scholarly journals Assessment of Knowledge and Implementation Practices of the Ventilator-Acquired Pneumonia Bundle in a Private Hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s132-s132
Author(s):  
Cordella Formalejo ◽  
Dan Meynard Mantaring ◽  
Cybele L. Abad ◽  
Karl Evans Henson

Background: Ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP) is estimated to occur in 9%–27% of patients intubated for >48 hours, and despite advances in antibiotic therapy, it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Several studies have shown that a VAP bundle significantly decreases VAP rates. In 2017, VAP rates in our institution peaked at 7.92 per 1,000 ventilator days despite perceived good adherence to the bundles of care. Methods: We performed a prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study using both quantitative (eg, validated questionnaires) and qualitative methods (eg, small group discussion and direct observation of practices) to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of infection control preventionists (ICPs) and intensive care unit (ICU) nurses regarding VAP prevention and the VAP bundle. Results: Of the 89 ICU nurses and 5 ICPs, we included 60 respondents, of whom 56 were ICU nurses, and 4 were ICPs. Median experience for nurses was 6 years (range, 0.67–16) and was 2 years (range, 2–4) for ICPs. Only 1 ICP had formal training on the VAP bundle, and only 1 ICU nurse had a master’s degree in nursing. Only 23 of 56 nurses (41%) reported that they had had formal training regarding the VAP bundle. Mean knowledge score regarding evidence-based VAP guidelines was 5 of 10 points (range, 3–8). Questions regarding mechanical ventilator operations had the lowest scores. Self-reported adherence to the VAP bundle ranged from 38.5% to 100%, with perfect compliance to head of bed elevation and poorest compliance with readiness to extubate and DVT prophylaxis. Overall VAP bundle compliance was 84.6%. Direct observation of nurses validated self-adherence to the VAP bundle and the institution’s compliance rates. Barriers to bundle adherence included lack of formal training, perceived lack of guidelines, inadequate resources, and fear of adverse events. Conclusions: Knowledge regarding specific components of VAP prevention is lacking. Compliance to the VAP bundle can be improved. Regular training, education, and direct feedback to assess the competency of both the medical and nursing staff are needed to improve adherence to the bundle, and ultimately decrease incidence of VAP in the ICU. Despite limitations, this is the first study to determine baseline knowledge, adherence, and implementation practices of key personnel directly involved with implementation of the VAP bundle.Disclosures: NoneFunding: None

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwa Samir Hamza ◽  
Osama Ahmed Badary ◽  
Mohamed Mohey Elmazar

Abstract Extraordinary actions have been implemented in an effort to control the rapid spread of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in Egypt. People’s adherence to control measures is influenced by their knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the disease. Therefore, in the present study we assessed pharmacy senior students’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire was created and it consisted of 12 questions testing their knowledge about COVID-19nclinical characteristics, transmission routes and prevention and control steps. Among senior pharmacy students (n=238), 70% were females and 63% were living in greater Cairo. Their main source of information included social media (70%), published articles (48%) and television (48%). The overall correct knowledge score was 83%. Most of the students displayed a good COVID-19 knowledge level (72.5% of the students). The students were least informed when trying to answer questions about hyper-coagulation, as a major cause for death in patients with severe COVID-19, and about the timings on the necessity to wear masks practice. Assessment of students’ attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 reflected that 87% of them were confident that health care teams and scientists could win the fight against the virus. In addition, 72% of students agreed that COVID-19 will be controlled successfully. The greater the students’ knowledge, the more confident they felt that COVID-19 will be controlled successfully (OR = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-4.72). Good behavioral practice towards COVID-19 control was confirmed when 87% of students answered that they didn’t go out to any crowded place. Females were 3.6 times (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–3.11) more likely to avoid going out than males. Bad behavioral practice became evident when approximately 50% of students admitted that they did not wear masks when they left their house. Therefore, more efforts should be taken to protect future pharmacists from this pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 681-686
Author(s):  
Shah Faisal ◽  
Junaidi Khotib ◽  
Elida Zairina

Abstract Objectives Pakistan has taken unprecedented measures to control the spread of COVID-19. Complete lockdown followed by smart lockdown and quarantine centres was established. Their awareness and attitude towards COVID-19 had an impact on the individual behaviour of the precautionary measures. The current study examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of university students in Pakistan. Methods An online cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Pakistan. A questionnaire containing demographic and KAP information related to COVID-19 has been created. Results A total of 358 students responded to the survey, and 353 participants completed the study. Among the respondents, 61.5% were male, 76.8% were single, and 58.4% enrolled in a bachelor’s degree. The results showed that most of the respondents (68%) had good knowledge about COVID-19, while the overall knowledge score was 8.78 ± 1.63 (range 1–10). The majority of the respondents (90.9%) were aware of COVID-19, 95.8% knew the sign and symptoms, and 83% of them knew about its transmission. We found a significant difference in knowledge scores across education and area of study p<0.05. More than half (53.5%) of the respondents were satisfied with the facilities provided by the government of Pakistan. The average practices score among the students was 5.08 ± 1.312. A significant difference was found among practice score and area of study p<0.05. Conclusions Most of the students have an adequate level of knowledge and are doing better preventive measures against COVID-19. Health education initiatives are required to ensure best practice among the high-risk groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyne Gomes da Vitória ◽  
Jhenifer de Souza Couto Oliveira ◽  
Louise Caroline de Almeida Pereira ◽  
Carolina Perim de Faria ◽  
Jackline Freitas Brilhante de São José

Abstract Background The adoption and evaluation of good practices in food handling in food service are essential to minimizing foodborne diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers in schools in Vitória, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in the school food services of the municipal network of Vitória-ES. The sample of food handlers was obtained by convenience and comprised food handlers involved with preparation and other kitchen-related activities. The instrument consisted of a structured questionnaire with 36 six questions that included sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to good practices and food safety. The questionnaire was answered by 172 food handlers. Pearson correlation test, T-test, Tukey’s test and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS v.20 software. Results Most of the participants were female (96.5%, n = 166), were 40 to 49 years old (44.8%, n = 78), attended high school (57.9%, n = 99), had up to 5 years of experience in the role (39.5%, n = 68). Some of them had participated at least 4 times in training (74.4%, n = 128) of which the most recent session had occurred within 3 months (52.0%, n = 44). The lowest score was obtained for knowledge (7.1 ± 1.22). All the models presented significant results for the F-test. This result show good model fit and results ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 on the Durbin Watson test of residual autocorrelation. The linear regression analysis allowed us to identify that the knowledge score increased with experience, but it was significant only for those who had spent up to 10 years in the role. The knowledge score was associated with experience and training time. Attitudes were significantly related to the schooling and training time. The increase in the classification of practices is shown only through a classification of attitudes. Conclusions Although the food handlers’ knowledge level in general was considered as sufficient, it was inferior to their scores for attitudes and practices regarding certain food safety concepts. Food safety training is ongoing in these units and covers the main aspects that favour the transformation of knowledge into appropriate attitudes and practices.


Author(s):  
Nowshin Sharmila ◽  
Shah Ehsan Habib

Background: Dengue remains a major public health challenge causing death among many people in Bangladesh. The magnitude of dengue-related illness and death has significantly increased over recent years. Study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Dengue fever. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 193 males and females who consented to participate in the study. Respondents were included purposively from selected areas in Malibagh an area classified as a stable dengue-prone region of the capital city. The survey was carried out by face-to-face interview using a pre-tested standardized and structured questionnaire. Results: The results reveal that dengue infection occurred in 20.2% of residents. Only 27.5% had a good knowledge score (8 out of 11 items), and 83.9% had a positive attitude, while 34.2% had a good compliance practice.  Knowledge was significantly associated with education, income, and age (p < 0.05). Misconceptions existed about the transmission of dengue – more than one-third (36.8%) reported that the Aedes aegypti mosquito could only breed in clean water, and 32.1% were aware of the biting time of the mosquito. Most participants (55.4%) strongly agreed that dengue is a serious illness, and over half (65.3%) reported that it could be prevented with coverage of vector control interventions. The majority (64.2%) used mosquito nets as a preventive measure, while over one-third (35.2%) reported they discarded waste, containers, and non-used bottles across their yards that hold water. Although the respondents had quite positive attitude of preventive measures regarding dengue (83.9%), a sizeable number (34.2%) did not put this attitude into practice. Conclusion: Poorly planned urbanization combined with an explosive urban population in the capital city has brought the mosquito and the human host into close proximity. The government should launch health education programs on dengue prevention to educate the community members, addressing misconceptions about their preventive measures and on how they could eliminate the risk factors related to practices.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257590
Author(s):  
Maria Kyprianidou ◽  
Eleana Tzira ◽  
Petros Galanis ◽  
Konstantinos Giannakou

Introduction Vaccine hesitancy is identified as one of the top threats to global health. A significant drop of childhood vaccine coverage is reported worldwide. One of the key reasons that influenced mothers’ choice to postpone, or avoid children’s vaccination, is knowledge. This study aimed to assess the level of Cypriot mothers’ knowledge on certain aspects of vaccination of their children, examine the association between vaccination knowledge and selected socio-demographic factors, and lastly assess the association of mothers’ knowledge about vaccination with vaccination coverage and delay, compliance to the recommended schedules, vaccination during pregnancy and mother-pediatrician relationship. Methods An online-based cross-sectional study conducted to collect information about socio-demographic characteristics, child’s characteristics, vaccination, and vaccine knowledge, using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey was conducted between April 2020 and June 2020 and the study population included mothers over 18 years old with at least one child (<18 years old) living in Cyprus. Results A total of 703 Cypriot mothers participated in the study. Most of the participants stated that they vaccined their children (97%) and the most popular source of information about vaccination was their pediatrician (90%). More than half of the participants (57%) have delayed their child/children vaccination with their pediatrician’s suggestion being the main reason. 36% of mothers had low knowledge while the overall correct rate was 13.6% and the median (IQR) knowledge score was 11 (9–12). Having a medium knowledge about vaccination was associated with having a medium or high income, whilst high knowledge compared to low knowledge was associated with completed a higher education and having a high income. Our analysis showed that the correct knowledge by mothers with regards to vaccination increases the probability of vaccinating their children, following the local recommendations for vaccine dosages, and acquiring and trusting vaccination-related information from their children’s pediatrician. Conclusion Our findings show that the majority of mothers in Cyprus had positives perceptions regarding childhood vaccination, as reflected with the high vaccination rate, however, some aspects of mothers’ knowledge of vaccination need to be improved. Public health strategies to promote vaccination, education programs as well as improved communication tools between pediatricians and mothers need to be considered to achieve favorable vaccination attitudes and practices for all mothers in Cyprus.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (07) ◽  
pp. 584-590
Author(s):  
Eman Y Abu-rish ◽  
Eman R Elayeh ◽  
Michael J Browning

Introduction: Zika virus (ZIKAV) disease is a public health problem of international concern. Recent evidence has documented imported ZIKAV cases into the Middle East and the existence of ZIKAV-transmitting mosquitoes in Jordan. However, limited data exist on the role of physicians in public awareness in this regard. This study aimed to assess ZIKAV knowledge, attitudes and counseling practices (KAP) of general physicians and gynecologists in Amman, Jordan. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, a structured paper-based questionnaire was completed by 119 participants during 2016-2017. Results: Only 4.2% of the physicians correctly addressed ZIKAV-complication questions. A misconception of considering direct contact between individuals and breastfeeding as modes of ZIKAV transmission was observed. Only one participant correctly recognized that isolation of infected or exposed persons is not recommended. Having at least five years of experience in medical practice was the only factor that was significantly associated with a high knowledge score (P-value=0.011). Although prevention measures are the sole method to control ZIKAV spread, only 50% of participants believed in the efficacy of such measures. Despite a quarter of participants perceiving ZIKAV as a threat to their patients, none of them have counseled a patient in this regard before. The presence of an evidence of ZIKAV in Jordan and health authorities' recommendations were the most important predictors for adoption of counseling practice. Conclusions: General physicians and gynecologists in Jordan had several gaps in knowledge of key aspects of ZIKAV disease, and there is a need for specific training programs of physicians and gynecologists.


Author(s):  
Nowshin Sharmila ◽  
Shah Ehsan Habib

Background: Dengue remains a major public health challenge causing death among many people in Bangladesh. The magnitude of dengue-related illness and death has significantly increased over recent years. Study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Dengue fever. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 193 males and females who consented to participate in the study. Respondents were included purposively from selected areas in Malibagh an area classified as a stable dengue-prone region of the capital city. The survey was carried out by face-to-face interview using a pre-tested standardized and structured questionnaire. Results: The results reveal that dengue infection occurred in 20.2% of residents. Only 27.5% had a good knowledge score (8 out of 11 items), and 83.9% had a positive attitude, while 34.2% had a good compliance practice.  Knowledge was significantly associated with education, income, and age (p < 0.05). Misconceptions existed about the transmission of dengue – more than one-third (36.8%) reported that the Aedes aegypti mosquito could only breed in clean water, and 32.1% were aware of the biting time of the mosquito. Most participants (55.4%) strongly agreed that dengue is a serious illness, and over half (65.3%) reported that it could be prevented with coverage of vector control interventions. The majority (64.2%) used mosquito nets as a preventive measure, while over one-third (35.2%) reported they discarded waste, containers, and non-used bottles across their yards that hold water. Although the respondents had quite positive attitude of preventive measures regarding dengue (83.9%), a sizeable number (34.2%) did not put this attitude into practice. Conclusion: Poorly planned urbanization combined with an explosive urban population in the capital city has brought the mosquito and the human host into close proximity. The government should launch health education programs on dengue prevention to educate the community members, addressing misconceptions about their preventive measures and on how they could eliminate the risk factors related to practices.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ummi Mohlisi Mohd Asmawi ◽  
Alissa Azureen Norehan ◽  
Khasnoorsani Salikin ◽  
Nur Ain Syafiqah Rosdi ◽  
Nur Amira Thaqifah Abdul Munir ◽  
...  

The aim of this paperis to evaluate the aspects of knowledge, attitude, and practices about food hygiene and safety issues among food handlers who are working in food courts. A cross-sectional study was conducted at four randomly food courts in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia during June and July 2017. It involves 108 respondents that match the inclusion criteria among food handlers. The guided self-administered questionnaire; were divided into three sections which are knowledge, practices, and attitudes. After the complete questionnaireswere collected, data were entered and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 23.0. Positive correlations were seen between mean knowledge score and mean attitudes score (p-value=0.0240, r=0.217), between attitude score and practices score (p < 0.001, r=0.559) and between knowledge score and practices score (p value=0.049, r=0.190). The strongest correlation being between mean attitudes score and mean practices score. Respondents with low knowledge score also had the higher practices score. This paper serves as an eye-opener for policy makersas they can review and improve the knowledge, attitude and practices in food safety among food handlers in food courts and they can also help raise food safety awareness campaign and organize more targeted training in related fields of concern.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Amitava Acharyya ◽  
Susmita Ghosh ◽  
Manas Ghosh ◽  
Kalyan Sarkar ◽  
Sonali Ghosh ◽  
...  

Background: COVID-19 disease is a highly contagious and totally unknown disease which is caused by SARS-CoV-2. This disease spread throughout the world irrespective of social, economical and political variation. Health care staff are the frontline COVID-19 worrier and their understanding of this disease is very important. Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 disease among the healthcare staff of a tertiary care hospital of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted at Murshidabad Medical College, Murshidabad from 25th April, 2020 to 2nd May, 2020. A total of 214 health care staff (83 nurses, 75 doctors, 20 para-medical staff, 24 administrative staff, and 12 sweepers) participated in this questionnaire based KAP study. The questionnaire was prepared according to the World Health Organization’ on Corona virus disease (COVID-19) “advice for the public”. The Systematic random sampling procedure was employed for data collection. The data was analysed using T-test, ANOVA, chi-square test and regression model. The informed consent was taken from each participant. Result: Female (62%) participants were more than male (38%) participants. Mean age of the participants was 27.03±7.63 years. About the half participants were unmarried (55%) and studied up to bachelor’s degree (49%). The overall knowledge score found to be “medium level” with 77% reporting correct answers. The knowledge score was statistically different among age group, education level, marital status and occupational group of health care staff in this hospital by univariate analysis. The good attitudes and good practices were not related with knowledge score. The majority of the respondents (78%) had confidence on their attitude that “India can win the battle against COVID-19”. Only 86% participants wore masks while going out in the lock-down period and 79% participants had not visited any crowded place. Only 18% participants used traditional home remedies for flu like symptoms. In multivariate analysis, doctors were found with better knowledge score and attitude towards COVID-19 than other healthcare staff in this hospital. Conclusion: The two preventive practice (social isolation and mask use) and optimistic attitude towards COVID-19 of health care staff were not totally depended on COVID-19 related knowledge score. However, knowledge score was depended on marital status, educational background, age, occupation and place of residence. Government should emphasize more on COVID-19 related health education and health promotion programme at community level.


Author(s):  
Ali Gillani ◽  
Fakir Amirul Islam ◽  
Khezar Hayat ◽  
Naveel Atif ◽  
Caijun Yang ◽  
...  

Background: Low knowledge about diabetes risk factors coupled with high disease prevalence is common in low-resource countries. This study evaluated diabetes-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the general population in Punjab (Pakistan). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts in Punjab from January to March 2017. Data were collected from 2019 adults aged 18–90 years through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The total knowledge score ranged from 0–9; a score ≥6 was considered adequate diabetes awareness. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and linear and binary logistic regression were used for the analyses. Results: Respondents’ mean age was 32.92 ± 11.4 years. In total, 85.9% of respondents had heard of diabetes, and 30.1% knew about the glucose tolerance test. We found 2.3% of respondents scored zero for diabetes knowledge, 11.3% scored 9, and 47.4% scored ≥6 (adequate awareness). Being female (β = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16, 0.05; p = 0.001), socioeconomic status (β = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.36; p < 0.001), being diabetic (β = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.53, 1.10; p < 0.001), and higher education (β = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.33; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge score. Respondents with high socioeconomic status showed significantly higher positive attitudes compared with those with low socioeconomic status (adjusted odds ratio 1.57, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.24). Only 8.7% (30/343) of those diagnosed with diabetes had never undergone blood glucose screening since diagnosis. Conclusions: Knowledge of diabetes risk factors, management, and care is low in Pakistan’s general population. Targeted public education programs should be instigated at a national level to increase understanding of diabetes prevention and treatment.


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