ABSTRACT
Objective: Important challenging factor for health care professionals is to ensure the treatment adherence of hypertension during COVID-19. To prevent the cardiovascular problems, adherence is one of essential parameter among the patients. The current study was designed to assess the treatment adherence of antihypertensive medications during COVID-19. Methodology: The descriptive, cross-sectional and multi-center study was conducted in 4 different clinical settings of two major cities of Sindh, Pakistan. The sampling method was systemic and patients were enrolled in the study from June to December 2021. Only those patients were selected who had confirmed diagnosis for hypertension and taken atleast one antihypertensive medications. A total of 1428 hypertensive patients were taken part in the study. Using self-administered adherence scale i.e. SDAS-14, the data were analyzed accordingly. Results: According to SDAS-14, the patients were categorized on score of adherence scale i.e. more than 10 means good adherence, 5-9 were medium adherent and less than 5 no or less adherent. Out of total 1428 patients, the average age was 58 years + 9 years. Majority were of male gender. Based on BP measurements and a series of questions were asked that showed low level of adherence were found during COVID-19. High educational level (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.46-3.36) and ARBs treatment (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61-0.91) were independent predictors of good adherence. Conclusion: The study reflects that during COVID-19 the level of adherence was low due to unavailability of medications and access to the health care professionals. More over the values of blood pressure was also not under control due to no exercise. The education is directly professional to the high level of adherence.
ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only the physical health, but mental health of general population. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the anxiety and levels of stress during COVID-among the population of Karachi. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted for the period of 8 months May 2020-December 2020, the required variables were collected on a questionnaire. Data was analyzed and descriptive statistics was applied using SPSS version 21 with 95% CI. Results: Out of 450 participants, 45.8% males, 54.2% females. The majority (39.1%) of patients were in group of 51-70 years of age. The levels of anxiety were categories in mild (21.5%), moderate ( 38.2%) severe (15.2%) and no anxiety (25.1%). The contributing factors in stress and anxiety were the fear (68.3%), panic situation by media (58.5%) and stress due to pandemic (64.2%). Conclusion: The pandemic of COVID-19 is a stressful situation which needs a proper management and counselling of community regarding the precautionary measures and guidance to control the psychological parameters.
ABSTRACT
The novel corona virus has infected thousands of individuals around the globe as worldwide pandemic, the objective of the study was to assess the knowledge attitude and practices of general population of Karachi. A cross sectional survey to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of general population of Karachi was conducted for the period of 5 months, December 2019-April 2020. The questionnaire included demographic details and rest of was divided into 3 sections, Section A displayed knowledge, Section B displayed attitude, while Section C displayed practice regarding current pandemic of COVID-19. Out of total 425 participants, 310 were males, 115 were females, 12.7% were students, 78.4% were employees while 8.9% were not working currently i.e. either housewives' females, unemployed or retired. 793% (n = 337) had correct knowledge, 12.4% (n = 54) did not know about the infection, 24.1% (n = 102) agreed children are at higher risk to get infected, 67.2% (n = 286) agreed that individuals above 60 years of age are at higher risk. 89.1% (n = 379) individuals suggested N95 mask, 3.2% (n = 13) agreed local cloth mask was enough to prevent the infection, 7.5% (n = 32) suggested wearing surgical mask is good practice. 93.1% (n = 396) respondents agreed COVID-19 has disturbed the life routine, 6.8% (n = 29) remained unaffected, 76.9% (n = 327) were emotionally/psychologically affected by the current pandemic. 73.5% (n = 312) agreed they have limited their social life and avoiding social gatherings. 46.6% (n = 198) agreed to stay isolated at home to avoid the infection. 87.9% (n = 373) agreed that they are worried by media and news related to worldwide pandemic. The study concluded that the general population had knowledge regarding the viral infection by news, media counseling, nearly majority of population addressed their practices regarding preventive measures.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the general perspective of population their believes and myths regarding the pandemic outbreak and use of mask as precautionary measures. Methods: A Cross-sectional observational study conducted from January-June 2020, among the general population of Karachi. Total 470 participant age range of 18-60 years were included in the study. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 21.0, for descriptive statistics. Correlation between variables was assess by Kruskal Wallis Test, spearman rank correlation was established to assess the significant correlation between Knowledge, myths and practices. Result: Out of 470 respondents, 74.31% were male and 25.69% of female. More than half of respondents aged between 51 to 70 years i.e. 53.92%. While 21.76% respondents were categorized in illiterate category. The mean rank score for knowledge, myths and practices were 217.95±2.1, myths score was 236.07±2.1, 241.12±2.1 respectively. The spearman rank correlation was established between knowledge myths and practices, a significant correlation between was established by Knowledge-myths (r= 0.0176, p= 0.015), knowledge-practices (r= 0.0174, p= 0.001) however myths-practices (r= 0.0170, p< 0.001). Believes and myths related to the mask was concerned i.e. 56.1 were using N-95 masks, 89% respondents reused the masks, 59.1% used the mask between 2 to 5 times. Wearing mask is not a precautionary measure was mainly found as a myth in respondents i.e. 78.7%. 67.2% respondents had myths about unnecessary use of mask. The study highlighted the non-optimal behavior and practice with regards to the use of preventive measure including the use of mask in the pandemic outbreak. © 2020 Assiut University. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has spread across the globe and has been declared pandemic by theWorld Health Organization (WHO). People of all age groups are at risk of getting the disease. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of acquiring the infection and developing moderate-to-severe pneumonia resulting in adverse outcome. Case Descriptions: Published case series have shown that high-risk pregnancies have been associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Pregnancy-induced immune response might have an impact on maternal cardiovascular system and exaggerate the course of COVID-19 disease. Here, we report two cases of late pregnancy with COVID-19 one of which ended with complete recovery and another with adverse outcome. Conclusion: These two case scenarios might add to the emerging evidence of pregnancy outcome in COVID-19. © The Author(s). 2020.