Knowledge, attitude and practices related to COVID-19 among young Lebanese population

An examination of the relationship between risk perceptions, cultural-religious beliefs and coping during COVID-19 pandemic control in South Asian countries: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Covid 19 was declared as a public health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to its rapid spread and catastrophic effects on health. It affected around 119 M people with mortality rate of 0.27% worldwide, including South-Asians. This review aims to understand the risk perceptions, cultural religious beliefs and the coping mechanisms of South Asians during the Covid 19 pandemic.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following search engines were used: Medline, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Included studies investigated perceptions and opinions of individuals on knowledge, risk and protective factors, native faith based practices, and attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

The database search produced 282 articles to screen. The final narrative synthesis included five studies comprising of 13,476 participants from Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Ten studies, comprising 7,893 participants, were eligible and included for meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence with maximum heterogeneity for correct knowledge of symptoms, hand washing or use of sanitizers, face masking use of herbal or traditional remedies and physical distancing or avoidance of contact was reported through meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

The review brings forth a useful comparison of individual and cultural differences in KAP, risk perceptions and coping strategies. This review highlights the need for and importance of tailored information dissemination, culturally sensitive risk communication, targeted educational interventions, community engagement and empowerment, policy, and infrastructure improvements, as well as continued research and data collection. By addressing these implications, efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 can be more effective and equitable across diverse populations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42021246475.

The Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in a Caribbean Colombian Population That Recovered from COVID-19 during the Pandemic

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to COVID-19 among Colombians. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out during the pandemic between November 2020 and May 2021 using a survey that focused on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19. The online survey was completed by 1424 participants who had a history of COVID-19 illness, and the study spanned 3 months. Many respondents were male students who demonstrated adequate knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and prevention measures, although their understanding of its transmission routes was limited. Nevertheless, 65.9% expressed optimism that COVID-19 would ultimately be successfully controlled, and 71.8% had confidence in the Colombian government's handling of the crisis. Additionally, more than half of the participants admitted to visiting crowded places, and this practice was more common among those who were less informed about COVID-19. However, many respondents reported using face masks in public. This highlights a significant gap between theoretical knowledge and actual practices that need to be addressed. To bridge this gap, establishing an interdisciplinary support network is crucial, as is launching mass education campaigns targeting specific population groups, and compiling reports on successful practices implemented during the pandemic. These efforts are essential for enhancing the overall level of knowledge, and the attitudes and practices related to COVID-19, and also for preparing for future health emergencies.

The determinants of sustained adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among older Syrian refugees in Lebanon

INTRODUCTION

Lebanon has battled the COVID-19 pandemic in the midst of an economic crisis. The evolution of the pandemic and a fragile health system have meant that public health policy has had to rely heavily on non-pharmaceutical interventions for disease control. However, changes in disease dynamics, an unraveling economy, and pandemic fatigue have meant that disease control policies need to be updated.

METHODS

Using recent and timely data on older (50 years and above) Syrian refugees in Lebanon, this paper uses multivariate linear probability models to explore the determinants of adherence to two non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 prevention measures (wearing a mask and avoiding social gatherings) among this high-risk subgroup in a vulnerable population. Among respondents who report adhering to these measures, the paper also investigates the determinants of sustained adherence over a period of 6 months.

RESULTS

The findings suggest that no individual-level characteristics were robustly associated with mask wearing. For avoiding social gatherings, education was inversely associated with adherence to this preventive measure. Avoiding social gatherings was also significantly lower for residents of informal tented settlements (ITSs). Among initial adherents, and for both preventive practices, ITS dwellers were also significantly less likely to maintain adherence.

CONCLUSION

Identifying variables associated with adherence to non-pharmaceutical preventive practices, particularly for vulnerable groups, can help inform and refine interventions in the face of changing conditions. The material, physical, administrative and socio-economic constraints of life in an ITS suggest that avoiding social gatherings is hardly feasible. Yet despite the challenging conditions of ITSs, the indication to wear a mask is initially complied with, suggesting that tailoring policies to the limits and constrains of context can lead to successful outcomes even in very adverse settings.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of infection prevention and control among radiographers in a resource constraint setting in Namibia

Background

Radiographers' role as healthcare workers places them at constant risk for hospital-acquired infections. Practical, evidence-based methods are necessary to reduce the transmission of pathogens to and from patients and healthcare workers.

Objective

The main objectives of this study were to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice levels regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies among radiographers in Windhoek and Oshakati, and measure their relationships with other variables.

Method

A quantitative descriptive design was employed. To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice levels among radiographers, a self-administered questionnaire was used. Twenty-seven radiographers took part in the study, producing a 68% response rate.

Results

The study revealed that the majority of the radiographers showed an appropriate level of overall knowledge and attitude toward infection prevention and control. However, the majority of their practice levels were poor. Pearson rank correlation test revealed that the radiographers' knowledge was significantly associated with attitudes (P= 0.004; r=0.53) and practices (P=0.03; r=- 0.41) with a moderate positive and negative correlation, respectively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the study revealed that radiographers are knowledgeable about IPC strategies, and have good attitudes toward them. However, their practice was poor and inconsistent with the level of knowledge demonstrated. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare service managers establish efficient and rigorous means of monitoring adherence to IPC strategies and improving practices to reduce incidences of health-acquired infections among radiographers, especially in the age of a pandemic.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior toward COVID-19 Vaccination in Young Italians

Purpose: The knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of young Italians towards the COVID-19 vaccination were analyzed in order to provide information useful to elaborate the strategies that can be implemented to obtain the best possible vaccination coverage in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 5313 young people aged between 11 and 30 years. Data were collected through an online survey during the period from 1 to 10 March 2021. The answers to the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Intention to vaccinate was studied by univariate analysis using Pearson’s chi-square test to assess differences between groups for categorical variables, and by multivariate analysis applying the binary logistic regression model, and the Hosmer−Lemeshow test was performed to assess goodness of fit. Results: Television (32.1%), internet/search engine (25.9%), and social networks (10.4%) were the main sources of information for young Italians. The survey analysis showed that 74.5% (3956) of the respondents were willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19 versus 25.5% (1357) who were against it. Demographic data, in particular, age, gender, experience with influenza vaccine, and level of knowledge about the disease, were significant determinants (p < 0.001) for the choice to vaccinate against COVID-19. Discussion: These results suggest that in order to implement the vaccination campaign, correct information is needed to improve awareness of the vaccine and COVID-19, while also taking into account the target group, which differs not only in age but also in the sources of information used compared to the adult population.

Associated factors with adherence to preventive behaviors related to COVID-19 among medical students in the university of Monastir, Tunisia

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.

Perceptions of, and Obstacles to, SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Among Adults in Lebanon: Cross-sectional Online Survey

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic is an additional burden on Lebanon's fragmented health care system and adds to its ongoing political, economic, and refugee crises. Vaccination is an important means of reducing the impact of the pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

Our study's aims were to (1) assess the prevalences of intention to vaccinate and vaccine hesitancy in Lebanon; (2) determine how vaccine hesitancy in Lebanon varies by sociodemographic, economic, and geographic characteristics; and (3) understand individuals' motivations for vaccinating as well as concerns and obstacles to vaccination.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study from January 29, 2021, to March 11, 2021, using an online questionnaire of open- and closed-ended questions in Arabic via convenience "snowball" sampling to assess the perceptions of adults residing in Lebanon.

RESULTS

Of the 1185 adults who participated in the survey, 46.1% (95% CI: 43.2%-49.0%) intended to receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine when available to them, 19.0% (95% CI 16.8%-21.4%) indicated they would not, and 34.0% (95% CI 31.3%-36.8%) were unsure (with an additional 0.9% skipping this question). The most common reasons for hesitancy were concerns about safety, limited testing, side effects, and efficacy. Top motivations for vaccinating were to protect oneself, protect one's family and the public, and end the pandemic. Despite financial hardships in Lebanon, barriers to vaccine access were not frequently described as concerns. Established health care facilities, rather than new temporary vaccination centers, were most frequently selected as preferred vaccination sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccine hesitancy appears to be high in Lebanon. Disseminating clear, consistent, evidence-based safety and efficacy information on vaccines may help reduce vaccine hesitancy, especially among the large proportion of adults who appear to be unsure about (rather than opposed to) vaccination.

Knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 preventive measures among adults in Bhutan: A cross-sectional study

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major global health challenge. Preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 require the involvement of all sections of society. Knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures influence human practices. We describe the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of COVID-19 preventive measure in Bhutan. This was a cross-sectional survey using multistage-cluster sampling involving participants from all 20 districts of the country. The knowledge was assessed using 12 items, attitude using 6 Likert items and practice using 10 items. There was total of 1708 respondents. The mean knowledge was 10.7, (SD = 1.5; range 0-12); 86.38% had good knowledge, 10.95% had average knowledge, 2.69% had poor knowledge. The common sources of knowledge were television (84.9%) and family and friends (74.7%). Those younger than 30 years were associated with good knowledge. The fear of contracting COVID-19 was reported by 96% and 86.4% agreed that appropriate preventive measures can help control the spread of COVID-19. Nearly all the respondents (97%) wore mask while going out and majority practiced good hand hygiene (87.9%) and proper cough etiquette (84.1%). The knowledge on COVID-19 preventive measures was good and the majority held positive attitudes and practices.

Parents' knowledge, attitude, and practices towards COVID-19 in children: A Lebanese cross-sectional study

Introduction

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a serious public health crisis, can affect all ages, even children. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices of parents living in Lebanon towards the COVID-19 in children.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between June and July 2021, targeting parents living in Lebanon. The questionnaire was divided into 4 parts: socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude, and practices. A score was calculated to evaluate parents' knowledge towards COVID-19 in children. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted. Then, determinants of COVID-19 knowledge were assessed using multivariable linear regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 429 parents were included. The mean knowledge score was 11.28 ± 2.19 out of 15. Knowledge was significantly lower among older (p = 0.022), and single parents (p = 0.035), who don't know if COVID-19 is a serious disease (p < 0.001) and if it will be successfully controlled (p = 0.007), and higher among female parents (p = 0.006). The majority of parents had a positive attitude and good practices towards COVID-19 in children, but 76.7% of them were worried about their child getting coronavirus. About 66.9% of parents expressed their willingness to vaccinate their kids when a vaccine would be available for them, and 66.2% answered that they are sending or willing to send their children to the school or the nursery.

Conclusions

Parents' knowledge about COVID-19 in children was good, but remains lower among older and single parents. Health authorities should conduct awareness campaigns to target specific groups of parents who lacked critical knowledge about COVID-19 in children.

Pregnant women's knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 infection prevention in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection during pregnancy causes adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, severe illness, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and death. Pregnant women's knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards COVID-19 infection prevention are crucial to ensure the health of the mother and foetus. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of pregnant women's KAP towards COVID-19 infection prevention in Ethiopia.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Online Journal, and Web of Sciences database to retrieve related articles. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline was used. Funnel plot and Eggers test were done to assess publication bias. Cochrane Q-test and I2 statistic were done to chick evidence of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was computed based on the study region and year of publication. Data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA version 14 statistical software. Weighted inverse variance random effect model was run to estimate the pooled prevalence of pregnant women's KAP towards COVID-19 infection prevention.

RESULTS

A total of 9 studies with 4,103 pregnant women were included. The pooled prevalence of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 infection prevention among pregnant women's in Ethiopia were 60.24% (95% CI; 53.69 to 66.79, I2 = 95%), 62.46% (95% CI; 45.68, 79.23, I2 = 98.8%), and 52.29% (95% CI; 43.91%-60.66% I2 = 96.5%) respectively. Maternal age (AOR = 1.87, 1.40-2.49), residence (AOR = 2.23, 1.50-3.31), secondary and above educational status (AOR = 3.36, 2.46-4.58), good knowledge (AOR = 2.73, 2.18-3.41), and fear of COVID-19 infection (AOR = 2.60, 1.78, 3.80) were factors associated with COVID-19 infection prevention practice among pregnant women's in Ethiopia.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 infection prevention among pregnant women were low. Therefore, policymakers, maternal and child health program planners, and stakeholders should target to improve pregnant women's awareness regarding COVID-19 infection preventive measures.

Lessons to be Learned: The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Turkish People towards the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

The world experienced the greatest pandemic of the 21^st century with the emergence of a new and readily transmissible the coronavirus disease. Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the public towards the pandemic is an essential part of developing effective preventive strategies.

Aim

The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19) among population in Istanbul.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional and multi-stage, stratified random sampling based on multi-center population of Istanbul. A total of 5,414 persons were contacted and 4361 participants (80.5%) gave consent. The data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple regression analyses.

Results

There were significant differences between low education and high educational level with respect to age groups, gender, occupation, income, residence, number of rooms and family members (P < 0.001). Responses concerning knowledge of COVID-19 indicated that subjects with high education level were significantly higher regarding knowledge of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and methods of detecting COVID-19 respectively. Majority of the participants consider COVID-19 risk is higher than AIDS or Cancer (75.8% of low education vs. 67.2% of high education level (P < 0.001). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis revealed that monthly income status (P < 0.001), appropriate method of detecting COVID-19 (P < 0.001), occupational status (P < 0.001), medical mask prevent against COVID-19 (P < 0.001), eating or contacting wild animals (P < 0.001), isolation and treatment of people reduce risk (P < 0.001), isolation 14 days (P < 0.001), avoid going to crowded places such as train-metro, bus, restaurants and shopping (P = 0.003), COVID-19 spreads via-respiratory droplets (P = 0.004), afraid of travel (P = 0.026) were significantly associated with COVID-19 knowledge.

Conclusions

The current study results revealed that the educational level and occupation especially sedentary are correlated positively with knowledge, attitude and practices. This finding is not surprising since higher education levels and professional status are associated with good KAP in most epidemic diseases including COVID-19. Nevertheless, the recent experience with COVID-19 has provided lessons on strategy and policy making.

Communication, information, and knowledge in the pandemic by COVID-19 in Brazil

As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is asserting itself as a health crisis, it is necessary to assess the knowledge and perceptions of people about the disease. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of the general population about COVID-19 and how the media influence this knowledge. This is a cross-sectional study with 5066 participants who answered an online questionnaire between April and May 2020. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. Over 75% have obtained a high degree of knowledge regarding signs, symptoms, and transmission, 95% stated to check the veracity of the information received, and also showed that the total knowledge about COVID-19 was associated with the level of instruction, with the perception of the quality of information disseminated by the media, and with the risk perception. Despite the high level of knowledge of participants, the results pointed to the need to reinforce information for individuals with less education and the importance of avoiding denialism that reduces the risk perception about COVID-19.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Toward Prevention of COVID-19 Among Jimma Town Residents: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported by the World Health Organization on 31 December 2019, and later, it was declared a global pandemic on 12 March 2020. To date, it is a great challenge to the world including Ethiopia. Therefore, to attain effective prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic, improving the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the community is necessary.

Objective

To assess, knowledge, attitudes, and practice, and associated factors of COVID-19 among Jimma Town residents.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,500 Jimma town residents from May through June 2020. Adults aged ≥18 years were included in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that was adopted from different literature. A face-to-face interview was implemented to collect data. Analysis was done by using SPSS version 22. p < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Result

A total of 1,500 participants were enrolled in the study. The majority of the respondents were female (59.3%). About 841 (56.1%) of the participants had knowledge about COVID-19. Educational status, household wealth index, and employment showed association with knowledge of COVID-19. Government-owned television (37.3%) was the primary source of information about COVID-19 in the Jimma population. Only 46.6% of respondents had good attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic and about 638 (42.5%) of the study participants had good practice toward COVID-19. The mean practice score was 1.98 (± 0.319). Study participants who were residing in the outskirts of the town were 0.37 less likely to apply good practice regarding COVID-19 prevention measures than those around the center of the town. Whereas, households with a family size of four to five individuals were 1.4 times more likely to show good practice against COVID-19 compared to households with ≤3 individuals (AOR: 1.41; CI: 1.05, 1.91).

Conclusion

Jimma town community has low knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores regarding COVID-19 are significantly related to educational status, being self-employed, occupation, marital status, residence, family size, and household relative wealth index. Preventive health advisories to upraise knowledge, attitude, and practice are crucial to prevent and control COVID-19.

Citizens’ Perception of COVID-19 Passport Usefulness: A Cross Sectional Study

This paper assesses the influence on people’s perception of the utility of the immunity passport (IP) program by sociodemographic factors, infectivity status, and the objective of its use. The material of this paper is a cross-sectional survey of 400 residents in Spain. The relation between utility perception and input variables is fitted with ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and linear quantile regression (LQR). The principal explanatory variable of usefulness perception is being vaccinated, especially when the objective of the IP is regulating mobility. The OLS estimate of the coefficient regression is (cr) = 0.415 (p = 0.001). We also found a positive and significant influence of that factor in all LQRs (cr = 0.652, p = 0.0026 at level (τ) = 0.75; cr = 0.482, p = 0.0047 at τ = 0.5 and cr = 0.201, p = 0.0385 at τ = 0.25). When the objective of the IP is regulating leisure, being vaccinated is relevant only to explain the central measures of usefulness perception. If the IP is used to regulate traveling, variables related to interviewees’ infectivity have greater relevance than sociodemographic factors. When its objective is ruling assembly, the more important variables than being vaccinated are gender and age. To create an effective implementation of the IP, it is advisable to have a general agreement among the population on its convenience. Therefore, the findings in this study have important implications for public health decision-makers.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women in Bangkok, Thailand

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy is associated with increased risk for severe COVID-19. Few studies have examined knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to pregnancy during the pandemic. This study investigated the association between socio-demographic characteristics and KAP related to COVID-19 among pregnant women in an urban community in Thailand.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed among pregnant women in Bangkok, Thailand from July-August 2021. Binary logistic regression was conducted to test the association between socio-demographic characteristics and KAP related to COVID-19, and a Spearman's analysis tested correlations between KAP scores.

RESULTS

A total of 150 pregnancy survey responses were received. Most participants were third trimester (27-40 weeks gestation; 68.0%). Pregnancy had never been risked contracting COVID-19 (84.7%). Most expressed concerns about being infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy and following birth (94.0 and 70.0%, respectively). The results of binary logistic regression analysis found associations between knowledge and marital status (OR = 4.983, 95%CI 1.894-13.107). In addition, having a bachelor's degree or higher was associated with higher attitude scores (OR = 2.733, 95%CI 1.045-7.149), as was being aged 26-30 (OR = 2.413 95%CI 0.882-6.602) and 31-35 years of age (OR = 2.518-2.664, 95%CI 0.841-8.442). Higher practice scores were associated with having a bachelor's degree or higher (OR = 2.285 95%CI 1.110-6.146), and income ≥15,001 bath (OR = 4.747 95%CI 1.588-14.192). Correlation analysis found a weak positive correlation between knowledge and practice scores (r = 0.210, p-value = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

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. Knowledge on pregnancy and COVID-19 should focus on reducing fear and improving attitudes toward the care of patients as well as the promotion of preventive practices.

The Shape of the Nasal Cavity and Adaptations to Sniffing in the Dog (Canis familiaris) Compared to Other Domesticated Mammals: A Review Article

Dogs are a good starting point for the description and anatomical analysis of turbinates of the nose. This work aimed at summing up the state of knowledge on the shape of the nasal cavity and airflow in these domestic animals and dealt with the brachycephalic syndrome (BOAS) and anatomical changes in the initial airway area in dogs with a short and widened skull. As a result of artificial selection and breeding concepts, the dog population grew very quickly. Modern dog breeds are characterized by a great variety of their anatomical shape. Craniological changes also had a significant impact on the structure and physiology of the respiratory system in mammals. The shape of the nasal cavity is particularly distinctive in dogs. Numerous studies have established that dogs and their olfactory ability are of great importance in searching for lost people, detecting explosives or drugs as well as signaling disease in the human body. The manuscript describes the structure of the initial part of the respiratory system, including the nasal turbinates, and compares representatives of various animal species. It provides information on the anatomy of brachycephalic dogs and BOAS. The studies suggest that further characterization and studies of nasal turbinates and their hypertrophy are important.

Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine and Its Determinant Factors Among Lactating Mothers in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization, the United States Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, the Food and Drugs Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control recommend COVID-19 vaccination to lactating mothers without discontinuity of breastfeeding. Despite this recommendation, willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine and its determinant factors among lactating mothers were not studied in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine and its determinant factors among lactating mothers in Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed in southern Ethiopia from February 1 up to March 15, 2021. Multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. Structured and face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were clean, coded, and entered into Epi-Data version 4.2.0 and exported to SPSS version 23 software package for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable analysis were used to identify associated factors. Adjusted odds ratio along with 95% CI was used to measure the strength of association.

RESULTS

The prevalence of willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination was found to be 61% (95% CI; 56.9-65.1%). Urban residence [AOR=2.5, (95% CI; 1.62-3.91)], having secondary and above maternal educational status [AOR=2.8, (95% CI; 1.51-4.21)] mothers who had got immunization counselling [AOR=3.4, (95% CI; 1.95-5.91)], good knowledge about vaccine [AOR=2.6, (95% CI; 1.84-3.47)], and good adherence to COVID-19 mitigation measures [AOR=3.2, (95% CI; 1.91-5.63)] were determinant factors of willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine.

CONCLUSION

Urban residence, secondary and above maternal education status, immunization counselling, good knowledge about the vaccine, and good adherence to COVID-19 mitigation measures were determinant factors of willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, health professionals should counsel about the merits of COVID-19 vaccination, and enhance maternal awareness about the vaccine is recommended.

Global epidemiology of COVID-19 knowledge, attitude and practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of the global general population regarding COVID-19.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO were used to identify articles published between 1 January and 30 June 2021 assessing KAP regarding COVID-19 in the global general population. The quality of eligible studies was assessed. Random effects model was used to obtain the pooled proportion of each component of KAP of COVID-19. Heterogeneity (I2) was tested, and subgroup and correlation analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Out of 3099 records, 84 studies from 45 countries across all continents assessing 215 731 participants' COVID-19 KAP were included in this study. The estimated overall correct answers for knowledge, good attitude and good practice in this review were 75% (95% CI 72% to 77%), 74% (95% CI 71% to 77%) and 70% (95% CI 66% to 74%), respectively. Low-income countries, men, people aged below 30 years and people with 12 years of education or less had the lowest practice scores. Practice scores were below 60% in Africa and Europe/Oceania. Overall heterogeneity was high (I2 ≥98%), and publication bias was present (Egger's regression test, p<0.01). A positive significant correlation between knowledge and practice (r=0.314, p=0.006), and attitude and practice (r=0.348, p=0.004) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study's findings call for community-based awareness programmes to provide a simple, clear and understandable message to reinforce knowledge especially regarding efficacy of the preventive measures in low and lower middle-income countries, and in Africa and Europe/Oceania, which will translate into good practice. Targeted intervention for men, people with low education, unemployed people and people aged below 30 years should be recommended. As most of the included studies were online surveys, underprivileged and remote rural people may have been missed out. Additional studies are needed to cover heterogeneous populations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020203476.