, cattle, and goats, but can also infect humans, the two most important forms in humans are cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) and alveolar echinococcosis, leading to serious health complications. Control measures for HC are crucial to lessen the impact on both human and animal health. This editorial explores the possible strategies for controlling HC in developing countries, focusing on prevention, surveillance, treatment, and community education [1,2]. Preventing HC in developing countries may require a multifaceted approach. One crucial aspect is controlling the transmission of Echinococcus eggs from infected animals to humans. This involves implementing measures such as deworming programs for livestock, proper disposal of infected animal carcasses, and promoting good hygiene practices among livestock handlers and population Furthermore, community education plays a vital role in preventing HC. Educating individuals about the risks associated with handling infected animals, the importance of proper hand hygiene, and the benefits of cooking meat thoroughly can help reduce the transmission of the parasite [2]. Effective surveillance is essential for monitoring the prevalence of HC and identifying high-risk areas in developing countries. Surveillance systems should involve regular screening of both livestock and humans for Echinococcus infection. This can be achieved through the use of diagnostic tests such as serological assays and imaging techniques like ultrasound. Additionally, active surveillance programs can help detect outbreaks early and facilitate timely intervention measures. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, healthcare providers, and veterinary professionals are crucial for establishing robust surveillance systems in resource-limited settings [3, 4]. Treating HC in developing countries often presents challenges due to limited access to healthcare resources and diagnostic tools. However, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications such as cyst rupture and dissemination. Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment option for HC, involving the removal of the cysts and surrounding tissue. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques such as puncture–aspiration–injection–re-aspiration (PAIR) may be used as an alternative to surgery, particularly in resource-limited settings. In addition to medical treatment, access to safe and effective anthelmintic drugs is crucial for controlling HC. Ensuring the availability of these medications and training healthcare providers in their appropriate use are essential components of treatment strategies in developing countries [5,6]. Educating communities about HC, their transmission, and prevention measures might play a significant role in sustainable control efforts. This can be achieved through various educational initiatives, including workshops, community outreach programs, and the distribution of educational materials. Furthermore, engaging with local community leaders and healthcare providers can facilitate the adoption of preventive measures within communities. Emphasizing the importance of early detection, timely treatment, and proper hygiene practices can empower individuals to take proactive steps in protecting themselves and their livestock from HC. In conclusion, controlling HC in developing countries requires a comprehensive approach that addresses prevention, surveillance, treatment, and community education. By implementing targeted interventions and fostering collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, community stakeholders, and the scientific community However, extensive research and investigations in this regard are highly recommended.

Venomous snakebites: Exploring social barriers and opportunities for the adoption of prevention measures

AbstractNegative interactions between humans and venomous snakes are increasing, with the World Health Organization committed to halving snakebite deaths and disabilities by 2030. Evidence‐based strategies are thus urgently required to reduce snakebite events in high‐risk areas, while promoting snake conservation. Understanding the factors that drive the adoption of snakebite prevention measures is critical for the effective implementation of snakebite management strategies. We conducted in‐person questionnaires (n = 535 respondents) with rural agricultural communities within the Thiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu, India, a national snakebite hotspot. Using a health belief model framework, we explored current snakebite prevention measures and factors impacting their adoption. The majority of respondents reported using multiple snakebite prevention measures. Perceived self‐efficacy and perceived risk frequency of snakebites were important overall predictors of future adoption, whereas education, gender, relative wealth, and current adoption were important for specific measures. Achieving international commitments to support human–snake coexistence will require collective and collaborative action (e.g., governments, donor agencies, civil society organizations, researchers, and communities) underpinned by behavioural insights and context‐specific solutions.

Factors Associated with Utilization of COVID-19 Preventive Measures by Patients Attending Private Healthcare Facilities in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Understanding disease risk is important for prevention. Identifying high-risk COVID-19 patients helps healthcare professionals implement precautions. This study examined factors related to COVID-19 prevention in patients at private healthcare facilities in Southwest Nigeria, during the early stages of the pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in two hospitals using multi-stage sampling. 400 respondents were selected two out of 78 private healthcare facilities in in Southwest Nigeria. Trained interviewers administered a questionnaire to collect information on risk profile, symptoms, perception of COVID-19 risk, and preventive practices. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The average age of participants was 27.83 + 10.46 years. 52.8% of respondents were female. 70.5% were single, 75.8% belonged to the Yoruba ethnic group, and 72% identified as Christians. None had a history of international travel or contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days, but 12.75% had been in contact with suspected cases. 47% reported having a fever. The majority had a low risk score for COVID-19. Most did not smoke (98.5%), consume alcohol (83.75%), or visit club houses (85.75%). Only 9.5% underwent COVID-19 testing, and 16.0% of those tested were positive. The main reason for test refusal was a lack of perception of susceptibility to COVID-19. Adherence to preventive practices was poor in all investigated circumstances. Conclusion: Patients presenting in hospitals during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic had a low risk of COVID-19. However, their poor compliance with preventive protocols and low testing uptake make them a potential source of transmission. Strategies to promote adoption of preventive measures are needed, especially among patients at private healthcare facilities.

Heterogeneity in the Adoption of COVID-19 Preventive Measures Among Adults in Ethiopia: A Cluster Analysis Approach

This study investigates the extent of heterogeneity in the adoption of preventive measures among adult individuals in Ethiopia. Utilizing a nationally representative cross-sectional survey conducted by the World Health Organization in 2021, encompassing 895 participants, we explore the varying patterns of preventive measure adoption. Hierarchical cluster analysis is employed to discern potential subgroups within the respondents based on their adoption of preventive measures. Subsequently, logistic regression analysis is applied to ascertain the factors associated with the identified group divisions. We identify two distinct groups characterized by their responses to nine preventive measures. Group 1 comprises the majority of respondents (87%) who exhibit lower frequencies of adopting preventive measures. In contrast, Group 2 consists of 13% of respondents who demonstrate a higher frequency of adopting preventive measures. The amalgamation of cluster analysis and logistic regression outcomes yields insightful implications for the profile of preventive measure adoption. Our logistic regression analysis delves into the determinants influencing membership in the identified subgroups. Notably, it uncovers that individuals with a higher educational attainment exhibit a 2.33-fold greater likelihood of belonging to Group 1, signifying their relatively lesser adoption of preventive measures. In conclusion, this study not only sheds light on the heterogeneity within the adoption of preventive measures among Ethiopian adults but also underscores the influence of education on the propensity to adopt such measures. The findings contribute to better understanding of the dynamics surrounding public health behavior in the context of a pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19, Cluster analysis, Ethiopia, Heterogeneity, Logistic regression, Preventive measures.

AGREEMENTS ON TRANSBOUNDARY WATER BODIES: STATE AND PROSPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT

The article deals with the regulation of transboundary water bodies on the basis of multilateral and bilateral agreements of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the countries of Central Asia, the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. The main purpose of the study is to analyze the existing international agreements regulating the issues of joint use of transboundary water bodies and to develop proposals to address issues related to insufficient volume of incoming water. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the destruction of the unified system of regulation of the water industry, surface waters ceased to be considered internal water bodies, and acquired a transboundary character requiring comprehensive international legal regulation. Particular attention to transboundary water bodies is due to the high dependence of Kazakhstan on neighboring countries forming more than 40 km3 out of 100 km3 of the total long-term flow of rivers and temporary watercourses. Of the existing 8 water management basins of the country, only the Nura-Sarysu basin does not have transboundary water bodies. A decrease in the volume of water can have a negative impact on industrial production, utilities and agriculture of the country. The adoption of preventive measures and the conclusion of transparent agreements with neighboring countries will avoid catastrophic consequences for the country's economy and human life. In this regard, the authorized state bodies represented by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, need to actively use dialogue platforms within the framework of regional organizations and signed agreements to build the potential of relations between neighboring countries to address issues of equal water allocation. The comparative legal method was used as the main research method, which allowed analyzing the existing interstate agreements. The results of the study indicate a large amount of work done between neighboring countries, however, modern global challenges encourage countries to defend a tougher position that meets national interests, which in turn is not always beneficial for downstream countries.

Superbugs: An invicible threat in post antibiotic era

BackgroundSuperbug resistance is a very rare, invincible global problem arising as a threat in hospitals as well as in the community. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA), Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) and Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) etc are the most deadly contagious strains. This study discloses the prevalence and risk factors associated with superbugs there by aiding the adoption of preventive measures to reduce resistance patterns in hospital settings. AimIdentification of the superbug that predominantly shows antibiotic resistance in hospitals and analyzing the risk factors for the occurrence of antibiotic resistance. Materials and methodsA prospective observational study was conducted for one year, from 1st September 2019 to 31st July 2020 to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of antibiotic-resistant superbugs among the 80 patients selected from the various departments (General Medicine, General Surgery, Nephrology, Pulmonology,Orthopedics, orthopaedicsurgery,Neurology, Urology,and Neurosurgery) of a tertiary care referral hospital. ResultsMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were antibiotic-resistant superbugs that predominantly showed resistance in hospital settings. ConclusionPseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-resistant superbugs were the predominantly found superbugs in hospital settings. Major risk factors for antibiotic-resistant superbugs were found to be Prolonged hospitalization, previous antibiotic therapy, failure to take the antibiotic as prescribed by physicians, patient co-morbid conditions, prophylactic use of antibiotics, patient diet etc.