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Zemni I, Zemni K, Gara A, Maatouk A, Ben Fredj M, Abroug H, Kacem M, Benasrallah C, Dhouib W, Bouanene I, Belguith Sriha A. Associated factors with adherence to preventive behaviors related to COVID-19 among medical students in the university of Monastir, Tunisia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280921. [PMID: 36917588 PMCID: PMC10013900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medical students should act as a model for the community in terms of compliance with preventive practices toward COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to preventive behaviors related to COVID-19 among medical students and to identify its associated factors. POPULATION AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey in October 2020 in the faculty of medicine of Monastir. We included a representative sample of medical students during registration days for the 2020-2021 academic year. The data were collected through a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. Eleven items related to preventive practices against COVID-19 were assessed (respiratory hygiene practices (Six Item), hand hygiene practices (Three Items) and social distancing (two items)). Items were evaluated using a Likert scale of five points (from 0: (Never) to 4: (Always)). The score obtained from the sum of these items allowed to classify students into two categories: "Good compliance" if the score was ≥ 80% and "Poor compliance" if the score was less than 80%. Scores were compared according to the study population characteristics. Multivariate analysis was used to identify associated factors with good practices. The threshold of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS We included 678 medical students. The average age was 21.76 (SD = 1.89 years) with a sex ratio of 0.40. The protection measures most respected by the participants were related to the respiratory hygiene: correct coverage of the nose and mouth with the mask (80%), wearing masks regardless of the presence of symptoms (73.3%) and coverage of the mouth during coughing or sneezing (76.6%). Adherence to hand hygiene measures ranged from 51.4% to 66.3%. The least respected measures were related to social distancing: distancing of at least one meter from others (31.2%) and avoiding crowded places (42.5%). An overall score ≥ 80% was obtained among 61.5% of students. Referring to multivariate analysis, variables that positively affected the overall score of preventive measures related to COVID-19 were the female sex and living alone, with Beta coefficients of 3.82 and 1.37 respectively. The perceived level of stress, E-cigarette and Chicha consumption negatively affected the score with Beta coefficients of (-0.13), (-5.11) and (-2.33) respectively. CONCLUSION The level of adherence to good practice among medical students was overall moderate. Awareness programs would be needed in this population, especially for men and those who smoke and vape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Zemni
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Technology and Medical Imaging Research Laboratory—LTIM—LR12ES06, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- * E-mail:
| | - Kaouthar Zemni
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Amal Gara
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Amani Maatouk
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Manel Ben Fredj
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Technology and Medical Imaging Research Laboratory—LTIM—LR12ES06, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Hela Abroug
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Technology and Medical Imaging Research Laboratory—LTIM—LR12ES06, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Meriem Kacem
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Technology and Medical Imaging Research Laboratory—LTIM—LR12ES06, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Cyrine Benasrallah
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Technology and Medical Imaging Research Laboratory—LTIM—LR12ES06, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Dhouib
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Technology and Medical Imaging Research Laboratory—LTIM—LR12ES06, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Ines Bouanene
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Asma Belguith Sriha
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Technology and Medical Imaging Research Laboratory—LTIM—LR12ES06, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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Tao Z, Xu Q, Zhu Y, Mei Q, Feng H, Jin Q, Ding S, Dong Y. Relationship between health literacy and COVID-19 knowledge: A cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1058029. [PMID: 36891332 PMCID: PMC9986311 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1058029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Health literacy (HL) is a protective factor for some chronic diseases. However, its role in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not been clarified. This study aims to explore the association between HL and COVID-19 knowledge among residents in Ningbo. Methods A total of 6,336 residents aged 15-69 years in Ningbo were selected by multi-stage stratified random sampling method. The "Health Literacy Questionnaire of Chinese Citizens (2020)" was used to evaluate the relationship between COVID-19 knowledge and HL. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results The HL and COVID-19 knowledge levels of Ningbo residents were 24.8% and 15.7%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, people with adequate HL were the more likely to have adequate COVID-19 knowledge compared with those with limited HL (OR = 3.473, 95% CI = 2.974-4.057, P <0.001). Compared with the limited HL group, the adequate HL group had a higher rate of COVID-19 knowledge, a more positive attitude, and a more active behavior. Conclusion COVID-19 knowledge is significantly associated with HL. Improving HL may influence people's knowledge about COVID-19, thereby changing people's behaviors, and finally combating the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenbo Tao
- Ningbo Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qianqian Xu
- Ningbo Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingying Zhu
- Ningbo Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiuhong Mei
- Ningbo Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongwei Feng
- Ningbo Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiuyan Jin
- Ningbo Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shige Ding
- Ningbo Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Dong
- Ningbo Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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Bianchi FP, Stefanizzi P, Brescia N, Lattanzio S, Martinelli A, Tafuri S. COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in Italian healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1289-1300. [PMID: 35757890 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2093723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As for other vaccines, vaccination hesitancy may be a determining factor in the success (or otherwise) of the COVID-19 immunization campaign in healthcare workers (HCWs). AREAS COVERED To estimate the proportion of HCWs in Italy who expressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, we conducted a systematic review of the relevant literature and a meta-analysis. Determinants of vaccine compliance and options suggested by these studies to address vaccine hesitancy among HCWs were also analyzed. Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis and systematic review, selected from scientific articles available in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases between January 1, 2020 and January 25, 2022. The vaccine hesitancy rate among HCWs was 13.1% (95%CI: 6.9-20.9%). The vaccine hesitancy rate among HCWs investigated before and during the vaccination campaign was 18.2% (95%CI=12.8-24.2%) and 8.9% (95%CI=3.4-16.6%), respectively. That main reasons for vaccine hesitation were lack of information about vaccination, opinion that the vaccine is unsafe, and fear of adverse events. EXPERT OPINION Despite strategies to achieve a greater willingness to immunize in this category, mandatory vaccination appears to be one of the most important measures that can guarantee the protection of HCWs and the patients they care for.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari
| | - Nazario Brescia
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari
| | - Sabrina Lattanzio
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari
| | - Andrea Martinelli
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari
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Ali G, Abbas S, Qamer FM, Irteza SM. Environmental spatial heterogeneity of the impacts of COVID-19 on the top-20 metropolitan cities of Asia-Pacific. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20339. [PMID: 34645879 PMCID: PMC8514535 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99546-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the environmental spatial heterogeneity of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and spatial and temporal changes among the top-20 metropolitan cities of the Asia-Pacific. Remote sensing-based assessment is performed to analyze before and during the lockdown amid COVID-19 lockdown in the cities. Air pollution and mobility data of each city (Bangkok, Beijing, Busan, Dhaka, Delhi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Karachi, Mumbai, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Wuhan, and few others) have been collected and analyzed for 2019 and 2020. Results indicated that almost every city was impacted positively regarding environmental emissions and visible reduction were found in Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations before and during lockdown periods of 2020 as compared to those of 2019. The highest NO2 emission reduction (~ 50%) was recorded in Wuhan city during the lockdown of 2020. AOD was highest in Beijing and lowest in Colombo (< 10%). Overall, 90% movement was reduced till mid-April, 2020. A 98% reduction in mobility was recorded in Delhi, Seoul, and Wuhan. This analysis suggests that smart mobility and partial shutdown policies could be developed to reduce environmental pollutions in the region. Wuhan city is one of the benchmarks and can be replicated for the rest of the Asian cities wherever applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghaffar Ali
- College of Management, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Sawaid Abbas
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Faisal Mueen Qamer
- International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, 44700, Nepal
| | - Syed Muhammad Irteza
- Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab (RSGCRL), National Center of GIS and Space Applications, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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