Good Prevention Practices Research Articles

Assessment and feedback of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on physicians’ day-to-day practices: good knowledge may not predict good behavior

ABSTRACT The importance of doctors’ knowledge and awareness of infectious diseases was felt worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. With this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the long and dynamic pandemic process on resident physicians’ knowledge and protective behaviors for infection control in a tertiary hospital setting and protective behaviors for infection control in a tertiary hospital setting. The population of this cross-sectional study consisted of assistant physicians working at Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine Training and Research Hospital. A questionnaire evaluating information and protective practices for COVID-19 was applied to the participants through face-to-face interviews using the convenience sampling method, with an interval of one year. In the second year of the pandemic, resident physicians’ awareness of the correct use of personal protective equipment decreased (p = 0.001). Despite the continuous training, it was determined that the residents preferred masks with high protection at a lower rate when they encountered patients who received oxygen support of 5 lt/min and above (p < 0.001). To prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection in the hospital as the pandemic progresses, it has been determined that resident physicians are less prone to evaluate possible infection symptoms in patients hospitalized for non-COVID-19 reasons (p = 0.013). As a result, the data we obtained showed that despite the regular training during the pandemic and the death of many health workers, the residents’ adherence to infection control and prevention practices, which also protect them, decreased significantly in the second year of the pandemic. These valuable data showed us that good knowledge does not predict good infection control and prevention practices. Our findings show that physicians need a new education system that motivates them. In addition, psychosocial determinants, physical and mental fatigue, and institutional control factors contributing to these results and affecting individual risk perception should be recognized and prevented.

Knowledge and practices on dengue prevention among the people of Buddhabhumi Municipality of Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Dengue infection is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and about half of the world’s population now in risk of the dengue infection. The objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and practices on dengue prevention among the people of Buddhabhumi Municipality of Kapilvastu district of Nepal. A Cross-sectional study was done among randomly selected 181 households. Head of the households were the respondents for face to face interview. Pretested and validated tool was used for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 used for data analysis. Percentages, frequency, mean the calculated and Chi-square test applied to measure level of association. Overall knowledge about dengue was good among 30.9% and overall 38.1% of the respondents had good dengue prevention practices. Caste/ethnicity and family type of the respondents are the factors associated with overall knowledge on dengue. Caste/ethnicity and educational status of respondents are associated with dengue prevention practices. For success of dengue prevention, programs should be designed to increase level of knowledge and also the translation of knowledge domain into real preventive measures.

Updated meta-analysis on intraoperative inspired fraction of oxygen and the risk of surgical site infection in adults undergoing general and regional anesthesia

This updated meta-analysis aims at exploring whether the use of systematic high vs low intraoperative oxygen fraction (FiO2) may decrease the incidence of postoperative surgical site infection during general (GA) or regional anesthesia (RA). PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from January 1st, 1999 and July, 1st 2022, for randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials that included patients in a high and low FiO2 groups and reported the incidence of SSI. The meta-analysis was conducted with a DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Thirty studies (24 for GA and 6 for RA) totaling 18,055 patients (15,871 for GA and 2184 for RA) were included. We have low-to-moderate-quality evidence that high FiO2 (mainly 80%) was not associated with a reduction of SSI incidence compared to low FiO2 (mainly 30%) in all patients (RR 0.90, 95%CI 0.79–1.03). Moderate inconsistency existed between studies (I2 = 38%). Subgroup analyses showed a moderate protective effect in patients undergoing GA (RR 0.86, 95%CI 0.75–0.99) (low level of evidence), while high FiO2 was not associated with a reduction of SSI in patients undergoing RA (RR 1.17, 95%CI 0.90–1.52) (moderate level of evidence). Sensitivity analyses restricted to patients ventilated without nitrous oxide (n = 20 studies), to patients operated from abdominal surgeries (n = 21 studies), and to patients suffering from deep SSI (n = 13 studies), all showed the absence of any significant effect of high FiO2. As a conclusion there is no compelling evidence that high FiO2 can improve postoperative patient’s outcome on its own when good SSI prevention practices are properly applied. Recent well-designed and adequately powered randomized controlled trials add further weight to these results.

Perceived Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) and Fear toward COVID-19 among Patients with Diabetes Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Kuwait.

To assess perceived fear and to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 infection among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) attending primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Kuwait. This will help evaluate gaps and provide appropriate support to limit the spread of COVID-19 infection in high-risk patients. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. All patients aged 18 years or older attending for follow-up or newly diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were eligible to participate in the study. Patients waiting for their regular follow-up appointments at the PHCs were invited verbally to take part in the study. The study excluded patients under the age of 18 and those with significant cognitive or physical impairment that might interfere with independent self-care behavior. The questionnaire included 57 items. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 294 questionnaires were distributed to patients at PHCs in three health districts (Hawally, Capital, and Farwaniya) in Kuwait; 251 patients agreed to participate in the study, yielding a response rate of 85.4%. The study showed that most patients had moderate knowledge (71.1%) of COVID-19. The majority of correctly responded questions were about the mode of COVID-19 transmission, the most common clinical presentations, and at-risk people. On the other hand, 83.7% (n = 210) identified common cold symptoms (stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing) as COVID-19 symptoms. More than half of the patients (n = 146, 58.2%) were unable to identify uncommon COVID-19 symptoms, such as diarrhea and skin rash or discoloration. Most patients had a positive attitude (90.9%) and good prevention practices (83.6%). The overall fear score of the participating patients was 21.6 ± 6.5 (61.7%). Regardless of the positive attitude and good preventive practices of the patients, they had moderate knowledge levels about COVID-19. This indicates that there are significant knowledge gaps that still need to be filled. Different strategies can be used for this purpose, such as social media and public information campaigns. Supporting psychological well-being is vital for at-risk patients during a pandemic.

Tuberculosis preventive practices among treatment supporters in Lagos, Nigeria.

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment support is one of the recommended strategies to enhance treatment adherence and outcomes. Treatment supporters are at risk of contracting TB and adequate knowledge of TB and good preventive practices are required for their protection. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge and preventive practices of TB treatment supporters at Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) centers in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos state, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 TB treatment supporters selected from five DOTS centers in Lagos. Data were obtained using an adapted pretested questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with self-protection practices. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of the participants was 37.3 ± 12.1 years. More than half of the respondents were females (59.2%) and immediate family members (61.3%). Overall, 22.5% had good knowledge of TB, while 53.0% had positive attitudes toward TB. Only 26.0% adequately protected themselves from infection. The caregiver's level of education (P = 0.001) and their relationship to the patient (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with good preventive practices in bivariate analysis. Not being related to the patient was a predictor of adequate TB prevention practices (adjusted odds ratio = 2.852; P = 0.006; 95% confidence interval = 1.360-5.984). This study revealed low levels of TB knowledge and fair preventive practices, especially among caregivers who are relatives. There is, therefore, a need to improve population literacy about TB and its prevention and a more focused orientation of relatives who volunteer as treatment supporters, through health education, with periodic monitoring during clinic visits, of how they prevent TB.

Preoperative correlates of prolonged postoperative ileus among patients undergoing colorectal surgeries

Background Prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) is one of the most common complications following colorectal surgeries, which leads to increased postoperative morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay. Aim The aim of this study was to examine preoperative correlates of PPOI among patients undergoing colorectal surgeries. Design A descriptive correlational research design was used in this study. Setting The study was conducted at selected General and Emergency Surgery Departments of Kasr El Eini Hospital affiliated to Cairo University hospitals. Sample A convenient sample of 60 adult male and female patients was recruited to answer the research question. Results The main study findings revealed that the incidence of PPOI occurred in 66.7% of patients. A statistically significant correlation was found between PPOI occurrence and surgical approach (laparotomy, 87%,and colectomy, 65%), duration of preoperative intravenous fluid administration (87.5%), preoperative antibiotics (55%), low hemoglobin and hematocrit level (72.5%), preoperative prolonged duration of fasting for liquids more than 24 h (57.5%), and lack of preoperative teaching about recovery plan for most of the study participants. Conclusion Preoperative correlates of PPOI according to the current study findings are the laparotomy surgical approach, the colectomy procedure, duration of intravenous fluids administration, low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, prolonged fasting for liquids, and lack of teaching about preoperative recovery plan. Recommendations Further research studies are required to determine the best practice for prevention and reduction of PPOI incidence. Comprehensive education programs for health team members and the patients regarding the guidlines of caring for colorectal surgery within the context of enhanced recovery after surgery program are required.

Trachoma Prevention Practice and Associated Factors in Rural Lemo District, Southern Ethiopia, 2021.

Trachoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness. It is more prevalent in areas where there is poor personal and environmental sanitation. Implementing a SAFE strategy will reduce the incidence of trachoma. The purpose of this study was to look into trachoma prevention practices and associated factors in rural Lemo, South Ethiopian communities. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in the rural Lemo district of south Ethiopia, covering 552 households, from July 1 - July 30, 2021. We used a multistage sampling technique. Seven Kebeles were selected using a simple random sampling method. Then, a systematic random sampling procedure with a five-interval size was applied to select the households.Our study assessed the association between the outcome variable and explanatory variables using binary and multivariate logistic regressions. The adjusted odds ratio was calculated, and variables with a p-value below 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered statistically significant. The study found that 59.6% (95% CI: 55.5%-63.7%) of participants had good trachoma prevention practices. Having a favorable attitude (odds ratio [AOR]: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.26-2.89), receiving health education (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.46-3.21), and obtaining water from a public pipe (AOR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.09-5.66) were significantly associated with good trachoma prevention practice. Fifty-nine percent of the participants had good prevention practices for trachoma. Health education, a favorable attitude, and a water source from public pipes were variables associated with good trachoma prevention practice. Improving water sources and disseminating health information are vital to increasing trachoma prevention practices.

Associação entre funcionalidade e conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de prevenção da covid-19 em pessoas idosas

Abstract Objective To analyze the association between functionality and knowledge, attitudes, and practices of COVID-19 prevention in the elderly population of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Method A cross-sectional study with remote data collection conducted between June and September 2020, involving 144 elderly individuals of both sexes who were served at COVID-19 reference points in eight districts. The dependent variable, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19 prevention, collected through the CAP Survey, was constructed using Latent Class Analysis. The primary independent variable was functionality in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, collected through the Lawton and Brody scale. Data analysis utilized chi-square tests and multiple multinomial logistic regression analysis, with a significance level of 5%. Results The majority of the participants, 44%, exhibited regular knowledge and attitudes with good COVID-19 prevention practices. Independent participants had 4.26 times greater odds (95% CI: 1.46; 12.38) of possessing excellent knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices for the disease. Those with higher levels of education had 3.89 times greater odds (95% CI: 1.16; 12.99) of having excellent knowledge, attitudes, and practices compared to those with no education. Both comparisons considered a 95% confidence interval. Conclusion COVID-19 prevention was influenced by functionality, indicating that greater functional independence led to better prevention among the elderly. This understanding directs public policies and actions aimed at the importance of disease prevention in the elderly population, as well as promoting healthy aging.

A cross- sectional, questionnaire-based study to assess the Knowledge and practice on life style modification among hospitalized cardiac patients

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are mostly preventable cardiac diseases which manifest due to practice of unhealthy lifestyle. These days many people are deliberately engaged in find ways to preserve and improve their health by acquiring favourable lifestyle practices. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is caused by non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. In India there are 60 million cases of cardiovascular diseases are estimated and it is expected to rise to 200 million in next decade. It is imperative to understand that the expected cases can be prevented only through modifying unhealthy lifestyle and practices. Objective: We aimed to assess the knowledge and practice on lifestyle modifications of cardiovascular diseases and also to determine the correlation between knowledge and practices related to lifestyle modifications among hospitalized cardiac patients in a tertiary care hospital of northern India. Methods: This is a, questionnaire based and descriptive study. Respondents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria 60 samples were selected using purposive sampling technique. A structured validated questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and practice for data collection. After obtaining due approval from institutional ethical committee. Results: Mean knowledge and practice score of the study participants was 12.5±1.4 and 6.6±0.7, respectively. Among the total participants (n=60), 25 (41.7%) had good knowledge, 31(51.7%) had average knowledge and 4(6.6%) had poor knowledge regarding lifestyle and behavioural modifications. In practice score, 13(21.7%) had good practice, 46 (76.7%) had average practice and 1(1.6%) had poor practice. Socio-demographic variables like dietary patterns, education, occupation and body mass index significantly impacted the knowledge of patients regarding CVD prevention. Karl-Pearson coefficient proved that there was a perfect correlation between knowledge score and practices regarding lifestyle modifications among cardiac patients with ‘r’ score of 1. Conclusion: Practice of lifestyle modification regarding cardiovascular diseases are largely determined by Knowledge. Patient with adequate knowledge practices good lifestyle practices. So A definite positive linear relationship exists between knowledge and good CVD prevention practices. Further interventional studies assessing various approaches to promote awareness regarding lifestyle modifications are required in cardiac patients. (Abstract published in Global Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences 2020, ISSN: 2449-1888, Volume 8/Issue 9/03).

Determinants of vaccine acceptance, knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices against COVID-19 among governmental healthcare workers in Addis Ababa and Adama, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

COVID-19 vaccines are vital tools for infection prevention and control of the pandemic. However, coronavirus immunization requires acceptance among healthcare workforces and by the community. In Ethiopia, studies focused on determinants of vaccine acceptance, knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices (KAP) contrary to the novel coronavirus among healthcare staff are limited. Hence, closing this gap requires research. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 844 governmental healthcare workers. A stratified, simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Binary and multivariable logistic regression statistical models were used to analyze the data. This study indicated that only 57.9% of the participants had good COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, meaning they took at least a dose of the vaccine themselves. We found that 65%, 60.9%, and 51.3% of the participants had good knowledge, prevention practices, and attitude against the pandemic. The novel coronavirus vaccine acceptance rate was 2.19 times more likely among females (adjusted odds ratio[AOR] = 2.19 with 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.54-3.10) than among male participants. Further, respondents who did not report having any chronic diseases were 9.40 times higher to accept COVID-19 vaccines (AOR = 9.40 with 95% CI: 4.77, 18.53) than those who reported having a chronic condition. However, healthcare workers who had a habit of chewing khat at least once per week were 4% less likely to take the vaccine (AOR = 0.04 with 95% CI: 0.01, 0.32) than those who had no habit of chewing khat. Many core factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were identified. A significant number of participants had poor vaccine acceptance, KAP against COVID-19. Therefore, the government should adopt urgent and effective public health measures, including public campaigns to enhance public trust in COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, continuous, timely, and practical training should be provided to healthcare workers.

COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude and practices in a Southeastern city in Nigeria: The Baseline

Although guidelines and recommendations for the prevention of COVID-19 are in place, it is vital to assess how well people know and practice them, as well as people's attitude towards these measures to inform robust interventions. This study examined COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 140 adult residents of Onitsha, Anambra state in March 2020 before the state's index case and the mandatory lockdown. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe COVID-19 KAP, information gaps and needs, and associations between KAP and demographic characteristics. About 60.7% of respondents had high COVID-19 knowledge, 56.4% had a good attitude towards COVID-19 management, and 53.6% adopted good COVID-19 prevention practices. Participants with bachelor/postgraduate degrees had higher than average COVID-19 knowledge (15.42 ± 0.57, p < 0.0001), attitude (1.11 ± 0.10, p < 0.0025), and prevention practice (5.02 ± 0.32, p < 0.0005) scores. Over half of the participants correctly identified virus as the cause of COVID-19 (60%, p < 0.01). About three-quarters of the participants (75%, p < 0.0001) indicated needing more information on COVID-19. A moderate proportion of our study population (53.6–60.7%) had good COVID-19 KAP. Our study findings can inform future COVID-19 program planning to ensure a more targeted and effective intervention strategy to prevent and control the disease spread among residents of Onitsha city.

Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding COVID-19 and their associated factors in patients with type 2 diabetes attending Abdullah-Khalil diabetes center, Omdurman: A cross-sectional study

Novel corona virus disease 2019 is the major threat for human life nowadays worldwide. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding COVID-19 among patients with type 2 diabetes attending Abdullah Khalil diabetes center (Omdurman Teaching Hospital). A facility-based observational descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between January and February 2021, using non-probability quota sampling technique in Abdullah-Khalil diabetes center via the use of a structured close-ended interview questionnaire. It consisted of 19, 10, and 10 questions pertaining to knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 respectively. A total of 249 patients with type 2 diabetes were included. Of them, 132 (53.0%) were females and the majority (53.0%) aged between 41 and 60 years old. Concerning their education and marital status, 70 (28.1%) were primary school level and 208 (83.5%) were married. 89.6% of participants reported mass media as main source of information regarding COVID-19. Patients with type 2 diabetes attending Abdullah-Khalil diabetes center have good knowledge, positive attitude and good prevention practices towards COVID-19. Most respondents had good knowledge, positive attitude and good practices as 78.7%, 97.6%, and 69.9%, respectively. Educational level and source of information showed statistically significant association with the knowledge, attitude. However, the practice showed only statistical association with the mass media as a source of information (P = .006).

A Study Design to Determine Parents’ Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practice and Associated Factors to Combat Food Poisoning: A Cross-sectional Survey from Lahore, Pakistan

Food-borne diseases, especially food poisoning, have become more common in recent decades, threatening the health and economic well-being of many people all over the globe. This research was intended to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and preventive practice of parents about food poisoning and the factors associated with it. By using a well-structured questionnaire, we conducted a cross-sectional study targeting mainly parents in the city of Lahore. A Chi-square test was performed to measure the effect of sociodemographic variables on these three attributes and binary logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of parents’ knowledge, attitude, and practice. Pearson correlation coefficient was also calculated. We observed good knowledge and attitude in 62.6% (241) and 60.8% (234) parents, respectively, but good preventive practice only in 42.1% (162) of parents. Regarding food poisoning knowledge, only age, education level and monthly income were significantly associated (p p p = 0.001), knowledge and practice (r = 0.594, p = 0.002) and attitude and practice (r = 0.545, p < 0.001). The majority of the parents demonstrated good knowledge and attitude but poor preventive practices towards food poisoning. Parents who had good knowledge also exhibited a positive attitude and practice. Thus, we can improve parents’ attitudes and practices by improving food poisoning knowledge. Therefore, this study provides a baseline for health authorities to emphasize increasing parental knowledge and strategies to change parents' attitudes toward food poisoning while also polishing their good practices.

Socio-demographic determinants of knowledge, attitude and practices towards food safety among Lebanese population during the economic crisis: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLebanon has been gripped by an economic crisis and the local currency has lost more than 90% of its value; besides, a lack of consistent electricity supply which has contributed to rising concerns about food safety especially among households. This study aimed to assess Lebanese society knowledge, attitude and practice towards food safety during the economic crisis.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between September 5 and January 30, 2021. Data was collected through an online survey that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice of Lebanese consumers towards food safety. Two multivariate regression models were performed on the knowledge and practices as a dependent variable. 95% confidence interval was calculated. All tests were two-sided and statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05.ResultsThe majority of participants had good knowledge regarding food safety (74.9%) while more than half of the respondents adopted good preventive practices (62.8%). Multivariate regression of factors associated with good knowledge regarding food safety showed married participants (adjusted OR = 2.1; p < 0.0001), who had university degree and above (adjusted OR = 2.0; p < 0.0001), and who had income < 1,500,000 LBP (adjusted OR = 1.7; p < 0.0001) had a significantly good knowledge score compared to their counterparts. Finally, participants aged more than 35 years old and who had income higher than 1,500,000 LBP (adjusted OR = 1.8; p < 0.0001 and adjusted OR = 1.9; p = 0.01 respectively) were positively associated to good practice towards food safety.ConclusionThis study offers useful insights into the knowledge, attitude and practices of Lebanese consumers towards food safety during the economic crisis.

COVID-19 preventive practices and associated factors among high school and preparatory school students in Dessie City, Ethiopia.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, the most pretentious sector besides the economy is the education system. Ethiopia is not equipped with the infrastructure and facilities to provide online classes for students at all levels. Hence, all institutions were re-opened with mandatory infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols such as the use of face masks, physical distancing, shifts in classes, and routine hand washing practices with soap and water to restrict the spread of the virus. Nevertheless, there has been no monitoring and follow- up and there is no data on IPC compliance among school children in the country. The purpose of this study was to examine the COVID-19 preventive practices and their associated factors among high and preparatory school students in Dessie City, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was carried out by using a pre-tested face-to-face applied structured questionnaire and direct observations from March 8 to March 20, 2021, in five high and preparatory schools in Dessie City. The sample size was proportionally allocated in each school based on the students' total number registered in the first academic semester, then stratified by grade level, and proportionally allocated to each grade and section. Finally, a simple random sampling method was used to select study participants. Variables with p-values < 0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression analysis were entered into the multivariate logistic regression model. This study involved 422 students with a response rate of 98.8%. The level of good preventive practices was 43.7%. After adjusting for covariates, female, positive attitudes, received IPC training and clear accessible sharing of information and feedback with parents, students and teachers were identified as predictors of good precaution practices. The prevalence of good prevention practices for COVID-19 among students was relatively very low. Therefore, the Department of Health and Education of Dessie City and each school should implement environmental health programs and promote prevention practices in high schools and preparatory schools.

Self-efficacy and COVID-19 prevention behaviour among adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: COVID-19 has become a serious epidemic in Indonesia, even in the corners of the earth. Every day COVID-19 patients continue to increase, and almost all circles of society are exposed to the virus regardless of age and gender. In dealing with conditions such as the current pandemic, it is necessary to have self-efficacy in good adolescent prevention practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between self-efficacy and the practice of preventing COVID-19 in adolescents.

Surgical site infection prevention practice and associated factors among nurses working at public hospitals of the western part of southern nation, nationalities, and peoples' region, Ethiopia: Across-sectional study.

Surgical site infection is a major hazard for surgical patients and compromises their quality of life. Its effect is higher in developing countries compared to developed countries. Most of the studies done in Ethiopia regarding surgical site infection prevention practice on nurses who were not directly exposed to wound care, thus it produces less reliable results. Therefore, we aimed to assess surgical wound infection prevention practice among nurses who are directly involved in the care. To assess surgical site infection prevention practice and associated factors among nurses working at public hospitals in the western part of the southern nation, nationalities, and peoples' regions from March 1-31, 2020. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 1-31, 2020 among randomly selected 402 study participants. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used. EpiData Version 3.1 and Statistical Package for Social Science Version 20 were used for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable analysis was undertaken and p-value less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. The overall good self-reported surgical site infection prevention practice of nurses was 46% (95% CI: 41.3, 50.7). Nurses who were BSc degree (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.31, 3.18), working in the units having surgical site infection prevention guidelines (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.34, 4.47), had ever taken infection prevention training (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.42, 3.49), had good knowledge (AOR = 1.82;95% CI: 1.13, 2.90) and had good attitude (AOR = 2.61;95% CI: 1.67, 4.10) performed good surgical site infection prevention activities as compared to their counterparts. Nurses' surgical site infection prevention practice was found to below. To upgrade nurses' practice the hospitals should develop their surgical site infection prevention guidelines based on WHO recommendations and provide training on it.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of university students regarding COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in Vietnam

ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Vietnamese university students regarding COVID-19.MethodsA validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.71) was used to survey 1,025 students. A convenience sampling method was used for recruiting students from April to May 2022. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test and the Kruskal–Wallis rank-sum test/Dunn test for multiple comparisons were employed to compare students' KAP scores between two groups and among three groups or more, respectively. Factors associated with students' COVID-19 KAP scores were determined via univariate and multivariate linear regression models. Variables in the multivariate linear regression models were chosen using the Bayesian Model Averaging method in R software version 4.2.0.ResultsA majority of students had good knowledge (75.61%), positive attitudes (98.24%), and good practices toward COVID-19 (94.93%). Regarding the COVID-19 knowledge, the proportions of students who knew that mosquito bites and exposure to/eating wild animals would not lead to COVID-19 infection were not high (47.22 and 34.34%, respectively). More importantly, 70.34% of students thought that vitamins and minerals could help prevent or cure COVID-19. Antibiotics were the first choice for COVID-19 treatment of 438 students (42.73%). Nearly half of students (48.0%) bought antibiotics to keep at home in case of COVID-19 infection. The average KAP scores of medical students (19.97 ± 3.99, 45.10 ± 3.94, 9.72 ± 1.78) and females (18.67 ± 4.44, 44.79 ± 3.79, 9.36 ± 1.84) were significantly higher than those of non-medical students (16.48 ± 4.37, 43.33 ± 4.03, 8.68 ± 1.87) and males (17.01 ± 4.55, 42.79 ± 4.39, 8.77 ± 1.97), respectively (p < 0.001). Older students were more likely to have good knowledge and practices than the younger ones (p < 0.001). In addition, students using websites of the World Health Organization/the Ministry of Health and scientific articles to seek COVID-19 information were significantly associated with higher KAP scores when compared with those not using these sources (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.00139, respectively).ConclusionStudents' KAP scores significantly varied by age, sex, major, and sources of COVID-19 information. Although many students had sufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and good preventive practices toward COVID-19, additional education and training strategies are paramount, especially for non-medical students and males.

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL PRACTICES AMONG HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN LEVEL I HOSPITALS IN RINCONADA

Hospital-associated infections (HAIs) pose a serious problem, threatening the health and safety of patients and healthcare providers and cause substantial morbidity and mortality every year in the different healthcare settings worldwide. Despite the known risk, the ease and transparency of infection prevention and control guidelines, still, non-adherence is evidently observed.&#x0D; The descriptive correlational method was used involving a questionnaire as the main instrument in data gathering. To determine the infection prevention and control practices among healthcare providers in Level I hospitals in Rinconada&#x0D; The majority of the respondents are within the age range of 26 – 35; females and nurses. However, only a few of them have undergone formal continuing education and attended relevant training on IPC. The healthcare providers always practice all components of infection prevention and control along with standard precautions, namely, hand hygiene, use of PPE, and prevention of needlestick and sharp injury. Overall, organizational factors significantly affect healthcare providers’ infection prevention and control practices compared to the individual factors that affect moderately. The healthcare providers’ age, sex, and profession and profile influence the infection prevention and control practices in Level I hospitals in Rinconada.&#x0D; There are good infection prevention and control practices among healthcare providers though they sometimes fail to follow specific measures.

Perception and Preventive Behaviour about COVID-19 Pandemic among the Members of a Selected Cantonment in Bangladesh

Introduction: Appropriate knowledge, attitude and practice against any infectious disease improve perception and consequently adopt preventive practices toward disease transmission. Good perception and preventive practice is the key to prevent infectious disease like COVID-19. Objective: To assess the perception and protective behaviour against COVID-19 among the members of Shaheed Salahuddin Cantonment, Ghatail. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Shaheed Salahuddin Cantonment from March 2022 to May 2022 among conveniently selected 1315 respondents. Data were collected through face-to-face interview using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The majority (79.8%) of the respondents were male, residing in the sainik line (72.3%) having monthly income of &lt;15000 taka. Three-fourth of the respondents were lance corporal/sainik, 30.8% were currently married having secondary school certificate level of educational qualification. Study revealed that more than two-third (62.5%) respondents had moderate perception about COVID-19 and about 87.3% respondents showed good preventive behaviour. Preventive behaviour is significantly associated with male gender (χ2=2.49; p &lt; .05), lower age group (&lt;20 years) respondents (χ2=9.93, p &lt; .05) who were qualified in secondary school certificate education (χ2=8.54, p&lt;.05), married (χ2=4.97, p &lt; .05), stayed in sainik line (χ2=9.19, p&lt;.05) and in lance corporal/sainik respondents (χ2=13.12, df =4, p =.01) Conclusion: Extensive health education program should be undertaken to create good perception and preventive behaviour among susceptible respondents like female gender, aged, unmarried respondents of Shaheed Salahuddin Cantonment. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 18, No 1 (June) 2022: 80-85