Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes Relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Different Populations in Central China: Cross-Sectional Survey

Health profession students' outlooks on the medical profession during the COVID-19 pandemic: a global perspective

BACKGROUND

This article summarizes a global study of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on junior health professions students' outlook on medicine. The pandemic has significantly affected health professions education. There is limited understanding of how students' pandemic experiences will affect them, and what impact these events may have on their career paths or the future of the professions. This information is important as it impacts the future of medicine.

METHODS

In the Fall 2020 semester, 219 health professions students at 14 medical universities worldwide responded to the question: 'Has this experience (with COVID-19) changed your outlook on medicine as a profession?'. Short essay responses were semantically coded and organized into themes and subthemes using an inductive approach to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

145 responses were submitted. Themes were identified: (1) students reflected on the interaction between politics and healthcare; (2) reported becoming more aware of the societal expectations placed on healthcare professionals, including undertaking high risks and the sacrifices that healthcare professionals must make; (3) found reassurance from the recognized importance of healthcare professionals and expressed pride to be entering the profession; and (4) reflected on the current state of healthcare, including its limitations and future.

CONCLUSION

Most students, independent of the extent of the pandemic in their respective countries, noted a change in their outlook regarding medicine. An overall positive outlook was noted in most junior students. Educators need to work on nurturing these sentiments and attitudes to help young students maintain a healthy relationship towards their chosen profession.

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and risk perceptions regarding COVID-19: a cross-sectional study from China

Aim

To analyze the level of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and risk perception regarding COVID-19 among Chinese residents 1.5 years after the pandemic.

Subject and methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out with both online and paper questionnaires. We included a variety of covariates that were characteristic-related factors such as age, gender, education level, and retirement status, as well as those closely associated with risk perception regarding COVID-19.

Results

Participants (n = 3588), 53.49 ± 18.88 years old, from two provinces of China, of which 44.7% were male and 52.03% had a high school or greater level of education, answered the questions. More than 90% of participants had adequate background knowledge about COVID-19 and agreed or even strongly agreed with many attitude items related to the government's role in diagnosis, treatment, and dealing with COVID-19 infections. About three fifths of the participants reported fear of contracting COVID-19, but only a minority (18.63%) felt they were more susceptible than others. Respondents aged 45 years or younger were more likely to fear contracting the virus than those older than 45 years (adjusted OR = 1.464, 95% CI 1.196 to 1.794, P = 0.0002). High education level (adjusted OR = 1.503, 95% CI 1.187 to 1.904, P = 0.0007) and non-retired status (adjusted OR = 1.679, 95% CI 1.354 to 2.083, P < 0.0001) were associated with a higher perception of susceptibility to infection than others. Moreover, respondents who were not retired had a significantly reduced practice score (adjusted OR = 1.554, 95% CI 1.261 to 1.916, P < 0.0001). Age, retirement status, and education level were also associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice level.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the public generally has trust in the COVID-19 vaccine and the government with regard to COVID-19 in China. We recommend that high-risk groups of communities, such as elders and patients with chronic diseases, be given greater consideration in the outbreaks. Health education campaigns combined with workplace preventive intervention should be aimed at improving COVID-19 knowledge and beliefs in order to encourage more optimistic attitudes and to maintain safe practices.

Sociodemographic factors associated with the level of knowledge about management of epileptic patients in Peruvian dental students: a cross-sectional study under a multivariable analysis

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease that could indirectly affect oral health, and it is necessary for dentists to be familiar with the specific needs of patients with epilepsy. Therefore, aim of the present study was to assess the factors associated with the level of knowledge about management of epileptic patients in Peruvian dental students.

METHODS

This analytical, observational, cross-sectional and prospective study assessed 312 dental students from a Peruvian university during February to April 2022. A validated questionnaire of 20 closed multiple-choice questions was used to measure the level of knowledge about dental management in epileptic patients. A logit model was used to assess the influence of variables: gender, age, year of study, marital status, place of origin and area of residence, with the level of knowledge in dental students considering a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the total, 28.8%, 36.2% and 34.9% had a poor, fair and good level of knowledge, respectively, about the dental treatment of epileptic patients. On the other hand, it was observed that being a woman (OR = 0.44, CI 0.26-0.75) and being a third year student (OR = 0.39, CI 0.21-0.74) and fourth year student (OR = 0.43, CI 0.23-0.89) constituted a protective factor against poor knowledge about the dental management of epileptic patients, while being from the capital city constituted a risk factor. Finally, age, marital status and the students' area of residence were not considered influential factors (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Most of the students showed a poor and fair level of knowledge about the dental management of epileptic patients, with gender, academic year and place of origin being influential factors. It is advisable that authorities and teachers in the dental profession organize recurrent training programs on the care of patients with chronic diseases requiring special attention, since knowing general concepts, pharmacological management and dental care of epileptic patients will allow future dentists to develop competencies to improve and implement good quality care protocols for this group of patients.

Knowledge of COVID-19 and Its Treatment Among Healthcare Worker in Al-Ahsa Region of Saudi Arabia

Objective

To find out how well healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia's eastern region knew about the novel coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19) in terms of its symptoms, transmission, and treatment.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Saudi Arabian region of Al-Ahsa. Between December 2020 and March 2021, a questionnaire was distributed in the main hospitals in the eastern region: King Fahad Hospital, Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Hospital, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center, and Maternity and Children's Hospital. Participants' knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and treatment was assessed using our developed questionnaire tool. The Student's t-test/ANOVA test was used to compare the mean knowledge scores of different demographic groups.

Results

A total of 300 HCWs participated in this study. Our study sample's mean knowledge score was 6.9 (SD = 2.1) out of 13 (53.1%), indicating a marginal degree of understanding. The duration of practice had a significant effect on the participants' knowledge of COVID-19. Senior and non-Saudi HCWs had a higher knowledge score than the rest of the groups (p ≤ 0.05). The majority of the participants were able to identify that COVID-19 is transmitted from human to human through respiratory droplets, populations at higher risk of developing severe complications, populations needing screening for COVID-19, main clinical symptoms of COVID-19, and were following the WHO guidelines for the treatment of COVID-19.

Conclusion

According to our findings, HCWs only had marginal knowledge about the symptoms, transmission, and treatment of COVID-19. As our findings represent early investigation at the start of the pandemic, more research is needed to evaluate the degree of information gathered two years after the outbreak began. Furthermore, future research should identify knowledge gaps in the targeted population of HCWs and provide strategies to address them.

Factors underlying denial of and disbelief in COVID-19

Objective: To investigate factors that influence or promote disbelief and negative attitudes toward COVID-19. Methods: This was cross-sectional study involving 544 males and females = 18 years of age in Greece between December of 2020 and January of 2021. All participants were informed about the purpose of the study, protection of anonymity, and volunteer participation. Participants completed an online anonymous 40-item questionnaire. Analysis of data included the identification of correlations and use of t-tests and ANOVA. Results: The level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 transmission routes, manifestations, and prevention was high in our sample. Women appeared to have a more positive attitude toward COVID-19 prevention and management than did men (p = 0.032 and p = 0.018, respectively). Younger people (18-30 years of age) seemed to deny the validity of scientific data and mass media reports about ways to deal with the pandemic more commonly than did those > 30 years of age (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). People who resided in cities more commonly believed in scientific announcements than did those living in villages (p = 0.029). Conclusions: In order to minimize cases of denial of and disbelief in COVID-19 and to promote vaccination, a series of actions are required. Governments should implement a series of measures to contain the disease, taking into consideration the psychological and social aspects of those policies.

Physicians’ Knowledge, Altitudes, and Perceived Barriers of Inappropriate Prescribing for Older Patients in Shanghai, China

Background: Inappropriate medication use is common around the world, particularly among older patients, and, despite potentially being preventable, often leads to adverse clinical and economic outcomes. However, there is a dearth of information regarding this prominent issue in China.

Objectives: To evaluate the extent to which the physician can correctly identify potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) in older patients and to understand physicians’ attitudes towards improving PIM knowledge.

Methods: An online, cross-sectional survey was conducted anonymously among practicing physicians in China from November through December 2020. Knowledge of PIM was accessed using seven clinical vignettes covering a wide variety of therapeutic areas. Source of information and perceived barriers regarding PIM were also evaluated. We performed the ordinary least square regression analysis to understand the potential factors related to physicians’ knowledge of PIM.

Results: A total of 597 study participants were included in the analysis. More than half of them had never heard of any screening tool for PIMs (n = 328, 54.9%) and the most frequently acknowledged tool was the China PIM Criteria (n = 259, 43.4%). For the seven clinical vignettes testing physicians’ knowledge on the medications that should be generally avoided in older patients, the mean score was 2.91 points out of 7 (SD: 1.32), with the median score of three points (IQR: 2–4). Only one-third of the respondents were feeling confident when prescribing for older patients (n = 255, 35.08%). Package inserts have been used as the major source of PIM information (always, n = 177, 29.65%; frequently, n = 286, 47.91%). Perceived barriers to appropriate prescribing include polypharmacy (n = 460, 77.05%), lack of formal education on prescribing for the older patients (n = 428, 71.69%).

Conclusion: In this online survey evaluating physicians’ ability to detect PIM for older patients, approximately 40% of PIM were recognized, suggesting an insufficient level of knowledge about appropriate prescribing.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Self-Medication Among the Pediatric Population in China: A National Survey

Background

Self-medication of antibiotics is common in China, whereas the self-medication of other medicines is still unknown, especially for the younger children who are vulnerable to adverse drug events. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of self-medication reported by parents among children under age 12 in China.

Methods

A national cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents of children under age 12 in China by using a self-administered online questionnaire. Parents were asked whether they have self-medicated their children in the past 12 months. Logistic regression analysis was performed to access the risk factors of self-medication.

Results

Eligible questionnaires were obtained from 4,608 parents. The majority of respondents were mothers aged between 30 and 39 years old who held a college degree. A total of 1,116 (or 24.21%) respondents reported self-medication in the previous year. In the logistic regression model, parents with graduate degrees were less likely to self-medicate their children [Adjusted OR (AOR) = 0.436; 95% CI = 0.296–0.641]. The odds of self-medication were associated with being a father, living in Northern China, having a child at age 6–11, even though these did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that self-medication are common in children under age 12, highlighting the drug safety issue in China. It seems that the educational level is the risk factors of self-medication. More targeted intervention and educational program should be implemented to improve drug safety.

At-risk COVID-19 Patients; Knowledge and Attitude of Those in Need of Transfer to Hospital and Consequences in Non-transferred Patients

Background: Knowledge, attitude, and practice of people, especially high-risk ones, are essential for managing COVID-19. Previous studies have shown that inappropriate knowledge and attitude may influence people's decisions. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of patients towards COVID-19 who called emergency medical service (EMS) while suffering from a chronic underlying disease, whether they were transferred to the hospital during the pandemic or not. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 21 May 2020 to 20 June 2020 in Tehran, Iran. Using the registered data in the databank of the Tehran EMS center, eligible participants were selected and divided into transferred and non-transferred groups based on the recorded data. A valid and reliable questionnaire comprising four parts (demographic information, patients' knowledge about COVID-19, patients' attitude towards COVID-19, and patients' fear) was used. A researcher-made checklist was also used for recording the consequences and reasons for refusal. Select eligible individuals who agreed to enter the survey were interviewed by telephone. Results: Totally, 201 transferred patients and 158 non-transferred patients were enrolled. The mean age of the transferred group was lower than that of the non-transferred one (57.1 ± 16.1 vs. 62.0 ± 17.4 years; P = 0.006). The mean knowledge score was not statistically different between transferred and non-transferred patients (28.8 ± 5.7 vs. 28.2 ± 5.4; P = 0.320). The mean attitude score was lower in the transferred group than in the non-transferred group (0.75 ± 3.7 vs. 2.2 ± 3.5; P = 0.001). The mean fear score was higher in the non-transferred group than in the transferred group, but the difference was not statistically significant (16.0 ± 5.1 vs. 15.0 ± 5.6; P = 0.101). Conclusions: Most participants in both transferred and non-transferred groups did not have sufficient knowledge of the disease, but the average attitude had a positive score.

Design and Validation of a Questionnaire on Risk Perception, Coping Behaviors and Preventive Knowledge against COVID-19 among Nursing Students

As shown in the previous literature, in view of the future responsibilities of nursing professionals and the consequences for healthcare, it is of great interest to examine their risk perceptions, coping behaviors, and sense of coherency during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to design and to validate a specific questionnaire that evaluates the factors relating to perceived risk, coping behaviors, and preventive knowledge against COVID-19 infection among nursing students from Spain. This is a psychometric study of a questionnaire's design and its validation in 1562 nursing students at 16 undergraduate nursing institutions in Spain. An ad-hoc survey was designed by a panel of six experts drawing from the literature. After a trial test, the questionnaire was formed with four scales (perception, risk, coping, and knowledge of preventive practices for COVID-19), with a total of 69 items. The final questionnaire was composed of 52 items grouped into four scales, with good psychometric properties to measure risk perception (Cronbach's alpha 0.735), factors related to perceived risk (Cronbach's alpha 0.653), coping behaviors (Cronbach's alpha 0.80), and knowledge of preventive practices against COVID-19 (Cronbach's alpha 0.77). This questionnaire, specifically designed and validated for nursing students, is the first to address four important areas in the development of preventive measures against COVID-19.

COVID-19 Knowledge/Practices, Mental Status, and Return-To-Work Concerns Among Healthcare Workers in Huangzhou District, Huanggang City, China

Objective:

This study investigated the COVID-19-prevention knowledge and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs), their psychological states concerning the return to work, and their trust and requirements in using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to prevent and treat COVID-19. It is hoped that the study can serve as a reference for policy making during the resumption of work in other countries or regions experiencing similar situations.

Methods:

This study comprised a quantitative cross-sectional online survey design. Purposive sampling and Cluster sampling were used to recruit all HCWs working in public hospitals in Huangzhou District, Huanggang City, Hubei Province, China. From April 23 to May 14, 2020, surveys were sent electronically to all 13 public hospitals in this area.

Results:

In total, 2,079 responses were received and 2,050 completed forms were included. After analysis, 47.9 and 46.6% of HCWs indicated that they possessed very good knowledge or good knowledge of preventative measures, respectively. Multivariable log-binomial regression indicated that male, tertiary hospital, medical staff, and undergraduate/postgraduate qualification were associated with good knowledge. Good knowledge was also well-correlated with good practice (OR: 3.277; 95% CI: 2.734–3.928; P < 0.01). 59.8% of HCWs reported worries about resuming work; especially asymptomatic infections. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) indicated that 10.8% of participants had mild anxiety, 1.5% moderate anxiety, and 0.1% severe anxiety. Female, divorced/widowed, and working in a high risk hospital (the Huangzhou District People's Hospital was used for throat swab examinations of returning workers) were risk factors for concerns about resuming work and anxiety symptoms. However, good preventive knowledge was a protective factor for anxiety. HCWs' trust in using TCM to treat COVID-19 was significantly higher than their trust in using TCM for prevention (P < 0.001). Regarding preferences for preventative TCM products, oral TCM granules were the most preferred (62.4%). HCWs also indicated they wanted to know more about the clinical efficacy, applicable population, and adverse reactions of preventative TCM products (89.3, 81.1, and 81.4%, respectively).

Conclusion:

While HCWs had good knowledge of COVID-19 preventative measures, this did not eliminate the psychological impact of resumption of work. Promotion of COVID-19 prevention knowledge reduces the risk of infection, and alleviates the worries and anxiety symptoms of HCWs about resuming work (especially in administrative staff, those with low education, and those working in primary hospitals). Additional psychological support is required for female HCWs, divorced/widowed HCWs, and those working in high-risk hospitals. Finally, systematic trials of preventative TCM products are recommended.

Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak on Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on daily routines and health of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This study included 98 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes who were regularly followed up in the Endocrinology outpatient clinic of Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, in 2020. The primary measurements included body mass index, glycemic control, number of hypoglycemic events, number of hospitalizations, as well as bedtime and availability of insulin six months pre and post COVID-19 outbreak. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16). A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Out of 98 participants (mean±SD age: 13.5±49), 51% of the cases were male, and %81.6 of the patients were urban residents. Furthermore, most participants (43.9%) were in the age group of 11-15 years, and the mean±SD duration of diabetes was 4.64±3.31 years. In addition, 2.04% of the participants developed COVID-19. There was a statistically significant difference among average duration of night sleep (P<0.001), bedtime (P<0.001), time of waking up (P<0.001), amount of insulin intake (P=0.003), daily exercise (P<0.001), and availability of the insulin (P<0.001) before and during COVID-19 crisis. The frequencies of hospitalizations and hypoglycemic events were lower after the COVID-19 outbreak (P=0.005 and P=0.034, respectively). Morning insulin dose was omitted in 22.2% of participants. No differences were found between hemoglobin A1c and daytime sleep pre and post COVID-19 outbreak.

CONCLUSIONS

The key challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for Iranian T1DM patients were the need to take more insulin, lower physical activity, non-availability of insulin, and missed morning insulin dose. However, it is worth mentioning that the patients' blood glucose control did not worsen in this period.

Echoes down the corridor. Experiences and perspectives of library and information science education (LISE) during COVID-19 through an African lens

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in enormous challenges, but also presented opportunities that have notable implications for the future. The aim of this paper is to explore and discuss the experiences, perspectives, challenges and opportunities of Library and Information Science Educators (LISE) during the pandemic. The aim is articulated in the following three research questions: How is the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by LISE and in research? What are the perceptions formed during the period? And what are the challenges and opportunities?

Design/methodology/approach

This is an interpretivist qualitative study informed by disaster management theories. The study involved the content analysis of existing literature with a focus on COVID-19 and higher education, particularly LISE, in conjunction with an open-ended email questionnaire that was sent to selected LIS educators/faculty/staff from major LIS Schools from eight sub-Saharan African countries. The author used personal experiences and observation to supplement the data and the interpretation.

Findings

Results show more similarities than differences in how the COVID-19 pandemic is experienced and perceived, as well as the challenges and opportunities that it brings to the sector. As a whole, political factors are most pronounced, meaning that administration and decision-making need more attention in the sector. Also notable is that opportunities are mostly linked to technological factors, which will determine the “new normal” for LISE in the future. Almost all the narratives focused on the middle level of (during) the disaster life cycle, which is understandable as the complete cycle of the disaster is yet to come, likely when COVID-19 ceases to be a threat.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was small, as related studies focus more on COVID-19 and higher education, with hardly any focusing on LISE. The COVID-19 pandemic has not ended, so the disaster management life cycle cannot be fully exploited. Furthermore, the author’s categorization of responses within PEST was largely judgmental.

Practical implications

New research, teaching and learning developmental paths have been created for LISE. The study provides practical reflection on the effects of COVID-19 on the sector and HEIs that can inform discourse and responses to the pandemic.

Originality/value

The study explores a new research domain in LISE and due to limited research in the domain brings together important voices/narratives – based on their experiences – of LIS educators in Africa on the research area. Further, it proposes the future of LISE under COVID-19 within the 4IR framework.

Assessment of Physician's Knowledge of Potential Drug-Drug Interactions: An Online Survey in China

Background: Drug interactions are the most common preventable cause of adverse drug reaction, which may result in drug toxicity or undesired therapeutic effect with harmful outcomes to patients. Given the rising use of combination therapies, the main objectives of this study were to estimate the degree to which physicians can identify potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs) correctly and to describe the common source of information used by physicians when they need to check PDDIs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey utilizing a self-administered online questionnaire was conducted among physicians in China. Participants were asked to classify 20 drug pairs as "no interaction," "may be used together with monitoring," "contraindication," and "not sure." We also collected data on the physician's source of information and altitude toward the PDDIs. An ordinary least square regression model was performed to investigate the potential predictors of PDDI knowledge. Results: Eligible questionnaires were obtained from 618 physicians. The respondents classified correctly 6.7 out of 20 drug pairs, or 33.4% of the drug interactions investigated. The number of drug pairs recognized by respondents was ranged from 0 to 16. The percentage of physicians who recognized specific drug pairs ranged from 8.3% for no interactions between conjugated estrogens and raloxifene, to 64.0% for the interaction between dopamine and phenytoin. When the respondents want to check PDDI information, the most commonly used source of information was package inserts (n = 572, 92.6%), followed by the Internet or mobile Apps (n = 424, 68.6%), consultation with clinical pharmacists (n = 384, 62.1%), medical textbooks (n = 374, 60.5%), knowledge base in Chinese (n = 283, 45.8%), and other physicians (n = 366, 59.2%). In the multiple regression analysis, the significant predictors of a higher number of recognized drug pairs were years of practice and altitudes toward PDDIs. Conclusion: In this online survey accessing physician's ability to detect PDDIs, less than half of the drug pairs were recognized, indicating unsatisfactory level of knowledge about the clinically significant drug interactions. Continuing education and accessible electronic database can help physicians detecting PDDIs and improve drug safety.