Electronic Self-administered Questionnaire Research Articles

Assessment of Knowledge, Skills, and Preparedness of General-Duty Police on Prehospital Care of Road Traffic Accident Victims in Abuja, Nigeria.

Prompt prehospital care (PHC) is essential for improving outcomes of road traffic accident victims. Previous studies in Nigeria show that little or no PHC is delivered to trauma victims by first responders. This study was conducted to assess police officers' experience with FA/BLS, to identify gaps in their FA/BLS knowledge and skills, and assess police stations' FA/BLS equipment capacity for PHC of road traffic accident victims. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 428 GD police in Abuja between November and December 2018. Respondents were selected using stratified random sampling with proportional allocation method. Data were collected using self-administered electronic semi-structured questionnaires. Data analysis was done using STATA v 14.0 (StataCorp, College Station, TX). Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess associations. We analyzed data from 419 respondents. Almost all (90.2%) of the police were aware of FA/BLS. The proportion of police with poor, fair, and good knowledge and skills on FA/BLS were 15.3%, 79.0%, and 5.7%, respectively. Tertiary (OR = 3.35, 95% CI: 1.01-11.11, P = 0.048) and postgraduate (OR = 6.89, 95% CI: 1.63-29.19, P = 0.009) levels of education had statistically significant association with good knowledge and skills. This highlights the need to implement an educational intervention to increase FA/BLS competencies within the first responder population.

Fever among preschool-aged children: a cross-sectional study assessing Lebanese parents’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding paediatric fever assessment and management

ObjectivesThis study investigated parental knowledge, attitudes and practices towards fever in preschool children to help address gaps in public health and provide information with the aim of supporting clinical reports...

Self-reported unsafe medication behaviour among clinical nurses in China: A nationwide survey.

Unsafe medication behaviour was the direct cause of medication error, while the current status of unsafe medication behaviour among Chinese clinical nurses remains uncertain. To investigate unsafe medication behaviour among Chinese nurses and to analyse its associated factors. A cross-sectional online study was conducted in 31 provinces and municipalities of mainland China. The electronic self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from July-August 2020, including demographic information (age, gender, initial degree, ultimate education degree, hospital levels, unit nature, professional position, duty, departments, working years and working regions) and an adapted nurse unsafe medication behaviour scale measuring self-reported nurse unsafe medication behaviour (SR-NUMB). A generalized linear mixed model was applied to determine the influencing factors. A total of 10,153 Chinese nurses responded online, and 7,873 responses that met the time control requirements were included finally. It turned out that 80.49% of Chinese nurses had SR-NUMB. Specifically, 72.81% of them had unsafe medication behaviours in the process of medication administration, followed by medication monitoring (53.09%), medication preservation and dispensing (47.42%), and medical order processing (44.53%). A generalized linear mixed model demonstrated that male nurses and nurses who work in secondary hospitals or general hospitals, those who have higher professional positions or duties, those who have been working for 5-10 years, and those who are working in emergency and intensive critical units may have higher level of SR-NUMB compared to other nurses. Suboptimal SR-NUMB among Chinese nurses was identified in our findings. Associated factors, such as gender, hospital levels, unit nature, professional position, duty, working years and departments, should be targeted in future prevention and intervention efforts for safe medication management among Chinese nurses.

The Vaccine Hesitancy Profiles and Determinants of Seasonal Influenza among Chinese Community Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This paper is an evaluation of seasonal influenza vaccination hesitancy (IVH) and its determinants among community HCWs in Chongqing, a city in southwest China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1030 community HCWs with direct or indirect patient contact was conducted from July to September 2021 using a self-administered electronic questionnaire. Possible factors for IVH among community HCWs were investigated by multivariable logistic regression to yield adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Overall, 46.2% of community HCWs were vaccinated in the 2020–2021 season, while 65.8% of community HCWs had IVH. “Don’t know the coverage in China” (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.01–2.11; 40-year-old group OR: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.92–4.76), “complacency” (OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 3.14–6.60) were positively related with having IVH. The community HCWs that had a history of influenza vaccination (OR: 0.67 95% CI: 0.48–0.95) and groups with confidence and convenience (OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.06–0.12; OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.23–0.52, respectively) were more likely to completely accept vaccination. Conclusions: Measures such as improving the awareness and knowledge of influenza and vaccination and expanding the free vaccination policy, combined with improving the convenience of the vaccination service, will promote increased seasonal influenza vaccination-coverage in community HCWs in Chongqing.

Translation, validation, and reliability of the Malay version chrononutrition profile-questionnaire (CPQ-M) in Malaysian adult populations

ABSTRACT Several observations have shown that meal timing and dietary components – chrononutrition – may contribute to the onset of several chronic diseases. It is vital to have a reliable questionnaire specifically for the population to assess the general chrononutrition behaviour. Thus, this study aimed to translate, validate, and test the reliability of the chrononutrition profile questionnaire (CPQ-M) for Malaysian adult population. A total of 202 Malaysian adults aged 18 to 65 years volunteered to participate in this study through a self-administered electronic form questionnaire. The construct validity was determined by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with varimax rotation. The internal consistency was determined by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (CAC), while the test–retest reliability was conducted using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The EFA of CPQ-M retained 18 items in a six-factor structure and explained 60.06% of the variance. The 18 items in both CPQ-M and original English CPQ (CPQ-E) were well correlated (r = 0.84 to 1.0). Of 17 items in the questionnaire, it showed good to excellent test–retest reliability (ICC: 0.82 to 0.97), except night eating habits (ICC value = 0.65). The overall CAC for CPQ-M was 0.75, indicating good internal consistency. The CPQ-M was shown to have good validity and reliability to assess the chrononutrition profile among Malaysian adults.

Chronic kidney disease awareness among the general population: tool validation and knowledge assessment in a developing country

IntroductionGood knowledge and early identification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can help in preventing disease progression in its early stages and reducing undesired outcomes. The aim of the current study was to assess the level of public knowledge about CKD, determine predictors of better knowledge, and to construct and validate a CKD knowledge scale for public health assessment and research use.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic self-administered questionnaire. All people living in Lebanon and being 18 years of age and above were considered eligible for recruitment. CKD knowledge was assessed by a 37-item scale that was constructed by principal component analysis and then validated. The score of the CKD knowledge scale was computed from the extracted factors. A multivariable binomial logistic regression model evaluated the sociodemographic and clinical predictors of the knowledge score.ResultsA total of 1308 participants were included. The scale items converged over 9 factors with Eigenvalue greater than 1 and explaining 53.26% of the total variance, and the total scale had a high Cronbach’s alpha of 0.804. All items of the scale significantly correlated with the full scale with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.082 to 0.558. The ROC curve analysis determined an optimal cutoff point of better knowledge at 47.5 with 70.6% sensitivity and 44.2% specificity. The CKD knowledge score had a median of 51.00 (IQR 47.00–55.00). Higher knowledge score was significantly associated with old age (ORa = 1.018, 95% CI 1.006–1.030, P = 0.003),, occupation (ORa = 3.919, 95% CI 2.107–7.288, P < 0.001), and recent renal function assessment (ORa = 2.314, 95% CI 1.532–3.495, P < 0.001). However, a lower knowledge score was significantly associated with lower level of education (ORa = 0.462, 95% CI 0.327–0.653, P < 0.001).ConclusionA reliable tool to assess public knowledge and awareness about CKD was developed and validated. The overall knowledge was good, however, important gaps in CKD awareness were detected in some areas and subpopulations. Therefore, public health stakeholders need to implement targeted CKD educational activities to minimize the disease burden.

Conceptualization of Rice with Low Glycaemic Index: Perspectives from the Major European Consumers.

Rice and cereal consumption has become a concern for consumers due to usually high glycaemic indexes (GI), which is a critical issue for a balanced and healthy diet. Therefore, the development of new products with low GI is an important target of the industry, particularly in countries with high consumption. This study assesses consumers’ perceptions about “rice” and “rice with low GI” and evaluates the effect of consumers’ rice consumption profiles through the application of a free word association technique in a structured self-administered electronic questionnaire with 256 Portuguese consumers (the European market with the highest per capita consumption of rice by far). The frequency of rice consumption was evaluated, and the consumption profile was determined through a hierarchical cluster analysis, with 9% identified as daily consumers. The response words were categorized by the triangulation technique, and the association between the word categories and dimensions, sociodemographic characteristics, and consumption profile were determined. Respondents most frequently associated “rice” with rice dishes, its sensory attributes, and nutrition, highlighting the satisfaction of nutritional and hedonic needs. Consumers revealed positive expectations in relation to the functionality of “rice with low GI”. The consumers’ rice consumption profiles, sex, age, and educational levels influenced their perception towards “rice“ and “rice with low GI”. This study provides important insights for the industry to develop a consumer-oriented, low GI rice product.

COVID-19 epidemic lockdown-induced changes of cereals and animal protein foods consumption of Iran population: the first nationwide survey

BackgroundThe COVID-19 epidemic has affected diverse issues of life including economy, health and nutrition. This nationwide study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the epidemic lockdown-induced socio-economic changes on animal source proteins and cereals intakes of Iran population for the first time.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study using a web-based electronic self-administered questionnaire. A questionnaire was designed with the aim of detecting any changes in the dietary pattern of the Iranian household following coronavirus epidemic.ResultsA total of 21,290 households participated in the study. Approximately 33%, 24%, 14.2% and 7% of the households had decreased the weekly consumption of red meat, white meat, eggs and rice/bread, respectively, following COVID-19 epidemic. The results of ordered logistic regression showed that the female-headed households, as compared with male-headed ones, were 30% more likely to decrease their weekly consumption of white meat (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.5). About 8.6% of the households had reduced all three major dietary sources of animal protein. Close to half of the households (46.9%) who decreased their intake of the animal protein sources had increased their intake of rice or bread, too. The major reasons for these changes were decrease of income and job loss.ConclusionIn conclusion, animal protein food consumption decreased during epidemic lockdown but the amounts of rice and bread, as the major sources of dietary energy, have increased. These changes, if persist long enough, can seriously affect micronutrient status of the whole population. Early nutritional interventions for needy families are warranted.

The New Normal: Exploring Heterosexual Consumers’ Responses to Lesbian and Gay-Themed Adverts in South African Mainstream Media

Lesbian and gay-themed advertising hold great potential for marketers and brands, yet an understanding of how these advertisements influence heterosexual consumers is still a question of debate. This study examined the developmental factors and traditional culture of consumers, which are critical in understanding tolerance of homosexuality. It further examined the impact of tolerance of homosexuality on attitudes toward lesbian and gay-themed advertisements and brands. Primary data were collected through an electronic self-administered questionnaire, and 690 responses from heterosexual consumers were recorded. The data were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that heterosexual consumers with a high tolerance toward homosexuality have more positive attitudes toward lesbian and gay-themed adverts and brands. In addition, advertisement themes (gay vs. lesbian) had no significant effect on consumer attitudes toward the advertisement as well as toward the brand. These findings provide guidelines for future research and implications for advertisers who intend to address consumers of various sexual orientations.

Role transition among baccalaureate nursing students at Umm Al Qura University

Background: Role transition involves concerted efforts to optimize the transformation of the nursing students into practice nurses with an outstanding experience. Nursing students have different expectations and perceptions towards the role transition process. Graduate nurses lack the competence and sufficient preparation for the ever-changing professional nursing practice. The study purposed to assess the role transition of baccalaureate nursing students from the Umm Al Qura University.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to gather insights from a simple random sample (n = 102) of baccalaureate nursing students from Umm Al Qura University. Data were collected using an electronic self-administered questionnaire from year four and interns nursing students at Umm Al Qura University.Results: Results indicate that baccalaureate nursing students define role transition as role preparation, role competence, support, and organization. The three elements reveal different personal and organizational factors contributing to the assumption of new roles as registered nurses. Role preparation entails the provision of course content, management skills, teamwork, and multidisciplinary care. Role competence comprised the attainment of fundamental skills while nursing students expected to receive support from the healthcare organizations and the university.Conclusions: Role transition encompasses role preparation, role competence, support, and organization for the nursing students. Future studies should investigate the contributing factors to the feedback process between the nursing interns or final year students and the RNs or CNMs in the clinical practice during role transition.

The Effects of Long Working Hours on Mental Health Among Resident Physicians in Saudi Arabia.

PurposeTo examine the effect of long working hours on anxiety and depression among resident physicians working in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study using an anonymous and confidential self-administered electronic questionnaire. Mental health status (depression and anxiety) is measured using hospital anxiety and depression scale. A multi-stage stratified sampling technique was used. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 24.0. The Chi-square test and ordinal logistic regression (OLR) were used to test the association.ResultsA total of 258 medical residents participated in the study. The prevalence of anxiety was 39.5% (n=102) and depression was 20.9% (n=54). In multivariate OLR against anxiety, working more than 64 hours per week was significantly associated (p=0.013) with an increase in the odds of observing a higher level of anxiety (odds ratio=2.91, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.25–6.77) compared with working up to 40 hours per week after adjusting for age, amount of sleep and exposure to injustice. For the depression multivariate OLR, it would increase the odds of observing a higher level of depression for working 41–48, 49–64 and more than 64 hours per week by 2.21 (95% CI:1.07–4.58, P=0.033), 2.07 (95% CI:1.01–4.27, P=0.049) and 2.37 (95% CI:1.03–5.50, P=0.044) respectively, compared with working up to 40 hours per week and adjusting for the amount of sleep and exposure to injustice.ConclusionResident physicians are at increased risk of developing anxiety and depression which is influenced by long working hours and a variety of other factors. Therefore, attention needs to be paid to this association. The implementation of interventions for the prevention and screening of physicians’ mental health disorders is needed.

Blood, organ and bone marrow donation: Reporting on the attitudes, related to socio-emotional determinants, among nursing students in Greece

Greece is one of the countries with the lowest occurrence of blood, organ, and bone marrow donors. Sociodemographic and other psycho-emotional features such as self-efficacy seem to be linked to attitudes regarding registering as a donor. The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes of nursing students regarding blood, organ and bone marrow donation and socio-emotional background. The study was conducted among the students of the Nursing Department at the University of Thessaly in Central Greece. An electronic self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 480 students and 345 students (response rate: 71.8%) completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic information, and six questions, concerning knowledge, attitudes and practices towards blood, organ and bone marrow donation. Emotional Discomfort Scale (EmoD), an 8-item tool was also used in order to identify if emotional discomfort through daily activities influences beliefs and responses of the participants. Only one out of five participants had donated blood voluntarily while those who had been already registered as organ and bone marrow donors were quite few, 1.4% and 6.4% respectively. Moreover, only 15.1% of the participants were aware of the legislative framework concerning organ, tissue and bone marrow donation. Multivariate analysis showed that age, nationality and routine emotional discomfort were determinants of blood and organ donation composite score. The use of EmoD Scale could help professionals in health care and social fields to better screen for emotional complexity to become donor, and act in order to positively alter people’s attitudes.

Factors Associated With Resilience Among Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

IntroductionA growing body of evidence suggests that resilience is more conducive to healthcare professionals (HCPs) adaptation and growth in the face of threats, pandemics, or other major stressful events. We aimed to measure the resilience and identify influencing factors of resilience among HCPs who have been working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was performed between November 2020 and January 2021 in Jeddah. The study involved four government hospitals using an electronic self-administered questionnaire, which consisted of sociodemographic questions, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale.ResultsOf the 413 participants considered in this study, only 352 were eligible. The mean resilience score of HCPs was 26±6.4. The results show significant differences across age, years of work experience, nationality, type of shift, and perceived stress score. The general linear regression model indicated that the sample population's type of shift and perceived stress score (p-value = <0.001) are statistically associated with the resilience score.ConclusionAttention should be paid to critical variables associated with resilience, which could help allocate scarce resources to support HCPs and retain them in the workforce.

An evaluation of the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic on interventional radiographers' wellbeing

BackgroundInterventional radiographers have substantially contributed to patient care during the pandemic by providing imaging guidance during minimally invasive procedures. The aim of this research is to quantify the impact of the pandemic on an interventional radiographers’ wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsEthical approval was obtained at the outset of this study. An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach, using questionnaires and interviews, was used to explore and evaluate interventional radiographers' wellbeing; physical, mental and social. An electronic self-administered questionnaire was administered to interventional radiographers and a semi-structured interview was conducted on two respondents. ResultsResponses were received from 40 interventional radiographers. Physical, mental and social wellbeing of interventional radiographers deteriorated since the onset of COVID-19. All forms of wellbeing were negatively impacted during the pandemic with mental wellbeing (82.5%) the most impacted, closely followed by physical (75%) and social wellbeing (50%). Half of responding interventional radiographers reported being “highly stressed” while working during COVID-19. Physical activity levels decreased, caffeine consumption increased and consumption of a healthy diet decreased. Almost all interventional radiographers (95%) had anxiety about passing the virus onto family or friends and 60% of noted a deterioration in relationship with friends. Three key themes identified included the importance of teamwork, the physical demand and mental impacts of working in interventional radiology during the pandemic. ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on interventional radiographers' wellbeing. The implications of staff having a diminished sense of wellbeing is that productivity is likely to have been reduced and potentially related burnout can lead to illness. This research highlights the need to focus on identifying methods of addressing the shortcomings in support services and identifying the specific needs of interventional radiographers to improve their wellbeing.

LGBT Tourism in South Africa: the influence of customer value on behavioural intention

ABSTRACT The potential economic contributions of the LGBT tourism market have received the attention of scholars, destination marketing practitioners and tourism businesses, highlighting the LGBT society as a lucrative market, while also signifying the distinctive needs of the LGBT community. This study investigates the impact of customer value on behavioural intentions in the LGBT tourism sector. Data was collected from 406 LGBT tourists using a self-administered electronic questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique. Results indicate that two out of five identified dimensions of customer value (functional value and emotional value) significantly impact customer value. Furthermore, customer value has a positive and significant impact on word of mouth. The results provide an understanding of important dimensions of creating customer value for LGBT tourism destinations. Managerial implications for LGBT tourism destinations are drawn from the research findings, and suggestions for future research are presented.

The Effect of Online Education on Healthy Eyes of Saudi Teachers in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Local Study

BackgroundDigital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome (CVS) manifests as eye fatigue caused by prolonged exposure to screens and exaggerated by some attitudes. Online education plays a crucial role in helping schools, instructors, and universities ensure the continuity of the education process during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a lack of attention given to the effects of online teaching on teachers’ eyes health during the pandemic and is nearly nonexistent. Hence, we aim to evaluate this among teachers in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.MethodologyA cross-sectional electronic self-administered questionnaire was distributed through social media applications among teachers in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The survey contained three main parts: biographical data, educational status, and eye health scale before and during the pandemic. All statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).ResultsA total sample of 301 teachers was identified with ages ranging from 22 to 60 years, the majority were female (75.4%). Twenty-four point nine percent (24.9%) of the sample have a chronic disease, and 17.3% had previous LASIK surgery. Twenty-four point nine percent (24.9%) spent two to five hours teaching before the pandemic versus 60.8% with online education during the pandemic spent two to five hours daily. Fifty-two point eight percent (52.8%) of the teachers kept the distance between them and the digital screen at less than 50 cm. Eighty-one point four percent (81.4%) of teachers reported severe to moderate effects of online teaching using a computer/tablet/phone on their eye health. Fifty-two point two percent (52.2%) reported headache.ConclusionThere is an obvious negative effect reflected by subjects’ symptomatology and complaints in their eyes. This should prompt health authorities to provide better teaching equipment and accessibility to essential eye care to teachers.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on elective cataract surgeries.

ABSTRACTObjective To evaluate the standards of practice of Brazilian cataract surgeons in relation to the protective measures adopted to mitigate the risks of transmission of COVID-19 during cataract surgery, in asymptomatic patients.Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative paradigm study, developed from a self-administered electronic questionnaire sent to ophthalmologists and residents/specialists in ophthalmology in Brazil, who performed cataract surgeries in 2019 and 2020, connected through social media and mail listing from local societies.Results Of the 303 participating surgeons, 159 (n=52.2%) performed elective cataract surgeries between March 20th, 2020 to June 1st, 2020. Among the measures adopted by ophthalmologists with the purpose of preventing viral transmission, the patient’s temperature was measured by 84.3% (n=134), and the verification of respiratory symptoms and contact/exposure to cases of COVID-19 by 87.4% (n=139). Most did not submit their patients to laboratory tests to detect COVID-19 (145; 91.2%). In surgery, 44.7% (n=71) used an N95 mask, and 69.2% (n=110) kept their patients with a mask. No stage of phacoemulsification was modified in 144 (90.6%) participants, 13 (8.2%) added methylcellulose under the main incision, and two (1.3%), modified another surgical stage.Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic significantly interrupted part of cataract surgeries in Brazil from March to June 2020 and measures to prevent viral spread are being heterogeneously adopted by surgeons. Understanding these measures could be the first step to improve strategies to return to pre-pandemic levels.

COVID-19 vaccination perceptions and attitudes among Egyptian medical students

Background: This study aimed to assess perceptions and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines among medical students. Methods: A consecutive convenient sample of 2100 university students representing the student’s union network were included using an electronic self-administered questionnaire. About 12 items were used to assess attitudes and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. Results: A total of 2100 volunteers responded to the survey. All ages ranged from 18 to 25 years, 69% were females, and 57.3% were from urban residences. According to their willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, 49.7% accepted, 38.5% hesitated, and 11.8% refused vaccination. Out of 60 scales measuring their attitudes, a median total score of 46.0 (42.0–49.0) differed significantly in relation to genders, residence, and vaccine decision-making groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that participants who consented that COVID-19 mass vaccination could prevent the spread of infection in the community and stop the pandemic have 1.9 higher odds of accepting vaccination ( p = 0.003). Additionally, the participants who believed that the vaccine had no severe infection or side effects were 3.1 and 2.8 higher folds for vaccine acceptance, respectively ( p = 0.001). Moreover, participants who thought it was not too early for clinical trials were 4.3 times more likely to take the vaccine ( p = 0.001). Individuals who agreed that information about vaccine side effects better to discuss openly with the authorities were 2.8 times more likely to accept vaccination than other hesitating/ refusing groups, p-value &lt; 0.001. Conclusions: Understanding students’ perspectives of the COVID-19 vaccine and supporting their health engagement and awareness may help plan an adequate response.

Parents\u2019 awareness of ear health in Madinah region, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundHearing is fundamental for language acquisition and socioemotional development. Public awareness of ear health and hearing loss is essential for early intervention and treatment, but the level of parents’ awareness of ear health in Madinah region, KSA, is yet unknown.ObjectivesTo evaluate parents’ awareness of ear health and hearing loss in Madinah region, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study. It had been conducted with a 2 months’ duration (October to November 2020). A self-administered electronic questionnaire was distributed among 1577 Saudi parents using simple random sampling. Non-Saudi parents and those who live outside Al-Madinah region were excluded.ResultsOut of 1577 parents who participated in the questionnaire, 65.3% were mothers, and 34.7% were fathers. Females had the highest mean of correct responses compared to males (0.745 ± .1265 vs 0.743 ± .1335). Furthermore, the mean number of correct responses differed significantly among various age groups (P = 0.001). Parents aged 50–59 years old had the highest mean of correct answers (.758 ± .1247).The educational level had been also significantly associated with awareness level (P = 0.011). Parents who completed their intermediate school had the highest mean of correct answers (.803 ± .1219). Also, high monthly income had been significantly associated with parents’ awareness level (P = 0.002).ConclusionParents’ awareness of ear health is good, particularly among older aged parents and high monthly income groups. Thus, we suggest implementing an educational program/material to be available for new parents as well as the general population.

Incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 virus post COVID-19 vaccination: A cross-sectional study in India

IntroductionSeveral sociodemographic variables, including ethnic inequality, have been identified as potentially influencing the uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations. To develop herd immunity against COVID-19, at least 70–85% of the population must be vaccinated. As the situation with COVID-19 changes, the public's perception keeps fluctuating. We designed a survey to determine the prevalence of vaccinated individuals and the rate of infectivity post-vaccination. We also aimed to study the clinical manifestations and infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus post-vaccination. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from May 10, 2021 to July 10, 2021 across India through a pre-tested validated semi-structured self-administered electronic questionnaire, to the study subjects with objectives explained and the confidentiality of the data and results had been assured. The questionnaires were prepared using Google forms and the link was sent across social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and various social platforms where people are actively engaged following the restrictions and protocols of social distancing. General demographic data, followed by their lifestyle and comorbid conditions, and data on their vaccination, infectivity, and side effects were collected. ResultsWe included 2334 participants in the study, of which the majority of the study participants were in the age group of 25–34 years (38.6%). 1729 were vaccinated individuals of which 80.7% had received Covishield and 17.8% had received Covaxin. Around 61.1% have received both doses among 1729 vaccinated individuals and 38.9% had received only one dose of vaccine. The majority of the fully vaccinated individuals had a gap of 4–5 weeks for the second dose (37.1%) followed by 5–6 weeks (11.2%). Post-vaccination 50.8% had experienced muscle pain, 46% had experienced fatigue, 36.5% weakness, and 12.3% back pain. Among vaccinated 26% turned out to be COVID-19 positive and 44.5% non-vaccinated got infected. The odds of infection among non -vaccinated individuals was 2.27 times higher than vaccinated individuals. Individuals who encountered the viral antigen for the second time experienced either through vaccination or infection demonstrated exaggerated inflammatory response which is explained by the antibody-dependent enhancement phenomenon without life-threatening complications. ConclusionAlthough more than 50% of the vaccinated individuals experienced some form of musculoskeletal side effects, we noted a high acceptance rate (74%) of vaccination among the participants. The vaccinated individuals were two times safer from infection compared to the non-vaccinated individuals.