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Riccò M, Ferraro P, Camisa V, Satta E, Zaniboni A, Ranzieri S, Baldassarre A, Zaffina S, Marchesi F. When a Neglected Tropical Disease Goes Global: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Italian Physicians towards Monkeypox, Preliminary Results. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:135. [PMID: 35878146 PMCID: PMC9316880 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7070135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox (MPX) has been regarded as a neglected tropic disease of Western and Central Africa since the early 70s. However, during May 2022, an unprecedent outbreak of MPX has involved most of European Countries, as well as North and South America. While the actual extent of this outbreak is being assessed by health authorities, we performed a pilot study on specific knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in a sample of Italian medical professionals (24-30 May 2022; 10,293 potential recipients), focusing on Occupational Physicians (OP), Public Health Professionals (PH), and General Practitioners (GP), i.e., medical professionals more likely involved in the early management of incident cases. More specifically, we inquired into their attitude on the use of variola vaccine in order to prevent MPX infection. From a total of 566 questionnaire (response rate of 5.5%), 163 participants were included in the final analyses. Knowledge status was quite unsatisfying, with substantial knowledge gaps on all aspect of MPX. In turn, analysis of risk perception suggested a substantial overlooking of MPX as a pathogen, particularly when compared to SARS-CoV-2, TB, HIV, and HBV. Overall, 58.6% of respondents were somehow favorable to implement variola vaccination in order to prevent MPX, and the main effectors of this attitude were identified in having been previously vaccinated against seasonal influenza (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 6.443, 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] 1.798-23.093), and being favorable to receive variola vaccine (aOR 21.416; 95%CI 7.290-62.914). In summary, the significant extent of knowledge gaps and the erratic risk perception, associated collectively stress the importance of appropriate information campaigns among first-line medical professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola n.2, I-42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferraro
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Direzione Sanità, Italian Railways’ Infrastructure Division, RFI SpA, I-00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Camisa
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Elia Satta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, I-43126 Parma, Italy; (E.S.); (A.Z.); (S.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Alessandro Zaniboni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, I-43126 Parma, Italy; (E.S.); (A.Z.); (S.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, I-43126 Parma, Italy; (E.S.); (A.Z.); (S.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Antonio Baldassarre
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Careggi University Hospital, I-50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Zaffina
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Federico Marchesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, I-43126 Parma, Italy; (E.S.); (A.Z.); (S.R.); (F.M.)
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Huang K, Hao X, Guo M, Deng J, Li L. A study of Chinese college students' COVID-19-related information needs and seeking behavior. ASLIB J INFORM MANAG 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/ajim-10-2020-0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeTo better meet people's information needs under the public health crisis, this study explored the information needs and seeking behavior of college students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis research utilized a survey and the convenience snowball sampling method. A sample of 400 college students was obtained.FindingsThe results revealed that college students have paid great attention to COVID-19-related information. They sought the information mainly for personal protection, obtaining the latest information and seeking information for family and friends. Their COVID-19-related information needs were diverse; at different stages, the concerns were different. Social media and mass media were both found to be the most useful tools for seeking COVID-19 information. Too much repetitive information, unclear authoritative and reliable informational sources, and difficulties in judging the authenticity of the information were the most common obstacles for them in information seeking. Nevertheless, the majority of the students agreed that they were very satisfied and somewhat satisfied with the current information services. This did not affect the students' understanding of the importance of health services provided by libraries.Originality/valueInsights into the people's information needs and information-seeking behavior of this study could help the information providers to offer appropriate information in better ways to improve the public's virus protection capabilities and maintain the stability of social order.
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Mao Y, Chen H, Wang Y, Chen S, Gao J, Dai J, Jia Y, Xiao Q, Zheng P, Fu H. How can the uptake of preventive behaviour during the COVID-19 outbreak be improved? An online survey of 4827 Chinese residents. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042954. [PMID: 33593779 PMCID: PMC7887866 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to assess the uptake of preventive behaviour during the COVID-19 outbreak and to investigate the factors influencing the uptake of preventive behaviour based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Chinese residents aged ≥18 years and 4827 participants from 31 provinces and autonomous regions were included in the current study. Uptake of preventive behaviour, attitude towards the spread of COVID-19 and preventive behaviour, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, demographic characteristics and the information attention and processing mode were measured. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associations between the potential influencing factors and uptake of preventive behaviour. RESULTS There were 2393 (52.8%) respondents reported high uptake of preventive behaviour. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that attitude towards the behaviour, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were significantly correlated with uptake of preventive behaviour, and perceived behavioural control was the strongest influencing factor (OR=4.09, 95% CI 3.57 to 4.69). Furthermore, systematic information processing mode was positively associated with high uptake of preventive behaviour compared with heuristic information processing mode (OR=2.16, 95% CI 1.67 to 2.81). CONCLUSIONS These findings are helpful for developing education and interventions to promote high uptake of preventive behaviour and enhance public health outcomes during pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Mao
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Chen
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suhong Chen
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junling Gao
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junming Dai
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingnan Jia
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianyi Xiao
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pinpin Zheng
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Fu
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Ali SH, Foreman J, Tozan Y, Capasso A, Jones AM, DiClemente RJ. Trends and Predictors of COVID-19 Information Sources and Their Relationship With Knowledge and Beliefs Related to the Pandemic: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2020; 6:e21071. [PMID: 32936775 PMCID: PMC7546863 DOI: 10.2196/21071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a heightened need to understand health information seeking behaviors to address disparities in knowledge and beliefs about the crisis. OBJECTIVE This study assessed sociodemographic predictors of the use and trust of different COVID-19 information sources, as well as the association between information sources and knowledge and beliefs about the pandemic. METHODS An online survey was conducted among US adults in two rounds during March and April 2020 using advertisement-based recruitment on social media. Participants were asked about their use of 11 different COVID-19 information sources as well as their most trusted source of information. The selection of COVID-related knowledge and belief questions was based on past empirical literature and salient concerns at the time of survey implementation. RESULTS The sample consisted of 11,242 participants. When combined, traditional media sources (television, radio, podcasts, or newspapers) were the largest sources of COVID-19 information (91.2%). Among those using mainstream media sources for COVID-19 information (n=7811, 69.5%), popular outlets included CNN (24.0%), Fox News (19.3%), and other local or national networks (35.2%). The largest individual information source was government websites (87.6%). They were also the most trusted source of information (43.3%), although the odds of trusting government websites were lower among males (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.58, 95% CI 0.53-0.63) and those aged 40-59 years and ≥60 years compared to those aged 18-39 years (AOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.92; AOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.54-0.71). Participants used an average of 6.1 sources (SD 2.3). Participants who were male, aged 40-59 years or ≥60 years; not working, unemployed, or retired; or Republican were likely to use fewer sources while those with children and higher educational attainment were likely to use more sources. Participants surveyed in April were markedly less likely to use (AOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.35-0.46) and trust (AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.47-0.56) government sources. The association between information source and COVID-19 knowledge was mixed, while many COVID-19 beliefs were significantly predicted by information source; similar trends were observed with reliance on different types of mainstream media outlets. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 information source was significantly determined by participant sociodemographic characteristics and was also associated with both knowledge and beliefs about the pandemic. Study findings can help inform COVID-19 health communication campaigns and highlight the impact of using a variety of different and trusted information sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahmir H Ali
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joshua Foreman
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yesim Tozan
- Global Health Program, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ariadna Capasso
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Abbey M Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ralph J DiClemente
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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Aljamili AA. Knowledge and practice toward seasonal influenza vaccine and its barriers at the community level in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:1331-1339. [PMID: 32509612 PMCID: PMC7266234 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1011_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The important role of vaccination and preventive health care has been shown in several studies conducted worldwide. Despite the annual high infection rate of influenza, there are still many people who opt not to get vaccinated and be protected. We conducted this study to explore the knowledge, practices, and barriers of a Saudi Arabian population toward influenza vaccination. METHODS We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that was distributed online through social media to adult males and females aged 18 years old and above in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS A total of 778 individuals responded to the survey, 193 (24.8%) males and 585 (75.2%) females. Male respondents tended to have a better knowledge of influenza and flu vaccine than females. However, there were more females who have been vaccinated. More males believed that they do not belong to the high-risk group compared to females (P < 0.001). The younger age group of respondents significantly had a better knowledge of flu vaccine and influenza (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the older age group of respondents (age 45-60 and age >60 years old) have more reasons and barriers to have the vaccine. CONCLUSION Knowledge of influenza and flu vaccine is relatively high, but the translation of this knowledge into practice is poor. The paradigm shift should be focused not only on knowledge of vaccines and vaccination but to attitudes and practices that will address barriers to getting the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A. Aljamili
- Department of Family Medicine, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination in Hematological Malignancies: a Systematic Review of Efficacy, Effectiveness, and Safety. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2016; 8:e2016044. [PMID: 27648207 PMCID: PMC5016013 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2016.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The risk of getting influenza and pneumococcal disease is higher in cancer patients, and serum antibody levels tend to be lower in patients with hematological malignancy. Objective To assess flu and pneumococcal vaccinations efficacy, effectiveness, and safety in onco-hematological patients. Methods Two systematic reviews and possible meta-analysis were conducted to summarize the results of all primary study in the scientific literature about the flu and pneumococcal vaccine in onco-hematological patients. Literature searches were performed using Pub-Med and Scopus databases. StatsDirect 2.8.0 was used for the analysis. Results 22 and 26 studies were collected respectively for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Protection rate of booster dose was 30% (95% CI=6–62%) for H1N1. Pooled prevalence protection rate of H3N2 and B was available for meta-analysis only for first dose, 42.6% (95% CI=23.2 – 63.3 %) and 39.6 % (95% CI=26%–54.1%) for H3N2 and B, respectively. Response rate of booster dose resulted 35% (95% CI=19.7–51.2%) for H1N1, 23% (95% CI=16.6–31.5%) for H3N2, 29% (95% CI=21.3–37%) for B. Conclusion Despite the low rate of response, flu, and pneumococcal vaccines are worthwhile for patients with hematological malignancies. Patients undergoing chemotherapy in particular rituximab, splenectomy, transplant recipient had lower and impaired response. No serious adverse events were reported for both vaccines.
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Perceptions and behavioral responses of the general public during the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic: a systematic review. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2015; 9:207-19. [PMID: 25882127 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2014.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The public plays an important role in controlling the spread of a virus by adopting preventive measures. This systematic literature review aimed to gain insight into public perceptions and behavioral responses to the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, with a focus on trends over time and regional differences. We screened 5498 articles and identified 70 eligible studies from PubMed, Embase, and PsychINFO. Public misconceptions were apparent regarding modes of transmission and preventive measures. Perceptions and behaviors evolved during the pandemic. In most countries, perceived vulnerability increased, but perceived severity, anxiety, self-efficacy, and vaccination intention decreased. Improved hygienic practices and social distancing were practiced most commonly. However, vaccination acceptance remained low. Marked regional differences were noted. To prevent misconceptions, it is important that health authorities provide up-to-date information about the virus and possible preventive measures during future outbreaks. Health authorities should continuously monitor public perceptions and misconceptions. Because public perceptions and behaviors varied between countries during the pandemic, risk communication should be tailored to the specific circumstances of each country. Finally, the use of health behavior theories in studies of public perceptions and behaviors during outbreaks would greatly facilitate the development of effective public health interventions that counter the effect of an outbreak.
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Börjesson M, Enander A. Perceptions and sociodemographic factors influencing vaccination uptake and precautionary behaviours in response to the A/H1N1 influenza in Sweden. Scand J Public Health 2013; 42:215-22. [PMID: 24259541 DOI: 10.1177/1403494813510790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In response to the 2009 outbreak of A/H1N1 influenza, Swedish authorities decided on a programme for universal vaccination. Over 60% of the population received at least one dose of vaccine. This study examines demographic factors and perceptions related to the decision whether or not to become vaccinated. METHODS A combined web/postal survey was conducted (n = 1587, response rate 53%) in late spring 2010. Questions reported here concerned perceptions, precautionary behaviours and vaccination decision. RESULTS Main reasons for becoming vaccinated were concerns about spreading the disease to relatives or in the community and confidence in the good effect of vaccination. Vaccination rates were higher among women, those with young children or belonging to a risk group. Main reasons for abstaining were belief that the flu was not a serious threat, low risk of spreading the disease, concern about side-effects and perceived uncertainties in information. Three profiles representing different patterns of thought and beliefs were identified by cluster analysis, respectively labelled as a vulnerable, a trusting and a sceptical group. Vaccination rates and precautionary behaviours were demonstrated to differ between these groups. CONCLUSIONS Perceptions relating to the 2009 pandemic are likely to influence uptake of vaccination in the future. Authorities need to be aware of different patterns of beliefs and attitudes among the public, and that these may vary in different phases. Communication of risk needs to be dynamic and prepared to engage with the public before, during and even for some time after the acute risk period.
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Garcia-Continente X, Serral G, López MJ, Pérez A, Nebot M. Long-term effect of the influenza A/H1N1 pandemic: attitudes and preventive behaviours one year after the pandemic. Eur J Public Health 2013; 23:679-81. [PMID: 23748851 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckt068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to describe changes in attitudes and behaviours regarding influenza A infection 1 year after the end of the pandemic. A cross-sectional study was performed based on two population-based telephone surveys including 1027 (February, 2010) and 1000 (February, 2011) participants in Spain. The percentages of the respondents who reported that they had adopted preventive measures to avoid Influenza infection declined 1 year after the pandemic. Influenza-related consultations decreased, whereas confidence in vaccination increased. Despite the decrease observed in adopting preventive measures, some behaviours were still being adopted long time after the pandemic in general population.
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Kassam A, Papish A, Modgill G, Patten S. The development and psychometric properties of a new scale to measure mental illness related stigma by health care providers: the Opening Minds Scale for Health Care Providers (OMS-HC). BMC Psychiatry 2012; 12:62. [PMID: 22694771 PMCID: PMC3681304 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-12-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the attitudes of health care providers towards people with mental illness has repeatedly shown that they may be stigmatizing. Many scales used to measure attitudes towards people with mental illness that exist today are not adequate because they do not have items that relate specifically to the role of the health care provider. METHODS We developed and tested a new scale called the Opening Minds Scale for Health Care Providers (OMS-HC). After item-pool generation, stakeholder consultations and content validation, focus groups were held with 64 health care providers/trainees and six people with lived experience of mental illness to develop the scale. The OMS-HC was then tested with 787 health care providers/trainees across Canada to determine its psychometric properties. RESULTS The initial testing OMS-HC scale showed good internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha = 0.82 and satisfactory test-retest reliability, intraclass correlation = 0.66 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.75). The OMC-HC was only weakly correlated with social desirability, indicating that the social desirability bias was not likely to be a major determinant of OMS-HC scores. A factor analysis favoured a two-factor structure which accounted for 45% of the variance using 12 of the 20 items tested. CONCLUSIONS The OMS-HC provides a good starting point for further validation as well as a tool that could be used in the evaluation of programs aimed at reducing mental illness related stigma by health care providers. The OMS-HC incorporates various dimensions of stigma with a modest number of items that can be used with busy health care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya Kassam
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of
Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N
4 N1, Canada
| | - Andriyka Papish
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Calgary, 1403 - 29 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 2T9,
Canada
| | - Geeta Modgill
- Opening Minds Anti-Stigma Initiative, Mental Health Commission of Canada,
Suite 800, 10301 Southport Lane SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 1S7, Canada
| | - Scott Patten
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, 3rd Floor
TRW, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, T2N 4Z6, Canada
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