KAP Survey Research Articles

Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Nutrition Profile and Health Related Practices of Soliga Tribes in Karnataka, India

Nutritional status is an important influence on overall health and wellbeing of a population. One of thevulnerable group is tribal population. The main tribe found in Karnataka is Soliga tribal community,majority of them have low economic status. Hence, malnutrition can be the most common condition arisingin this community due to inadequate intake of dietary nutrients. In this purposive, free-living study, thedetailed information on the population distribution, nutritional status, nutrient intake of Soliga community(30-65 years) were assessed using standardised questionnaires which included health and lifestyle relatedKnowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) questions. Anthropometric measurements were assessed usingstandard method. The dietary and nutrient intakes were collected using food frequency questionnaires and24-hour dietary recall method. The tribal colonies mainly depended on minor forest produce and manuallabour for livelihood, and majority of the study population were economically deprived. The BMI was normalin men, whereas women were undernourished. The 24-hour dietary recall data revealed that the subjectsfollowed 2 major meals, about 97% population consumed mixed type of diet, the intake of macronutrientswas lower than the recommended dietary allowances. The KAP survey revealed that subjects possessed goodhealth and hygiene related knowledge and attitude, but poorly practiced. Constant monitoring of nutritionalstatus and bridging the gaps in nutritional KAP of the tribal population can provide early warning of anydeterioration in their health and nutritional status, hence facilitating effective planning and implementationof nutrition interventions in this unique population.

Exploring knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 amongst the residents in South Africa: a quick online survey

Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread rapidly inviting unprecedented measures globally. Citizen’s adherence to jurisdiction is affected by their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards the disease.Methods: A cross-sectional survey study among a convenient sample of the general public aged 18 years or more and resident in South Africa was conducted through a self-designed online KAP survey questionnaire during the first few weeks of the South African lockdown to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices about COVID-19. A p value of <0.05 (two tailed) was taken to be statistically significant.Results: A total of 885 respondents completed the survey, majority of which were females who identified COVID-19 as a challenge to health and society and agreed with the strategy of lockdown for initial control of the spreading epidemic. In spite of the high knowledge scores of the population 31% of the respondents did not choose to wear a mask while leaving home. Also, a large number of respondents believed that early symptomatic treatment can prove useful to manage the infection. A statistically significant p value (<0.05) was obtained for the study variables in the statistical analysis, which showed that high knowledge scores were found to be associated with gender, categories of annual income and ethnicity.Conclusions: This survey shows that South African residents of a relatively high level of socioeconomic status, in particular women, have substantial knowledge, positive attitudes, but need to improve practices towards COVID-19 during the rapid rise phase of the COVID-19 outbreak.

A cross sectional survey to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice about COVID-19 among bystanders of patients visiting OPD, AIIMS, New-Delhi, India

Background: According to WHO, the prevention and control of an epidemic and pandemic constitutes following preventive measures like hand washing, cough etiquette and dissemination of knowledge among other measures. In context to COVID-19, these measures have been proved to be very effective rendering various countries to be free of COVID-19. The knowledge, attitude and practice studies play an important role in assessing the societal readiness to accept behavioural changes, moreover they also determine baseline information to assess the actions to be taken to change the attitude and increase the knowledge of the people regarding the situation. Thus this study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the common public in India.Methods: A cross sectional survey was done among the attenders of patients visiting the cardiac/CTVS OPD during the month of June to July. A total of 200 patients attendants were enrolled in the study. Due to COVID-19 restrictions only 10 patients per day were enrolled. After obtaining informed consent an online questionnaire was sent to their mobile phones via electronic media and participants were requested to fill the questionnaire while waiting for the doctor’s visit. The knowledge, attitude and practice of the participants were assessed by a validated KAP survey questionnaire.Results: The participants had a good knowledge score. The mean knowledge score (minimum, maximum) among the population was 7.7±1.7 (0, 11) though the participants had a poor practice score of 2.3±1.01 (0, 4). The participants had a positive attitude regarding the preventive practices regarding COVID-19 and also a positive attitude towards health care workers. The mean attitude score was 21.3±3.5 (5, 25). A significant positive correlation (r=0.263) was found between knowledge and practice scores. A significant association was also found in between the age with attitude and practice scores, and also in between qualification with knowledge and total KAP score.Conclusions: The present study concludes that people have good knowledge regarding the various aspects of COVID-19, also there was positive correlation of knowledge with practice. Hence it is important to disseminate right knowledge regarding the pandemic COVID-19 so that general public performs the appropriate practices in order to keep themselves and their near ones safe. This study reflects the awareness of general public in the difficult time, as well as their helping attitude towards healthcare professionals in form of providing accommodation etc. Community awareness, participation and preparedness are key factors in achieving a good health for all.

A knowledge, attitudes, and practices study on ticks and tick-borne diseases in cattle among farmers in a selected area of eastern Bhutan.

Livestock farming plays an important role in supporting the livelihood of resource-poor subsistence farmers in Bhutan. However, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are one of the major constraints to livestock farming due to their negative effect on health and production. To date, no study has been conducted in Bhutan to assess farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) about ticks and TBDs in cattle, although such information is essential in ensuring the development and adoption of effective prevention and control measures. Therefore, a KAP survey was conducted among 246 cattle owners in the Samkhar sub-district of eastern Bhutan in June 2019, using a structured questionnaire. Based on our scoring criteria, 52% [95%CI: 45.5–58.4] had adequate knowledge about ticks as potential vectors of diseases. Logistic regression analysis showed that the individuals who practiced a stall-feeding system of cattle rearing were 2.8 times [OR = 2.8 (95%CI: 1.66–4.78)] more likely to have adequate knowledge than others. Sixty-eight percent [95%CI: 62.5–74.4] had a favorable attitude toward tick prevention and control programs. Men were 1.95 times [OR = 1.95 (95%CI: 1.09–3.55)] more likely to have a favorable attitude than women, and the individuals who practiced a stall-feeding system were 2.59 times [OR = 2.59 95%CI: 1.45–4.78)] more likely to have a favorable attitude than others, after adjusting for the effect of other variables in the model. Overall, only 38% [95%CI 32.5–45] of the respondents reported tick infestation as one of the most important animal health problems, but 100% reported using acaricides to control ticks in cattle. Despite a high level of acaricide usage, the level of knowledge was low among the farmers interviewed. Findings from this study underline the importance of considering identified knowledge gaps and initiating education efforts to improve the adoption of effective tick prevention and control measures among farmers.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of seasonal influenza vaccination in postpartum women, Honduras.

BackgroundInfluenza during pregnancy may cause serious neonatal outcomes including stillbirth, fetal distress, preterm birth, congenital abnormalities, and stunted growth. Pregnant women are the highest priority group for seasonal influenza vaccination, but low coverage has been repeatedly reported in this population. Understanding reasons for and for not receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine is needed to design communication strategies to increase vaccination coverage. This study aimed to describe knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of seasonal influenza vaccination among women giving birth in public maternity hospitals in Honduras.MethodsFrom August 20–October 8, 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional KAP survey regarding seasonal influenza vaccinations to a sample of postpartum women who gave birth in maternity hospitals and clinics from the Ministry of Health of Honduras and Honduran Social Security Institute. We reported frequency distributions for demographics, KAP of influenza vaccine, and vaccination coverage. We used logistic regression to analyze unadjusted and adjusted associations between sociodemographic characteristics and influenza vaccination.ResultsWe surveyed 842 postpartum women in 17 healthcare facilities. Of 534 postpartum women with term pregnancy and verified vaccinations, 417 (78.1%; 95% CI: 74.6–81.6%) were vaccinated for influenza. Factors associated with verified influenza vaccination included receipt of vaccination recommendations by a healthcare worker during prenatal check-ups (aOR: 16.46; 95% CI: 9.73–27.85), concurrent chronic disease (aOR: 5.00; 95% CI: 1.25–20.07), and influenza vaccination of other children in the household (aOR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.19–4.39). The most cited reasons for vaccination were perceived benefits for both mother and infant and easy access. Reasons for non-vaccination were: vaccine was not offered and fear of side effects, harm to the infant, and needles or pain caused by injection.ConclusionInfluenza vaccination was well received among postpartum women in Honduras. Increasing clinician recommendations for vaccination and assuring the vaccine is readily available to women during prenatal visits may increase vaccination rates.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of seasonal influenza vaccination among older adults in nursing homes and daycare centers, Honduras.

BackgroundOlder adults represent 70–90% of seasonal influenza-related deaths and 50–70% of influenza-related hospitalizations. Vaccination is the most efficient means of preventing influenza and reducing influenza-related illnesses. We aimed to describe knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of seasonal influenza vaccination among older adults in Honduras.MethodsFrom August 29–October 26, 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional KAP survey regarding seasonal influenza vaccinations to samples of older adults 1) admitted to nursing homes and 2) attending daycare centers. We used the Minimental State Examination (MMSE) psychometric tool to assess the cognitive status of older adults and included participants with scores of ≥23 points in the survey. We reported frequency distributions for demographics, KAP of influenza virus and vaccination, and vaccination coverage. We used logistic regression to analyze associations between demographics and verified influenza vaccination.ResultsOf 511 MMSE participants, 341 completed the survey (95 adults in 12 nursing homes and 246 older adults in ten daycare centers). Almost all participants knew that influenza causes severe illness and may be transmitted from person to person, vaccination is safe and protects against disease, and older adults have greater risk of complications. Of 284 participants with verified vaccinations, 81.3% were vaccinated for influenza: 87.9% attending daycare centers and 61.4% in nursing homes. Among all participants, verified current influenza vaccination was associated with self-reported influenza vaccination in previous year (aOR: 14.05; 95% CI: 5.36–36.81); no formal education (aOR: 4.83; 95% CI: 1.63–14.37) or primary school education (aOR: 4.51; 95% CI: 1.79–11.37) having ≥secondary as reference; and indigenous (aOR: 4.55; 95% CI: 1.18–17.49) having Mestizo as reference. Reasons for vaccination were perceived self-benefits, protection against influenza complications, favorable vaccination hours, and healthcare provider recommendations.ConclusionFour-fifths of older adults were vaccinated for seasonal influenza. Educational efforts provided in conjunction with vaccination campaigns resulted in high knowledge of influenza virus, transmission, and vaccination. Further outreach regarding disease risks and vaccine safety needs to be directed towards older adults in nursing homes who had lower knowledge and coverage than older adults in daycare centers.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of seasonal influenza vaccination in healthcare workers, Honduras.

BackgroundSeasonal influenza is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease that may cause high morbidity and mortality in susceptible populations. Healthcare workers are a priority group for seasonal influenza vaccination to protect them from contracting influenza and prevent nosocomial transmission to patients. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of seasonal influenza vaccination among healthcare workers in Honduras.MethodFrom August 24 to October 21, 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional KAP survey regarding seasonal influenza vaccination to a random sample of healthcare workers who attended patients in hospitals of the Ministry of Health of Honduras (SESAL) and Honduran Social Security Institute (IHSS). We reported frequency distributions of demographics, vaccination KAP, sources of information, and reasons for non-vaccination. We used principal components factor analysis to create knowledge and attitude scores. We used linear regression to analyze associations between demographics and sources of information about the influenza vaccine, and knowledge and attitude scores. We used logistic regression to analyze associations between demographics, sources of information, knowledge scores, and attitude scores, and influenza vaccination.ResultWe surveyed 947 healthcare workers who attended patients in 13 SESAL hospitals and two IHSS hospitals. Only 4.6% of participants knew the seasonal influenza vaccine was composed of inactivated viruses, 94.7% believed vaccination causes flu-like symptoms, and 52.0% were vaccinated for influenza in 2018. Knowledge scores were lower for nursing assistants and other healthcare professionals compared to doctors, and higher for healthcare workers who attended a healthcare facility training (P-values≤0.030). Attitude scores were higher for healthcare workers who attended ≥11 patients per day having ≤10 patients per day as reference, self-reported influenza vaccination in previous year, and cited trainings and informal information at the healthcare facility as sources of information for influenza vaccination (P-values≤0.030). Factors associated with self-reported vaccination were self-reported influenza vaccination in previous year (aOR: 7.61; 95% CI: 5.24–11.04), attitude score (aOR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.07–1.21), and worked in a SESAL hospital (aOR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.12–2.68) having IHSS as reference.ConclusionAlthough influenza vaccination is required by law in Honduras and available for free in public health centers, coverage of healthcare workers in 2018 was half that reported in 2017. Lower coverage may be attributed to misconceptions of vaccination side effects.

Dental Practitioners' Knowledge, Attitude and Practices for Mouthwash Use Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic.

IntroductionCOVID-19 created a peculiar situation worldwide, thus altering the fundamental dynamics of clinical dentistry. This KAP survey was carried out to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices among dental practitioners regarding the use of mouthwashes and emphasize on pre-procedural utilization of mouthwashes.MethodologyA descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted during 1st to 15th July 2020, among working dental practitioners across the globe. A questionnaire was formed on Kwiksurveys.com, it comprised of demographic details, it further investigated the level of knowledge and new precautionary measures adopted. A total number of 707 dental practitioners from eighteen different countries responded.ResultsData were analyzed using SPSS version 23. A “fisher exact test” was applied to assess the difference between the mouthwashes prescribed by various countries. Knowledge section revealed a requisite understanding regarding the disease and its transmission. Only 38.9% of the participants knew that Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) mouthwashes are more efficient in reducing coronaviruses in contrast to mouthwashes made of chlorhexidine (CHX). Whereas 33.9% knew that 0.23% of PVP-I had substantial virucidal activity against SARS-COV, MERS-CoV, influenza virus and rotavirus while 31.1% recognized that oral rinses of Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) remained successful in the oral cavity for up to 180–300 minutes.ConclusionThere is an immense need to raise awareness among practitioners, regarding the viricidal activity of commercially available mouthwashes as demonstrated by numerous in-vitro studies and urge health workers to carry out more clinical trials and to get a translational step towards clinical practice.

A Case-Control Study of Risks factors for corona virus (covid 19) amongHealth Care Worker

Background and Aim: The ongoing epidemics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have caused serious problems on public health, particularly affecting the health care workers worldwide. There are limited data on number of staff affected by this serious and fatal diseases in national and international level. This study aims to find out the cause of risk of virus transmission and spread among the health worker in Herat Regional Public Hospital, Herat–Afghanistan. Method: We conducted a retrospective case control study to figure out the risk factors of novel covid 19 infection amongst health care workers in Herat Regional Hospital–Afghanistan in late April 2020 approximately 2 months from first case of diseases confirmation in Afghanistan which occurred here in Herat. The staff were divided into two group each of 26. The case group (n=26) were the ones with positive PCR test, while the control group (n=26) were those health workers with same criteria with negative PCR test result, the control group were randomly selected of 178 negative PCR by an administrative colleague who did not have a role in data analysis. Both groups had close contacted with positive covid 19 patients. The data were entered in spreadsheet and analyzed using Epi info 7. Results: Regardless the type of job and place of work, the risk of infection was 4 times higher in those without prior training comparing those who had received a covid 19 training prior to exposure to the disease (OR=4:00, P<0.05, CI 95%). Mean age in the case group was slightly higher (33.9 year) comparing to the control group (30.7 year). Fever was the most common complain of both groups but more common in the case group comparing to the control (70%, 30%) respectively, this finding was significant, p=<0.05. Interestingly, shortness of breath was more common in control group comparing to the case group (30%, 7%). This was statically significant, P=<0.05 more than 50% of positive staff were belongs to two categories; nurses and residents (n=11, n=7) respectively. Comparison of sex, the place and types of job showed no significant differences in being either safe or at more risk of getting infection. Conclusion: Health care workers are at higher risk of getting and transmitting infections from/to the patients. A comprehensive training prior to any exposure to a contagious disease is mandatory to decrease the risk for infection transmission among health care workers, KAP survey may give further information and is suggested.

Effectiveness of Drought Risk Reduction Policies: Case Study of Hay Production in Kajiado County, Kenya

Kenya has integrated several international, continental, and regional strategies and policies into its national and county programs to address climate-related disasters in livestock systems in pastoralism. This study reviews how these policy instruments have been integrated into local laws and the viability of hay production, a drought risk reduction strategy. The methodology used was a desktop review of policies, a KAP survey using a quantitative and qualitative questionnaire on 354 pastoralists and key informants selected using stratified random sampling, and a cost-benefit analysis of 23 hay farms in Kajiado-Central sub-county. The findings established that Kenya had adopted adequate legal instruments to support disasters in general and droughts specifically. However, the strategies are not elaborated into practical guidance resulting in poor implementation. For instance, the flagship hay production project in Kajiado focuses on building infrastructure on the government farms, with little support going to the actual hay farmers. In addition, staffing levels of technical officers are too low to adequately translate the strategies into activities that address the hay farmer’s pain points, namely the lack of a stable hay market, expensive capital assets and machinery, lack of quality forage seeds, and extension education. This paper recommends reviewing the implementation of the ongoing hay flagship projects to address the hay enterprise’s profitability and elaborating the strategies down to guidance that can be easily rolled out cognizant of the low staffing levels. Public-private partnerships can also address some challenges by stabilizing the hay markets, providing storage, and maintaining good-quality hay. In addition, the strategic feed reserve should include hay for pastoral livestock systems under drought risk reduction programs. Thus, targeted, relevant projects are critical if private hay enterprises are a sustainable drought risk reduction strategy.

KAP Survey Regarding Clinical Research Among Medical Undergraduates in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

KAP Survey Regarding Clinical Research Among Medical Undergraduates in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Survey among Health-Care Workers in Times of COVID-19 Pandemic: Identifying Gaps to Strengthen Infection Control Program for Future Outbreaks.

Sir, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19), an emerging viral respiratory illness, has become a pandemic. Further, COVID 19 infection among health-care workers (HCWs) has become a huge threat. HCWs are at the frontline of any outbreak response and are at great risk of acquiring the infection. We have already seen the morbidity and mortality of this highly infectious disease suffered by the HCW in different countries. For HCW, the psychological effects of such exposure can jeopardize the medical care they provide. WHO and CDC have also given recommendations for preventing infection to HCW.[12] Suboptimal adherence to infection control measures among HCWs is one of the major risk factors for acquiring the infection.[3] Adherence to these measures in HCWs is largely influenced by their knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) concerning COVID 19. An online cross-sectional survey was done among HCWs, including physicians, nurses, and technicians working in various hospitals in India with the aim to identify gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practices. A self-administered, pre-tested questionnaire consisting of 30 questions on demographic characteristics, sources of COVID information and knowledge, attitude and practices and an open-ended question regarding COVID was designed and, after a pilot study, sent to different participants as a Google survey form. Among the 546 respondents, poor knowledge was apparent in 12.1% of respondents regarding the disposal of the dead body of COVID-19 patient, screening tests and oxygen therapy. However, participants had good knowledge regarding hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and the use of masks and surface disinfection. About 97.8% of respondents agreed that it is important to participate in infection control programs, and majority agreed that proper use of PPE can prevent infection. Regarding practices, only 46.2% made standard operating protocols regarding for their departments. In the last open-ended question regarding suggestions for future, valuable inputs like patient relative education, telemedicine, visitor policy, changing the teaching pattern of medical students, and strengthening public health laboratories at district levels for diagnosis of emerging diseases was obtained. After getting the responses, a PPT document was mailed to respondents with information regarding this disease, which would probably enhance their knowledge and help practicing guidelines related to this disease. A study has already highlighted insufficient knowledge of HCWs toward COVID 19.[4] All countries have made substantial efforts to train HCWs on infection control measures against COVID19. The success of these training programs can be measured by doing KAP analysis of healthcare workers. Generating such data at this critical point will help in identifying gaps and strengthening training programs. However, KAP surveys should be conducted at regular intervals. Tailored, periodic infection prevention and control training in healthcare facilities based on these survey results will improve the infection control practices. Apart from continuing education, newer interventions for improving the gaps in practices should be explored. More of reinforcement tools should be designed to effect long-lasting changes. Thus more studies are required to highlight the unreached gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers with the aim to reduce the risk of infection among HCWs and preparing institutes for future outbreaks. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Evaluating the Veterinarian Role in One Health Approach at Antimicrobial Resistance Perspectives, Jordan

Antimicrobials are widely used in human and veterinary medicine around the world for disease control and prevention. Due to inefficient or prolonged antimicrobial treatment, the microbes may become resistant, which will pose public health and socioeconomic threat, as it is transmitted to humans through the environment and food products. To address the potential health of AMR, WHO collaborated with OIE and FOA to implement the Global Action Plan and urged the member countries to develop a national plan, to combat AMR in all aspects. The Ministry of Health in Jordan has conducted the national plan for combatting AMR (2018-2022), in which the MOA and JVA play a critical role as stakeholders for intervening the plan strategies in animal health sector. This study aims to evaluate the role of the Jordanian veterinarian’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices in tackling AMR, as well as it will include the registered veterinary pharmaceutical products between 2017-2020. A web based cross-sectional KAP survey link was distributed to the veterinarian who is registered in the JAV. Reports of the registered pharmaceutical products were obtained from JAV and then categorized into imported and produced drugs. The results were analysed descriptively and showed that the average knowledge of the participant who had agreed with the statement that refers to the AMR definition was 84%. The majority (95.65%) considered AMR as a challenge for the veterinary sector in Jordan and should be prioritized beside other zoonotic diseases. A 68.70% of the participants believe that the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial by quacks, fraudulent and unauthorized practitioners are the main contributor to the AMR challenge, and the most common practices among them were recommending the customers (farmers, owner, etc..) to practice good animal husbandries (80.00%).To conclude, implementing antimicrobial resistance continual educational program is essential to improve the veterinarian knowledge in all aspects of AMR; to enhance their advisory skills. Also obligating legislations that ensure the veterinarian to prescribe the correct antimicrobials and improving the surveillance system to monitor the antimicrobial consumption in the veterinary field.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice patterns and the purported reasons for delayed presentation of patients with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy at a tertiary eyecare facility in Central India: A questionnaire-based study.

Purpose:To identify the reasons for delayed presentation among patients with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) and to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) patterns in context to diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR).Methods:Single-center, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based KAP survey. All consecutive cases of STDR who presented to our tertiary eye care facility from June 2020 to November 2020 were recruited. The KAP scoring survey tool was incorporated into the questionnaire to help evaluate and represent the patient's disease.Results:170 patients with STDR were enrolled in the study. The mean age of patients was 54 ± 9.34 years (Range: 21–70 years); 110 patients (64.7%) were between 41 and 60 years; 131 patients (76%) had DM for more than 5 years. The STDR changes were more prevalent in patients with an educational qualification of high school or less (n = 142; 83.5%). Fifty-two patients (30.6%) had been informed regarding the detrimental effect of diabetes on the eyes and were recommended to consult an ophthalmologist by the treating physician. Of these, 24 (46.15%) patients were educated about retinal changes due to diabetes. Eighty-five (50%) patients in our study had good knowledge about DM; 13 (7.6%) patients had good knowledge about DR. For patients not compliant for follow-ups with the treating physician, the use of “home glucometers for self-monitoring (n = 60, 35.3%) was the most prevalent reason. The main reason for poor compliance for undergoing a dilated fundus examination by the ophthalmologist was “Had good vision, so didn’t feel the need” in 143 (90.5%) patients.Conclusion:The absence of visual complaints, lack of knowledge, and failure to undergo a dilated fundus examination in the past were the prevalent risk factors in patients presenting with STDR. Knowledge/practice about DR was poor among the patients with STDR. The treating physicians and ophthalmologists were the most common sources for patient education.

Social determinants of male partner attendance in women\u2019s prevention-of mother-to-child transmission program in Malawi

BackgroundMale partners are rarely present during PMTCT (Prevention-Mother-To-Child-Transmission) services in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Male involvement is increasingly recognised as an important element of women’s access to care. This study aims to identify the socio-demographic characteristics, HIV-Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) among women accompanied and not accompanied by their male partners.MethodsWe included pregnant women enrolled in PMTCT programme between August 2018 and November 2019 in the Southern Region of Malawi. Eligible women were aged 18 years or older, living with a male partner, enrolled for the first time in one of the four selected facilities. We provided a KAP survey to women and their partners attending the facilities. Our primary objective was to assess and analyse the proportion of women who were accompanied by their partner at least once. We applied descriptive statistics and logistic regressions to study the association between being accompanied and explanatory variables.ResultsWe enrolled 128 HIV-positive women: 82 (64.1%) were accompanied by their male partners and 46 (35.9%) were alone. In the multivariable model, women’s unemployment and owning a means of transport are negatively associated with male attendance (respectively adjusted OR 0.32 [95% CI, 0.11–0.82] and 0.23 [95% CI, 0.07–0.77]), whereas, in the univariable model, high women’s level of knowledge of HIV is positively associated with male attendance (OR 2.17 [95% CI, 1.03–4.58]). Level of attitude and practice toward HIV were not significantly associated to our study variable.ConclusionsOur study shows a high male attendance in Malawi compared to other studies performed in SSA. This study highlights that women’s level of knowledge on HIV and their economic condition (employment and owning a means of transport) affects male attendance. Moreover, the study points out that gender power relationships and stringent gender norms play a crucial role thus they should be considered to enhance male involvement.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on climate change and dengue in Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand

BackgroundDengue is linked with climate change in tropical and sub-tropical countries including the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) and Thailand. Knowledge about these issues and preventive measures can affect the incidence and outbreak risk of dengue. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among urban and rural communities and government officials about climate change and dengue in Laos and Thailand. MethodsA cross-sectional KAP survey about climate change and dengue were conducted in 360 households in Laos (180 urban and 180 rural), 359 households in Thailand (179 urban and 180 rural), and 20 government officials (10 in each country) using structured questionnaires. Data analysis was undertaken using descriptive methods, principal component analysis (PCA), Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test (as appropriate), and logistic regression. ResultsSignificant differences among the selected communities in both countries were found in terms of household participant's age, level of education, socioeconomic status, attitude level of climate change and KAP level of dengue (P < 0.05; 95% CI). Overall, participants' KAP about climate change and dengue were low except the attitude level for dengue in both countries. The level of awareness among government officials regarding the climatic relationship with dengue was also low.In Lao households, participants’ knowledge about climate change and dengue was significantly associated with the level of education and socioeconomic status (SES) (P < 0.01). Their attitudes towards climate change and dengue were associated with educational level and internet use (P < 0.05). Householders' climate change related practices were associated with SES (P < 0.01) and dengue related practices were associated with educational level, SES, previous dengue experience and internet use (P < 0.01).In Thailand, participants' knowledge about climate change was associated with the level of education and SES (P < 0.01). Their attitudes towards climate change were associated with residence status (urban/rural) and internet use (P < 0.05); climate change related practices were associated with educational level and SES (P < 0.05). Dengue related knowledge of participants was associated with SES and previous dengue experience (P < 0.05); participants’ dengue related attitudes and practices were associated with educational level (P < 0.01). ConclusionThe findings call for urgently needed integrated awareness programs to increase KAP levels regarding climate change adaptation, mitigation and dengue prevention to improve the health and welfare of people in these two countries, and similar dengue-endemic countries.

Awareness About the Specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery among the Medical Fraternity in South India: A KAP Survey

Awareness About the Specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery among the Medical Fraternity in South India: A KAP Survey

KAP Survey on Endodontic Irrigants and Its Deleterious Effects

The aim is to assess how aware the dental students are about endodontic irrigants and the deleterious effect. Successful root canal therapy relies on the combination of proper instrumentation, irrigation, and obturation of the root canal. Of these three essential steps of root canal therapy, irrigation protocol is very important as it determines the healing of the periapical tissues. The primary endodontic treatment goal must thus be to optimize root canal disinfection and to prevent reinfection. Cytotoxicity of root canal irrigants is essential due to their close contact with host tissues. The study aimed to assess how aware the dental students are about the deleterious effects of endodontic irrigants. A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students in January 2020. The survey was made on the app survey planet and a questionnaire was administered to 100 dental students about their awareness of cytotoxicity of irrigants in endodontics. The data was collected and put into bar charts in SPSS version 20 by IBM for statistical results. It is observed 38% were interns, 33% were final years and 29% were third years. 90% were aware of what irrigants are, 86% were aware of the types of irrigants, 76% were aware of the cytotoxicity of irrigants, 49% used sodium hypochlorite, 21% used chlorhexidine, 10% used MTAD, 8% used citric acid and 12% have used all of the above. 65% are aware of the duration of irrigants in canals. 59% think irrigants can be used in a previously treated tooth, 20% disagree and 21% are not sure. A p-value of 0.000 was obtained which is statistically significant as p&lt;0.05. In vitro cytotoxicity tests are usually carried out for new materials before applying them clinically. These irrigating solutions should be used at lower concentrations to enhance cell viability and protect the tissues from toxicity damage, irrespective of their increased efficacy at higher concentrations. Through this study, it was evident that students are not fully aware of the deleterious effects of endodontic irrigants though they are used daily. The awareness of the concentration and type of irrigant to be used should be more emphasized during theory classes so that the same can be followed during clinical procedures.

Survey on knowledge and attitude and awareness about basic life support and emergency Medical Services among B.D.S interns in Andhra Pradesh hospitals- A kap survey

Survey on knowledge and attitude and awareness about basic life support and emergency Medical Services among B.D.S interns in Andhra Pradesh hospitals- A kap survey

Antibiotics usage, how well we know it? KAP survey among the dentist population in Mumbai

Background: There is a rising concern for antibiotic resistance worldwide, the primary cause of which is overuse and misuse. This study primarily aimed at assessing the knowledge of dental practitioners regarding the current guidelines on use of antibiotics and to identify the shortcomings if any.Methods: Present study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted amongst 450 dental practitioners across Mumbai with the help of a self-designed questionnaire. The data was entered into excel sheets and appropriate statistical analysis was done with chi-square test using SPSS version 20.Results: The present study had a response rate of 95%. For the total percentage of patients examined each day that required systemic antibiotics, 36.9% (153) dentists answered 0-5%, followed by 25.3% (105) answered 10-15%. 76.1% (316) dentists came across patients who had self-prescribed antibiotics. 66% (274) dentists had never advised an antibiotic sensitivity/ culture test for their patients. 51.3% (213) dentists came across patients who did not respond to antibiotics. 87.2% (363) dentists were not aware about the ‘AWaRe’ classification of antibiotics given by WHO. 93.3% (383) dentists did not know about antimicrobial stewardship concept.Conclusions: The present study reflected antibiotic overuse and misuse to a certain extent by dental practitioners across Mumbai. Most dentists were unaware about ‘AWaRe’ classification and antimicrobial stewardship. Patient education on ill effects of self-prescription of antibiotics, identification of traits of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic culture tests needs to be prioritized by dentists.