Knowledge Of Health Care Workers Research Articles

Impact of multifaceted interventions on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of adverse drug reactions reporting among healthcare workers in Vietnam: a comparative intervention study

BackgroundKnowledge, attitude, and practice of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and ADRs reporting among healthcare workers were related to the quality and ADRs reporting rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the multifaceted interventions on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers and to compare the proportion of spontaneous ADRs reports at the study center, before and after instituting multifaceted interventions.MethodsA comparative intervention study was conducted among healthcare workers at the hospital. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire before and after instituting the multifaceted interventions to assess the KAP of ADRs and their reporting. The impact of the multifaceted interventions was assessed by comparing their correct responses to the KAP questions and the proportion of spontaneous ADRs reports before and after the interventions. The pre- and post-intervention scores for KAP questions were compared usingMcNemar test by R Language.Results388 healthcare workers completed the study. The proportion of participants qualified for ADRs reporting increased significantly, from 73.5% (pre–intervention) to 99.2% (post–intervention) for knowledge scores, from 70.6% to 91.8% for attitude scores, and from 81.4% to 97.2% for practice scores (p < 0.001). Similarly, the number of spontaneous ADRs reports increased by 31% after 3 months of interventions.ConclusionMultifaceted interventions instituted at the study center improved the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health workers towards ADRs and spontaneous reporting. It would be beneficial to implement such interventions in other hospitals in Vietnam.

Factors Associated with the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Primary Healthcare Workers Regarding Neglected Tropical Diseases with Skin Manifestations in the Dakar Region, Senegal, 2022

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with skin manifestations present a significant health and societal problems challenge worldwide. This study aimed to analyzed factors associated with the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of primary healthcare workers (HCW) concerning NTDs with skin manifestations in the Dakar region of Senegal. We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire which was administered to eligible HCW (general practitioners, nurses and midwives) working at the 24 health centers located in the Dakar region. Data were collected using the ODK Collect application (version 2022.3.6). KAPs measures were constructed from questionnaire responses, and bivariate analysis was used to identify associated factors. Of the 187 HCW surveyed, 75.9% were female, with a mean age of 35.1 years (SD: 8.56). The majority of HCWs had a bachelor’s degree (40.6%), were nurses (49.2%) and had between 1- and 10-years of professional experience (52.4%). Regarding their knowledge of NTDs with skin manifestations, only 43.3% of HCW had received initial training on NTDs. The most commonly reported NTDs with skin manifestations were leprosy (53.5%), lymphatic filariasis (51.3%), scabies (49.7%), onchocerciasis (45.5%) and schistosomiasis (42.8%). Television was the main source of information about these NTDs (38.5%). In term of practices, only 47.6% of HCW reported being able to diagnose NTDs with skin. Factors associated with good knowledge regarding NTDs with skin manifestations included having received training on NTDs (p = 0.0015) and more years of professional experience (p = 0.004). In summary, there is a need to strengthen and raise awareness about NTDs with skin manifestations among HCWs and promote quality management of patients in Senegal.

Nursing practice of guidelines for prevention and control of vascular Catheter-Related bloodstream infections.

To apply the Ottawa Model of Research Use to translate the Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Vascular Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections. The Ottawa model of research use is used to provide a framework and guidance. This study was organized by the Nursing Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, and the Intravenous Therapy Group was responsible for the implementation of the study. The hospital's intravenous therapy administrators, members of the sedation team, and specialist nurses will be organized to evaluate the importance, exactness, and clinical practicability of 34 entries. Twelve clinical departments and IV therapy clinics with a high number of central venous catheters were used as sites for translating evidence from this project. The evidence-based team assessed the practice environment, potential practitioners, and clinical status of clinical translation of evidence through symposia, review of relevant systems, operational procedures, on-site inspections, and questionnaires. They compare evidence with existing processes and decide on change strategies. Before and after the application of the evidence, there was a significant increase in the knowledge, belief, and behavior of healthcare workers on CLABSI prevention and control, especially in the acquisition of related knowledge (χ2 = 26.648 p < 0.001). The associated implementation rate was also significantly improved, with a significant decrease in CLABSI incidence from 0.29 per 1000 to 0.11 per 1000 (χ2 = 8.625 p = 0.004). The assessment of the integration of issues showed that 8 aspects, including workflow, knowledge mastery, monitoring reports, and aseptic operations, do not meet the qualified standards. Through this clinical change, a perfect prevention and control system has been established, and the level of knowledge, belief, and behavior of medical staff in preventing CLABSI has been improved, while the incidence of CLABSI has been reduced.

Knowledge and Practices Regarding Dietary Supplements Among Healthcare Professionals in Poland.

The growing popularity of dietary supplements in Poland raises the need to verify the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers who have a key role in recommending their use. Understanding these issues is important to ensure patient safety and the correct use of dietary supplements. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the level of knowledge, practices, and sources of information on dietary supplements among various professional groups of healthcare workers. The study conducted from September 2023 to June 2024 involved 743 healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. Data were collected online using an original questionnaire. The questionnaire was placed in portals associated with target groups. A total of 73.49% of respondents declared knowledge of dietary supplements. The most common source of information was scientific articles (42.8%), and only 7.00% of respondents used official sources such as the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate. Advertisements had a smaller impact on doctors (p < 0.001), with 46.97% of respondents stating that they did not pay attention to them. In addition, 84.52% of respondents considered the composition of the dietary supplement to be a key factor in their recommendation. Knowledge of dietary supplements among healthcare professionals varies, particularly between different professional groups. The results indicate a need for further education and standardization of information to ensure safe and responsible recommendation of supplements to consumers.

FACTORS INFLUENCING HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IN CODUNCTING PREECLAMPSIA SCREENING

Background: Preeclampsia is responsible for maternal health globally due to its high morbidity and maternal mortality rates, especially in low-income countries such as Indonesia. Primary care providers, including general practitioners, midwives, and nurses, have a crucial role to play in the early assessment of preeclampsia screening. It was noted that factors affecting mortality were the lack of preparedness of officers in managing and responding to pregnancy emergencies, delayed recognition of worsening clinical signs of preeclampsia, as well as inadequate assessment and treatment for preeclampsia. This study aims to analyze the driving factors that influence health care provider in conducting preeclampsia screening in Gresik District. Methods: This research was an observational analytical study with a cross-sectional approach. The population in this study consisted of all doctors and midwives at the primary health facilities in the Gresik Regency area. The sample was taken from 159 respondents who were service providers in 20 primary health facilities in Gresik using simple random sampling. The variables in this study were the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers toward implementing preeclampsia screening. Data collection in this study used an online questionnaire conducted after issuing the Ethical Approval Letter until October 2023, which was then analyzed using a chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Only 27% of respondents demonstrated a good level of knowledge about preeclampsia, which affected the effectiveness of preeclampsia screening (p-value 0.04). A total of 86.2% of respondents showed a high level of attitude toward preeclampsia screening. However, this study found no significant relationship between healthcare workers' attitudes and preeclampsia screening (p-value 0.171). Conclusion: There is a significant link between the knowledge of the healthcare provider and the optimization of preeclampsia screening so new methods of training are needed that are assessed as effective and accompanied by rigorous monitoring and evaluation to enhance healthcare provider knowledge, especially concerning preeclampsia screening.

Antibiotic use and resistance: knowledge, attitudes and practices in Italian healthcare workers

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most significant public health challenges globally. The misuse or incorrect use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of resistant bacteria, making it increasingly difficult to treat infections. This study aims to identify knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Italian healthcare workers (HWs) - medical doctors (MDs) and nurses - regarding antibiotics, antibiotic use, and antibiotic resistance. Methods Cross-sectional study; a validated questionnaire from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control was distributed via web survey starting from April 2024 to a voluntary sample of healthcare workers employed in Italy. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed to investigate predictors of knowledge regarding antibiotic use and AMR. Ethical approval was obtained from the local ethics committee. Results So far, 154 HWs were enrolled, of which 132 were nurses (85.7%). The average level of knowledge regarding AMR and antibiotic use was 6.8/7 (± 0.2) for MDs and 6.1/7 (± 0.2) for nurses, with an overall score, among HWs of 6.19 (± 0.99), compared to a European average of 6.35. The multivariable analysis highlighted that the medical profession reported higher knowledge regarding prudent antibiotic use and AMR (aOR 6.90; 95% CI 1.83-26.01, p-value = 0.004), while concerning professional practice, the unavailability and difficulty of access to guidelines seemed to increase the risk of reporting inadequate knowledge (aOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.01-4.13, p-value = 0.046). Conclusions Our preliminary results provide an insight into the importance of structuring and actively disseminating procedures/protocols and guidelines to deepen the issues of AMR and prudent antibiotic use. Also, there appears to be a need to enhance the delivery of refresher courses targeting HWs, with particular attention to settings at high infection transmission risk. EU funding: Project no. PE00000007, INF-ACT. Key messages • Although a higher knowledge about prudent antibiotic use and AMR, more efforts are needed to increase access to guidelines. • Constant updating of knowledge and practices is necessary to face the challenges of antibiotic resistance in public health.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors of Healthcare Workers Working in Malatya Towards COVID-19 Vaccines

Abstract Background The rapid production of vaccines and the introduction of new vaccine technologies have raised concerns among some individuals regarding anti-vaccination, while others have expressed worries about vaccines. Given that healthcare professionals’ recommendations significantly influence people’s vaccination decisions, this study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of healthcare professionals working in family health centers towards COVID-19 vaccines. Methods Questionnaires for this descriptive cross-sectional study were administered between February and April 2022. The population comprised 408 health workers employed in family health centers in Malatya, with 292 individuals completing the study. The questionnaire included questions about sociodemographic, COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines and the COVID-19 Fear Scale. Results Although 97.3% of the research group reported having received the COVID-19 vaccination, 47.9% expressed concerns about these vaccines. The median score of the COVID-19 Fear Scale was 15 (7.00-35.00). 86.6% of the participants indicated that they recommended COVID-19 vaccines. 16.4% of the participants agreed with the statement ‘there are no studies proving the safety of vaccines,’ and 49% agreed that ‘vaccines pass through clinical trials quickly and are put on the market’. Those who did not recommend COVID-19 vaccines, those who agreed with the statement ‘there are no studies proving the safety of vaccines’ and those who agreed with the statement ‘vaccines pass through clinical trials quickly and are put on the market’ were concerned about COVID-19 vaccines with their level of concern significantly higher (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions Almost all members of the research group had received the COVID-19 vaccine, yet almost half of them expressed concerns about vaccines. Those who do not recommend vaccines, those who believe they are released quickly, and those who have safety concerns are more likely to be concerned. Key messages • Identify the reasons for health workers’ concerns about vaccines and provide remedial interventions for concerns that may arise regarding other vaccines. • It should be ensured that healthcare professionals, who are expected to be role models for society in terms of immunization, possess scientific and up-to-date knowledge on vaccines.

Awareness and knowledge about Female Genital Schistosomiasis among European healthcare workers

Abstract Background Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) is a gynaecological manifestation of persistent infection with Schistosoma haematobium, which can lead to severe consequences, such as miscarriage and infertility. It is estimated to affect 56 million women globally, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Most migrants in Europe are female, often from SSA and therefore at risk of FGS, hence healthcare workers (HCWs) knowledge of FGS is essential for the provision of adequate care. This study aims to assess awareness and knowledge of FGS among European HCWs to inform strategies to improve the management of migrant health. Methods In June 2023 - January 2024 we conducted a cross-sectional online survey targeting medical doctors (MDs), nurses and midwives (NMs) working in fields of infectiology, gynaecology, urology, family, travel, internal or occupational medicine. The prevalence of FGS awareness and knowledge was estimated, Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with MDs’ awareness of FGS. Results Among 922 surveyed HCWs, 43.7% (CI95%: 39.6-47.9) of MDs and 12.0% (CI95%: 8.8-16.0) NMs have heard about FGS. FGS awareness among MDs was associated with work in clinics for migrants (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.33, CI95%: 1.10-1.59) and specialization, being lower for gynaecology (PR = 0.67; CI95%:0.51-0.88), and family medicine (PR = 0.42, CI95%:0.30-0.59). Among MDs, 7.1% (CI95%: 5.1- 9.5) had medium knowledge, while 25.3% (CI95%: 21.8-29.0) had low, and 67.6% (CI95%: 63.7-71.4) no knowledge on symptoms, complications or diagnostic tools for FGS. FGS knowledge was mostly acquired through academic curricula (34.7%), scientific literature (28.4%) and conferences (25.6%). Conclusions The study shows limited awareness of FGS among European MDs and NMs, and highlights that European HCWs may not be adequately prepared to deal with diseases that are gaining relevance on the European continent due to the global connectivity and the dynamic nature of our societies. Key messages • In Europe, the health specialities that are the first point of patient access to the health system show a low level of awareness and knowledge of Female Genital Schistosomiasis. • Rising knowledge of FGS among European HCWs through academic curricula and continuous medical education is important to ensure adequate diagnosis and management of disease in migrant populations.

Nutrition of children up to one year of age what public health topic

Abstract Background Nutrition is one of the most important factors for a person that affects the quality and length of life. Nutrition has a fundamental influence on the maintenance of health or the development of disease and participates in the correct growth and development of an individual. Nutrition is especially important in the early stages of life, when a child’s organism develops dramatically. Mothers have the greatest influence on a child’s nutrition, and therefore it is advisable to educate them appropriately and also educate them early, from child birth or before. And early nutrition is provided through breastfeeding. Objectives To improve the knowledge of healthcare workers in the field of breastfeeding and nutrition of children up to one year of age. To strengthen the breastfeeding skills of mothers. To motivate healthcare workers to educate mothers in maternity wards and GP offices. Results Using a questionnaire, we analyzed the knowledge of 716 mothers of children under two years of age. 91 % of female respondents knew that the child should be breastfed according to his/her needs. Only 66 % of women were educated and informed about the importance and technique of breastfeeding. Educational material was prepared and distributed for midwives, nurses and doctors on breastfeeding and feeding children up to one year of age. Conclusions The level of awareness of health professionals about breastfeeding and nutrition is still insufficient. There is a need to continue to educate and support healthcare workers in this area and to motivate them in providing information to mothers. Key messages • Breastfeeding and feeding children up to one year of age are important for a child’s health. • The advisory activity of healthcare workers is key to improving public health. Health workers should help mothers not only with advice but also with practical help with breastfeeding.

Health Facility Capacity and Health-care Worker Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Hepatitis B Vaccine Birth-dose and Maternal Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine Administration in Nigeria: A Baseline Assessment.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and neonatal tetanus infections remain endemic in Nigeria despite the availability of safe, effective vaccines. We aimed to determine health facilities' capacity for hepatitis B vaccine birth dose (HepB-BD) and maternal tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccination and to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HepB-BD and maternal Td vaccine administration among health facility staff in Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study assessing public primary and secondary health facilities in Adamawa and Enugu States. A multistage sampling approach was used to select 40 facilities and 79 health-care workers (HCWs) from each state. A structured facility assessment tool and standardized questionnaire evaluated facility characteristics and HCW knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to HepB-BD and maternal Td vaccination. Frequencies and proportions were reported as descriptive statistics. The survey of 80 facilities revealed that 73.8% implemented HepB-BD and maternal Td vaccination policies. HepB-BD was administered within 24 h of birth at 61.3% of facilities and at all times at 57.5%. However, administration seldom occurred in labor and delivery (35%) or maternity wards (16.3%). Nearly half of the facilities (46.3%) had HCWs believing there were contraindications to HepB-BD vaccination. Among 158 HCWs, 26.5% believed tetanus could be transmitted through unprotected sex, prevented by vaccination at birth (46.1%), or by avoiding sharing food and utensils. 65% of HCWs knew HBV infection had the worst outcome for newborns. The limited implementation of national policies on HepB-BD and maternal Td vaccination, coupled with knowledge gaps among HCWs, pose significant challenges to timely vaccination, necessitating interventions to address these gaps.

Enhancing infection prevention and control through hand hygiene compliance in six Ugandan hospitals using quality improvement approaches.

Hand hygiene (HH) plays a crucial role in mitigating healthcare-associated infections. Improving HH compliance in healthcare facilities in resource-limited settings is urgently needed. We implemented the World Health Organization (WHO) HH improvement strategy using a continuous quality improvement (CQI) approach targeting improvement in HH compliance by healthcare workers (HCWs). An intervention was implemented in six hospitals using a longitudinal study design between May 2019 and April 2023. We set up and monitored infection prevention and control (IPC) and HH programs using WHO's infection prevention and control assessment framework at the facility level (IPCAF) and hand hygiene self-assessment framework (HHSAF) tools. We implemented HH interventions using CQI techniques while targeting HCW HH knowledge and compliance with the WHO's Five Moments of HH. By the end of the intervention, IPC and HH capacity improved in all six hospitals, from a median score of 547.0 and 252.5 on IPCAF and HHSAF tools at baseline to an advanced score of 635.0 and 350.0 at endline assessment, respectively. Similarly, HCWs' HH knowledge improved in all hospitals, from a mean score of 45.0% at baseline to 76.0% at endline assessment, most notably among nurses. HH compliance, as assessed using WHO's HH observation tool, at least doubled in all hospitals, rising from 19.9% to 53.8%, with before touching a patient registering the highest (22-fold) improvement. On linear regression analysis, no significant association was observed between HH compliance and IPCAF b = -0.0004 (95% CI -0.093, 0.93) p = 0.990, HHSAF b = 0.009 (95% CI -.0127, 0.145) p = 0.842 and HCW knowledge on HH/IPC b = -0.165 (95% CI 0.815, 0.485) p = 0.519. This is the first documented comprehensive utilization of CQI approaches to implement HH as an entry point for the development of hospital IPC programs, and evaluation of WHO tools and approaches for IPC and HH improvement in Uganda. Implementation of the WHO HH improvement strategy using a CQI approach can lead to remarkable improvement in HH capacity, and HCW compliance and knowledge in hospitals within resource-limited settings.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward sleep hygiene and cardiovascular health: a cross-sectional survey among healthcare workers.

Healthcare workers grapple with distinct challenges, inherent to their profession, making them susceptible to irregular sleep patterns and insufficient sleep, which may further impact their cardiovascular health. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers concerning sleep hygiene and cardiovascular health. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Yancheng TCM Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine between July, 2023 and September, 2023. Demographic characteristics, KAP scores, sleep health awareness and habits, and sleep quality were assessed through the questionnaires. A total of 423 valid questionnaires were included in the study. Among these, 215 (50.83%) were aged 35 or below, and 128 (30.26%) reported suffering from chronic insomnia. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 43.23 ± 5.67 (possible range: 10-50), 24.53 ± 4.59 (possible range: 9-45), and 20.22 ± 4.46 (possible range: 6-30), respectively. Multivariate analyses indicated that attitude score (OR = 0.890, 95% CI: [0.807-0.981], p = 0.019), sleep health awareness & habits score (OR = 1.847, 95% CI: [1.284-2.656], p = 0.001), experienced chest tightness or heart palpitations (OR = 6.084, 95% CI: [2.172-17.042], p = 0.001), and the presence of chronic insomnia (OR = 5.017, 95% CI: [2.428-10.368], p < 0.001) were independently associated with sleep quality. Healthcare workers had adequate knowledge, negative attitude and moderate practice toward sleep hygiene and cardiovascular health. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address the observed gaps in attitudes and practices, aiming to enhance overall awareness and promote healthier sleep habits among healthcare professionals.

Assessing the Knowledge Gap in Paediatric Emergency Management among Primary Healthcare Workers in Zaria, Nigeria

Paediatric emergencies remain a significant cause of mortality in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where primary healthcare centres (PHCs) often serve as the sole source of medical care. This study aimed to assess the knowledge gap among healthcare workers in PHCs in Zaria regarding the management of common paediatric emergencies. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 139 randomly selected healthcare workers in Sabon Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analysed using SPSS version 21. Results revealed a generally low level of knowledge among healthcare workers regarding both the causes and treatment of common paediatric emergencies. Only a small percentage of respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge in these areas. A statistically significant association was found between academic qualifications and knowledge levels. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve the skills and knowledge of healthcare workers in PHCs. Collaborations between academic institutions and local health departments can play a crucial role in organising regular training programs to address these deficiencies and enhance the quality of care provided to children in need.

Assessing and enhancing legal literacy in cancer care: A nationwide analysis of a training intervention for healthcare workers.

6 Background: We previously showed the significant extent to which legal barriers requiring appropriate navigation are encountered by patients with cancer and their caregivers. Despite this, structured training on legal topics is not offered for healthcare workers (HCW). We performed a nationwide analysis to ascertain baseline legal knowledge in HCWs, and investigate the impact of a training program aimed at improving knowledge gaps in legal, financial, and social services navigation. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of HCWs participating in legal and financial training sessions from 2021-2023 led by attorneys from Triage Cancer, a nonprofit organization providing free education on legal issues that impact individuals with cancer. Pre-training surveys assessed baseline knowledge, comfort, and frequency with which HCWs counseled patients with cancer, on legal barriers. Impact of training was evaluated via surveys at 1 week and 6 months post-training. Survey scores were descriptively analyzed to summarize changes in knowledge compared to baseline. Paired t-tests evaluated self-rated competence before and after legal training. Results: The pre-intervention survey was completed by 2141 HCWs who were primarily White (63.9%), female (89.8%), and social workers (39.3%) during the most recent survey year. HCWs served patients of ≥20 cancer types including breast (33.4%), hematologic (12.7%), and lung (6.9%), and reported assisting patients with health insurance options (82.6%), financial navigation (53.3%), and disability insurance claims (46.5%). Only few HCWs reported feeling “comfortable” or “very comfortable” assisting patients with health insurance (22.1%), finances (17.2%), or disability insurance (9.5%). The 1-week and 6-month post-intervention surveys were completed by 852 and 211 individuals, respectively, and standardized questionnaire scores demonstrated improvement in tested knowledge from baseline (26% questions correct) to 1-week (67.5%) and 6-month (35%) follow-up. Self-rated improvement in HCW competence following intervention at 1-week (surveyed using 10-point scale, mean improvement 3.14, 95% CI [3.05, 3.25]) and 6-months (corrected mean improvement 2.52 [2.29, 2.75]) were significant (p &lt; 0.001 for both). At 6-month follow-up, 90.5% of surveyed HCWs reported changing behavior or practice based on the training, noting the education facilitated patient care through navigation of health and disability insurance and appeals; reducing financial burden, stress, and anxiety; and improving quality of life (Likert scales ranged 3.17-3.41 with 3 for Agree and 4 for Strongly Agree). Conclusions: This study showcases the necessity, success, and practicality of implementing a legal training for HCWs who note high frequency of legal concerns from their patients, but lack the comfort or expertise in appropriately navigating these.

Knowledge of Healthcare Workers Towards NIPAH Virus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: To evaluate the healthcare workers’ (HCWs) knowledge towards Nipah virus and identify the associated variables with good knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted in Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to evaluate the knowledge of HCWs towards Nipah virus. A validated questionnaire was employed to collect the data of HCWs. It consisted of two parts: Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and questions related to the knowledge towards Nipah virus. Percentages and median (Q1, Q3) were used to present the data and were compared by Mann–Whitney and Kruskal Wallis. The associated variables with good knowledge were identified by logistic regression. Results: The study included 247 participants. The median (Q1, Q3) knowledge score was 45% (10%, 60%), reflecting poor knowledge. About 62% of the HCWs stated that the symptoms of Nipah virus infection could be acute respiratory distress, convulsions, and coma. Only 36.8% reported no available vaccine to prevent Nipah virus infection, and more than 50% identified the virus’s main reservoir (fruit bat) as the possibility of transmission from animal to human. Roughly 57% of them reported that the virus can be transmitted among people through droplets. Less than 40% stated the Nipah virus can cause AIDS. The significantly associated variable with good knowledge was only nationality. Conclusion: The present study showed a poor knowledge of HCWs. Good knowledge was associated with nationality. Therefore, the implementation of education and training programmes are highly recommended throughout conducting prospective and interventional studies.

Study of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Use of Masks among Health-care Workers at a Tertiary Care Center in Mumbai

ABSTRACT Introduction: Airborne transmission of infectious diseases poses a significant public health challenge. Nosocomial outbreaks of airborne infections such as influenza H1N1, H5N1, and drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) variants have been documented, with substantial morbidity and mortality attributed to inadequate airborne infection control strategies. N-95 respirators and surgical masks (face masks) are the examples of personal protective equipment that are used to protect the wearer from airborne particles and liquid contamination of the face. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, practices, and attitude of health-care workers (HCWs) regarding the use of mask, especially N-95 mask. Materials and Methods: A prospective, was conducted over a period of 6 months at a tertiary care hospital. This study was carried out in the department of microbiology of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 6 months. A total of 500 HCWs from various departments of the hospital were included in the study. HCWs were given a questionnaire based on N-95 respirator usage, and participation was voluntary. Results: The analysis of survey data provides insightful perspectives on respondents’ comprehension and attitudes toward airborne infection transmission and the usage of N-95 masks. 68.6% of respondents recognized that all listed diseases (measles, TB, and chickenpox) were spread by the airborne route. 55.6% of respondents correctly acknowledged that all masks, including surgical masks, N-95 masks, and cotton masks, do not offer airborne protection. 76.0% of respondents acknowledged that N-95 masks possess a high filtration efficiency against 0.3-micron particles, 58.3% correctly identified that “N” in N-95 stands for “not resistant to oil,” and 90.8% acknowledged that the N-95 respirator as the most common type of respirators. 41.7% correctly acknowledged that N-95 masks with an exhalation valve are not recommended for use. 22.2% of respondents incorrectly believe that wearing a face mask can lead to carbon dioxide poisoning, and 52.1% of respondents correctly identified that pulmonary TB patients need not be provided with N-95 masks in isolation rooms. 76.8% of respondents understood that fit testing is required every time one dons an N-95 mask. 95.5% of respondents recognized the necessity of hand hygiene before donning and after doffing N-95 masks. 82.7% of respondents agreed regarding the necessity for consultation before N-95 mask usage for chronic lung disease and asthma patients. 93.7% are aware that there is a protocol for donning and doffing N-95 masks. 71.3% of respondents understood that extended use involves wearing the same N-95 respirator for repeated close contact encounters without removing the mask between patient encounters, while 64.4% correctly define reuse as using the same N-95 respirator for multiple encounters but removing it after each encounter.

Breaking the silence of female genital schistosomiasis in Ghana's health system: A case of health workers within the FAST project.

Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) remains a critical and yet neglected topics in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), significantly affecting the health of women and girls worldwide. Health workers' knowledge of FGS is vital to the prevention and management of the disease. This study adopted an implementation research approach to identify and address the existing knowledge gap regarding FGS among healthcare workers in Ghana. This study was a 3-year (2020-2022) implementation research applying a pragmatic uncontrolled quasi-experimental study design. The study involved a baseline assessment, FGS training intervention for health workers and student nurses, distribution of FGS educational materials, and an endline assessment. A mixed-method approach was applied to data collection involving health workers from two schistosomiasis endemic districts and across the country. NVIVO 12 and STATA 14 were used for qualitative and quantitative data analysis, respectively. Prior to the intervention, the level of awareness about FGS among health workers was less than 8%, and most participants only understood FGS as merely urogenital schistosomiasis in females. In response to this gap, an FGS education intervention in the form of training of health workers, student nurses alongside the distribution of FGS educational materials were carried out. The intervention enhanced health workers' awareness of FGS to more than 61%, encompassing an enhanced understanding of the disease's signs and symptoms to more than 60%, as well as its management strategies. However, access to praziquantel, the primary treatment, remained a significant challenge. The FGS intervention effectively raised healthcare workers' awareness and knowledge. Expanding training and improving praziquantel access are essential for optimal FGS management. A multi-faceted approach involving individuals, communities, and the healthcare system is necessary for comprehensive FGS prevention and control.

Social realities in remote villages: Infant and young child feeding in Kirewa, Uganda.

Understanding infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in Africa requires an examination of the social context. Social relationships influence people through mechanisms such as social support, social influence, social engagement, access to resources and negative social interactions. This study explores how these mechanisms manifest in IYCF in remote villages in Uganda. In 2018, we conducted two focus group discussions each with mothers, fathers and grandparents, ande interviews with two clan leaders, six village health teamers (VHT) and four healthcare workers (HCW). We deductively searched the data for any indications of elements that could influence child feeding and health using the psychosocial mechanisms of social support, social influence, social engagement, access to resources and negative social interactions as the broader themes. The manifestation of social support involved practical help from mothers-in-law (MIL), financial contributions from fathers, and informational, instrumental, emotional and appraisal support from VHTs. Social influence by MILs mainly concerned the transmission of food-related beliefs and pressure to have many children. The social engagement of young mothers was restricted. Access to resources was stratified and affected by poverty, patriarchy, and knowledge of HCWs and VHTs. Negative social interactions included physical abuse, alcoholism, and fear-based relationships. We found the different psychosocial mechanisms to construct a useful framework for describing the social reality surrounding IYCF. Changing attitudes towards family planning, involving fathers in IYCF, and strengthening the position of VHTs as family advisers can potentially improve IYCF in rural Uganda.

FP6.7 - Assessing knowledge and effective utilisation of incentive spirometer across surgical floor

Abstract Aim to assess the level of knowledge of healthcare workers providing incentive spirometer and instruction provided to patient. Methods Snapshot audit between 25&amp;28/05/23 assessing the knowledge and practice using two for patient and staff questionnaires. Inclusions criteria were all adult patients in surgical wards, all healthcare staff. Exclusion criteria were patients who did not receive a spirometer and patients or staff who were not willing to participate in the study. Results 75% of staff provided incentive spirometers, 84% of them never received formal education or training in the use of incentive spirometer. Only one staff member (1.85%) answered all the questions correctly. 83% of patients were not given the correct instructions and approximately 16% were instructed to exhale. Implemented Changes A video created with e-link; explaining the use of incentive spirometer. Training of medical and nursing staff by presenting the project in our local departmental meeting, the results and poster emailed to health professionals. A new patient leaflet was created containing clear instructions, the video link, and a table to record their usage. Random sampling showed significant improvement. The Second cycle will be conducted at beginning of the new year and the results will be presented at the conference Conclusion The lack of training led to incorrect instructions being given to patients. This could lead to false reassurance to the senior medical staff, by assuming that patients are using spirometers correctly which could delay recovery and discharge. Simple training has resulted in significant increase in knowledge and correct use of a spirometer. Checking the staff knowledge is recommended, especially in common daily practice

Knowledge, attitudes, and readiness about critical antimicrobial resistant organisms among healthcare workers at colonial war memorial hospital in Fiji: a pre and post intervention study

BackgroundGram-negative bacteria resistant to carbapenems are also known as critical antimicrobial resistant organisms. Their emergence at Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH), the largest hospital in Fiji, is a major clinical concern. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and readiness of healthcare workers (HCW) at CWMH regarding management of patients with infections caused by critical antimicrobial resistant organisms.MethodsA questionnaire was designed using a Likert scale to assess knowledge, attitudes, and readiness. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted, before and after the implementation of targeted educational activities which were informed by the pre-intervention study findings.ResultsA total of 393 and 420 HCW participated in the pre- and post-intervention studies, respectively. The majority of respondents were female (77.3%) and 18–34 years of age (67%). HCW professional roles included nurses (56.3%), doctors (31.6%), and laboratory personnel (12.2%). In the post-intervention study, significantly more HCW reported having received infection prevention and control (IPC) and antimicrobial resistance education and training (26.8% in pre to 45.5% in post intervention, p < 0.001). The majority of nurses and doctors (> 85% to ≥ 95%) were aware of how AMR organisms spread in healthcare settings and knew the IPC measures to prevent transmission of AMR infections including hand hygiene, standard and transmission-based precautions. Attitudes towards AMR were positive, with 84.2% pre intervention and 84.8% of HCW post intervention expressing their willingness to change their work environment to assist with AMR prevention. Perceived readiness to address the problem showed mixed results. Improvements in laboratory AMR surveillance data availability were noted (29.4–52.4%, p < 0001). Modest improvement in the hospital’s capacity for outbreak response (44–51.9%, p = 0.01), and treatment of AMR infections (38.9–44.4%, p = 0.01) was reported.ConclusionsOur data revealed high levels of staff awareness and knowledge about AMR and IPC. However, readiness for outbreak response and treatment of critical AMR infections requires more attention. Improving AMR prevention and containment in CWMH will likely require sustained and multisectoral interventions with strong administrative commitment.