Practice Of Health Care Workers Research Articles

Knowledge, awareness and practices of healthcare workers regarding antimicrobial use, resistance and stewardship in Zambia: a multi-facility cross-sectional study.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to public health globally. Despite its consequences, there is little information about the knowledge, awareness, and practices towards AMR among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, awareness and practices regarding antimicrobial use (AMU), AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among HCWs who are involved in the implementation of AMS activities across eight hospitals in Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 64 HCWs from October to December 2023 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Of the 64 HCWs, 59.4% were females, 60.9% were aged between 25 and 34 years, 37.5% were nurses, 18.7% were pharmacists, 17.2% were medical doctors and only one was a microbiologist. Overall, 75% of the HCWs had good knowledge, 84% were highly aware and 84% had good practices regarding AMU, AMR and AMS. Most of the HCWs (90.6%) responded that they had a multidisciplinary AMS team at their hospitals and were implementing the use of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics. This study found good knowledge levels, high awareness and good practices regarding AMU, AMR and AMS among HCWs who were involved in the implementation of AMS activities in hospitals in Zambia. Additionally, most hospitals have been conducting AMS training and implementing the use of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics. However, there is still a need to address some identified gaps in AMU and AMR through the strengthening of AMS activities in hospitals.

Urinary catheterisation among nurses in Sweden: A survey on routines and guideline adherence

AbstractIntroduction and ObjectivesBladder catheterisation is a common and invasive procedure with guidelines that can prevent or minimize associated complications. However, healthcare workers often do not follow these guidelines. Healthcare systems' strategies, policies and practices which support quality of care could affect the level of guideline adherence. This could be explored by studying adherence in a high‐performing healthcare system with extensive monitoring of health outcomes, such as Sweden. Moreover, there is a lack of relevant literature about the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers regarding CAUTI. This study therefore aims to investigate how nurses in Sweden perform bladder catheterisation and identify potential ways to improve adherence to guidelines in order to decrease complications.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was performed between the 21st and 29th of May 2020. A survey including questions on supervision during bladder catheterisation, maintenance of sterility, accidental urine spillage, and potential advantages of a urinary catheter with an integrated valve was distributed through social media channels to Swedish nurses. Participants were anonymous and no personal data was collected. The data was tabulated and analysed using descriptive statistics (Microsoft Excel).ResultsA total of 910 nurses responded to the survey. Respondents worked across several settings, and 76.1% worked within surgical, internal medicine, prehospital, geriatrics or primary care clinics. Respondents had various levels of experience in placing catheters, with 40.3% having inserted less than 50 catheters, and 31.5% having inserted more than 100.54.9% reported that someone had checked that they followed guidelines during catheter insertion. A majority (66.5%) either often or sometimes received assistance during insertion, with only 9.3% always receiving help. Only 9.9% reported always being able to maintain sterility during insertion.58.6% reported inadvertently spilling urine on the material (protective sheet, diaper) 1–5 times during their last 10 catheter insertions, 24.8% reported spilling on the bed or linen, and 15.7% on themselves, the patient or other healthcare staff.When asked about the potential advantages of a urinary catheter with an integrated valve, the most significant advantage cited was the reduced risk of urine leakage (63%), followed by the absence of stress from not having to connect a urine bag or plug (52.1%). 96% of respondents see at least one advantage in such a device.ConclusionsNearly half of nurses have not been audited concerning guideline adherence during bladder catheterisation. Only 10% are able to always maintain sterility, and it is common to spill urine during the catheterization process. Virtually all nurses see at least one advantage in a urinary catheter with an integrated valve.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Healthcare Workers in Ekiti State, Nigeria on Prevention of Cervical Cancer

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Healthcare Workers in Ekiti State, Nigeria on Prevention of Cervical Cancer

45 Evaluation of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Guidelines and Outcomes by Treatment Site in South Africa

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: DR-TB care in South Africa includes decentralized treatment with shorter, all-oral regimens. Treatment guidelines direct regular clinical and laboratory evaluation to assess patient improvement. We therefore measured sputum collection frequency and follow-up time to assess fidelity to these guidelines in Gauteng Province, South Africa. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We included Rifampicin-resistant (RR) sputum specimens from the South African National Health Laboratory Service, which provides pathology services to 80% of the population, submitted between August 2022-September 2023. Patient data were obtained from a DR-TB registry and additional sputum specimen data were collected from follow-up laboratory worksheets. Follow-up spanned from first sputum collection date (baseline) to patient outcome date (e.g., completion, lost) or study closure date (if still on treatment). Monthly sputum submission rate was measured for those with ≥1 additional sputum submitted. We compared patient data by treatment site: at the specialized hospital vs. any other site, using Wilcoxon ranksum and χ2 tests. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Baseline RR-TB specimens were available for 142 patients, of whom 28 (20%) had specimens submitted from the specialized hospital. Patients at the specialized hospital were older (median age 41 vs. 35.5 years, p=0.03), had higher baseline fluoroquinolone resistance (10% vs. 1%, p=0.01), and longer follow-up (median 5.2 vs. 3.5 months, p=0.01) compared to patients elsewhere. Further, 43 (30%) patients had ≥1 additional sputum submitted during follow-up. Among these, monthly sputum collection rates did not differ by site (0.3 vs. 0.3 sputum per month, p=0.89). We anticipate that increased sputum frequency will be associated with successful TB treatment outcomes based on preliminary findings. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings highlight ongoing challenges with routine laboratory follow-up according to DR-TB guidelines across treatment sites in South Africa. Future research is needed to determine reasons for low sputum collection rates, such as low patient adherence, variation in practice of healthcare workers, loss to follow-up, and clinical challenges.

Insights of Healthcare Workers and Community Members on Mental Health Perception and Practices in Meru County, Kenya

Mental health is a neglected field in many low and middle-income countries, such as Kenya, where information on the prevalence of mental health conditions is scarce. This problem is aggravated by an uneven distribution of mental health service providers and widespread ignorance and stigma around mental illness in the general population. The study in Meru County, Kenya, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers and community members regarding mental health. The study, a descriptive cross-sectional survey, involved 535 community members and 109 healthcare workers, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions and analysed using univariate frequencies, descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis. The study revealed that 39% of community members had a family member with a mental health condition, while 68% of HCWs had been diagnosed with such conditions. Mental illness was often attributed to supernatural causes, genetics, substance abuse, and socio-economic pressures. A significant gap was found in the availability of counselling services in health facilities, with only 29.4% of HCWs reporting their presence. The perception of the affordability and accessibility of mental health services varied greatly between HCWs and community members. Additionally, while HCWs reported the availability of free medication, community members experienced shortages. The study also noted differing attitudes towards patients with mental illness in terms of respect and dignity and highlighted the use of traditional healers and religious leaders for mental health issues. This study contributes valuable insights into the state of mental health in Kenya, highlighting the high burden of mental illness, limited availability of services, and prevalent myths and misconceptions. It underscores the need for improved healthcare worker training, public awareness, and stronger health systems to address mental health issues effectively in Kenya and similar rural environments

Antibiotic resistance in Sudan: assessing the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers in Khartoum.

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a major public health issue, associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality globally, with significantly higher rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Assessment of contextual factors, such as information, education, infrastructure and regulations are important for developing local solutions against ABR. To determine the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards ABR in hospitals in Sudan. A survey was conducted in three different hospitals in Khartoum, Sudan from February to December 2020. HCWs of different specialties and expertise were invited to participate. Data were descriptively analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). ABR was identified as a big challenge by 89% of 345 HCWs who participated. The results show that 79% of doctors don't rely on the clinical microbiology laboratory (CML) results for antibiotic prescription or clinical decision-making. Sixty percent of HCWs agreed there are infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines in their hospital, but 74% of them don't have access to them, and infrequently receive relevant IPC training. Furthermore, HCWs obtain ABR information from other colleagues informally, not through local data or reports. Despite adequate knowledge of ABR locally, there are significant contextual technical challenges facing HCWs in Sudan, such as availability of policies and accurate data from CMLs. The results indicate a poor link between HCWs and the CMLs for infection management and it is essential to improve communication between the different hospital departments with regard to ABR transmission, and ensure the effectiveness of local IPC policies based on locally available data.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care workers regarding the prevention of nosocomial infections in the ICU

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care personnel regarding the prevention of nosocomial infections in the ICU. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, study that took place in the intensive care units of two university hospitals of Yaoundé. Our study was conducted in two phases: the first phase consisted of the administration of an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire to the health care personnel who agreed to participate in the study, and the second phase permitted us to evaluate the personnel’s’ practices using the WHO model observation form. Data analysis was done using CS-Pro version 7.5, Microsoft® Office Excel 2013 and S.P.S.S. 21.0. Results: Our sample consisted of 60 practitioners. The sex-ratio was 0.54. The mean age was 38.35 ± 8.86 years. Most of the staff had been in the ICU for less than 5 years and only 35% of the staff had received at least one continuing education course on infection control measures. Good knowledge was found in 70% of the staff assessed, 60% had incorrect attitudes, and 63% had inadequate practices. The rate of compliance with good hygiene practices was 55.2%. Conclusion: Knowledge were mean, attitudes were wrong and practices were inadequate regarding the management of nosocomial infections in the ICU.

A Study to Assess The Knowledge and Practice of Healthcare Workers and The General Public About Generic and Branded Medicine In Bengaluru

Background A generic drug is a pharmaceutical drug that contains the same chemical substance as a drug that was originally protected by chemical patents. The Indian government launched a project called the Jan Aushadhi Scheme to provide low-income people with unbranded quality medicines at affordable prices.Objective The study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of healthcare workers and the general public about generic and branded drugs.Methodology It was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study done with 150 respondents each from the general public and healthcare workers using a convenience sampling method.Results Among healthcare workers 52 had moderate and 48 had good knowledge and practice of generic medicines. Among the general public 65.3 had moderate and 34.7 had good knowledge of generic medicine and 30 had moderate and 70 had good practice. The study revealed that the age group 20-29 years had greater knowledge and participants with higher-level education had greater belief in the efficacy of generic medicine. The maximum 52 of the general public had agreed that if the doctor prescribes generic medicine then they will use generic medicine.Conclusion The study revealed that healthcare workers had more knowledge about generic medicine than the general public and the general public had better practice of generic medicine than healthcare workers. The study revealed that men were more knowledgeable about generic medicines than women among the general public.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Health Care Workers Towards the Care of the Elderly in PHCC Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Aging is a universal phenomenon that is obvious as well as inevitable. Old age is a significant stage in life and normally related to life expectancy of given area, hence the conditions and the needs of the aged becomes imperative. Care of the elderly is the fulfillment of the special needs and requirements that are unique to senior citizens. It covers such services as assisted living, adult day care, long term care, nursing homes, hospice care and home care. This study was aimed to assessed knowledge, attitude and practice of health care workers towards the care of the elderly in PHCC Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State. A cross-sectional research design was employed with 108 sampled calculated using Yamane’s formula. Proportionate allocation and simple random sampling technique was adopted to select the HCW from each PHCC. The structured interviewer questionnaire was used to collect data. An ethical approval was obtained and permission granted for the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 where the results has been and presented in tables and diagrams. The study revealed that there is good knowledge (82%), attitude (65%) and practice (64%) of the care of the elderly. Healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitude and practice play a major role in the care of the elderly at PHCC and concerns authorities should continue to support the care of the elderly.

Practice of Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Emergency Department of Nepal

Background: The study intends to explore the effects and practice of healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic at the emergency department of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among the healthcare workers of the Emergency Department of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences from August 2020 to Jan 2021. Data were collected by using a semi-structured interview among all the participants in the survey. A convenient sampling method was used and analysed using descriptive statistics. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Majority of the healthcare workers (90%) stated that their role has increased during COVID 19 first wave pandemic. A similar percentage (71%) noticed change in their duty hours and subsequently Isolation/ Quarantine. More than half (53%) stated that efforts been undertaken to bring additional health care workers to emergency department on basis of safety and preservation of workforce. The institute was able to train (47%) health care workers regarding proper handling of personal protective equipment despite of its insufficient (70%) supply. Conclusion: The results take exceptions in the emergency department despite insufficient supply of personal protective equipment, longtime exposure to large numbers of infected patients and insufficient care to quarantine a majority of the healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic.

Knowledge and practices of healthcare workers in prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections in the Maternity Department at Bindura Provincial Hospital, Zimbabwe

Infections acquired in hospitals are the most frequent negative consequences of the healthcare delivery system, which affects both developed and developing nations. Among hospitalized patients and healthcare professionals, they are among the top causes of mortality and morbidity. Therefore, healthcare professionals are crucial in preventing and controlling hospital-acquired illnesses and safeguarding patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in the Maternity Department at Bindura Provincial Hospital. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 46 participants using a self-administered questionnaire. Of which, 54.3% had 2 to 5 years of experience. With regard to the knowledge of HAIs, 59% of HCWs did not know what HAIs were, 57% did not know that cleaners and mothers should be engaged in infection prevention and control (IPC) activities, whereas 85% did not know that ventilator-associated infections and COVID-19 (57%) are HAIs. Segregation of waste was shown to be poorly practiced with 56% of HCWs, 65% were unaware of the hospital’s IPC policy, and 7% had never utilize the manuals of standard operating procedures when performing their jobs. This study recommended that every HCW should receive instruction on IPC methods from the facilities’ IPC coordinators, who should also regularly supervise the staff to monitor compliance with IPC. Mothers should receive more education on the prevention of infections when first admitted to the ward.

1245. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthcare Workers towards Antimicrobial Stewardship in Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance, a challenge faced by the public health sector, occurs when pathogens are no longer susceptible to common medicines used to treat them. Several studies have shown that reduction in antibiotic prescription could be done successfully through behavioral intervention. It is important to ensure that antimicrobials are prudently used to preserve its efficacy and enable maximum therapeutic effect. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers towards antimicrobial stewardship at Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Methods Cross-sectional design was used in this study. Stratified random sampling and proportional allocation to each stratum was used. Healthcare workers including physicians who routinely prescribed antibiotics; nurses assigned at the wards, and pharmacists were included. Questionnaires were self-administered. Kruskal-Wallis H Test and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner pairwise comparisons were used in data analysis. Results There were a total of 142 participants. Significant differences were noted on actual knowledge between physicians and nurses, on hand hygiene between physicians and nurses and nurses and pharmacists, on perceived knowledge between surgical area and family medicine and medical area and family medicine. There was also a significant difference between physicians and nurses on attitudes towards antimicrobial stewardship. There were no significant differences noted in the practices of healthcare workers. Conclusion Healthcare workers are essential in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Physicians, nurses, and pharmacists had overall good knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards antimicrobial stewardship but despite this, attention must be given to subsets of the study garnering a poor or moderate level of knowledge. This must be addressed by reinforcing previous known concepts and conducting regular trainings and seminars. Factors affecting the knowledge and practice of antimicrobial stewardship program must also be explored. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Nature and extent of disruptions to staff clinical supervision practices in health care settings due to COVID-19: A survey study.

To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical supervision practices of health care workers in health care settings in one Australian state. A bespoke survey was developed and administered online using Qualtrics™. The survey consisted of Likert scale and closed questions, with options for free text comments. Numerical data were analysed descriptively and using Chi-Square tests. Textual data were analysed through content analysis. Of the 178 survey respondents, 42% were from allied health disciplines, 39% from nursing and midwifery, and 19% from medicine. The type and mode (i.e., face-to-face, telesupervision) of clinical supervision prior to the pandemic and at the time of survey completion (i.e., July-August 2021) were similar. Eighteen percent of respondents had a change in supervision arrangements but only 5% had a change in supervisor. For the 37% who changed roles due to COVID-19, 81% felt their current supervisor was still able to support them, 69% were still having their supervisory needs met. Analyses of textual data resulted in the development of two categories: Supervision deteriorating, and some clinical supervision functions (i.e., formative and restorative) being more impacted than others (i.e., normative). There were substantial disruptions to several parameters of clinical supervision due to COVID-19, that may pose a threat to high quality supervision. Health care workers reported pandemic-induced stress and mental health challenges that were not always addressed by effective restorative supervision practices.

Evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers regarding high-risk nosocomial infections: A global cross-sectional study.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a vital role in delivering care and are frequently exposed to the risk of acquiring infections within the hospital setting. Around 15% of hospitalized patients suffer from these infections globally. However, the role and awareness of HCWs in the transmission of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) or nosocomial infections is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) toward high-risk microbial infections among HCWs on a global scale to identify measures to address this problem. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between 2022 and 2023, with HCWs selected as the study population. Data concerning KAP were collected through a self-administered online survey questionnaire, using a nonprobability convenience sampling method. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. A total of 743 HCWs from various countries participated in the study, with the majority of respondents being doctors (64.9%). Data were mainly obtained from Saudi Arabia (26.78%), Iraq (25.84%), India (15.7%), the United States of America (15.2%), and Africa (Sudan, Nigeria) (13.98%). The frequency of good KAP scores among physicians (KAP: 82.5, 80.66, and 70.5), nurses (KAP: 74.1, 73.07, and 88.7), medical practitioners (KAP: 87.2, 77.58, and 75.1), and technicians (KAP: 76.1, 74.38, and 89.6) were obtained as mentioned. With respect to experience, HCWs showed good KAP scores in 1-5 years (KAP: 82.4, 83.3, and 74.1), 5-10 years (KAP: 80.6, 74.54, 83), 10-20 years (KAP: 74.7, 79.1, and 82.7), and >20 years (KAP: 84.6, 78.8, and 82.8) categories. This study suggests that HCWs have good KAP regarding infection prevention, but there is still room for improvement. Educational seminars and awareness programs can provide better adherence to barrier protection measures such as hand washing, use of gloves, and hand disinfection.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers regarding human immunodeficiency virus index testing in 2021, Burkina Faso.

Although knowing one's HIV status is a necessary step in initiating antiretroviral treatment, more than a quarter of Burkinabe who are HIV-positive do not know their status. To reach the target of screening at least 95% of people living with HIV (PLHIV), the country has opted for HIV index testing (screening of sexual partners, children and partners of intravenous drug users). This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health workers on HIV index testing. A cross-sectional study was conducted among health workers on index testing pilot sites in Burkina Faso. We constructed scores of health workers' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding HIV index testing. A total of 132 health workers were surveyed, 62.8% of whom were female. Regarding profiles, 44.7% of the participants were nurses and 5.3% were midwives; physicians and psychosocial counselors accounted for 16.7 and 33.3%, respectively. Most of the participants worked in public health centers (60.6%). Overall, the majority of the participants had poor or average knowledge (85.6%) of the index testing strategy and harmful or inadequate practices (87.1%). Less than half (40.9%) had favorable attitudes toward the strategy. Our study showed that the knowledge of health workers was generally average, their attitudes were not very favorable and their practices were mostly inadequate with regard to HIV index testing. In order to increase the chances of reaching the first 95% of UNAIDS, trainings on the topic must be designed for health workers.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among Palestinian Healthcare Workers in the Gaza Strip Towards Hepatitis B: Cross-sectional survey.

Healthcare workers are at high risk of contracting hepatitis B virus (HBV). This survey aimed to identify the gaps and strengths in the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers towards HBV to drive appropriate health interventions. This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2022. A convenience sample of three at-risk healthcare professions from the major health facilities in Gaza was surveyed. A 40-item self-administered questionnaire was used. Statistical data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 to obtain descriptive and inferential statistics via various nonparametric, correlation and regression tests (with P <0.05). A total of 447 healthcare workers participated in the study. Overall, 105 of the participants (23.5%) demonstrated poor knowledge (below 14/20 points) of HBV, 284 (63.5%) had moderate knowledge (14-17 points) and 58 (13%) showed good knowledge. The majority (n = 367, 82.1%) expressed an excellent attitude. Finally, 287 (64.2%) demonstrated a good level of practice regarding HBV infection. A history of needlestick injury was reported by 233 (52.1%) participants, 170 (73.3%) of whom reported taking appropriate preventive actions after exposure. The majority of the participants demonstrated overall good knowledge regarding HBV infection. Nonetheless, significant gaps remain in the different aspects of the knowledge, attitude and practice construct that require appropriate awareness campaigns to further limit the spread of this preventable viral infection.

A Study to Assess Knowledge and Practices regarding Fire Safety among Health care workers in selected Hospitals of Pune City

Background: Every year, in India, about 25,000 persons die due to fires and related causes. According to India Risk Surveys 2018, outbreak of fire poses risks to business continuity and operations and ranks India at 3rd position in fire incidents, especially in Northern and Western regions of India. Past incidents show that most fire accidents take place due to three major reasons: electrical short circuit and gas cylinder/stove bursts, human negligence, and ill-formed habits. As per the ADSI-2019 report, there were 11,037 fire accidents reported across the country in 2019. The number of such reported fire accidents fell by around 16% compared to 2018. The decline was more steeped compared to the year earlier, which was around 2%. The number of persons injured in fire accidents also more than halved with 441 injured persons in 2019 compared to 1193 in 2015. Fire can happen in very severe condition and so many people and animals dying due to this. It is one of the disasters faced by India. So fire safety and fire measures are one of the important aspects. Most of the fire seen in the hospital areas is due to the gaseous and chemical substances. So, for the prevention of fire or further complications fire safety measures are must. Health care worker know about the fire safety measures and preventions. Subjects and Methods: Setting: The study was conducted at selected Hospitals of the Pune city. subject the study sample comprised 100 health care workers, three tools were used for data collection, namely: Sociodemographic data, structured knowledge questionnaire, structured practice checklist. Results: Statistically significant difference was noticed between sociodemographic variables like age, gender, profession, educational qualification, work experience with Knowledge and practices of health care workers. Conclusion: There was an appreciably good practice about fire safety but they are having poor knowledge regarding fire safety. Recommendation: The study recommended continuous observation of practices can done to evaluate practices of fire safety and interventional study can be conducted to improve knowledge of health care worker.

Knowledge and practices of toxoplasmosis among healthcare workers at two large referral hospitals in Zambia: Implications on the One Health Approach.

Assessing the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers regarding Toxoplasma gondii infection, diagnosis, treatment, and control is crucial for developing an effective management strategy. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 175 healthcare workers at Ndola Teaching Hospital and Namwala District Hospital in Zambia from September 2021 to April 2022. More than half (57.1%) of the respondents were males. Overall, 46(26.3%) and 68 (38.9%) respondents reported good knowledge and practices, respectively. Respondents with a higher number of years of experience (AOR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77-0.97), who were nurses than clinicians (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.007-0.41) and working at Ndola teaching hospital than Namwala hospital (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI:0.13-0.89) were less likely to have good knowledge. Respondents with a degree qualification than a diploma (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.09-8.47) were more likely to have good knowledge. Respondents from Ndola teaching hospital than Namwala hospital (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17-0.92) were less likely to have good practices. Our study revealed that healthcare workers had low levels of knowledge and poor practices, which could have negative implications for the management of toxoplasmosis. To improve their knowledge and practices, continuous medical education in Toxoplasma related aspects is recommended for in-service healthcare workers.

Design and psychometric properties of a tool to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of health care workers for infodemic management (KAPIM-Tool)

BackgroundInfodemics, defined as the rapid spread of misinformation during an epidemic or pandemic, can have serious public health consequences. Healthcare workers(HCWs) play a critical role in managing infodemics, but their knowledge, attitudes, and practices(KAP) related to infodemic management are not well understood. This study aimed to design and validate a tool to assess healthcare workers’ KAP related to infodemic management.MethodsThe knowledge, attitude, and practice of HCWs for the infodemic management assessment tool were designed through exploratory factor analysis. At first, primary items were extracted through two separate studies (face-to-face interviews with 17 participants and a systematic review). Then Face validity, Content validity, and Construct validity were done with the 15 participants of healthcare workers who had sufficient knowledge and experience. The content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) was checked for each item. The construct validity of the tool was also calculated through exploratory factor analysis with the participation of 250 healthcare workers (6.25 participants per item). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to evaluate the reliability of the findings using IBM SPSS Statistics V21.0.ResultsThe primary KAPIM (Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice) of healthcare workers in (the Infodemics Management) tool has 53 items, in content, face, and construct validity 13 items were removed. Factor analysis revealed three factors: knowledge (24 items), attitudes (8 items), and practice (8 items). The overall reliability of the tool was reported as adequate with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.905. The ICC of the entire tool was calculated as 0.827.ConclusionThe KAPIM tool is a valid and reliable tool for assessing healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to infodemic management with 40 items. The tool can inform targeted interventions to improve healthcare workers’ preparedness and response to infodemics.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers on early gastrointestinal cancer in China.

Gastrointestinal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in China, and its early screening is largely recommended by healthcare workers. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers on early gastrointestinal cancer (EGC). This cross-sectional study was conducted on healthcare workers who volunteered to participate from 30 hospitals in China between September and December 2022. A self-administered questionnaire including 37 questions was developed. A total of 545 completed questionnaires were finally obtained. Healthcare workers had moderate knowledge level [9.22 ± 1.80 (65.88±12.89%), total score: 14], positive attitude [21.84 ± 2.67 (91.01 ± 11.14%), total score: 24], and excellent practice level [19.07 ± 4.43 (79.47 ± 18.44%), total score: 24] on EGC. Pearson's correlation analysis suggested that knowledge score was positively correlated with attitude (r = 0.264, P < 0.001) and practice score (r = 0.140, P = 0.001), and higher attitude score was significantly correlated with higher practice score (r = 0.380, P < 0.001), which were supported and reinforced by structural equation modeling. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that knowledge scores might be influenced by sex, age, education, type of hospital, type of occupation, professional title, and years of working (all P < 0.05); attitude scores might be influenced by years of working (P < 0.05); and practice scores were statistically distinct among groups of different sex, department, and years of working (all P < 0.05). Healthcare workers have moderate knowledge level, positive attitude, and excellent practice levels on EGC. Good knowledge and positive attitude might be correlated with excellent practice. KAP level might be influenced by sociodemographic characteristics.