ABSTRACT
This research aims to measure the level of Knowledge (symptoms, complications, prevention, potential indoor environmental risk factors, the 20-20-20 rule) of dry eye syndrome DES among adults in Malaysia. Data were gathered from a random sample of 315 Malaysian adults in Klang Valley. The study participants were 18 to 60 years [mean (± SD) age = 34 ± 8]. Females represented a slightly higher percentage of the sample (55.66%). Of the 318 participants, most respondents (65.5%, n = 208) had a bad knowledge about dry eye syndrome. Only 86 adults had good Knowledge about the impact of the indoor environment and lifestyle on dry eye syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings revealed that, MAs’ knowledge significantly differ by participant’s qualification (χ2 = 27.6, p=0.002), age (χ2 = 15.4, p=0.018). Education level and age were associated with Knowledge (p< 0.05). Results revealed significant determinants of good Knowledge about the DES in the age group 29-39 years with (OR: 1.647, 95%CI: 1.097-2.471, P =0.016). Adults who are living in Kuala Lumpur, Gombak. And Klang & Petaling have similar odds of good Knowledge compared to other living areas. Finally, the health sector was a potential predictor of good Knowledge (OR: 4.246,95%CI: 1.781-10.124, P=0.001). Nevertheless, none of the other demographical variables had a potential predictor of good Knowledge about dry eye syndrome. Therefore, healthcare professionals should raise public awareness regarding dry eye illness problems, especially on potential indoor environmental risk factors.
ABSTRACT
This research aims in measuring the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 on community pharmacists in Tripoli, Libya. A cross-sectional survey was performed utilising an online questionnaire from the 1st to 27th March 2021. Data were gathered from a random sample of 260 community pharmacists (CPs) in Tripoli. Of the 260 participants, most respondents (71.66%, n = 187) had a good knowledge level about COVID-19. Moreover, approximately (88.23% n = 229) of the participants had positive attitudes. Most of the participants (84.35%, n = 219) had good practice levels against COVID-19. Educational level was associated with knowledge attitudes and pharmacist practices (p <0.05). No association was found between employment type with attitudes and pharmacist practices, while the experience was not associated with attitudes. There was a difference in the degrees of knowledge of community pharmacists in marital status, age, experience, level of education in relation to COVID-19. The only difference occurs in the CPs attitude scores for education level. Moreover, employment, level of education, marital status, and experience were all associated with levels of practice. The results indicated the existence of differences in the scores of CPs’ practices with respect to marital status, experience and qualifications. Regarding COVID-19, good knowledge was observed to be a better indicator of positive attitude (OR: 2.0993, p=0.001) and good practice (OR:1. 828, p=0.049) The requirements for applying the KAP of COVID-19 among CPs are acceptable and require more attention.