Significant Difference In Knowledge Scores Research Articles

Assessment of Facilitating Factors and Barriers Faced by the Mothers for Prevention of Home Accidents among Preschool Children: A Comparative Study in Selected Urban and Rural Community of West Bengal

Introduction: A comparative survey was conducted from December 2019 to January 2020 to assess and compare facilitating factors and barriers faced by mothers of preschool children for the prevention of home accidents among conveniently selected 120 mothers in the selected urban and rural communities of West Bengal. Method: Data were collected using semi-structured and structured questionnaires, 3-point rating scale, and an observational checklist. Result: The study results stated that there was no significant difference in knowledge score and stated practice between urban and rural community mothers (‘t’ = 0.984 at p ˂ 0.05) and (‘t’ = 1.718 at p ˂ 0.05) but there was a significant difference in observed practice between urban and rural community mothers (‘t’ = 6.505 at p ˂ 0.05). There was no significant difference between the barriers of urban and rural community mothers (‘t’ = -0.833 at p ˂ 0.05). In this study, there was a significant association between the knowledge score of participants and information received about home accidents, facilitating factors and type of family, and between barriers and mother’s age in the rural community. In the urban community, there was a significant association between the knowledge score of participants and information received about home accidents, and between facilitating factors and mother’s age. There was no significant association between the barriers and any demographic variable. Conclusion: Child safety is a social value that demands attention hence, this study findings therefore call for prompt and target group interventions.

The Influence of Pre-Marriage Class on Knowledge of Bride and Groom in Prevention of Stunting Toddlers

The direct causes of stunting under five are inadequate food consumption and infectious diseases. The two direct causal factors are closely related to the quality of parenting. Efforts to handle stunting toddlers must be carried out as early as possible, not only since the mother is pregnant but must be carried out since the mother is still a prospective bride. In this context, it is necessary to find a model for the development of training for prospective brides that is in accordance with the needs in preventing stunting under five and seeing its effectiveness. This study will use a combination of descriptive observational design and quasi-experimental design. The research population is prospective brides in Kemiling District, and the sample is determined by accident, namely prospective brides who have registered at KUA Kemiling District until July 2021. Data collection for the development of pre-wedding classes is carried out by means of FGD and interviews, while to assess the effect of class pre-marriage used a quasi-experimental design with pre and post-test approaches. The analysis was carried out descriptively (frequency distribution) to determine the pre-marital class and bivariate analysis (dependent and independent test) to determine the effect of pre-marital class on the knowledge of the prospective bride and groom in preventing stunting under five. The results showed that the standard competencies needed by prospective brides to prevent stunting under five were exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, balanced nutrition, monitoring of toddler growth, infectious diseases in children, pregnancy, and reproductive health. In the case group that was given treatment in the form of leaflets and premarital classes, there was an increase in knowledge scores between 78.9% to 125.6%, while in the control group which was only given leaflets the increase in knowledge scores only rose by 25.9% to 91.6 %. The results of the dependent test showed that there was a significant difference in knowledge scores between before and after treatment. Meanwhile, the results of the independent test showed that there was a significant difference in knowledge scores on exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.000), complementary feeding (p=0.019), child growth monitoring (p=0.002), pregnancy (p=0.001), and reproductive health (p=0.001). = 0.020) between the two groups.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of glaucoma among different cadres of optometrists

Purpose:To assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and clinical practice of glaucoma among optometry students and optometry practitioners with different years of clinical experience and academic background.Methods:A survey with 20 questions on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of glaucoma was prepared and self-administered to optometry students and optometry practitioners practicing in an eye hospital/clinic/optical with varied years of clinical experience and education qualification.Results:Among the 558 participants, 57% were optometry practitioners and 43% were students. The knowledge scores among optometry practitioners increased significantly with an increase in the years of clinical experience (P < 0.001). Participants with master’s degrees scored higher than participants with bachelor’s degrees (P = 0.12). There was no statistically significant difference in knowledge scores based on the type of clinical practice - hospital, private practice, or optical (P = 0.39). Practicing optometrists who performed slit-lamp examination, gonioscopy, IOP measurements, and disc evaluation for the detection of glaucoma had significantly higher knowledge scores than those who did not perform these tests in their practice (P < 0.05). A positive attitude toward glaucoma learning through workshops and hands-on training was reported by optometrists and students.Conclusion:Knowledge about glaucoma was good among optometrists and optometry students and was better among those who handled the diagnostics. All the optometrists had a positive attitude toward enhancing their practice through proper training.

High school basic life support training: Is the trainer's experience of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the actual setting important? A randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND:Although basic life support (BLS) has been taught in school by a variety of professionals, it is still unclear that, whether the instructor's previous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) experience is an important factor. This study aimed to compare the effect of BLS training, based on trainer experience in actual situations, on knowledge and skills of secondary high school students.MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this randomized controlled trial, 150 high school students were selected based on the inclusion criteria and then assigned into two groups, (76 in Group A), and (74 in Group B) randomly. Both groups were trained according to adult BLS: 2020 American Heart Association guidelines on mannequins in three 60 min in-person training sessions. The knowledge and skill scores were measured for both groups before, immediately, and 1 month after intervention by a questionnaire. Data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 22, using Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, repeated-measure ANOVA tests, and statistically modeling at a significance level of 0.05.RESULTS:There were no significant differences between groups regarding demographic characteristics. The knowledge and skill scores in both groups increased significantly compared to baseline immediately and 1 month after the intervention (P = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in knowledge scores between groups (P = 0.076(. However, at the immediacy and 1 month after the intervention, the skill score in “Group A” was significantly higher than the “Group B” (P = 0.001).CONCLUSIONS:The trainer's experience of CPR in the actual setting in the transfer of BLS knowledge is not important, but it improved Student's BSL skill acquisition score.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Risk of Hair Loss: Knowledge and Practice of Adult Female Population in Saudi Arabia, 2020

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem related to public health causing multiple disorders, for example rickets, osteoporosis (weak bones) and osteomalacia. Lack of information, education and perception about the normal requirements of vitamin D is leading to emergence of many diseases in Saudi population. We aimed to assess Knowledge and practice of vitamin D deficiency and risk of hair loss among adult female population in Saudi Arabia.&#x0D; Methods: We performed a cross sectional study in adult females older than 16 years who are residing in Saudi Arabia. We excluded female healthcare workers. Knowledge and practice of vitamin D deficiency and risk of hair loss were measured among included female. Data were analyzed using SPSS.&#x0D; Results: A total of 810 female were included. Most of participants were between 18-25 (41.6%) and 26-35 (39.5%) years old. 42.6% of total participant were single. 96% of them heard about vitamin D. The main source of information were Relatives &amp; friends (55.8%) followed by health care professional (50.75%). 503 (62.1%) of the participating females correctly knew that there is a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss, 188 (23.2%) thought that there is no relationship while 119 (14.7%) did not know or did not have any opinion. Regarding practice, about 216 (26.7%) participants exposed themselves to sunlight, and 40% were taking Vitamin D supplement. The overall knowledge score was 9.4±2.80 out of 18. A significant difference in knowledge score was found according to age, nationality, residence and marital status.&#x0D; Conclusions: The overall knowledge score was average among participants, and majority of them heard about vitamin D. About two third of the participants knew that there is a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss. There is a need to increase the taking of vitamin D supplement among female for prevention from diseases.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Risk of Hair Loss: Knowledge and Practice of Adult Female Population in Saudi Arabia, 2020

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem related to public health causing multiple disorders, for example rickets, osteoporosis (weak bones) and osteomalacia. Lack of information, education and perception about the normal requirements of vitamin D is leading to emergence of many diseases in Saudi population. We aimed to assess Knowledge and practice of vitamin D deficiency and risk of hair loss among adult female population in Saudi Arabia.&#x0D; Method: We performed a cross sectional study in adult females older than 16 years who are residing in Saudi Arabia using an electronic, self-administered, author designed, pre-tested, close-ended questionnaire. We excluded female healthcare workers. Knowledge and practice of vitamin D deficiency and risk of hair loss were measured among included females. Data were analyzed using SPSS.&#x0D; Results: A total of 810 female were included. Most of participants were between 18-25 (41.6%) and 26-35 (39.5%) years old. 42.6% of total participant were single. 96% of them heard about vitamin D. The main source of information were Relatives &amp; friends (55.8%) followed by health care professional (50.75%). 503 (62.1%) of the participating females correctly knew that there is a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss, 188 (23.2%) thought that there is no relationship while 119 (14.7%) did not know or did not have any opinion. Regarding practice, about 216 (26.7%) participants exposed themselves to sunlight, and 40% were taking Vitamin D supplement. The overall knowledge score was 9.4 ± 2.80 out of 18. A significant difference in knowledge score was found according to age, nationality, residence and marital status.&#x0D; Conclusions : The overall knowledge score was average among participants, and majority of them heard about vitamin D. About two third of the participants knew that there is a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss. There is a need to increase the taking of vitamin D supplement among female for prevention from diseases.

Effectiveness of Concept Mapping Versus Traditional Approach as a Teaching Method on Knowledge Regarding Selected Topics among Nursing Students

Nursing education is facing sensational changes with changing priorities of the rapidly changingsociety. We know education is the most powerful weapon which can change the whole nation. The goalof nursing education is to prepare nurses who are competent and caring. But the nurse educators cannotcontinue always teaching with the methods of the 19th century and hope to prepare the nursing studentsfor 21st century. Rote memorization has been an accepted learning method in the past, but is no longerrecommended because deep meaning is not integrated into learning (Kumar, Dee, Kumar, &amp;Velan,2011). Student nurses must take an active role in the learning experience and become self-directedlearners. Concept mapping assists learners to self-critique learning using the decision-making process.Aim of the study: to assess effectiveness of concept mapping versus traditional approach as a teachingmethod on knowledge regarding selected topics among nursing students.Design: True Experimental Research design. (Post-test only control group design) was used to conductthe study.Setting: The study was conducted in ST.John’s College Of Nursing in Bangalore where GNM,B.Sc., Post. Basic Nursing students are studying with its own tertiary level parent hospital. Subjects&amp; Methods: A total of 100 students who are studying in B.sc 2nd year Nursing. The students in thegroup A (48) were subjected to the traditional method of teaching, and students in the group B (46)were subjected to the concept mapping as a method of teaching. Tools used to collect the data were: 1)Baseline variables: age, medium of instruction of the Board exam, learning style (Individual, group,both) normally adopted.2) Knowledge Questionnaire: a structured questionnaire consisting of total 40MCQ questions for both topics Peptic Ulcer-(20 questions) and Intestinal Obstruction-(20 questions).The findings of the study showed that using concept mapping as a complementary strategy for traditionalteaching method had a change in the student’s overall knowledge scores. The mean percentage of theknowledge scores using concept mapping was 57.10% &amp; using traditional method was 54.90%.&#x0D; The findings of this study revealed that there is no significant difference in knowledge score of thestudents using traditional &amp; concept mapping as a method of teaching. There can be other factors suchas the ability &amp; competence of the teacher, method of presentation, language &amp; vocabulary used whichmay also influence the knowledge that is imparted to the students. Hence it can be concluded that eachmethod has its own influence on the knowledge gained.

Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Women Aged 45-60 Years about Menopausal Health

Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Women Aged 45-60 Years about Menopausal Health

The impact of three-dimensional visualisation on midwifery student learning, compared with traditional education for teaching the third stage of labour: A pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundComplex physiological processes are often difficult for midwifery students to comprehend when using traditional teaching and learning approaches. Face to face instructional workshops using simulation have had some impact on improving understanding. However, in the 21st century new technologies offer the opportunity to provide alternative learning approaches. AimTo investigate the impact of using three-dimensional (3D) visualisation in midwifery education on student's experience of learning, and retention of knowledge at three points in time. DesignA pilot study involving a two-armed parallel Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) comparing the retention of knowledge scores between the control and intervention groups. SettingAn Australian University in the Northern Territory. ParticipantsThe sample included second year Bachelor of Midwifery students (n = 38). All received traditional midwifery education before being randomly allocated to either the intervention (n = 20) or control (n = 18) group. MethodsA new immersive virtual environment was introduced to complement existing traditional midwifery education on the third stage of labour. This intervention was evaluated using a demographic survey and multiple-choice questionnaire to collect baseline information via Qualtrics. To measure change in knowledge and comprehension, participants completed the same multiple-choice knowledge questionnaire at three time points; pre, immediately post and at 1 month post intervention. In addition, the intervention group completed a 3D student satisfaction survey. ResultsBaseline knowledge scores were similar between the groups. A statistically significant increase in knowledge score was evident immediately post intervention for the intervention group, however there was no significant difference in knowledge score at one month. ConclusionsThe results support the creation of further three-dimensional visualisation teaching resources for midwifery education. However, a larger randomised controlled study is needed to seek generalisation of these findings to confirm enhanced student learning and retention of knowledge post 3DMVR, beyond the immediate exposure time.

Comparison of Knowledge and Attitude regarding Reproductive Health between Adolescent Girls of Urban and Rural Schools in West Bengal

Introduction: Adolescents can be key driving forces in building a future of dignity for all. They are an important resource for any country. Reproductive health covers all aspects of adolescent health. In order to lead healthy, responsible, and fulfilling lives, and to protect themselves from reproductive health problems, youngsters need adequate information about the physical and psychological changes that take place during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth. Methods: A comparative survey was conducted among 90 randomly selected adolescent girls from urban and rural schools of Bankura, West Bengal. Information was collected by administering structured knowledge questionnaire and 5-point attitude rating scale. Results: The findings revealed that 46.67% of girls from urban school and 51.11% of girls from rural school had excellent knowledge score and 65.56% of adolescent girls from urban school had positive and 61.11% of girls from rural school had fair attitude score towards reproductive health. There was no significant difference in knowledge score (t = -0.555 at p &gt; 0.580) but significant difference in attitude score (t = 4.98 at p &lt; 0.00) was there. There was a weak positive correlation found between knowledge and attitude scores of adolescent girls in both urban (r = 0.46) and rural (r = 0.335) schools. No significant association was found between knowledge and attitude scores and demographic characteristics of adolescent girls in both schools. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was a gap in the level of attitude of adolescent girls of urban and rural schools. So there is a need to educate adolescent girls regarding some aspects of reproductive health.

HPV Knowledge, Vaccine Status, and Health Literacy Among University Students.

The aim of this study was to assess university students' knowledge and understanding about HPV and its association with their vaccination status and health literacy. A sample of 383 undergraduate university students between the ages of 18 and 26 were recruited between February 14 and March 22, 2018. An electronic survey was administered to assess knowledge and HPV awareness, vaccination status, and health literacy. Participants had moderate mean knowledge scores of 6.02 of a possible 11 (SD = 3.06). There was a positive association between health literacy and HPV knowledge and a statistically significant difference in knowledge scores between those who are vaccinated and unvaccinated p < 0.001. This study expanded available research on HPV vaccine and its uptake among university students and can be used to develop educational interventions. Continuous examination of HPV knowledge gaps and identifying factors that affect vaccine uptake is pivotal to increasing vaccination rates.

Virtual and Augmented Reality Enhancements to Medical and Science Student Physiology and Anatomy Test Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Virtual and augmented reality have seen increasing employment for teaching within medical and health sciences programs. For disciplines such as physiology and anatomy, these technologies may disrupt the traditional modes of teaching and content delivery. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of virtual reality or augmented reality on knowledge acquisition for students studying preclinical physiology and anatomy. The protocol was submitted to Prospero and literature search undertaken in PubMed, Embase, ERIC, and other databases. Citations were reviewed and articles published in full assessing learning or knowledge acquisition in preclinical physiology and anatomy from virtual or augmented reality were included. Of the 919 records found, 58 eligible articles were reviewed in full-text, with 8 studies meeting full eligibility requirements. There was no significant difference in knowledge scores from combining the eight studies (626 participants), with the pooled difference being a non-significant increase of 2.9 percentage points (95% CI [-2.9; 8.6]). For the four studies comparing virtual reality to traditional teaching, the pooled treatment effect difference was 5.8 percentage points (95% CI [-4.1; 15.7]). For the five studies comparing augmented reality to traditional teaching, the pooled treatment effect difference was 0.07 (95% CI [-7.0; 7.2]). Upon review of the literature, it is apparent that educators could benefit from adopting assessment processes that evaluate three-dimensional spatial understanding as a priority in physiology and anatomy. The overall evidence suggests that although test performance is not significantly enhanced with either mode, both virtual and augmented reality are viable alternatives to traditional methods of education in health sciences and medical courses.

Evaluation of a resilience training program for college student-athletes: A pilot study

Objective To determine if a resilience training program improved knowledge of and intention to use adaptive coping strategies among college student-athletes; and explore college student-athletes’ experiences and satisfaction with program components. Participants: Division I college student-athletes. Methods: Pretest-posttest design with surveys completed at baseline and immediately post-program. Results: A total of 79 participants were included (n = 43 [54.4%] females; n = 36 [45.6%] males; Mage = 20.94, [SD = 1.05]). Overall intention to use adaptive coping strategies significantly increased from baseline (M = 29.05, SD = 4.50) to post-program (M = 32.38, SD = 5.62) (p = 0.0004), as did intentions to use the coping strategies seeking social support (p = 0.0037) and self-controlling (p = 0.0007). We found no statistically significant differences in knowledge scores from baseline to post-program. Conclusions: Resilience training may increase college student-athletes’ likelihood of using adaptive coping strategies to manage academic and sport-related stressors.

Diabetic retinopathy awareness and eye care behaviour of indigenous women in Saskatoon, Canada

ABSTRACT Diabetes is a public health challenge in Canada with a disproportionate number of Indigenous people, especially women, living with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes ocular complication and a common cause of blindness in Canadian adults. Many individuals living with diabetes do not have regular diabetic eye screening. This study sought to determine the diabetic retinopathy awareness and eye care behaviour of Indigenous women with diabetes or at risk of diabetes. This was a quantitative study among 78 Indigenous women (First Nations and Métis) in Saskatoon, Canada. Data on diabetic retinopathy awareness and eye care behaviour were collected via a knowledge, attitude, and practice survey. Participants had high diabetic retinopathy practice mean scores (32.16) than knowledge (30.16) and attitude scores (22.56). Sub-group analysis showed a significant difference in knowledge scores between age, education, and diabetes status, and differences in practice scores between age and education. Although our regression analysis indicated an association between education and knowledge scores (p = 0.024), and diabetes status and attitude scores (p = 0.044), the associations are not conclusive. Indigenous peoples with or at risk of diabetes may benefit from targeted interventions on diabetes and eye care, which could improve eye care awareness and behaviour.

Knowledge, Attitude &amp; Practice of Health Care Workers on COVID-19 in Babylon Governorate, Iraq 2020

During the last month of 2019 a highly contagious infectious disease caused by a corona virus known as COVID-19 that identified in Wuhan/China, then the WHO declared the outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern, after two months the disease entered our country with the international travelers and started its rapid spread in our society. The level of knowledge of health care workers about COVID-19 is one of the key factors in the battle against COVID-19 infection. The objectives of this study are to assess Knowledge, attitude, and practice of HCWs at primary health care centres regarding COVID-19 infection, also to assess the possible association with the sociodemographic factors of the study sample. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in Babylon governorate/Iraq during the period of lockdown (from 15-march to15-may 2020) to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of health care workers at the level of primary health care centers, by doing a multistage sampling; fifteen primary healthcare centers were selected randomly involving specialized and non-specialized family health care centers, a self-administered questionnaire with four aspects was prepared (knowledge, attitude, practice and source of information) then distributed to 403 participant. Results: Most frequent age group was 30-40 years 141 (35.0%), the study group included 94 (23.3%) physicians & 309 (76.7%) other medical staff. means of knowledge, attitude and practice score were (88.5±9.4 SD), (69.2±28.9 SD), (91.5±8.1 SD) respectively, there was a positive correlation between knowledge and practice scores (r=.196, p=.000). working in specialized family health care centers was found to have a high knowledge score (90.1±9.5 SD, p=0.00), while gender didn’t have significant difference in knowledge score. Knowledge about clinical symptoms of COVID-19 was of high percentage (96.3%). Regarding attitude (36.7%) of participants agreed that herbals and garlic are beneficial in prevention of the disease. Wearing gloves during the work was the most common practice reported (94.3%) followed by wearing face mask during work (91.6%), while (88.1%) performing washing hands regularly for 20 seconds. Conclusion: Good knowledge and practice but ordinary attitude among health care workers working in primary health care centers, this reflects the rapid spread of information's through TV, radios, websites and social medias after the announcement of WHO that this new infectious disease is a pandemic.

Effectiveness of Psychoeducation Programme on Knowledge of Schizophrenia among Care Givers of the Patients with Schizophrenia, Admitted in Selected Hospital of SGR

Background: Schizophrenia is one of the commonly occurring disorders, often causing a high degree of disability to the patients, as well as being stressful to the caregivers. Many people are still unaware that there are effective treatments for schizophrenia. A combination of regular medication, family education and support reduce the relapse rate from 50% to 60%. Psychoeducation interventions provide information to patients and their families as well as provide the tools necessary to cope with the disorder. Aim: The study aimed to find the efficacy of psycho-education on knowledge regarding schizophrenia among care givers of patients by conducting pretest before intervention and posttest after intervention. Methods: Pre-experimental one group pre-test and posttest design was used for this study. The sample of 50 care givers were selected using purposive sampling technique consists of care givers of schizophrenia patients admitted in psychiatric ward. The study was conducted at the selected state govt. hospital IMHANS Srinagar J&amp;K India. Data was collected using structured knowledge questionnaire. The researcher first explained the aim of the evaluation and invited family members to take part. After consenting to participate in the study, family members were assessed in group of twenty five. Result: mean knowledge score at pre-test was 8.94+5.101 and 27.66+1.814 at post test. There was significant difference in knowledge scores of pre-test and post-test p&lt;0.001).There was no significant association between knowledge score and demographic variables. Conclusion: There was significant gain in knowledge score of care givers. The study concluded that psycho education was effective in increasing the knowledge of care givers of schizophrenia patients. Psycho education of the family members is the key to understand about the illness and provide better care to the patient.

VARIATION IN ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES AMONG HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN COVID 19 PANDEMIC: ARE THE LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AND DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES UNDERLYING DETERMINANTS

OBJECTIVE&#x0D; To measure the impact of knowledge and demographic variables on attitude and practices among healthcare workers regarding Covid-19 in Punjab-Pakistan&#x0D; STUDY DESIGN&#x0D; A cross-sectional survey using electronic distribution of questionnaire.&#x0D; SETTING AND DURATION OF STUDY&#x0D; The study was conducted through online survey in Punjab province from 11.7.2020-20.7.20&#x0D; SUBJECTS AND METHODS&#x0D; Through snowball sampling technique, a sample of 350 healthcare workers was taken from all over the Punjab after taking consent. Demographic information was collected on demographic sheet. Survey questionnaire contained 29 items to assess knowledge, attitude and practices concerning the epidemic. The collected data was analyzed in SPSS version 20.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; Results showed that most of the participants (64.8%) fall in the category of minimal knowledge, mean scores on fearful attitude measure was 2.72 with standard deviation 1.36.Around 52.9% healthcare workers have poor practices while 47.1% in good practices category. Positive correlation between knowledge and practices was found significant (p&lt;0.05). Results of regression analysis demonstrated that knowledge influences practices significantly (β= .12, p&lt; .001), i.e. it gives positive correlation among healthcare workers :F (1, 348) = 5.01. Moreover, these was significant difference in knowledge scores for six profession groups: F (5, 344) = 73.91.&#x0D; CONCLUSION&#x0D; The study concluded that most of the healthcare workers have minimal knowledge of covid-19, however their attitudes and practices vary from each other. The knowledge of healthcare staff highly affects their practices regarding pandemic. Moreover, profession influence the level of knowledge. However the place of residence is not statistically significantly associated with practices and knowledge. The findings can help to draw interventions for enhancing positive practices among healthcare workers.

PIN70 Knowledge Towards Universal Safety Precautions Among Healthcare Population in India during Initial Phase of COVID-19: A Web Based Survey

The first case of COVID–19 in India surfaced in the state of Kerala on January 31 2020. Hence, an early exploration of knowledge and perceptions of medical students and professionals, regarding transmission and universal safety precautions during the early phase of the disease is aimed in the study. A web-based, online cross-sectional survey was conducted among the healthcare population in India during late February 2020. A questionnaire was designed to assess the knowledge regarding clinical and epidemiological characters of COVID-19 along with the universal safety precautions. A virtual snowball sampling using predesigned google forms were disseminated through social media networks. Descriptive statistics along with Chi-square test were performed with a p-value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Among the 983 participants who provided their consent of willingness and completed the questionnaire, 63% represented pharmacy profession followed by 14% from nursing discipline. Even though the age of study population varied from 18 – 79 years and with a female preponderance of 54.1% (n = 532), students as a whole participated largely in the study (68.1%, n = 670). A mean knowledge score of 3.21±1.14 (out of 6) indicated inadequate knowledge among the study population. The study revealed that there is no statistically significant difference in knowledge score based on age, place of living and medical discipline, but a significant association was observed between knowledge level and gender (p = 0.004). The knowledge regarding universal safety precautions and transmission of a disease is vital in preventing the community spread, while an inadequate and improper knowledge among medical population can amplify the spread. Online classes and training programs should be initiated at the university levels as well as a part of CME curriculum for up gradation of early knowledge regarding COVID-19.

Cross-Sectional and Medico-Legal Investigations of Covid-19 Response, Ghana

From the 12th of March 2020, Ghana took bold steps against Covid-19, aimed at controlling the spread among the population, protecting against community infections, treating those with the disease and ensuring public trust in the healthcare delivery system. This cross-sectional survey, assessed the effectiveness of Ghana’s risk communication, legal framework and response approaches to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The first part was a Cross-Sectional approach. The authors used data collected on-line via a self-reported questionnaire between 16th March and 16th April from [127] participants. Differences in mean scores and other factors associated with awareness; as a function of risk communication; to Covid-19, knowledge of safety protocols, and practices towards the disease, were conducted using univariate and multivariate data analytical methods. The second approach was a literature review of Ghana’s legal framework existing prior to the outbreak of Covid-19 and those enacted by Parliament during the emergency period towards the management of the pandemic. A content analyses of the legal framework, to assess official compliance with the framework in relation to the aim of this study was conducted. The majority of the study participants were knowledgeable about how Covid-19 was transmitted. An independent samples t-test was performed to determine if a difference existed between the mean scores of COVID-19 knowledges for males and females. The outcome variable was found to be normally distributed and equal variances are assumed based upon results of Levene’s test (F (125) = 0.097, p-value = 0.756). There was no significant difference in knowledge scores (with minimum = 1, and maximum = 3) for males (mean = 1.61, standard deviation = 0.665) and females (mean = 1.56, standard deviation = 0.698; t- value t (125) =0.374, p-value = 0.709, two-tailed). The magnitude of the difference in the means (mean difference = 0.054, 95% confidence interval: -0.234, 0.343) and the effect size was very small (Cohen d = 0.08). The independent samples t-test was also performed to test the hypothesis that males and females were associated with statistically significant different COVID-19 awareness mean scores. The test showed no significant difference in the awareness scores for males and females. The results from the content analyses of the legal framework show there was lax adherence of government to the legal framework for Pandemic response on these dimensions: Planning and Coordination; Surveillance, Situation monitoring and Assessment; Prevention, Containment and Management; Communications; and Social Mitigation. It further shows that neither the existing legislation nor the Executive Instruments, E. I. 63 - 66, and 164 directed at Covid-19 administrative and epidemiologic controls, have helped to stop the spread of Covid-19, considering the uptick of new infections of Covid-19. Covid-19 has exposed the lack of effective risk communication modalities in Ghana and the government’s lack of adherence to the legal framework on disasters and emergencies in general, a vacuum which is filled by social media.

Knowledge of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among dental surgeons of Nepal: a nationwide study

BackgroundCOVID-19 is an emerging respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus. There is not much evidence assessing the knowledge of dental surgeons regarding COVID-19. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge of COVID-19 among dental surgeons of Nepal.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among registered dental surgeons of Nepal. Ethical approval was obtained. Consent was taken, and knowledge on COVID-19 was assessed via a pre-tested structured questionnaire using Google form. The form was emailed to the participants. Descriptive analysis was performed using frequency, percentage, median and inter-quartile range. Man-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis tests were carried out to see the difference in knowledge score. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsTotal 227 dental surgeons responded to the questionnaire (male: 46.4%; female: 53.7%). Almost two-third (65.2%) of the respondents were B.D.S. (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) graduates. Only 29.1% worked in the government hospitals. 17.6% were currently involved in COVID-19 management. Of the participants, 87.7% knew about the condition of the requirement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) but only 29.1% could correctly answer the framed question for PPE. The median knowledge score calculated was 14.0 (8.0–18.0). The bivariate analysis showed a statistically significant difference in knowledge score among the age group ≥30 years and < 30 years (p = 0.013); M.D.S. (Master of Dental Surgery) graduate and B.D.S. graduate (0.041); dental surgeons of government healthcare facilities and other healthcare facilities (p < 0.001); dental surgeons of COVID-19 centers and non-COVID-19 centers (0.002).ConclusionThe dental surgeons of Nepal have a good knowledge of COVID-19, and they can be utilized for assisting in the management of COVID-19 cases in Nepal.