Preferences of Medical Technology Students on COVID-19 Personal preventive behaviors and university safety protocols: A conjoint analysis

@#The increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines has created an alarming issue in high-density public places, such as schools and universities. Personal preventive behaviors that the students exercise play a big part in whether such behaviors prevent or only predispose them even more to contracting the virus. Several factors may influence the personal preventive behaviors of an individual. These include attitude, awareness, personal beliefs, and culture concerning the disease. Through outlining these several factors, the researchers aim to identify the main attributes that determine students’ preferred COVID-19 personal preventive behavior and implemented precautionary measures. The researchers used a two-part survey: socioeconomic and demographic followed by an orthogonal plan. The safety protocols implemented by the university were found to be the most important factor, followed by knowledge about the disease, communication channels, attitude, and social construct of the family. Thus, this follows that based on the attribute’s importance value, the students prefer safety protocols that are most implemented by the university while social construct of the family is the least preferred. These findings suggest that the safety protocols implemented by the university are the most important factor, hence, policy implementation and strengthening should be observed by the university.

Analysis of psychosocial optimization IMB model on the influencing factors of persistent condom use among men who have sex with men / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo investigate the condom use of men who have sex with men （MSM） in Shanghai， the information motivation behavioral skills model （IMB） theory was used to introduce psychosocial factors and study the relevant factors of consistent condom use （CCU） in this population. MethodsA cross-sectional study of 547 MSM in four districts of Shanghai was conducted by snowball sampling. The structural equation model based on psychosocial optimization was constructed and validated using the data collected by structured questionnaires. ResultsAmong the 547 respondents， the proportion of CCU in the past six months was 45.5%. Comparing the fitness of the initial model with that of the adjusted model， we found that the fitness of the adjusted model was good. ConclusionThe proportion of CCU among MSM in Shanghai is relatively low； In addition， information and motivation do not directly affect the CCU of this population； Only behavioral skills have a direct effect on CCU. Finally， social psychological measures should be emphasized for this population， and comprehensive and multi-level strategies should be formulated to control the spread of HIV in this population.

Malaria control knowledge and behaviors and their influencing factors among residents in Banlao Township, Cangyuan County, Yunnan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the awareness of malaria-related knowledge, the use of mosquito nets and their influencing factors among residents in Banlao Township, Cangyuan County, Yunnan Province.. Methods In August 2020, 19 settlement sites in Banlao Township, Cangyuan County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province were selected as study areas, and permanent residents at ages of 10 years and older were enrolled for a questionnaire survey, including residents’ demographics, family economic status, malaria control knowledge and use of mosquito nets. In addition, the factors affecting the use of mosquito nets in the night prior to the survey were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 320 questionnaires were allocated, and all were recovered (a 100% recovery rate). There were 316 valid questionnaires, with an effective recovery rate of 98.75%. The 316 respondents included 152 men and 164 women and 250 Chinese respondents and 66 foreign respondents. The awareness of clinical syndromes of malaria was significantly higher among Chinese residents (71.60%) than among foreign residents (50.00%) (χ2 = 11.03, P < 0.01), and the proportions of Chinese and foreign residents sleeping under mosquito nets were 46.00% and 69.70% on the night prior to the survey, respectively (χ2 = 11.73, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified ethnicity group and type of residence as factors affecting the use of mosquito nets in the night prior to the survey. Conclusions The awareness of malaria control knowledge, the coverage and the use of mosquito nets were low among residents in Banlao Township, Cangyuan County, Yunnan Province. Targeted health education is recommended to improve the awareness of malaria control knowledge and self-protection ability. In addition, improving the allocation of long-lasting mosquito nets and health education pertaining to their uses and increasing the proportion of using mosquito nets correctly is needed to prevent re-establishment of imported malaria.

Predictors of happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic in mothers of infants and/or preschoolers: a pre-COVID-19 comparative study in Japan

BACKGROUND@#Happiness may help to prevent negative physiological outcomes in response to life events; however, factors contributing to happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been longitudinally investigated. This study explored the predictors of happiness in mothers of young children in Japan using comparable data that were obtained before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.@*METHODS@#We conducted the baseline survey in February 2020, and 4 months later, we also conducted the follow-up survey. Throughout all 47 prefectures in Japan, 4,700 (100 respondents/prefecture) mothers of infants and/or preschoolers (0-6 years) participated in the baseline online survey; 2,489 of these also participated in the follow-up survey.@*RESULTS@#We performed hierarchical multiple regression analysis and our final model indicated that maternal happiness during COVID-19 pandemic was positively related to employment status (homemaker, β = 0.052, p = 0.014), levels of available social support (average, β = 0.052, p = 0.012, high, β = 0.055, p = 0.010) and happiness score before the pandemic (β = 0.467, p < 0.001), and satisfaction toward the measures against the COVID-19 at partners' workplace (average, β = 0.129, p < 0.001; high, β = 0.279, p < 0.001), preventive behavior against COVID-19 (average, β = 0.055, p = 0.002; high, β = 0.045, p = 0.015) and positive attitudes/thinking (β = 0.087, p < 0.001) during the pandemic. In contrast, poor mental health (K6 ≥5, β = -0.042, p = 0.011) before the pandemic and negative changes during the pandemic (≥3, β = -0.085, p < 0.001) were negatively related to maternal happiness during the pandemic. Our final model explained 44.9% of the variance in mothers' happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Satisfaction toward the measures against the COVID-19 at partners' workplace, preventive behavior, and positive attitudes/thinking were especially important for maternal happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future study is needed to consider measures against infectious diseases in the workplace that are desirable for the well-being of parents with young children, taking into account the gender perspective.

Knowledge, Preventive Behaviour And Risk Perception About COVID-19 In Health Care Professional Students

Background:With 3.95 lakhs of active COVID-19 cases in India and Tamilnadu being the second largest hub of COVID-19, the health and social impact on the public, especially the health care warriors would be considerable.Objective:To evaluate and compare the levels of knowledge, preventive behavior and risk perception of South Indian Health Care Professional(HCP) Students regarding COVID-19.Material And Methods:An institution based cross sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in a tertiary care centre and teaching hospital in May-June 2020 amongst 873 students pursuing various HCP course s. The questionnaire comprised four sections -demographic details, COVID–19 related knowledge, preventive behavior and risk perception.Result:Females volunteered to complete the survey (n= 623; 71.4%) more than males (n= 250; 28.6%). Most participants had received awareness about COVID-19 (n=860; 98.5%) from many resources of information. While females (97.50 ± 8.94) had significantly higher scores on items for preventive behavior than males (94.7±15.55; p=0.006), the scores were similar for knowledge and risk perception. There was a statistically significant difference inrisk perception among various courses with students pursuing Pharmacy having higher risk perception. Items regarding use of masks in general and hospital set ups and availability of antivirals for COVID-19 received many incorrect responses.Conclusion: HCPstudents presented with high levels of COVID-19 related knowledge and preventive behavior, but moderate risk perception. Continuing educational programs and preventive behavioral training are the need of the hour to strengthen the knowledge and alleviate anxiety of HCP students towards the pandemic.

Public perceptions, individual characteristics, and preventive behaviors for COVID-19 in six countries: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND@#Public perceptions and personal characteristics are heterogeneous between countries and subgroups, which may have different impacts on health-protective behaviors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To assess whether self-reported perceptions of COVID-19 and personal characteristics are associated with protective behaviors among general adults and to compare patterns in six different countries.@*METHODS@#This cross-sectional study uses the secondary data collected through an online survey between 15 and 23 April 2020 across six countries (China, Italy, Japan, Korea, the UK, and the USA). A total of 5945 adults aged 18 years or older were eligible for our analysis. A logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of three recommended behaviors (wearing a mask, handwashing, and avoiding social gatherings).@*RESULTS@#In most countries except for China, the participants who perceived wearing a mask as being extremely effective to curtail the pandemic were more likely to wear a mask (OR, 95%CI: Italy: 4.14, 2.08-8.02; Japan: 3.59, 1.75-7.30; Korea: 7.89, 1.91-31.63: UK: 9.23, 5.14-17.31; USA: 4.81, 2.61-8.92). Those who perceived that handwashing was extremely effective had higher ORs of this preventive behavior (OR, 95%CI: Italy: 16.39, 3.56-70.18; Japan: 12.24, 4.03-37.35; Korea: 12.41, 2.02-76.39; UK: 18.04, 2.60-152.78; USA: 10.56, 2.21-44.32). The participants who perceived avoiding social gathering as being extremely effective to curtail the pandemic were more likely to take this type of preventive behavior (OR, 95%CI: China: 3.79, 1.28-10.23; Korea: 6.18, 1.77-20.60; UK: 4.45, 1.63-11.63; USA: 4.34, 1.84-9.95). The associations between personal characteristics, living environment, psychological status, and preventive behaviors varied across different countries. Individuals who changed their behavior because of recommendations from doctors/public health officials were more likely to take preventive behaviors in many countries.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These findings suggest that higher perceived effectiveness may be a common factor to encourage preventive behaviors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These results may provide a better understanding of the homogeneity and heterogeneity of factors related to preventive behaviors and improve public health policies in various countries and groups.

Correlation between Knowledge, Attitude, and Compliance of Preventive Behaviors regarding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome among Nursing Students

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the level of knowledge, attitude and compliance of preventive behaviors of the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) among nursing students. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 219 nursing students. Through the use of a structured questionnaire, data collection was conducted from June 1st to June 30th 2015. The descriptive statistics, independent t-tests and Pearson's correlation coefficient were employed to analyze the data. RESULTS: The score of the MERS-related knowledge was 9.15 out of 13. The participants had a positive attitude toward the MERS. The level of MERS-related knowledge was high in the case of temporary school closure or break in clinical practice because of the clinical training in hospitals that MERS occurred (t=2.42, p=.016). The compliance level of the preventive behavior for MERS was high in female students (t=−2.11, p=.036), in the case of temporary school closure or break in clinical practice due to the clinical training in hospitals that MERS occurred (t=3.29, p=.001), and in students that had MERS-related education for prevention (t=2.80, p=.006). The MERS-related knowledge was positively correlated with the level of compliance for preventive behavior (r=.18, p=.009). CONCLUSION: To prevent MERS infection in nursing students, the level of knowledge on MERS should be enhanced so that they can practice preventive behaviors against it. Additionally, the MERS infection control education should include etiology and treatment products based on the MERS response guideline issued by the Centers for Korea Disease Control and Prevention.

A Study on Knowledge, Attitude and Prevention Behavior of Tuberculosis in Male High School Students / 農村醫學 地域保健

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge, attitude and preventive behaviors of tuberculosis in male high school students and to identify the factors influencing preventive behaviors and to provide basic data for the development of prevention programs for tuberculosis of male high school students. METHODS: This study was conducted from May 1, 2018 to May 30, 2018, and six high school students in S city and Y city of Jeonnam were selected. 465 male high school students in the first grade were selected. Collected data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, pearsons's correlation and Multiple regression analysis by SPSS/WIN 21.0 program RESULTS: As a result, the knowledge score was 11.92, the attitude score was 28.32 and the prevention behavior score was 30.07. All of these correlations were statistically correlated. In addition, factors influencing preventive actions against tuberculosis were attitude toward tuberculosis, exercise, health status, and sleep time CONCLUSIONS: Based on the above results, it is thought that to improve the preventive behavior of tuberculosis in male high school students, it is necessary to develop a practice-oriented program for forming healthy lifestyle as well as to change the attitude toward tuberculosis positively.

Knowledge, Anxiety, and Compliance with Preventive Behavior of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Liver Transplant Patients / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the knowledge, anxiety and compliance with preventive behavior of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in liver transplant patients. METHODS: The participants in the study were 100 liver transplant patients at an outpatient clinic. The data were collected from May 20, 2016, to June 20, 2016. RESULTS: The knowledge score was 6.37±1.73 (range; 1~10) and the correct answer rate was 63.7%. The state anxiety score was 41.35±10.08 (range; 20~68) and the trait anxiety score was 39.60±8.85 (range; 22~59). The compliance with preventive behavior score was 35.70±5.23 (range; 21~45). Anxiety differed significantly according to education level (P=0.040) and occupation status (P=0.047). Compliance with preventive behavior differed significantly according to period after surgery (P=0.035). Compliance with preventive behavior and state anxiety (P=0.007) and trait anxiety (P<0.001) were negatively related. The factor that had the greatest effect on compliance with preventive behavior was trait anxiety (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The epidemic of the MERS has already been completed and none of the subjects of this study has been infected with the MERS; however, patients with liver transplantation always have a risk of various opportunistic infections. If new infectious diseases such as MERS occur in the future, increased anxiety may decrease the practice of prevention. Therefore, anxiety experienced by liver transplant patients should be managed.

Factors affecting Cancer Preventive Behavior in Middle-aged People / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to examine factors affecting cancer preventive behavior in middle-aged people. METHOD: The research design for this study was a descriptive survey design using convenience sampling. Data collection was done using self-questionnaire with 203 middle-aged people in Seoul and G city. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression with the SPSS Win 20.0 Program. RESULTS: The mean score of cancer preventive behavior was 3.43+/-.14 out of 5. Cancer preventive behavior showed a significantly positive correlation with knowledge about cancer (r=.24, p<.001). In the multiple regression analysis, gender, perceived health status and knowledge about cancer were significant predictors and explained 14.5% of cancer preventive behaviors. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study allow a comprehensive understanding of cancer preventive behavior and related factors by middle-aged people. However, further study with a larger random sample from various living environment is necessary.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Relevant to Malaria Control in Remote Island Populations of Manus, Papua New Guinea

A community-based cross-sectional survey of 262 participants in four island communities of Manus, Papua New Guinea was conducted using a structured questionnaire to examine possible factors of malaria prevalence, including education experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors, in relation to antimalarial antibody titers. Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed that micro-environmental conditions caused inter-community differences in malaria prevalence. Ninety-nine percent of the subject villagers recognized mosquito bites as a cause of malaria transmission, which explains the high possession rate of bednets. There was a significant correlation between malaria education experience at schools and knowledge (<i>p</i> < 0.01) and between knowledge and bednet use (<i>p</i> < 0.05). However, regular bednet users were only 35% of the total, due primarily to feelings of discomfort, heat, and stuffiness inside the bednet. Villagers’ behavior of consulting an aid post orderly (APO) in case of high fever significantly lowered the titer level (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while their bednet use did not. This unexpected result was attributable to inappropriate bednet use and to daily living patterns, including both subsistence and social activities. We conclude that information regarding lifestyles and attitudes toward bednet use as well as malaria education experience at schools are particularly important for practical malaria prevention.

The Relationship between the Optimistic Bias about Cancer and Cancer Preventive Behavior of the Korean, Chinese, American, and Japanese Adult Residing in Korea

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to provide basic data for developing education and health promotion programs for the prevention of cancer by identifying the relation between optimistic bias about cancer and cancer preventive behavior in Korean, Chinese, American, and Japanese residents in Korea. METHODS: Using a questionnaire administered by the researcher, data were collected from a convenience sample of 600, 19 to 64-yr-old male and female Korean, Chinese, American, and Japanese residents in Korea. Data was collected between February 6 and 28, 2009. RESULTS: Scores for optimistic bias about cancer by nationality were: Koreans, -1.03; Chinese, -0.43; Americans, -0.23; and Japanese, 0.05. The cancer preventive behavior scores were: Koreans, 43.17; Chinese, 71.84; Americans, 71.71; and Japanese, 73.97. Optimistic bias about cancer and cancer preventive behavior showed a significantly positive correlation in all participants: Koreans (r=.223, p=.006); Chinese (r=.178, p=.029); Americans (r=.225, p=.006); and Japanese (r=.402, p<.001). CONCLUSION: The greater the optimistic bias about cancer is, the lower the cancer preventive behavior. The findings suggest that nursing interventions are needed to reduce optimistic bias about cancer and to form a positive attitude towards cancer prevention because an optimistic bias about cancer adversely affects cancer preventive behavior.

Relationships between Dementia Knowledge, Attitude, Self-Efficacy, and Preventive Behavior among Low Income Middle-Aged Women / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This correlational study was to examine the relationships between dementia knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and preventive behavior of low income middled-aged women. METHODS: The subjects for this study were 125 low income middle aged women living in I city. The data were collected using the questionnaires for dementia knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and preventive behavior. The data analysis was done by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson product moment correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean of dementia knowledge was 13.96 out of 20, attitude was 43.98 out of 60, self-efficacy was 54.07 out of 75 and preventive behavior was 25.98 out of 36. The positive correlations were revealed between dementia knowledge (r=.458, p=.000), attitude (r=.498, p=.000), self-efficacy (r=.573, p=.000) and preventive behavior. The influencing factors for dementia preventive behavior were self-efficacy, belief in Buddhism and attitude which accounted for 42.5% of the total variance. CONCLUSION: Dementia knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy were identified as variables that correlate dementia preventive behavior. Also, self-efficacy is the most influential factor affecting dementia preventive behavior. On the basis of these results, it is necessary for nurses to consider using dementia knowledge and mode of efficacy expectation in order to improve dementia preventive behavior.

An investigation of HIV-preventive behavior of female prostitutes in the city of ubon ratchathani.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the HIV-preventive behavior of a group of female prostitutes in the city of Ubon Ratchathani in Northeast Thailand. Methods: Basic knowledge and perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS were also assessed. The relationship between knowledge, perception, educational levels and HIV-preventive behavior were identified. A questionnaire was trialed before the survey proper, and content validation and reliability were established prior to the launch of the study (average a = 0.75). Results: Information was collected by the completion of a descriptive survey by 293 female prostitutes from 35 entertainment centres from February to April 2005. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis. Results showed the participants had a good basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS and reasonable perceptions of the condition. Approximately one-third (37.5%) had sound behavior related to HIV infection, but an equivalent proportion (39%) needed to review their behavior. There was a statistically significant relationship between knowledge, perceptions, marital status and educational levels and HIV-preventive behavior (p<0.05). Conclusion: Conclusively, the prostitutes had an overall average HIV/AIDS knowledge, except some issues such as HIV/AIDS in pregnancy. Additionally, the HIV/AIDS perception was mainly good, whereas the HIV-preventive behavior was needed to be adjusted including; a regular condom use.