Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs And Practices Research Articles

A Community-Based Survey to Assess Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices Regarding Herpes Zoster in an Urban Setting.

IntroductionIn the USA, nearly one in three people will experience herpes zoster (HZ) in their lifetime. Underserved communities may be at even higher risk due to several factors, including access to healthcare, education, and co-morbid conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate current knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) relative to HZ and HZ vaccines in a large urban city.MethodsA cross-sectional KABP survey was conducted via in-person interview among 381 participants aged ≥ 50 years in Detroit, MI, USA, from June to August 2018. Survey results were stratified into two groups [< 60 and ≥ 60 years of age (YO)] for comparison.ResultsOf the 381 participants, 373 reported their age (110 < 60 YO and 263 ≥ 60 YO). Overall, the majority of participants reported having heard of HZ and HZ vaccines. In addition, receiving a recommendation from a healthcare provider (37.5%) followed by gaining a better understanding of HZ vaccine (36.7%) and of HZ (29.9%) were leading factors that influenced participants’ willingness to receive the vaccine. Of note, 65.5% of participants < 60 YO reported the belief that HZ is preventable versus only 53.2% in those ≥ 60 YO (p = 0.001).ConclusionOur findings underscore the need to educate patients in underserved communities about HZ as well as new HZ vaccine recommendations to improve vaccination rates and reduce the incidence of HZ and its associated sequelae.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40121-019-00269-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Health Beliefs toward Leptospirosis among Urban and Rural Communities in Northeastern Malaysia.

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution, especially in developing countries such as Malaysia. This study was designed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) toward leptospirosis among the communities in northeastern Malaysia and to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with the KABP toward leptospirosis. A cross-sectional study using a stratified sampling method was conducted among 214 individuals in four locales in northeastern Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 214 respondents in northeastern Malaysia using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. The study population was divided into two groups based on geographical locations: urban and rural. All data were entered and analyzed using the IBM Statistics for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 software for Windows (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The continuous variables were presented using mean and standard deviation (SD), whereas the categorical variables were described using frequency and percentage. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the associated factors for good KABP toward leptospirosis among the respondents. Results: It was found that 52.8% of respondents had good knowledge, 84.6% had positive attitudes, 59.8% had positive beliefs, and 53.7% had satisfactory practices. There were no significant sociodemographic factors associated with knowledge and practice, except for educational status, which was significant in the attitude and belief domains. Those with higher education exhibited better attitudes (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.329; 95% Coefficient Interval (CI): 1.140, 9.723; p = 0.028) and beliefs (OR 3.748; 95% CI: 1.485, 9.459; p = 0.005). The communities in northeastern Malaysia generally have good knowledge and a high level of positive attitude; however, this attitude cannot be transformed into practice as the number of people with satisfactory practice habits is much lower compared to those with positive attitudes. As for the belief domain, the communities must have positive beliefs to perceive the threat of the disease. Conclusions: Our current health program on preventing leptospirosis is good in creating awareness and a positive attitude among the communities, but is not sufficient in promoting satisfactory practice habits. In conclusion, more attention needs to be paid to promoting satisfactory practice habits among the communities, as they already possess good knowledge and positive attitudes and beliefs.

Barriers and facilitators related to adherence in cervical cancer screening among women living in the French Island of Reunion: A cross-selectional study

Introduction Reunion Island is a French overseas region located in the Indian Ocean, with a multiethnic and multireligious population of about 850,000 inhabitants. Reunion Island is affected by large social inequalities and geographical disparities. Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rate are significantly higher than in mainland France. Furthermore, cervical cancer screening (CCS) coverage by Pap smear is rather low. Objectives The aims of this study were. Primary objective: to describe socio-demographic, financial and logistical barriers to and potential facilitators for CCS. Secondary objective: to determine factors associated with non-participation to CCS during the past three years. Methods During the year 2017, a cross-sectional phone survey was conducted on a representative sample of 1000 women aged 25–65 years living in Reunion Island. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, healthcare use, health literacy, ethnicity, and knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) concerning prevention and screening were collected by a standardized KABP questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between these factors and adherence to CCS. Results Twelve percent of the women declared not having had a CCS in the past 3 years. The main individual barriers reported by these women were psychosocial (50%): lack of information and knowledge about cervical cancer and its screening, a low perceived susceptibility to cancer, no perceived benefit of screening, embarrassment about the test and fear of the results. Omission (27%), logistic barriers (23%), and lack of time were also mentioned. The most important structural facilitators for screening included the opportunity to have access to a specific preventive consultation close to the place of residence (74%), and paper or call reminders (69%). Moreover, 67% requested more information about CCS from physicians, and 63% were favorable to Human Papilloma Virus self-collected testing. Women aged over 55 (adjOR: 2,02, 95% CI: 1.09–3.73), having had no primary care physician visit in the past 12 months (adjOR: 3.19, 95% CI: 1.75–5.84), with a low literacy level (adjOR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.99–4.88), with a low medical insurance coverage (adjOR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.18–3.14), having low incomes (adjOR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.02–3.22) and with a low-level of knowledge (adjOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.21) were more likely to not attend CCS. Discussion In order to increase the rate of CCS among women in Reunion Island, awareness campaigns and screening programs should pay special attention to vulnerable populations.

Perceived barriers to early detection of breast cancer in Wakiso District, Uganda using a socioecological approach

BackgroundEarly detection of breast cancer is known to improve its prognosis. However, women in most low and middle income countries, including Uganda, do not detect it early hence present at an advanced stage. This study investigated the perceived barriers to early detection of breast cancer in Wakiso district, Uganda using a multilevel approach focused through a socioecological framework.MethodsUsing qualitative methods, participants were purposively selected to take part in the study. 5 semi-structured interviews were conducted among the community members while two focus groups were conducted amongst women’s group and community health workers (CHWs) in Ssisa sub county, Wakiso district. In addition, 7 key informant interviews with health professionals, policy makers and public health researchers were carried out.ResultsFindings from the study revealed that barriers to early detection of breast cancer are multifaceted and complex, cutting across individual, interpersonal, organizational, community and policy barriers. The major themes that emerged from the study included: knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP); health system and policy constraints; and structural barriers. Prominent barriers associated with KABP were low knowledge, apathy, fear and poor health seeking behaviours. Barriers within the health systems and policy arenas were mostly centred around competing health care burdens within the country, lack of a cancer policy and weak primary health care capacity in Wakiso district. Distance, poverty and limited access to media were identified as the most prominent structural barriers.ConclusionBarriers to early detection of breast cancer are complex and go beyond individual behaviours. These barriers interact across multiple levels of influence such as organizational, community and policy. The findings of this study could provide opportunities for investment in multi-level interventions.

Contraceptives: Adolescents' Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices. A Case Study of Rural Mhondoro-Ngezi District, Zimbabwe.

Adolescent reproductive health behaviour has become an emerging world concern as the age at menarche and sexual debut has plummeted globally. The primary objective of the paper is to understand the importance of reproductive health education to contraceptive use among adolescents in Mhondoro-Ngezi District. The paper also investigates knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) pertaining to contraceptive use among adolescents. Factors underlying KABP are further explored. In addition, this paper investigates the availability, accessibility, acceptability and affordability of contraceptives to adolescents. These issues are assessed from the perspective of all duty bearers (mothers, fathers, healthcare providers, religious leaders and secondary school teachers). The paper is based on a cross-sectional study which was conducted in Mhondoro-Ngezi area. A total of 185 adolescents aged 15-19 years were sampled with a sex ratio of 67. The study triangulated both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The results in this paper indicate that adolescents in Mhondoro-Ngezi engage in early sexual debut. Despite the fact that knowledge about modern contraceptives is universal (96%) among adolescents in Mhondoro-Ngezi, contraceptive use is very low, 21%. Limited contraceptive use among adolescents in the study area is a result of the interplay of demographic, policy, socio-cultural, religious and economic factors. The study has thus recommends that the government and other relevant stakeholders to formulate policies that promote reproductive education in order to foster the utilization of contraceptives by adolescents.

Knowledge of HIV infection and transmission: a knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) survey among a sample of students at the "Magna Graecia", University of Catanzaro.

Continuous spreading of HIV infection may be due to lack of knowledge, especially among young people. It is important to monitor level of knowledge and risk behaviours especially in young people to set up appropriate preventative and informative campaigns. We assessed knowledge of HIV infection and risk factors in a sample of students at the "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, using an anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire. Two-hundred and sixteen medical students attending the first year at "Magna Graecia" University (age: 18-20 years) were prescribed an anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire. Knowledge of HIV infection was scarce in a significant percentage of students. They were often practicing risk behaviours at risk for acquisition of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections. This study shows that preventative and informative campaigns are urgently needed in earlier stage of adolescence to avoid acquisition of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Hepatitis B knowledge, perceptions and practices in the French general population: the room for improvement

BackgroundLittle is known about the knowledge, perceptions and prevention practices of the French general population with respect to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This article describes this population’s knowledge of HBV, their perceptions of the disease, and associated screening and vaccination practices. It compares these indicators with those observed in the same population for HIV, an infection with a chronic course and transmission modes resembling those of HBV.MethodsA module on hepatitis B was added into the HIV KABP (Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices) survey which was carried out telephonically in 2010 among a random sample of 9,014 individuals aged between 18–69 and living in metropolitan France.ResultsCompared with HIV, the general population was less aware that needle exchange during intravenous drug use and sexual relationships are HBV transmission modes (HBV: 89.9% and 69.7%; HIV: 99.1% and 99.4%). The fear of both illnesses was similar at 20.3%. The individual perceived risk of infection was higher for HBV than for HIV with, respectively, 60.8% and 40.3% of respondents believing they had an equal or greater risk of being infected than the average person. However, the percentage of those reporting HBV screening during their lifetime (27.4%) was half that for HIV screening (61.4%). In multivariate analysis, HBV screening was reported more often by individuals born in areas with high HBV endemicity (OR = 2.1 [95% CI: 1.5-2.9]) than by those born in low HBV endemicity areas, and more often by those who reported they had taken drugs intravenously during their lifetime (OR = 2.2 [95% CI: 1.2-4.2]) than those who did not report such behavior. Almost one in two respondents (47%) reported HBV vaccination. The intermediate or high endemicity groups did not report vaccination more often than those born in low endemicity areas nor did those reporting intravenously drug use compared with those who did not.ConclusionsThis study highlights very contrasting levels of knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding HBV and HIV in the French general population. Our results demonstrate the need to improve the general and high-risk populations’ knowledge of HBV, in particular concerning sexual transmission, in order to improve screening and vaccination practices.

An 18-year follow-up of HIV knowledge, risk perception, and practices in young adults.

To evaluate trends over the last 18 years in HIV-related knowledge, risk perceptions, and sexual behaviors in young adults. Data were obtained from six KABP (knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices) surveys (1992, 1994, 1998, 2001, 2004, and 2010) from representative samples of the French population. Surveys were similar in terms of data collection and target populations: 2362 men and 2774 women aged 18-29 were interviewed by telephone. Young people were very familiar with the true routes of HIV transmission throughout the full period. However, in 2010, approximately 30% erroneously believed that mosquito bites could transmit HIV versus only 12% in 1994. They were less convinced about the efficacy of condoms in protecting against HIV: approximately 50% in 2010 versus 70-80% in 1992-1994. The proportion of respondents very afraid of AIDS significantly decreased from a maximum of 44% in 1994 to approximately 20% in 2010. Condom use at first intercourse was widespread after 1995 and sex without condoms in the previous year was far less frequently reported in 2010 than in 1992. Nevertheless, the proportion of individuals reporting condom use at their most recent intercourse in 2010 was the lowest reported since 1994, with an increase in young men reporting no contraception use from 9.2% in 2004 to 18.8% in 2010. Young people appear to misunderstand certain sexually transmitted infection/HIV transmission mechanisms. Other indicators for 2010 reflected a low level of HIV risk perception, distrust in condom efficacy, and a decrease in adopting prevention practices, which highlights the need to adapt preventive strategies.

Prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in relation to knowledge, attitudes/beliefs, and practices among university students in North-Eastern Nigeria

Background: The involvement of communities in control of cervical cancer cannot be overemphasized, but this must take cognizance of their current knowledge, attitudes/beliefs, and practices (KABP) of the people if it will be sustainable. This study assessed the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) among university students and their level of KABP concerning cervical screening in Maiduguri North-Eastern, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and fifty-two subjects (age range: 18-69 years) were screened using pap smear screening method and acetowhite method. A structured questionnaire was administered on each subject to elicit information on KABP that could predispose them to the disease. Results: CIN was recorded in 12.8% of subjects with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in 10.8% and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion 2.0% of the women, respectively. The average general level of knowledge of various aspect of was 43.3% average positive attitudes/beliefs about the disease was recorded in 17.1% of subject, while positive practices that could lead to prevention of the disease was obtained in 30.0%. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of the disease and screening is very low and together with high levels of negative attitudes and practices, will adversely affect control measures and therefore have to be addressed.

Primary care physicians' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices regarding childhood obesity: a systematic review

Obesity is an important public health issue with an epidemic spread in adolescents and children, which needs to be tackled. This systematic review of primary care physicians' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) regarding childhood obesity will help to implement or adjust the actions necessary to counteract obesity. Eligible studies were identified through a systematic database search for all available years to 2007. Articles were selected if they included data on primary care physicians' KABP regarding childhood obesity: 130 articles were assessed and eventually 11 articles covering the period 1987-2007 and responding to the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The included studies showed that almost all physicians agreed on the necessity to treat childhood obesity but they believed to have a low self-efficacy in the treatment and experienced a negative feeling regarding obesity management. There was a large heterogeneity in the assessment of childhood obesity between the different studies but the awareness of the importance of using body mass index increased over the years among physicians. Almost all studies noted that physicians recommended dietary advice, exercise or referral to a dietician. From this review, it is obvious that there is a need for education of primary care physicians to increase the uniformity of the assessment and to improve physicians' self-efficacy in managing childhood obesity. Multidisciplinary treatment including general practitioners, paediatricians and specialized dieticians appears to be the way to counteract the growing obesity epidemic and thus, primary care physicians have to initiate, coordinate and obviously participate in obesity prevention initiatives.

AIDS Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices (KABP) in Iranian Prisoners’ Society: Results from a Population-Based Survey in 5 Prisons of Southern Coastwise of the Caspian Sea in 2006 Iranian Epidemiological Training Programs for AIDS Prevention in Mazandaran Province

Background: AIDS, one of the most complex health problems of the 21st century, is in its third decade and has become a pandemic disease that threatens the world population. The aim of this study to report data is derived from an investigation of the KABP of AIDS prevention among the large descendants of the Iranian prisoners’ society. Material: Using a multistage area sampling method, a random sample of individuals aged 18–65 years in southern coastwise of the Caspian Sea from February to December 2006. To select a representative sample of the prisoners’ population within 5 different prisons in Mazandaran province had the same probability to be sampled. Prisoners who agreed to participate were given a four-page self-administered questionnaire. Results: 1760 (88%) of the 2000 eligible participants completed the questionnaire. The mean age of respondents was 30.05 ± 8.1 years ranging from 18 to 59, 1686 (95.8%) were male and mostly married 1054 (59.9%), and had received secondary education or above 1178 (66.9%). Most respondents (1690, 96%) had household income levels low or average, and 716 (40.7%) were out of work. The findings indicated that the respondents had average to fairly good knowledge about AIDS. The correct answers ranged from 11.9% to about 85.9%. the majority of the respondents were strongly agree or agree with the statement that people with AIDS should have social right to study or work (1378, 78.3%) or with the statement that AIDS is public health problem (1522, 86.5%). The majority of the respondents (1538, 83.4%) said that the mass media were the main source of their information about HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: findings suggest that prevention programs should be encourage and these might have the potential role to limit the emergence of Iran's HIV/AIDS epidemic especially in prison's this country.

Food safety related perceptions and practices of mothers – A case study in Hyderabad, India

Foodborne diseases are an important reason for diarrhoeal deaths among Indian children (<5 years). Since many foodborne illnesses arise from home kitchens, mothers can be the final line of defense. It was attempted to assess perceptions and practices of mothers on food safety. Quantitative data collected from respondents ( n = 90) using a Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices (KABP) questionnaire, showed that, over 90% wash hands before feeding children, eating, serving or cooking food, but usage of soap is very limited. Over 60% store leftover cooked foods at room temperature as a majority (82%) do not own refrigerators. High incidence of foodborne illnesses was reported in the families (21%) and the community (12%). Though 48% buy packed foods, a majority (78%) do not recognize symbols on food labels. Significant associations ( p < 0.05) were found between standard of living/literacy and certain food safety practices. Qualitative data obtained from three focus group discussions, reiterated most of the observations made in the survey. Television is the preferred medium to seek information on food safety.

Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices of Chinese migrants in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania toward HIV⁄AIDS

To investigate AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABPs) among Chinese mi- grant laborers in east African cities, and to examine the current status of access to AIDS-related healthcare services, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Of 121 male laborer partici- pants who spoke neither English nor Swahili, 109 (90.9%) had an education level of high school or less. The sur- vey revealed that migrants' AIDS-related knowledge was poor, e.g., very few (n=4, 3.3%) were aware of the epide- miologic status of HIV in these two cities. Negative attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) were widespread, and the majority (n=94, 77.7%) did not make use of AIDS-related healthcare services or education. Al- though the main information resources on HIV/AIDS in China include television (n=94, 77.7%), books and news- papers (n=78, 64.5%) and radio (n=51, 42.1%), these sources were much less common in Nairobi and Dar es Sa- laam (p<0.001 for each). One third (n=44, 36.4%) did not have any information resources in these two cities. These results indicate that Chinese migrant laborers are at risk of HIV infection in the two African cities. Appropriate education for the general population in China and for migrants in these two cities regarding HIV/AIDS, along with relevant information resources that are more accessible and useful for migrants in East Africa are therefore needed to minimize the risk of infection.

Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices about HIV/AIDS among the overseas job seekers in Bangladesh

A study of the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) relating to HIV/AIDS was conducted among people from Bangladesh seeking work overseas ( N = 300), during February, 1997 and March, 1997. Only 26% of the respondents knew of AIDS and out of 13 basic facts concerning HIV/AIDS the mean score of the sample was 1.63 correct responses. Most of those who knew of HIV had some false beliefs about the mode of HIV transmission, for example, believing that HIV could be contracted by touching an AIDS patient, or sharing bathing facilities or eating utensils. Sex with brothel-based commerical sex workers (100%), sharing contaminated needles (93.6%) and blood transfusion from infected individuals (93.6%) were seen as the main route of HIV transmission. Printed media (69%) was the main source of AIDS information. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that having a non-agricultural occupation ( P <0.04), being resident in Dhaka, Chandpur, Noakhali, Comilla, and Chittagong ( P <0.01), being in the habit of reading newspapers ( P <0.05), using condoms ( P <0.04), having heard about condoms ( P <0.003), having seen condoms ( P <0.005) and knowing where to buy condoms ( P <0.0005) were significantly associated with AIDS awareness. There is insufficient AIDS awareness among overseas job seekers which calls for public initiatives to provide AIDS information to them before they leave Bangladesh to work abroad.

Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices about HIV/AIDS among the overseas job seekers in Bangladesh.

A study of the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) relating to HIV/AIDS was conducted among people from Bangladesh seeking work overseas (N = 300), during February, 1997 and March, 1997. Only 26% of the respondents knew of AIDS and out of 13 basic facts concerning HIV/AIDS the mean score of the sample was 1.63 correct responses. Most of those who knew of HIV had some false beliefs about the mode of HIV transmission, for example, believing that HIV could be contracted by touching an AIDS patient, or sharing bathing facilities or eating utensils. Sex with brothel-based commercial sex workers (100%), sharing contaminated needles (93.6%) and blood transfusion from infected individuals (93.6%) were seen as the main route of HIV transmission. Printed media (69%) was the main source of AIDS information. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that having a non-agricultural occupation (P < 0.04), being resident in Dhaka, Chandpur, Noakhali, Comilla, and Chittagong (P < 0.01), being in the habit of reading newspapers (P < 0.05), using condoms (P < 0.04), having heard about condoms (P < 0.003), having seen condoms (P < 0.005) and knowing where to buy condoms (P < 0.0005) were significantly associated with AIDS awareness. There is insufficient AIDS awareness among overseas job seekers which calls for public initiatives to provide AIDS information to them before they leave Bangladesh to work abroad.