Stress, COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude, and infection control performance of nurses at long-term care hospitals.

This study aimed to identify the stress level, knowledge, attitude, and infection control performance of nurses at long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) designated for infectious disease management and to investigate factors contributing to infection control performance. A total of 178 nurses who had worked for at least 1 month at seven LTCHs designated for infectious disease management and provided care for patients confirmed with COVID-19 were enrolled in the study. Data were collected from February to March 2022 using written and online self-report questionnaires. COVID-19 infection control performance was higher among married than among single participants (t = -3.71, p < 0.001), among those aged 40-49 versus 30-39 years (F = 4.10, p = 0.003), and those with 1-2, 3-4, or ≥5 sessions versus no prior education (F = 6.41, p < 0.001). COVID-19 infection control performance was negatively correlated with stress (r = 0.26, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with knowledge (r = 0.40, p < 0.001) and attitude toward COVID-19 (r = -0.36, p < 0.001). Stress (ß = -0.17, p = 0.012), knowledge of COVID-19 (ß = 0.28, p < 0.001), attitude toward COVID-19 (ß = 0.20, p = 0.004), and marital status (ß = 0.18, p = 0.009) were identified as predictors of COVID-19 infection control performance.

A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude, behaviour and preventive measures for COVID-19 infection in Lebanon.

Background: The World Health Organization has often reiterated its recommendations for the prevention of COVID-19, however, the success of these measures largely depends on public knowledge and attitudes. Aims: This study assessed the relationship between knowledge, attitude, behaviour and preventive measures for COVID-19 infection in a Lebanese population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2020 using the snowball sampling technique and an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had 4 parts targeting sociodemographic characteristics; medical history; knowledge, attitude and practices (preventive measures and behaviours related to COVID-19); and mental health variables such as psychological distress. Two models were derived using multivariable binomial logistic regression to optimize the picture of COVID-19 correlates. Results: Our sample comprised 1119 adults. Being older, female, a regular alcohol consumer, waterpipe smoker, having low level of education, low family income, and having contact with a COVID-19 patient correlated with increased odds of ever having been diagnosed with COVID-19. Participants who had ever been diagnosed with COVID-19 had a significantly better knowledge and a higher risky practice scale [adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 1.49; 95% CI 1.27-1.74; P < 0.001; and ORa = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.08; P = 0.024, respectively]. Conclusion: The most important predictors of COVID-19 infection appear to be generally well-known among the general population, however, their knowledge and adherence to preventive measures should be continuously re-evaluated. This study highlights the need for greater awareness to improve precautionary behaviours among the public.

Misinformation and Impact on Interprofessional Healthcare Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions, and Concerns of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of information sources (e.g., Internet, social media) and their role in spreading misinformation. PURPOSE: To describe the information sources and frequency of use by health professional students and to compare users of dependable and nontrustworthy news sources on stressors, stress relievers, safety, and preventative activities, worries, and attitudes toward COVID-19. METHODS: 123 students from nursing (38%), medicine (33%), and health professions (28%) completed online surveys on disaster preparedness training, knowledge of the COVID-19 virus, and safety and prevention practices. Students were mostly female (81%), white (59%), and aged 21-30 yrs (72%). RESULTS: Students who relied on credible news sources scored higher on knowledge of the COVID-19 condition and reported less stress than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: The findings emphasize the importance of students avoiding untrustworthy news sources. Informed students are less stressed and can help initiate necessary safety measures in the areas they serve.

Short-Term Effects of a School-Based Comprehensive Sexuality Education Intervention Among Very Young Adolescents in Three Urban Indonesian Settings: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) intervention on short-term psychosocial outcomes related to healthy sexuality among very young adolescents in urban Indonesia. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted between 2018 and 2021 with students aged 10-14 years at 18 schools in Indonesia (Lampung, Denpasar, Semarang). Three schools per site were purposefully selected to receive the SEmangaT duniA RemajA intervention, a two-year, rights-based teacher-led CSE intervention delivered in classrooms (or online after the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak); and matched with three control schools. Surveys were completed by 3,825 students at pre- and posttest (82% retention). The final analytical sample included 1852 intervention and 1483 control students (N = 3,335). Difference-in-difference analysis was conducted to examine the intervention effect on healthy sexuality competencies (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) and personal sexual well-being. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics for intervention and control groups were similar in terms of sex (57% female) and age (mean 12 years). Students receiving SEmangaT duniA RemajA demonstrated significantly greater increase in competencies, including greater pregnancy knowledge, more gender equal attitudes, and communication about sexual and reproductive health and rights, compared to controls. There was no intervention effect on personal sexual well-being, except for self-efficacy to prevent pregnancy. Subgroup analysis indicated more significant effects among females and students in Semarang and Denpasar, than males or students in Lampung. DISCUSSION: While findings demonstrate the potential for CSE programs to improve healthy sexuality competencies in early adolescence, the effect appears to be highly contextualized which may be due to varying levels of implementation quality, especially since the COVID-19 outbreak.

[Knowledge and attitudes about vaccinations among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / A védooltásokkal kapcsolatos ismeretek és attitudök orvostanhallgatók körében a COVID­19-pandémia alatt.

INTRODUCTION: In Hungary, regarding the age-related mandatory vaccinations, the population is almost 100% vaccinated. In the case of recommended vaccinations, however, the situation is less favourable, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-vaccination sentiment has also appeared in some groups to a greater extent than before. Reducing this is the task of all health professionals. OBJECTIVE: The exploration of knowledge and attitudes about vaccinations, and the analysis of the characteristics of these factors according to gender, year and vaccine willingness/hesitancy among medical students at the University of Szeged. METHOD: The cross-sectional study was conducted among first and fourth year medical students of the University, using an online questionnaire, which examined, in addition to sociodemographic characteristics, the administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations, the self-assessment of knowledge about vaccinations, the importance of vaccinations, and student opinions about recommended vaccinations. RESULTS: Based on the definition of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group, 88.6% of the students belonged to the "vaccine willingness" group, who administered the vaccine against COVID-19 as soon as it became available, while the "vaccine hesitancy" group (11.4%) only asked for the vaccine when vaccination was made mandatory or not even then. According to the model adjusted to gender and year, those who showed willingness to vaccinate were more likely to consider the use of vaccinations, counselling, etc. important than those who were hesitant, while there was no correlation with the self-rating of knowledge. On the basis of the odds ratio of the statements related to the recommended vaccinations, it was possible to identify the opinions associated with vaccine willingness or hesitancy. DISCUSSION: Overall, student knowledge and attitudes showed a positive picture. On the other hand, it should be emphasized that the misconceptions identified among students showing vaccine hesitancy are the same as the anti-vaccination sentiments found among the general population. CONCLUSION: During university training, more emphasis should be placed on monitoring the willingness of students to be vaccinated, and on developing knowledge and communication. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(21): 803-810.

The Role of Communication and Commitment in COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among University Students in Jordan: Interaction and Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Several fields, such as public health, economy, and science, have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The objectives of the present study were to investigate knowledge, attitudes, communication, commitment, and behavioral practices of Jordan university students; and using structural equation modelling (SEM) to investigate the relationship among COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, communication, commitment and behavioral practices of students. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the primary data were collected from 1,095 students comprising 298 males (27.21%) and 797 females (72.79%) from three major universities in Jordan using an online-based questionnaire. RESULTS: It was found that scores of knowledge, attitudes, communication, commitment, and behavioral practices of students about COVID-19 were 81.4, 79.3, 70.0, 72.6, and 67.4%, respectively. The results also showed that significant association the variables of knowledge and attitudes as well as the commitment and communication are partial mediators in this relationship. Further, a clear positive relationship was observed between the communication, commitment, and behavioral practices of students. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the importance of communication and commitment to generate proactive behavioral practices.

Risk perception, knowledge about SARS-CoV-2, and perception towards preventive measures in Italy: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Introduction: After COVID-19 outbreak, governments adopted several containment measures. Risk perception and knowledge may play a crucial role since they can affect compliance with preventive measures. This study aimed to explore the extent and the associated factors of risk perception, knowledge regarding SARS-CoV2, and perception towards preventive measures among the Italian population. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study involving adults was conducted in April-May 2021: an online survey was distributed through social media. The outcomes were: Knowledge Score (KS) (0 to 100%: higher scores correspond to higher COVID-19 related knowledge); Risk Perception Score (RPS) (1 to 4: higher values indicate higher concern); Preventive measures Perception Score (PPS) (1 to 4: higher values indicate higher confidence). Multivariable regression models were performed. Results: A total of 1120 participants were included. Median KS was 79.5% (IQR = 72.7%-86.4%). Lower education and poor economic conditions were negatively associated with the KS. Median RPS was 2.8 (IQR = 2.4-3.2). Female gender, sharing house with a fragile person, suffering from a chronic disease, having a family member/close friend who contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection were positively associated with the RPS. Median PPS was 3.1 (IQR = 2.8-3.4). Lower educational level was negatively associated with the PPS. Vaccine hesitancy was negatively associated with all three outcomes. The three scores were positively associated with each other. Conclusions: Fair levels of knowledge, risk perception and perception towards preventive measures were reported. Reciprocal relationships between the outcomes and a relevant relationship with vaccine hesitancy were highlighted. Further investigations should be focused on studying underlying determinants and consequences.

Knowledge, attitude and preventive practices of COVID-19 among deaf persons in the Greater Accra region of Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies continue to investigate the KAP of COVID-19 among diverse groups. We examined the KAP of COVID-19 among deaf persons living in the Ayawaso North Municipality in Accra. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for this study. Our sample comprised deaf persons registered with the Municipal Directorate. In all, 144 deaf persons were interviewed using an adapted KAP COVID-19 questionnaire. RESULTS: Regarding knowledge, majority of the deaf persons (> 50%) were not in the know of 8 out of 12 items of the knowledge subscale. For attitude, deaf persons (> 50%) showed optimistic attitude in all 6 items of the attitude subscale. Deaf persons "always" practised 5 items and "sometimes" practised 4 items in the preventive practices to COVID-19. A positive moderate and significant correlation existed between the subscales. Regression analysis showed that, a one-unit increase in knowledge will result in a 1.033-unit increase in preventive practices while a one-unit increase in knowledge will result in a 0.587-unit increase in attitude. CONCLUSIONS: Campaigns about COVID-19 should emphasize the teaching of the science of the virus and the disease and not just the preventive practices, paying special attention to deaf persons.

Knowledge and attitude towards monkeypox among the Lebanese population and their attitude towards vaccination.

Introduction: Monkeypox is a currently re-emerging disease in the world and several cases have been detected in Lebanon. For this reason, an assessment of the knowledge and attitude of the Lebanese population towards monkeypox and smallpox or monkeypox vaccines had to be done. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire developed from previous literature among a sample of Lebanese residents. It recorded the sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities of the participants and analyzed the patterns of knowledge and attitudes in Lebanon. Results: Among 493 participants, it was found that there is a generally low knowledge of and an average attitude toward monkeypox. However, knowledge is better with higher educational levels, COVID-19 vaccination, and residency in the south of Lebanon and poorer with marriage and residency in Beirut. Attitude is better in females but poorer with higher educational levels. Several other effectors have been devised too. As for vaccination, taking the smallpox vaccine as a proactive measure is predicted with previous COVID-19 vaccination and better attitude but not in the residents of the north of Lebanon and married Lebanese residents. Higher educational levels and a better attitude were positive predictions of taking the monkeypox vaccine whenever it is developed. Conclusion: This study revealed low level of knowledge and attitude towards monkeypox and its vaccines, which can be a rich resource when proactive measures are developed.

Overconfidence at the time of COVID-19:Does it lead to laxer attitudes?

BACKGROUND: Health education campaigns often aim to create awareness by increasing objective knowledge about pathogens, such as COVID-19. However, the present paper proposes that confidence in one's knowledge more than knowledge is a significant factor that leads to a laxer attitude toward COVID-19 and hence lower support for protective measures and reduced intention to comply with preemptive behaviors. METHODS: We tested two hypotheses in three studies conducted between 2020 and 2022. In Study 1, we assessed participants' level of knowledge and confidence, as well as attitudes toward COVID-19. In Study 2, we tested the relation between fear of COVID-19 and protective behaviors. In Study 3, we used an experimental approach to show the causal effect of overconfidence on fear of COVID-19. In addition to manipulating overconfidence and measuring fear of COVID-19, we also measured prophylactic behaviors. RESULTS: In Study 1, more overconfident participants had a laxer attitude toward COVID-19. While knowledge had an increasing effect on worry, confidence in said knowledge significantly decreased worry about COVID-19. In Study 2, participants who were more worried about COVID-19 were more likely to engage in protective behaviors (e.g., wearing masks). In Study 3, we show that when overconfidence was experimentally diminished, fear of COVID-19 increased. The results support our claim that the effect of overconfidence on attitudes toward COVID-19 is causal in nature. Moreover, the results show that people with higher fear of COVID-19 are more likely to wear masks, use hand sanitizers, avoid crowded places or social gatherings, and get vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: Managing adherence to public health measures is critical when it comes to highly infectious diseases. Our findings suggest that efficient information campaigns to increase adherence to public health measures should focus on calibrating people's confidence in their knowledge about COVID-19 to prevent the spread of the virus.

Factors associated with HPV vaccine acceptability and hesitancy among Black mothers with young daughters in the United States.

Introduction: Compared to other-race peers, Black women are disproportionately impacted by human papillomavirus [HPV] infection, related health outcomes, and cervical cancer mortality as a result of suboptimal HPV vaccine uptake during adolescence. Few studies in the United States have examined psychosocial determinants of HPV vaccine acceptability and hesitancy among Black parents. The current study integrated the health belief model and the theory of planned behavior to evaluate the extent to which psychosocial factors are associated with pediatric HPV vaccination intentions among this population. Methods: Black mothers (N = 402; age range = 25 to 69 years, M = 37.45, SD = 7.88) of daughters ages 9 to 15 years completed an online survey assessing HPV infection and vaccine beliefs and attitudes across four domains: Mother's HPV Perceptions, Mother's Vaccine Attitudes, Cues to Action, and Perceived Barriers to HPV Vaccination. Participants indicated their willingness to vaccinate their daughter on a 5-level ordinal scale ("I will definitely not have my daughter get the vaccine" to "I will definitely have my daughter get the vaccine") which was dichotomously recoded for binomial logistic regressions. Results: Half of the sample (48%) intended to vaccinate their daughter. Number of daughters, mother's HPV vaccine status, perceived HPV vaccine benefits, HPV vaccine safety concerns, pediatric HPV vaccine peer norms, and doctor recommendations emerged as independent factors of Black mothers' intentions to vaccinate their daughters against HPV when controlling for all other factors. Discussion: In addition to medical training to increase doctor recommendation of the HPV vaccine for Black girls, population-tailored public health messaging aimed at promoting HPV vaccine acceptance among Black mothers is urgently needed. This messaging should engage community support and emphasize the benefits of vaccination for adolescent Black girls while also addressing parental concerns regarding the safety of pediatric HPV vaccination.

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal [2023; Vol.29, Issue 4]

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal is the official health journal published by the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the World Health Organization. It is a forum for the presentation and promotion of new policies and initiatives in health services; and for the exchange of ideas concepts epidemiological data research findings and other information with special reference to the Eastern Mediterranean Region. It addresses all members of the health profession medical and other health educational institutes interested NGOs WHO Collaborating Centres and individuals within and outside the Region

المجلة الصحية لشرق المتوسط هى المجلة الرسمية التى تصدرعن المكتب الاقليمى لشرق المتوسط بمنظمة الصحة العالمية. وهى منبر لتقديم السياسات والمبادرات الجديدة فى الصحة العامة والخدمات الصحية والترويج لها، و لتبادل الاراء و المفاهيم والمعطيات الوبائية ونتائج الابحاث وغير ذلك من المعلومات، و خاصة ما يتعلق منها باقليم شرق المتوسط. وهى موجهة الى كل اعضاء المهن الصحية، والكليات الطبية وسائر المعاهد التعليمية، و كذا المنظمات غير الحكومية المعنية، والمراكز المتعاونة مع منظمة الصحة العالمية والافراد المهتمين بالصحة فى الاقليم و خارجه

La Revue de Santé de la Méditerranée Orientale est une revue de santé officielle publiée par le Bureau régional de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé pour la Méditerranée orientale. Elle offre une tribune pour la présentation et la promotion de nouvelles politiques et initiatives dans le domaine de la santé publique et des services de santé ainsi qu’à l’échange d’idées de concepts de données épidémiologiques de résultats de recherches et d’autres informations se rapportant plus particulièrement à la Région de la Méditerranée orientale. Elle s’adresse à tous les professionnels de la santé aux membres des instituts médicaux et autres instituts de formation médico-sanitaire aux ONG Centres collaborateurs de l’OMS et personnes concernés au sein et hors de la Région

A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude, behaviour and preventive measures for COVID-19 infection in Lebanon

Background: The World Health Organization has often reiterated its recommendations for the prevention of COVID-19, however, the success of these measures largely depends on public knowledge and attitudes. Aims: This study assessed the relationship between knowledge, attitude, behaviour and preventive measures for COVID-19 infection in a Lebanese population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2020 using the snowball sampling technique and an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had 4 parts targeting sociodemographic characteristics; medical history; knowledge, attitude and practices (preventive measures and behaviours related to COVID-19); and mental health variables such as psychological distress. Two models were derived using multivariable binomial logistic regression to optimize the picture of COVID-19 correlates. Results: Our sample comprised 1119 adults. Being older, female, a regular alcohol consumer, waterpipe smoker, having low level of education, low family income, and having contact with a COVID-19 patient correlated with increased odds of ever having been diagnosed with COVID-19. Participants who had ever been diagnosed with COVID-19 had a significantly better knowledge and a higher risky practice scale [adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 1.49; 95% CI 1.27–1.74; P < 0.001; and ORa = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.08; P = 0.024, respectively]. Conclusion: The most important predictors of COVID-19 infection appear to be generally well-known among the general population, however, their knowledge and adherence to preventive measures should be continuously re-evaluated. This study highlights the need for greater awareness to improve precautionary behaviours among the public.

A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude, behaviour and preventive measures for COVID-19 infection in Lebanon

Background: The World Health Organization has often reiterated its recommendations for the prevention of COVID-19, however, the success of these measures largely depends on public knowledge and attitudes. Aims: This study assessed the relationship between knowledge, attitude, behaviour and preventive measures for COVID-19 infection in a Lebanese population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2020 using the snowball sampling technique and an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had 4 parts targeting sociodemographic characteristics; medical history; knowledge, attitude and practices (preventive measures and behaviours related to COVID-19); and mental health variables such as psychological distress. Two models were derived using multivariable binomial logistic regression to optimize the picture of COVID-19 correlates. Results: Our sample comprised 1119 adults. Being older, female, a regular alcohol consumer, waterpipe smoker, having low level of education, low family income, and having contact with a COVID-19 patient correlated with increased odds of ever having been diagnosed with COVID-19. Participants who had ever been diagnosed with COVID-19 had a significantly better knowledge and a higher risky practice scale [adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 1.49; 95% CI 1.27–1.74; P < 0.001; and ORa = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.08; P = 0.024, respectively]. Conclusion: The most important predictors of COVID-19 infection appear to be generally well-known among the general population, however, their knowledge and adherence to preventive measures should be continuously re-evaluated. This study highlights the need for greater awareness to improve precautionary behaviours among the public.

Exploring the factors contributing to low vaccination uptake for nationally recommended routine childhood and adolescent vaccines in Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination remains the most effective means of reducing the burden of infectious disease among children. It is estimated to prevent between two to three million child deaths annually. However, despite being a successful intervention, basic vaccination coverage remains below the target. About 20 million infants are either under or not fully vaccinated, most of whom are in Sub-Saharan Africa region. In Kenya, the coverage is even lower at 83% than the global average of 86%. The objective of this study is to explore the factors that contribute to low demand or vaccine hesitancy for childhood and adolescent vaccines in Kenya. METHODS: The study used qualitative research design. Key Informant Interviews (KII) was used to obtain information from national and county-level key stakeholders. In-depth Interviews (IDI) was done to collect opinions of caregivers of children 0-23 months and adolescent girls eligible for immunization, and Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine respectively. The data was collected at the national level and counties such as Kilifi, Turkana, Nairobi and Kitui. The data was analyzed using thematic content approach. A total of 41 national and county-level immunization officials and caregivers formed the sample. RESULTS: Insufficient knowledge about vaccines, vaccine supply issues, frequent healthcare worker's industrial action, poverty, religious beliefs, inadequate vaccination campaigns, distance to vaccination centers, were identified as factors driving low demand or vaccine hesitancy against routine childhood immunization. While factors driving low uptake of the newly introduced HPV vaccine were reported to include misinformation about the vaccine, rumors that the vaccine is a form of female contraception, the suspicion that the vaccine is free and available only to girls, poor knowledge of cervical cancer and benefits of HPV vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Rural community sensitization on both routine childhood immunization and HPV vaccine should be key activities post COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, the use of mainstream and social media outreaches, and vaccine champions could help reduce vaccine hesitancy. The findings are invaluable for informing design of context-specific interventions by national and county-level immunization stakeholders. Further studies on the relationship between attitude towards new vaccines and connection to vaccine hesitancy is necessary.

Are pharmacists' knowledge and practice the key to promoting deprescribing of potentially inappropriate medication: a missing link between treatment and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Deprescribing is a novel strategy whereby medical professionals aim to optimize a patient's prescription program by removing redundant medications. Few studies have looked at the viewpoints of community pharmacists and other healthcare professionals on deprescribing in daily practice. This study's objectives included evaluating community pharmacists' deprescribing knowledge, attitudes and practices, as well as identifying the obstacles to and enablers of deprescribing in daily practice. METHODS: Five pharmacy students in the last year of their studies polled employees of neighbourhood pharmacies in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates from April 2022 to July 2022. The study's questionnaire was divided into two sections: questions that inquired about the respondents' demographic data and questions that evaluated the respondents' understanding and usage of the deprescribing of potentially harmful medications for patients. The original Bloom's cutoff points were revised and modified to assess the general knowledge and deprescribing practices of United Arab Emirates (UAE) community pharmacists. Multivariate logistic regression identified the variables influencing respondents' deprescribing knowledge and practice. KEY FINDINGS: The average age of the participants was 30.8 ± 6.4 SD. Of the total, 255 (37.7%) were male and 422 (62.3%) were female. Pharmacists from independent pharmacies constituted 52.9% of the study sample and 47.1% were from Chain pharmacies. Among the participants, 58.8% (n = 398) had 1-5 years of experience and 41.2% (n = 279) had more than 5 years. Nearly three-quarters of the pharmacists (72.1%, 488) graduated from local universities and 27.9% (n = 189) graduated from regional/international universities. The vast majority of the study sample (84.8%, 574) were bachelor's degree holders and 88.3% (n = 598) were pharmacists in charge. Of the total, 69.3% (n = 469) received deprescribing training to treat patients with multimorbid diseases. The knowledge and practice score was 71.3% with a 95% confidence interval [70.2%, 72.4%]. Of the total participants, 113 (16.7%) had poor knowledge and practice about deprescribing, 393 (58.1%) had moderate knowledge and practice and 171 (25.3%) had good knowledge and practice. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the level of understanding of community pharmacists about deprescribing in the UAE. Although most of the respondents in this study received training on deprescribing, less than half of the community pharmacists were unaware of certain classes (long-acting sulfonylureas, anti-diabetic, antihyperlipidemic and psychotropic drugs) of drugs that are candidates for potential deprescribing. This finding indicates that their knowledge about deprescribing was insufficient. Several barriers community pharmacists face in deprescribing were also identified, with patients' resistance and insufficience being the most prevalent. Therefore, there is a need for improved deprescribing practices to ensure drug safety.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 and the Risks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection Among Iranian Emergency Medical Services Workers: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a severe acute respiratory infection, has spread rapidly around the world. To expand and enhance knowledge regarding virus prevention/transmission, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of emergency medical services (EMS) workers as a part of the health care system because of their essential role in the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted on EMS workers to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19. The questionnaire included 5 topics: demographic information, knowledge and attitude questions, professional behavior of employees during the epidemic, and anxiety score. RESULTS: A total of 86 EMS workers answered the questionnaire, and 55.63% of the respondents answered the knowledge questions correctly; knowledge appeared to have no correlation to their education, age, or experience. In addition, there was no apparent correlation between the infection rate and exposure to an infected or suspected patient. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study indicate that more than half of the EMS workers have good knowledge about the epidemic, and the level of knowledge was not related to their demographic characteristics. The results of professional behaviors showed a high level of compliance with the principles and guidelines by workers, and the absence of a relationship between employees' contamination and exposure to infected patients supports the awareness and legality of EMS workers.

A qualitative study on COVID-19 pandemic impacts on parental attitudes and intentions for routine adolescent vaccinations: The role of trust.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to declines in routine childhood and adolescent vaccination coverage globally. While the declines in Australia have been less, they are a concern, given steady increases in coverage prior to the pandemic. Given limited evidence on how the experiences of parents during the pandemic affected their attitudes about and intentions towards adolescent vaccinations, with this study we aimed to explore these. METHODS: This was a qualitative study. We invited parents of adolescents eligible for school-based vaccinations in 2021 from metropolitan, regional and rural areas of New South Wales and Victoria (the most affected States) and South Australia (less affected) to half hour-long online semi-structured interviews. We analysed data thematically and applied a conceptual model of trust in vaccination. RESULTS: In July 2022 we interviewed 15 accepting, 4 hesitant and two parents who refused adolescent vaccinations. We identified three themes: 1. Pandemic impacting on professional and personal lives and routine immunisations; 2. Pandemic strengthening preexisting vaccine hesitancy, with perceived lack of clarity in governmental information about vaccination and stigma around non-vaccinating as contributing factors; 3. Pandemic raising awareness of the benefits of COVID-19 and routine vaccinations, with communication campaigns and one's trusted doctor's vaccination recommendations as contributing factors. CONCLUSIONS: For some parents, experiences of poor system readiness and growing distrust towards health and vaccination systems strengthened their pre-existing vaccine hesitancy. We offer recommendations on how trust in the health system and immunisation can be optimised post-pandemic to increase uptake of routine vaccines. These include improving access to vaccination services and clear, timely information about vaccines; supporting immunisation providers in their immunisation consultations; working alongside communities, and building capacity of vaccine champions.

Healthcare professionals' beliefs regarding influenza vaccination: What has COVID-19 changed?

Background: Influenza poses a potential public health threat among healthcare professionals since an infected healthcare professional can spread the virus to patients at higher risk as well as his/her own family members and colleagues. Annual influenza vaccination is the most effective way to protect HCPs. Aim: This study was conducted to determine whether demand for and beliefs about influenza vaccination have changed among healthcare professionals in the COVID-19 era and the factors that might have influenced them in the early phase of the pandemic when COVID-19 vaccines were eagerly awaited. Patients and Methods: This observational descriptive study was conducted between November 16, and December 15, 2020. A total of 317 healthcare professionals completed an online survey. Bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: Nineteen (6.0%) healthcare professionals were regularly vaccinated against influenza every year, and 199 (62.8%) had never been vaccinated. During the 2019-2020 season, 30 (9.5%) participants had been vaccinated and the proportion desiring to be vaccinated against influenza during the 2020-2021 season was 49.8% (n = 158). The results revealed that those with chronic diseases, those who believed they had adequate information about influenza vaccination and those who believed healthcare professionals should be vaccinated against influenza regularly every year, respectively, had 3.5 times, 4.7 times, and 11 times higher vaccination rates. Conclusion: Although the proportion of healthcare professionals with the intention to be vaccinated for influenza increased with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still not high enough. Influenza vaccination rates should be promoted by in-service training programs.