Sectional Survey Research Articles

Clinicians\u2019 perceived value and demographic factors that predict the utilisation of patient reported outcome measures for low back pain amongst chiropractors in Australia

BackgroundFactors that influence utilisation rates of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for low back pain (LBP) within the chiropractic profession of Australia are currently unknown. This study aimed to examine whether factors, including age, sex, experience level, clinical title (principal vs associate), or a clinicians’ perceived value of PROMs, are predictive of the frequency and/or type of PROMs used by chiropractors in the management of LBP.MethodsA cross sectional online survey was distributed to members of the Chiropractic Association of Australia (CAA now known as Australian Chiropractors Association-ACA) and Chiropractic Australia (CA). 3,014 CAA members and 930 CA members were invited to participate totaling 3,944, only respondents that were using PROMs were included in the analysis (n = 370). Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine associations between clinician demographics and perceived value of PROMs, and the frequency of pain, health, and functional patient reported outcome measure (PROM) usage by chiropractors.ResultsPrincipal chiropractors were more likely (Wald = 4.101, p = 0.04, OR = 1.4 (1.0–2.1)) than associate chiropractors to frequently use pain-related PROMs for the management of patients with LBP. The remaining demographic factors (age, sex, and experience level) were not associated with the frequency of PROM usage; nor were the perceived value clinicians place on PROMs in clinical practice.ConclusionPrincipal chiropractors were more likely to frequently use pain-related PROMs for the management of patients with LBP when compared to associate chiropractors. Demographic factors, appear to have little influence on PROM usage. While chiropractors place high value on PROMs, these beliefs are not associated with increased frequency of PROM usage for the management of LBP.

Anxiety and depression among individuals in mandatory institutional quarantine in Tunisia

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic is a challenging public health issue that have impacted people's health and livelihoods worldwide. Restrictive measures, such as quarantine, have been implemented in many countries in order to limit the spread of the virus. We aimed in this study to assess the impact of institutional mandatory quarantine on mental health in Tunisia and to determine factors associated with the occurrence of anxiety and or depression. Methods A cross sectional phone survey was conducted in Tunisia from April to November 2020 among people who were placed in mandatory institutional quarantine. Generalized anxiety disorder and depression were assessed using the Generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7) and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine factors associated with the occurrence of depression and or anxiety symptoms. Results In the present study, 506 participants were enrolled with an age ranging from 18 to 83 years and a sex ratio equal to 1.9. More than third of participants (38.3%) had experienced anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Being a woman, younger age, being a student, spending longer time on COVID-19 news, fear of infection in the quarantine facility, having experienced stigma, financial struggle due to the COVID-19 pandemic and dissatisfaction by the accommodations conditions of the quarantine facility were independently associated with occurrence of depression and or anxiety symptoms. Conclusions A high percentage of participants have experienced anxiety or depressive symptoms during the quarantine period. Providing mental health support and updated and relevant information to quarantined individuals is necessary. Improving the accommodation conditions in the quarantine facilities is also needed. Key messages More than third of participants had experienced anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Good quality communication and mental health support are necessary in quarantine facilities.

The drivers of debt financing within state-owned corporations in South Africa

The public sector financial management reforms being adopted by many countries, such as South Africa, have encouraged the adoption of private-sector management style, such as debt management, within the state-owned corporations. The reform agenda on debt financing is that state-owned corporations should face competitive conditions regarding access to finance. To highlight on the achievements of these reforms, this study explored the questions as to whether the drivers of debt financing within state-owned corporations in South Africa are similar to those of private-sector corporations. Applying a hybrid of cross sectional and longitudinal quantitative surveys, a panel data regression model was used to analyse data from 26 income-generating state-owned corporations in South Africa for the eight-year period 2007-2014 using the generalized method of moments (GMM). The results identified the main determinants of debt financing within the state-owned corporations in South Africa to include asset tangibility, corporation’s growth and liquidity.

The need to screen for anemia in exercising women.

Anemia is common, affecting 1 in 3 women in their lifetime. Despite high prevalence rates, awareness is poor. This is relevant for women undertaking sport as anemia can lead to reduced physical performance. There is no current screening program for testing of anemia for exercising women. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess a simple screening tool to predict anemia in exercising women.Cross sectional survey study.National fitness festival.Three hundred exercising women.Screening methodology (Female Health Questionnaire and a haemoglobin concentration measurement).The Female Health Questionnaire inquired about; previous iron status, menstrual blood loss, diet, and motherhood. Participants were asked to self-report any symptoms of iron deficiency, including; brain fog, palpitations, shortness of breath, restless legs, hair loss, and pica. Results were compared to fingerprick haemoglobin levels with anemia defined as [Hb] < 120 g/L.Average age was 31.21years (s.d.7.72), average [Hb] was 131.76 g/L (s.d.11.5) and 36 (12%) had anemia. A history of iron deficiency was reported by 127 (43.49%), 127 (43.49%) reported heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), 75 were vegetarian (18%) or vegan (8%) and 33 were mothers (11%). In total 80 reported taking time off work (total 1612 days). Women with anemia more commonly reported HMB (58.33% vs. 41.57%, P = .04), and those with HMB were more likely to report days off (39.37% vs. 18.18%, P < .001).Anemia was common in exercising women, particularly those with HMB. A simple screening tool for HMB and finger prick haemoglobin testing for anemia is recommended in women undertaking exercise.

Prevalence and determinant factors of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers in Marrakesh province, Morocco: A cross- sectional survey

BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for infants during the first 6 months of life. Nevertheless, the practice of breastfeeding is currently declining throughout the world. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice and its associated factors among mothers living in Marrakesh province, Morocco. METHODS: The data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. RESULTS: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 50.2%. Mothers with age more than 30 years, residing in rural area, receiving counseling related breastfeeding during antenatal follow up and having knowledge about duration of breastfeeding were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of breastfeeding in Marrakesh was higher than the last national survey report but it is still insufficient. These findings have to stress authorities and deciders to sensitize mothers and future mothers to increase exclusive breastfeeding practice notably through the involvement of health professionals.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric patients with epilepsy in Jordan: The caregiver perspective

ObjectivesThe recent COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted care systems around the world. We assessed the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the care of pediatric patients with epilepsy in Jordan. Potential predictors for seizure control during COVID-19 outbreaks were investigated. MethodsA cross- sectional survey was conducted on pediatric patients with epilepsy in Jordan, between January and February 2021, via online questionnaires. The collected data included demographic information, epilepsy-related characteristics, views of caregivers and changes in seizure control during COVID-19 outbreak. ResultsA total number of 672 subjects were screened, 276 were eligible, and 154 completed the questionnaire adequately. Two thirds of caregivers (66.2%) reported that the COVID -19 outbreaks prevented their child from getting proper epilepsy care and 28.6% reported difficulty giving the drugs to their child on time because of loss of daily routine. In addition, more than half (55.8%) reported difficulty obtaining antiseizure medicines (ASMs). On the other hand, 77.3% of caregivers reported that seizure status remained unchanged or improved for their children during the COVID-19 and 22.7% reported worsened seizure control. The number of antiseizure medicines taken by patients (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.032), residency area (p = 0.013) and the difficulty in giving the medicine during COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.002) were the major factors influencing the seizure worsening experienced by patients. ConclusionAlmost one of every five patients reported worsened seizure control during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Jordan. Moreover, two thirds of caregivers reported poor epilepsy care. This finding highlights the need to implement organized and efficient telemedicine programs devoted to epilepsy care.

Stress and quality of life of intensive care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: Self-efficacy and resilience as resources.

BackgroundHealth care workers employed in the COVID‐19 emergency are at a high risk of stress.Aims and objectivesTo explore the mediating roles of self‐efficacy and resilience between stress and both physical and mental quality‐of‐life components in intensive care nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic.DesignCross‐sectional survey design.MethodsThe stress subscale (depression, anxiety, and stress scale in Spanish Scale, DASS‐21), the summary components (physical and mental) of health‐related quality of life (SF‐36), the general self‐efficacy scale (GSES), and the resilience scale (RS‐14) were administered in 308 intensive care nurses. Serial multiple mediator models were used.ResultsThere was a significant indirect effect of levels of perceived stress on both physical and mental health components through self‐efficacy and resilience. Specifically, greater perception of self‐efficacy was associated with a lower perception of stress and greater resilience, while higher resilience was associated with greater physical and mental health (B = −0.03; SE = 0.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−0.07, −0.01]; B = −0.03, SE = 0.01, 95% CI = [−0.07, −0.01], respectively). It was observed that self‐efficacy alone also mediates the relationship of the perception of stress on the components of physical and mental health (B = −0.07; SE = 0.05; 95% CI = [−0.18, −0.03]; B = −0.09; SE = 0.04; 95% CI = [−0.17, −0.24], respectively). However, resilience alone was not a significant mediator of these associations.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that stress is linked to the physical and mental health components related to quality of life through self‐efficacy and resilience.Relevance to clinical practiceThese psychological resources would allow the nursing staff to maintain a good quality of life despite high levels of stress. These findings have implications for future research in terms of both model testing and clinical application.

AWARENESS OF MOTHER WITH BABY PACIFIER

Introduction: Pacifiers consist of a latex or silicone nipple with a firm plastic shield and handle and are available in different forms and sizes. This is used in infant for colling and calming effect on infant however, it is related to many disadvantage and side effect on teeth of the infants. In this study we aimed to a Assess the interrelation between different on-nutritive sucking habits, pacifier use and thumb/digit sucking. Besides, Investigate the relationships between various non-nutritive sucking habits and occlusion in the primary dentition. Methodology: Following a comprehensive literature review, the questionnaire was designed and used for data collection. Then, a cross‐sectional survey was distributed throughout the internet for two months (October - November 2019) to 200 mothers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The mothers answered 16 questions, where 5 of them were self-administered, while the others followed the pacifier and their effect on Breastfeeding and teeth. Initially, the participants have answered inquiries about the demographic information. Results: The results of our study include 202 mothers in which 55.9 % were between 18 -30 years old while 88.6 % of married while 6.4 % were widowed and the rest were divorced. Moreover, 67.3 % of mothers in this study started breast feeding but stopped it, while 15.3 % still breast feeding partially, 12.9 % still breasting feeding exclusively and 4.5 % never breast fed during the process of the survey. 58.9 % of mothers agree about the use of pacifier with their infants where younger mothers were more intended to agree about using of pacifier. Considering the reason behind using of pacifier, mothers reported that 74.3 % of mothers using pacifier because of its comfort or soothing effect. Moreover, 47.1 % of the sample thought that best time to start using pacifiers is from first week of birth and 49 % of mothers in this study thought that pacifier should be used for 4 hours per day. Finally, most of mother thought that the ideal time of pacifier cessation before the first year (45%). Conclusion: As with all infant care practices, there may be multiple factors influencing the parental decision to use or not use a pacifier for the infant. Some of these factors (e.g., concerns about nipple confusion, dental concerns) may be the result of misinformation. As pacifier use has been associated with a reduced risk for SIDS, it is important for health care providers to understand and be able to address the concerns that parents may have about pacifier use. In the hospital setting, providers should be aware that parents may have strong preferences about getting educated regarding pacifier use and its consequences.

Assessing prevalence and predictors of depression in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients – The DEPDIAB study

ObjectivesDepression is common in diabetes and has significant impact on health outcomes. Suicidal ideation also forms a part of the spectrum of diabetes and coexistent depression. To assess the predictors of depression as well as its prevalence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients, we conducted a cross sectional study entitled “DEPression in DIABetes” (DEPDIAB). Material and methodsA cohort of consecutive 1371 T2DM patients from Eastern India suffering from diabetes greater than 1 year was assessed in a cross- sectional survey in 9 different hospitals and medical polyclinics in Kolkata, India for depression by administering the 9-item PHQ – 9 and Beck depression scales. Socioeconomic status was assessed by the “Revised Kuppuswamy and B G Prasad socio-economic scales for 2016”, a validated scoring system for assessing the socioeconomic status of Indian patients. ResultsIn our study 836 patients (60.9%) were male and 535 (39.02%) were female. 56 patients (4.1%) met the criteria for major depression and 494 patients (36.16%) for minor depression. No sign of depression was found in 816 patients (59.74%). Depression was strongly associated with younger age (18–40 years vs. >60 years) [OR-2.09; 95% CI 1.11–3.96], female sex [OR-1.31; 95% CI 1.11–2.01], low socioeconomic status [OR-2.69; 95% CI 1.34–3.79], poor compliance [OR- 5.05; 95% CI 2.79–8.13], hypoglycemia [OR 1.466; 95% CI 1.076–1.999] and difficulty in managing day-to-day activities [OR- 4.648; 95% CI 3.450–6.262] Suicidal ideation was detected in 201 patients (14.8%). Among patients who had repeated attacks of hypoglycemia (>1 episode per month), 22% experienced suicidal ideation. This was significantly higher than in patients who had not suffered from hypoglycemia (12%) (p < 0.0001). Patients with HbA1C of 7% or lower experienced statistically significantly lesser suicidal ideation than patients with a higher HbA1C (12% vs. 16.8% {p = 0.016}). Suicidal ideation did not correlate withbody mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or insulin usage. ConclusionsWe found a high prevalence of depression in T2DM patients in Eastern India. Younger age, female sex, lower socio-economic status, poor compliance, hypoglycemia, and difficulty in managing day to day activities emerged as significant predictors of depression in this study. Recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia were an independent risk factor for suicidal ideation in patients with depression. Depression was not significantly associated with co morbidities associated with T2D and surprisingly insulin usage was not associated with increased depression.

Joints Problems among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Attending To Al-Hilla Teaching Hospital In Hilla City

Introduction: The prevalence of diabetes for all age groups worldwide was estimated to be increasing .This will inevitably result in an increasing prevalence of the diabetes and associated conditions includingrheumatic manifestations ,especially Osteoarthritis (OA) , and the high rate of disability related to diseasemake it a leading cause of disability in the elderly Method: the cross - sectional survey was conducted inAl-Hilla teaching hospital department of orthopedic surgery in Hilla city during the period March 2015 to 31December 2017. 300 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was selected non randomly 150 males and 150females between ages 39 – 77years to show the prevalence of osteoarthrosis among type 2 D.M patients inrelation to sex, duration of D.M and body mass index. Results: the occurrence of osteoarthrosis among D.Mpatients was 30%. Osteoarthrosis was statistically significant (P=0.0003). In D.M patients with BMI morethan 25 (48%). Osteoarthrosis was found more in patients with long duration of D.M which was statisticallysignificant (P=0.001) since more than 15 years duration was 52% of D.M patients while duration of lessthan 5 years was 8%. Conclusion: OA in diabetic patients is common and it’s more prevalent in obese andin female DM with long duration of disease.

EVALUATION OF AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND SCREENING OF ORAL CANCER AMONG DENTAL PRACTITIONERS AND DENTAL STUDENTS- AN ONLINE QUESTIONAIRE BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Oral cancer is a silent invasive disease with poor prognosis and more than 60 % of these cases were diagnosed in later stages. Early diagnosis of the malignancy greatly increased survival rates as the mouth is easily accessible for self or clinical examination. Lack of awareness among dental practitioners and health care providers is the most significant factor in delaying diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer.&#x0D; Aim &amp; Objective: 1) To assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding oral cancer, its clinical presentation and associated risk factors among dental practitioners and dental students.2) To explore dentists’ attitude regarding their role in screening, detection and prevention of oral cancer.&#x0D; Material &amp; Methods: A cross sectional online survey was conducted on 300 dental practitioners and dental students, who are working and studying in recognized dental institutes and dental clinics receptively in the area around tri-city. A validated questionnaire survey comprised of 29 questions regarding a basic knowledge and awareness, and attitude and screening of oral cancer was distributed randomly among the participants. The Performa was distributed through electronic media and all the participants filled the questionnaire Performa. Performa was based on the demographic data and to raise the awareness, knowledge, attitude and screening of oral cancer among dental practitioners and dental students. All the data were collected, tabulated and analysed using SPSS software 20.&#x0D; Results: A total of 300 dental practitioners and dental students were approached, of which 273 participated in the study. The response rate of the study was 91%. Among the various risk factors for causing oral cancer, the use of alcohol was identified as a major risk factor by 267 (97.8%) dentists. The high-risk age group for oral cancer was identified in between 40-60 years by 246 (90.1%) dentists. Two hundred and forty-four (89.4%) dentists strongly agreed that patients should be referred to specialists if they suspected oral cancer in any lesion. Majority 97.8% of the dentists routinely practiced complete oral cavity examination on all patients who attended their practice.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that though the mean knowledge and awareness, attitude, practice and screening about oral cancer among specialized dentists was good but there is a need to improve the knowledge and practices of risk factors for oral cancer among general dental practitioners by either collaborative approach by various specialties or by arranging continuous educational programs for them.&#x0D; Keywords: Oral cancer, oral cancer awareness, Poor oral hygiene, screening, Risk factors, Dental professionals

Factors Influencing Subsidized Fertilizer Access and Use Intensity on Smallholder Farmers in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya

Low crop yields as a result of inadequate application of fertilizer remains to be a challenge limiting optimum crop production especially among smallholder farmers in Kenya. The government of Kenya, under The National Accelerated Agricultural Inputs Access Programme (NAAIAP), introduced subsidized fertilizers aimed at increasing crop productivity. Despite these initiative, there has not been much achievements as far as general increase in crop yields and especially maize crop yields in the country is concerned. This study therefore sought to investigate the factors affecting the access and the use intensity of subsidized fertilizer among smallholder farmers in Kenya with the case of Trans Nzoia County. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the factors affecting the access to subsidized fertilizers and to assess the factors affecting the intensity of fertilizer used. This study employed cross -sectional survey using structured questionnaires to collect the data from 384 farmers who had been selected using multi-stage sampling technique. The data was analyzed econometrically using a double hurdle model which combined a probit model and a truncated regression model. The findings show ed that age, access to extension services, land size, distance to market, household size and non-farm income significantly affected the accessibility of subsidized fertilizer to the farmers while the intensity of subsidized fertilizer use was significantly determined by age, land size, access to extension services and non-farm income of household head. The study concluded that the government should target the smallholder farmers and consider their factors when formulating policies for distribution of subsidized fertilizers as they are the intended beneficiaries of the program.

An Investigation of Hypertension Risk Factors among Adults in Oshikoto Region in Namibia

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension complications are responsible for 9.4 million deaths worldwide and among these deaths, 51 % are due to stroke and 45% are due to heart disease like heart failure. This study aims to investigate the hypertension risk factors among adult in Oshikoto region, Namibia. &#x0D; &#x0D; METHODS: A community population-based, cross- sectional survey was conducted using WHO STEPwise approach among 375 adults in Oshikoto region. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was done to determine the association between risk factors and Hypertension, based on p-value &amp;lt;0.05. &#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: Overall prevalence for risk factors was: physical inactivity (25.3%), unhealthy diet (75.7%), tobacco use (9.1%), harmful use of alcohol (40.8%). 20.5% overweight with majority (85.7%) of them were females. Obesity was 9.1% in which 91.2% were females. Hypertension prevalence was 24.3%. Four percent of individuals were having two multiple risk factors for hypertension, 2.4% with four risk factors and 1.1% with more than four risk factors. Age group (OR=2.48, 95%CI=1.44-4.26, P=0.001), Obesity (OR=3.48, 95%CI=1.55-7.79, P=0.003), and overweight (OR=2.34, 95%CI=1.31-4.19, P =0.004) were significant risk factors for hypertension.&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a high prevalence and burden of hypertension risk factors such as obesity and overweight among adults in Oshikoto region, thus, these results highlight the need for interventions to reduce and prevent those risk factors of hypertension in Oshikoto region, Namibia.

Patient-incurred costs in a differentiated service delivery club intervention compared to standard clinical care in Northwest Tanzania.

IntroductionPlacing all clients with a positive diagnosis for HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) has cost implications both for patients and health systems, which could, in turn, affect feasibility, sustainability and uptake of new services. Patient‐incurred costs are recognized barriers to healthcare access. Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models in general and community‐based care in particular, could reduce these costs. We aimed to assess patient‐incurred costs of a community‐based DSD intervention (clubs) compared to clinic‐based care in the Shinyanga region, Tanzania.MethodsCross‐sectional survey among stable ART patients (n = 390, clinic‐based; n = 251, club‐based). For each group, we collected socio‐demographic, income and expenditure data between May and August 2019. We estimated direct and indirect patient‐incurred costs. Direct costs included out‐of‐pocket expenditures. Indirect costs included income loss due to time spent during transport, accessing services and off work during illness. Cost drivers were assessed in multivariate regression models.ResultsOverall, costs were significantly higher among clinic participants. Costs (USD) per year for clinic versus club were as follows: 11.7 versus 4.17 (p < 0.001) for direct costs, 20.9 versus 8.23 (p < 0.001) for indirect costs and 32.2 versus 12.4 (p < 0.001) for total costs. Time spent accessing care and time spent in illness (hours/year) were 38.3 versus 13.8 (p < 0.001) and 16.0 versus 6.69 (p < 0.001) respectively. The main cost drivers included transportation (clinic vs. club: 67.7% vs. 44.1%) for direct costs and income loss due to time spent accessing care (clinic vs. club: 60.4% vs. 56.7%) for indirect costs. Factors associated with higher total costs among patients attending clinic services were higher education level (coefficient [95% confidence interval]) 20.9 [5.47 to 36.3]) and formal employment (44.2 [20.0 to 68.5). Differences in mean total costs remained significantly higher with formal employment, rural residence, in addition to more frequent visits among clinic participants. The percentage of households classified as having had catastrophic expenditures in the last year was low but significantly higher among clinic participants (10.8% vs. 5.18%, p = 0.014).ConclusionsCosts incurred by patients accessing DSD in the community are significantly lower compared to those accessing standard clinic‐based care. DSD models could improve access, especially in resource‐limited settings.

An Assessment of Students’ Interest in choosing Technical Programmes among First Cycle Institutions in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Technical and Vocational Education is imperative when considering the human resource development of a country. The challenges facing Technical and Vocational Education in the Eastern Region is the consistent diminution of students opting to pursue Technical and Vocational courses at the Secondary level of education. The study seeks to assess student’s low interest in choosing Technical programme at the Second Cycle Institutions in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The sampling technique used was stratified and simple random sampling. The research was a cross–sectional studies and field questionnaire survey was used to collect information for the study. Data was collected from one thousand, one-hundred and six (1,106) respondents. Data were analyzed using frequency, charts and other relative important Indexes. It was found out that students ‘have low interest in technical courses due to societal stigmatization against the programme. The concept of Vocationalization must be re–visited at the Basic levels of the educational system.&#x0D; Citation: Akorli, S. K. and Gyamfi, T. A. (2021). An Assessment of Students’ Interest in choosing Technical Programmes among First Cycle Institutions in the Eastern Region of Ghana. International Journal of Technology and Management.&#x0D; Research. Vol. 6, Issue 1: 1－13.Received: April 15, 2020Accepted: March 30, 2021

English

BACKGROUND Covid-19 has detrimental effects on physical and mental health globally. A large number of people have developed psychological disorders due to the pandemic. This study was an attempt to explore the occurrence of depression and its severity level amongst the population who are working from home online during the pandemic period. METHODS A cross sectional online survey was conducted by sharing Zung self-administered depression questionnaire using Google form. Informed consent was obtained from 106 participants and snowball sampling technique was used in the study. Chisquare test and P-value were also calculated to determine the level of significance and association between different variables.c RESULTS Out of 106 participants, 5 (4.71 %) were found to have depression. Females were more affected than men; higher numbers came from those living in a joint family and those who were not married. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlighted the incidence of depression amongst the group working from home during the pandemic. It is the need of the hour to recognise the psychological impact of the pandemic on an peoples’ minds and help them seek immediate help from their nearest health centre to overcome the sufferings they go through. KEYWORDS Covid-19 Pandemic, Depression, Mental Health

Prevalence of self-reported halitosis and associated factors in 15 years old male students in Karbala City-Iraq

Background׃ Halitosis is a common condition and is most often caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth because of gum disease, food, or plaque. It can result in anxiety among those affected, it is also associated with depression and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. The aim of this study isto assess the prevalence of self-reported halitosis and associated factors (dental plaque, gingival condition and dental caries) in 15 years old male students in Karbala city in Iraq. Additionally, we studied adolescents’ concern with their own breath and whether anyone had ever told them that they had halitosis. Methods׃ A cross sectional observational survey was conducted to15 years old high school students from public and private schools in the city of Karbala, Iraq. The random sample consisted of 400 adolescents from 44 schools. An interview with a structured questionnaire was administered along with measurement of oral parameters (PI, GI, DMF). Results׃ The prevalence of self-reported halitosis was 48.50% according to question one. Prevalence of halitosis according to total score of questionnaire was 86.5%. 13.5% reported that they didn’t have halitosis. It is concluded that there is high prevalence of self-reported halitosis, which is associated with a socioeconomic pattern. Most adolescents report concern with their own breath. Dental plaque and gingival status are associated significantly with self-reported halitosis. The high prevalence of self-reported halitosis according to questionnaire among the students may be due to the consumption of garlic or spicy food, in addition dental plaque, gingivitis and dental caries cause increase in volatile silver compound level which cause increase in halitosis. Conclusion׃ Self-reported halitosis is a prevalent situation in about 50% of adolescents in Karbala city. Patients’ self-reported halitosis is found to be associated with dental plaque, gingivitis and dental caries.

Assessing attitudes and high-risk practices to HIV/AIDS infection among the people of Lake Chad basin, Borno State, Nigeria

A cross sectional quantitative survey that obtained information on high risk behaviours which expose individuals to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) especially HIV was carried out in Lake Chad Basin of Borno among 1,790 volunteers. A well-structured questionnaire was developed and used to collect the desired baseline sociodemographic characteristics by direct interview of respondents in their houses among the populations living in the ordinary households, the mobile population and vulnerable population group (VPG) not living in the households were interviewed in their places of abode with discretion. The mean age range of the participants was 32.5 years (SD + 2.21) ranging from 15 to 49 years. 1,234 (68.9%) of the respondents were males while 556 (31.1%) were females. The prison inmates had the highest prevalence of STIs, 37% of the respondents didn’t know that they were at risk of contracting HIV. The knowledge of HIV status was higher among the males (80.2%) than the females (19.3%). The use of male and female condom was higher among the rural (19.2%) than the urban (10.8%) respondents. This study revealed high risk practices among the respondents even though there is tremendous HIV test intake across both the general and vulnerable populations, there is need for more awareness as rate of risk perception is very low.

Oral health promotion practices of Australian community mental health professionals: a cross sectional web-based survey

BackgroundThis study explored the oral health promotion practices of Australian community mental health professionals working with people living with severe mental illness (SMI).MethodsAn anonymous cross-sectional web-based survey was distributed to all Community Rehabilitation and Support Workers (CRSWs) working at Neami National (n = 471), an Australian community mental health service. The validated questionnaire assessed participants’ self-rated oral health knowledge and confidence (7 questions); their perceived barriers (9 questions) and attitudes (5 questions) to oral health promotion; and their oral health promotion practices (7 questions). Differences in responses between groups were analysed using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and Mann–Whitney U tests. Logistic Regression Analysis served to explore the probability of providing oral health support to mental health consumers.ResultsA total of 141 CRSWs were included in this study, achieving a response rate of 30 percent. Roughly two-fifths (39.0%) of participants had oral health training in the previous 12-months. The majority of CRSWs (89.3%) believed (‘Agreed’ or ‘Strongly agreed’) that mental health support workers have a role to play in promoting oral health. However, less than half (44.0%) of CRSWs practiced oral health promotion activities when working with mental health consumers. When asked about barriers to promoting oral health, ‘lack of consumer interest’ was the most prevalent issue. CRSWs who had oral health training were over three-times (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.25–9.83, p = 0.017) more likely to provide oral health support. Results showed the provision of oral health support was most strongly associated with self-rated knowledge and confidence (OR 4.089, 95% CI 1.629–10.263, p = 0.003) and attitudes to oral health promotion (OR 3.906, 95% CI 1.77–8.65, p = 0.001).ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that mental health support workers who have more positive attitudes to oral health promotion and who have higher self-rated oral health knowledge and confidence are more likely to provide oral health support in their professional role. Training for community mental health professionals is essential to build confidence and skills to promote oral health for mental health consumers.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of the Population in an Urban District Facing COVID-19 in Kisangani, DRC

Objective: To determine the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards Covid-19 among residents of the Plateau Boyoma neighborhood.&#x0D; Methods: A questionnaire was designed and a cross- sectional survey was carried out among 214 households in the Plateau Boyoma district between September 27 and October 27, 2020. Participants were questioned on knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the COVID-19. The data was analyzed by SPSS.&#x0D; Results: The majority of respondents were males aged 39 to 45 years. Most of the participants had higher education (68.7%). The main sources of information on COVID-19 were radio and television. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude towards complying with government infection control measures, 43.9% said they frequently wash their hands with soap and water, cover their mouth and their skin, respectively nose when coughing or sneezing. However, household concern about COVID-19 is very great. In this study, the surveys had a high level of knowledge about COVID-19 and adapted attitudes towards this disease. However, community health campaigns are necessary to have optimistic attitudes and practice appropriate intervention measures without misconceptions.