Knowledge, attitude and practice of patients with chronic diseases towards COVID-19 pandemic in Dessie town hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia

Pattern and associated factors of COVID-19 knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among COVID-19-comorbid patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The COVID-19 comorbid population is at higher risk of developing severe health issues like acute respiratory distress syndrome, coagulation syndrome, metabolic acidosis, and septic shock, potentially leading to patient death. Patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) significantly influence their response to the pandemic and aid in enhancing health policy implementation.

Objective

To identify and evaluate the pattern and associated factors to COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, and practice among individuals with comorbidities.

Methodology

The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies assessing the KAP of comorbid patients were retrieved by carefully searching the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies was used to determine the quality of the included studies and the risk of biases.

Results

Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The pooled sample size of the included studies was 9,104. Different comorbidities reported in the studies include hypertension, diabetes, psychological disorders, and cancer. Pooled analysis showed that 65% of patients showed good knowledge, 57% of patients showed a positive attitude and 51% of patients followed good practices to manage the COVID-19 in presence of their comorbid condition. Significant factors impacting knowledge, attitude and practice in COVID-19 comorbid patients were ethnicity OR 1.78 [95% CI 1.35-2.32]; educational status 3.2 [2.79-3.58]; urban residence 2.43 [1.65-3.02]; employment Status 1.67[1.34-2.12]; financial Status 4.02[3.66-4.38]; occupation 3.65[3.31-4.25]; information Source 2.64[2.19-3.26]; comorbidity 3.28[2.78-3.61]; and duration of chronic illness 1.59[1.31-2.04].

Conclusion

Comorbid COVID-19 patients showed good knowledge, positive attitude and good practice towards the management of the disease.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards enhanced recovery after surgery among patients underwent thoracoscopy surgery

OBJECTIVE

Thoracoscopy has gained extensive utilization in managing pleural disorders, and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) can improve patients' prognosis and expedite post-surgical recovery. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards ERAS among patients underwent thoracoscopy surgery.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2022 and August 2023, among patients underwent thoracoscopy surgery in 6 Secondary or Tertiary hospitals in the author's area. Demographic characteristics and KAP scores were collected by questionnaires, and clinical data were extracted from medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 309 valid questionnaires were collected, with 165 (53.40%) males and 202 (65.37%) aged ≤65 years old. The mean scores for KAP were 28.92±7.21 (possible range: 9-45), 53.60±6.73 (possible range: 13-65), and 43.45±5.50 (possible range: 10-50), respectively. SEM confirmed the positive associations between knowledge and attitude (β = 0.108, P = 0.019), knowledge and practice (β = 0.096, P = 0.004), and attitude and practice (β = 0.438, P<0.001). However, the KAP were found not associated with prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Patients underwent thoracoscopy surgery showed moderate knowledge, positive attitude, and appropriate practice towards ERAS. Preoperative education, personalized counseling, peer support groups, peer support groups, and follow-up care were recommended in further clinical practice.

Compliance with measures among actors and lessons learnt in the management of COVID-19 institutional quarantine in Uganda

Introduction

To support COVID-19 containment measures, several countries implemented quarantine protocols. This study determined the level of compliance to COVID-19 quarantine measures, associated factors, and lessons learnt in institutional quarantine management in Uganda.

Methods

This concurrent mixed methods study involved a cross-sectional survey among individuals who were in institutional quarantine and interviews with key informants, who were reached mostly through phone calls. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable analysis were conducted to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data were analysed thematically with the aid of Atlas ti 7.

Results

Compliance with quarantine measures at the individual level was moderate at 65.4 %. Factors associated with high compliance with measures were: older age (above 40 years) [APR = 1.30 (95 % CI: 1.04-1.63)], spending 14-15 days in quarantine [APR = 1.39 (95 % CI: 1.00-1.92)] and reporting a high Ministry of Health compliance [APR = 1.33 (CI: 1.11-1.58)]. The positive factors included the availability of guidelines, inspection of facilities and training of personnel. The challenges were related to long turnaround time for results and provision of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Conclusion

Efforts to improve training, supervision and inspection of facilities, and provision of adequate PPE would improve compliance with quarantine measures.

Digital health literacy and associated factors among health professionals during the outbreak of corona virus pandemic in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on healthcare delivery worldwide. Digital tools emerged as a preferred solution for maintaining healthcare services during this crisis. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of digital health literacy among healthcare professionals in Ethiopia in 2020-2023.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles published from 2020 to 2023 were reviewed using various electronic databases such as Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Library, CINAHL, HINARI, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Global Health. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 17, and publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed.

Results

Six studies involving a total of 2739 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled level of high digital health literacy among health professionals in Ethiopia during the pandemic was found to be 56.0% (95% CI: 55, 58). Several factors were identified as significant contributors to high digital health literacy, including internet use (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.86, 3.98), perceived ease of use (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.83, 4.25), favorable attitude (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.61, 3.85), perceived usefulness (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.65, 3.18), information-communication-technology training (AOR = 6.09, 95% CI: 1.83, 24.27), and educational level (AOR = 3.60, 95% CI: 2.96, 4.37).

Conclusion and recommendation

The study findings revealed a moderate level of high digital health literacy among Ethiopian health professionals. Factors such as internet use, favorable attitude, and information-communication-technology training were associated with high-level digital health literacy. To enhance digital health literacy, it is crucial to provide timely training and improve internet access for healthcare professionals. Additionally, promoting the perception of digital tools as useful and supporting evidence-based decision-making can further improve digital health literacy. Comprehensive information-communication-technology training programs should be implemented to equip healthcare professionals with necessary skills to effectively combat outbreaks like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 among chronic disease patients: A global perspective

Background

Chronic health conditions were significantly correlated with an increased clinical severity of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and a heightened risk of COVID-19 mortality. This study aims to determine global knowledge, attitudes, and practices (Knowledge Abuse Profile) of the patients with chronic diseases toward COVID-19.

Methods

The study was initiated in December 2019 and extended until April 2023, during which an extensive search for relevant English-language literature was conducted as part of this systematic review and meta-analysis. Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, Springer, and ProQuest were utilized for the search. The quality of included studies was assessed using a quality rating checklist created by Joanna Briggs Institute for cross-sectional research. In the STATA software version 14, inverse variance and Cochran Q statistics were used for statistical analysis to assess heterogeneity among the studies. The Dersimonian and Liard random-effects models were applied in cases where heterogeneity existed.

Results

A total of 23 studies involving 14,587 patients contributed to this meta-analysis. These studies comprised 21 studies focused on knowledge, with 6864 participants, 12 studies on attitudes involving 3597 patients, and 12 on practices, encompassing 4126 patients. The pooled estimates for sufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and COVID-19 preventive behaviors among chronic disease patients were determined as 48.2% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 33.9%-62.5%), 60.8% (95% CI: 46.8%-74.8%), and 58.3% (95% CI: 39.5%-77.0%), respectively. Over the years, there was a consistent decrease in adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and COVID-19 preventive behaviors among the population. Specifically, regarding knowledge, the rates declined from 50.2% in 2020 to 49.7% in 2021 and dropped to 45.1%. Similarly, the percentage of individuals with a positive attitude fell, decreasing from 64.1% in 2020 to 60.3% in 2021 and dropping to 57.9% in 2022. Furthermore, COVID-19 preventive behaviors showed fluctuations, with the rates recorded at 63.7% in 2020, increasing to 75.4% in 2021, and then decreasing to 47% in 2022, in line with the publication dates of included studies.

Conclusion

The findings of meta-analysis show a significant decrease in the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to preventative interventions for COVID-19 among individuals with chronic diseases. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, and ongoing education to address this trend.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of chronic disease patients in Bojanala towards COVID-19

BACKGROUND

 COVID-19 is an acute respiratory disease. Its morbidity and mortality in patients with comorbidities have been established. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding COVID-19 of patients with comorbidities attending primary health care services.

METHODS

 An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, with data collected from patients using a self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge, attitude and practice scores were calculated. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used, and the level of significance was set at 5%.

RESULTS

 This study enrolled 469 participants aged 18-84 years, and the majority were women. The mean knowledge score was 7.09 ± 1.73 out of 9, the mean attitude score was 2.33 ± 0.86 out of 3, and the mean practices score was 3.79 ± 0.56 out of 4. There was a positive linear relationship between knowledge and attitude scores and between attitude and practices scores; as one score increased, the other also increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

 The level of knowledge was good in general, with optimistic attitudes and good practices by the patients. Those aged 70 years and above need special attention because older persons have poorer knowledge of and practices towards COVID-19, which could lead to higher hospitalisation and mortality rates.Contribution: This study found that patients with chronic diseases had good COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes and practices, while interventions targeting patients aged 70 years and above are needed to improve their COVID-19 awareness and practices.

Attitude of mental healthcare providers toward tele-psychiatry services and associated factors at public referral hospitals in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Health systems around the world are struggling with the massive numbers of people with mental disorders who require professional care. The treatment gap for mental disorders is high all over the world, with between 76 and 85% of people in low- and middle-income countries with severe mental disorders receiving no treatment for their mental health conditions. Tele-psychiatry is used as an alternative solution to the problem of limited mental health services and effective Tele-psychiatry service use may be achievable if mental health providers have a good attitude towards it.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the attitude of mental healthcare providers toward Tele-psychiatry services and associated factors at public referral hospitals in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia, 2022.

METHOD

A Multicenter institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 mental health professionals working in public referral hospitals in Addis Ababa city, from May 04 to June 10, 2022. Data were collected by using a structured and self-administered questionnaire prepared by reviewing previous related studies. Epi Data version 3.1 and Stata version 14 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with attitudes toward Tele-psychiatry services. A statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.

RESULT

A total of 413 Participants were enrolled with a response rate of 91.8%. The majority of respondents 230 (55.69%) were male and the mean age of participants was 29 years (SD + 5.02). In this study the majority (49%) of mental health care professionals had a poor attitude toward Tele-psychiatry. Having electronic health technology experience [AOR 16.79; 95% CI (4.26, 29.3)], lack of training in telemedicine applications [(AOR 0.1; 95% CI (0.01, 0.41)], a good computer uses for daily work activities [AOR 3.65; 95% CI (1.14, 11.60)], availability of e-Health technology awareness program [AOR 0.16; 95% CI (0.03, 0.90)], having a positive perception about the importance of e-Health technologies[AOR 0.041; 95% CI (0.01, 0.29)] and having good knowledge of Tele-psychiatry services [AOR 6.89; 95% CI (1.8, 12.0)] were significantly associated with attitude towards Tele-psychiatry services.

CONCLUSION

This study found that mental healthcare providers at a public referral hospital in Addis Ababa city generally had poor attitudes regarding Tele-psychiatry services. Considering the significant factors will improve the attitude to use tele-psychiatry services in Ethiopia.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 among chronic disease patients visiting public hospitals

Background

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is a potentially severe acute respiratory infection first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. It is currently a global health issue and a public health emergency for the entire world, including Ethiopia. People with comorbidities of chronic disease are at higher risk for severe disease and death from this virus. Hence, in order to better control the COVID-19 pandemic, their understanding, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 prevention measures should be improved. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of chronically ill patients toward COVID-19 among chronic disease patients.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed among patients with chronic diseases visiting public hospitals in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, from April to June 2021. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to retrieve data from systematically selected 319 chronic disease patients. The data were entered using EpiData version 4.4.2.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 23. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with the outcome variables. Significance was determined at a p value of <0.05, and association was described by using an odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval.

Results

A total of 319 patients with chronic diseases participated in this study, with a 100% response rate. Out of 319 study participants, 51.1% had good knowledge, 59.9% had a positive attitude, and about half (49.2%) had good practices toward the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariate analysis revealed that study participants completed secondary school (AOR = 4.691, 95%CI = 1.846-11.918), had college or higher educational levels (AOR = 4.626, 95%CI = 1.790-11.955) were positively associated with good knowledge towards COVID 19 where as those who aged 50 and up (AOR = 0.415, 95%CI = 0.227-0.759), divorced (AOR = 0.298, 95%CI = 0.116-0.764), and widowed (AOR = 0.115, 95%CI = 0.025-0.528) were negatively associated with it. Positive attitude had a statistically significant association with sex, being male (AOR = 0.471, 95%CI = 0.265-0.837), and occupation, being merchants (AOR = 4.697, 95%CI = 1.174-18.795), private employees (AOR = 4.484, 95%CI = 1.182-17.008) and housewives (AOR = 5.292, 95%CI = 1.372-20.414). Moreover, good knowledge (AOR = 4.047,95%CI = 2.205-7.427) and a positive attitude (AOR = 5.756,95%CI = 3.244-10.211) were factors significantly associated with the good practices of study participants towards COVID-19.

Conclusion

Less than two thirds of the study participants had good knowledge, attitudes, and practices overall about the COVID-19 pandemic. Health professionals and other responsible bodies should provide public education about COVID-19 and its prevention measures to chronic disease patients.

Knowledge, attitude, and perception regarding COVID-19-related prevention practice among residents in Vietnam: a cross-sectional study

Background

Vietnam was one of the countries pursuing the goal of "Zero-COVID" and had effectively achieved it in the first three waves of the pandemic. However, the spread of the Delta variant was outbreak first in Vietnam in late April 2021, in which Ho Chi Minh City was the worst affected. This study surveyed the public's knowledge, attitude, perception, and practice (KAPP) toward COVID-19 during the rapid rise course of the outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted from 30th September to 16th November 2021, involving 963 residents across the city. We asked residents a series of 21 questions. The response rate was 76.6%. We set a priori level of significance at α = 0.05 for all statistical tests.

Results

The residents' KAPP scores were 68.67% ± 17.16, 77.33% ± 18.71, 74.7% ± 26.25, and 72.31% ± 31, respectively. KAPP scores of the medical staff were higher than the non-medical group. Our study showed positive, medium-strong Pearson correlations between knowledge and practice (r = 0.337), attitude and practice (r = 0.405), and perception and practice (r = 0.671; p < 0.05). We found 16 rules to estimate the conditional probabilities among KAPP scores via the association rule mining method. Mainly, 94% confident probability of participants had {Knowledge=Good, Attitude=Good, Perception=Good}, as well as {Practice=Good} (in rule 9 with support of 17.6%). In opposition to around 86% to 90% of the times, participants had levels of {Perception=Fair, Practice=Poor} given with either {Attitude=Fair} or {Knowledge=Fair} (according to rules 1, 2, and rules 15, 16 with a support of 7-8%).

Conclusion

In addition to the government's directives and policies, citizens' knowledge, attitude, perception, and practice are considered one of the critical preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results affirmed the good internal relationship among K, A, P, and P scores creating a hierarchy of healthcare educational goals and health behavior among residents.

Undergraduate health sciences students' response regarding COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: an observational study

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents a major health problem, and its influences may persist with emerging viral variants. The current work was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and learning satisfaction of health sciences students (HSS) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 February 2021 to 20 March 2021. Participants were undergraduate HSS at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire has been generated and distributed via online form. The questionnaire used was based on previous studies and included demographic information and knowledge, attitudes, perception, and learning satisfaction related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

Out of the 400 questionnaires distributed to eligible students, the current study included a total of 330 HSS (82.5% response rate) from colleges of medicine (25.5%), dentistry (11.8%), pharmacy (33.6%), and Applied Medical Sciences (29.1%) of participants. The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and learning satisfaction attained by students were 5.63 ± 0.65 out of 6, 4.22 ± 1.01 out of 5, and 11.28 ± 2.9 out of 19, respectively. Results show an association between the knowledge score of students and their age-group and specialty-college. Students with chronic diseases reported lower attitude scores and rate of COVID-19 vaccine-willingness. Younger HSS had a higher learning satisfaction score than the older participants.

CONCLUSION

Overall, participants show high knowledge level and positive attitude toward COVID-19 but fair learning satisfaction during the pandemic. Further studies are needed to improve the learning satisfaction and attitude of HSS in the future.

Communication inequalities and health disparities among vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic - a scoping review of qualitative and quantitative evidence

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health disparities in vulnerable groups (e.g., increased infection, hospitalization, and mortality rates in people with lower income, lower education, or ethnic minorities). Communication inequalities can act as mediating factors in this relationship. Understanding this link is vital to prevent communication inequalities and health disparities in public health crises. This study aims to map and summarize the current literature on communication inequalities linked with health disparities (CIHD) in vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify research gaps.

METHODS

A scoping review of quantitative and qualitative evidence was conducted. The literature search followed the guidelines of PRISMA extension for scoping reviews and was performed on PubMed and PsycInfo. Findings were summarized using a conceptual framework based on the Structural Influence Model by Viswanath et al. RESULTS: The search yielded 92 studies, mainly assessing low education as a social determinant and knowledge as an indicator for communication inequalities. CIHD in vulnerable groups were identified in 45 studies. The association of low education with insufficient knowledge and inadequate preventive behavior was the most frequently observed. Other studies only found part of the link: communication inequalities (n = 25) or health disparities (n = 5). In 17 studies, neither inequalities nor disparities were found.

CONCLUSIONS

This review supports the findings of studies on past public health crises. Public health institutions should specifically target their communication to people with low education to reduce communication inequalities. More research about CIHD is needed on groups with migrant status, financial hardship, not speaking the language in the country of residence, sexual minorities, and living in deprived neighborhoods. Future research should also assess communication input factors to derive specific communication strategies for public health institutions to overcome CIHD in public health crises.

Perceived Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) and Fear toward COVID-19 among Patients with Diabetes Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Kuwait

OBJECTIVES

To assess perceived fear and to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 infection among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) attending primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Kuwait. This will help evaluate gaps and provide appropriate support to limit the spread of COVID-19 infection in high-risk patients.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. All patients aged 18 years or older attending for follow-up or newly diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were eligible to participate in the study. Patients waiting for their regular follow-up appointments at the PHCs were invited verbally to take part in the study. The study excluded patients under the age of 18 and those with significant cognitive or physical impairment that might interfere with independent self-care behavior. The questionnaire included 57 items. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 294 questionnaires were distributed to patients at PHCs in three health districts (Hawally, Capital, and Farwaniya) in Kuwait; 251 patients agreed to participate in the study, yielding a response rate of 85.4%. The study showed that most patients had moderate knowledge (71.1%) of COVID-19. The majority of correctly responded questions were about the mode of COVID-19 transmission, the most common clinical presentations, and at-risk people. On the other hand, 83.7% (n = 210) identified common cold symptoms (stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing) as COVID-19 symptoms. More than half of the patients (n = 146, 58.2%) were unable to identify uncommon COVID-19 symptoms, such as diarrhea and skin rash or discoloration. Most patients had a positive attitude (90.9%) and good prevention practices (83.6%). The overall fear score of the participating patients was 21.6 ± 6.5 (61.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the positive attitude and good preventive practices of the patients, they had moderate knowledge levels about COVID-19. This indicates that there are significant knowledge gaps that still need to be filled. Different strategies can be used for this purpose, such as social media and public information campaigns. Supporting psychological well-being is vital for at-risk patients during a pandemic.

COVID 19 prevention practice of patients with known chronic illness in Ethiopia: A systemic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

There were different studies done and found a highly variable level of COVID 19 prevention practice; however, there was no summarized evidence on the prevention practice of chronic disease patients in Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the pooled prevalence of COVID 19 prevention practice and associated factors among chronic disease patients in Ethiopia.

Method

Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive literature was searched in international databases. A weighted inverse variance random effect model was used to estimate pooled prevalence. Cochrane Q-test and I2 statistics were computed to assess heterogeneity among studies. Funnel plot and Eggers test were done to assess publication bias. Review manager software was used to identify determinants of COVID 19 prevention practice.

Result

Overall, 437 articles were retrieved and finally 8 articles were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of good COVID 19 prevention practices was 44.02% (95%CI (35.98%-52.06%). Being rurally reside (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI (1.30-4.41)), having educational status of cannot read and write (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI (1.22-4.40)), and poor knowledge (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI (1.64-3.60)) positively associated with poor practice.

Conclusion

Good COVID 19 prevention practices of chronic disease patients in Ethiopia was low. Rural residence, educational status of cannot read and write and poor knowledge was positively associated with poor practice. Therefore, policymakers and program planners should target those high-risk groups in improving their awareness to enhance their practice specifically focusing on those who are rural reside and with low educational status.

Determinants of COVID-19 knowledge and self-action among African women: Evidence from Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Nigeria

Knowledge of infectious diseases and self-action are vital to disease control and prevention. Yet, little is known about the factors associated with knowledge of and self-action to prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study accomplishes two objectives. Firstly, we examine the determinants of COVID-19 knowledge and preventive knowledge among women in four sub-Saharan African countries (Kenya, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burkina Faso). Secondly, we explore the factors associated with self-action to prevent COVID-19 infections among these women. Data for the study are from the Performance for Monitoring Action COVID-19 Survey, conducted in June and July 2020 among women aged 15-49. Data were analysed using linear regression technique. The study found high COVID-19 knowledge, preventive knowledge, and self-action among women in these four countries. Additionally, we found that age, marital status, education, location, level of COVID-19 information, knowledge of COVID-19 call centre, receipt of COVID-19 information from authorities, trust in authorities, and trust in social media influence COVID-19 knowledge, preventive knowledge, and self-action. We discuss the policy implications of our findings.

Compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures among chronic disease patients in Wolaita and Dawuro zones, Southern Ethiopia: A proportional odds model

Introduction

So far, shreds of evidence have shown that COVID-19 related hospitalization, serious outcomes, and mortality were high among individuals with chronic medical conditions. However, strict compliance with basic public health measures such as hand washing with soap, social distancing, and wearing masks has been recommended and proven effective in preventing transmission of the infection. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures and identify its predictors among patients with common chronic diseases in public hospitals of Southern Ethiopia by applying the proportional odds model.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was employed in public hospitals of Southern Ethiopia between February and March 2021. Using a systematic random sampling technique, 419 patients with common chronic diseases were recruited. Data were collected using an Open Data Kit and then submitted to the online server. The proportional odds model was employed, and the level of significance was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05.

Results

This study revealed that 55.2% (95%CI: 50.4%-59.9%) of the study participants had low compliance levels with COVID-19 preventive measures. The final proportional odds model identified that perceived susceptibility (AOR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.84, 0.97), cues to action (AOR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.85, 0.94), having access to drinking water piped into the dwelling (AOR: 0.52, 95%CI: 0.32, 0.84), having no access to any internet (AOR: 0.62, 95%CI: 0.42, 0.92), having no functional refrigerator (AOR: 2.17, 95%CI: 1.26, 3.74), and having poor knowledge (AOR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.98) were the independent predictors of low compliance level with COVID-19 preventive measures.

Conclusion

In the study area, more than half of the participants had low compliance levels with COVID-19 preventive measures. Thus, the identified factors should be considered when designing, planning, and implementing new interventional strategies, so as to improve the participants’ compliance level.

Nursing knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 pandemic in Jordanian intensive care units

Objectives

The goal of this study was to find out the level of knowledge and perception among the nurses in intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods

The study was set up in a cross-sectional design. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses completed a self-reporting questionnaire to assess their knowledge and perception of the pandemic. 182 ICU nurses were asked for information. We used statistical analyses that were both descriptive and inferential.

Results

There was a statistically significant link between nurses' knowledge and their years of experience (r = 0.15, p = .03), their experience with COVID-19 infection (r = 0.83, p = .01), and having a first-degree relative who had COVID-19 (r = 0.17, p = .02). Also, nurses knew a fair amount about COVID-19. There was a statistically significant link between how nurses felt and how they were trained to care for COVID-19 patients (r = 0.15, p = .034), nurses who had COVID-19 infection (r = 0.30, p = .001), and having a first-degree relative who had COVID-19 infection (r = 0.18, p = .014).

Conclusion

The Jordanian nurses' understanding of COVID-19 disease is categorized as average because the majority of their responses ranged between 56 % and 86 %. The nurses' knowledge was related to their length of experience in the field, and their perceptions were related to how they had been trained to care for COVID-19 patients.

Factors That Impact Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination in Different Community-Dwelling Populations in China

(1) Background: It is important to improve vaccination strategies and immunization programs to achieve herd immunity to infectious diseases. (2) Methods: To assess the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination, we conducted face-to-face surveys and online surveys in Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Qinghai provinces. A fixed-effect model and a random effects model were used to analyze factors associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. (3) Findings: We initially recruited 3173 participants, 3172 participants completed the full questionnaire (the response rate was nearly 100%), of which 2169 were valid questionnaires, with an effective rate of 87.3%. The results indicated that 82.6% of participants were willing to receive vaccination when it was available in the community, and 57.2% of deliverymen, 43.3% of medical workers, 78.2% of parents of primary and secondary school children, and 72.2% of parents of preschool children were willing to receive vaccination. The models showed that participants who were male (female vs. male: OR = 1.49, 95% CI (1.12, 1.98)), 60 to 69 years-old (60-69 vs. <30: OR = 0.52, 95% CI (0.29, 0.92)), had less education (medium vs. low: OR = 1.50, 95% CI (1.05, 2.23)), had good health status (good vs. low: OR = 0.36, 95% CI (0.15, 0.88)), and had positive attitudes and trust (OR = 0.14, 95% CI (0.10, 0.20)) in vaccines approved by the National Health Commission were more likely to accept vaccination. Participants also had an increased vaccination acceptance if it was recommended by government sources, doctors, relatives, or friends. Most participants learned about COVID-19 vaccination from television, radio, and newspapers, followed by community or hospital campaigns and the internet. (4) Conclusions: Government sources and doctors could increase the acceptance of vaccination by promoting the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccination by the use of mass media and emphasizing the necessity of vaccination for everyone.

Factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices towards COVID-19 in health care professionals in Lima, Peru

Background: Nowadays, we are facing a disease caused by SARS-CoV- 2, known globally as COVID-19, which is considered a threat to global health due to its high contagiousness and rapid spread. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study in 302 health professionals. An online questionnaire consisting of questions about knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 was applied. Socio- demographic, occupational and comorbidities factors were explored. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with KAP. Results: Of the total, 25.2%, 31.5% and 37.4% had high levels of knowledge, preventive practices and risk perception attitudes respectively. Being married aOR=6.75 CI(1.46-31.2) p=0.014, having a master's degree aOR=0.4, CI(0.21-0.80) p=0.009, having a working day with less than ten hours ORa=0.49 CI(0.25-0.95) p=0.036 and obesity aOR=0.38 CI (0.15-0.95) p=0.039 were associated with a low level of knowledge of COVID-19. The variables associated with preventive practices were being over the age of 50 aOR=0.52 CI(0.27-0.98) p=0.007, working in the hospitalization area aOR=1.86 CI(1.08-3.18) p= 0.018 and having comorbidities such as arterial hypertension aOR=0.28 CI(0.081-0.99) p=0.02 and obesity aOR=0.35 CI(0.14-0.83) p=0.019. In relation to negative attitudes towards COVID-19, it was found that physical contact with patients with a confirmed diagnosis aOR=1.84 CI (1.14-2.97) p=0.006 and having asthma aOR=2.13 CI(1.081-4.22) p=0.029 were associated with these attitudes. Conclusion: Our study revealed that health professionals have an insufficient level of knowledge of COVID-19. This is why we recommend implementing strategies such as health literacy programs among health care workers. Thus, they can help develop positive.

Factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices towards COVID-19 in health care professionals in Lima, Peru

Background: Nowadays, we are facing a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, known globally as COVID-19, which is considered a threat to global health due to its high contagiousness and rapid spread. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study in 302 health professionals. An online questionnaire consisting of questions about knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 was applied. Socio-demographic, occupational and comorbidities factors were explored. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with KAP. Results: Of the total, 25.2%, 31.5% and 37.4% had high levels of knowledge, preventive practices and risk perception attitudes respectively. Being married (aOR=6.75), having a master's degree (aOR= 0.41), having a working day with less than ten hours (ORa=0.49) and obesity (aOR=0.38) were associated with a low level of knowledge of COVID-19. The variables associated with preventive practices were being over the age of 50 (aOR=0.52), working in the hospitalization area (aOR=1.86) and having comorbidities such as arterial hypertension (aOR=0.28) and obesity (aOR=0.35). In relation to negative attitudes towards COVID 19, it was found that physical contact with patients with a confirmed diagnosis (aOR=1.84) and having asthma (aOR=2.13) were associated with these attitudes. Conclusion: Being married, having a master's degree, working less than ten hours were associated with having a low level of knowledge of COVID-19. Being older than 50, working in the hospitalization area were associated with preventive practices. Physical contact with COVID-19 patients was associated with negative attitudes.

Factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices towards COVID-19 in health care professionals in Lima, Peru

Background: Nowadays, we are facing a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, known globally as COVID-19, which is considered a threat to global health due to its high contagiousness and rapid spread. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study in 302 health professionals. An online questionnaire consisting of questions about knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 was applied. Socio-demographic, occupational and comorbidities factors were explored. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with KAP. Results: Of the total, 25.2%, 31.5% and 37.4% had high levels of knowledge, preventive practices and risk perception attitudes respectively. Being married aOR=6.75 IC(1.46-31.2) p=0.014, having a master's degree aOR=0.4, IC(0.21-0.80) p=0.009, having a working day with less than ten hours ORa=0.49 IC(0.25-0.95) p=0.036 and obesity aOR=0.38 IC (0.15-0.95) p=0.039 were associated with a low level of knowledge of COVID-19. The variables associated with preventive practices were being over the age of 50 aOR=0.52 IC(0.27-0.98) p=0.007, working in the hospitalization area aOR=1.86 IC(1.08-3.18) p= 0.018 and having comorbidities such as arterial hypertension aOR=0.28 IC(0.081-0.99) p=0.02 and obesity aOR=0.35 IC(0.14-0.83) p=0.019. In relation to negative attitudes towards COVID-19, it was found that physical contact with patients with a confirmed diagnosis aOR=1.84 IC (1.14-2.97) p=0.006 and having asthma aOR=2.13 IC(1.081-4.22) p=0.029 were associated with these attitudes. Conclusion: Our study revealed that health professionals have an insufficient level of knowledge of COVID-19. This is why we recommend implementing strategies such as health literacy programs among health care workers. Thus, they can help develop positive attitudes towards the acquisition of self-care habits at work that, in turn, improve their confidence so that health care workers can provide adequate care for their patients and protect themselves.

Assessing the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of COVID-19 among Quarantine Hotel Workers in China

During the pandemic, quarantine hotel workers face a higher risk of infection while they host quarantine guests from overseas. This study's aim is to gain an understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of quarantine hotel workers in China. A total of 170 participants took part in a cross-sectional survey to assess the KAP of quarantine hotel workers in China, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chi-square test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), descriptive analysis, and binary logistic regression were used to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with KAP levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that 62.41% have good knowledge, 94.7% have a positive attitude towards COVID-19, but only 78.2% have good practices. Most quarantine hotel workers (95.3%) are confident that COVID-19 will be successfully controlled and that China is handling the COVID-19 crisis well (98.8%). Most quarantine hotel workers are also taking personal precautions, such as avoiding crowds (80.6%) and wearing facemasks (97.6%). The results evidence that quarantine hotel workers in China have acquired the necessary knowledge, positive attitudes and proactive practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study can provide a reference for quarantine hotel workers and their targeted education and intervention.