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Riccò M, Baldassarre A, Ferraro P, Melodia P, Stocchi M, Magnavita N. SARS-CoV-2 infection in meat and poultry workers after the "first wave" (Summer 2020): a cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) of Italian occupational physicians. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2023; 94:e2023244. [PMID: 38054688 PMCID: PMC10734241 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v94i6.14564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Italian Occupational Physicians (OPs) on Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among meat/poultry processing plant workers (MPWs) (Summer season 2020). METHODS Data were collected through an online questionnaire including demographic characteristics, and items about COVID-19-related KAP in MPWs. A logistic regression was modelled in order to characterize explanatory variables of the outcome variable of having any professional experience as OP in meat/poultry processing industry. RESULTS A total of 424 OPs (mean age 49.0 ± 9.1years; 49.5% males) participated into the survey. Despite a generally good level of knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, OPs having professional experience with MPWs failed to recognize any increased risk for COVID-19 (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.162; 95% Confidence intervals [95%CI] 0.039-0.670), and were less likely to recommend periodical tests via nasal swabs (OR 0.168, 95%CI 0.047-0.605). On the contrary, they identified socioeconomic status of MPWs as a risk factor (OR 5.686, 95%CI 1.413-22.881), recommending cleaning interventions on changing rooms and canteens (OR 16.090, 95%CI 1.099-259.244). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we reported a diffuse underestimation of the risk for COVID-19, that was alarmingly higher among professionals who should be more familiar with the specific requirements of MPWs. Some significant knowledge gaps were also clearly identified, stressing the opportunity for tailored educative interventions (www.actabiomedica.it).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Azienda USL di Reggio EmiliaV.le Amendola n.2 - 42122 REServizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL)Dip. di Prevenzione.
| | - Antonio Baldassarre
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università di Firenze, P.zza S.Marco, 50121 Florence, Italy.
| | - Pietro Ferraro
- Direzione Sanità, Italian Railways' Infrastructure Division, RFI SpA, I-00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Pietro Melodia
- School of Public Health,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University,IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina n.21,Milan, Italy.
| | - Manuel Stocchi
- School of Public Health,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University,IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina n.21,Milan, Italy.
| | - Nicola Magnavita
- Postgraduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168 Roma RM, Rome; Occupational Medicine, Department of Mother, Child & Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Invasive Meningococcal Disease and Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccination in Adults and Their Offspring: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Italy (2019). Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030508. [PMID: 36992092 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its effectiveness in preventing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), pediatric uptake of recombinant meningococcal vaccination for serogroup B meningitis (MenB) is low in Italy. This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) about IMD and the vaccine uptake for MenB from July to December 2019, in a sample collected from a series of local Facebook discussion groups from the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia (North-Eastern Italy; 337,104 registered users). A self-administered anonymous web-based questionnaire was used to collect demographics, knowledge status, perceived risk for contracting meningitis, attitude towards the utility of meningococcal vaccine, and willingness to receive/perform MenB vaccine in their offspring. In total, 541 parents returned a fully completed questionnaire (response rate of 1.6% of potential recipients), with a mean age of 39.2 years ± 6.3 (78.1% females). Meningococcal infection was identified as severe or highly severe by most participants (88.9%), while it was recognized as being frequent/highly frequent in the general population by 18.6% of respondents. The overall knowledge status was unsatisfactory (57.6% ± 33.6 of correct answers to the knowledge test). Even though 63.4% of participants were somewhat favorable to MenB/MenC vaccines, offspring’s vaccination towards MenB was reported by only 38.7% of participants. In a binary logistic regression model, the male gender of respondents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.184, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.772 to 5.721), living in a municipality >15,000 inhabitants (aOR 1.675, 95%CI 1.051 to 2.668), reporting a favorable attitude on meningococcus B vaccine (aOR 12.472, 95%CI 3.030 to 51.338), having been vaccinated against serogroup B (aOR 5.624, 95%CI 1.936 to 16.337) and/or serogroup C (aOR 2.652, 95%CI 1.442 to 4.872), and having previously vaccinated their offspring against serogroup C meningococcus (aOR 6.585, 95%CI 3.648 to 11.888) were characterized as positive effectors of offspring’s vaccination. On the contrary, having a higher risk perception on vaccines was identified as the only negative effector (aOR 0.429, 95%CI 0.241 to 0.765). Our results hint towards extensive knowledge gaps on IMD and preventive interventions in the general population, suggesting that a positive attitude towards vaccines and vaccinations could be identified as the main effector also for MenB acceptance. Interventions in the general population aimed at improving confidence, compliance, and acknowledgment of the collective responsibility, as well as preventing actual constraints and the sharing of false beliefs on infectious diseases and their preventive measures, could therefore increase vaccination acceptance in both targeted individuals and their offspring.
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Riccò M, Corrado S, Cerviere MP, Ranzieri S, Marchesi F. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention through Monoclonal Antibodies: A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Italian Pediatricians. Pediatr Rep 2023; 15:154-174. [PMID: 36810343 PMCID: PMC9944855 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric15010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization in all infants. Many RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are currently under development to protect all infants, but to date preventive options are available only for preterms. In this study, we assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards RSV and the preventive use of mAb in a sample of Italian Pediatricians. An internet survey was administered through an internet discussion group, with a response rate of 4.4% over the potential respondents (No. 389 out of 8842, mean age 40.1 ± 9.1 years). The association of individual factors, knowledge, and risk perception status with the attitude towards mAb was initially inquired by means of a chi squared test, and all variables associated with mAb with p < 0.05 were included in a multivariable model calculating correspondent adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Of the participants, 41.9% had managed RSV cases in the previous 5 years, 34.4% had diagnosed RSV cases, and 32.6% required a subsequent hospitalization. However, only 14.4% had previously required mAb as immunoprophylaxis for RSV. Knowledge status was substantially inappropriate (actual estimate 54.0% ± 14.2, potential range 0-100), while the majority of participants acknowledged RSV as a substantial health threat for all infants (84.8%). In multivariable analysis, all these factors were characterized as positive effectors for having prescribed mAb (aOR 6.560, 95%CI 2.904-14.822 for higher knowledge score; aOR 6.579, 95%CI 2.919-14.827 for having a hospital background, and a OR 13.440, 95%CI 3.989; 45.287 for living in Italian Major Islands). In other words, reporting less knowledge gaps, having worked in settings with a higher risk of interaction with more severe cases, and being from Italian Major Islands, were identified as positive effectors for a higher reliance on mAb. However, the significant extent of knowledge gaps highlights the importance of appropriate medical education on RSV, its potential health consequences, and the investigational preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- AUSL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), Local Health Unit of Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-339-2994343 or +39-522-837587
| | - Silvia Corrado
- Department of Medicine DAME–Division of Pediatrics, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Milena Pia Cerviere
- UOC of Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Marchesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Riccò M, Zaniboni A, Satta E, Ranzieri S, Cerviere MP, Marchesi F, Peruzzi S. West Nile Virus Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study on Italian Medical Professionals during Summer Season 2022. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7120404. [PMID: 36548659 PMCID: PMC9786547 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7120404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) has progressively endemized in large areas of continental Europe, and particularly in Northern Italy, in the Po River Valley. During summer season 2022, Italy experienced an unprecedented surge in incidence cases of WNV infections, including its main complications (West Nile fever (WNF) and West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND)). As knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of medical professionals may be instrumental in guaranteeing a prompt diagnosis and an accurate management of incident cases, we performed a cross-sectional study specifically on a sample of Italian medical professionals (1 August 2022-10 September 2022; around 8800 potential recipients). From a total of 332 questionnaires (response rate of 3.8%), 254 participating medical professionals were eventually included in the analyses. Knowledge status of participants was unsatisfying, as most of them exhibited knowledge gaps on the actual epidemiology of WNV, with similar uncertainties on the clinical features of WNF and WNND. Moreover, most of participants substantially overlooked WNV as a human pathogen when compared to SARS-CoV-2, TB, and even HIV. Interestingly, only 65.4% of respondents were either favorable or highly favorable towards a hypothetical WNV vaccine. Overall, acknowledging a higher risk perception on WNV was associated with individual factors such as reporting a seniority ≥ 10 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.39, 95% Confidence interval [95%CI] 1.34 to 4.28), reporting a better knowledge score (aOR 2.92, 95%CI 1.60 to 5.30), having previously managed cases of WNV infections (aOR 3.65, 95%CI 1.14 to 14.20), being favorable towards a hypothetic vaccine (aOR 2.16, 95%CI 1.15 to 4.04), and perceiving WNV infections as potentially affecting daily activities (aOR 2.57, 95%CI 1.22 to 5.42). In summary, substantial knowledge gaps and the erratic risk perception collectively enlighten the importance and the urgency for appropriate information campaigns among medical professionals, and particularly among frontline personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Occupational Health and Safety Service on the Workplace/Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), Department of Public Health, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-339-2994343 or +39-522-837587
| | | | - Elia Satta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | | | - Federico Marchesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Simona Peruzzi
- Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologiche, Ospedale Civile di Guastalla, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42016 Guastalla, Italy
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Riccò M, Zaniboni A, Satta E, Baldassarre A, Cerviere MP, Marchesi F, Peruzzi S. Management and Prevention of Traveler's Diarrhea: A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Italian Occupational Physicians (2019 and 2022). Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:370. [PMID: 36422921 PMCID: PMC9692574 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though Italian Occupational Physicians (OP) are increasingly involved in the managing of overseas workers, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in travel medicine are mostly undefined. We, therefore, permed a KAP study specifically targeting the management of travelers' diarrhea (TD) by OP. A total of 371 professionals (43.4% males; mean age 40.8 ± 10.9 years) completed in 2 rounds (2019 and 2022) a specifically designed web questionnaire that inquired participating OP on their knowledge status (KS), risk perception, and management of TD through pre- and post-travel advice and interventions. Multivariable odds ratios (aOR) for predictors of a better knowledge status were calculated through regression analysis. Eventually, the majority of participants (53.4%) had participated in the management of cases of TD in the previous months, but only 26.4% were reportedly involved in pre-travel consultations. The overall knowledge status was unsatisfying (potential range: 0-100%, actual average of the sample 59.6% ± 14.6), with substantial uncertainties in the management of antimicrobial treatment. Interestingly, only a small subset of participants had previously prescribed antimicrobial prophylaxis or treatment (3.5% and 1.9%, respectively). Main effectors of a better knowledge status were: having a background qualification in Hygiene and Public Health (aOR 14.769, 95%CI 5.582 to 39.073), having previously managed any case of (aOR 3.107, 95%CI 1.484 to 6.506), and having higher concern on TD, reported by acknowledging high frequency (aOR 8.579, 95%CI 3.383 to 21.756) and severity (aOR 3.386; 95%CI 1.741 to 6.585) of this disorder. As the adherence of participating OP to official recommendations for TD management was unsatisfying, continuous Education on Travel Medicine should be improved by sharing up-to-date official recommendations on appropriate treatment options for TD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), Department of Public Health, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, I-42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zaniboni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, I-43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Elia Satta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, I-43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Antonio Baldassarre
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, I-50134 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Federico Marchesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, I-43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Simona Peruzzi
- Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologiche, Ospedale Civile di Guastalla, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, I-42016 Guastalla, Italy
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Nikookar SH, Maleki A, Fazeli-Dinan M, Shabani Kordshouli R, Enayati A. Entomological Surveillance of the Invasive Aedes Species at Higher-Priority Entry Points in Northern Iran: Exploratory Report on a Field Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e38647. [DOI: 10.2196/38647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Arboviral diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya are transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Ae albopictus and are emerging global public health concerns.
Objective
This study aimed to provide up-to-date data on the occurrence of the invasive Aedes species in a given area as this is essential for planning and implementing timely control strategies.
Methods
Entomological surveillance was planned and carried out monthly from May 2018 to December 2019 at higher-priority entry points in Guilan Province, Northern Iran, using ovitraps, larval collection, and human-baited traps. Species richness (R), Simpson (D), evenness (E), and Shannon-Wiener indexes (H̕) were measured to better understand the diversity of the Aedes species. The Spearman correlation coefficient and regression models were used for data analysis.
Results
We collected a total of 3964 mosquito samples including 17.20% (682/3964) belonging to the Aedes species, from 3 genera and 13 species, and morphologically identified them from May 2018 to December 2019. Ae vexans and Ae geniculatus, which showed a peak in activity levels and population in October (226/564, 40.07% and 26/103, 25.2%), were the eudominant species (D=75.7%; D=21.2%) with constant (C=100) and frequent (C=66.7%) distributions, respectively. The population of Ae vexans had a significant positive correlation with precipitation (r=0.521; P=.009) and relative humidity (r=0.510; P=.01), whereas it was inversely associated with temperature (r=−0.432; P=.04). The Shannon-Wiener Index was up to 0.84 and 1.04 in the city of Rasht and in July, respectively. The rarefaction curve showed sufficiency in sampling efforts by reaching the asymptotic line at all spatial and temporal scales, except in Rasht and in October.
Conclusions
Although no specimens of the Ae aegypti and Ae albopictus species were collected, this surveillance provides a better understanding of the native Aedes species in the northern regions of Iran. These data will assist the health system in future arbovirus research, and in the implementation of effective vector control and prevention strategies, should Ae aegypti and Ae albopictus be found in the province.
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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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Riccò M, Ferraro P, Camisa V, Di Palma P, Minutolo G, Ranzieri S, Zaffina S, Baldassarre A, Restivo V. Managing of Migraine in the Workplaces: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Italian Occupational Physicians. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:686. [PMID: 35630103 PMCID: PMC9144137 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Migraine is a debilitating disorder, whose incidence peak in the age group of 30-39 years overlaps with the peak of employment years, potentially representing a significant issue for occupational physicians (OP). The present study was performed in order to characterize their knowledge, attitudes and practices on migraine in the workplaces. Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of 242 Italian OP (mean age 47.8 ± 8.8 years, males 67.4%) participated in an internet-based survey by completing a structured questionnaire. Results: Adequate general knowledge of migraine was found in the majority of participants. Migraine was identified as a common and severe disorder by the majority of respondents (54.0% and 60.0%). Overall, 61.2% of participants acknowledged migraine as difficult to manage in the workplace, a status that made it more likely for OP understanding its potential frequency (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.672, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.526-8.831), or reported previous managing of complicated cases requiring conditional fitness to work judgement (OR 4.761, 95%CI 1.781-2.726). Moreover, professionals with a qualification in occupational medicine (OR 20.326, 95%CI 2.642-156.358), acknowledging the difficult managing of migraine in the workplaces (OR 2.715, 95%CI 1.034-7.128) and having received any request of medical surveillance for migraine (OR 22.878, 95%CI 4.816-108.683), were more likely to recommend specific requirements for migraineur workers. Conclusions: Migraine was recognized as a common disorder, but also as a challenging clinical problem for OP. Participating OP exhibited a substantial understanding of migraine and its triggers, but residual false beliefs and common misunderstanding may impair the proper management of this disorder, requiring improved and specifically targeted interventions.
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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.)
| | - Pasquale Di Palma
- Istituto nazionale Assicurazione Infortuni sul Lavoro, INAIL—DM2, Roma Tuscolano, Via Michele de Marco, 20, I-00169 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppa Minutolo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”—Hygiene Section, University of Palermo, I-90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (V.R.)
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, I-43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Zaffina
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Antonio Baldassarre
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Careggi University Hospital, I-50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Restivo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”—Hygiene Section, University of Palermo, I-90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (V.R.)
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Riccò M, Ferraro P, Peruzzi S, Zaniboni A, Ranzieri S. Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs of General Practitioners from North-Eastern Italy (2021). Pediatr Rep 2022; 14:147-165. [PMID: 35466200 PMCID: PMC9036244 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric14020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a lead cause of morbidity and hospitalizations in infants. RSV vaccines are currently under development, and preventive options are limited to monoclonal antibodies (mAb). We assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices for RSV in a sample of general practitioners (GPs) from north-eastern Italy (2021), focusing on the risk perception for infants (age < 8 years) and its potential effectors. We administered an internet survey to 543 GPs, with a response rate of 28.9%. Knowledge status was unsatisfactory, with substantial knowledge gaps found on the epidemiology of RSV and its prevention through mAb. The main effectors of risk perception were identified as having a background in pediatrics (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 55.398 and 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 6.796−451.604), being favorable towards RSV vaccines when available (aOR: 4.728, 95% CI: 1.999−11.187), while having previously managed an RSV case (aOR: 0.114, 95% CI: 0.024−0.552) and previously recommended hospitalization for cases (aOR: 0.240, 95% CI: 0.066−0.869) were identified as negative effectors. In summary, the significant extent of knowledge gaps and the erratic risk perception, associated with the increasing occurrence in RSV infections, collectively stress the importance of appropriate information campaigns among primary care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- AUSL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), Local Health Unit of Reggio Emilia, I-42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-339-2994343 or +39-522-837587
| | - Pietro Ferraro
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Direzione Sanità, Italian Railways’ Infrastructure Division, RFI SpA, I-00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Simona Peruzzi
- AUSL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologiche, Ospedale Civile di Guastalla, I-42016 Guastalla, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Zaniboni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, I-43126 Parma, Italy; (A.Z.); (S.R.)
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, I-43126 Parma, Italy; (A.Z.); (S.R.)
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10
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Riccò M, Peruzzi S. Tetanus Vaccination Status and Vaccine Hesitancy in Amateur Basketball Players (Italy, 2020). Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10010131. [PMID: 35062792 PMCID: PMC8778061 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010131] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Basketball is among the third most popular team sport in Italy. Albeit not usually perceived as being at high risk for tetanus, the Italian legal framework (Law No. 292 of 1963; Presidential Decree 1301/1965) requires tetanus vaccination (TeV) even for amateur practice. Even though some previous reports have suggested a relatively low adherence towards vaccination practice among basketball player, corresponding knowledge, attitudes and practices towards TeV remain largely unknown. Our study specifically investigated such topics in a total of 270 amateur basketball players participating into an internet-based survey by completing a structured questionnaire. Of them, 73.0% had a proper vaccination status, but a third of respondents (33.3%) exhibited some degree of vaccine hesitancy. The average understanding of TeV and tetanus (79.8% with a potential range 0–100) as well as the risk perception for natural infection (63.9% ± 26.6) were quite good. Even though unmotivated fears towards TeV were more scarcely reported (14.0% ± 15.4), they still represented the main reasons for having missed vaccination shots (63.0%). Knowledge status and risk perception for natural infection and TeV were well correlated (R = 0.22 and R = −0.64, respectively). Appropriate TeV status was more likely in respondents not exhibiting vaccine hesitancy (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.114, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) 0.059–0.225). In turn, vaccine hesitancy was more frequently reported among individuals of male gender (OR 3.148, 95%CI 1.072–9.244), while better formal education (OR 0.065, 95%CI 0.013–0.319) and working in healthcare settings (OR 0.042, 95%CI 0.007–0.265) were characterized as negative effectors. Vaccinations in athletes represent an often overlooked issue, with a considerable lack of available evidence. The results stress the opportunity for appropriate TeV screening programs among amateur athletes and the potential relevance of interventions aimed at raising the perceived significance of TeV in order to cope with a significant share of vaccine-hesitant athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), AUSL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola n.2, I-42022 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-339-2994343
| | - Simona Peruzzi
- Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologiche, Ospedale Civile di Guastalla, AUSL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, I-42016 Guastalla, Italy;
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11
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Ricco M, Ranzieri S, Balzarini F, Vezzosi L, Marchesi F, Valente M, Peruzzi S. Understanding of the Nutri-Score front-of-pack label by Italian Medical Professionals and its effect on food choices: a web-based study on knowledge, attitudes and practices. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2022; 93:e2022042. [PMID: 35546029 PMCID: PMC9171852 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v93i2.11191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM A growing number of European Countries have adopted front-of-pack nutrition labels (FPNL) in order to assist costumers' alimentary choices, and particularly Nutri-Score. While its acceptance in Italy has been slowed by ongoing debates, we assessed corresponding knowledge, attitudes and practices of a sample of Italian Medical Professionals (MP). METHODS A total of 153 MP participated into an internet-based survey by completing a structured questionnaire. While 43.1% reported any knowledge of Nutri-Score, the overall understanding of its conceptual issues was quite low (50.8% after percentual normalization of the knowledge score). Only half of participants acknowledge some usefulness of FPNL, and their acceptance as a guide for nutritional choices was seemingly low (36.6%), being more likely in MP participants from Northern regions (Odds Ratio 9.610, 95% confidence intervals 2.667-34.637), living with children < 14 year or age (3.658, 1.463-9.145), and perceiving some usefulness in FPNL (3.595, 1.381-9.356). In turn, having any knowledge of Nutri-Score and being of male gender were negative effects. CONCLUSIONS Nutri-Score is a useful instrument in guiding consumers' alimentary choices, but the actual understanding of its rationale by participants MP was insufficient. Specifically aimed interventions should be tailored in order to cope with a significant share of MP reporting false beliefs and misunderstanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Ricco
- AUSL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza negli ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Occupational Medicine, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Vezzosi
- Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) di Bergamo, Dipartimento P.A.A.P.S.S., Servizio Autorizzazione e Accreditamento, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federico Marchesi
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Parma, Italy
| | - Marina Valente
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Parma, Italy
| | - Simona Peruzzi
- AUSL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologiche, Ospedale Civile di Guastalla, Guastalla (RE), Italy
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12
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Riccò M, Ferraro P, Peruzzi S, Balzarini F, Ranzieri S. Hantaviruses in Agricultural and Forestry Workers: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Italian Physicians. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:169. [PMID: 34564553 PMCID: PMC8482122 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hantaviruses are viral pathogens usually endemic in rodent populations. Human exposure follows inhalation of dusts contaminated with rodent excreta, and most individuals have been infected in occupational settings heavily contaminated with rodent droppings, such as agricultural and forestry. To date, knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical professionals, especially occupational physicians (OP), regarding hantavirus disease in at-risk workers have been scarcely investigated. We investigated these topics through a structured questionnaire administered through an online survey of 223 medical professionals (42.2% of them working as OP). Adequate general knowledge of hantavirus disease was found in 48.9% of respondents, with OP exhibiting a better understanding of clinical features of human hantavirus infections. OP aware of the endemic status of hantavirus in North-Eastern Italy exhibited higher risk perception for agricultural workers (odds ratio 21,193, 95% confidence interval 3.666-122.505). On the contrary, a better knowledge of hantaviruses was association with acknowledging an increased risk of hantavirus infection in forestry workers (odds ratio 5.880, 95% confidence interval 1.620-21.343). Hantavirus in Italy represent an often-overlooked biological risk in occupational settings. The lack of preventive immunization, the inappropriate risk perception and the unsatisfying awareness of hantavirus issues collectively stress the importance of appropriate information campaigns among health care providers.
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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, RE, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferraro
- Department of Prevention, Occupational Health and Safety Service of the Local Health Unit of Foggia, ASL Foggia, Piazza Pavoncelli 11, I-41121 Foggia, FG, Italy;
| | - Simona Peruzzi
- Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologiche, Ospedale Civile di Guastalla, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, I-42016 Guastalla, RE, Italy;
| | - Federica Balzarini
- Dipartimento P.A.A.P.S.S., Servizio Autorizzazione e Accreditamento, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) di Bergamo, Via Galliccioli, 4, I-24121 Bergamo, BG, Italy;
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, I-43126 Parma, PR, Italy;
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13
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Riccò M, Ferraro P, Peruzzi S, Balzarini F, Ranzieri S. Mandate or Not Mandate: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Italian Occupational Physicians towards SARS-CoV-2 Immunization at the Beginning of Vaccination Campaign. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:889. [PMID: 34452014 PMCID: PMC8402502 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations used to prevent coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-are critical in order to contain the ongoing pandemic. However, SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccination rates have only slowly increased since the beginning of the vaccination campaign, even with at-risk workers (e.g., HCWs), presumptively because of vaccine hesitancy. Vaccination mandates are considered instrumental in order to rapidly improve immunization rates (but they minimize the impact of vaccination campaigns). In this study, we investigated the acceptance (i.e., knowledge, attitudes, and practices) from occupational physicians (OPs)) in regard to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccination mandates. A total of 166 OPs participated in an internet-based survey by completing structured questionnaires. Adequate, general knowledge of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 was found in the majority of OPs. High perception of SARS-CoV-2 risk was found in around 80% of participants (79.5% regarding its occurrence, 81.9% regarding its potential severity). SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccination was endorsed by 90.4% of respondents, acceptance for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was quite larger for mRNA formulates (89.8%) over adenoviral ones (59.8%). Endorsement of vaccination mandates was reported by 60.2% of respondents, and was more likely endorsed by OPs who exhibited higher concern for SARS-CoV-2 infection occurrence (odds ratio 3.462, 95% confidence intervals 1.060-11.310), who were likely to accept some sort of payment/copayment for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccination (3.896; 1.607; 9.449), or who were more likely to believe HCWs not vaccinates against SARS-CoV-2 as unfit for work (4.562; 1.935; 10.753). In conclusion, OPs exhibited wide acceptance of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccinations, and the majority endorsed vaccination mandates for HCWs, which may help improve vaccination rates in occupational settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, I-42122 Reggio Emilia, RE, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferraro
- Hospital S Camillo De Lellis, Occupational Health and Safety Service, ASL Foggia, I-41121 Foggia, FG, Italy;
| | - Simona Peruzzi
- Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologiche, Ospedale Civile di Guastalla, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, I-42016 Guastalla, RE, Italy;
| | - Federica Balzarini
- Dipartimento P.A.A.P.S.S., Servizio Autorizzazione e Accreditamento, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) di Bergamo, I-24121 Bergamo, BG, Italy;
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, I-43126 Parma, PR, Italy;
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14
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Riccò M, Peruzzi S, Balzarini F. Public Perceptions on Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions for West Nile Virus Infections: A Survey from an Endemic Area in Northern Italy. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:116. [PMID: 34209481 PMCID: PMC8293337 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) have occurred in the Emilia Romagna Region (ERR). Even though the notification rates remain relatively low, ranging from 0.06 to 1.83 cases/100,000 inhabitants, the persistent pathogen's circulation in settings characterized by favorable environmental characteristics suggests that WNV is becoming endemic to the Po River Valley. This study assesses knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices toward WNV prevention among residents from 10 high-risk municipalities from the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia (total population: 82,317 inhabitants, census 2020). A web-based survey, based on the health belief model, was performed during the month of January 2021, with a convenience sampling of 469 participants from a series of closed discussion groups on social media (i.e., 2.1% of the potential responders). A total of 243 participants knew the meaning of WNV: Of them, 61.3% were aware of previous WNV infections in ERR, 76.5% acknowledged WNV infection as a severe one, but only 31.3% expressed any worry about WNV. Our results irregularly report preventive practices, either collective (e.g., draining standing water from items and the environment, 50.7%; spraying pesticides around the home, 33.0%) or individual (e.g., use of skin repellants when going outdoors, 42.6%). In a multivariate analysis, performed through binary logistic regression, participants reporting any worry towards WNV were more likely to characterize WNV as a severe disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 20.288, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.083-80.972). On the contrary, respondents supporting community mosquito control programs were more likely among people working with animals/livestock (aOR = 13.948, 95%CI = 2.793-69.653), and supporting tax exemptions for mosquito control programs (aOR = 4.069, 95%CI 2.098-7.893). In conclusion, our results suggest that future interventions promoting WNV prevention among residents in ERR should focus on perceptions of vulnerability to WNV, emphasizing the benefits of personal protective behaviors.
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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, RE, Italy
| | - Simona Peruzzi
- Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologiche, Ospedale Civile di Guastalla, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, I-42016 Guastalla, RE, Italy;
| | - Federica Balzarini
- Dipartimento per la Programmazione, Accreditamento, Acquisto delle Prestazioni Sanitarie e Sociosanitarie (P.A.A.P.S.S.), Servizio Autorizzazione e Accreditamento, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) di Bergamo, Via Galliccioli, 4, I-24121 Bergamo, BG, Italy;
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15
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Francis DL, Wongsin U, Chien SC, Hsu YHE, Lohmeyer FM, Jian WS, Lin LF, Iqbal U. Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards Zika virus among healthcare workers in St. Kitts. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:237. [PMID: 33663410 PMCID: PMC7934413 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05932-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare workers are usually the first responders during outbreaks and are instrumental in educating the populace about the prevention of different diseases and illnesses. The aim of this study was to assess the association between healthcare workers’ characteristics and knowledge, attitudes and practices toward Zika virus. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that collected data from healthcare workers at 3 medical facilities using a validated self-administered questionnaire between July 2017 – September 2017. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between sociodemographic and knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Results A total of 190 healthcare workers were analyzed. Of these, 60, 72.6 and 64.7% had good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices toward Zika virus, respectively. Healthcare workers without a formal degree were less likely to have good knowledge of Zika virus (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0:49; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.24–0.99) compared to those with a formal degree. Reduced odds for positive attitude towards Zika virus were observed in healthcare workers with low income as compared to those with high income (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI =0.13–0.75). Being younger than 40 years old was associated with poor Zika virus practices (AOR = 0:34; 95% CI = 0.15–0.79). Conclusions Significant association between healthcare workers’ sociodemographic characteristics and Zika virus knowledge, attitudes and practices were observed. Public health interventions that seek to increase Zika virus awareness should aim to train healthcare workers who are younger, without formal degree and those earning low income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donya L Francis
- Global Health & Development Department, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, No. 172-1, Sec. 2, Keelung Rd, Daan District, Taipei City, 106, Taiwan
| | - Utoomporn Wongsin
- Global Health & Health Security Dept., College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuo-Chen Chien
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsin Elsa Hsu
- Executive Master Program of Business Administration in Biotechnology, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Health Care Administration, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Wen-Shan Jian
- School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Health Care Administration, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Research Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,International Center for Health Information Technology (ICHIT), Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Fong Lin
- School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Research Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Usman Iqbal
- Global Health & Development Department, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, No. 172-1, Sec. 2, Keelung Rd, Daan District, Taipei City, 106, Taiwan. .,Global Health & Health Security Dept., College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,International Center for Health Information Technology (ICHIT), Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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16
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Ricco M, Gualerzi G, Ranzieri S. Personal beliefs and misconceptions, not evidence guide general practitioners in the managing of travelers' diarrhea: Results from a pilot study (North-Western Italy, 2019). Infect Dis Now 2020; 51:266-272. [PMID: 33160008 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2020.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aims to characterize knowledge, attitudes and practices in a sample of general practitioners (GPs) on management of travelers' diarrhea (TD). METHODS A total of 158 GPs (44.3% males; mean age 40.2±12.4 years) completed a web questionnaire on antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) and/or an antibiotic treatment (AT) in TD cases. Participants were inquired on knowledge status (KS), risk perception and effectively applied recommendations for AP/AT through a specifically designed questionnaire. Multivariate odds ratios (OR) for predictors of AP/AT were calculated through regression analysis. RESULTS All in all, while 15 (9.5%) participants recommended AP for TD, 61 of them (39.4%) recommended AT. KS was largely unsatisfying as participants extensively ignored the most recent AP/AT recommendations. Acknowledgment of TD as a severe disorder was predictive for recommendation of AP (OR 37.843, 95%CI 4.752-301.4). As for AT, it was relatively elevated in GPs≥10 years (OR 2.653, 95%CI 1.169-6.019), but more rarely reported in participants with higher KS (OR 0.056, 95%CI 0.021-0.153). CONCLUSIONS Adherence of GPs to official recommendations for TD management was unsatisfying, particularly in older participants. Continuous Education of GPs should be improved by sharing up-to-date official recommendations on AT/AP for TD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Ricco
- IRCCS-AUSL di Reggio Emilia; Service for Health and Safety in the Workplace, Department of Public Health, Via Amendola n.2, 42122 Reggio Emilia (RE), Italy.
| | - Giovanni Gualerzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery; School of Medicine, University of Parma, Via Gramsci n.14, Parma (PR), Italy
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Occupational Medicine, University of Parma, Via Gramsci n.14, Parma (PR), Italy
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17
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Riccò M, Gualerzi G, Ranzieri S, Ferraro P, Bragazzi NL. Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices (KAP) of Italian Occupational Physicians towards Tick Borne Encephalitis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5030117. [PMID: 32708662 PMCID: PMC7559127 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5030117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) is an occupational health threat with increasing incidence in the geographic area of Italy. Despite this, TBE vaccination rates have ranged from 10% to 40% in Italy, even in at-risk workers. The reasons for this low rate are investigated in this present study of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of occupational physicians (OP) regarding TBE disease and vaccination in at-risk workers. A total of 229 OP participated in an internet-based survey by completing a structured questionnaire. Adequate general knowledge of TBE disease was found in 58% of OP. Accurate perception of TBE risk in occupational settings was found in 20%. TBE vaccination for at-risk workers was recommended by 19%. Willingness to recommend TBE vaccination was more likely by OP practicing in endemic areas (Odds Ratio 3.10, 95% confidence intervals 1.47–6.55), who knew the existence of the term “arboviruses” (3.10, 1.29–7.44), or exhibited a better understanding of TBE (2.38, 1.11–5.12)—and were positive predictors for promoting TBE vaccine, while acknowledging that TBE as a severe disease was a negative one. Tick-borne disorders in Italy are a still rare (but increasing) occupational health threat, and vaccination gaps for TBE virus may find an explanation in OP incomplete knowledge of evidence-based recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- AUSL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Occupational Health and Safety Service on the Workplaces of the Local Health Unit of Reggio Emilia (SPSAL), Via Amendola n.2, I-42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Correspondence: or
| | - Giovanni Gualerzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Parma, Via Gramsci n.14, 43123 Parma, Italy;
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Occupational Medicine, University of Parma, Via Gramsci n.14, I-43123 Parma, Italy;
| | - Pietro Ferraro
- ASL Foggia, Department of Prevention, Occupational Health and Safety Service on the Workplaces of the Local Health Unit of Foggia, Piazza Pavoncelli 11, I-41121 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada;
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18
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Huang Y, Wu Q, Wang P, Xu Y, Wang L, Zhao Y, Yao D, Xu Y, Lv Q, Xu S. Measures Undertaken in China to Avoid COVID-19 Infection: Internet-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e18718. [PMID: 32396516 PMCID: PMC7219722 DOI: 10.2196/18718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In early 2020, over 80,000 cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were confirmed in China. Public prevention and control measures, along with efforts from all sectors of society, were undertaken to control and eliminate disease transmission. OBJECTIVE This paper describes Chinese citizens' response to the epidemic, the preventive measures they implemented to avoid being infected, and the public strategies that were carried out by the government, health workers, etc. We also discuss the efficacy of these measures in controlling the epidemic in China. METHODS Information on the responses and behaviors of Chinese citizens were collected through a cross-sectional, internet-based survey using Dingxiang Doctor's public account on WeChat. Information on public strategies implemented by all sectors of society to control the epidemic and data on new COVID-19 cases were collected from the internet, mainly from government websites. Standard descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 10,304 participants responded to the survey, with 10,198 valid responses; 74.1% (n=7557) were female and 25.9% (n=2641) were male. Overall, 98.2% (n=10,013) of participants paid high or very high attention to the epidemic, with WeChat being their main information source (n=9400, 92.2%). Over half the participants (n=5878, 57.7%) were confident that the epidemic could be curbed in China; 92.4% (n=9427) opened windows for ventilation more frequently than usual; 97.9% (n=9986) used masks in public; 95.7% (n=9759) avoided large crowds and stayed at home as much as possible; and 97.9% (n=9988) washed their hands more often than usual. Women were more likely to practice these behaviors than men (P<.001). With a series of strict public control measures, like nationwide health education campaigns, holiday extensions, the Examine and Approve Policy on the resumption of work, close management of working and living quarters, a health QR (Quick Response) code system, community screening, and social distancing policies, the number of new cases have decreased dramatically since February 12, 2020. CONCLUSIONS The methods employed by Chinese citizens and authorities have effectively curtailed the spread of COVID-19, demonstrating that this pandemic can be brought under control as long as the right measures are taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Jiashan Prefectural Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiashan, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yusui Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dingming Yao
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaohong Lv
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuiyang Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
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Riccò M, Ferraro P, Gualerzi G, Ranzieri S, Bragazzi NL, Balzarini F, Signorelli C. Point-of-Care diagnostic of SARS-CoV-2: knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of medical workforce in Italy. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2020; 91:57-67. [PMID: 32420926 PMCID: PMC7569620 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i2.9573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study aims to characterize knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in a sample of medical professionals towards point-of-care (POC) rapid tests for SARS-CoV-2 in Italy (April 2020). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 561 professionals (42.6% males, 26.9% ≥ 50-year-old) compiled a specifically designed web questionnaire on characteristics of POC rapid tests. They were asked whether they would change daily practice and make clinical decisions according to POC tests. Multivariate odds ratios (aOR) for predictors of propensity towards the aforementioned behavioral outcomes were calculated through regression analysis. RESULTS Overall, only 51.9% knew the official recommendations of the Italian Health Authorities for POC tests, while 26.0% of respondents considered POC tests for COVID-19 highly reliable. Still, 40.3% of respondents would change daily practice because of such tests, and 38.5% would make clinical decisions based of their results. Actual understanding of specificity and sensitivity of POC tests was not associated with assessed behavioral outcomes: main positive effectors were identified in perceived reliability and usefulness of rapid tests, acknowledging the existence of official recommendations, understanding the limited clinical implications of POC tests, and working as occupational physicians were characterized as negative effectors. Conclusions. Propensity of sampled professionals towards POC tests for COVID-19 was diffusely unsatisfying. While actual understanding of accuracy of such tests was not a main effector of propensity, previous experiences with other POC tests in daily practice, particularly among occupational physicians may have impaired overall acceptance of such instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia V.le Amendola n.2 - 42122 REServizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL)Dip. di Prevenzione.
| | - Pietro Ferraro
- ASL Foggia, Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Servizio Prevenzione e Sicurezza Ambienti Lavoro, Piazza Pavoncelli 11 Foggia (FG), Italy.
| | - Giovanni Gualerzi
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine; Via Gramsci n.14, 43123; Parma (PR), Italy.
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Occupational Medicine; Via Gramsci n.14, 43123; Parma (PR), Italy.
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Federica Balzarini
- University "Vita e Salute", San Raffaele Hospital; Via Olgettina n. 58, 20132; Milan (MI), Italy .
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- University "Vita e Salute", San Raffaele Hospital; Via Olgettina n. 58, 20132; Milan (MI), Italy .
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RICCò M, Vezzosi L, Gualerzi G, Bragazzi NL, Balzarini F. Pertussis immunization in healthcare workers working in pediatric settings: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of Occupational Physicians. Preliminary results from a web-based survey (2017). JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2020; 61:E66-E75. [PMID: 32490271 PMCID: PMC7225653 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.1.1155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The present study aims to characterize knowledge, attitudes and practices in a sample of occupational physicians (OPh) towards pertussis immunization in healthcare workers (HCWs) from pediatric settings. Material and methods A total of 148 OPh (45.9% males, mean age of 40.3 ± 13.2 years) compiled a web questionnaire including a knowledge test on Italian recommendations for HCWs, epidemiology and pathology of pertussis infection, being then investigated about risk perceptions and vaccination practices. A General Knowledge Score (GKS) and a Risk Perception Score (RPS) were calculated. Multivariate odds ratios (OR) for predictors of vaccine propensity were calculated through regression analysis. Results 78 participants regularly recalled pertussis vaccination status and/or performed pertussis vaccination in HCWs (52.7%). Proactive status was correlated with the aim to avoid pertussis infection in HCWs and its diffusion to other adults (p < 0.001, both statements). GKS was satisfying (72.4% ± 14.9), but participants underestimated the clinical issues of pertussis infection (RPS 60.8% ± 9.5) when confronted with influenza (73.9% ± 10.9) and HBV infection (68.1% ± 10.1). GKS and RPS were well correlated (r = 0.244, p = 0.003). Eventually, a better GKS and the aim to avoid pertussis infection in HCWs were predictive of a proactive status for pertussis vaccination (OR 4.186 95%CI 1.809-9.685 and OR 11.459, 95%CI 3.312-39.651, respectively). Conclusions Adherence of OPh to HCWs pertussis vaccination was unsatisfying. As knowledge status was predictive for vaccine propensity, information programs for OPh should be more appropriately designed, stressing that HCWs may represent a significant reservoir for pertussis infection in high risk groups (e.g. children/newborns, frail elderly).
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Affiliation(s)
- M RICCò
- IRCCS-AUSL di Reggio Emilia; Department of Public Health, Service for Health and Safety in the Workplace; Reggio Emilia (RE), Italy
- Provincial Agency for Health Services of the Autonomous Province of Trento; Department of Prevention, Occupational Health and Safety Unit, Trento (TN), Italy
| | - L Vezzosi
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Experimental Medicine, Naples (NA), Italy
| | - G Gualerzi
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery; School of Medicine, Parma (PR), Italy
| | - N L Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - F Balzarini
- University "Vita e Salute", San Raffaele Hospital, Milan (MI), Italy
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21
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Abu-Rish EY, Elayeh ER, Albsoul-Younes AM. The Role of the Middle East in ZIKA Virus Circulation: Implications of a Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 100:974-980. [PMID: 30675847 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
ZIKA virus (ZIKAV) outbreak in Latin America was associated with international concerns of ZIKAV circulation. The lack of vaccine and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs against this virus rendered prevention as the single most effective method to control its spread. Hence, this study aimed to assess Jordanian population knowledge, attitude, and practices toward ZIKAV and its prevention. An anonymous questionnaire was administered to adults in Amman, Jordan. The overall knowledge of participants was poor (mean knowledge score of 13.7/32). Between 75% and 86% of the respondents did not know the highest risk group of ZIKAV infection, its complications, and the major routes of transmission. About 40% of the population did not know that ZIKAV is sexually transmitted. Only 40% of the population believed that prevention measures are effective. Female gender, working in the medical field, having children, and the source of medical information were associated with significantly higher level of knowledge (R 2 = 0.143, P-value < 0.0001). Being pregnant, however, was not associated with a significantly high knowledge score. Physician recommendations and government's role were the most important predictors of practices toward ZIKAV prevention. Of the 14 returnees from outbreak areas, only six were tested for ZIKAV on coming back and only three continued the use of prevention measures for a sufficient time. Therefore, formulation of a national health policy, preparedness plans against any potential transmission, and organization of educational campaigns to meet the population's health educational needs are required. Special emphasis should be placed on pregnant women and travelers to/returnees from ZIKAV-affected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Y Abu-Rish
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eman R Elayeh
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Abla M Albsoul-Younes
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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22
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Maharajan M, Rajiah K, Woo M, Yee Y, Cheah S, Zhe M. Predicting factors contributing to knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to Zika virus infection among the general public in Malaysia. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/1995-7645.285830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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23
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Harapan H, Rajamoorthy Y, Utomo PS, Anwar S, Setiawan AM, Alleta A, Bambang A, Ramadana MR, Ikram I, Wahyuniati N, Maulana R, Ichsan I, Indah R, Wagner AL, Kuch U, Groneberg DA, Rodríguez-Morales AJ, Andalas M, Müller R, Mudatsir M, Imrie A. Knowledge and attitude towards pregnancy-related issues of Zika virus infection among general practitioners in Indonesia. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:693. [PMID: 31387537 PMCID: PMC6683397 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4297-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards pregnancy-related issues of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection among general practitioners (GPs), a frontline healthcare worker group, in Indonesia. Methods A cross-sectional, online survey assessing knowledge and attitudes towards ZIKV infection on multiple-item scales was sent to GPs in the Sumatra and Java islands of Indonesia. The associations between independent factors and either knowledge or attitude were assessed with logistic regressions. The correlation and association between knowledge and attitude were estimated. Results We included 457 (53.7%) out of 850 responses in the analysis. Among these, 304 (66.5%) and 111 (24.2%) respondents had a good knowledge and attitude, respectively. No demographic, workplace, professional development, or experiential characteristics related to ZIKV infection were associated with knowledge. In the multivariate analysis, only contact experience was associated with attitude. There was a significant, positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores. Conclusions Although knowledge of pregnancy-related complications of ZIKV infection is relatively high among GPs in Indonesia, more than 75% of them had a poor attitude towards pregnancy-related issues of Zika. Strategies for enhancing the capacity of GPs to develop positive attitudes and respond to ZIKV infection are needed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-4297-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harapan Harapan
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. .,Tropical Disease Centre, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. .,Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. .,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.
| | | | - Prattama S Utomo
- Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Jogjakarta, Indonesia
| | - Samsul Anwar
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Abdul M Setiawan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University of Malang, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Alma Alleta
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.,Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Alfredo Bambang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad R Ramadana
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Ikram Ikram
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Nur Wahyuniati
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Reza Maulana
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Ichsan Ichsan
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.,Tropical Disease Centre, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.,Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Rosaria Indah
- Medical Education Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.,Sydney School of Education and Social Work, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Abram L Wagner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ulrich Kuch
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David A Groneberg
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alfonso J Rodríguez-Morales
- Public Health and Infection Research Incubator and Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia.,Research Group Medical and Diagnostic Images (GRIMEID), IPS Imágenes Diagnósticas S.A, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Mohd Andalas
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Ruth Müller
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Unit of Medical Entomology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mudatsir Mudatsir
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. .,Tropical Disease Centre, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. .,Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
| | - Allison Imrie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
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24
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Chaw LL, Tuah NAA, Idris FI, Wong Yun Yaw J, Naing L. Knowledge and Practice Survey on Zika Virus Infection Among General Adults in Brunei Darussalam. Asia Pac J Public Health 2019; 31:275-287. [DOI: 10.1177/1010539519850023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and practices on Zika virus infection among general adults in Brunei Darussalam. From February to June 2017, 439 adults were interviewed from outpatient health care settings. Most participants were Malays (87.0%) and females (61.5%), with a mean age of 40.7 years. Only 25.1% had a total knowledge score of 15 to 28 points (of a possible score of 0-28). Females and those living in households of <8 people were more likely to have higher total knowledge scores (15-28 points). Media was the preferred source to get updates. Also, 67.4% had a total prevention practice score of 19 to 36 points (of a possible score of 0-36). Those who attained secondary level education or below, had no pregnant women present in their household, and scored 15 to 28 points for knowledge were more likely to have higher prevention practice scores (19-36 points). Knowledge on Zika was significantly associated with prevention practices against mosquito bites and breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ling Chaw
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Nik Anni Afiqah Tuah
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
- Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Fazean Irdayati Idris
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | | | - Lin Naing
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
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25
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Nelson EJ, Luetke MC, Kianersi S, Willis E, Rosenberg M. Knowledge and perceptions of Zika virus transmission in the community of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:339. [PMID: 31014275 PMCID: PMC6480501 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Zika virus is associated with increased cases of both microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Community knowledge, perceptions and practices to prevent infection with the Zika virus are not well understood, particularly among high risk populations living in resource-poor and Zika-endemic areas. Our objective was to assess knowledge of symptoms, health effects and prevention practices associated with Zika virus in rural communities on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Methods Study participants were contacted while attending community events such as free medical clinics and invited to be interviewed regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Zika virus using the World Health Organization’s Zika survey tool. Results Of the 75 Dominicans that participated, 33% did not know who could become infected with Zika. In addition, only 40% of respondents were able to identify mosquitoes or sexual transmission as the primary routes of infection though 51% of respondents thought that Zika was an important issue in their community. Conclusions This study found that general knowledge regarding the basic risks and transmission of Zika were not well understood among a sample of rural Dominicans. Our findings highlight disparities in knowledge and perception of risk from Zika in rural areas compared to previous studies conducted in the Dominican Republic. Education about the basic risks and transmission of Zika are critically needed in these remote populations to reduce Zika transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health - Bloomington, 1025 E. 7th Street, Room C03, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Maya C Luetke
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health - Bloomington, 1025 E. 7th Street, Room C03, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Sina Kianersi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health - Bloomington, 1025 E. 7th Street, Room C03, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Erik Willis
- Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Indiana University -Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health - Bloomington, 1025 E. 7th Street, Room C03, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
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26
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Gregorio ER, Medina JRC, Lomboy MFTC, Talaga ADP, Hernandez PMR, Kodama M, Kobayashi J. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of public secondary school teachers on Zika Virus Disease: A basis for the development of evidence-based Zika educational materials for schools in the Philippines. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214515. [PMID: 30921441 PMCID: PMC6438468 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Philippines is at risk in developing a Zika Virus (ZIKV) Disease Outbreak. One of the possible interventions is health education because students are potential health advocates and influencers to their communities through the knowledge transfers from their teachers. The competency of Filipino teachers on ZIKV Disease is yet to be described. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of public secondary school teachers on ZIKV Disease. A modified version of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Survey Tool on Zika Virus Disease from the World Health Organization—Pan American Health Organization (WHO-PAHO) was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of teachers of eight public secondary schools in five villages in Quezon City, Philippines. Out of the 609 respondents, 87.3% reported that their main source of information about ZIKV is tri-media, which includes television, print, and radio. Majority of the respondents mentioned that ZIKV is transmitted through a mosquito bite (80.3%). However, only half of the participants identified vector control as a preventive strategy. Moreover, only 54% admitted to have cleaned their water containers or water sources within the last week. Only a few identified mother-to-child (23%) and sexual intercourse (8%) as other means of transmission. Half (49.8%) of the respondents felt that it is possible to acquire ZIKV in their community, while 90% perceived that a private doctor (90%) or a public hospital (88%) can effectively treat the disease. Perceived stigma is high at 50%. This study showed there was good knowledge among teachers on vector transmission of ZIKV but poor knowledge on other aspects of the disease. Also, there was a low level of perceived susceptibility and severity of ZIKV which can be explained by the absence of a personal encounter with a Zika patient and the low number of cases in the Philippines. Half of the respondents said that they cleaned the possible mosquito breeding sites within the last week, followed by those who cleaned their water source more than a week ago (19%). None of the socio-demographic characteristics is significantly associated with respondents’ knowledge on Zika. Only income and location of residence were found to be significantly associated with attitudes towards Zika. These findings call for a comprehensive training program that includes development of teaching materials for public secondary school teachers on ZIKV Disease based from this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto R. Gregorio
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila/SEAMEO-TROPMED Regional Center for Public Health, Hospital Administration, and Environmental and Occupational Health, Manila, Philippines
- Department of Global Health, Graduate School of Health Sciences, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara City, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - John Robert C. Medina
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila/SEAMEO-TROPMED Regional Center for Public Health, Hospital Administration, and Environmental and Occupational Health, Manila, Philippines
- Department of Global Health, Graduate School of Health Sciences, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara City, Japan
| | - Marian Fe Theresa C. Lomboy
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila/SEAMEO-TROPMED Regional Center for Public Health, Hospital Administration, and Environmental and Occupational Health, Manila, Philippines
| | - Andre Dominic P. Talaga
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila/SEAMEO-TROPMED Regional Center for Public Health, Hospital Administration, and Environmental and Occupational Health, Manila, Philippines
| | - Paul Michael R. Hernandez
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila/SEAMEO-TROPMED Regional Center for Public Health, Hospital Administration, and Environmental and Occupational Health, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mitsuya Kodama
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila/SEAMEO-TROPMED Regional Center for Public Health, Hospital Administration, and Environmental and Occupational Health, Manila, Philippines
- Department of Global Health, Graduate School of Health Sciences, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara City, Japan
| | - Jun Kobayashi
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila/SEAMEO-TROPMED Regional Center for Public Health, Hospital Administration, and Environmental and Occupational Health, Manila, Philippines
- Department of Global Health, Graduate School of Health Sciences, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara City, Japan
- Japanese Consortium for Global School Health Research, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara City, Japan
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27
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Whiteman A, Mejia A, Hernandez I, Loaiza JR. Socioeconomic and demographic predictors of resident knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding arthropod-borne viruses in Panama. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1261. [PMID: 30428861 PMCID: PMC6236898 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6172-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We sought to identify if socioeconomic and demographic factors play a role in resident knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika in order to inform effective management procedures for disease prevention in Panama, a middle-income tropical country in Central America. All three are arthropod-borne viruses transmitted by Aedes mosquito vectors present in the focal region of Panama City, the largest city in Central America and an urban region of extreme socioeconomic polarization. Methods Between November 2017 and February 2018, we administered standardized, anonymous knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys to 263 residents split between two neighborhoods of high socioeconomic status (SES) and two neighborhoods of low SES. We then summed the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores respectively, and used linear and logistic regressions to quantify relationships with socioeconomic and demographic factors. Results Low-SES neighborhoods with high proportions of low income residents, residents over 70 years old had lower mean knowledge scores compared to other groups. Furthermore, residents in neighborhoods of low SES reported more mosquito biting relative to residents in neighborhoods of high SES, yet comparably lower level of concerns for disease transmission. Additionally, knowledge was lower for the more novel emergent threats of Chikungunya and Zika, compared to the endemic Dengue. Conclusion Findings suggest that low-SES neighborhoods with high proportions of low income, low education, and elderly residents should be targeted for outreach programs designed to prevent DENV, CHIKV, or ZIKV in Panama City. These outcomes support our initial hypotheses as lower relative knowledge and fewer practices related to the prevention of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika were found in low-SES neighborhoods. There is also a widespread lack of adequate knowledge regarding these diseases as well as low levels of concern in areas of highly reported mosquito biting. We provide suggestions for taking neighborhood socioeconomic status and specific aspects resident health literacy and attitude into account for creating more effective outreach campaigns as both endemic and novel arthropod-borne disease rates continue to increase throughout Latin America. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-6172-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Whiteman
- Department of Geography & Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA. .,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, P.O. Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancón, Republic of Panama.
| | - A Mejia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), P.O. Box 0843-01103, Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - I Hernandez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), P.O. Box 0843-01103, Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - J R Loaiza
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, P.O. Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancón, Republic of Panama.,Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), P.O. Box 0843-01103, Panamá, República de Panamá.,Programa Centroamericano de Maestría en Entomología, Universidad de Panamá, Panama City, República de Panamá
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Argüelles-Nava VG, Alvarez-Bañuelos MT, Córdoba-Suárez D, Sampieri CL, Ortiz-León MC, Riande-Juárez G, Montero H. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Zika among a University Community Located in an Endemic Zone in Mexico. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E2548. [PMID: 30441747 PMCID: PMC6267223 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices about the Zika virus in both students and workers at the University of Veracruz, an online survey was conducted. The participants were divided into two groups: one according to sex, the other according to whether they were workers or students. Their answers were classified into knowledge, attitudes, and practices and they were rated as low, medium, and high. The results showed that knowledge about Zika prevailing among the university population is considered as medium in 79.4% of the study population. Most respondents know that the mosquito spreads the Zika virus (98.8%) and the clinical characteristics, while sexual transmission by the virus is little known (36.85%). Both the univariate analysis (OR (CI5) 0.227 (0.070⁻0.735), p = 0.013] and multivariate analysis (OR (CI95) 0.234 (0.071⁻778), p = 0.018] showed that belonging to the health sciences area is related to having a greater knowledge about Zika. Despite the existing knowledge, a low level of prevention practices prevails in the whole community (55%). A medium level of knowledge about Zika prevailed, while proper implementation of preventive measures for Zika is low, despite the fact that the state of Veracruz-the place where the University is located-is an endemic area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel Córdoba-Suárez
- Licenciatura en Ciencias y Técnicas Estadísticas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91000, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Clara L Sampieri
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - María C Ortiz-León
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Gabriel Riande-Juárez
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Hilda Montero
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Veracruz, Mexico.
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Jo S, Kim Y, Choi JS. Influencing factors on preventive health behaviours for Zika virus in pregnant women and their partners. J Clin Nurs 2018; 28:894-901. [PMID: 30367529 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To identify Zika virus-related knowledge, attitudes to Zika virus and health motivations of pregnant women, women preparing for pregnancy and their partners, and to identify factors that influence preventive health behaviours for Zika virus infection. BACKGROUND Prevention of Zika virus infection is becoming a major worldwide public health effort. The high-risk group for Zika virus infection comprises women who are pregnant or preparing for pregnancy. Few studies have addressed preventive health behaviours for Zika virus infection by gender. DESIGN This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. METHODS Participants (112 males and 147 females) were selected by convenience sampling from three obstetric clinics located in South Korea. Women and their partners who visited obstetric clinics during pregnancy or preparing for pregnancy were included as subjects. RESULTS Factors associated with preventive health behaviours for Zika virus were checking infection status of Zika virus on destinations when planning a trip and attitudes to Zika virus in males and age, educational level, intention to travel to Zika virus endemic countries, attitudes to Zika virus and health motivation in females. CONCLUSIONS Factors that influence preventive health behaviours for Zika virus were different by gender. However, attitudes to Zika virus were influential to both genders. Gender differences should be considered in development of health policies to improve preventive health behaviours for Zika virus. Younger and less educated women are to be targeted, and health management programmes should be developed to promote health motivation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Pregnant women, women preparing for pregnancy and their partners need education and public health promotion to improve self-management during travel to places where Zika virus is endemic. Health policies and health management programmes considering age and educational background should be developed to promote health motivation in women of childbearing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungho Jo
- Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Youngji Kim
- College of Nursing, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
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