Mass Media Awareness Research Articles

Pengingkaran Umat Islam terhadap Kewajiban Zakat Mal dan Analisis Pandangan Al-Qur’an Q.S. At-Taubah:60

The aim of this research is to study the phenomenon of Muslims' denial of their zakat mal obligations and analyze the perspective found in the Al-Qur'an in surah At-Taubah: 60 regarding this matter. Studies show that many Muslims ignore zakat mal, even though Islamic teachings explain it clearly. Factors such as lack of religious understanding, economic difficulties, and lack of socialization about the social and economic benefits of implementing zakat can cause this neglect. Analysis of verses from the Koran, searching related literature, and collecting data from respondents representing various levels of Islamic society are qualitative research methods. The focus of the analysis is Verse 60 of Surah At-Taubah in the Qur'an, which determines who is entitled to receive zakat mal and how it is carried out. The research results show that zakat mal plays an important role in building social justice, reducing poverty, and supporting various aspects of life in Islamic communities. Even though the Qur'an clearly determines who is entitled to receive zakat mal, actual practice often deviates from these provisions. Therefore, to overcome the rejection of zakat malls, education, use of technology, legal supervision, and increasing mass media awareness are solutions. To conclude, a deep understanding of Islamic teachings, especially zakat mal, is very important so that Muslims can carry out this obligation correctly. In accordance with its teachings, Islamic society can produce a more just and prosperous society with shared awareness and commitment

Balto and Togo during the cold winter of Alaska (1925): the two canine heroes in the fight against diphtheria.

In recent years, diphtheria has re-emerged in areas with inadequate vaccination coverage, and Europe has not been spared with several cases among migrants. Diphtheria is a potentially fatal infection caused mainly by toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Due to the high mortality rate, especially among young children, the fight against diphtheria is considered one of the first conquests of immunization. In the history of medicine, there is a unique case of an unconventional response to a diphtheria outbreak in which sled dogs were used to overcome the supply difficulties of diphtheria antitoxin. The mass media followed the medical response to the outbreak and raised audience awareness of public health issues. The facts of Nome, Alaska, in 1925 can serve as a catalyst to rethink conventional responses to diphtheria outbreaks in low-income countries today and promote mass media awareness of public health importance.

Estimation of Nicotine in Tobacco Extract Using C8 Column in High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Background: Nicotine is the most used toxic substance in spite of mass media awareness. Column used in the estimation of nicotine is found to be the inhibiting factor for its estimation.Objective: To develop a method for nicotine estimation on C8 column in HPLC.Methods: The method involved a model Waters 1515 binary HPLC Pump system interfaced with a 2489 Waters UV/VIS detector, a 4.6 X 250 mm, 5μm beads Symmetry C8 column at 37°C, and an isocratic mobile phase containing 60%: 40% v/ v mixture of 10mM sodium acetate (pH 5.5) and methanol at a flow rate of 1.0ml/min at 256 nm. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, the Limit of Detection (LOD), the Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) and system suitability.Results: The HPLC Nicotine peak with average retention time of 3.415 minutes was observed on chromatogram with RSD <0.5%; linearity was greater than 0.99 with acceptable precision (within USP limits of <2.0% RSD) and USP tailing less than 2. LOD was found to be 0.200 μg/ml and Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) was found to be 0.609 μg/ml of nicotine. The average yield of the nicotine extracted by acid base extraction method from tobacco was 1.68% (range: 1.34–2.22%).Conclusion: A HPLC method based on C8 column for analysis of Nicotine was developed and validated successfully.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 07 No. 02 April’23 Page: 166-170

Awareness of refractive error and diabetic retinopathy in the rural population of western India

Purpose: To assess the awareness, knowledge and treatment seeking tendencies about refractive error and diabetic retinopathy in rural western India. Methods: The study was done from July 2019 to September 2019 in 1000 subjects in the rural population in the vicinity of Dhiraj general hospital, Pipariya. Demographic details about age, gender and literacy were collected. A questionnaire based door to door survey was done and their responses were graded and data was analysed. Results: There were 475(47.5%) males and 525(52.5%) females. 590(59%) were between the ages of 20-50 years and 410(41%) were above 50 years of age. 210(21%) were illiterate, 565(56.5%) had received primary education and 225(22.5%) had received secondary education and above. It was observed that there was more awareness, knowledge and treatment seeking tendencies in educated subjects (p<0.01). Younger subjects had more knowledge about refractive error and older age group had more knowledge about diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion: Our study strongly suggests that there is lack of awareness, knowledge and treatment seeking tendencies in the rural population in western India. More effective health education in the form of public health care programmes and mass media awareness might be beneficial.

A Mathematical Model Approach for Prevention and Intervention Measures of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Uganda

The human{infecting corona virus disease (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was declared a global pandemic on March11th, 2020. Different countries adopted different interventions at different stages of the outbreak, with social distancing being the first option while lock down the preferred option for attening the curve at the peak of the pandemic. Lock down aimed at adherence to social distancing, preserve the health system and improve survival. We propose a Susceptible-Exposed- Infected-Expected recoveries (SEIR) mathematical model for the prevention and control of Covid-19 in Uganda. We analyze the model using available data to find the infection-free, endemic/infection steady states and the basic reproduction number. We computed the reproductive number and it worked out as R0 = 0:468. We note that R0 is less than unity, thus forecast that several strategies in combination (including travel restrictions, mass media awareness, community buy-in and medical health interventions) will eliminate the disease from the population. However, our model predicts a recurrence of the disease after one year and two months (430 days) thus the population has to be mindful and continuously practice the prevention and control measures. In addition, a sensitivity analysis done showed that the transmission rate and the rate at which persons acquire the virus, have a positive in uence on the basic reproduction number. On other hand the rate of evacuation by a rescue ambulance greatly reduces the reproduction number. The results have potential to inform the impact and effect of early strict interventions including lock down in resource limited settings and social distancing.

Modelling the Impact of Spread of Human Papillomavirus Infections under Vaccination in Kenya

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus is a collection of more than 40 types of viruses, some of which are linked to several cancers. HPV type 16 and HPV type 18 are accountable for 70% of cervical cancer cause. Besides cervical cancer, HPV has been linked to several cancers such as anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer and neck cancer. Mathematical models have been used in the evaluation of control strategies and making of health policies. Very few mathematical models have been developed on HPV awareness in Kenya. In this study we developed a deterministic model on the impact of HPV infection under vaccination. In this model we incorporated an ineffective media awareness. We computed the equilibrium points of the model and local and global stability analysis was conducted on the reproduction number. The numerical simulation results show that the HPV infections continue to stay in the community due to the ineffective mass media awareness. Sensitivity analysis show that the infection contact rate and negative attitudes influencing condom use rate are parameters that contribute to the persistence of HPV infections in the community.

Determinants of change in the inequality and associated predictors of teenage pregnancy in Uganda for the period 2006–2016: analysis of the Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys

ObjectiveTeenage pregnancy has become a public health concern in Uganda because of its negative consequences to both the mother and child. The objective of this study was to examine the...

English

BACKGROUND Glaucoma causes progressive loss of vision and significantly affects the quality of life. In 2019 World Health Organization reported that glaucoma caused blindness in 4.5 million people and is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. In India, nearly 1.2 million people were blind due to glaucoma of whom 90 percent remain undiagnosed in the community. The aim of this study is to assess the level of glaucoma awareness and to analyse the source of information that created awareness in a rural community. METHODS A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in a village which is an outreach field practice area of our institution in Tamil Nadu, during the month of October 2019. The total study participants were 196 and data was collected by interview method and analysed using SPSS 16v software. RESULTS Among 196 respondents 12.2 % were aware of glaucoma, 85 % were aware that it leads to blindness, 38 % had heard about glaucoma from close acquaintances through word of mouth and 3 had undergone glaucoma evaluation in an outreach camp. CONCLUSIONS This study concludes that awareness of glaucoma among the rural population continues to be poor. Hospital based awareness activity and word of mouth were the major source of information in our study group. Patients with glaucoma had better knowledge and they would play an effective role in creating awareness. Our study shows that the social media and mass media awareness campaign did not reach the rural population. KEYWORDS Glaucoma Awareness, Health Information

Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour towards Rabies Prevention and Control – A Cross Sectional Study in Anakaputhur, an Urban Area of Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu

Background: Rabies is 100% fatal disease and till date only 4 victims had survived following intensive life support and nursing care. It is said to be preventable only using modern vaccines and artificial immunoglobulins. Rabies is preventable through wound care and correct rabies prophylaxis. Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge attitude and behaviour towards rabies prevention and control. Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 131 people aged above 18 years and above residing in Anakaputhur, an urban area in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu selected by purposive sampling method. Results: Among the study participants, most of them were in the age group between 15 to 40 years. Around 70% of the study population had good knowledge about the first aid and vaccination methods after bit by a stray animal and 76% of the study population felt that they should report to the government in case they see an aggressive stray dog suspected of rabies. Around 92% of the dog owners vaccinate their pet dogs as per schedule. Conclusion: Different areas showed different knowledge towards rabies prevention and control. Mass media awareness or other health posters, awareness camp conduction will help in creating common knowledge, awareness and there by good practise towards rabies prevention and control.

Causes of construction injuries: a review

This article aims to identify the causes of construction injuries (CIs), summarize them into categories, provide input in a concise form for reference and recommend possible solutions. A total of 967 peer-reviewed papers were retrieved, and 42 papers were finally identified and analyzed in detail. Causes of CIs were categorized into four major factors– management commitment factors, behavioral factors, psychological factors and demographic factors – and each reviewed separately. The main finding of the study is that management commitment and behavioral factors are the main sources of CIs. The finding regarding experience and age is the contribution of this article. Thus, further joint research needs to be conducted using mixed methods to provide better and in-depth understanding of the association between the empirical findings and accident causation theories to design effective safety policies. Further, the public body responsible for safety implementation should design mass-media awareness advertisements to increase general public awareness.

Knowledge, attitude and behaviors towards patients with mental illness: Results from a national Lebanese study.

ObjectivesPatients with mental health disorders often have to endure the burdens of the condition itself and the stigma that follows. Since no study has been conducted in Lebanon on this topic, our objective was to assess the knowledge, attitude and behaviors towards public stigma of mental health diseases, among a sample of the Lebanese population.MethodsA cross-sectional study, conducted between November 2017 and May 2018, enrolled 2289 participants. The Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), the Community Attitudes toward Mental Illness (CAMI) and the Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS) were used to assess knowledge, attitude and behaviors toward mental illness respectively. The 25th, 50th and 75th percentile of the MAKS, CAMI and RIBS scales scores were considered as cutoff points for low, medium and high scores respectively.ResultsA high knowledge score was found in 33.0% of the participants, whereas a high attitude score and a higher behavior score were found in 32.2% and 26.9% of the participants respectively. Living in North Lebanon (Beta = 1.331) and being familiar with a non-close person with mental illness (Beta = 0.811) were associated with higher knowledge of mental illness (higher MAKS score), whereas living in Bekaa (Beta = -8.693) and being 70 years old and above (Beta = -5.060) were associated with lower knowledge toward mental illness (lower MAKS score). Higher knowledge of mental illness (higher MAKS score) (Beta = 0.670), having a high level of education (university (Beta = 8.785), secondary (Beta = 6.084) and technical (Beta = 5.677)) were associated with less stigmatizing attitudes (higher CAMI scale). Being familiar with close people with mental illness (Beta = 0.577), less stigmatizing attitudes (higher CAMI scale) (Beta = 0.077) and higher knowledge of mental illness (higher MAKS score) (Beta = 0.115) were associated with higher favorable behaviors (higher RIBS score), whereas knowing a non-close person who have a mental illness (Beta = -0.720) was associated with lower favorable behaviors (lower RIBS score).ConclusionA mass media awareness campaigns that could transmit health messages to a wide public audience in the country to fight stigma toward mental illness, seems warranted.

Mass media awareness campaign and the prevention of the spread of Lassa fever in the rural communities of Ebonyi State, Nigeria: Impact evaluation.

This paper investigates the impact of media campaign on the prevention and spread of Lassa fever in Ebonyi state. 354 respondents were randomly selected from six rural communities in the state as study sample, while structured questionnaires were used for collecting data. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data. Results of analysis reveal that the media campaign has rural reach but has little or no impact. The results also reveal that the campaign failed to create appropriate awareness of the disease, its preventive/curative health behaviors. It further reveals that there are no health behavior modifications among the people because of the campaign. Therefore, this paper recommends the modification of media contents to incorporate the required preventive/curative health behaviors. Secondly, mandatory mass media awareness campaign and jingles in every news hour is recommended.

The Under appreciated Role of Lifestyle and Nutrition in Cancer Prevention, Genesis, and Treatment

This article presents a review of the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on the most frequently occurring cancers, including blood, bone, brain, breast, gastric, lung, oral, pancreatic and skin cancers. Heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality and the first and second leading causes of death in the United States. Risk of death declined more steeply for heart disease than cancer, offsetting the increase in heart disease deaths, which partially offsets the increase in cancer deaths resulting from demographic changes over the past four decades. Lung cancer is by far the most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide in many countries. The incidence rates of lung, colorectal and prostate cancers will continue to rise in the future decades due to the rise of ageing population. Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy with a poor long-term survival and there has been only slight improvement in outcomes over the past 30 years. Some of the most common contributing factors to various cancers include: genetics, tobacco use, infections, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, environmental pollution and hazards, ionizing and ultra-violet radiation (UVR), sunlight, cancer causing substances, chronic inflammation and immunosuppression. This article summarizes recent and tangible cancer control measures which include early detection, weight control, Mediterranean type diet, phytochemicals such as flavonoids, regular physical activity, therapeutic agents, chemotherapy, nano-medicine, medicinal plants and education through mass media awareness.

How Does Exposure to Mass Media affect HIV Testing and HIV-Related Knowledge Among Adolescents? Evidence From Uganda

Sexual and reproductive health remains one of the greatest challenges in developing countries. In Uganda, adolescents are the most vulnerable group of the population as far as HIV epidemic is concerned. Mass media awareness campaigns play a key role in promoting sexual and reproductive health among adolescents. Using Uganda’s 2016 Demographic Health Survey, we examine the causal effect of mass media exposure on the probability of adolescents getting an HIV test and their HIV-related knowledge. Our results suggest that the exposure to mass media increases both adolescents’ likelihood to get tested for HIV and their HIV-related knowledge score. In fact, we find that reading newspapers once a week increases the likelihood of an adolescent to test for HIV by 6.29 percentage points. Listening to radio once a week increases the probability to test for HIV by 4.57 percentage points. This effect increases to 6.56 percentage points when the adolescent listens to the radio more than once a week. Watching TV more than once a week increases adolescents’ probability to get tested for HIV by 8.57 percentage points. For HIV-related knowledge, we find that compared to adolescents who do not read newspapers at all, adolescents who read newspapers less than once a week and those who read newspapers at least once a week have a higher score of HIV-related knowledge of 9.12% and 9.64% respectively. Compared to adolescents who do not listen to radio at all, adolescents who listen to radio less than once a week have a higher (5.88%) score of HIV related knowledge. Moreover, listening to radio at least once a week increases the score of HIV-related knowledge by 5.52%. Hence, mass media awareness campaigns are important policies to promote HIV testing and HIV-related knowledge among adolescents in Uganda.

Awareness of Risk Factors of Hernia among Adults in Riyadh, KSA

Background: Abdominal wall hernias are a very common surgical condition affecting all ages and both genders. The main predisposing factors of hernias include pregnancy, weight lifting, constipation, weight gain as well as some chronic diseases such as Asthma Diabetes Mellitus. Aim of the study: was to assess the awareness of the risk factors of abdominal hernias among adults of both genders and different BMI ranges in Riyadh population (Saudi Arabia). Methods: This is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study enrolling a total of 100 randomly selected high-risk to development Hernia Saudi adults ensuring diversity in age range and educational stages. Descriptive analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 23. Awareness levels for Hernia were calculated as absolute frequencies and were reported as overall percentages. Results: overall results showed that only 48% of the respondents could relate hernia to the key underlying risk factors while 22% denied the correlation and 30% claimed no knowledge on the risk factors and the association with hernia development. However, majority of participants (87%) suggested a correlation between hernia and heavy lifting. Moreover, more than half of the study group (65% and 62%) related pregnancy and surgery as a contributing factor for hernia. While a lack of awareness was obvious on other risk factors such as smoking, chronic, constipation prostate enlargement, asthma and DM with a knowledge score of 37%, 36%, 32%, 32% and 29% respectively. Conclusion: Our study revealed lack of public knowledge on the predisposing factors for hernia among the study group of young Saudi female and male adults regardless to the age and BMI range. Despite the fact that 87% related hernia to heavy lifting, less than 65% of participants could correlate hernia to pregnancy and surgery while not more than 36% could correlate hernia with other key predisposing risk factors such as smoking, enlarged prostate, asthma, DM and chronic constipation. This indicates that proper intervention is needed to broadly raise the awareness of hernia risk factors among Saudi adults. This can be achieved by mass media awareness campaigns such as TV and radio health education programs as well as campaign at schools, universities and health centers.

The impact of household hygiene on the risk of bacterial diarrhea among Egyptian children in rural areas, 2004-2007.

The present study, conducted between January 2004 and April 2007, explored the impact of household hygiene on the risk of bacterial diarrhea, using data from a prospective birth cohort of 348 infants in five villages in the Nile Delta in Egypt. Neonates were enrolled at birth and followed up until 24 months of age. Children were visited twice a week to survey them for acute diarrhea. A detailed observational household hygiene survey was completed in-house every six months. Adjusted relative risk (aRR) of developing bacterial diarrhea was calculated for exposure to different hygiene variables and examined for specific bacterial pathogens. Exclusive breastfeeding reduced the risk of bacterial diarrhea by 70%, while bacterial diarrhea cases were 2.6 times higher in the warm season. Risk of Campylobacter diarrhea increased with the absence of barriers to keep birds and animals out of the eating area, the presence of garbage containers and a bathing facility within the compound, and the presence of feces on the floor of the bathing facility. Use of municipal water for drinking and cooking was associated with a lower risk of Campylobacter diarrhea. Risk of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhea increased with uncovered garbage containers and the presence of liquid materials in the garbage containers, but decreased with the use of tap water in the washing facility. The results highlight some potential targets for interventions, such as expanding municipal water supply to all houses and comprehensive mass-media awareness programs to change hygiene-promoting behaviors and practices.

Increasing help-seeking and referrals for individuals at risk for suicide by decreasing stigma: the role of mass media.

Increasing help-seeking and referrals for at-risk individuals by decreasing stigma has been defined as Aspirational Goal 10 in the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention's Research Prioritization Task Force's 2014 prioritized research agenda. This article reviews the research evidence on the impact of mass media awareness campaigns on reducing stigma and increasing help-seeking. The review will focus on both beneficial and iatrogenic effects of suicide preventive interventions using media campaigns to target the broad public. A further focus is on collaboration between public health professionals and news media in order to reduce the risk of copycat behavior and enhance help-seeking behavior. Examples of multilevel approaches that include both mass media interventions and individual-level approaches to reduce stigma and increase referrals are provided as well. Multilevel suicide prevention programs that combine various approaches seem to provide the most promising results, but much more needs to be learned about the best possible composition of these programs. Major research and practice challenges include the identification of optimal ways to reach vulnerable populations who likely do not benefit from current awareness strategies. Caution is needed in all efforts that aim to reduce the stigma of suicidal ideation, mental illness, and mental health treatment in order to avoid iatrogenic effects. The article concludes with specific suggestions for research questions to help move this line of suicide research and practice forward.

Cost-effectiveness of breast cancer control strategies in Central America: the cases of Costa Rica and Mexico.

This paper reports the most cost-effective policy options to support and improve breast cancer control in Costa Rica and Mexico. Total costs and effects of breast cancer interventions were estimated using the health care perspective and WHO-CHOICE methodology. Effects were measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted. Costs were assessed in 2009 United States Dollars (US$). To the extent available, analyses were based on locally obtained data. In Costa Rica, the current strategy of treating breast cancer in stages I to IV at a 80% coverage level seems to be the most cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US$4,739 per DALY averted. At a coverage level of 95%, biennial clinical breast examination (CBE) screening could improve Costa Rica's population health twofold, and can still be considered very cost-effective (ICER US$5,964/DALY). For Mexico, our results indicate that at 95% coverage a mass-media awareness raising program (MAR) could be the most cost-effective (ICER US$5,021/DALY). If more resources are available in Mexico, biennial mammography screening for women 50–70 yrs (ICER US$12,718/DALY), adding trastuzumab (ICER US$13,994/DALY) or screening women 40–70 yrs biennially plus trastuzumab (ICER US$17,115/DALY) are less cost-effective options. We recommend both Costa Rica and Mexico to engage in MAR, CBE or mammography screening programs, depending on their budget. The results of this study should be interpreted with caution however, as the evidence on the intervention effectiveness is uncertain. Also, these programs require several organizational, budgetary and human resources, and the accessibility of breast cancer diagnostic, referral, treatment and palliative care facilities should be improved simultaneously. A gradual implementation of early detection programs should give the respective Ministries of Health the time to negotiate the required budget, train the required human resources and understand possible socioeconomic barriers.

Costs, effects and cost‐effectiveness of breast cancer control in Ghana

Breast cancer control in Ghana is characterised by low awareness, late-stage treatment and poor survival. In settings with severely constrained health resources, there is a need to spend money wisely. To achieve this and to guide policy makers in their selection of interventions, this study systematically compares costs and effects of breast cancer control interventions in Ghana. We used a mathematical model to estimate costs and health effects of breast cancer interventions in Ghana from the healthcare perspective. Analyses were based on the WHO-CHOICE method, with health effects expressed in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), costs in 2009 US dollars (US$) and cost-effectiveness ratios (CERs) in US$ per DALY averted. Analyses were based on local demographic, epidemiological and economic data, to the extent these data were available. Biennial screening by clinical breast examination (CBE) of women aged 40-69 years, in combination with treatment of all stages, seems the most cost-effective intervention (costing $1299 per DALY averted). The intervention is also economically attractive according to international standards on cost-effectiveness. Mass media awareness raising (MAR) is the second best option (costing $1364 per DALY averted). Mammography screening of women of aged 40-69 years (costing $12,908 per DALY averted) cannot be considered cost-effective. Both CBE screening and MAR seem economically attractive interventions. Given the uncertainty about the effectiveness of these interventions, only their phased introduction, carefully monitored and evaluated, is warranted. Moreover, their implementation is only meaningful if the capacity of basic cancer diagnostic, referral and treatment and possibly palliative services is simultaneously improved.