Attitude Of Health Care Workers Research Articles

HEALTHCARE WORKERS PERCEPTIONS REGARDING ANTIBIOTIC USE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN LEBANON: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, empirical antibiotics prescription has increased globally in patients with COVID-19 for suspected or confirmed bacterial infection. Hence, concerns have been raised about potential rise in antibiotic resistance that will create further challenges for antimicrobial stewardship. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess healthcare workers attitudes and practices regarding antibiotics prescription during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon. The survey was distributed online using GOOGLE forms and included questions addressing socio-demographic characteristics, trainings in antibiotics use and healthcare workers attitudes and practices regarding antibiotics prescription during the pandemic. In total, 399 healthcare workers responded to the survey. Less than half of them had already participated in antibiotic prescription trainings before or during the pandemic. However, only 11% participated, mostly nurses, in antibiotic stewardship program. Azithromycin was the most prescribed antibiotic with Vitamin C and Zinc used as second line treatments in COVID-19 patients. In addition, nearly two-third of the participants reported an increase in antibiotic use during the early phase of the pandemic and considered that COVID-19 patients are receiving unnecessary antibiotics. This study showed excessive antibiotics prescription during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon that needs to be tackled by raising awareness of antimicrobial stewardship and control measures.

Drone Usage for Medicine and Vaccine Delivery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Attitude of Health Care Workers in Rural Medical Centres

Rural areas are often difficult to access reliably with medicine and vaccines. This study aimed to examine rural health care workers’ attitude towards drone delivery for medicine and vaccines and the factors that influenced it. Health care workers from four rural health care facilities were sampled. Participants self-reported their demographic information, attitude towards medicine and vaccine delivery using drones, perception of benefits and risks of using drones, and perceived leadership innovativeness through an online or a pen-and-paper questionnaire. A total of 272 health care workers (mean age = 36.19, SD = 8.10) from all of the sites participated in this study. More than half of the study participants agreed or strongly agreed that using a drone to deliver medicine and vaccines is a good idea (54.2%, 95% CI [47.5, 60.8]), a wise idea (54.6%, 95% CI [47.9, 61.2]), and is desirable (52.5%, 95% CI [45.7, 59.0]). Males (β = 0.223), workers from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department (β = 0.135), a lower perceived delivery risk (β = −0.237), and higher leadership innovativeness (β = 0.336) predicted positive attitudes towards drone usage. Assistant medical officers (β = −0.172) had a negative attitude. There is a need to further understand the roles of occupation and leadership innovativeness in predicting health care workers’ attitude towards drone usage, as these differences could be embedded within their roles in the health care system.

Non-compliance Among the Patients Taking Anti- Tubercular Drugs in a Teaching Hospital

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major, worldwide, public-health problem in the 21st century. Patient non-compliance is a major barrier to the control of TB, treatment of individual patients and in the development of drug resistance. The reasons for poor compliance are complex, ranging from characteristics of individual patients to qualities of social economic environment of the patient and the health service. Methods: An observational, cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Medicine in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka during the six months period. Results: The average age group of compliance patients is between 46-55 years and between 26-45 among the defaulter group. The gender, marital and employment status were not significantly associated with compliance. Furthermore the study also show that the majority (35%) of compliance group reside at distances less than 5 km. from the TB centre while the majority from the defaulters (92%) resided over 15 km. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed the barriers to TB treatment include: disbelief in the fact that TB can result in death if not treated, belief in traditional medicine for curing TB, bad healthcare worker attitudes, long distance to the clinic for treatment, belief that TB treatment takes very long and the pill burden. Conclusion: Knowledge, patient-provider communications, social support and accessibility might have played significant roles in the low completion rate of TB treatment. Planned interventions targeted at these factors should be implemented with their effects carefully monitored to improve current TB control in Bangladesh. Bangladesh J Medicine 2022; 33: 168-175

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs of Pediatric Health Care Workers: Understanding the Response to COVID-19.

IntroductionThis research aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of PHCW regarding COVID-19.MethodData collected using an electronic survey sent to pediatric health care workers.ResultsAge was not likely to influence willingness to care for patients with COVID-19. Males were more likely to be willing to care for patients than female. Nurse practitioners were more likely to be willing to care for patients with COVID-19 than physicians. Availability of proper personal protective equipment, COVID-19 knowledge, and training did not influence willingness to care for COVID-19 patients. Healthcare workers with a higher risk of COVID-19-related sickness, and who received most of their COVID-19 information from social media, were less likely to be willing to care for COVID positive patients. As perception of hospital preparedness increased, reluctance to care for COVID-19 positive patients decreased.DiscussionHospital preparedness and social media exposure play a significant role in willingness to care for patients with COVID-19.

Biomedical waste management practices and associated factors among health care workers in the era of the covid-19 pandemic at metropolitan city private hospitals, Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2020.

BackgroundBiomedical waste management is an important precondition to safeguard the healthcare workers and community members, as well as the environment, from being contaminated with infectious substances. However, biomedical waste management practices during the pandemic era of COVID-19 were unknown.ObjectiveThis study was aimed to assess biomedical waste management practices and associated factors among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic era at metropolitan city private hospitals, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at metropolitan city private hospitals in Amhara Region. Simple random sampling was used to select 431 study participants. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and observational checklists. The data were cleaned, coded, and entered into the Epi-data version 4.6, and then exported to SPSS version 20. for analysis. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered as significant factors in multivariable logistic regression analysis and AOR with a 95% confidence level was used to measure the strength of association.ResultsThe proportion of health care workers who had good practices in biomedical waste management was 49.4%. Participants who had MSc education level, [AOR = 4.20, 95% CI (1.01, 17.40)], Bachelor degree [AOR = 3.52, 95% CI (2.13, 5.82)], got training on biomedical waste management [AOR = 4.33, 95% CI (2.71, 6.93)], access to color-coded three bins in their working department [AOR = 6.24.95% CI (3.84, 10.13)] and those who had good attitude (AOR = 2.64, 95% CI (1.65, 4.22), were significantly associated with biomedical waste management practices in private hospitals.ConclusionThe practice of biomedical waste management in the study area was low. Level of education, taking training on biomedical waste management, availability of color-coded three bins, and attitude of health care workers were significantly associated with biomedical waste management practices. Hence, in-service training is recommended to improve biomedical waste management practices.

Attitude of Health Care Workers and Medical Students towards Vaccination against COVID-19.

The role of medical personnel in promoting vaccination and pro-health attitudes seems to be of key importance for protection against COVID-19. The aim of the study was to assess the attitudes of health care workers and students of medical faculties towards preventive vaccinations against COVID-19. A cross-sectional online self-administered survey was conducted among 497 people. The questions concerned attitudes towards vaccination as well as concerns about the side effects of the vaccine and contracting COVID-19. A positive attitude to vaccination was observed in 82% of the respondents. More than 54% respondents were concerned about side effects after COVID-19 vaccination. Medical students under 26 years had a more positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination, twice as high as among health care workers OR (95%Cl): 2.20 (1.03–4.66) vs. 4.06 (2.54–6.48), respectively. Students were more concerned than nurses about adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccine 3.8 (3.2–4.1) vs. 3.0 (2.7–3.5) and contracting the virus (1.7 (1.2–2.5) vs. 1.2 (1.0–2.0). Medical students had a more positive attitude toward vaccination than nursing students 4.2 (3.9–4.3) vs. 3.7 (3.3–4.3). In conclusion, predictors of positive attitudes toward vaccination were medical student status and young age.

Empathy as a Factor Conditioning Attitudes towards the Elderly among Physiotherapists-Results from Poland.

Attitudes of healthcare workers towards the elderly significantly affect the quality of care dedicated to this group of patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the approach of Polish physiotherapists to the elderly and to analyze the factors influencing these attitudes. The study was based on a cross-sectional Internet-based survey that was conducted in the period from May to September 2021. It was completed by 252 subjects: 189 women and 63 men. The study was based on the involvement of physiotherapists with the right to practice their profession in accordance with the law in force in Poland. The tools used in the study were The Kogan Attitudes towards the Elderly (KAOP) score and The Jefferson Empathy Scale (JSE). To model the KOAP score as a function of the predictors, Bayesian linear regression was used. The average KOAP score in the sample was M (SD) = 100.7 (17.46), with the central 50% of the observations ranging from 81 to 113 points. We observed one statistically credible relationship: relevance of contacts with elderly people was positively and moderately related to KOAP. Additionally, we observed that the JSE scale was positively, but very weakly, associated with KOAP. Empathy and own experience of health care providers may protect against negative attitudes towards the elderly, meaning empathy in healthcare professionals is crucial.

COVID-19 Vaccination Willingness and Vaccine Uptake among Healthcare Workers: A Single-Center Experience.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of developing COVID-19 due to their professional exposition to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study assesses the intention of vaccination against COVID-19 before the vaccines were approved, and the rate of vaccine uptake during the first nine months of immunization among HCWs. A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was carried out during July 2020 in University Clinical Hospital Center Bezanijska Kosa in Belgrade, Serbia that included 62.8% of all HCWs. Besides serological testing for IgG antibodies, data about HCWs’ intention to accept COVID-19 vaccination if a vaccine became available were collected. This cohort of HCWs was followed up until the end of October 2021 to assess the number of vaccinated and PCR-positive staff. In the cross-sectional study, 18.3% HCWs had positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies without difference with IgG-negative HCWs regarding age, gender, profession type, and years of service. Before vaccines became available, a significantly higher percentage of IgG-positive HCWs compared to IgG-negative HCWs was unsure whether to be vaccinated (62.5% vs. 49.0%), and significantly fewer stated that they would not be vaccinated (16.7% vs. 25.1%). When the vaccines became available in Serbia, among IgG-negative HCWs, those who stated clear positive (yes) and clear negative (no) attitude toward vaccination before the immunization period had begun were vaccinated at 28% and 20%, respectively, while 51% of unsure HCWs received a vaccine (p = 0.006). Among IgG-positive HCWs, there was no statistical difference in vaccine uptake regarding those with previous negative, positive, and unsure opinions about vaccination (p = 0.498). In multivariate analysis, independent factors associated with uptake were being female (OR = 1.92; 95%CI: 1.04–3.55), age of 30–59 years, previously vaccine-unsure (OR = 1.84; 95%CI: 1.04–3.25), and those with previous positive vaccine attitudes (OR = 2.48; 95%CI:1.23–5.01), while nurses were less likely to become vaccinated (OR = 0.39 95% CI: 0.20–0.75) These findings indicate a positive change in attitudes of HCWs towards COVID-19 vaccination.

Self-harm and suicidal behaviours among pregnant adolescent girls and young women could be doubly compounded in sub-Saharan Africa: A call for further research.

The recent systematic review by Mutahi and colleagues published in eClinicalMedicine1 sought to synthesise available evidence on the mental health problems and service gaps experienced by pregnant adolescent girls and young women (aged 12–24 years) in sub-Saharan Africa. Among other findings, depression was the most frequently reported mental health problem, while mental health care for pregnant adolescent girls and young women (PAGYW) were characterised by poor health-care worker attitudes, lack of confidentiality, and lack of tailored services.

Exploring vaccination coverage and attitudes of health care workers towards influenza vaccine in Cyprus

Seasonal influenza is a major public health problem. Nosocomial influenza is particularly concerning as it may affect patients at high risk for complications. Unvaccinated health care workers (HCWs) are an important source of nosocomial influenza and therefore a priority target group for vaccination. Despite the fact that some European countries have high coverage rates such as UK (76.8% in season 2020/21), others continue to have low coverage rates for influenza vaccines. This study aims to estimate vaccination coverage in HCWs in Cyprus, an island country located in the Eastern Mediterranean region and describe their attitudes towards influenza vaccination. MethodsThis is a questionnaire based, nation-wide study assessing flu vaccination coverage in 2019–2020 and attitudes related to vaccination acceptance, of 962 HCWs in both public and private health care facilities. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with flu vaccination status. ResultsFlu vaccination coverage was estimated as 31.8%. The top two reasons for getting vaccinated were to protect their family (81.4%) and themselves (77.4%). The top two reasons for not getting immunised, besides “no particular reason” (25.7%), included disbelief for vaccine effectiveness (21.5%) and safety (29.3%). The regression model showed that doctors compared to nurses had 10 times the odds of being vaccinated. Other factors positively associated with flu vaccination were encouragement by the supervisor, having sufficient knowledge on flu and flu vaccination and easy access to vaccination. A percentage of 54.8% of participants stated that COVID-19 pandemic strongly or somewhat influenced their decision to get vaccinated. ConclusionFlu vaccination coverage in HCWs in Cyprus is rather low, similar to some other European countries. Barriers and facilitators in this study can be considered in strategies to increase flu vaccination uptake. Such questionnaire-based surveys should be repeated in order to evaluate effectiveness of targeted vaccination campaigns.

Mental health problems and service gaps experienced by pregnant adolescents and young women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review.

SummaryBackgroundPregnant adolescent girls and young women (AGYW, aged 12–24 years) are at high risk for mental health problems, particularly in the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of mental health studies among pregnant AGYW in SSA published between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2020 in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Global Index Medicus following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42021230980). We used Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model to frame and synthesize results from included studies.FindingsOur search yielded 945 articles from which 18 studies were included (N = 8 quantitative, N = 9 qualitative, N = 1 case report). The most frequently studied mental health problem was depression (N = 9 studies); the most frequently utilized measurement tool was the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (N = 3). Studies reported life course factors, individual, microsystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem-level factors associated with mental health problems. Gaps in mental health service delivery for pregnant AGYW included lack of confidentiality, judgmental healthcare worker attitudes, and lack of services tailored to their unique needs.InterpretationGaps remain in research and services for mental health among pregnant AGYW in SSA. Integration of mental health services within school, community, and healthcare settings that are tailored to pregnant AGYW could strengthen health systems within SSA.FundingAuthor contributions were supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (F31HD101149 to AL) and the Fogarty International Center (K43TW010716 to MK). The funding agencies had no role in the writing of the manuscript or the decision to submit it for publication. The project itself was not funded.

The Impact of Educational Intervention on Attitude Toward Organ Donation Among Health Care Workers in Malaysia

The attitudes of the health care workers (HCWs) are essential in influencing organ donation rate. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an educational intervention on attitudes toward organ donation among HCWs. A questionnaire-based interventional study was conducted with 458 HCW from 5 hospitals in Malaysia. A 26-item self-administered questionnaire was distributed online as a preintervention test. Respondents then went through website-based educational materials followed by a post-intervention questionnaire. A total of 345 (75.3%) respondents completed the tests. Their attitude toward organ donation was positive preintervention. After the intervention, respondents expressed an increase willingness to donate their own organs (P=.008) and their relatives' organs (P < .001) after death; were more willing to adopt organ donation as part of end-of-life care (P =.002); were more comfortable talking to relatives about organ donation (P =.001); and expressed an increase consideration to execute the action at any time (P =.001). There was increased willingness to admit to the intensive care unit for facilitating organ donation (P =.007); to employ the same resources to maintain a potential brain-dead donor (P < .001); and to support organ donation in case they or their relatives were diagnosed with end-stage organ failure (P =.008). However, there was an increase in negative attitudes regarding the association between organ donation with health care failure (P =.004) and with pain (P =.003). Positive attitude scores were higher after the intervention (P < .001). An educational website-based intervention was able to improve the attitudes of HCWs toward organ donation.

Healthcare Workers Attitudes, Practices and Sources of Information for COVID-19 Vaccination: An Italian National Survey.

Background: Vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is a crucial element to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this survey was to assess attitudes, sources of information and practices among Italian Healthcare workers (HCWs) in relation to COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: From 19 February to 23 April 2021, an anonymous voluntary questionnaire was sent to the mailing list of the main National Health Service structures. Data were collected through the SurveyMonkey platform. Results: A total of 2137 HCWs answered. Hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccination was more frequent in females, in those with lower concern about COVID-19, and in nurses, auxiliary nurses (AN) and healthcare assistants. Hesitant professionals were more likely to not recommend vaccination to their patients or relatives, while a high concern about COVID-19 was related to an increased rate of recommendation to family members. HCWs were mostly in favor of mandatory vaccination (61.22%). Female sex, a lower education level, greater hesitancy and refusal to adhere to flu vaccination campaigns were predictors influencing the aversion to mandatory vaccination. All categories of HCWs referred mainly to institutional sources of information, while scientific literature was more used by professionals working in the northern regions of Italy and in infection control, infectious diseases, emergencies and critical areas. HCWs working in south-central regions, nurses, AN, healthcare technicians, administrators and HCWs with a lower education level were more likely to rely on internet, television, newspapers, and the opinions of family and friends. Conclusions: Communication in support of COVID-19 immunization campaigns should consider the differences between the various HCWs professional categories in order to efficiently reach all professionals, including the most hesitant ones.

Time Management Attitudes of Health Care Workers Employed in the Ambulance Service in Turkey

Introduction Health care workers employed in the ambulance service should minimize their response time when responding to a medical emergency. Prehospital emergency medical services operate on a 24-h basis; hence, time management in both the work and social lives of the staff is more difficult than in other occupational groups. In the case of emergency health services, time management is no doubt the most important aspect in terms of human health. The purpose of this research was to examine the time management skills and influencing factors of health care workers employed in the ambulance service. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire containing time management inventory (TMI) and demographics was applied. In the analysis of the data, the number, chi square, percentage, and t test were applied using SPSS statistical software. Results Of those who participated in the survey, 57.8% were male, 86.2% were working at the emergency medical service station, and 49.9% were paramedics. The average TMI was 70.49. In the time-consumption subdimension of the survey, when the genders of the health care workers who were employed in the ambulance service were compared, there was a statistically significant difference according to education status for the total time management. Conclusion A statistically significant difference was observed with regards to education status for the total time management according to gender for the time loss subdimension of the healthcare workers employed in the ambulance service. This research concluded that males working in the ambulance service managed their use of time better than the females, and that high school graduates used their time better than the undergraduates.

Attitude of Healthcare workers towards Disaster Management practices in a Hospital of Gujarat

Background: Effective management of a disaster requires preparedness and appropriate attitude of healthcare workers.Attitude of the healthcare workers will impact their response during any emergency situation coping. This study wasconducted to assess overall attitude towards disaster management among the healthcare staff of 650 bedded hospital inNorth Gujarat region.Methodology: This is a cross sectional survey study carried out on 201 healthcare staff of the hospital under study. Thedata was collected through an online questionnaire consisting the demographic details of the participants and followedby questions regarding the attitude of participants toward disaster management and disaster management practices in thehospital. Data was coded and analysed with MS Excel and SPSS.Result: From the responses we received, it was conclude that 45.8% staff of the study hospital have taken the trainingfor disaster management and 44.8% staff have faced disaster during their work experience at the hospital. Among therespondents, majority are students (56.2%), nursing staff (25.4%), doctors (11.9%) and others (6.5%). Looking to theirperception, 39.3% staff believes that the disaster preparedness in the hospital is sufficient, 22% says it is insufficient while38.8% have neutral response.Conclusion: Attitude of health care workers towards disaster management is very important as it impacts their responseduring any emergency situation. Study showed the awareness regarding the disaster occurrence and vulnerability of thehospital and health care workers’ attitude requires improvement. Which can be positively impacted by trainings, mockdrills,making them aware about their roles during a disaster and disaster policy related information.

Attitudes of healthcare workers towards complementary and alternative medicine practices: A cross-sectional study in Turkey

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is receiving more and more attention across the globe and its use in the health protection and treatment of different diseases is increasing. This study aimed to determine healthcare workers’ attitudes towards CAM in Turkey. This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between November and December 2020 on healthcare workers working in two public hospitals (Ankara and Bingol province/Turkey). Data collection included the Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicines Questionnaire (HCAMQ) . The survey was completed by 794 healthcare workers, a response rate of 83%.The mean age of healthcare workers was (39.73±8.9), and the age range was 19–70 years old. Of the participants, 63.4% were male, 42.2% were nurses and 72.9% were married. Mean and standard deviation values for HCAMQ was (28.72±5.62). Cupping (45.5%), leeches (30.9%), and ozone (27.5%) practices were found to be the most widely known methods and chiropractic (3%) and larvae (5.3%) were the least known methods. It was also found that 57.9% of the participants used at least one CAM method, and 84.4% recommended it to others. Among the sociodemographic characteristics, only the high-income group had a more negative attitude than the low group (P<0.05). Healthcare workers’ knowledge levels on CAM were adequate and the great majority of participants in the study had recommended it to other individuals.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards COVID-19 Vaccine among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Center

BACKGROUND: In the current scenario of vaccine scepticism amidst India’s massive vaccination drive, assessment of knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers towards the vaccine and their appropriate training is vital to build trust in the vaccine and increase acceptance. AIMS: To study and assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Covid-19 Vaccine among healthcare workers in a tertiary care center. DESIGN: Pre &amp; Post Questionnaire Survey (Interventional study) METHODOLOGY: After informed consent, the responders were provided an online questionnaire for the collection of information on knowledge, attitude and practices about COVID-19 vaccines. Responses were collected both before and after the sensitisation programme. RESULTS: The study included 366 participants with mean age of 23.25 years (SD=9.08). Our study found that there was significant change in the knowledge, attitude, and willingness of the HCWs after the sensitising program. After the sensitisation, 83.7% were ready to accept that the vaccine is a good idea (compared to 65.6%).83.7% were ready to accept that the vaccine is a good idea (compared to 65.6% pre-sensitisation). Concerns about the side effects reduced among HCWs from 53.3% to 48.3%. Willingness to take the vaccine increased from 37.7% to 69.78% after the sensitisation Also more healthcare workers were willing to recommend the vaccine to others (70.6% compared to 40.2%). CONCLUSION: We found that the sensitizing program showed significant change in the knowledge, attitude, and willingness among the HCWs. This provides further opportunities for development of similar educational and awareness programmes for HCWs and for the general population.

A National Survey Evaluating the Knowledge and Attitude of Health-Care Workers of Saudi Arabia about Coronavirus Infection.

Background and Objectives:Health-care workers (HCWs) are playing an instrumental role in combating coronavirus infection (COVID-19). While rendering their services, they also run the risk of cross-contamination. Hence, it is important to evaluate and correlate the knowledge and attitude of HCWs of Saudi Arabia about COVID-19.Materials and Methods:A prospective, nationwide, questionnaire-based survey was conducted after getting the approval from the institutional ethical board. A validated and reliable questionnaire was constructed, developed on the Qualtrics software, and circulated through an electronic medium across the country. The questionnaire had a total of 29 questions regarding knowledge and attitude about COVID-19. Through convenience sampling, the data were collected from a total sample of 1553 HCWs. Based on the primary area of expertise, the sample was categorized into three study groups with 1040 medical health-care professionals (MHCPs) (Group I), 318 dental health-care professionals (DHCPs) (Group II), and 195 allied health-care professionals (AHCPs) (Group III). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done using SPSS v. 21, where P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Female HCWs (P = 0.003) were shown to have a higher (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.46; confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–1.79) risk of inadequate knowledge in comparison to male HCWs. With respect to qualification, HCWs with doctorate qualification (P = 0.005) (aOR: 0.39; CI: 0.2–0.75) had shown to have adequate knowledge compared to their counterparts. AHCPs were shown inadequate knowledge (P < 0.001; aOR: 2.36; CI: 1.65–3.38), but adequate attitude (P < 0.001; aOR: 0.13; CI: 0.09–0.2) compared to MHCPs and DHCPs.Conclusion:MHCPs were shown to have the most appropriate level of knowledge, whereas AHCPs outscore other counterparts of HCWs with respect to attitude toward COVID-19. Emphasis should be directed to the whole community of HCWs in enhancing their awareness and practice attitude toward the novel infection of COVID-19.

Attitude toward Suicidal Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study among Health-Care Professionals in Northwest Malaysia

Introduction: The attitude of clinicians will steer the direction of clinical care provided to patients with suicidal behavior. However, there is limited local data to suggest the attitude of health-care workers toward suicidal patients in the health-care settings. Objective: We aimed to assess the attitude of health-care professionals toward suicidal behavior and the factors influencing their attitude. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a single tertiary health-care facility in northwest Malaysia, using a validated modified Suicide Opinion Questionnaire, distributed to medical doctors, nurses, and assistant medical officers. Results: A total of 487 health-care workers from 13 clinical departments participated in the study. We found that health-care professionals generally held unfavorable attitudes toward suicidal behavior, with 70.0% of the respondents generated low attitude scores in overall section. Independent factors that were found to be significantly associated with unfavorable attitudes toward suicidal behavior include religion (P = 0.027), education level (P = 0.007), and occupation (P = 0.007). Multivariate analysis with logistic regression showed that medical doctors were found to be 2.11 times more likely to hold unfavorable attitudes toward suicidal behavior as compared to nurses (95% confidence interval: 1.15–4.30, P = 0.009). Conclusion: Our findings highlighted the suicide stigma that is prevalent even among professional health-care workers in Malaysia. The unfavorable attitude toward suicidal behavior contrasted the elements of empathy and care that should be the core practice in health-care services. Therefore, we suggest for the implementation of training workshops incorporating interactive communication skills and reflective thinking to improve understanding and attitude toward suicidal behavior among health-care workers.

Determinants of Obtaining COVID-19 Vaccination among Health Care Workers with Access to Free COVID-19 Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Despite global efforts to contain the illness, COVID-19 continues to have severe health, life, and economic repercussions; thus, maintaining vaccine development is mandatory. Different directions concerning COVID-19 vaccines have emerged as a result of the vaccine’s unpredictability. Aims: To study the determinants of the attitudes of healthcare workers (HCWs) to receiving or refusing to receive the vaccine. Methods: The current study adopted an interviewed questionnaire between June and August 2021. A total of 341 HCWs currently working at Assiut University hospitals offered to receive the vaccine were included. Results: Only half of the HCWs (42%) accepted the COVID-19 vaccine. The most common reason that motivated the HCWs was being more susceptible than others to infection (71.8%). On other hand, the common reasons for refusing included: previously contracted the virus (64.8%); did not have time (58.8%); warned by a doctor not to take it (53.8%). Nearly one-third of nonaccepting HCWs depended on television, the Internet, and friends who refused the vaccine for information (p < 0.05). In the final multivariate regression model, there were six significant predictors: sex, job category, chronic disease, being vaccinated for influenza, and using Assiut University hospital staff and the Ministry of Health as sources of information (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Misinformation and negative conceptions are still barriers against achieving the desired rate of vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups such as HCWs.