Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women in Bangkok, Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is associated with increased risk for severe COVID-19. Few studies have examined knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to pregnancy during the pandemic. This study investigated the association between socio-demographic characteristics and KAP related to COVID-19 among pregnant women in an urban community in Thailand. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed among pregnant women in Bangkok, Thailand from July-August 2021. Binary logistic regression was conducted to test the association between socio-demographic characteristics and KAP related to COVID-19, and a Spearman's analysis tested correlations between KAP scores. RESULTS: A total of 150 pregnancy survey responses were received. Most participants were third trimester (27-40 weeks gestation; 68.0%). Pregnancy had never been risked contracting COVID-19 (84.7%). Most expressed concerns about being infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy and following birth (94.0 and 70.0%, respectively). The results of binary logistic regression analysis found associations between knowledge and marital status (OR = 4.983, 95%CI 1.894-13.107). In addition, having a bachelor's degree or higher was associated with higher attitude scores (OR = 2.733, 95%CI 1.045-7.149), as was being aged 26-30 (OR = 2.413 95%CI 0.882-6.602) and 31-35 years of age (OR = 2.518-2.664, 95%CI 0.841-8.442). Higher practice scores were associated with having a bachelor's degree or higher (OR = 2.285 95%CI 1.110-6.146), and income ≥15,001 bath (OR = 4.747 95%CI 1.588-14.192). Correlation analysis found a weak positive correlation between knowledge and practice scores (r = 0.210, p-value = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Participants overall had high KAP scores. This study can guide public health strategies regarding pregnant women and COVID-19. We recommend that interventions to improve and attitude and practice scores. Knowledge on pregnancy and COVID-19 should focus on reducing fear and improving attitudes toward the care of patients as well as the promotion of preventive practices.

Effect of Covid-19 pandemic on gender associated with risk factors: a retrospective data analysis, Thailand.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is having a serious impact around the world. Many countries have experienced a two or three wave pattern in reported cases. The virus's spread in Thailand was a cluster event distributed over multiple locations, multi-spender, and multiple waves of outbreaks. Objective: This study aims to study gender associated with age, risk factors, and nationality during coronavirus pandemic in Thailand. Material and methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2020 to May 2021 (17 months) to determine the number of confirmed cases and identify gender associated with, age, various risk factors and nationality were analyzed by chi square test and binary logistic regression analyses. Results: The results show that the number of cases increased by over 100,000 over the course of three waves of outbreaks. The logistic regression analysis revealed that genders were significantly related with age, various risk factors, and nationality across different waves (p < 0.01). Across the primary risk factors were community risk, community cluster and close contact with a previously confirmed patient on confirmed cases during COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Significant differences between genders were significantly associated with age, various risk factors, and nationality may be due to weak social distancing policies and the lack of public health interventions. A COVID-19 vaccination plan is needed for people who are at risk of suffering severe symptoms as well as the general population in outbreak areas to increase immunity.

Prevalence of perceived stress and coping strategies among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak at Bangkok metropolitan, Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCW), who are crucial workforce, have experienced stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been learning to fight against and support patients as much as possible. Thus, this study aims to account for the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreaks on the healthcare workers of medical school hospitals in terms of their perceived stress and coping styles. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August, 2021. 517 HCWs self-administered the online survey. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) in Thai-version was used to examine the perceived stress symptoms. Brief-COPE score was used to determine the coping strategies. Independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multivariable regression analysis were utilized. The level of significance was set at p-value < 0.05. RESULT: The prevalence of perceived stress among the HCWs was 41.97%. Coping strategies were used to deal with stress during the outbreak for problem-solving (Mean ± SD = 0.25 ± 0.60) and positive attitude (Mean ± SD = 2.85 ± 0.62). Significant difference was observed in the use of coping strategies among those who differ in marital status (F2, 514 = 7.234, p-value = 0.001), having children (t515 = -4.175, p-value < 0.001), and days off (t515 = -1.992, p-value = 0.047). Multivariable regression analysis reported who those perceived stress symptoms using social support more than those normal stress (AOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.070-2.236, p-value = 0.02). The perceived stress symptoms group used the avoidance strategy 2.03 times more than the other group (AOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.406-2.934, p-value < 0.001). Interestingly, the participants who perceived stress symptoms applied a positive attitude strategy lesser than those who experienced normal stress (57.5%) (AOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.307-0.590, p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental distress remains. The findings of this study suggest further study to assess the HCWs' stress after the pandemic. HCWs should consider merging each of the coping strategies to balance work and lifestyle in pandemic situations.

Satisfaction with COVID-19 Vaccines in Health Care Workers and the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban Bangkok, Thailand.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy is a global issue. Many people are concerned about experiencing side effects from the vaccine. This study evaluated satisfaction with the COVID-19 vaccine in the general population (GP) and healthcare workers (HCWs) in Bangkok, Thailand. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed from September-December 2021. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare GP and HCW participants' total vaccine satisfaction scores as well as their satisfaction with varying vaccine types. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of satisfaction scores among GP and HCWs. RESULTS: A total of 780 valid questionnaire responses were obtained. The majority of GP participants (n = 390) had received their first (93.3%) and second (88.5%) vaccination shots by viral vector vaccine; however, 90% had not received a third dose (booster). In contrast, the majority of HCW participants (n = 390) had received their first (92.8%) and second (82.8%) vaccination doses by the inactivated vaccine, and 83% had received a third vaccine dose. HCWs had significantly higher total satisfaction scores than GP participants (p = 0.034), and they were also significantly more satisfied with the mRNA vaccine as a third dose (p = 0.001). Multiple linear regression models found less association with vaccine satisfaction among GP participants who had not isolated following exposure to COVID-19 and those who have never been at risk of infection (ᵦ -0.159; 95% CI -12.867, -1.877; p = 0.009). Among HCWs, being married (ᵦ 0.157; 95% CI 0.794, 3.278; p = 0.001) or divorced (ᵦ 0.198; 95% CI 3.303, 9.596; p < 0.01) was more closely associated with vaccine satisfaction than being single. CONCLUSION: HCWs were more satisfied with the type and efficacy of inactivated, viral vector, and mRNA vaccines than GP participants, and the former were also more satisfied with the cost of vaccine boosters. Our results indicate that satisfaction with the COVID-19 vaccine is based on academic knowledge sharing and the government's promotion efforts. Future research will explore strategies to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination.

Burnout prevalence and contributing factors among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey study in an urban community in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Burnout is associated with an increased risk for severe COVID-19. Few studies have examined burnout prevalence related to healthcare workers during the pandemic. This study investigated the burnout prevalence and contributing factors among HCWs, including medical staff and support staff, during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban community in Thailand. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed among HCWs in Bangkok, Thailand, from July-August 2021. The independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the contributing factors and burnout items. Variable factors associated with burnout among HCWs were used in multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: A total of 517 HCWs' survey responses were received. Most participants were medical staff (55.3%), female (83.4%), and over the age of 35 (59.4%); most participants (65.6%) did not have any diseases but had family members that did (63.6%). The prevalence of overall burnout presented among medical staff (25.9%). The results of the multiple linear regression models found that female (vs. male, ß 0.088; 95% CI 0.033, 6.614) was higher associated with overall burnout score. In addition, hours of sleep as > 6 hr./day (vs. ≤ 6 hr./day, ß -0.120; 95% CI -6.012, -0.969) was lower associated with overall burnout score. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of addressing burnout among HCWs, in which female medical staff who slept less than six hours per day were associated with burnout. Our study further suggested that both intervention and identification are needed of frontline HCWs to prevent and reduce the risk of burnout, as the proportion of females compared to males is high. Thus, the government should provide support in these areas to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women in Bangkok, Thailand

Background Pregnancy is associated with increased risk for severe COVID-19. Few studies have examined knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to pregnancy during the pandemic. This study investigated the association between socio-demographic characteristics and KAP related to COVID-19 among pregnant women in an urban community in Thailand. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was distributed among pregnant women in Bangkok, Thailand from July–August 2021. Binary logistic regression was conducted to test the association between socio-demographic characteristics and KAP related to COVID-19, and a Spearman’s analysis tested correlations between KAP scores. Results A total of 150 pregnancy survey responses were received. Most participants were third trimester (27–40 weeks gestation;68.0%). Pregnancy had never been risked contracting COVID-19 (84.7%). Most expressed concerns about being infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy and following birth (94.0 and 70.0%, respectively). The results of binary logistic regression analysis found associations between knowledge and marital status (OR = 4.983, 95%CI 1.894–13.107). In addition, having a bachelor’s degree or higher was associated with higher attitude scores (OR = 2.733, 95%CI 1.045–7.149), as was being aged 26–30 (OR = 2.413 95%CI 0.882–6.602) and 31–35 years of age (OR = 2.518–2.664, 95%CI 0.841–8.442). Higher practice scores were associated with having a bachelor’s degree or higher (OR = 2.285 95%CI 1.110–6.146), and income ≥15,001 bath (OR = 4.747 95%CI 1.588–14.192). Correlation analysis found a weak positive correlation between knowledge and practice scores (r = 0.210, p-value = 0.01). Conclusion Participants overall had high KAP scores. This study can guide public health strategies regarding pregnant women and COVID-19. We recommend that interventions to improve and attitude and practice scores. Knowledge on pregnancy and COVID-19 should focus on reducing fear and improving attitudes toward the care of patients as well as the promotion of preventive practices.

The Relationship between Attitudes and Satisfaction Concerning the COVID-19 Vaccine and Vaccine Boosters in Urban Bangkok, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a global concern. Many individuals are concerned about the potential side-effects of the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccine boosters. The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes and satisfaction concerning COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters in the population in Bangkok, Thailand. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey measuring COVID-19 vaccine attitudes and satisfaction was distributed from September to December 2021. Multiple linear regression was used to explore associations between demographic variables and questionnaire results. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to examine associations between attitude and satisfaction scores. RESULTS: A total of 780 questionnaire responses were obtained. The largest groups of participants reported having obtained a first vaccination dose via viral vaccine (52.8%), a second vaccination booster via viral vaccine (49.5%), and a third vaccination booster via mRNA vaccine (28.8%). Multiple linear regression revealed a lower association between vaccine attitude scores and having earned less than a bachelor's degree (ß -0.109; 95% CI -2.541, -0.451) and infection risk without self-isolating (ß -0.154; 95% CI -4.152, -0.670) compared with attaining a bachelor's degree or higher and never having being at risk of infection, respectively. Higher vaccine satisfaction scores were more closely associated with being married than being single (ß 0.074; 95% CI -0.073, 3.022), whereas lower vaccine satisfaction scores were less closely associated with non-healthcare workers (ß -0.143; 95% CI -4.698, -0.831) and infection risk without self-isolating (ß -0.132; 95% CI -6.034, -0.502) compared with non-healthcare workers and never being at risk of infection. There was weak but significant positive correlation between attitude and satisfaction scores (r = 0.338, p-value < 0.001). Hence, a gradual decline in protection following vaccination and the positive effects of a booster dose after primary vaccination have made the decision to administer booster doses. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that policymakers need to develop more effective strategies to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination.

Covid-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare workers in urban community Bangkok, Thailand.

Objective: This study examined associations between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Bangkok, Thailand. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed among healthcare workers in Bangkok, Thailand from July - August 2021. Results: A total of 637 responses were received. Most participants were clinical workers (68.4%), and nearly half (47.3%) had been at risk of infection with COVID-19 (ever screening test). Binary logistic regression analysis found associations between high knowledge scores and the 26-35-year age group (OR=1.776-1.562, 95%CI 1.021-2.853), having a bachelor's degree or higher (OR=1.672, 95%CI 1.058-2.644), and clinical workers (OR=1.784, 95CI% 1.188-2.678). The 36 year and above age group was associated with higher attitude scores (OR=2.406, 95%CI 1.567-3.695). Higher practice scores were associated with females (OR=1.913, 95%CI 1.057-3.464), and clinical workers (OR=1.903, 95CI% 1.170-3.095). Correlation analysis found a positive correlation between practice scores and knowledge (r=0.322, p <0.001) and attitudes (r=0.263, p <0.001). Conclusion: Although healthcare workers demonstrated overall high knowledge, attitude, and practice scores, this study identified several factors that influence KAP. This study can guide public health strategies regarding healthcare workers during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand.

Comparison of Different Waves during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Descriptive Study in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. An outbreak is called an epidemic when there is a sudden increase in cases. Many countries have experienced a two-wave pattern in the reported cases of COVID-19. The spread of COVID-19 in Thailand was a cluster event distributed over multiple locations. This study aims to compare the characteristics of different waves during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2020 to May 2021 (17 months) to determine the number of COVID-19 screenings and confirmed cases and deaths as well as sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, age, nationality, and source population at risk factors. The categorical data were compared using a chi-square test. RESULTS: Three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic occurred within 17 months in Thailand, and the number of cases increased by over 100,000 due to source population at risk factors such as close contact with a previously confirmed patient, community risk, cluster communities, and active and community surveillance. The chi-square test revealed significant differences between the three waves (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Significant differences between pandemic phases or waves may be due to weak social distancing policies and the lack of public health interventions. A COVID-19 vaccination plan is needed for people at risk of suffering severe symptoms and the general population in outbreak areas to increase immunity.