Self-medication among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative analysis of different faculties

Self-medication is a widespread public health concern. University students are likely to be more prone to it since self-medication rates increase with educational level. Studies have shown that self-medication rates vary among academics belonging to different faculties, and medical students have the highest self-medication rates. However, it is unknown whether this holds in a vulnerable situation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also unknown whether differences in technical knowledge of drugs influence self-medication rates among students. Thus, this study analyzes and compares prophylactic self-medication among graduate students of different faculties in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a private university in southern Brazil. Students from the medicine, law, life sciences, and fine arts faculties were surveyed, and their responses were compared using a chi-square test. Among 396 respondents, 29.5% reported using preventive medication for COVID-19, and medical students were the least likely to do so. The self-medication rate was 13.6% among respondents, and self-medication did not differ significantly between students of different faculties. Of the students who self-medicated 63% reported having studied the medication before using them. Furthermore, the media did not induce drug use among 81.8% respondents. These results show that medical students used fewer preventive medications during the pandemic and refute the assertion that self-medication rates are higher among medical students. They also show that self-medication rates during the pandemic were significantly lower than those before the pandemic. These revelations show a new aspect of self-medication.Copyright © 2021 Muslim OT et al.

Binge drinking alcohol and circadian misalignment in night shift nurses is associated with decreased resiliency to COVID-19 infection

Background: Nurses and other first responders are at high risk of exposure to the SARS-CoV2 virus, and many have developed severe COVID-19 infection. A better understanding of the factors that increase the risk of infection after exposure to the virus could help to address this. Although several risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension have been associated with an increased risk of infection, many first responders develop severe COVID-19 without established risk factors. As inflammation and cytokine storm are the primary mechanisms in severe COVID-19, other factors that promote an inflammatory state could increase the risk of COVID-19 in exposed individuals. Alcohol misuse and shift work with subsequent misaligned circadian rhythms are known to promote a pro-inflammatory state and thus could increase susceptibility to COVID-19. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a prospective, cross-sectional observational survey-based study in nurses using the American Nursing Association network. Method(s): We used validated structured questionnaires to assess alcohol consumption (the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and circadian typology or chronotype (the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire Shift -MCTQ-Shift). Result(s): By latent class analysis (LCA), high-risk features of alcohol misuse were associated with a later chronotype, and binge drinking was greater in night shift workers. The night shift was associated with more than double the odds of COVID-19 infection of the standard shift (OR 2.67, 95% CI: 1.18 to 6.07). Binge drinkers had twice the odds of COVID-19 infection of those with low-risk features by LCA (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 0.75 to 5.79). Conclusion(s): Working night shifts or binge drinking may be risk factors for COVID-19 infection among nurses. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these risk factors could help to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our at-risk healthcare workforce.Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Research Society on Alcohol.

Factors Influencing Work Satisfaction and Compliance of Using Ppe among Shop Assistants during Covid-19

Objectives: The objectives of the study was to assess the level of work satisfaction, assess compliance of using PPE among shop assistants during COVID-19 and to find the factors influencing work satisfaction. Method(s): A quantitative approach with descriptive design was used for the study. Eighty samples were selected by using convenient sampling technique. The study was conducted in 4 districts of Kerala through online platform as well as through offline mediums. Result(s): From the study, it is evident that majority of the subjects (55%) were satisfied with their work at the time of COVID-19 and more than half (55%) of the samples have enough compliance with the use of PPE and only 7.5% have less compliance with the use of PPE. Demographic variables such age, relationship status, and work experience were found to be statically significant (p<0.05) with work satisfaction, and other variables did not have a significant association. Conclusion(s): This study provides a baseline for assessing the level of work satisfaction and compliance of PPE among shop assistants in selected areas. Periodic reinforcements, proper education, availability and trainings on the use of PPE can reduce the spread of Corona Virus and improve PPE compliance to an extend. Good working environment support from family and good rapport with colleagues can help to improve work satisfaction .Copyright © 2023 The Authors.

Pattern of Adverse Events Following COVID-19 Vaccine among Vaccinated Individuals Aged Above 18 yrs in Kerala

Background: Coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). WHO declared the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January 2020 & a pandemic in March 2020. In India Oxford University-Astra Zeneca's Covishield vaccine, manufactured by serum institute of India and Bharath Biotech's Covaxin are being used for vaccination programme. In this study, we assess adverse reactions following Covid-19 vaccination & incidence of COVID-19 disease among vaccinated people across Kerala. Since it was newer vaccine and general population was afraid of side effects. The present study aimed to study the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination among general population aged above 18 years in Kerala. Method(s): A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among COVID-19 vaccinated individuals above 18 yrs of age residing in Kerala from July 2021 to December 2021. Pattern of adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination (AEFI) were assessed using a semi structured questionnaire. An online questionnaire using Kobo Toolbox was developed and shared via online platform to record the self-reported adverse events following vaccination. A respondent driven sampling method was used. The data was downloaded in MS Excel and analysed using Microsoft excel. Result(s): Study was conducted among 526 people across Kerala, among which both males(45.63%) and females (54.18%). Majority of them received COVISHEID (92.97%) and rest of them received COVAXIN (6.24%) and SPUTNIK (0.57%). Out of which 65.97% received 2 doses and 34.03% received only one dose of vaccine. More than half of them (61.5%) faced side effects during post vaccination period. The symptoms were very mild in which fever (65.74%) and tiredness (76.85%) were the commonest symptoms. Conclusion(s): In the present study, majority of the vaccinated people experienced very mild and self limiting adverse effects, those were very mild & self limiting. It is a fact that COVID-19 vaccines doesn't provided 100% efficiency, but our study indicates that it does provides protection against COVID-19 infection to a great extend & breakthrough infections are very less severe and asymptomatic for vaccinated people.Copyright © 2023, Dr. Yashwant Research Labs Pvt. Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Determinants of domestic violence against women: Evidence from Khulna District of Bangladesh

Domestic violence against women is a major social problem in Bangladesh. This paper examines the determinants of domestic violence in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was carried out in selected areas of Khulna district of the country and followed survey research design. A total of 312 ever married female respondents who experienced domestic violence at any stage of their life were surveyed. The respondents were selected through simple random sampling as a semi-structured questionnaire/ interview schedules was used as the primary tool for data collection. The data were collected in two stages between the months of May-October, 2021 through face-to-face interviews. Results from the chi-square analysis show that, respondents' residence, educational status, age at first marriage, duration of marriage life, husband's income, husband's occupation, and a demand for dowry were all associated with domestic violence against women (p <.01). The study concludes that creation of awareness and empowerment of women through income generating activities particularly in the rural areas of Bangladesh is necessary to reduce the prevalence of domestic violence.Copyright © Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Stem cells used in infectious diseases like pneumonia, respiratory infections and Covid-19: A study based on doctor's opinion

Worldwide, infectious diseases have contributed significantly to morbidity and mortality;among the leading causes of death are pneumonia, respiratory infections and Covid-19. Stem cell therapy will be used to treat virus-infected patients in an effective and safe manner. A cross-sectional questionnaire was used to collect data from doctors. Most doctors are aware of the applications of stem cells, but they do not confirm their usage because clinical trials are ongoing. Instead, they show support for using stem cells to treat patients. Stem cells have been hoping to help repair damaged tissues in the respiratory system to promote faster recovery. Stem Cells are being studied in current clinical trials for their efficacy and safety in virus severe pneumonia and respiratory infections. The doctors suggested that stem cells have been used in infectious diseases to improve their health.Copyright © 2023 Health Biotechnology And Biopharma. All rights reserved.

KAP Study Regarding COVID-19 Amongst Pregnant Women, in Central India

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of preventive measures against COVID-19 infection among pregnant women. It is our understanding that assessing healthcare needs and healthcare education form the pillars for better healthcare thereby this study was conducted. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in which 150 antenatal women were included. Face-to-face interview was conducted by using a self-developed internally validated semi-structured questionnaire based on 3 major domains, Knowledge (10), Attitude (10) and Practice (4), with close ended questions. Each response-correct was allotted score 1 & incorrect allotted score of 0. The responses were described as frequencies and percentages. Scoring system-Poor score<60%, Fair score 60-75%, Good score > 75% of total score in each domain. Result(s): 103(68.7%) had good knowledge and 121(80.7%) had poor attitude, regarding COVID affecting their pregnancy, antenatal visits and unborn baby. 113(75.3%) were practicing preventive habits. Conclusion(s): Our study showed the anxiety and fear related to Covid-19 affected mental health of women and their adherence to antenatal care which needs to be addressed in providing antenatal care services.Copyright © 2023, Dr Yashwant Research Labs Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Treatment Decisions of Patients Treated by Hematologists in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: As on March 12, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Its rapid spread has posed major challenges to the management of health-care systems. Patients with hematological disorders, being immunocompromised in more ways than one, face a lot of challenges. Most of these patients require frequent visits to health-care facilities for transfusion support, infusions, surveillance, and follow-ups, which increase the risk of exposure and hence infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. AIM: We assessed the impact of the pandemic on the decisions of hematologists in Saudi Arabia. Method(s): An online survey was done through questionnaires, to understand the decisions and course of clinical treatments taken. 45 hematologist answered 20-questions structured questionnaires through online link. RESULT(S): The majority of hematologist have used virtual clinics in managing patients and have delayed or canceled well visits. Although some hematologist delayed treatment in stable patients like autologous stem cell transplantation for myeloma patients, the majority did not delay induction or consolidation therapies for patients with leukemia with curative intent plans. CONCLUSION(S): The crisis brought along with it challenges and opportunities to improve patient care through research and clinical practice. Telemedicine was sought for supporting outpatients. Malignancies were taken care of, with due precautions. Observations of decisions of hematologists resulted in the patients still being closely followed up and urgent treatments being attended to. The hematologists expressed satisfaction with the use of telemedicine. Online consultations and monitoring of patients could probably be taken as an alternative resource in such situations.Copyright © 2023 Journal of Applied Hematology Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.

Disease Flare-Ups after Sars-Cov-2 Vaccination among Patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases in a Rheumatology Specialized Care Center: Sri Lanka

Background/Aims In the recent past, there has been growing research interest in COVID- 19 vaccines and their impact on the disease dynamics of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). The intersection of COVID-19 and autoimmunity has led to the theoretical possibility of flare-ups of autoimmune diseases with COVID vaccines. This study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence and the nature of flare-ups following the COVID vaccination on patients with RMDs. Methods This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Ragama Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, Sri Lanka involving 248 clinic patients using a structured questionnaire. Results The mean age of the study population was 52.69 and 75.4% were females. 12 patients (4.7%) reported flare symptoms following 1st dose of vaccination. Of them, 67% were females and 41.7% were within the 40-45 years age group. 75% of patients have experienced the onset of the flare symptoms following 1 week of the vaccination and 41.7% of symptoms have lasted more than 8 weeks. 66.7% who had this flare have received Sinopharm, while 25% received Covishield. In this flare 58.3% got polyarthritis,16.7% monoarthritis, 8.3% oligoarthritis and 16.7% generalized rash. By contrast, 42 (16.9%) patients who received the 2nd dose of the vaccine had flare symptoms. 90.5% of this population were females and 38.1% were within the 50-59 years age group. 42% got flare following 1st week of the vaccination and 57% of symptoms have lasted more than 8 weeks. 5 patients who had flare symptoms following the first dose reported having flare after the 2nd dose too. None of the flare symptoms following 1st or 2nd dose of the vaccinations needed hospitalization. Interestingly gender (p=0.012), use of methotrexate (p=0.043), and the presence of flare to the first dose (p=0.02) were found to be significantly correlated with the occurrence of flare symptoms following 2nd dose of vaccination. Conclusion This study reveals a considerable incidence of non-severe RMD flareups following COVID vaccination, mainly with the 2nd dose. Further studying on the effects of repeated and periodic COVID vaccination among patients with RMDs is timely to reassure and to improve vaccine acceptance in this group of patients.

Exploring patient response towards hotline-based telemedicine service in Bangladesh

Background: Telemedicine system enables doctors and patients to communicate while staying afar which can be helpful for areas with lesser health facilities and at times of natural or health disasters. In developing countries like Bangladesh, telemedicine service offers the potential for wider health access and equity if effectively implemented. Therefore, the response and acceptance of care receivers who are the main beneficiaries of the service should be explored. As Dhaka University Telemedicine Programme (DUTP) is a non-profit University project-induced successful telemedicine service in Bangladesh, our study was conducted on the DUTP hotline-based telemedicine programme aimed to explore patients' prior knowledge and response (experience, satisfaction and acceptance) about the service. Method(s): The cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 200 participants over the phone with a structured questionnaire to analyze their knowledge and response. Participants were selected by randomization from the patient pool of hotline-based DUTP telemedicine service. The data was analyzed using SPSSv20. Results and discussion: Among the participants, 41% of total participants knew about telemedicine services before COVID-19. Average patient satisfaction was well above moderate level (p-value< 0.01;mean 3.88). 16.5% respondents mentioned about having any problem while availing the service where 'treatment or service related problem' was the most common. Significant association was found between people's 'occupation' and 'knowledge before COVID-19' (p = 0.002) indicating to the probable role of profession or occupation in molding people's health-service related knowledge. Patient-doctor communication ['perception about doctor's adequate evaluation (Q3)' and 'understanding doctor's advice properly (Q4)'] was found to be significantly associated with 'age' and 'location (division)' while most respondents (around 90%) perceived the communication as effective. 'Age' had also an association with 'treatment or service related problem'. 80.5% were willing to take the service in the future even by paying fees. All participants appreciated telemedicine service in general when they were asked about its possible inclusion in mainstream primary healthcare. Conclusion(s): The overall response of patients toward DUTP hotline-based telemedicine, in general, came out to be positive. Concerned authorities and policymakers may exploit this accepting attitude of people toward developing effective telemedicine services in order to ensure wider health and well-being of population.Copyright © 2023 The Authors

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Hospital Experience Regarding COVID-19 among Pregnant and Postpartum Mothers at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kashmir: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus can spread from an infected person when they cough, sneeze, speak, or breathe through mouth or nose. Majority of the people who get infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate illness. However, some will become severely ill and require medical attention. Pregnancy is associated with increased risk for severe COVID-19. Few studies have examined knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) during the pandemic especially the high-risk groups like pregnancy and post-partum period. Aim(s): To analyze the knowledge, attitude, practice and hospital experience regarding COVID-19 among pregnant and post-partum mothers at a tertiary care hospital in Kashmir. Method(s): A cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 research participants from a tertiary care hospital of Kashmir in year 2020-2021 using a semi-structured questionnaire. The confidentiality and anonymity of respondents was maintained. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. The findings were presented as percentages (95% confidence intervals;CI), median, means and Standard deviation. Result(s): A total of 403 post-partum women participated in the study. Almost all the participants had heard about COVID-19 (96.6%). A majority of them were aware about how COVID-19 gets transmitted and its preventive measures. Most of the participants (62%) knew that COVID-19 has effects on pregnancy. Almost all of participants (97%) wore mask during hospital stay. All of the women washed their hands with soap water or alcohol based sanitizer. A fewer of the mothers (20%) wore mask while breastfeeding their baby. The results of binary logistic regression analysis found associations between knowledge and marital status (OR = 4.983, 95% CI 1.894-13.107). Correlation analysis found a weak positive correlation between knowledge and practice scores (r = 0.210, p-value = 0.01). Conclusion(s): As the COVID-19 cases are still increasing globally, participants overall had high KAP scores. This study can guide public health strategies regarding pregnant women and COVID-19. We recommend that interventions to improve and attitude and practice scores.

A prospective study of acute sinusitis, clinical features and modalities of management in adults, Sudan

Background: Acute sinusitis is not an uncommon disease that manifests with inflammation of the mucosal lining of the paranasal sinuses. It has varied etiologies including viral, bacterial, fungal, and allergic. Anatomical variations, trauma, auto-immunity, diabetes mellitus, and dental procedures are predisposing factors. With the wide variation in the etiological factors, the management could be tricky. This study is quite relevant with the advent of the relentlessly persisting COVID-19 pandemic which affects the upper respiratory tract as well. Method(s): This is a descriptive hospital-based prospective study conducted at the Khartoum ENT Teaching Hospital, Ibnsina Teaching Hospital, Omdurman Military Hospital, and Omdurman Teaching Hospital in Khartoum State in the period from March 2020 to February 2021. The study included all patients 18 years and older diagnosed with acute sinusitis. The data was collected by a well-structured questionnaire designed to meet the objectives of the study and analyzed using SPSS 20. Any COVID-19 suspect is excluded from the study. Result(s): The total number of patients was 109;of them, 59 (54.1%) were females and 50 (45.9%) were males, and the female to male ratio was 1.18:1. One hundred seven (98.2%) patients received medical treatment and two patients (1.8%) did take the medications. Eighty-one patients (74.3%) were cured with medical treatment and only 28 patients (25.7%) needed surgical intervention. The age group from 25 to 40 years old was the most affected, accounting for 68 patients (62.4%), and the above 60 years old (3.7%) was the least affected group. Conclusion(s): Acute sinusitis is not an uncommon disease, if addressed properly and timely is medically treatable in most cases apart from complicated cases. This study shows that the active working ages (25-40) were the most affected. Few patients needed surgery (FESS). Negligence could result in complications. Diseases like COVID-19 affect the upper respiratory tract, and there is a similarity in symptoms, and in the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic nowadays, differentiation is of paramount importance.Copyright © 2022, The Author(s).

The Cultural Background and Awareness of People in Asir Region toward the New Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Objective: The recently emerged coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared as a pandemic by the WHO in March 2020. The knowledge and awareness of the general populations about the modes of the disease transmission deemed extremely important in preventing the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to determine the knowledge and awareness of the Saudi population in Asir region towards the COVID-19. Design and Setting: A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted by recruiting 715 participants. A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to the participants that comprised several sections including the demographics, sources of medical information, acquaintance of mode of the virus transmission, diagnostics and preventive measures of the infection. Method(s): Data analysis was executed through SPSS program version 26. Result(s): Significant differences in the knowledge and attitude of Saudi population towards COVID-19 based on the differences in marital status (p=0.036), place of residence (p= 0.012), use of electronic devices (p =0.043), and sources of information (p <0.001) were observed. Non-significant variations in the average scores over the genders (p=0.616), age groups (p=0.252), educational level of parents (p=0.685), educational level of children (p=0.822), number of children (p=0.5), employment status (p=0.079), monthly income (p=0.339) and internet access (p =0.227) were noted. Conclusion(s): Although, the general knowledge and awareness about the different elements pertaining to COVID-19 among the population in the study area are satisfactory to assist in the control of the infection, more directive measures are to be implemented to improve that awareness.Copyright © 2023, Bahrain Medical Bulletin. All rights reserved.

The Association between Smartphone Addiction, Depression and Anxiety among Medical Students in Jordan

Introduction: Awareness of psychological disorders such as smartphone addiction, anxiety, and depression is a trending research area in the scientific community that has further escalated with the impact of COVID-19. In this regard, young adults and medical students are already considered to be under a high level of stress academically and culturally. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between depression, anxiety, and smartphone addiction among medical students in Jordan. Method(s): A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online structured questionnaire. The survey was completed by 164 male and female medical students stratified by years one to three in the basic medical sciences. The survey consisted of items from the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), in addition to two questions concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on smartphone addiction. Result(s): Among the students who participated, the mean age was 18.9, with almost half (47.2%) being first-year students. The results showed no significant difference in stress, anxiety or cell phone addiction based on gender or academic year. The logistic regression model was not statistically significant regarding the covariates, except for GAD, which had an OR=1.15 (CI: 1.06 -1.25). Furthermore, SAS-SV was positively correlated with GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores (r=0.42, r=0.2, p< 0.000, p=0.029, respectively). Conclusion(s): The results of the study showed a statistically significant positive correlation between smartphone addiction, depression, and anxiety. These variables were not statistically different among medical students in terms of gender and academic year.Copyright © 2023 DSR Publishers / The University of Jordan. All Rights Reserved.

An Assessment of Impact of Demographic Factors on Morbidity and Mortality of Covid 19 Patients

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) has emerged as a rapidly spreading communicable disease affecting more than 100 countries across the globe at present and leading cause of mortality worldwide. The current research is an attempt to assess the impact of demographics on morbidity and mortality of COVID 19. METHODOLOGY: This is a Retrospective Study Design, and a survey was conducted from January to June 2021 among COVID 19 patients in and around warangal district, Telangana. RESULTS & DISCUSSION: A total of 1347 respondents were included in this study.The demographic finding that impact COVID 19 are Gender [male (64.7%) and female (35.3%)], Age [15-35years (38%), 16-55years (44.2%), above 55years (17.8%)] and Education [literates (86.9%), Illiterates (13.1%)]. CONCLUSION(S): Demographics such as gender, age, followed by social habits like smoking, alcoholism were found to be major contributing factor for in increasing severity of disease among study population.Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Prevalence of Fatigue among Jordanian University Students and its Relation to COVID-19 Quarantine

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) presented an opportunity to conduct an online survey to research the psychological fatigue as a mental health issue among the students of Jadara University, Jordan. AIM: This study aimed at assessing prevalence of fatigue in the student population of Jadara University (Irbid, Jordan) and its association with COVID-19 quarantine. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jadara University during a period of 2 months, extending from March to May, 2020. Two-hundred students (43.8% males and 56.2% females) participated in the study and filled forms of the fatigue assessment scale. RESULT(S): Psychologically-tired students constituted 59.0% of the participants whereas the remainder participants were normal students. Moreover, statistically-significant differences in fatigue between students of the various academic years (p = 0.04) were found. The highest proportion of students suffering from fatigue was observed in the fourth-, and 5th-year students (21 out of 42 and 9 out of 18, respectively, [i.e., 50.0%, each]). The lowest proportion of students suffering from fatigue was that of the 1st-year students (29.0%). Significant differences in fatigue were also found between working and non-working students (p = 0.001), where all the non-working students (92;100.0%) suffered from fatigue while most of the working students experienced no fatigue (82;69.0% of the working students). CONCLUSION(S): The current study adds to the growing body of knowledge available to policymakers and mental health practitioners throughout the world about the links between individual mental health and the COVID-19 quarantine.Copyright © 2022 Aiman Shoiab, Alia Khwaldeh, Ali Alsarhan, Ashraf Khashroum, Ayman Alsheikh, Sokiyna Ababneh.

Knowledge Practice Gap Among Nurses Towards COVID-19 Patients' Dead Body Care in a Tertiary Care Hospital

COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2 is a global pandemic that presents a serious challenge from many angles for healthcare professionals. The virus causes a potentially fatal disease that is easily transmitted among patients and caregivers, hence specific dead body care is required for such patients. Our study was conducted to identify knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19 dead body care among hospital nursing personnel. A cross sectional survey-based study was performed involving 282 nurses who worked in COVID-19 units during data collection from July 2020 to September 2020. The online structured questionnaire was based on world health organization guidelines, institutional infection control protocols, and course material regarding emerging respiratory diseases including COVID-19. We found that work experience in the COVID-19 unit had a significant impact on knowledge and practice regarding COVID-19 dead body care. Similarly, we observed that training improved the knowledge and practice of nursing personnel regarding dead body care. Good knowledge, attitude, and practice were observed in experienced and trained nurses (p-value <0.005). No significant changes were observed with age, gender, and education qualification. Overall knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19 dead body care were moderate to good. Adequate training among nurses should prevent the transmission of disease due to occupational exposure.Copyright © 2023, Science Publications. All rights reserved.

A Study on E-Wallet Awareness and Its Usage in Kanniyakumari District

E-wallet is an internet based payment system which allows the users to make online transactions quickly and it keeps financial as well as personal identity related information securely. Such electronic payment (E-wallet) systems enable a customer to pay online for the goods and services. E-wallets are primarily used for mobile recharges and bill payments. During the last decade, customers areusing E-wallet for payment trending in Indian payment pattern.COVID-19 pandemic effect, E-wallet has tremendous growth in India. With the Government initiative such as Digital India and increased use of smartphone and internet are means to exponential growth in use of E-wallet.The present study is an attempt to clarify the concept of E-wallet and to analyse the awareness and usage of E-wallet in Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari district. The study is descriptive and analytical in nature which makes use of primary and secondary data. For the purpose of study, well-structured questionnaire is prepared to collect the data from the respondents. A sample of 120 respondents from Nagercoil is selected by using convenient sampling technique. The study pointed out the necessity of proper awareness towards E-wallet among all category of people and to solve the concerns and issues of the present customers. This study leads to perform better in future.Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Implementation of national tuberculosis infection prevention and control guidelines in rural hospitals, Papua New Guinea

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health problem in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Poor infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in healthcare settings may partly contribute to the high burden of TB in PNG. This study examines the implementation of the TB infection prevention and control (TBIPC) policy introduced by the national health department in 2011 in rural hospitals in the Highlands and Momase region of PNG. Method(s): A self-administered structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO TBIPC framework and site observations were undertaken to assess the TBIPC activities. Questionnaires and observation data were analysed using SPSS. Fishers' exact test was performed to determine the similarities and differences in TBIC practices between the health facilities. Significance was assessed at p<=.05. Ethics approval was given by Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (GU Ref No: 2021/921). Result(s): Ten of thirteen rural hospitals in the Highlands and Momase region (78%) were surveyed. The majority (N=8,80%) of rural hospitals have inadequate TBIPC programs. Two (20%) facilities have intermediate or advanced TBIPC programs. The facility with advanced TBIPC employed a doctor with public health training. COVID-19 pandemic has provided the impetus to strengthen IPC programs in rural health facilities. Significant differences in TBIPC practices were identified across the two regions (p=0.03). Conclusion(s): Overall, TBIPC guidelines were inadequate in rural hospitals in PNG. The significant differences in TBIPC practices in rural hospitals remain a severe challenge to the TB control efforts. Public health training for health workers could play an important role in IPC programs.Copyright © 2022

Will Physical Distancing Be the New Perceived Way of Life in the Post-Covid-19 Pandemic Era?

Objective: The current study was conducted to determine whether people will keep practicing physical distancing behavior as part of their daily lives after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Material(s) and Method(s): A structured questionnaire was prepared online using "Question Pro" software for surveys, and the study was conducted electronically. The questionnaire for the study had two components, the first was related to the partic-ipant's demographics, and the other was about physical distancing questions. There were 16 questions in total. Result(s): Women were more fearful/careful and would want to limit socializing than men. The religious aspect is one primary reason people will be willing to avoid physical distancing. Physical distancing was more acceptable to people with higher education levels. This physical distancing trend might affect the public transportation and tourism industry. Conclusion(s): This study showed that the female gender and population with higher education are willing to follow better ad-herence to SOPs of the COVID-19 pandemic.Copyright © 2023, Khyber Medical College. All rights reserved.