Knowledge Of Preventive Measures Research Articles

Community's knowledge, perceptions and preventive practices on Onchocerciasis in Jimma zone, Ethiopia, formative mixed study.

In Ethiopia, Onchocerciasis is a prevalent neglected tropical disease, currently targeted for elimination with mass drug administration and community behavioral changes towards sustained control and eventual elimination. This study aimed to elucidate the awareness, perceptions and practices of endemic communities in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Community-based cross-sectional study triangulated with qualitative method was conducted from October-November, 2021. A multistage sampling was employed and data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of comprehensive knowledge and preventive practice. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated at 95% confidence interval (CI) and considered significant with a p-value of <0.05. Kruskal-Whallis and Mann-whitney tests were used to compare median risk perception score by socio-demographic factors. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews and transcribed verbatim. Then the data were coded, categorized, and themes were developed. The overall prevalence of adequate comprehensive knowledge was 48.8% (95% CI: 44.9, 52.3), high risk perception was 18.7% (95%CI15.9, 21.4) and preventive practice was 46.9%(95%CI:(43.3,50.4). High risk perception[AOR = 1.95 95%CI: (1.32, 2.89] was statistically significant with comprehensive knowledge, likewise knowledge of mode of transmission [AOR = 2.64 95% CI: (1.44, 4.85)], knowledge of consequences [AOR = 2.12 95%CI: (1.21, 3.72)] and knowledge of preventive measures [AOR = 15.65,95%CI:(10.1, 24.2)] were statistically significant with preventive practice. The median risk perception was varied significantly between the groups by educational status, study district and age category. Qualitative evidence showed that there were great community knowledge gap about the disease. Community knowledge, perceptions, and practices are unacceptably low. Risk perception was significantly associated with comprehensive knowledge, likewise knowledge of mode of transmission, consequences and preventive measures were significantly associated with preventive practice. This implies knowledge is a key component of effective prevention strategies as it is a necessary condition for the behavior change.

Factors associated with diabetes knowledge, attitudes and practices among people aged 18 and over in the commune of Niakhene in Senegal.

More than 422 million people worldwide have diabetes in 2016, and 1.6 million deaths are attributed to diabetes each year. Knowledge of preventive measures would enable the adjustment of preventive policies. Hence this study on knowledge and practices in rural Senegal. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical survey of subjects aged at least 18 and living in the commune of Niakhene, carried out in October 2020. A systematic random sample, stratified by sex and age group, was used. The questionnaire was based on the STEPS 2015 tool and a review of the literature. In addition to personal characteristics, the questionnaire was used to measure knowledge of symptoms, complications, risk factors, attitude to the disease and screening practices. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed using R 4.0.2 software. A total of 300 subjects were surveyed. The average age was 35.3 years (+/-16.9), and 52.3% were women. Knowledge (62.7%) was associated with higher education (ORaj2.46{1.16-3.44}), awareness by healthcare staff (ORaj2.88{1.60-5.34}), and a family history of diabetes (ORaj3.09{1.06-11.3}). The positive attitude (53%) was associated with male sex (ORaj1.98{2.07-7.52}), awareness via audio-visual information sources (ORaj3.87{2.07-7.52}), community awareness (ORaj 3.87{2.07-7.52}), existence of a family history of hypertension and knowledge of diabetes (ORaj3.34{2.5-7.69}). Screening was carried out in 34.3% of patients. The associated risk factors were male sex (ORaj 1.95{1.12-3.34}), higher education (ORaj2.49{1.12-559}) and positive attitudes to diabetes (ORaj1.83{1.04-3.26}). One of the most effective interventions against this disease is the adoption of preventive measures which involve early detection and strengthening communication for more effective prevention.

Influence of Media Advocacy on the Knowledge of Prevention Measures and Management Strategies of Early Childhood Diseases among Nursing Mothers in Ikwo L.G.A of Ebonyi State

This study examined the influence of media advocacy on the knowledge of prevention measures and management strategies of early childhood diseases among nursing mothers in Ikwo L.G.A of Ebonyi state. The survey design was adopted in the course of the work. Data for the study was gathered through questionnaire. 850 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents. The frequency tables and percentages and the independent sample tests were used as methods of data analysis. From the analyses conducted, it was revealed that there are prevalent early childhood diseases in Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi state, there are communication intervention programs used in enhancing knowledge of prevention and management of early childhood disease among nursing mothers in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, and communication intervention programs on early childhood disease have not enhanced knowledge of prevention and management strategies among nursing mothers in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi state. It is the recommendation of the study that that there should be an increase in early child disease awareness among individuals, family and communities by ensuring community participation in the control and much research should be carried out to find out better ways to ensure communication intervention programs on early childhood disease enhances knowledge of prevention and management strategies among nursing mothers.

Knowledge Level and Attitude of Artisanal Fishermen towards Covid-19 prevention in fishing Communities in Eket Agricultural zone, Nigeria

The study assessed artisanal fishermen level of knowledge and attitude towards Covid-19 prevention in Eket Agricultural Zone of Akwa Ibom State. Data were obtained from 120 fishermen using multi-stage sampling procedure and analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Results showed that majority (95.8%) of artisanal fishermen were aware that COVID-19 can be prevented. On the mode of prevention 91.7% of the respondents had high knowledge on avoiding contact by wearing facemask. Results revealed that artisanal fishermen had positive attitude (83.8%) in terms of isolating themselves from infected persons, while poor attitude of fishermen were revealed towards taking Covid-19 vaccine (75%). Findings further showed that gender (p &gt; 0.01), education (p &gt; 0.01), extension contact (p &gt; 0.01) and cooperative membership (p &gt; 0.05) were positive and significantly influence fishermen level of knowledge. The major determinants of fishermen attitude were age (p &gt; 0.1), education (p &gt; 0.01), and accessed to extension contact (p &gt; 0.01). The study recommended that educational interventions should be reinforced to enhance fishermen’s willingness to take preventive actions in the future. Sanitary and health inspectors should engage the community in general sanitation campaigns. Government at all levels through the Ministry of Health should embark on continued awareness campaigns among the fishing communities to improve their knowledge of preventive measures towards Covid-19.

Aseptic revisions and pulmonary embolism after surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures with cemented and cementless hemiarthroplasty in Germany : An analysis from the Germany Arthroplasty Registry (EPRD)

Femoral neck fractures (FNF) are among the most common fractures in Germany and are often treated by hemiarthroplasty (HA). The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of aseptic revisions after cemented and uncemented HA for the treatment of FNF. Secondly, the rate of pulmonary embolism was investigated. Data collection for this study was performed using the German Arthroplasty Registry (EPRD). HAs after FNF were divided into subgroups stratified by stem fixation (cemented vs uncemented) and paired according to age, sex, BMI, and the Elixhauser score using Mahalanobis distance matching. Examination of 18,180 matched cases showed a significantly increased rate of aseptic revisions in uncemented HA (p < 0.0001). After 1 month 2.5% of HAs with uncemented stems required an aseptic revision, whereas 1.5% were reported in cemented HA. After 1 and 3years' follow-up 3.9% and 4.5% of uncemented HA and 2.2% and 2.5% of cemented HA needed aseptic revision surgery. In particular, the proportion of periprosthetic fractures was increased in cementless implanted HA (p < 0.0001). During in-patient stays, pulmonary emboli occurred more frequently after cemented HA (0.81% vs 0.53% in cementless HA [OR: 1.53; p = 0.057]). For uncemented hemiarthroplasties a statistically significantly increased rate of aseptic revisions and periprosthetic fractures was evident within a time period of 5years after implantation. During the in-hospital stay, patients with cemented HA experienced an increased rate of pulmonary embolism compared with patients with cementless HA, but this difference was not statistically significant. Based on the present results, with knowledge of prevention measures and the correct cementation technique, the use of cemented HA should be preferred in the treatment of femoral neck fractures.

Preventive measures and concern for SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with lifestyle changes in the Peruvian population

The study was conducted to establish the association between knowledge of preventive measures and concern about SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection and lifestyle changes in the Peruvian population during the health emergency. This was an analytical and cross-sectional study, with a voluntary non-probabilistic sample of 1101 Peruvian population over 18 years old, from the three regions of the country (Coast, Highlands, and Jungle) who answered the digital questionnaires between June and July 2021. The questionnaires “Knowledge about preventive measures on COVID-19″, PRE-COVID-19, and “Changes in lifestyles during the pandemic,” instruments validated in the Peruvian population, were used to determine the association of the variables, the Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used, considering changes in lifestyles as the dependent variable. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the participants, 57.4% were women, 42.6% were men, with an average age of 30.9 years (SD = 13.14). The descriptive analysis showed that 50.8% of the participants were not worried about SARS-CoV-2 infection, 72.2% knew about preventive measures, and 56.4% stated that they had changed their lifestyles during the pandemic. A significant association was found between educational level (p = 0.000), having a job (p = 0.048), and being worried about SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.001) with lifestyle changes. In the regression analysis, technical/higher education (95% CI = 1.51–2.67) and being worried about SARS-CoV-2 infection (95% CI = 1.71–1.91) were associated with lifestyle changes during the pandemic. The greater the degree of education and concern or fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the greater the lifestyle changes.

Health and Wellbeing of Conflict and Disaster-Affected Population in Cox’s Bazar. Bangladesh

Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, and northern Rakhine State, Myanmar, are two protracted humanitarian crises that are interconnected. A number of donor interventions are aimed at facilitating community resilience and social cohesion, both within the camps and in the host communities. This study aims to assess the progress and effectiveness of an activity based on an information base and establish benchmarks for impact evaluation. In order to conduct the study, both quantitative and qualitative survey techniques were used. A representative sample size was determined for a quantitative survey, including potential qualitative interview participants. For data collection, we used a structured questionnaire, a semi-structured interview guideline, and an unstructured topic guide. We used mostly descriptive statistics with a few inferential tests for our analysis. The triangulation work was developed with information from both methods to draw a credible conclusion. Based on the results, most of the community's health conditions are improving, which confirms the concept of prevention. In terms of vulnerability indices, the highest majority seemed not as much vulnerable as their family had much aware about the traumatize/stress condition. Pregnant/Lactating Women (PLW) were not pronounced as burden by their families as majority of them made visitation for 4 ANC check-up across the study areas. The knowledge level of prevent communicable diseases were found in optimum level in all study areas. An adequate number of beneficiaries responded that malnutrition was screened and diagnosing properly and referred them in time. Moreover, sufferings from psychological issues were found common in FDMN community. In participants’ discussion, It is emphasized that adolescent should be needs of different support and information to cope up with the changes. The study concluded that significant proportion respondents have confirmed about the knowledge of preventive measures, which they learnt mainly from available service provisions. However, it is implied of introducing improve adolescent health services including an adequate supply of necessary of hygiene kits.

Unveiling the Awareness Gap: Investigating Parental Knowledge and Information about Child Sexual Abuse on Electronic Media

Child sexual abuse is a pervasive and distressing social problem with severe consequences for its victims. In recent years, electronic media has become increasingly dominant, exposing children to potential risks and challenges in the digital realm. This study provides valuable insights into the awareness gap among parents regarding child sexual abuse on electronic media. The research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing a survey methodology to investigate parental knowledge and information about child sexual abuse in the digital era. A diverse sample of parents with children aged 5-18 years was recruited, and data were collected through an online questionnaire. The survey assessed several aspects, including parental awareness of online dangers, knowledge of preventive measures, familiarity with online platforms and applications, and attitudes toward discussing sexual abuse with their children. Preliminary findings suggest that parents have limited awareness and knowledge about child sexual abuse on electronic media, and often feel uncomfortable discussing the topic with their children.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever among livestock value chain actors in Kagadi district, Uganda.

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic tick-borne disease with an increasing number of outbreaks among communities in Uganda. Following the disease outbreak in the western district of Kagadi on 20th February 2020, a KAP survey was conducted to identify knowledge gaps and at-risk behaviors related to the disease among livestock value chain actors. A household survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted in 399 households in the two sub counties of Bwikara and Ruteete, Kagadi district. A focus group discussion with members of the community was conducted as well as key informant interviews with at-risk individuals. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed using STATA version 13 (Statacorp Texas; USA). Comparative analysis of the data from the two sub counties was also performed using cross tabulations in STATA, between each independent variable and the subcounty variable. The descriptive and comparative statistics used were minimum, mean and maximum values, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages, chi square values and t-statistics. A chi-square test was then employed on each tabulation, to determine whether there was an association between the two categorical variables or not. The test was set at an alpha level of 0.05, and where the p-value was less than or equal to the alpha value, we concluded that the 2 variables were associated. Although majority of the respondents believed in the existence of the disease, only 12.8% had knowledge of prevention measures against CCHF. 67.2% of the respondents reported regular interaction with ticks during routine farm operations and they employed tick control measures on their farms. Although the respondents believe the disease is fatal, almost all of them (99%) would welcome a CCHF survivor back into the community. 95.2% of the respondents actively attended to animals but only 25.8% participated in slaughtering animals. Qualitatively, the technical informants had knowledge about CCHF but non technical informants hardly knew about the disease. Limited funding appropriated for local governments, as well as limited engagement in One health activities were some of the barriers highlighted towards the infection prevention and control activities. Most of the focus group discussion participants knew about the disease, but lacked knowledge on its transmission and prevention. Limited access to personal protective equipment and high exposure to tick-prevalent areas when slaughtering and grazing animals respectively, were the major challenges highlighted. Knowledge on CCHF among majority of the respondents was poor. There is a need for educational programs to increase awareness of CCHF in communities. This awareness should be done by both the community leaders and technical people to ensure the community receives enough knowledge on how to prevent and control the disease. To ensure effectiveness of these programs a One health approach should be adopted to implement prevention and control strategies.

A Rural Obstetrician with Acute Severe Foot Pain: Could it be a Scorpion Sting?

ABSTRACT Scorpion stings, a potentially life-threatening emergency, are under-reported in Nigeria. A sudden initially unexplained, severe excruciating, right toe pain with minimal swelling in a rural-dwelling obstetrician was due to a sting by an unknown species of scorpion lodged in the victim’s shoe. He was managed by supportive treatment with digital block using plain lignocaine, intravenous hydrocortisone, analgesics, tetanus prophylaxis, and close monitoring with a good outcome. Scorpion sting can occur in the rural-dwelling healthcare worker despite their knowledge of preventive measures. The low index of suspicion, coupled with fatigue/burnout from work overload, can be risk factors for stings. A sting is an important differential diagnosis of acute severe foot pain, especially in rural settings where animal bites and stings are common. There is poor scorpion species characterization among healthcare workers. Reduction of incidences of stings will require consistent application of preventive measures.

Uptake and impact of COVID-19 preventive measures amongst migrant populations in the Netherlands

Abstract Uptake of preventive measures to reduce transmission of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, is crucial in the control of pandemics. To ensure equitable uptake we explored contextual factors that shaped uptake of COVID-19 preventive measures amongst smaller, albeit substantial, migrant populations in the Netherlands. 39 persons of Eritrean, Ghanaian, Indonesian and Filipino origin, with diverse legal status and length of stay in the Netherlands, participated in five online focus group discussions. Thematic analysis of data was informed by concepts from the Precaution Adoption Process Model and Protection Motivation Theory. Awareness and knowledge of preventive measures was shaped by limited Dutch proficiency, access to understandable information and interference of misinformation. Engagement by preventive measures was subject to COVID-19 threat appraisal and the ease with which complex behavioural messages could be translated to individual situations. Perceived vulnerability of undocumented migrants in particular, motivated information-seeking. A strong social norm to keep with cultural and religious practices, and limited opportunity for preventive behaviour in work and home context hindered uptake of preventive behaviour. Preventive measures brought about job, food, and housing insecurity, and increased barriers in access to healthcare for undocumented migrants. Migration-related, sociocultural, and socioeconomic factors shape uptake of preventive measures. Preventive measures negatively impact work, housing and access to healthcare of undocumented migrants. Our results suggest importance of multilingual information tailored to literacy needs; education and modelling of behaviour; and, regulations to ensure continued access to financial and material resources to minimise negative spill-over effects. Results were incorporated in two policy briefs advising local and national government. Collaboration with municipal health services lead to multilingual public health information. Key messages • Migration-related, sociocultural, and socioeconomic factors shape uptake of preventive measures. • Preventive measures negatively impact work, housing and access to healthcare of undocumented migrants.

Female body image and prevention of sexually transmitted infections

Objective: to identify the association between the perception of body image and the adoption of preventive measures for sexually transmitted infections by female adolescents. Methods: descriptive research, with a sequential quantitative-qualitative mixed method, in three full-time schools located in socially vulnerable neighborhoods. Results: 147 female adolescents participated, with a mean age of 14. Body image dissatisfaction by the Silhouettes Scale and the Adolescent Dissatisfaction Rating Scale predominated. There was a lack of knowledge about the female condom and the correct handling of the male condom to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Conclusion: there was no significant association among the variables: body image perception, knowledge of preventive measures, and sexual behavior; however, it was evidenced a tendency of the adolescents dissatisfied with their body image perception to expose themselves to sexual conduct with more than one partner at the same time. Furthermore, the adolescents' body image dissatisfaction influenced their knowledge about the female condom, HIV, and family. Contributions to practice: the actions of health promotion and education for adolescent girls should consider factors that raise the perception of positive body image, from strategies that reinforce self-esteem and safe sexual conduct.

COVID-19 Infection among Nursing Students in Spain: The Risk Perception, Perceived Risk Factors, Coping Style, Preventive Knowledge of the Disease and Sense of Coherence as Psychological Predictor Variables: A Cross Sectional Survey.

The exploration of patterns of health beliefs about COVID-19 among nursing students may be beneficial to identify behaviors, attitudes and knowledge about contagion risk. We sought to analyze the variables of risk perception, perceived risk factors, coping style, sense of coherence and knowledge of preventive measures as possible predictors of having suffered from COVID-19. Participants were nursing students from 13 universities in Spain. Sociodemographic and health variables were collected. To test the independent variables, the Perception Risk Coping Knowledge (PRCK-COVID-19) scale was created and validated because there was no specific survey for young people adapted to the pandemic situation of COVID-19. It was validated with adequate psychometric properties. A total of 1562 students (87.5% female, mean age 21.5 ± 5.7 years) responded. The high perception of the risk of contagion, the high level of knowledge and a coping style focused on the situation were notable. Significant differences by gender were found in the coping styles, problem-focused, avoidance and knowledge scales, with women scoring higher in all categories. The multiple regression analysis was significant (F = 3.68; p < 0.001). The predictor variables were the coping styles subscale search for support and the intrinsic and extrinsic perceived risk factors. Our model predicts that nursing students with a social support-based coping style are at a higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, based on their own health belief model.

Overcoming barriers to cervical cancer screening in a developing country like Pakistan.

Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in Pakistani women of the reproductive age group (15-44 years), while in women of all ages, it ranks as the third most common. It is estimated that around 20 women are found to have cervical cancer per day, ranking Pakistan in the top 10 countries with the highest cancer-related mortality rates. [1] In 2020 alone, cervical cancer took the lives of 341, 831 women, 90% of whom belonged to developing countries including Pakistan. In the same year, it affected 604, 127 women, from which only 12% were from regions like the North America and Europe, while the remaining belonged to the developing world. [2] This startling disparity can be attributed to the introduction of pap smears in the developing world, like the United States and the United Kingdom, which saw &gt;70% decline in cervical cancer mortality since screening through Pap smears was initiated in these countries. [3]. In Pakistan, several studies have shown that women of the reproductive age group lack basic awareness regarding cervical cancer and screening via Pap smears. A survey on 873 women between 18-28 years found 70.1% of the participants were completely unaware of cancer. [4] A more extensive study consisting of 1070 women between ages 21-30 years found that only 2.2% of their study's population was able to identify the symptoms and risk factors for cervical cancer, while Pap smear was recognized as a screening test by only 2.5% of the same. The Pap smear uptake in this population was 2%. [5]. This lack of knowledge regarding screening can be credited to several factors such as the low educational status of developing countries, little information communicated by the healthcare workers, and the insufficient knowledge of preventive measures amongst them. Other screening barriers include misconceptions about testing guidelines, the socioeconomic status of low-income families, lack of access to testing facilities, personal reluctance due to embarrassment, and family trends of not getting tested due to cultural taboos. [5]. It is crucial to overcome the aforementioned obstacles in order to ensure early screening and treatment of precancerous lesions in women. ---Continue

Awareness and Practice of COVID -19 Preventive Measures among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in a Tertiary Health Centre in North-Western Nigeria

Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in death of millions of people across the world. The impact of the disease on human health and the economic hardship on the affected countries have been severe. The public must routinely practice precautionary measures to control the spread of the disease, as no antiviral treatments are currently available. However, the level of awareness and practice of these preventive measures against Covid-19 infection among pregnant women, which constitute vulnerable groups have not been evaluated in our environment. The aim of the study was to determine the awareness and knowledge of pregnant women on Covid-19, its preventive measures and the practice of those preventive measures. It was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information on sociodemographic characteristics and also their knowledge and practice of Covid-19 preventive measures. All the respondents were aware of Covid-19 infection and the source of information was from Television. All the respondents were aware of the various preventive measures of Covid-19 and the knowledge was good among 98.7% of the respondents. However, only 19.1% had good practice of the preventive measures. Educational status of the respondents was found to have significant association with knowledge of preventive measures (χ2= 9.5, p = 0.014).

COVID-19 Knowledge/Practices, Mental Status, and Return-To-Work Concerns Among Healthcare Workers in Huangzhou District, Huanggang City, China.

Objective:This study investigated the COVID-19-prevention knowledge and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs), their psychological states concerning the return to work, and their trust and requirements in using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to prevent and treat COVID-19. It is hoped that the study can serve as a reference for policy making during the resumption of work in other countries or regions experiencing similar situations.Methods:This study comprised a quantitative cross-sectional online survey design. Purposive sampling and Cluster sampling were used to recruit all HCWs working in public hospitals in Huangzhou District, Huanggang City, Hubei Province, China. From April 23 to May 14, 2020, surveys were sent electronically to all 13 public hospitals in this area.Results:In total, 2,079 responses were received and 2,050 completed forms were included. After analysis, 47.9 and 46.6% of HCWs indicated that they possessed very good knowledge or good knowledge of preventative measures, respectively. Multivariable log-binomial regression indicated that male, tertiary hospital, medical staff, and undergraduate/postgraduate qualification were associated with good knowledge. Good knowledge was also well-correlated with good practice (OR: 3.277; 95% CI: 2.734–3.928; P < 0.01). 59.8% of HCWs reported worries about resuming work; especially asymptomatic infections. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) indicated that 10.8% of participants had mild anxiety, 1.5% moderate anxiety, and 0.1% severe anxiety. Female, divorced/widowed, and working in a high risk hospital (the Huangzhou District People's Hospital was used for throat swab examinations of returning workers) were risk factors for concerns about resuming work and anxiety symptoms. However, good preventive knowledge was a protective factor for anxiety. HCWs' trust in using TCM to treat COVID-19 was significantly higher than their trust in using TCM for prevention (P < 0.001). Regarding preferences for preventative TCM products, oral TCM granules were the most preferred (62.4%). HCWs also indicated they wanted to know more about the clinical efficacy, applicable population, and adverse reactions of preventative TCM products (89.3, 81.1, and 81.4%, respectively).Conclusion:While HCWs had good knowledge of COVID-19 preventative measures, this did not eliminate the psychological impact of resumption of work. Promotion of COVID-19 prevention knowledge reduces the risk of infection, and alleviates the worries and anxiety symptoms of HCWs about resuming work (especially in administrative staff, those with low education, and those working in primary hospitals). Additional psychological support is required for female HCWs, divorced/widowed HCWs, and those working in high-risk hospitals. Finally, systematic trials of preventative TCM products are recommended.

What Do They Know? Comparing Public Knowledge and Opinions about Rodent Management to the Expectations of Pest Controllers.

Simple SummaryControl of pests, such as rodents, based on preventive measures and reduced use of non-chemical control is called integrated pest management. Considering the present number of reported rodent infestations, it seems unlikely that the public has much knowledge about rodent pest prevention or integrated pest management. The aim of this study was to find out how much members of the public know about rodents and IPM, and to compare the results with the expectations of pest controllers. In total, 314 members of the public and 86 people working in the pest control sector responded to our online questionnaires. The results show that members of the public have a reasonable level of knowledge regarding preventive measures against rodent control, which are part of integrated pest management. People working in the pest control sector underestimate the public’s knowledge of preventive measures, such as ways of excluding rodents and hygiene measures. Such underestimation may affect their communication with potential clients.Integrated pest management (IPM) involves the control of pests, such as rodents, based on preventive measures and reduced use of chemical control. In view of the number of reported rodent infestations, it appears unlikely that the public has much knowledge about rodents. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the knowledge and opinions of the public regarding prevention and control of rodent nuisance, and (ii) to assess whether pest controllers have an accurate idea of the knowledge and opinions of the public. The sample contained a total of 314 members of the public and 86 people working in the pest control sector. Responding members of the general public were asked about their knowledge and opinions about IPM in a questionnaire, whereas people working in the pest control sector were asked if they thought the general public had this knowledge and/or opinions. The results show that members of the public have a reasonable level of knowledge regarding preventive measures against rodents, which are part of IPM. People working in the pest control sector underestimate the public’s knowledge of preventive measures, such as perimeter exclusion and hygiene measures. Such underestimation may affect their communication with (potential) clients.

Knowledge, Social Influences, Perceived Risks and Benefits, and Cultural Values Explain the Public's Decisions Related to Prudent Antibiotic Use.

People should use antibiotics (AB) prudently to mitigate antibiotic resistance (ABR). Previous studies—and, subsequently, interventions—on ABR have focused mainly on improving public awareness and knowledge. We investigated a comprehensive theory‐based explanatory model to understand the public's decision making regarding prudent AB use, based on, among others, the theory of planned behavior. In a cross‐sectional online survey, the psychological determinants of people's decisions about prudent AB use were examined in a sample of 1,228 Swiss adults. The questionnaire assessed respondents’ demand for AB, willingness to adopt measures that prevent the need for AB, perceived risks of ABR, perceived benefits of AB, attitudes and social influences regarding AB, knowledge of AB and ABR, and cultural values. Mokken scale analysis revealed three types of knowledge: knowledge of the functioning of AB, of ABR, and of preventive measures. Structural equation modeling indicated that respondents’ demand for AB was mostly predicted by social influences, perceived benefits of AB, and knowledge of AB functioning. Willingness to prevent AB use was mainly related to conservative values, perceived risks of ABR, negative attitudes toward AB, and knowledge of preventive measures. Our study suggests that the provision of information about AB and preventive measures is a first step toward changing people's decisions related to prudent AB use. Future interventions that additionally utilize cultural values to convey important messages and target additional factors, such as social influences, the risks of ABR, and the benefits of cautious AB use, can be more successful in promoting prudent AB use.

Supporting control programs on African swine fever in Ukraine through a knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey targeting backyard farmers.

A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) questionnaire was designed to collect information on farmers’ knowledge of ASF and their practices surrounding that could impact the spread of the disease. The questionnaire was distributed, and data collected, from 233 backyard farmers from five selected Oblasts (Rivne, Kharkiv, Odessa, Zakarpattia and Kiev). Kruskal‐Wallis tests were conducted to identify factors that could influence knowledge, and Dunn tests were performed to determine differences between groups when the Kruskal‐Wallis tests were significant. Spearman tests were carried out to explore the association between knowledge and risky practices. Results show that comprehensive knowledge on ASF is not common in backyard farmers and that risky practices that influence the spread of ASF are regularly performed. Of the respondents, 47% felt well‐informed about how ASF can be transmitted and 31.8% felt confident about recognizing clinical signs of ASF. The independent variable “Oblast” was identified as a significant factor (p = 0.0015) associated with differences in knowledge on clinical signs. We demonstrated statistically significant differences of knowledge between backyard farmers from different Oblasts. Knowledge of preventive measures was positively correlated with risky handling practices related to edible pork products (p = 0.0053) and non‐edible pork products (p = 0.0417). In conclusion, our results show that backyard farmers have knowledge gaps on ASF and practice various risky behaviours that might favour the spread of the disease in Ukraine. There are regional differences in ASF knowledge and risky practices that should be taken into consideration in future evidence‐based ASF prevention and control programs, including public awareness activities.

Evaluation of implementation of the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention measures of the Surveillance Program of Gestational and Congenital Toxoplasmosis in the city of Londrina-PR.

Toxoplasmosis acquired during pregnancy is one that can lead to death or malformations of the foetus, and it is a complex disease to diagnose. The objective of the study was to evaluate the Surveillance Program of Gestational and Congenital Toxoplasmosis. To assess primary prevention, 424 pregnant women were interviewed regarding their knowledge of prevention measures in 2019. Secondary prevention measures were assessed, and the results of anti-Toxoplasma gondii serological tests were collected from pregnant women, from 2015 to 2018. In tertiary prevention measures, babies of mothers with a recent suspicion of T. gondii infection were screened to verify forwarding to the reference service. As a result, 45.5% (192/424) reported that they had received guidance from health professionals; 35.4% (68/192) changed their risk habits. The variables of schooling and age, having received prior guidance from health professionals and feline possession, proved to be significant when associated with the notions of preventive measures. 90.2% (17,423/19,319) of pregnant women had undergone serological tests to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies, but there was an excess in requests for tests and medication and only 40.6% (26/64) of the children were referred to the reference hospital. The Program presents positive results about the performance of serological screening in prenatal care; however, the dissemination of knowledge as for the prevention of toxoplasmosis and the request for tests need to be improved.