A survey of public perception, knowledge and factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptability in five communities in Ghana

Objective: The present study assessed the public's perception and Knowledge about COVID-19 and factors that could affect vaccine acceptability in Ghana. Design: We carried out a cross-sectional population-based study. A structured questionnaire was used to capture data on socio-demographic information, knowledge, and the public's perception of COVID-19 infection, as well as COVID-19 vaccine acceptability from consented participants. Factors affecting vaccine acceptability in Ghana were explored. Robust ordinary least square linear regression analysis was adopted to assess factors associated with vaccine acceptability. Setting: Five communities (Labone, Lartebiorkoshie, Old Fadama, Chorkor, and Ashiyie) in Accra in the Greater Accra district were selected. Participants: WHO modified cluster-sampling method was applied to select households of 997 participants in the five communities. Results: Most respondents were males (57.6%), and the median age of participants was 30 years. The study participants demonstrated a good knowledge of COVID-19 and had high perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results revealed that the highest educational level, marital status, self-rated Knowledge of COVID-19, Knowledge of COVID-19 definition, Knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, and perception of the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly associated with vaccine acceptability. Self-reported impact of COVID-19 lockdown/movement restrictions on agriculture and job as a source of livelihood was associated with vaccine acceptability. Conclusion: Higher subjective and objective knowledge of COVID-19 increases vaccine acceptability scores significantly thus, education on COVID-19 and the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection must be intensified to improve vaccine acceptability in Ghana, especially among those with lower educational backgrounds

Stroke-related knowledge and attitudes among university students in Northeast Nigeria

te public knowledge of stroke, but the impact in Nigeria is notwell known. This study assessed stroke-related knowledge andattitudes among university students in Nigeria, where health stud-ies are parts of college curricula. This was a cross-sectional studyof students at three universities in Northeast Nigeria. Using ques-tionnaire survey, we assessed biographical data and participantknowledge of the primary site, warning signs and risk factors ofstroke. Responses were graded on a knowledge score, where ≥2.5points indicated adequate knowledge. Data were analyzed with theSPSS version 21 program. We studied 824 participants, 67.1%males. Males were older than females (mean age ± SD: 27.42±5.58years versus 26.27±5.31 years; P = 0.009; 95% CI: 0.29 ­ 1.99)and 14.5% participants had stroke lectures during general studies.Major sources of stroke knowledge were personal discussions(44.6%) and internet websites (24.5%). Only 15.7% participantscorrectly identified the brain as the primary site of stroke, whileknowledge of one or more stroke warning signs and risk factorswere noted in 42.2% and 49.6%, respectively. Mean knowledgescore was 1.08 ± 0.99. Adequate knowledge of stroke was noted in13.2% participants, and was higher in females (17.7% versus10.7%; P = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed significantassociations between adequate knowledge of stroke with femalesex (OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2 ­ 2.8; P = 0.008) and a history of strokein close relatives (OR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1 ­ 2.6; P = 0.025) but notwith age, academic discipline or stroke lectures. University stu-dents in Northeast Nigeria have low knowledge of stroke, which isworse in males. Although health issues are taught at universities,little is taught on stroke, suggesting a need to prioritize strokeknowledge in the universities little is taught on stroke, suggeting a need to prioritize stroke knowlegde in the university curriculum .

COVID-19: Socio-demographic determinants of knowledge

Background:Knowledge on etiology, risk factors, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms of COVID-19 is an essential element in pandemic control. Assessing the level of knowledge and determining sources from which information were derived is a fundamental element of situation analysis imperative in COVID-19 control.Materials and method: The study is a cross sectional study. All eligible visitors who presented at the general out-patient department for Medicare were enlisted into the study until required sample size was achieved. Pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from respondents. Statistical analysis was done with multinomial logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 23.1 with statistical significance set at 0.05. Ethical approval and permission for the study from relevant authorities were granted.Conclusion:Knowledge of COVID 19 was poor. Higher educational qualification enhances better knowledge. Females, public servants, married persons, respondents who attended tertiary institution and those aged 31-40 years had better knowledge score.Results:Over all composite score for good knowledge was 1037(35.4%) with predominant statistically significant difference in knowledge. There was better knowledge score for females, public servants, married persons, respondents aged 31-40 years and those who had tertiary education

Family-integrated diabetes education for individuals with diabetes in South-west Nigeria

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of family-integrated diabetes education on diabetes knowthe ledge of patients and family members, as well as its impact on patients' glycosylated haemoglobin (A1C). Design: The design was a two-group Pretest Posttest quasi-experimental. Setting: The study took place at the diabetes clinics of two tertiary hospitals in southwestern Nigeria. Participants: People Living with Diabetes (PLWD) and family members aged 18 years and over and without cognitive impairment were placed, as clusters, into either a control group (CG) or an intervention group (IG) The CG comprised 88 patients and 88 family members while IG comprised 82 patients and 82 family members. Of these, 78 and 74 patients completed the study in CG and IG, respectively. Interventions: PLWD in IG along with their family members were given an educational intervention on diabetes management and collaborative support with an information booklet provided. This was followed by three (3) complimentary Short Messaging Service (SMS). Main outcome measures: A1C and diabetes knowledge. Results: Over half (52.4%) and about a fifth (18.2%) of family members and patients, respectively, had never had diabetes education. There was a statistically significant increase in the knowledge of patients and family members in IG. Unlike CG, the A1C of patients in IG improved significantly at three and six-month post-intervention, (p<0.01). Regression showed an independent effect of family members' knowledge on IG's A1C. Conclusions: Improved family members' diabetes knowledge positively impacted patients' glucose level. There is a need to integrate family members into diabetes care better

Knowledge and use of biostatistics among resident and junior doctors at the university of port harcourt teaching hospital, Port Harcourt

Background: The place of research in the generation of facts and evidence on which contemporary medicine can be based cannot be overemphasized. Medical and surgical research is now more crucial than ever before for advancement of clinical practice and career progression for medical professionals. This requires good understanding and application of biostatistics among clinicians. Aim: To assess the knowledge and use of biostatistics among resident doctors at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt. Subjects and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based study carried out in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Completed questionnaires were retrieved immediately after completion. The data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet, cleaned, and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: There were a total of 109 respondents. Sixty-nine (63.3%) respondents were included in the study. Fifty-five (79.7%) respondents indicated that they understood the basic concepts of biostatistics, and only 16 (23.2%) respondents can apply their knowledge practically in research. Conclusion: The level of appreciation and use of biostatistics among resident doctors in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital is inadequate. This may be a reflection of the situation with resident doctors in other institutions in the country. There is a need for a curriculum review both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels to prepare medical professionals for the task of high-quality research and advancement of knowledge

Connaissances, attitudes et pratiques des soins après avortement au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Départemental du Borgou-Alibori

Introduction : L'avortement constitue un problème de santé publique par sa fréquence et la gravité de ses complications. Cette situation a conduit le Bénin à introduire les soins après avortements dans les Soins Obstétricaux et Néonataux d'Urgence. Objectif : Evaluer la connaissance l'attitude et la pratique des soins après avortement auprès des sage femmes et gynécologues de la maternité Cadre et méthode : Etude transversale et descriptive à la Maternité du CHUD-B/A de Février à mai 2016. Seize (16) prestataires dont dix (10) sages-femmes et six (6) gynécologues ont été évalués sur 68 patientes présentant un avortement. Résultats : la fréquence des avortements est de 7,9%. Les avortements spontanés restent les plus fréquents (61,7%). Les prestataires ayant le niveau de compétences théoriques requis sur les SAA représentent 61,7%. L'asepsie est respectée dans 83,8% des cas. L'AMIU reste la méthode d'évacuation utérine la plus utilisée (83,8%) suivie par le Misoprostol (16,2%). L'antibiothérapie et la prévention de l'allo-immunisation sont respectivement pratiquées dans 94,1% et 100%. Le counseling et la planification familiale ont été réalisés dans tous les cas d'avortement. Les services de santé de reproduction dont les patientes ont bénéficié sont : le service de gynécologie (68,1%) ; le dépistage du cancer du col (10,3%) ; le dépistage des IST (50%). L'implication de la communauté s'est faite dans tous les cas de prise en charge d'avortements. Nous n'avons enregistré aucune complication majeure ni aucun décès maternel. Conclusion : la majorité des prestataires ont les connaissances requises par rapport aux SAA. La pratique des SAA à la maternité du CHUD-B/A répond presque entièrement aux normes requises. Cependant certains points importants restent encore à corriger

Assessment of medication knowledge among adults with diabetes mellitus in a Nigerian teaching hospital

Background: Previous research had suggested a relationship between patients' knowledge of their medications and their adherence to treatment instructions.Objective: To assess medication knowledge among adults with diabetes mellitus at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State.Methods: This was a cross sectional study of 152 adults with either Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes mellitus attending the Diabetes Clinic of the OOUTH. A two-part questionnaire was used to collect data on demography and knowledge of their medications.Results: Out of the one hundred and fifty two respondents, 60.5% were females and majority, (50.7%) fell within the 60-79 years age group. Majority (76.3%) of the patients reported very good medication knowledge, 32% and 46.1% knew the names and number of all the drugs they were taking respectively. Majority (96.1%) were aware they were receiving treatment for diabetes mellitus. The pharmacist was rated as the main information provider by 38.8% while 50.7% were not satisfied with their level of glycaemic control. Although 32.2% agreed that the information provided made available to them was sufficient, 71.1% preferred medication instructions in both written and verbal forms. Conclusions: The present study revealed the need for adequate and appropriate information for patients receiving care for diabetes mellitus to enable them engage in effective self-care management of their ailment

Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting by Doctors in a Developing Country: A Case Study from Ghana

Background: Spontaneous adverse drug reaction reporting is the most widely used and cost effective method of monitoring the safety of drugs. This method is heavily afflicted by underreporting by healthcare professionals. The study aims at assessing adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting rate by doctors; knowledge of the reporting system and attitudes to SADR in the Greater Accra region. Methods: This was a cross sectional survey of 259 doctors randomly selected from 23 hospitals classified as government 199 (76.8); quasi-governmental 43(16.6) and private 17 (6.6) hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Data collection was by self-administered questionnaire from May 5; 2012- July 6; 2012. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the background characteristics of the doctors and the outcome measures like training and reasons for ADR reporting were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Results: One-third (27.4) of doctors surveyed had received previous training on drug safety monitoring and ADR reporting; training and knowledge of the reporting system was found to improve reporting. More than half 154 (59.5) of the doctors had seen a patient with suspected ADR in the past one year although only 31 (20) had reported it by completing the SADR reporting form. Doctors working in government hospitals were about 5 times more likely to report than those in private hospitals [OR=4.94; 95CI (1.55-15.69)]. Conclusion: Training and knowledge of the ADR reporting system were found to be associated with the likelihood of reporting an ADR. Most of the doctors had not previously received training on ADR reporting

Impact of Health Education Intervention on Malaria Prevention Practices among Nursing Mothers in Rural Communities in Nigeria

Malaria is the most prevalent parasitic endemic disease in Africa; which is preventable; treatable and curable. This study aims to assess the effect of health education intervention on the knowledge; attitude; and prevention practices amongst mothers of under-five children in a rural area of Ogun State; Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study design was a quasi-experimental study carried out in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State. A multistage random sampling technique was used in choosing the required samples and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant information. A total of 400 respondents were recruited into the study with 200 each in both the experimental and control groups and were followed up for a period of 3 months. Results: There was no statistically significant differences observed between the experimental and control groups. Knowledge of indoor spraying increased from 14.7 to 58.2 (P 0.001) and window and door nets increased from 48.3 to 74.8 (P 0.001). The proportion of those with ITN use increased from 50.8 to 87.4 (P 0.001) while those with practice of maintaining clean environment also increased from 40.4 to 54.5 (P 0.001). There were no significant changes in all the practice of malaria prevention methods in the control group. Conclusion: This suggests that malaria control can be significantly improved in rural areas; if the caregivers are adequately empowered through appropriate health education intervention though change in attitude and belief may require a longer and persistent effort

Evaluation des effets du dichlorate d'hydroxyzine sur l'anxiete preoperatoire et appreciation de l'information donnee aux malades

Evaluer l'anxiete preoperatoire des patients proposes pour une chirurgie elective et apprecier l'information recue du chirurgien et de l'anesthesiste.Type d'etude : Etude prospective et longitudinale sur deux enquetes de pratique hospitaliere. Patients et methode : Tous les patients ages de 16 ans et plus; de classe ASA I et II; admis en hospitalisation pour subir une intervention chirurgicale programmee durant la periode allant du 1er janvier au 30 avril 2007 et apres consentement eclaire; ont ete repartis en deux groupes de facon aleatoire. Les malades appartenant au groupe d'intervention ont recu chacun une premedication au dichlorate d'Hydroxyzine. L'anxiete preoperatoire a ete mesuree dans les deux groupes au moyen de l'echelle visuelle analogique (EVA). Resultats : Sur 145 patients initialement inclus; 139 ont pu participer a l'etude. Il n'y avait pas de difference statistiquement significative entre les deux groupes en ce qui concerne leurs scores d'anxiete avant ou apres la premedication. Par contre; nos resultats montrent que la plupart de nos patients n'avaient recu; en preoperatoire; que partiellement ou pas du tout d'informations sur les actes chirurgicaux et anesthesiques prevus.Conclusion : Les patients sont demandeurs d'informations et une bonne preparation psychologique pourrait reduire de facon sensible l'anxiete preoperatoire et prevenir certains incidents et/ou complications per ou postoperatoires

An Overview of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Epidemiology and Pathogenesis

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases which contribute significantly to the burden of non-communicable diseases. With the increasing prevalence of COPD in developing countries a good knowledge of disease burden and process is essential.Methods: Review of the available literature on the subject was done through Medline and Google search utilising the following keywords COPD; epidemiology; pathogenesis and management.Result: COPD which is increasing in prevalence has varied pathogenetic mechanisms which are influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic environmental promoters.Conclusion: The prevalence of COPD is increasing especially in developing countries. The pathogenesis is multifactorial and current understanding provides insights that are expected to improve on treatment and outcome