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Shawahna R. Epilepsy knowledge and attitudes: A large observational study among the Palestinian general public. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23707. [PMID: 38187269 PMCID: PMC10767192 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Epileptic seizures are often misunderstood as supernatural power or satanic possession in different cultures around the world. Therefore, people with epilepsy (PWE) suffer discrimination, prejudice, and stigma. The epilepsy knowledge and attitude (EKA) of the Palestinian general public were not assessed before. Therefore, this study assessed the EKA of the Palestinian general public. In addition, the study identified the characteristics that were associated with EKA. Methods This was a large cross-sectional study that was conducted using a self-administered instrument. The study participants were invited and recruited from the Palestinian general public. The EKA were assessed using 16 knowledge items and 13 attitude items. Results In this study, responses were collected from 746 participants. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with having a university degree, satisfaction with household income, adequate knowledge about epilepsy, having acquaintances with epilepsy, and having witnessed someone experiencing epileptic seizures. Attitude scores were significantly associated with living in urban areas, being married, having a university degree, satisfaction with household income, adequate knowledge about epilepsy, having acquaintances with epilepsy, and having witnessed someone experiencing epileptic seizures. Conclusion Large knowledge gaps and negative attitudes toward PWE were identified among the Palestinian general public. These findings might be considered a call to increase knowledge and correct negative attitudes toward PWE. Decision-makers need to design and implement effective measures to increase knowledge and correct negative attitudes toward PWE. Further studies are still needed to assess the effectiveness of these measures in increasing knowledge and positive attitudes toward PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
- Clinical Research Center, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, Palestine
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Shawahna R, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Hijaz H, Arjan E, Karaki M, Nasser K. Fear of anesthesia for cesarean section among pregnant women: a multicenter cross-sectional study. Perioper Med (Lond) 2023; 12:63. [PMID: 38001519 PMCID: PMC10675949 DOI: 10.1186/s13741-023-00353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of anesthesia for cesarean section delivery is an important health issue that should be addressed by anesthesiologists, obstetricians, and other providers of antenatal and perioperative healthcare. This multicenter study was conducted to assess the fear of anesthesia for cesarean section among Palestinian pregnant women and to identify the predictors of high fear. METHODS The study was conducted in a cross-sectional design among Palestinian pregnant women in different antenatal healthcare clinics. The study participants were recruited using a convenience sampling procedure. The pregnant women were asked to respond to items in a questionnaire. RESULTS In this study, a total of 394 pregnant women completed the questionnaires. Of the pregnant women, 280 (71.1%) have had cesarean delivery under anesthesia, and 104 (26.4%) elected cesarean delivery. Multiple linear regression showed that higher fear scores were predicted by having a university degree (p-value < 0.001), living in rural areas (p-value = 0.007), dissatisfaction with social life (p-value = 0.004), satisfaction with religious commitment (p-value = 0.001), having had cesarean delivery under anesthesia (p-value = 0.005), and preference of cesarean delivery (p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION Fear of anesthesia was prevalent among pregnant women in Palestine. Higher fear could be predicted by education level, place of residence, satisfaction with social life, satisfaction with religious commitment, having had cesarean delivery under anesthesia, and preference for normal delivery. Anesthesiologists, gynecologists and obstetricians, nurses, midwives, and other providers of antenatal and perioperative healthcare services should consider these factors while counseling pregnant women and addressing their fear of anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
- Clinical Research Center, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
| | - Mohammad Jaber
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
- An-Najah National University Hospital, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Iyad Maqboul
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
- An-Najah National University Hospital, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Hatim Hijaz
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
- An-Najah National University Hospital, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Eman Arjan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Maisa Karaki
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Keen Nasser
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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HNAIHEN KARRARABBAS, FAREED WASENABDULAMEERALI, AL-MUSSA ZAINABHUSSAINTAHER. Knowledge of healthcare workers to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in hospitals of Thi-Qar Governorate, Iraq. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2787. [PMID: 38020271 PMCID: PMC10658470 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is considered one of the nosocomial infections that can infect patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) and negatively affect the quality of care provided in the hospital. Evaluate the knowledge of HCWs regarding the prevention of MRSA infection in Thi-Qar Governorate. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for 362 HCWs randomly selected from four hospitals and distributed as follows: 125 from Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital, 80 from Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital, 80 from Al-Haboubi Teaching Hospital and 77 from Souk Al-Shuyoukh General Hospital during the period from October 1 (2022) to May 1 (2023) and data was collected by using self-reported paper-based questionnaires. Our study showed 68.8% of HCWs enjoyed a moderate level of knowledge, and there was a strong correlation (P-value #x003C;0.05), between knowledge and some sociodemographic and occupational characteristics of the participants, which include age, educational level, job title, years of service and workplace in the hospital. Additionally, a relationship between knowledge and the source of the MRAS information was demonstrated which is a highly significant association between the total knowledge score and the sources of information. The knowledge of MRSA infection prevention among HCWs was moderate.
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Affiliation(s)
- KARRAR ABBAS HNAIHEN
- Department of Community Health Techniques, College of Health & Medical Technology
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Pahrol MA, Ismail R, Mohamad N, Lim YC, Muhamad Robat R, Rajendiran S, Syed Abu Thahir S, Abdul Shakor AS, Ramly N, Shaharudin R. Concerns, perceived impact, practices, preventive measures, and stress among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1028443. [PMID: 36935685 PMCID: PMC10018122 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1028443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been continually exposed to patients with COVID-19 and are at higher risk of contracting the disease. Their psychological health is important for overall wellbeing and productivity, which could lead to a reduction in human errors during the pandemic crisis. This study aimed to measure the level of concerns, work practices, adequacy of preventive measures among HCWs, and the impacts on their life and work, including mental health status during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed randomly to 1,050 HCWs from the Ministry of Health facilities in the Klang Valley who were involved directly in managing or screening COVID-19 cases from May to August 2020. The questionnaire was divided into five domains, which were concerns, impact on life and work, practice, perceived adequacy of preventive measures, and Revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R). Logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic predictors of the five domains. Results A total of 907 respondents (86.4%) participated in this survey. Approximately half of the respondents had a low concern (50.5%), most of them had a good practice (85.1%), with 67.5% perceiving there were adequate preventive measures, and they perceived the outbreak had a low impact (92%) on their life and work. From the IES-R domain, 18.6% of respondents potentially suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conclusion During the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia, HCWs practiced high levels of precautions and preventive measures because they were aware of the risk of infection as an occupational hazard. With the adequate implementation of policy and control measures, the psychological wellbeing of the majority HCWs remained well and adequately supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Alfatih Pahrol
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Muhammad Alfatih Pahrol
| | - Rohaida Ismail
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Nadia Mohamad
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Yin Cheng Lim
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rosnawati Muhamad Robat
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Sakshaleni Rajendiran
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Syahidiah Syed Abu Thahir
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Ameerah Su'ad Abdul Shakor
- Surveillance and Preparedness Unit, Public Health Division, Selangor State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Nurfatehar Ramly
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rafiza Shaharudin
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
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Epilepsy life skill education guidelines for primary school teachers and learners in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa: Multiphase mixed methods protocol. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271805. [PMID: 35867650 PMCID: PMC9307198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. It may result from a genetic condition and occurs mainly in children, especially at a primary level. Most people living with Epilepsy suffer from stigma and discrimination because of a lack of knowledge regarding Epilepsy. This study aims to develop life skills education guidelines for primary school learners of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces to educate learners about Epilepsy, thus decreasing stigma and discrimination. A multimethod research approach will be used in this study to fulfil its purpose. Both stages 1 and 2 of the empirical phase (phase 1) will employ an exploratory-descriptive study design focusing on the primary school teachers, life skills educational advisors and learners to obtain their perceptions or views regarding the need to include Epilepsy in life skills education. Data will be collected using individual interviews for life skill educational advisors and focus group discussions for teachers and learners at the sampled primary schools in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Phase two will conceptualise the phase 1 findings into the conceptual framework, and phase 3 will develop and validate the life skills guideline. This study will adhere to both internal and external ethical considerations. Recommendations will be made based on the findings of the study.
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Amoudi M, Nairat Q, Shawahna R. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physiotherapists with regard to epilepsy and patients with epilepsy: A systematic scoping review. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 124:108367. [PMID: 34717245 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In today's healthcare systems, physiotherapists are one of the most important providers of care services to patients with disabilities including those with epilepsy. The aims of this systematic scoping review were to identify, summarize, and present narrative synthesis of qualitative evidence on knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physiotherapists toward epilepsy and patients with epilepsy. METHODS Primary studies were searched in Medline/PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, SpringerLink, CInAHL/EBSCO, Cochrane library, and Scopus as late as July 02, 2021. Appraisal of the methodological quality was conducted for the studies included in this systematic scoping review. Due to the heterogenous nature of the collected data, results of this study are presented as narrative synthesis. RESULTS A total of 11 were finally included in the qualitative synthesis. The selected studies were published in the period between 2016 and 2020. The studies included in this review had acceptable methodological quality in many of the 11 domains of the quality assessment tool. Contents of the included studies were grouped into the 11 themes and 8 subthemes. The major themes were related education/access to information, interaction with patients, witnessing seizures, barriers and promoters of adequate knowledge and attitudes, and interventions to improve knowledge and attitudes. CONCLUSION Currently, high-quality interventional studies are needed to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physiotherapists with regard to epilepsy and patients with epilepsy. Future studies are still needed to investigate if improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physiotherapists with regard to epilepsy and patients with epilepsy can improve health-related outcomes of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mosab Amoudi
- Health Sciences Department, Arab American University, Palestine
| | - Qais Nairat
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Teachers' Training, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
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