Socio-demographic Characteristics Of Respondents Research Articles

Knowledge and Attitude of Community Pharmacists Toward Cow Milk Protein Allergy Complications and Treatment in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sudan.

Cow's milk protein allergy is the most frequent type of food allergy in newborns and young children. It affects numerous body systems. A community pharmacist possessing adequate knowledge and appropriate practices is crucial for the management of the disease. : This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of community pharmacists toward the complications and treatment of cow milk protein allergy. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 332 randomly selected community pharmacists in the Capital of Sudan (Khartoum state). Data were collected using a validated and internally consistent (Cronbach Alpha = 0.712) self-administered questionnaire Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25. The response rate was 95.8%, and about 47.8% of the population had 1-5 years of experience as community pharmacists, and 37.4% of them had a post-graduate degree. Only 30.8% of respondents had good knowledge, while 40.6% had poor knowledge, and 28.6% had scored as having fair knowledge of complications of Cow's milk protein allergy. Regarding knowledge toward treatment, 65.1% of respondents had a poor knowledge, 24.5% had fair knowledge, and only 10.4% had good knowledge. Overall, 39.62% of participants had a positive attitude, and 60.38% had a negative attitude toward this disease. Data analysis showed no significant association between the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and their knowledge and attitude. Community pharmacists in Khartoum State had inadequate knowledge and attitude about the complications and treatment of cow milk protein allergy. As a result, we recommend the implementation of strategies to raise pharmacists' knowledge and attitude.

Awareness of the causal association between human papillomavirus and anal cancer among US adults.

The incidence of anal cancer is on the rise in the US, especially among high-risk groups. This study examined the prevalence and determinants of awareness of the causal relationship between HPV and anal cancer among US adults. Study data was obtained from the 2017 to 2020 iterations of the Health Information National Trends Survey. The prevalence of awareness that HPV causes anal cancer was estimated among HINTS respondents who were aware of HPV in general. Survey weights were used to provide estimates representative of the adult US population. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between awareness that HPV causes anal cancer and cancer-related behaviors/perceptions and sociodemographic characteristics of respondents. Two thousand six hundred and eighty four (27.2%) of the study population were aware that HPV caused anal cancer. Those of gay sexual orientation were more aware than heterosexuals [OR 2.27; 95% CI (1.24, 4.14)]. Compared to respondents with a high school diploma or less, individuals with some college education [OR 1.38; 95% CI (1.03, 1.85)] and those with at least a college degree [OR 1.52; 95% CI (1.17, 1.98)] were more likely to be aware. Participants who had positive cancer information seeking behavior were more aware of the HPV-anal cancer link compared to those who did not [OR 1.57; 95% CI (1.30, 1.89)]. Population-level awareness that HPV causes anal cancer remains critically low in the US. Sexual orientation, level of education and cancer information seeking behavior are associated with increased awareness of the causal relationship between HPV and anal cancer. Efforts should be directed toward addressing the awareness gap among individuals with lower education levels and promoting curiosity-driven information seeking behaviors.

Factors influencing the likelihood of dental service checkup: results from a survey in Saudi Arabia.

The funding and delivery of healthcare including dental care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA, or Saudi Arabia) is undergoing a process of reform. To inform this process, it is important that policymakers are aware of the relationships between service use, specific types of use, and the factors that influence this. Currently, there is a paucity of research in this area in KSA that examines dental service use for checkups at a national level and none that examines differences in this use across regions or that examines explicitly the role of income. This study uses the most recent version of the Saudi Health Interview Survey (SHIS) to examine the relationships between the use of dental services for a checkup and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Particular focus is given to the differences between regions in service use and the role of socio-demographics within regions. Data were taken from SHIS 2013. Descriptive statistics (means and standard errors) were used to characterize the sample. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between checkups in the past 12 months and a range of covariates including income and region. The analysis was repeated for sub-samples based on specific regions. No attempt was made to impute missing values. A sample of 7603 respondents provided complete data for analysis. Fifty-one per cent of the respondents were male, 29% were educated at least to degree level, 25% reported that they floss at least once per day, 69% reported that they brushed their teeth at least once per day, and 11% reported that they had visited the dentist for a checkup in the preceding 12 months. Logistic regression analyses revealed income, region, and oral hygiene habits to be among the significant determinants of the likelihood of dental checkup in the preceding 12 months. In logistic regression analyses at the regional level, different relationships were evident between checkups and socio-demographic characteristics across regions. Region and income are significant determinants of dental service use for checkups. Differences exist between regions in the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and the likelihood of getting checkups. Policy changes should reflect the potential differences they might have across regions for which the role of socio-demographic characteristics varies.

Awareness of health and environmental effects of plastic bags in bakeries in Al-Laity district, Benghazi

This study assessed public awareness of health and environmental risks associated with plastic bags and available alternatives. A questionnaire-based CT survey was conducted in Benghazi bakeries in the Al-Lathy area specifically over a study period from 6/3/2023 to 22/3/2023. The survey included the pioneers of Al-Laity Bakeries who were permanent residents of the study population. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and awareness of the harmful effects of plastic bags was determined using the Chi-square test. The study involved 200 respondents aged 20 years and over, as proven by the results. Most of the respondents (56.5%; 113/200) had a university education level and above. Additionally, 41.0% (82/200) of the respondents were state employees. Furthermore, a majority of the respondents (91.5%; 183/200) reported purchasing bread in plastic bags on a daily basis. The largest percentage of respondents (66.5%; 133/200) reported throwing away plastic bags after a single use. In contrast, 30.5% (61/200) indicated that they would keep and reuse the bags, while a small percentage of 3.0% (6/200) reported burning them. It is noteworthy that most respondents demonstrated awareness of health and environmental risks associated with plastic bags and the availability of alternatives. Promoting the reuse of plastic bags and the utilization of available alternatives can help mitigate the increased risk posed by plastic bag usage.

The relationship between region of residence, socio-demographic factors, and healthcare utilization among Saudi citizens: insights from the 2013 Saudi Health Interview Survey.

There is a dearth of research on the nature and extent of variation in patterns of health service use in Saudi Arabia. This is an important gap in knowledge, given ongoing efforts to improve service provision and delivery. This study examined the relationship between the region of residence and socio-demographic factors and patterns of health service use in Saudi Arabia. Data were taken from the 2013 Saudi Health Interview Survey (SHIS), a national multistage survey of individuals aged 15 years and above in Saudi Arabia. Data included measures of service use, respondent health, socio-demographic characteristics, and region or area of residence. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to describe the data and examine the likelihood of a respondent visiting a doctor or healthcare professional in the preceding 12 months. In addition, the analyses examined the role of health and socio-demographic characteristics within selected regions. The increased likelihood of using health services in terms of visiting a doctor or healthcare professional was related to poor health status, being female, married, having a low income, and residing in particular regions. Respondents aged <65 and who lived furthest from service providers were less likely to visit a doctor or other health professionals (p < 0.01). Residents who lived in Riyadh, Al Medina, Baha, or Aseer demonstrated a higher likelihood of service utilization compared to respondents residing in other regions (p < 0.05). In sub-group analyses, there was variation between regions with respect to socio-demographic status and distance to service. Region of residence and income level, in particular, may help to explain the likelihood of primary care use in Saudi Arabia and the distinct patterns of service use in relation to regional and socio-demographic characteristics. The relationship between regional variation in service utilization and the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents may reflect differences with respect to population need, enabling, and predisposing factors as represented in Anderson's Behavioral Model (ABM) of health service use. The findings from this study underscore the importance of considering region or area of residence when seeking to understand the utilization of health services, particularly primary care services.

Association Between State Paid Family and Medical Leave and Breastfeeding, Depression, and Postpartum Visits.

To evaluate the association of state paid family and medical leave policies with the likelihood of breastfeeding, postpartum depression symptoms, and attendance of the postpartum visit. This was a cross-sectional study that used 2016-2019 data from PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System) for 43 states and Washington, DC. We describe the association of state paid family and medical leave generosity with rates of breastfeeding, postpartum depression symptoms, and attendance of the postpartum visit. Logistic and Poisson regression models tested the significance of state paid family and medical leave coverage generosity after controlling for individual respondent sociodemographic characteristics, with sensitivity analyses for respondents with deliveries covered by Medicaid insurance. Of the 143,131 respondents, representative of an estimated 7,426,725 population, 26.2% lived in eight states and DC with the most generous paid family and medical leave, 20.5% lived in nine states with some paid family and medical leave, and 53.3% lived in 26 states with little or no paid family and medical leave. Overall, 54.8% reported breastfeeding at 6 months or at time of the survey, ranging from 59.5% in the most generous paid family and medical leave states to 51.0% in states with the least paid family and medical leave coverage. Postpartum depression symptoms varied from 11.7% in the most generous states to 13.3% in the least generous states (both P<.001). State differences in postpartum visit attendance rates (90.9% overall) did not differ significantly. After adjusting for respondent characteristics, compared with states with the least paid family and medical leave, breastfeeding was 9% more likely (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.09, 95% CI, 1.07-1.11) in states with the strongest paid family and medical leave coverage and 32% more likely (aIRR 1.32, 95% CI, 1.25-1.39) in analyses limited to respondents with deliveries covered by Medicaid insurance. A more generous state paid family and medical leave policy was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of postpartum depression symptoms compared with states with the least paid family and medical leave (adjusted odds ratio 0.85, 95% CI, 0.76-0.94) and a modest but significant increase in postpartum visit attendance (aIRR 1.03, 95% CI, 1.01-1.04) among respondents with deliveries covered by Medicaid insurance. Respondents from states with strong paid family and medical leave had a greater likelihood of breastfeeding and had lower odds of postpartum depression symptoms, with stronger associations among respondents with deliveries covered by Medicaid insurance. Despite major potential health benefits of paid family and medical leave, the United States remains one of the few countries without federally mandated paid parental leave.

Analisis Faktor-faktor Pelayanan Trans Jogja Berdasarkan Persepsi Pengguna Sepeda Motor

In 2021, the population of motorized vehicles in DIY reached 3 million units of which 85% were motorcycles. The growth in the number of motorized vehicles results in increased congestion, pollution, and traffic accidents. To overcome transportation problems in Yogyakarta, in 2008 the government operated BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) based public transportation, Trans Jogja. However, various studies have shown that the load factor of Trans Jogja is very low. This study was conducted to see the characteristics of motorcyclist and latent factors of public transportation services that are prioritized by motorcycle users to switch modes to Trans Jogja.&#x0D; Primary data was obtained online and offline from 455 motorcycle users by answering a research questionnaire consisting of four sections, namely sociodemographic characteristics, travel characteristics and service factors that are prioritized to switch to Trans Jogja. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive methods, crosstab and factor analysis with SPSS.&#x0D; The results of the crosstab analysis show that the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents that correlate with the number of motorcycle ownership are age, income, pocket money, number of family members.Based on the factor analysis of public transport services prioritized by motorcycle users to switch to Trans Jogja, 4 latent factors were obtained, namely Trans Jogja service performance, transit experience, bus facilities and fees and parking.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Motorcycle, Trans Jogja, mode shift, factor analysis&#x0D;

Community-level determinants of stakeholder perceptions of community stigma toward people with opioid use disorders, harm reduction services and treatment in the HEALing Communities Study

BackgroundCommunity stigma toward people with opioid use disorder (OUD) can impede access to harm reduction services and treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Such community OUD stigma is partially rooted in community-level social and economic conditions, yet there remains a paucity of large-scale quantitative data examining community-level factors associated with OUD stigma. We examined whether rurality, social inequity, and racialized segregation across communities from four states in the HEALing Communities Study (HCS) were associated with 1) greater perceived community stigma toward people treated for OUD, 2) greater perceived intervention stigma toward MOUD, and 3) greater perceived intervention stigma toward naloxone by community stakeholders in the HCS. MethodsFrom November 2019-January 2020, a cross-sectional survey about community OUD stigma was administered to 801 members of opioid overdose prevention coalitions across 66 communities in four states prior to the start of HCS intervention activities. Bivariate analyses assessed pairwise associations between community rural/urban status and each of the three stigma variables, using linear mixed effect modeling to account for response clustering within communities, state, and respondent sociodemographic characteristics. We conducted similar bivariate analyses to assess pairwise associations between racialized segregation and social inequity. ResultsOn average, the perceived community OUD stigma scale score of stakeholders from rural communities was 4% higher (β=1.57, SE=0.7, p≤0.05), stigma toward MOUD was 6% higher (β=0.28, SE=0.1, p≤0.05), and stigma toward naloxone was 10% higher (β=0.46, SE=0.1, p≤0.01) than among stakeholders from urban communities. No significant differences in the three stigma variables were found among communities based on racialized segregation or social inequity. ConclusionPerceived community stigma toward people treated for OUD, MOUD, and naloxone was higher among stakeholders in rural communities than in urban communities. Findings suggest that interventions and policies to reduce community-level stigma, particularly in rural areas, are warranted.

An empirical analysis of the factors influencing Scottish residents’ compliance with COVID-19 travel restrictions

This study uses survey data to investigate the factors affecting compliance with the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 travel restrictions. The survey contained self-reported data (n = 819) regarding various aspects of Scottish residents’ COVID-19 travel behaviour. For a question gauging compliance with COVID-19 travel restrictions, ∼57% of respondents complied fully, ∼35% complied mostly and ∼7% were slightly compliant or non-compliant. A random parameters ordered probit model, with allowances for heterogeneity in the means of random parameters, was estimated to unveil the factors affecting levels of compliance. The model estimation results showed that various sociodemographic characteristics of respondents, including age, gender and household income significantly affected compliance. Other significant independent variables were dominated by perceptual and behavioural characteristics of respondents, such as public trust in the Scottish Government, COVID-19 risk perceptions, COVID-19 information channels and travel mode choices at different stages of the pandemic. Two variables gauging car ownership (those with no car) and COVID-19 information channels (received through online sources) produced statistically significant random parameters, which suggests heterogeneous levels of compliance among these groups. In addition, one instance of heterogeneity in the mean of the online sources random parameter was discovered, such that levels of compliance among this group were dependent on a variable gauging highest education level. Policy implications are discussed in terms of tailoring the Scottish Government’s public health messaging to certain demographics, while the most effective channels for delivering public health information, in the case of COVID-19 and future pandemics, are also explored.

Effectiveness and Cost of Using Facebook Recruitment to Elicit Canadian Women's Perspectives on Bone Health and Osteoporosis: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Surveys can help health researchers better understand the public's perspectives and needs regarding prevalent conditions such as osteoporosis, which affects more than two-thirds of postmenopausal women. However, recruitment of large cohorts for survey research can be time-consuming and expensive. With 2.9 billion active users across the globe and reasonable advertising costs, Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc) has emerged as an effective recruitment tool for surveys, although previous studies have targeted young populations (<50 years of age) and none have focused on bone health. We assessed the effectiveness and cost of using Facebook to recruit Canadian women aged ≥45 years to share their perspectives on bone health and osteoporosis via a web-based survey. We developed a 15-minute web-based survey with the goal of eliciting perspectives on bone health and osteoporosis. A Facebook advertisement was placed for 2 weeks in February 2022, during which time it was shown to women of age ≥45 years who resided in Canada, inviting them to participate and offering a chance to win 1 of 5 CAD $100 gift cards (at the time of this study [February 14, 2022], a currency exchange rate of CAD $1=US $0.79 was applicable). Those who clicked on the advertisement were taken to an eligibility screening question on the survey home screen. Individuals who confirmed eligibility were automatically directed to the first survey question. All individuals who answered the first survey question were considered participants and included in the analyses. We determined the survey reach, click rate, cooperation rate, completion rate, cost per click, and cost per participant. Sociodemographic characteristics of respondents were compared with data from the 2021 Canadian Census. The Facebook advertisement was shown to 34,086 unique Facebook users, resulting in 2033 link clicks (click rate: 6.0%). A total of 1320 individuals completed the eligibility screening question, 1195 started the survey itself (cooperation rate: 58.8%), and 966 completed the survey (completion rate: 47.5%). The cost of the advertising campaign was CAD $280.12, resulting in a cost per click of CAD $0.14 and a cost per participant of CAD $0.23. The 1195 participants ranged in age from 45-89 years (mean 65, SD 7 years), 921 (93.7%) were of White ethnicity, 854 (88.3%) had completed some postsecondary education, and 637 (65.8%) resided in urban areas. Responses were received from residents of all 10 Canadian provinces and 2 of 3 territories. When compared to 2021 Canadian Census data, postsecondary education and rural residence were overrepresented in our study population. Facebook advertising is an efficient, effective, and inexpensive way of recruiting large samples of older women for participation in web-based surveys for health research. However, it is important to recognize that this modality is a form of convenience sampling and the benefits of Facebook recruitment must be balanced with its limitations, which include selection bias and coverage error.

Factors influencing patients’ time of presentation to a dental clinic and pattern of sociodemographic influence in a tertiary health facility

Healthcare professionals should always encourage their patients to present early to the health facility for prompt treatment. Despite public health education on this matter, many patients still present late to the hospital. The study aimed to determine the factors influencing the time of presentation to a dental clinic and the sociodemographic effects of such factors. A total of 257 questionnaires were administered, of which 243 were correctly filled and returned, representing a response rate of 94.5%. The majority, 59.3%, presented because of pain, while 91.4% felt they presented late. Most of the respondents, 94(42.3%), cited trying other treatments as the reason for coming late. There were strong associations between reasons for coming late and some sociodemographic characteristics of respondents. Most patients seeking dental care present late and only do so when the pain is becoming unbearable, having tried other alternatives. Some sociodemographic characteristics of individuals showed a strong association with some reasons for presenting late.

Predictors of Stigma toward Alcohol Misuse in Mexico

Objective: This study explored factors associated with public stigma toward individuals misusing alcohol in Mexico. Methods: A randomized experimental vignette methodology was used to assess multiple domains of substance use-related stigma and their relationship to the gender of the vignette subject and the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents. Results: Although levels of stigma toward women who were misusing alcohol did not differ significantly from stigma toward men misusing alcohol, stigma levels and type of stigma reported varied with the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents. Education level, gender, self-stigma and openness to seeking mental health services were differentially associated with the three stigma domains. Conclusions: Accordingly, targeted community based stigma reduction efforts are needed to decrease stigma toward those misusing alcohol, and to support treatment initiation, ongoing treatment engagement and long term recovery efforts. Suggestions for future research on the relationship between substance use and stigma are offered.

Factors associated with conflict and styles of conflict management among health professionals

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Introduction.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; Conflict is a process during which one person consciously and intentionally makes an effort to prevent the other person&amp;amp;rsquo;s efforts, some kind of blockade that will lead to interruption in achieving the goals and interests of the other person. Conflicts in the healthcare team are common and can lead to reduced productivity in the work of healthcare professionals, which can have a negative impact on the care and treatment of patients. &amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Methods. &amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt;This cross-sectional study involved 100 health professionals, nurses and doctors employed in the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of health care. The research was conducted from March to August 2020. A questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, a questionnaire on conflicts of health professionals, and a standardized scale of depression, anxiety and stress with 21 questions (DASS-21) were used to measure the level of subjective depression, anxiety and stress &amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Results.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; Seventy-four health workers (74%) had experience of conflict in the workplace, doctors (95%) significantly more often than nurses (58%) (p=0.001). Forty percent of health workers stated that communication problems were the most common cause of conflict. Seventy-nine respondents (79%) chose cooperation and compromise as a style in conflict resolution. Doctors chose cooperation more often (84%) than nurses (74%) and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.048). Subjects who had experience of conflict had significantly higher average values of anxiety (8.01&amp;amp;plusmn;2.12) (p=0.026) and stress (10.32&amp;amp;plusmn;2.91) (p=0.008) compared to subjects who had no experience of conflict (6.13&amp;amp;plusmn;1.91; 6.12&amp;amp;plusmn;2.03). &amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Conclusion.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; Doctors were significantly more likely to have conflict situations in the workplace. For conflict resolution doctors were more likely to choose a style of cooperation and compromise than nurses who were more likely to choose a style of conflict avoidance.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF CANCER SCREENING AMONG DOCTORS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT TEACHING HOSPITAL

Background:The number of working doctors in Nigeria has continued to drop owing to increasing cancer related morbidity and mortality. Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of cancer screening among doctors at theUniversity of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Nigeria. Methodology: Structured questionnaire with closed and open ended questions were randomly distributed to Resident doctors and Consultants at UPTH. Respondents socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude and practice of cancer screening were assessed. Data was analyzed using the IBM statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23. Results:Of the216respondents - 62.5% were Residents while 37.5% were Honorary Consultants peak age range was31-40 years with 46.3%. Males constituted 51.9% while females constituted 48.1%. Forty-four percent had spent 1-5 years in their current positions. Knowledge of canceramong the respondents was good as 83.3% of the doctors choose the option that cancer is an uncontrollable abnormal cell growth while 95.8% responded that there was no age restriction to cancer.While78.3% would seek immediate treatment if diagnosed with cancer,82.4% favored cancer screening. Poor practice of cancer screening was observed with 58.3% reporting they have never been screened for any type of cancers. Notably, 89.8% of them reported that the Government was not doing enough for cancer patients in the country. Conclusion:The study demonstrated good knowledge of cancer screening, positive attitude towards screening but poor practice of cancer screening by practicing specialist doctors in UPTH. Given the influence of doctors in the large society, introspection among doctors and initiation of effective advocacy programs by umbrella bodies like the Nigerian Medical Association, Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria, National Association of Resident Doctors and Medical Women Association is imperative in order to improve the acceptance and practice of cancer screening among doctors and reduce the burden of cancer mortality being recorded among doctors and other health care professionals.

Psychological wellbeing of Australian community health service staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundHospital clinical staff have reported poor psychosocial wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about community health service staff who undertake various roles including education, advocacy and clinical services, and work with a range of clients. Few studies have collected longitudinal data. The aim of this study was to assess the psychological wellbeing of community health service staff in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic at two time points in 2021.MethodsA prospective cohort design with an anonymous cross-sectional online survey administered at two time points (March/April 2021; n = 681 and September/October 2021; n = 479). Staff (clinical and non-clinical roles) were recruited from eight community health services in Victoria, Australia. Psychological wellbeing was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and resilience using the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). General linear models were used to measure the effects of survey time point, professional role and geographic location on DASS-21 subscale scores, adjusting for selected sociodemographic and health characteristics.ResultsThere were no significant differences in respondent sociodemographic characteristics between the two surveys. Staff’s mental health declined as the pandemic continued. Adjusting for dependent children, professional role, general health status, geographic location, COVID-19 contact status and country of birth; depression, anxiety and stress scores were significantly higher for respondents in the second survey than the first (all p < 0.001). Professional role and geographic location were not statistically significantly associated with scores on any of the DASS-21 subscales. Higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress were reported among respondents who were younger, and had less resilience or poorer general health.ConclusionsThe psychological wellbeing of community health staff was significantly worse at the time of the second survey than the first. The findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an ongoing and cumulative negative impact on staff wellbeing. Staff would benefit from continued wellbeing support.

Households’ Practices towards Rabies Prevention and Control in Rural Nepal

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease and a major public health concern for developing countries such as Nepal. A study was conducted from October-December 2021 among 308 household heads from three districts in Nepal (Siraha, Parsa, and Nawalparasi West) through an in-person interview to examine the rural people's practices towards rabies. Of 70 respondents owning pet animals, 82.9% vaccinated them against rabies but 87.9% (51/58) of them kept a vaccination record. Nearly all respondents (99.7%, 307/308) said they would visit hospitals after being bitten by rabid or rabies suspected animals, and 18.2% (56/308) of them said they would also opt to visit traditional healers seeking treatment against rabies. Seven in ten respondents knew that they should wash bitten body area with soap and water. Around 60% (184/308) of respondents said they would not bother to notify or report to the local authorities if they saw someone bitten by a presumed rabid dog or observed animal behavior suggestive of rabies. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents with practices (good practice and poor practice) towards rabies. The study findings suggest that rural people in Nepal need to be educated with applied rabies control and prevention practices and made aware of health seeking behavior and the role that a community members have to play to control, prevent, and eradicate rabies.

Self-Medication Practice with Antimalarials and Associated Factors Among Undergraduate Health Science Students in North Western - Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Self-medication is a growing public health concern in developing and developed countries. Objective: This study was designed to assess the prevalence of self-medication practice among undergraduate health science students and to determine its concomitant factors. Methods: This study was conducted in May 2021 among undergraduate health science students studying at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) in Mwanza, Tanzania. An analytical cross-sectional design was used in this study. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect information on the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and to assess their anti-malarial self-medication practice. Results: A total of 340 participants were recruited. The prevalence of self-medication with antimalarials was 55.9%. Among 190 students who ever used antimalarials without a prescription; the majority 143 (75.3%) obtained antimalarials from community drug outlets, and 116 (61.0%) used artemether-lumefantrine. The majority reported the emergence of acute illness (ie, no time to attend health facilities) 82 (43.2%) to be the major reason for self-medication. Students aged 25 years and above were more likely to use antimalarials without a prescription compared to students aged between 18 and 21 years, (aOR=2.99 (95% CI 1.24-0.7.22). Compared to first-year students, third-year (aOR=0.18 (95% CI 0.07-0.41), fourth-year (aOR=0.32 (95% CI 0.13-0.79), and fifth-year students (aOR=0.16 (95% CI 0.04-0.64) were significantly less likely to take antimalarials without a prescription. Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of self-medication with antimalarials among undergraduate health science students, emphasizing the need for strategies to promote the rational use of antimalarials. It is recommended to improve access to healthcare facilities and educate students about the risks associated with self-medication to reduce its prevalence.

Assessing the knowledge and practices of primary healthcare workers on malaria diagnosis and related challenges in view of COVID-19 outbreak in a Nigerian Southwestern metropolis.

The clinical features of COVID-19 and malaria are interrelated. Due to the similarity of symptoms between the two disease states, patients can be incorrectly diagnosed with the other ailment in areas with limited health resources. There is a dearth of knowledge of co-infection between COVID-19 and malaria from healthcare providers' perspective. Hence, this study assessed the ability of primary healthcare workers to diagnose malaria infection correctly from COVID-19 infection. A multistage sampling technique was used to select health care workers who were directly involved in malaria case management at 261 government-owned primary health facilities in Oyo State. Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, knowledge and practices, COVID-19 differential diagnosis and challenges that healthcare workers face regarding malaria diagnosis were obtained using a standardized electronic structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analysis were conducted on data collected and significant results were interpreted at a 5% level of significance. A good percentage of the respondents (81.6%, 74.3%) had good knowledge about malaria and COVID-19. However, the knowledge gained did not translate to practice, as majority (86.2%) of respondents had poor malaria diagnosis practices. Practices relating to COVID-19 differential diagnosis in 69.7% of respondents were also poor. Most of the respondents attributed poor practices to the unavailability of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRDT), inadequate training and continuous capacity improvement. Only 12.3% of the respondents have not had any form of training on malaria diagnosis and treatment in the last five years. Harmonization of regular trainings and continuous on-the job capacity building is essential to improve case identification, diagnosis and management of both ailments. Also, uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities such as mRDT in laboratories will reduce missed opportunities for malaria diagnosis.

Modernisation of Rural Communities: Solid Waste Management Implication

Solid waste management is a global challenge, particularly in economically developing countries due to their growing population, urbanisation, and increasing waste generation. Municipalities in South Africa are responsible for general waste management in both residential areas and industrial sites. However, waste management is not implemented in all rural areas of South Africa, even against the background of socioeconomic improvement and increased consumption patterns in these communities. This study aims to examine the relationship between rural socioeconomic conditions and solid waste generation and management. The target population of this study is five rural communities of the Vulindlela area, which is situated west of Msunduzi Municipality in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. A total of 50 households were randomly selected as sample sites as the result of a detailed field survey in 2022 and 50 respondents participated in the study for interview through cluster sampling technique. The study uses a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods. Primary data about the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents were gathered through close-ended questions. Open-ended questions in the semi-structured interviews were utilised to gather data on Vulindlela residents’ perceptions of waste pollution effects and strategies implemented in their area. Microsoft Excel version 2305 was used to perform basic descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) to examine the socio-economic characteristics of respondents. While a thematic content analysis was undertaken to analyse the open-ended question data which was on respondents’ perceptions of waste pollution in their area. The study findings suggest that Vulindlela is a socioeconomically diverse rural community, with households earning between 500 and 31,000 Rand per month. In addition, grocery expenditures range from 800 to 3100 Rand per month. Communities characterised by lower income generation dispose of their waste inside their households, apart from certain waste such as nappies that are disposed of in freshwater ecosystems and open spaces, while those who earn more money have diverse waste types and dispose of their waste at illegal dump sites.

Оценка степени довлетворенности пациентов госпитальной фармацевтической помощью в городе Актау

The purpose of this study: to study patient satisfaction with the quality of hospital pharmaceutical care and related factors. Methods. To assess the quality of hospital pharmaceutical care in terms of patient satisfaction, a sociological survey was conducted - a survey of patients (n = 202) who are hospitalized at the ARCHIMED Medical Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine in Aktau from December 2022 to March 2023 Based on an questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction with the quality of hospital pharmaceutical care and related factors. The questionnaire consists of questions for collecting information on 4 blocks: Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents; Characteristics of patients and hospitalizations, Prevalence, types and causes of possible adverse reactions and events of drug therapy, Assessments of patient satisfaction using a five-point Likert scale. Results. For all 7 questions of the questionnaire on satisfaction, patients most often answered "Satisfied" - 50.1% (95% CI 48-53). An inverse correlation was found between satisfaction and the level of education (r=-0.154, p=0.029) and the number of medications taken (r=0.188, p=0.007), as well as a positive correlation between satisfaction and the number of days spent in the hospital (r= 0.240, p=0.001). Conclusions. In general, high satisfaction with inpatient pharmaceutical care in Aktau was revealed. Significant factors influencing satisfaction are the number of days of hospitalization, the number of medications taken, and the level of education.