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  1. Graells T, Lambraki IA, Cousins M, Léger A, Henriksson PJG, Troell M, et al.
    Front Public Health, 2023;11:1230848.
    PMID: 37900049 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1230848
    INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a challenge to modern medicine. Interventions have been applied worldwide to tackle AMR, but these actions are often not reported to peers or published, leading to important knowledge gaps about what actions are being taken. Understanding factors that influence the implementation of AMR interventions and what factors are relevant in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs) were the key objectives of this exploratory study, with the aim to identifying which priorities these contexts need.

    METHODS: A questionnaire was used to explore context, characteristics, and success factors or obstacles to intervention success based on participant input. The context was analyzed using the AMR-Intervene framework, and success factors and obstacles to intervention success were identified using thematic analysis.

    RESULTS: Of the 77 interventions, 57 were implemented in HICs and 17 in LMICs. Interventions took place in the animal sector, followed by the human sector. Public organizations were mainly responsible for implementation and funding. Nine themes and 32 sub-themes emerged as important for intervention success. The themes most frequently reported were 'behavior', 'capacity and resources', 'planning', and 'information'. Five sub-themes were key in all contexts ('collaboration and coordination', 'implementation', 'assessment', 'governance', and 'awareness'), two were key in LMICs ('funding and finances' and 'surveillance, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and preventive screening'), and five were key in HICs ('mandatory', 'multiple profiles', 'personnel', 'management', and 'design').

    CONCLUSION: LMIC sub-themes showed that funding and surveillance were still key issues for interventions, while important HIC sub-themes were more specific and detailed, including mandatory enforcement, multiple profiles, and personnel needed for good management and good design. While behavior is often underrated when implementing AMR interventions, capacity and resources are usually considered, and LMICs can benefit from sub-themes captured in HICs if tailored to their contexts. The factors identified can improve the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of interventions.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  2. Liew SC, Pallath V, Rasali Y, Foong CC, Hong WH, Tan MP
    PLoS One, 2023;18(12):e0289176.
    PMID: 38117842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289176
    INTRODUCTION: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of virtual consultations has accelerated to ensure continued access to healthcare despite lockdowns and physical distancing measures. We aimed to determine the knowledge (awareness) of, attitude (acceptability) to, and practice (exposure) [KAP] of virtual consultations (VC), the demographic factors associated with poor KAP, and the correlation between the three KAP domains.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study, using a convenience sampling technique, was conducted from 13 September, 2021 to 28 November, 2021. We designed a 45-item VC KAP questionnaire. This was distributed to outpatient users attending cardiovascular, dermatology, geriatrics, haematology, endocrine, respiratory, gastroenterology, rheumatology, or neurology clinics at the University Malaya Medical Centre. It was completed during face-to-face, online, or telephone interviews. The data were analysed using SPSS version 24.0. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the demographic factors associated with KAP. Correlation between KAP domains was determined using Spearman's rho (r). A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

    RESULTS: A total of 366 questionnaires were completed. Knowledge (awareness), attitude (acceptability), and practice (exposure) were considered good in 69.7%, 80.9%, and 24.6% of participants, respectively. There were no significant relationships between age, gender, ethnicity, and duration of hospital attendance (years) with knowledge (awareness), attitude (acceptability), and practice (exposure). A moderate positive correlation was seen between knowledge (awareness) and attitude (acceptability) (Attitude total [Atotal]) (r = 0.48, p<0.001), with no significant correlation between knowledge (awareness) and practice (exposure) (r = 0.04, p = 0.45), and attitude (acceptability) (Atotal) and practice (r = 0.01, p = 0.82).

    CONCLUSION: Overall, outpatient clinic users had good knowledge (awareness) of and were receptive towards VC but had poor practice (exposure). More opportunities for VC use in healthcare can increase exposure and subsequent utilisation. Interventions to increase the effectiveness of VC use should be explored in future studies.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  3. Mazlan R, Othman S
    PLoS One, 2023;18(12):e0295972.
    PMID: 38127879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295972
    BACKGROUND: Childhood hearing loss is a significant health concern. Early identification and intervention are essential to maximize hearing potential and developmental outcomes, with primary care physicians (PCPs) playing a pivotal role in this process.

    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess PCPs' knowledge and attitudes toward childhood hearing loss, investigate the association between knowledge and attitudes, and examine the influence of demographic factors on PCPs' knowledge and attitudes towards childhood hearing loss.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 30 November 2017 to 30 July 2018 at three public health clinics in Malaysia, specifically in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Terengganu. A self-administered questionnaire assessed PCPs' knowledge of general facts, diagnosis and intervention, and risk factors for childhood hearing loss. Additionally, the questionnaire evaluated PCPS' attitudes across cognitive, affective, and behavioural domains regarding childhood hearing loss.

    RESULTS: Most participants lacked sufficient knowledge about childhood hearing loss, with 61.4% not seeing it as a major health issue. Almost half (45.9%) didn't know that children with hearing loss can succeed in regular schools, and 78% were unaware that hearing aids don't fully restore normal hearing. Participants' awareness of risk factors varied widely, ranging from 24.6% to 90.3%. Despite these knowledge gaps, participants generally had positive attitudes towards childhood hearing loss, especially in cognitive and behavioural aspects. The study found a strong positive link between knowledge and attitudes, but demographic factors didn't significantly affect them.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the urgent need to address knowledge gaps among Malaysian PCPs regarding childhood hearing loss. While these knowledge gaps exist, PCPs' positive attitudes form a foundation for developing targeted educational interventions to improve PCPs' knowledge and skills in managing childhood hearing loss. Collaborative efforts are essential to translate these findings into meaningful improvements in paediatric audiological care.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  4. Za'im Sahul Hameed M, Nordin R, Ismail A, Zulkifley MA, Sham ASH, Sabudin RZAR, et al.
    Front Public Health, 2023;11:1199234.
    PMID: 38045974 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1199234
    INTRODUCTION: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used for commercial, medical, public safety, and scientific research purposes in various countries.

    METHODS: This study aimed to explore the acceptance of medical delivery drones among medical practitioners as well as the public community in Malaysia using a knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) model and statistical analysis to decrease uncertainty. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of the results were performed in SPSS.

    RESULTS: A total of 639 respondents took part in the survey, of which 557 complete responses were finally analyzed. The results showed that the overall acceptance rate for medical delivery drones was positive. The acceptance rate was significantly correlated with knowledge, attitude, and perception scores but not with sociodemographic factors.

    DISCUSSION: Raising awareness and educating the medical as well as public communities regarding the potential role and benefits of drones are therefore important in garnering support for drone usage for medical purposes.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  5. Chan CK, Lam TY, Mohanavel L, Ghani JA, Anuar ASK, Lee CJ, et al.
    Am J Infect Control, 2022 Dec;50(12):1374-1380.
    PMID: 35292298 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.02.033
    BACKGROUND: Medical students' white coats were found to harbor harmful organisms. This could be due to non-compliance to white coat hygiene measures. Therefore, we aim to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the of knowledge, attitude, and practice (LAUNDERKAP) of white coat use among medical students in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This study was conducted in 4 local medical schools. LAUNDERKAP was developed via literature review and had 3 domains: attitude, knowledge, practice. An expert panel assessed the content validity and clarity of wording. LAUNDERKAP was then piloted among 32 medical students. To test construct validity and internal consistency, 362 medical students were approached. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach alpha for attitude and practice, while Kuder-Richardson 20 (KR-20) was used for knowledge.

    RESULTS: A total of 319 of 362 students responded. Exploratory factor analysis extracted 1 factor each for attitude and knowledge respectively, and 3 factors for practice. Cronbach alpha for attitude was 0.843 while KR-20 for knowledge was 0.457. Cronbach alpha for practice ranged from 0.375 to 0.689. The final LAUNDERKAP contained 32-items (13 attitude, 9 knowledge, 10 practice).

    CONCLUSIONS: LAUNDERKAP had adequate psychometric properties and can be used to assess KAP of medical students towards white coat use.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  6. Qamar Z, Alhaid ASM, Altami RM, Bachat AMW, Aldosseri DMS
    Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 2022 Dec;26(24):9480-9488.
    PMID: 36591857 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202212_30700
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the awareness, comportment and attitude/perception of dentists regarding the use of photodynamic (PD) therapy before and during COVID-19 pandemic around the globe.

    SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An online survey was performed by sending out an online questionnaire comprising 21 questions among dental practitioners working in four different countries: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Malaysia and United Kingdom. The survey evaluated dental practitioners' level of awareness about the PD therapy, comportment and attitude for its implication and prevalence in daily clinical practice. For statistical significance the Chi-square analysis with Spearman Correlation coefficient was conducted to assess the sub-groups and correlating the factors with the level of awareness of the dental practitioners.

    RESULTS: A total of 1,219 dental practitioners from four different countries (Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Malaysia and United Kingdom) responded to the questionnaire. The median age of the respondents was 37, 34, 36 and 39 respectively. The majority of dental practitioners demonstrated to have an acceptable level of awareness regarding PD therapy. Nearly 76%, 74%, 79% and 80% of the individuals from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Malaysia and United Kingdom respectively were aware of the role/mechanism of action of the PD therapy. Moreover, in preponderance, practitioners were confident that the effect of PD therapy will not be reduced in patients infected with COVID-19. The majority of dental practitioners were convinced that successful dental treatment due to PD therapy is linked majorly with therapies done in relation to four major dental specialties: prosthodontics, endodontic, restorative dentistry and periodontology. Approximately more than 90% of the dentists were sure that the rate of COVID-19 transmission can be reduced by using PD therapy in oral treatments. The dental practitioners from Saudi Arabia (91%), Pakistan (82%), Malaysia (83%) and United Kingdom (82%) were contented to learn about PD therapy for its use in clinical practice. Nearly more than 95% of the practitioners from the four countries were keen to attend the lectures/hands-on workshops regarding PD therapy to enhance their skills and knowledge. More than 80% of dentists do not refuse the peripheral role of PD therapy with their patients.

    CONCLUSIONS: The respondents from the four countries displayed passable level of awareness regarding basic information of PD therapy and its clinical implication in dental specialty. Nevertheless, there is a need to develop awareness regarding the use of PD therapy among dental practitioners during their undergraduate program. Furthermore, lectures and hands-on workshops should be arranged to train dental practitioners in order to enhance their skills for its solicitation in clinical practice. It is perceived by the dentists in the four countries that the use of PD therapy can effectively reduce COVID-19 rate of transmission.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  7. Jamil H, Din MFU, Tahir MJ, Saqlain M, Hassan Z, Khan MA, et al.
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2022 Dec;16(12):e0010988.
    PMID: 36480553 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010988
    BACKGROUND: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) continues to pose a serious threat to the fragile healthcare system of Pakistan with a continuous increase of morbidity and mortality. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding CCHF among general people who resided in Pakistan.

    METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey design was applied, and a convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 1039 adult people from Pakistan. Data were collected from September 08 to October 12, 2021. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 32 questions in four parts assessing socio-demographics, as well as knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding CCHF. All statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices.

    RESULTS: Alarmingly, 51.5% of participants heard about CCHF infection before administering the survey. Among these, 20.2%, 33.3%, and 48.2% of the study participants had demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that education and income status had a significant impact on knowledge and attitudes (p<0.05). Similarly, the mean attitude scores differed significantly by age, education, and income status (p<0.05).

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings reflected inadequate levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding CCHF among general people in Pakistan which may regard as lower than expected. As CCHF is a highly contagious disease, it's urgent to initiate a comprehensive approach to handle the situation before it spreads further in Pakistan.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  8. Hassan BAR, Mohammed AH, Alsammarraie AZA, Alabboodi MK, Wayyes AM, Ahmed AA, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2022 Dec 01;23(12):4275-4284.
    PMID: 36580010 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.12.4275
    BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy resistance is caused by a multiplicity of reasons; some of which can be avoided and others that are beyond the scope of current treatment methods. Since chemotherapy is administered under the supervision of health personnel, the role of oncologists cannot be undermined, and yet none is known about their knowledge and perspective. This research is the first-ever study aiming to develop a valid and reliable tool to determine oncologists' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward chemotherapy resistance.

    METHODS: Based on information gathered from literature searches, in-depth interviews with oncologists, and discussions with experts, an English-language questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire was tested for validity and reliability. A final version of the questionnaire (63 items) was piloted among 64 practicing oncologists and oncology trainees via convenient sampling. Data analysis was done using SPSS.

    RESULTS: Correlation coefficients for each of the questionnaire's domains were more than 0.7 (P<0.001), which suggests that the questionnaire had strong test-retest reliability. The overall internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) for knowledge (0.728), attitude (0.722), and practice (0.716) were greater than 0.7 indicating good internal consistency. Participants demonstrated a low level of knowledge and a positive attitude toward chemotherapy resistance. A statistically significant difference was noted between the knowledge score and education level, years of experience in the medical and oncology field, and experiencing resistance cases.

    CONCLUSION: The developed questionnaire was found to be valid and reliable and can be used as an assessment tool for assessing oncologists' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward chemotherapy resistance in future studies. This study also reported that the oncologists have low knowledge on chemotherapy resistance and a predominantly positive attitude towards fighting chemotherapy resistance. Thus, it is essential for current practices in chemotherapy to be optimized to reduce the risk of chemotherapy resistance.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  9. Lim KG, Tan AS, Wong SC, Tee EG, Burud IA
    Ceylon Med J, 2022 Nov 30;67(3):113-120.
    PMID: 37933994 DOI: 10.4038/cmj.v67i3.9699
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  10. Mohamad E, Tham JS, Mohd Ajis SZ, Hamzah MR, Ayub SH, Tri Sakti AM, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Nov 08;19(22).
    PMID: 36429342 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214623
    INTRODUCTION: This study explored exposure to misinformation, COVID-19 risk perception, and confidence towards the government as predictors of negative attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out from 30 June to 30 August 2021 involving 775 respondents. The survey instrument for the questionnaire was an adaptation from various different studies consisting of five main variables: (1) misinformation about vaccination; (2) risk perception toward COVID-19; (3) attitudes toward the vaccination programme; (4) intention to get vaccinated; and (5) public confidence in the government in executing the vaccination programme.

    RESULTS: The results of this study indicate that higher exposure to misinformation led to higher levels of negative attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine. When the perceived risk of COVID-19 infection was high, mistrust of vaccine benefits was low but there were also higher worries about the future effects of the vaccine. Confidence in the government was associated with lower negative attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine.

    CONCLUSION: The results of this study may help develop an understanding of negative attitudes toward vaccinations in Malaysia and its contributing factors.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  11. Japar S, Ong SL, Muhamed Z, Fukunaga K, Kobayashi T, Imachi H, et al.
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2022 Nov;16(11):102655.
    PMID: 36323181 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2022.102655
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To assess the level of diabetes knowledge and its association with diabetes self-management practices during Ramadan fasting among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample of Malaysian patients with T2D. Patients aged 18 years and above, and attending an outpatient diabetic unit of a government hospital were recruited between February and April 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to assess diabetes knowledge and diabetes self-management practices.

    RESULTS: A total of 306 participants completed the questionnaire. Most of them were females (54.2%) and above 55 years old (75.1%). Resultantly, knowledge of diabetes was considered average among 52% of the participants. Only 9.5% of them avoided the consumption of sweet foods during iftar. Practicing late suhoor (p = 0.012) and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) (p = 0.026) during Ramadan were significantly associated with a better diabetes knowledge score. Education level (p = 0.000), working status (p = 0.030), and monthly income (p = 0.000) were significantly associated with participants' knowledge level of diabetes. A higher proportion (72.2%) of the participants completed fasting for a month during Ramadan 2020. Meanwhile, hypoglycemia was the main reason (38.8%) for incomplete fasting.

    CONCLUSIONS: These findings reflect the need to improve patients' knowledge of diabetes and diabetes self-management practices, especially during Ramadan. Such objectives could be achieved by considering the associated factors identified in this study.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  12. Mustafa ZU, Bashir S, Shahid A, Raees I, Salman M, Merchant HA, et al.
    Viruses, 2022 Oct 25;14(11).
    PMID: 36366442 DOI: 10.3390/v14112344
    This study aimed to assess the vaccination status and factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in the largest province of Pakistan. A multicentric, prospective, survey-based study using an interviewer-administered tool was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics between 1 December 2021 through 30 January 2022 across seven hospitals in Pakistan. The healthcare professionals providing care at the participating hospitals administered the survey. Four hundred and five pregnant women fully consented and completed the study. The majority of the study participants (70.6%, n = 286) were aged between 25 and 34 and had a previous successful pregnancy history. More than half of the study participants (56.0%, n = 227) did not receive COVID-19 vaccination at the time of data collection despite their family members (93.9%, n = 372) had already received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Among those who received COVID-19 vaccination (n = 173), vaccine efficacy, protection for the foetus, and risk of COVID-19-associated hospitalisation were the main driving factors for vaccine hesitancy. The majority of the unvaccinated women (77.8%, n = 182) had no intention of receiving the vaccine. However, more than two-thirds (85.7%, n = 342) consulted the doctor about COVID-19 vaccines, and most were recommended to receive COVID-19 vaccines by the doctors (80.7%, n = 280). Women were significantly more likely to be vaccinated if they had employment (odds ratio [OR] 4.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.31-8.64) compared with their counterparts who were homemakers, consulted their doctors (OR 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04-0.35), and if they did not have pregnancy-related issues (OR 6.02, 95% CI: 2.36-15.33). In this study, vaccine hesitancy was prevalent, and vaccine uptake was low among pregnant women. Education and employment did impact COVID vaccination uptake, emphasising the need for more targeted efforts to enhance the trust in vaccines.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  13. Ahmad Zamzuri M'I, Abd Majid FN, Dapari R, Hassan MR, Isa AMM
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Oct 14;19(20).
    PMID: 36293856 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013252
    Dengue remains a public health concern due to limited curative treatment and safe vaccine availability. Prevention by individual is utmost necessary but its practice is still lacking. Perceived risk to disease has been reported to exert a good effect on health behaviour change. However, limited evidence showed its relationship towards attitude and practice for dengue prevention. Hence, we aim to measure the mediating effect of dengue risk perception in the relationship between dengue attitude and dengue prevention practice. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2021 to November 2021 in a district of Seremban using a pre-validated questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from the respondents prior to inclusion in the study. The study was approved by the ethical research committee. A total of 347 respondents took part in the survey, but only 341 data points were included in the final analysis. The majority of the respondents were female (63.0%), of Malay ethnicity (86.8%), married (55.4%), and currently employed (71.0%). The pooled confirmatory factor analysis result demonstrated an RMSEA value of 0.038 (<0.08), CFI value of 0.969 (>0.90), TLI value of 0.9565 (>0.90), and ChiSq/df = 1.479 (<3.0). All the hypotheses for direct effect yielded a significant and positive relationship. Bootstrapping analysis to test for mediation revealed a partial mediation effect as both indirect and direct effects are significant. Risk perception is a mediator variable between attitude and dengue prevention practice. Therefore, our recommendation is to increase health awareness activity that helps to improve individual's risk perception through active health promotion and a health educational campaign that inculcates dengue risk messages. Ultimately, this effort can enhance good health prevention behaviour.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  14. Yaseen MO, Saif A, Khan TM, Yaseen M
    Disaster Med Public Health Prep, 2022 Oct;16(5):1922-1928.
    PMID: 33762050 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.92
    OBJECTIVE: Good hand hygienic practices are considered an important factor to curb the transmission and emergence of SARS-CoV -2. Various studies, conducted previously during the outbreaks of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, have ascertained the effectiveness of adopting good hand hygienic practices to curb the emergence of these viruses. This study aims to explore public hand hygienic practices during the peak pandemic period.

    METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of Pakistan to investigate the knowledge and perception about hand hygiene, self-reported hand hygiene practices, adherence to hand hygienic guidelines, and barriers to optimal hand hygiene. Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Regression model were used for statistical analysis.

    RESULTS: There was a significant difference in area-based knowledge (P = 0.026), beliefs (P = 0.027), and practices (P = 0.002) regarding hand hygiene. The results of regression analysis revealed that people in urban areas were more likely to have better knowledge (β = 0.108, CI = 0.076 - 0.05, P = 0.008) and better adherence (β = 0.115, CI = 0.514 - 2.68, P = 0.004) to hand hygienic practices.

    CONCLUSION: Advertisements on television and other electronic media with appealing slogans could be effective in making people more compliant to optimal hand hygienic practices.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  15. Ghazy RM, Abdou MS, Awaidy S, Sallam M, Elbarazi I, Youssef N, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 25;19(19).
    PMID: 36231447 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912136
    Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) booster doses decrease infection transmission and disease severity. This study aimed to assess the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in low, middle, and high-income countries of the East Mediterranean Region (EMR) and its determinants using the health belief model (HBM). In addition, we aimed to identify the causes of booster dose rejection and the main source of information about vaccination. Using the snowball and convince sampling technique, a bilingual, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was used to collect the data from 14 EMR countries through different social media platforms. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the key determinants that predict vaccination acceptance among respondents. Overall, 2327 participants responded to the questionnaire. In total, 1468 received compulsory doses of vaccination. Of them, 739 (50.3%) received booster doses and 387 (26.4%) were willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. Vaccine booster dose acceptance rates in low, middle, and high-income countries were 73.4%, 67.9%, and 83.0%, respectively (p < 0.001). Participants who reported reliance on information about the COVID-19 vaccination from the Ministry of Health websites were more willing to accept booster doses (79.3% vs. 66.6%, p < 0.001). The leading causes behind booster dose rejection were the beliefs that booster doses have no benefit (48.35%) and have severe side effects (25.6%). Determinants of booster dose acceptance were age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.03, p = 0.002), information provided by the Ministry of Health (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.79-6.49, p = 0.015), perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 infection (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.21-2.93, p = 0.005), perceived severity of COVID-19 (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 137-3.16, p = 0.001), and perceived risk of side effects (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.19-0.34, p < 0.001). Booster dose acceptance in EMR is relatively high. Interventions based on HBM may provide useful directions for policymakers to enhance the population's acceptance of booster vaccination.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  16. Dlamini MC, Thobakgale EM, Govender I
    S Afr Fam Pract (2004), 2022 Sep 07;64(1):e1-e6.
    PMID: 36226946 DOI: 10.4102/safp.v64i1.5527
    BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are overwhelming health issues globally. They have caused many devastating and draining health issues, which have escalated a critical need for a well-trained and sustainable healthcare workforce in order to meet the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). Health science students are the future healthcare providers who will implement proper preventive measures, as well as health educational and promotional sessions to promote information and knowledge among the public regarding HIV and AIDS in Eswatini.

    METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 final-year undergraduate nursing students in three nursing universities in Eswatini. A questionnaire adapted from Othman and Ali in Malaysia with closed-ended questions was modified and used to collect data. The questionnaire consisted of questions on the virus structure, transmission, prevention and management of HIV and AIDS. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was utilised to analyse the data.

    RESULTS: The level of knowledge about HIV and AIDS was high, as evidenced by a mean score and standard deviation of (91.02 ± 5.00). However, there were low scores on questions related to the transmission of the disease.

    CONCLUSION: Across all three universities in Eswatini, there were good nursing education programmes on HIV and AIDS, evidenced by the high knowledge level about HIV and AIDS. However, there are still some knowledge gaps on HIV and AIDS transmission and management that need to be attended to.Contribution: This study contributed by providing knowledge of undergraduate nursing students' HIV and AIDS training and management of PLWHA.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  17. Mohd Kamil MK, Zambri A, Azizah MA, Noor Azhar AM, Ahmad R
    Int Emerg Nurs, 2022 Sep;64:101214.
    PMID: 36037702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2022.101214
    BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic is an international public health emergency. As hospitals receive more severe forms of COVID-19 that necessitate resuscitation, emergency health care workers (HCW) must follow interim COVID-19 resuscitation guidelines.

    OBJECTIVE: The aim is to evaluate the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice among emergency HCW of the COVID-19 resuscitation protocol by the European Resuscitation Council (ERC).

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a validated questionnaire was conducted among HCW in the emergency department of University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Malaysia from April to June 2021.

    RESULTS: A total of 159 respondents were included in the analysis (89% response rate). Sixty-eight percent of respondents had adequate knowledge regarding COVID-19 resuscitation. Majority of the respondents had knowledge on airborne-precaution personal protective equipment (PPE) (99%) and infection control measures (98%). Nearly 73% were pessimistic about the COVID-19 prognosis. Seventy-three percent of respondents thought an arrested COVID-19 patient may benefit from cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and 94% were willing to administer CPR provided airborne-precaution PPE was available. Ninety percent of respondents reported adherence to resuscitation guidelines. There were significant differences in the mean knowledge scores between designation, education levels, and COVID-19 training. Overall, the respondents' level of practice was insufficient (27%), with a mean score of 53.7%(SD = 14.7). There was a lack of practicein the resuscitation oftheintubatedand patients who were beingprone. There was insufficient practice about ventilation technique, use ofsupraglotticdevices, and intubation barriers. There was a positive correlation between adequate knowledge and good practice.

    CONCLUSION: Emergency HCW have adequate knowledge, but poor compliance to the ERC COVID-19 guidelines. Emergency HCW were willing and confident to resuscitate COVID-19 patients, despite fears of nosocomial infection and expectation of poor patients' prognosis. Ongoing education and trainingprogramsare recommended to improve their knowledge, cultivate a positive attitude, andachievegood compliance with COVID-19 resuscitation guidelines.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  18. Okafor CO, Zulkefli NAM, Muthiah SG
    Afr Health Sci, 2022 Sep;22(3):34-46.
    PMID: 36910385 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v22i3.6
    BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine the current practice level of family planning and the associated factors among public secondary school teachers in Enugu East Senatorial District.

    METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out among public secondary school teachers, aged 18 - 60 years, in Enugu East Senatorial District, using probability proportional to size sampling and systematic random sampling to select 1000 participants. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine association. An odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to determine the level of significance.

    RESULTS: The current practice level of family planning is 26.5%. Respondents with bachelor in education were 2 times more likely to be a current user of family planning (AOR=2.39; 95% CI: 1.25-4.55). However, respondents in age group 38 years and above were less likely to be a current user of family planning (AOR=0.64; 95% CI: 0.43-0.95), likewise female respondents (AOR=0.66; 95% CI: 0.44-0.98). Additionally, respondents who mentioned radio (AOR=0.64; 95%CI: 0.44-0.93), social media (AOR=0.73; 95% CI: 0.53-0.99) and healthcare (AOR=0.61; 95%CI: 0.43-0.88) as source of information were less likely to be current user of family planning. Whereas, partner who encouraged the use of family planning (AOR=2.54; 95% CI: 1.71-3.78) span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold">, partner who allow each other to decide on family planning methods (AOR=4.47; 95% CI: 2.67-7.48) and those who had good knowledge of family planning (AOR=1.96; 95% CI: 1.40-2.67) were more likely to be current user of family planning.

    CONCLUSION: The level of current practice of family planning is low and a significant number of factors predict the current practice of family planning. A family planning educational workshop among teachers is needed to improve teacher's knowledge on family planning to address the issue of adolescent sexual reproduction as teachers are vessels of knowledge impartation to students.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  19. Htay MNN, Dahlui M, Schliemann D, Loh SY, Ibrahim Tamin NSB, Somasundaram S, et al.
    Eur J Cancer Care (Engl), 2022 Sep;31(5):e13675.
    PMID: 35946147 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13675
    OBJECTIVES: This study investigated women's health beliefs, the use of breast cancer (BC) screening services, and the factors that potentially influence uptake of screening.

    METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a randomly selected community sample of 992 women (>40 years old) in Selangor State, Malaysia.

    RESULTS: Approximately 35% of women received a clinical breast examination (CBE) and 27% had a mammogram within the last 1 to 2 years. The regression analyses indicated that Chinese ethnicity has higher perceived susceptibility to BC compared to Malay ethnicity (mean 7.74, SD: 2.75; 95% CI 0.09, 1.03) whilst a lower perceived susceptibility was observed in women aged ≥70 years (mean 6.67, SD: 3.01; 95% CI -1.66, -0.24) compared to women aged 40-49 years. Indian Malaysian women (mean 16.87, SD: 2.59; 95% CI 0.12, 1.01) and women who had received a CBE (mean 16.10, SD:2.35; 95% CI 0.18, 0.89) were more likely to have higher perceived benefits scoring. Indian ethnicity, secondary education and tertiary education, top 20% income group, past history of CBE and mammogram uptake were significantly associated with lower barriers scoring.

    CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to target BC screening uptake improvement programmes towards communities in which women experience disadvantages related to income, education, employment, and, in particular, to tailor programmes to take into consideration differences between ethnic groups regarding their beliefs about cancer screening.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  20. Ariffin F, Isa MR, Nafiza MN, Mazapuspavina MY, Fadhlina AM, Palafox B, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2022 Sep;77(5):542-551.
    PMID: 36169064
    INTRODUCTION: Achieving optimal control of blood pressure is easier when those affected understand the risks and consequences of hypertension and the principles of management. It is particularly important in disadvantaged groups among whom blood pressure control is often poor. However, effective responses require evidence of the knowledge and beliefs of those affected. This was undertaken as part of a larger study of the therapeutic journeys followed by individuals living in B40 (bottom 40% by income) households in Malaysia, the Responsive and Equitable Health Systems-Partnership on Non- Communicable Diseases (RESPOND).This paper describes their reported knowledge of hypertension, health, and measures that can improve hypertensive control.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The communities were selected from rural and urban populations in four peninsular states (Selangor, Kelantan, Perak, and Johor). Following a multistage sampling approach, communities in each stratum were selected according to probability proportional to the size and identified based on national census data by the community and administrative registers. Households were randomly selected. Eligible individuals were those aged between 35 and 70 years old, self-reported or identified as hypertensive at screening. Informed consent was taken. A survey using validated questionnaires was conducted.

    RESULTS: The total number of respondents was 579. The mean age was 59.0 (95%: 58.4, 59.7) and more were women (71.5%) than men (28.5%). Regarding respondents selfreported level of hypertension knowledge, 2.9% reported having no knowledge at all, 80.1% had little knowledge, and 17.9% were very familiar. Among all respondents, 56.2% (95% CI: 50.7, 61.6) correctly answered at least four out of five objective knowledge questions.Almost all (91.5%) were aware that hypertension could cause a stroke. However, one-fifth believed it could cause cancer. Almost threequarters said that people with high blood pressure generally felt well (72.1%) and recognized that they should not stop taking their medication (70.7%). Most of the respondents knew that people should take their medication even if they feel well (73.6%). Although more than half (66.0%) of the respondents rated their health as poor. Interestingly, most did not perceive themselves as having a long-term illness (95.0%).

    CONCLUSION: This study provides reassurance that individuals with hypertension in disadvantaged communities in Malaysia have a relatively good understanding of hypertension. Further research should explore the challenges they face on their therapeutic journeys.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
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