Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Research Articles

To Assess and Compare the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Patients with Diabetes in Control and Intervention Groups.

Diabetes is a combination of heterogeneous disorders presenting with episodes of hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance, as a result of lack of insulin, defective insulin action, or both. There are more than 387 million people with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and the number is likely to reach 592 million by 2035. The prevalence of DM is 9.1% in India. With increasing incidence of diabetes worldwide, evaluation of diabetes knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) has become crucial for guiding behavioral changes for persons with diabetes and individuals at risk. KAP-related studies are important in tailoring a health programme to help curb the threats caused by the disease. Adequate information helps the public understand the risks of diabetes and its complications, seeks treatment of existing disease, takes preventive measures and develops proactive attitude towards health. This was an interventional study where patients of either gender with ≥1-year history of DM were enrolled into the study after obtaining the consent. A total of 200 patients were included in this study. The p-value (<0.0001) showed that there was significant improvement in the KAP score of intervention group patients from baseline to follow up compared to that of control group. This study shows that improvement in knowledge of the disease has positive impact on Attitude and Practice of the subjects, thus improving their glycemic control.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Mozambique: The role of institutional trust.

Vaccination plays an imperative role in protecting public health and preventing avoidable mortality. Yet, the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in African countries are not well understood. This study investigates the factors associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine in Mozambique, with a focus on the role of institutional trust. The data came from the three waves of the COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) survey which followed a cohort of 1,371 adults in Mozambique over six months (N=3809). We examined vaccine acceptance based on three measurements: willingness to take vaccine, perceived vaccine efficacy, and perceived vaccine safety. We conducted multilevel regression analysis to investigate the trajectories of, and the association between institutional trust and vaccine acceptance. One third of the survey participants (37%) would definitely take the vaccine. Meanwhile, 31% believed the vaccine would prevent the COVID-19 infection, and 27% believed the vaccine would be safe. There was a significant decrease in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance between waves 1 and 3 of the survey. Institutional trust was consistently and strongly correlated with different measures of vaccine acceptance. There was a greater decline in vaccine acceptance in people with lower institutional trust. The positive correlation between institutional trust and vaccine acceptance was stronger in younger than older adults. Vaccine acceptance also varied by gender and marital status. Vaccine acceptance can be volatile even over short periods of time. Institutional trust is a central driver of vaccine acceptance and contributes to the resilience of the health system. Our study highlights the importance of health communication and building a trustful relationship between the general public and the institutions in the context of a global pandemic.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Assessment Survey Regarding Oral Mucormycosis after the Covid-19 Pandemic among Dentists in Tricity (Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali)

Background: Mucormycosis is a rare, rapidly progressing opportunistic fungal infection which came into a sudden limelight during the second wave of COVID-19 in India. Aims and Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice assessment of oral mucormycosis among dentists in tri-city (Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali) after COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was carried out among 150 dentists with a response rate of 87.3%. The survey consisted of 15 questions pertaining to knowledge and attitude, whereas a third section of questions regarding practices based on their encounter of attending mucormycosis patients. To ensure maximum participation, snowball and convenience sampling were utilized, and the results were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: Dentists demonstrated a decent knowledge about oral mucormycosis, but there was still a lack of awareness pertaining to reasons for developing mucormycosis after COVID and its correlation with COVID-19’s variant. The study participants revealed coherent opinions about most questions except the diagnostic methods. A very few dentists attended to mucormycosis patients in their clinical practice. Conclusion: Overall, the current work reported the knowledge and clinical experience of the dentists regarding COVID-19-associated mucormycosis and emphasizes on improving the knowledge and awareness of dentists in this area for better management of such cases with diligent diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Caregivers’ and Family Members’ Knowledge Attitudes and Practices (KAP) towards Epilepsy in Rural Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa

Epilepsy, a common neurological disease, has a significant impact on people living with epilepsy (PLWE), their caregivers, and their family members. Research has consistently shown that the quality of life of PLWE is low. To expand on this knowledge, a non-experimental quantitative survey study was conducted to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of caregivers and family members towards epilepsy and epilepsy-related seizures. The study sample consisted of 519 participants from two South African provinces (Limpopo and Mpumalanga), mostly aged 26-35 years. The study revealed that most respondents in Limpopo had no formal education, whereas in Mpumalanga, most had a secondary education. Most respondents (32.4%) reported always using a spoon to prevent tongue biting during seizures. However, 62.4% of respondents reported feeling unprepared to handle an epileptic seizure. Additionally, the majority (54.7%) showed a moderate level of knowledge about epilepsy. Many respondents had a negative attitude towards epilepsy, and there was uncertainty about proper practices during a seizure. In summary, the research highlights unsatisfactory knowledge and practices towards epilepsy and emphasizes the need for increased education and awareness among caregivers and family members. Significant educational investment is needed from medical services to improve epilepsy care, knowledge, and attitudes.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of university students toward COVID-19 in Southern region, Afghanistan: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSuccessful implementation of preventive measures and level of awareness in particular among university students in Afghanistan could play a crucial role in spreading the information for better control of the ongoing pandemic. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 among Kandahar university students.MethodsA cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate students to investigate their KAP regarding COVID-19 from January to March, 2021. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire (socio-demographic characteristics, KAP questionnaire) by phone call interviews.ResultsFrom 359 participants, 88.9% were males, 81.3% were single, 65.1% lived in urban areas, and more than 64% of the students were less than 23 years old. Overall, 86.6% of the study participants had adequate level of knowledge and 87.5% had positive attitudes toward COVID-19. Almost one-third of the participants had good practices regarding COVID-19. All KAP scores were higher in male students. Significant difference of good practice (p < 0.001) was observed among students who were in high socioeconomic status (SES) group. In univariate analysis, female sex (β: -0.75, p = 0.007) was negatively and watching television (β: 0.44; p = 0.014) was positively associated with knowledge score. However, in multivariate linear regression analysis, the knowledge score was significantly associated with age (β: -0.115; p = 0.004); attitude score was significantly associated with female sex (β: -2.776; p < 0.001) and radio use (β: -0.974; p = 0.031); and practice score was significantly associated with female sex (β: -3.704; p = 0.002) and urban area (β: 1.702; p = 0.016).ConclusionsThe overall knowledge and attitudes regarding COVID-19 among university students were desirable. Higher university year, young age, male sex and living in urban areas were significantly associated with good KAP regarding COVID-19. Good practices towards COVID-19 should be increased through awareness programs.

Knowledge, attitudes and practice towards yellow fever among nomadic populations: A cross-sectional study in yellow fever outbreak communities in Ghana.

Despite the government and global health initiatives toward yellow fever epidemic control in Ghana, the country continues to witness sporadic outbreaks of yellow fever mostly among the unvaccinated population and suspected migrates(nomadic) who enter the country. Little is known about nomadic knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding this communicable disease in Ghana. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey in 22 yellow fever outbreak communities to assess nomadic household heads' knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding yellow fever after an outbreak in November 2021 outbreak. Our study results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistics regression with dichotomous outcomes. Significant statistics were obtained from multivariate analysis. About 90% of the nomadic had poor knowledge of the signs and symptoms of yellow with only 16% knowing the vector that transmits yellow fever. The most common source of information on yellow fever was the health campaign. Over 80% of household heads surveyed had positive attitudes regarding yellow fever with about 84% worried about the disease outbreak in their community. In a multivariate logistic regression model, age group(AOR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.31, 5.98, p = 0.008)., gender ideology(AOR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.14-4.51, p = 0.019), occupation(AOR = 15.65; 95% CI: 7.02, 34.87, p<0.001), source of health information(AOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.96, p = 0.043), duration of stay in the community(AOR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.31, 5.98, p = 0.008) and nationality (AOR = 0.22; 95% CI:0.47, 0.47, p<0.001) were associated with positive attitudes towards yellow fever. Close to 74% have a positive practice, with 97.3% controlling mosquitoes in their household. Nationality (AOR = 3.85; 95% CI: 2.26, 6.56, p<0.001), duration of stay in the community (AOR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.10, p = 0.001), and age group(AOR = 040; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.73, p = 0.003) were associated with positive practices. Our findings show that yellow fever KAP was variable with clear knowledge gaps. Regular locally-tailored education and health promotion campaigns should be considered to improve knowledge and preventive practices against this infectious disease.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of infection prevention and control among healthcare workers during the COVID 19 pandemic: a descriptive cross-sectional study in three Nigerian states

BackgroundEmergence of the COVID-19 pandemic created unexpected challenges for health care workers. The global and national supply chain system was disrupted, and affected infection, prevention and control (IPC) practices. This study aimed at documenting health workers knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on IPC in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe descriptive, mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted in Ebonyi, Ondo and Niger states in October 2020. A structured questionnaire was administered to the health workers, complemented by semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed in Atlas.ti. Quantitative data were entered into REDCap and cleaned, transformed and analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 25.0 Findings from the qualitative interviews were used to explain the trends observed from quantitative study.ResultsThere were demographic differences between community and facility-based health workers in our population. A greater proportion of facility-based providers reported having IPC training compared to community-based health workers ever (p < 0.01) and during the pandemic (p < 0.05). Health care workers had moderate knowledge of general IPC, and attitudes toward and practice of IPC during COVID-19 pandemic. However, the knowledge of the relative effectiveness of prevention measures was low. The mean knowledge scores were greater among facility-based workers compared to community based healthcare workers (p = 0.001). Self-reported IPC practices increased during the pandemic compared to prior to the pandemic, with the exception of the use of N-95 masks and hand sanitizer.ConclusionThis study found moderate IPC knowledge, attitudes and practices in our study population during the pandemic as compared to pre-pandemic for the study found gaps in correct hand hygienevaried application of different IPC practices to ensure adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. The study recommends sustained training for IPC and encourages policy makers that budget line specific to COVID-19 response across all the levels of health care delivery will enhance compliance and emergency readiness.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers towards COVID-19 patients in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe Coronavirus disease (a highly infectious viral disease) quickly swept across the globe in 2020, causing mortality and severe respiratory illnesses. It quickly affected businesses and publicly provided services in United Arab Emirates (UAE), imposing significant costs to society. The general population of UAE was jittery and unsure how to address the problem. The focus turned on government and Health Care Workers (HCW) to handle the pandemic. Thus, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of HCW became critical for the treatment and isolation of COVID-19 patients. Thus, the KAP of the HCW came under scrutiny. This is study set out to answer the research question, by investigating the KAP of HCW related to COVID-19 in the UAE.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study undertaken in UAE. The focus of was on HCWs as a population. Using convenience sampling with the help of Creative Research Software, the participants were identified, and an online questionnaire (Google Forms) distributed by the author. The questionnaire was adapted from the instrument developed by Bruce and Frey. It contained questions on demographic variables, knowledge, attitudes, and practice of HCW related to COVID-19. That instrument was contextualized to the UAE society and validated.ResultsAmong the participants in the study, the majority, 90.7% (97) knew that the absence of fever did not mean there was no chance of transmission from an infected person. Further, 84.1% (90) agreed that wearing general medical face masks helps prevent one from contracting COVID-19. However, only 36.4% (39) strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% (17) reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19, while 54.2% (58) indicated they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost 50% of the participants noted that they avoided patients who had symptoms of the COVID-19.ConclusionThis study revealed that the KAP for healthcare workers from UAE healthcare facilities related to COVID-19 was high. The healthcare workers were trained well and that positively affected awareness and the practice of HCW regarding the spread of the virus.

Determinants Analysis Regarding Household Chemical Indoor Pollution.

Indoor household pollution is not yet sufficiently studied in the general population. Over 4 million people die prematurely every year due to air pollution in households. This study aimed to propose quantitative data research through the administration of a KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices) Survey Questionnaire. This cross-sectional study administered questionnaires to adults from the metropolitan city of Naples (Italy). Three Multiple Linear Regression Analyses (MLRA) were developed, including Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior regarding household chemical air pollution and the related risks. One thousand six hundred seventy subjects received a questionnaire to be filled out and collected anonymously. The mean age of the sample was 44.68 years, ranging from 21-78 years. Most of the people interviewed (76.13%) had good attitudes toward house cleaning, and 56.69% stated paying attention to cleaning products. Results of the regression analysis indicated that positive attitudes were significantly higher among subjects who graduated, with older age, male and non-smokers, but they were correlated with lower knowledge. In conclusion, a behavioral and attitudinal program targeted those with knowledge, such as younger subjects with high educational levels, but do not engage in correct practices towards household indoor chemical pollution.

Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of smallholder farmers on foot-and-mouth disease in Cattle in West Kazakhstan.

This study was performed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of farmers and veterinary professionals towards foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the area studied. The study was based on a comprehensive questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Between January and May 2022, 543 households and 27 animal health practitioners (AHP) were visited in 4 provinces of the West Kazakhstan region to assess their KAPs towards FMD. A large proportion of herd owners (84%) had known the name of the disease, and nearly a half (48) of respondents had heard of FMD cases on farms in the neighbourhood. Oral mucosa lesions were the most consistent with clinical sign characteristic of FMD among farmers (31.4%), followed by hoof blisters (27.6%) and excessive salivation (18.6%). Farmers reported that new animal introduction was potentially the main factor associated with FMD occurrence in their herds. Over half of farmers (54%) interviewed prefer not to purchase livestock from unknown or potentially epidemiologically disadvantaged areas. All AHPs (27) reported that in their zone of veterinary responsibilities, vaccination against FMD is not practised because the area investigated possesses FMD-free status. However, in the past few years, numerous FMD outbreaks have been detected throughout the region. For this reason, immediate actions need to be taken to prevent further FMD occurrences by giving the region a status of an FMD-free zone with vaccination. The current study demonstrated that inadequate quarantine controls of imported animals, absence of regular vaccination and unrestricted animal movement within the country were the primary obstacles in controlling and preventing FMD in the investigated area.

Caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and oral health practices at long-term care facilities in KwaZulu-Natal.

Vulnerable individuals residing at long-term care facilities require special oral health consideration. Examining concepts of oral health and hygiene practices of caregivers becomes essential for understanding the quality of oral health services provided to residents. This study explored the oral health-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of caregivers. Long-term care facilities in the eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal. A cross-sectional study was conducted at seven long-term care facilities among 188 caregivers who completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data were collated and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Inferential techniques included an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Participants reported that dentures do not to be cleaned (n = 139; 73.9%). Participants (n = 70; 37.2%) reported that some medications have oral side effects. Most participants (n = 173; 92%) were optimistic about improving their oral health knowledge and skills. Participants (n = 108; 57.4%) only reported flossing when they had food trapped between their teeth. Few participants (n = 30; 16%) reported visiting the dentist every 6 months. Participants had a positive attitude to improve their oral health-related knowledge and practices. However, the study showed that there is a need to scale-up oral health education and training activities for caregivers. It is envisaged that findings of this study will demonstrate the importance of oral health-related knowledge among caregivers in providing better oral health care through improved attitudes and practices.

Health literacy affected the residents’ knowledge, attitude, practice for prevention and control of COVID-19 in Shanxi Province, China

Multistage stratified random sampling was used to explore the relationship of health literacy with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention and control knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in residents aged 15–69 years old in Shanxi Province. The questionnaire, which was issued by the Chinese Center for Health Education, consisted of a health literacy questionnaire and a COVID-19 prevention and control KAP questionnaire. According to the national unified scoring method, the participants were divided into two groups: those who with adequate health literacy and those who with inadequate health literacy. The results of the answer to each KAP question were compared between the two groups by Chi-square test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. Binary logistic regression was used to control confounding effects of socio-demographic characteristics to draw relatively reliable conclusions. A total of 2700 questionnaires were distributed, and 2686 valid questionnaires were returned, with an efficiency rate of 99.5%. Health literacy qualified was identified for 18.32% (492/2686) in Shanxi Province. Compared with the inadequate health literacy group, people with adequate health literacy had a higher corrected answer rate in 11 knowledge-related questions (all P < 0.001); showed more positive answer to each attitude-related question in the three aspects, namely, responsibility for the prevention and control of infectious disease transmission, evaluation for COVID-19-related information release and reporting, and evaluation for the government’s COVID-19 prevention and control results (all P < 0.001); and acted more actively in the practice concerning appropriate self-prevention and control behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak (all P < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses confirmed that with adequate health literacy played a positive role in each of the contents of COVID-19 prevention and control KAP (ORs were between 1.475 and 4.862, all P < 0.001). Health literacy is closely related to COVID-19 prevention and control KAP in the general population of Shanxi Province. People with high score of health literacy were generally better able to grasp COVID-19 prevention and control knowledge, have more positive attitudes toward prevention and control, and perform better prevention and control behaviors. Promoting residents’ health literacy by targeted health education can play an important and positive role in dealing with the threat of major infectious diseases outbreaks.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of sexual health among students in a Chinese medical college: a cross-sectional study.

Sexual health is an essential part of overall well-being, and medical students' sexual education, level of sexual knowledge, and attitudes toward sexual health will affect their sexual behavior. To explore the correlation among medical decision tendency, sex education level, and sexual health KAP (knowledge, attitudes, and practices). We conducted a cross-sectional survey in March 2019. Data were collected via online surveys with a self-developed questionnaire covering sexual KAP and sexual education. We used Spearman correlation to assess the effect of sexual education on KAP after scoring the related questions. Outcomes included descriptive analysis and correlation of medical and nursing students' KAP and education regarding sexual health. Medical and nursing students hold a high level of sexual knowledge (74.8%) and a positive attitude toward premarital sex (87.5%) and homosexuality (94.5%). By conducting the correlation analysis, we observed that medical and nursing students' tendency to support friends' homosexuality was positively correlated with the view that medical intervention for transgender or gay/lesbian people is unnecessary (P < .01). A positive correlation was also found between medical and nursing students who want more diverse sexual education and who would tend to provide patients with more humanistic care regarding their sexual needs (P < .01). Medical and nursing students who want more diverse sexual education and who had higher scores in the sexual knowledge test tend to provide their patients with more humanistic care regarding sexual needs. The research shows the current situation of medical and nursing students' sexual education experience and preference and sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Heat maps were used to more intuitively describe the correlation between medical students' characteristics and their sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors and sex education. The results may not be generalizable across China, as the participants were from 1 medical school. It is essential to provide sexual education for medical and nursing students to ensure a more humanistic approach to patient care regarding sexual needs; therefore, we recommend that medical schools invest in sexual education for medical and nursing students throughout their education.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) About Antibiotic Use in Hemodialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Their Household Contacts, Medellín-Colombia.

The lack of knowledge and the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics are some of the causes of bacterial resistance. Hemodialysis patients have a high consumption of antibiotics and are constantly cared by their household contacts. This population circulates between hospital and community and are a model to study knowledge regarding bacterial resistance and antibiotic use in these settings. This study describes the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) about antibiotic use and bacterial resistance in hemodialysis patients and their household contacts in Medellín-Colombia. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on hemodialysis patients from a renal unit associated with a hospital in Medellín-Colombia, and their household contacts between May 2019 and March 2020. A KAP instrument was applied to participants during home visits. The KAP regarding antibiotic use were characterized, and a content analysis of open questions was made. A total of 35 hemodialysis patients and 95 of their household contacts were included. Of participants, 83.1% (108/130) did not correctly identify the situations in which antibiotics should be used. Likewise, a gap in knowledge about antibacterial resistance was evidenced thanks to the emerging categories in content analysis. Regarding attitudes, 36.9% (48/130) of the participants discontinued antibiotic treatment when they felt better. Additionally, 43.8% (57/130) agree to keep antibiotics in their home. Finally, it was found that it is usual for pharmacists and family members to recommend or sell antibiotics without prescription; likewise, pharmacies were the most popular place to acquire these medications. This study identified gaps in KAP regarding the use of antibiotics and bacterial resistance in hemodialysis patients and their household contacts. This allows focusing education strategies in this regard, in order to increase awareness about the correct use of antibiotics and the consequences of bacterial resistance and to improve prevention actions in this vulnerable population.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (Kap) on Covid-19 of Students of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Kisangani

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of students of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Kisangani.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken among students of the Faculty of Pharmacy. KAPs on Covid-19 were assessed using a survey questionnaire.&#x0D; Results: Male students were predominant (50.8%). The majority of respondents were under or equal to 25 years old. The majority had sufficient knowledge (97.4%) provided mainly by television and radio. 63 respondents or 33.3% of cases did not know if the disease exists in Kisangani; and 88.9% had good practices regarding Covid-19.&#x0D; Conclusion: These results showed that most students have a good knowledge of Covid-19; they presented good practices as well as good attitudes.

A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON ASSESSMENT OF PATIENTS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ON HYPERTENSION AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Introduction: Hypertension is a strong independent risk factor for coronary and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as for heart failure, atrialfibrillation and chronic renal failure, thus substantially contributing to the global burden of disease. Moreover, it is well known that reducing blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patientsis associated with a significant reduction in the rate of cardiovascular complications and adecline in renal function. Aim: To assess the patients knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) and to create awareness about hypertension among hypertensive patients. Objectives: To evaluate the current situation and differences in knowledge, attitude and practices regarding hypertension and to create awareness of hypertension by giving verbal counseling to hypertensivepatients. Conclusion: Our study signifies that patients require support and guidance for practicing better disease management. Hence we conclude that aclinical pharmacist can play major role in improving patients knowledge and adherence bypatient education, developing maintenance of diet and exercise improved the patients practice activities. Clinical activities such as patient counseling, Home Medication Review, Pharmaceutical care program help to increase the patients practice in disease management.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding dengue among the general population of Goa

Background: Dengue is a major health problem in India. The state of Goa has seen a rise in the incidence of Dengue. The study was conducted to understand the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the people regarding this disease. Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted on a sample of participants of the state of Goa. Data on demographic characteristics and KAP was obtained from participants through Google forms. Results: A large number of participants had adequate knowledge of the source of infection and even modes of transmission. Knowledge of symptomatology and treatment was seen to be inadequate. Symptoms such as pain behind the eye and abdominal pain were known by less than 33% of the population. 61.84% were aware that dengue is transmitted through Aedes mosquito. Knowledge of symptoms and the vector transmitting dengue virus was least among the non-student participants. 44.7% of the participants opined that papaya leaves are beneficial for treatment with a higher proportion among the non-student population. Knowledge of the complications of dengue such as dengue haemorrhagic fever was reported by 56.6% of the population while dengue shock syndrome was reported by 32.3% of the population. Conclusions: Findings indicate there is lesser knowledge of symptomatology and epidemiology of dengue among the non-student participants compared to the student participants. Educational and health programmes are needed to increase knowledge among the general population, campaigns specifically targeting the non-student population are required.

Knowledge, attitude and practice on screening and early diagnosis of prostate cancer of primary health care providers in the Free State.

Prostate cancer is topmost in terms of incidence and mortality among men in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa. Prostate cancer screening is beneficial only to certain categories of men, making a rational screening approach necessary. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) regarding prostate cancer screening among primary health care (PHC) providers in the Free State, South Africa. Selected district hospitals, local clinics and general practice rooms. This was a cross-sectional analytical survey. Participating nurses and community health workers (CHWs) were selected through stratified random sampling. All available medical doctors and clinical associates were approached to participate, totalling 548 participants. Relevant information was obtained from these PHC providers using self-administered questionnaires. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were computed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Version 9. A p-value 0.05 was considered significant. Most participants had poor knowledge (64.8%), neutral attitudes (58.6%) and poor practice (40.0%). Female PHC providers, lower cadre nurses and CHWs had lower mean knowledge scores. Not participating in prostate cancer-related continuing medical education was associated with poor knowledge (p 0.001), negative attitudes (p = 0.047) and poor practice (p 0.001). This study established appreciable KAP gaps relating to prostate cancer screening among PHC providers. Identified gaps should be addressed through the preferred teaching and learning strategies suggested by the participants.Contribution: This study establishes the need to address KAP gaps regarding prostate cancer screening among PHC providers; therefore necessitating the capacity-building roles of district family physicians.

Climate change and health risks in Mukuru informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya – knowledge, attitudes and practices among residents

BackgroundResidents of informal settlements in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) are vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. Little is known about the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of inhabitants of informal settlements in SSA regarding climate change and its health impacts. The aim of this study was to investigate how inhabitants of an informal settlement in SSA experience climate change and its health impacts and assess related knowledge, attitudes and practices. The study was conducted in Mukuru informal settlement in Nairobi City County, Kenya.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2021 using a structured, semi-closed KAP questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were ≥ 18 years of age and living in one of the three main sections in Mukuru: Kwa Njenga, Kwa Reuben or Viwandani. By spinning a pen at the geographic centre of each section, a random direction was selected. Then, in every second household one individual was interviewed, creating a representative mix of ages and genders of the local community. To assess participant characteristics associated with climate change knowledge multivariable logistic regression was used. Thematic content analysis was performed for qualitative responses.ResultsOut of 402 study participants, 76.4% (n = 307) had heard of climate change before the interview, 90.8% (n = 365) reported that climate change was affecting their community, and 92.6% (n = 372) were concerned with the health-related impact of climate change. Having lived in Mukuru for more than 10 years and living in a dwelling close to the riverside were factors significantly associated with having heard of climate change before (aOR 3.1, 95%CI 1.7 – 5.8 and aOR 2.6, 95%CI 1.1 – 6.1, respectively) and experiencing a climate change related impact on the community (aOR 10.7, 95%CI 4.0 – 28.4 and aOR 7.7; 95%CI 1.7 – 34.0, respectively). Chronic respiratory conditions, vector-borne diseases, including infectious diarrhoea, malnutrition and cardiovascular diseases were identified by respondents as climate related health risks.ConclusionsMost respondents were knowledgeable about climate change and were experiencing its (health-related) impact on their community. This study provides insights which may prove useful for policy makers, intervention planners and researchers to work on locally adapted mitigation and adaption strategies.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of community health workers on managing and preventing childhood malaria and diarrhea in Fako Division, South West Region, Cameroon; A mixed method study.

In developing countries, childhood malaria and diarrhea are among the 5 leading causes of death among children under five years; the use of community health workers (CHWs) to manage these diseases has shown some degree of success. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of CHWs on the management and prevention of childhood malaria and diarrhea in Fako Division, South-West Region, Cameroon. A pretested questionnaire was administered to eighty CHWs in Fako Division. Three focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 29 CHWs. The Chi-Square and Spearman Correlation tests were used to investigate the association between socio-demographic characteristics with CHWs' KAP on childhood malaria and diarrhea management and prevention. A total of 52.5% of the participants had good knowledge, negative attitudes (65.0%), and carried out poor practices (60.0%) on the management and prevention of childhood malaria. Up to 8.75% CHWs did not know the first-line antimalarial drug used in Cameroon. More than half (57.5%) of participants had poor knowledge, 70.0% had a negative attitude and 82.25% carried out good practices on the management and prevention of childhood diarrhea. 47.6% of CHWs used a mixture of guava leaves and 'masepo' (Ocimum gratissimum) as treatment for childhood diarrhea. Level of education (p = 0.028) and Health District (p = 0.026) were significantly associated with practices on management and prevention of childhood diarrhea. CHWs had inadequate knowledge, poor attitude, and practices on childhood malaria management. Even though a majority of CHWs carried out good practices for diarrhea management, their knowledge and attitude were poor. Therefore, there is a need for training to improve CHWs' knowledge, attitude and practices on childhood malaria and diarrhea management.