Knowledge Of Transmission Routes Research Articles

Knowledge, perceived risk, and attitudes towards COVID-19 protective measures amongst ethnic minorities in the UK: A cross-sectional study.

Minority ethnic groups are at increased risk of COVID-19 related mortality or morbidity yet continue to have a disproportionally lower uptake of the vaccine. The importance of adherence to prevention and control measures to keep vulnerable populations and their families safe therefore remains crucial. This research sought to examine the knowledge, perceived risk, and attitudes toward COVID-19 among an ethnically diverse community. A cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire was implemented to survey ethnic minority participants purposefully recruited from Luton, an ethnically diverse town in the southeast of England. The questionnaire was structured to assess participants knowledge, perceived risk, attitudes toward protective measures as well as the sources of information about COVID-19. The questionnaire was administered online via Qualtrics with the link shared through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. Questionnaires were also printed into brochures and disseminated via community researchers and community links to individuals alongside religious, community and outreach organisations. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical techniques, with the significance threshold for all analyses assumed at p = 0.05. 1,058 participants (634; 60% females) with a median age of 38 (IQR, 22) completed the survey. National TV and social networks were the most frequently accessed sources of COVID-19 related information; however, healthcare professionals, whilst not widely accessed, were viewed as the most trusted. Knowledge of transmission routes and perceived susceptibility were significant predictors of attitudes toward health-protective practises. Improving the local information provision, including using tailored communication strategies that draw on trusted sources, including healthcare professionals, could facilitate understanding of risk and promote adherence to health-protective actions.

Environmental policies for the treatment of waste generated by COVID-19: Text mining review.

The rapid transmission of COVID-19 has meant that all economic and human efforts have been focused on confronting it, ignoring environmental aspects whose consequences are causing adverse situations all over the planet. The saturation of the sanitary system and confinement measures have multiplied the waste generated, which implies the need to adapt environmental policies to this new situation caused by the pandemic. It is a review article whose objective was to identify the environmental policies that would facilitate an adequate treatment of the waste generated by the pandemic. It was proposed to analyse the current lines of research developed on this paradigm, applying the text mining methodology. A systematic review of 111 studies published in environmental journals indexed in the Web of Science was carried out. The results identified three areas of interest: knowledge of transmission routes, management of the massive generation of plastics and appropriate treatment of solid waste in extreme situations. Leaders are called upon to implement the contingency plans to sustainably alleviate the enormous waste burden caused by society's adaptation to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Specifically, innovation aimed at achieving the reuse of medical products, the promotion of the circular economy and educational campaigns to promote clean environments should be encouraged.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Persons Infected with the Hepatitis B Virus on Their Own Disease

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B is a communicable disease that is preventable by vaccination. Knowledge of transmission routes and prevention methods could play a key role in limiting and reducing the spread of the disease. Aim: This was a prospective study that was carried out from July 1 to September 30, 2018 in the department of gastroenterology and internal medicine in people carrying the hepatitis B virus. All patients were asked about their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding viral hepatitis B. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, collecting prospective data, which was carried out from July 1 to September 30, 2018 in the gastroenterology department of CHUB (University Hospital of Brazzaville). Eligible for the study were all patients who consulted or were followed in the ward for HBV infection during the study period. All patients were asked about their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding viral hepatitis B. After obtaining informed consent, we asked patients about knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the hepatitis B virus. The data was collected on a pre-established survey sheet respecting anonymity and confidentiality. CSPro 7 software and SPSS 17 software were used for data entry and analysis. Chi-square was used to compare the percentages. These were expressed with their 95% confidence intervals [95% CI]. A value of p 0.005 was considered significant. Results: Forty-two patients were included in the study, these were 66.7% (n = 28) men and 33.3% (n = 14) women. The average age was 38.76 ± 10.9 years. 45.2% of them (n = 19) were single and 59.5% (n = 25) had the next highest level of education. Thirty-nine patients had no knowledge of the source of their contamination; the sexual route was the most cited (61.9%). Alcohol consumption was rated badly by 38 patients (90.5%); of these 22 (52.4%) thought it worsened the disease. Lack of knowledge of an HBV carrier in the family was noted in 33 (78.6%) patients; 20 (47.6%) patients did not talk about their illness in their entourage or family because of the risk of stigma. Only 19% (n = 8) of patients will have their children vaccinated. The existence of a vaccine was known by 31 patients; the condom was the means of prevention cited by 21 patients. Those who were aware of the existence of a treatment were 33. Sexual abstinence was observed by seven patients. The doctor was the source of information for 22 patients. High level of education and male gender were associated with a good knowledge of prevention and treatment. Conclusion: The knowledge of patients carrying the hepatitis B virus is incomplete. Their attitudes and practices do not reduce the spread of the disease. Strengthening public awareness of viral hepatitis is necessary.

A Pilot study of Seven-Day Education Program “door-to-door” to Improve Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards 2019-nCoV During Stay at Home in Indonesia

Because of the 2019-nCoV shutdown, there is a need for creative ways to spread the information to those without internet access. The aim of this study to test the feasibility of a ‘Seven-Day Education Program to Improve Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices’ in Indonesia. This research involves a quasi-experimental study with one group pre-test and post-test design, and was carried out from April to May 2020 in Serang, Banten Province, Indonesia. The education program was developed in seven days providing information door-to-door and direct consultation via a social media group for studied participants. The topics consisted of 7 themes, namely: (1) general information of 2019-nCoV; (2) transmission of 2019-nCoV; (3) signs and symptoms of 2019-nCoV; (4) what should I do if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and when should they seek medical help; (5) self-isolation; (6) how to use a mask correctly; (7) prevention of 2019-nCoV. The study had a total of 140 respondents. Knowledge of transmission routes and prevention and control for clinical presentation was enhanced after seven days experiencing the educational program. Following the intervention, the trust of the participants in winning the fight against 2019-nCoV increased. There has been a decline in the last few days before people who go to a crowded place and a rise in the proportion of people wearing masks as they go out (p<0.05). Probably this approach could be applied to reach more people in Indonesia’s rural area during this condition. A future study involving more comprehensive methods and more innovation is required in Indonesia to improve awareness, attitudes, and practices towards 2019-nCoV.
 
 Keywords: Education Program, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, 2019-nCoV

Changes in awareness and knowledge concerning mother-to-child infections among Japanese pregnant women between 2012 and 2018.

This study aimed to investigate the long-term changes in awareness of and knowledge about mother-to-child infections across 6 years in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted at our facility from October 2012 to January 2018, and the study periods were divided into 4 phases comprising 16 months each. A multiple-choice questionnaire assessed participants’ awareness of the following 13 pathogens of mother-to-child infections: cytomegalovirus (CMV), Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), hepatitis B virus, rubella virus, herpes simplex virus, parvovirus B19, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human T cell leukemia virus type-1, measles virus, varicella-zoster virus, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Treponema pallidum. For the selected four pathogens (i.e., CMV, rubella virus, T. gondii, and parvovirus B19), the questionnaire also evaluated participants’ knowledge of transmission routes, the most susceptible time of infection that could yield severe fetal disease during pregnancy, the maximum frequency of fetal infection in cases of maternal infection, and methods to prevent maternal infection. In total, 1433 pregnant Japanese women were included in this study. There was no secular change in awareness of the pathogens concerning mother-to-child infections over time, and we also clarified that the detailed knowledge of the four pathogens of typical mother-to-child infections did not improve. Since knowledge about methods to prevent maternal infection is still insufficient for all pathogens, further advocacy is required to prevent mother-to-child infections.

The effect of HIV educational interventions on HIV-related knowledge, condom use, and HIV incidence in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAs high stigmatization of HIV and relatively low knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention measures persist in Sub-Saharan Africa, the improvement of HIV-related knowledge, and the evaluation of which types of interventions are most effective in this regard, is an important aspect of further prevention efforts. In addition, it is of interest to assess whether improvements in HIV-related knowledge may actually lead to increased engagement in preventive behaviours and ultimately lower HIV transmission. This study therefore aims to systematically review and meta-analyse the evidence for the effect of HIV-related knowledge interventions on 1) the improvement of HIV-related knowledge, 2) subsequent risk reduction behaviour (condom use), 3) lower incidence of HIV infection.MethodsA literature search was conducted using the Embase and Medline databases, returning 746 after duplicate removal. Following abstract and full-text screening, 36 studies were ultimately included in the final review. Meta-analyses were conducted in R, using random-effects models, for the HIV-related knowledge, condom use, and HIV incidence outcomes, where sufficient data were available.ResultsInterventions assessed in the reviewed studies varied, including computer-based interventions, mass media campaigns, and peer education interventions. The interventions were generally found to be effective at improving HIV-related knowledge in the target population, with 10 studies reporting improved knowledge of risk reduction through condom use in the intervention group (out of 11 studies reporting data for this outcome), with 6 reporting these differences as significant (p < 0.05). Regarding knowledge of transmission routes, studies assessing peer education interventions often reported significant improvements in the intervention group. Meta-analysis results showed significantly higher odds among the intervention groups of correct knowledge of: risk reduction through condom use (OR: 3.09, 95%CI: 1.83–5.22, p < 0.0001), sexual transmission of HIV (OR: 5.86, 95%CI: 2.65–12.97, p < 0.001) and transmission through sharps (OR: 4.35, 95%CI = 3.21–5.90, p < 0.001), but non-significantly lower odds of HIV infection (OR: 0.97, 95%CI: 0.66–1.41, p = 0.854).ConclusionPeer-education-based interventions appear to be particularly effective in facilitating the uptake of HIV-related knowledge, particularly pertaining to transmission routes. There is some evidence that improved knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention facilitates increased subsequent engagement in preventive measures, although this requires further exploration.Trial registrationPROSPERO Number: CRD42018090600

Hepatitis B vaccination among 1997-2011 birth cohorts in rural China: the potential for further catch-up vaccination and factors associated with infant coverage rates

ABSTRACTHepatitis B vaccination rates in China have recently increased. This study aimed to investigate infant vaccination coverage for birth cohorts from 1997 to 2011 in rural regions and to assess catch-up vaccination potential. We used questionnaire-based interviews from a cross-section of 6,529 individuals from seven provinces. Logistic regression analyses were used to model two measures of infant vaccination status, namely, birth dose within 24 hours and three doses within the first year of life. During interviews, individuals’ vaccination status and vaccination plan were recorded. Unvaccinated individuals without plans for future vaccination were presented with a hypothetical offer of free vaccination and indirect cost compensation. Institutional birth rates were higher than vaccination rates, but both increased over time. Vaccination coverage rates were not significantly associated with sex. Infant vaccination coverage was positively associated with a mother’s educational level, household income level, knowledge of transmission routes, and perceived duration of protection obtained through vaccination. Vaccination status at the time of the survey showed the occurrence of catch-up vaccinations, but a notable percentage of individuals remained unvaccinated and had no plans for future vaccination. Of these individuals, approximately 50% were prepared to accept vaccination if offered free of charge.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of Cambodian swine producers in relation to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS)

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) was first detected in Cambodia in 2010. The disease was responsible for high morbidity and high mortality in adult pigs and the outbreak had a costly impact on those farmers affected. The aim of this study was to generate a better understanding of Cambodian swine producers’ behaviour, in relation to PRRS and its control, in areas that have previously been affected by the disease. A survey of the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) of pig owners with regard to PRRS was conducted in semi-commercial and backyard farms in Takeo province in southeast Cambodia. The survey was designed to assess knowledge of PRRS disease and its transmission, farmers’ attitudes and practices related to preventive and control measures, knowledge on vaccination and perception towards local veterinary authority activities. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise qualitative data, while multivariate regression analyses were used to assess the association between selected outcomes and a number of hypothetical predictors. When presented with clinical signs typical of PRRS, most farmers identified an infectious disease as the most likely explanation for the listed clinical conditions. Farmers were also confident in recognising direct contact between pigs as one of the main ways of disease transmission; however, other viral transmission patterns typical of PRRS were mostly unknown or ignored. In general, male farmers and farmers with a higher level of education were more likely to have a better knowledge of transmission routes between pigs. In terms of attitude towards control measures, vaccination and disinfection were perceived as the most effective control practices. Farmers with a better knowledge of vaccine protocols were more likely to find vaccination effective. Village animal health workers (VAHWs) were generally in contact more with backyard farmers, while semi-commercial farmers were more prone to treat pigs themselves, raising the issue of easy and uncontrolled access to medication and vaccination. In general, farmers had a positive attitude towards local veterinarians, and lack of contact between farmers and the veterinary authority was associated more with logistic constraints than with farmers’ mistrust towards the authority.

High awareness of hepatitis C virus (HCV) but limited knowledge of HCV complications among HIV-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as a sexually transmitted infection among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in high-income countries. Little is reported about HCV awareness among MSM, although this is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies. We, therefore, studied HCV awareness and knowledge among HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM from the Amsterdam Cohort Studies (ACS). During two visits, 1 year apart and starting in October 2007, MSM from the ACS answered questions regarding HCV awareness, knowledge of HCV transmission (7 items), complications (8 items) and sexual risk behaviour. We examined the percentage of HCV awareness and correctly answered knowledge items, and whether awareness and knowledge improved significantly over time. Using logistic regression, we studied whether HIV status and sexual risk behaviour were associated with awareness. Seventy percent (312/444) of HIV-negative and 80% (74/92) of HIV-positive MSM reported to have ever heard of HCV on the first visit. Overall, awareness increased with 9% between the first and second visit (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis the association of group sex with HCV awareness was borderline significant (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.97–2.30). Compared with knowledge of transmission routes, knowledge of complications appeared to be limited. In the ACS, awareness of HCV is high, particularly among those reporting group sex, an important risk factor for HCV transmission. The majority of participants had good knowledge of transmission routes, but limited knowledge of complications of chronic HCV infection. HCV prevention messages could be strengthened, therefore, by further addressing the complications of HCV infection.

Theoretically Informed Correlates of Hepatitis B Knowledge among Four Asian Groups: The Health Behavior Framework

Few studies have examined theoretically informed constructs related to hepatitis B (HBV) testing, and comparisons across studies are challenging due to lack of uniformity in constructs assessed. The present analysis examined relationships among Health Behavior Framework factors across four Asian American groups to advance the development of theory-based interventions for HBV testing in at-risk populations. Data were collected from 2007-2010 as part of baseline surveys during four intervention trials promoting HBV testing among Vietnamese-, Hmong-, Korean- and Cambodian-Americans (n = 1,735). Health Behavior Framework constructs assessed included: awareness of HBV, knowledge of transmission routes, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, doctor recommendation, stigma of HBV infection, and perceived efficacy of testing. Within each group we assessed associations between our intermediate outcome of knowledge of HBV transmission and other constructs, to assess the concurrent validity of our model and instruments. While the absolute levels for Health Behavior Framework factors varied across groups, relationships between knowledge and other factors were generally consistent. This suggests similarities rather than differences with respect to posited drivers of HBV-related behavior. Our findings indicate that Health Behavior Framework constructs are applicable to diverse ethnic groups and provide preliminary evidence for the construct validity of the Health Behavior Framework.

Knowledge of Transmission Routes and Prevention way of HIV/AIDS: Bangladesh Context

Knowledge of Transmission Routes and Prevention way of HIV/AIDS: Bangladesh Context

Relationship Between HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Attitude Among Student Nurses: A Structural Equation Model

With the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS in China, nurses will increasingly be caring for patients with HIV/AIDS. Thus, it is necessary that they have enough knowledge to reduce the risk of occupationally acquired HIV infection and that they change their attitude to care for HIV/AIDS patients. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between student nurses' HIV/AIDS knowledge and their attitude using a structural equation model (SEM). A cross-sectional survey was conducted in January 2008 among 528 student nurses at the technical secondary school of the China Medical University. An SEM is proposed to determine the direction and magnitude of the interdependent effects between the latent factors. The SEM was built using LISREL version 8.5. The measurement properties of the latent factors underlying the questionnaire were based on a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Our results as following, HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitude may be measured by seven underlying constructs, namely, preventive knowledge, knowledge of transmission routes, specialty knowledge, knowledge of nontransmission routes, positive attitude toward HIV/AIDS, negative attitude toward HIV/AIDS, and occupational attitude. The SEM fits the data well. The interdependent relationships between these constructs identified the factors of preventive knowledge, specialty knowledge, and attitude toward HIV/AIDS as having both direct and indirect effects on occupational attitude. In conclusions, our results represent an initial effort to assess the relationship between student nurses' HIV/AIDS knowledge and their attitude toward the disease. CFA and SEM analysis have demonstrated their usefulness in evaluating multifactor complex constructs.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward contact isolation precautions among medical students in Shiraz, Iran

Proper behavior regarding infection control may be learned during clinical training for medical students. Different groups of medical students at the Shiraz Medical School were asked to complete a questionnaire. The survey had 2 components: demographic inquiries and questions designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding contact isolation precautions used in Iranian hospitals. A total of 468 (of 622) useable surveys were analyzed. Responses to knowledge and attitude questions concerning isolation precautions in general were acceptable as being in accordance with the CDC guidelines (Mean scores approximate 66.3% and 63.4% of the total possible scores, respectively). However, self-reporting behaviors indicated an overall lack of compliance with expected practices (approximately 19.1% of a total possible perfect score). This study suggests that knowledge of transmission routes and a positive attitude toward infection control measures alone are not sufficient to induce acceptable compliance (behavior) with current recommendations.

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO WOMEN DECLINING ANTENATAL HIV TESTING

In this study we aimed to identify factors that contribute to women’s decisions to decline an HIV test during their pregnancy in an antenatal clinic setting in Metropolitan London. Voluntary HIV testing (“opt-in”) is recommended by the British Department of Health in areas of higher HIV prevalence.We developed a questionnaire that focused on attitudes toward testing, knowledge of transmission routes, a self-assessment of HIV risk, and reasons for declining the HIV test.All women attending the 16-week antenatal booking appointment were offered an HIV test. Of these 560 women, 124 (23%) had an HIV test and the 436 (77%) who declined the test were asked to complete a questionnaire that explored their reasons for declining. We based our findings on the 393 completed returned questionnaires.The major finding was that women declined testing because they did not think they had been at risk for HIV. However, they based this belief on patchy HIV knowledge. The women were making an important decision during their pregnancy on the basis of poor information. The antenatal setting may not be the most appropriate environment in which to give HIV information, however, this task must be performed also in other health environments.

Demographic Patterns after an Epizootic of Keratoconjunctivitis in a Chamois Population

Data on short- and long-term consequences of epizootics on population dynamics are needed to understand limiting processes in populations and to establish management rules for hunted species. We studied a chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) population in the French Alps that was affected by an epizootic of keratoconjunctivitis in 1977. This epizootic and the removal of 122 infected chamois led to a 37% decrease in population size. We investigated the short-term (i.e., 1977-81) and long-term (i.e., 1982-93) effects of the epizootic on reproductive parameters, finite rate of increase, and body mass. Reproductive performance and finite rate of increase climbed from 0.67 and 1.08 between 1977 and 1981, and to 0.86 and 1.13 between 1982 and 1993. Whatever the age, mass of males born during 1977-81 was lower than mass of those born after 1982 (P < 0.01), suggesting a long-term cohort effect. In the absence of hunting and removals, the population would have recovered its pre-epizootic size, reproductive parameters and rate of increase in about 5 years. We discuss the relation between population density and keratoconjunctivitis outbreaks. Because of little knowledge of transmission routes and of the host-pathogen system, and because keratoconjunctivitis is not a threat for chamois conservation, we suggested adoption of a posteriori management rules rather than rules aimed at disease prevention.