scholarly journals Nutrition Education and Community Pharmacy: A First Exploration of Current Attitudes and Practices in Northern Ireland

Pharmacy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Douglas ◽  
Helen McCarthy ◽  
Lynn McCotter ◽  
Siobhan Gallen ◽  
Stephen McClean ◽  
...  

Community pharmacist is one of the most prominent and accessible healthcare professions. The community pharmacists’ role in healthcare is evolving, with opportunities being taken to reduce pressure on primary care services. However, the question remains of how well community pharmacists are equipped for this changing role. This was a sequentially designed study using a mix of methods to explore nutrition education among community pharmacists in Northern Ireland. It consisted of two phases. Phase 1 was a cross-sectional exploration to map the attitudes and practice of Northern Ireland (NI) pharmacists towards diet-related health promotion and disease prevention. An online questionnaire with open and closed questions to gain both quantitative and qualitative responses was developed and distributed to community pharmacists practising in NI. A total of 91% considered nutrition important in reducing the global burden of disease. While the majority (89%) believed patients would value nutritional advice from a pharmacist, 74% were not confident in providing advice to a patient with diabetes. From the consensus gained in Phase 1 a nutrition education intervention (Phase 2) for pre-registration pharmacists was developed using the Hardens 10 question system. The training programme was advertised to pre-registration pharmacy students in NI. It was delivered by nutrition experts who have education qualifications. The intervention was evaluated using a before and after questionnaire that assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP). Phase 2 did find sustained improvement from the baseline in KAP but there was a decline from immediately post-training to three months post-training. This suggests the need to further embed nutrition education. The education programme was found to be effective for the target population and sets the stage for the development of an implementation strategy for a wider roll-out with evaluation.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orla McBride ◽  
Sarah Butter ◽  
Jamie Murphy ◽  
Mark Shevlin ◽  
Todd K. Hartman ◽  
...  

Objectives: The COVID-19 Psychological Research Consortium (C19PRC) Study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the adult population in multiple countries. This paper describes the design and execution of the fourth wave of the UK survey (the ‘parent’ strand of the Consortium) during November-December 2020. Methods: This survey prioritised the collection of data pertaining to respondents’ socio-political attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours, as well as core mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress). In Phase 1, adults (n=2878) were reinvited to participate in this wave. A new recruitment strand (Phase 2) oversampled respondents from Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to facilitate robust between-country analyses for core study outcomes. Weights were calculated using a survey raking algorithm to ensure that the cross-sectional sample is representative of the baseline sample characteristics (gender, age, household income, household composition, ethnicity, urbanicity, and born/raised in UK). Results: In Phase 1, 1796 adults were successfully recontacted and provided full interviews at Wave 4 (62.4% retention rate). Phase 2 recruitment achieved a robust sample of 1779 respondents from Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, who were largely representative of the socio-demographic and political characteristics of the adult populations in these nations. The raking procedure successfully re-balanced the cross-sectional sample to within 1% of population estimates across selected socio-demographic characteristics. Conclusion: This paper outlines the growing strength of the C19PRC Study data to facilitate and stimulate interdisciplinary research addressing important public health questions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Pragati Kaurani ◽  
Kavita Batra ◽  
Himangini Rathore Hooja

COVID-19 has caused unprecedented disruption of all spheres of life, including health, financial, and socio behavioral. Given the rampant nature of the pandemic, several nations, including India has instituted stringent public health measures, with one being nationwide lockdown, to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. Previous studies reported increased stress and anxiety levels among general population during phase 1 (complete) lockdown, however, the effect of extended lockdown (phase 2) on mental health outcomes remains the subject of investigation till today. Therefore, this cross-sectional study endeavors to assess the psychological outcomes among general population during phase 2 lockdown. The online questionnaire surveyed 627 individuals from the general population using a non-probability snowball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, including the frequency distribution, mean and standard deviations were generated. Mean differences across groups were analyzed through independent-samples- t and analysis of variance tests. Consistent with previous studies, our results indicated a higher mean score of anxiety and stress among females compared to males. Young adults aged between 21-39 years had the highest mean stress and anxiety scores compared to other categories. The mean anxiety score increased from retired (M=3.96, SD=4.76, to students (M=7.04, SD=7.11), to unemployed (M=9.0, SD=6.53) occupation groups. The findings of this study highlight the need for designing psychosocial regulatory frameworks and suitable interventions to address the needs of those being mentally traumatized by the pandemic and associated lockdowns. The study also advocates for establishing psychological health monitoring and telepsychiatry systems for identifying and treating mental health problems.


2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-349
Author(s):  
Nădăşan Valentin ◽  
Sîmpetrean Andreea ◽  
Tarcea Monica ◽  
Abram Zoltan

AbstractObjective: The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding dietary fats among mothers in Romania.Material and methods: A sample of 305 mothers from Romania were included in a cross-sectional observational study. The online questionnaire addressed their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the dietary fats used in their children’s diet. The frequencies and proportions of the collected variables were calculated based on respondents’ answers.Results: While almost all the respondents (94.8%) believed that mothers are supposed to know the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats, only less than half of them (39.7%) stated that they know the difference. As far as the types of margarine, although more than half of the respondents (64.7%) believed that mothers should be able to discriminate between the hydrogenated and interesterified margarine, only 11.5% claimed that they are able to discern between them. The actual ability to identify foods rich in saturated fats varied in a great degree from item to item. More common dietary fats such as sunflower oil, corn oil, and lard, were more frequently identified than less common dietary fats such as coconut oil and palm oil. Only 16.4% of the mothers were able to correctly differentiate hydrogenated from interesterified margarine. The most frequently used spreadable fat used in the children’s diet was butter and the most frequently used cooking fats were sunflower oil, olive oil, and butter.Conclusion: The results of this study might be informative in the development of maternal nutrition education programs.


Medicina ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Pietro Ferrara ◽  
Lucia Stromillo ◽  
Luciana Albano

Background and objectives: Vaccination against bacterial pathogens is decisive for preventing invasive meningococcal disease and pediatricians play a pivotal role in vaccination compliance and coverage. The aim of this study was to investigate awareness, attitude, and practices toward the vaccine against Meningococcal B serogroup (4CMenB) among a sample of Italian pediatricians. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire from March to May 2015. Three multivariate logistic regression models were built to identify factors associated with the outcomes of interest. Results: The data showed that 95.5% of the interviewees correctly responded about the availability of 4CMenB vaccine in Italy, while only 28.0% knew the vaccination schedule for children aged two years or under. This knowledge was significantly higher in younger pediatricians and in those who worked a higher number of hours per week. Pediatricians self-reported a positive attitude toward the utility and safety of 4CMenB vaccine. Those pediatricians with a strong positive attitude toward the utility of the vaccine, who knew the vaccination schedules for children of two years or under, and who declared a satisfactory or good knowledge about the vaccine were more likely to inform parents about its availability in Italy, recommend the vaccination, and verify patients’ vaccination status, in their daily practice. Conclusions: The study highlights factors that currently influence pediatricians’ practices regarding the 4CMenB vaccine. The results showed the possible actions recommended to improve physicians’ awareness and behaviors in order to improve the vaccination compliance and invasive meningococcal diseases prevention.


Cosmetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Sadia Shakeel ◽  
Shagufta Nesar ◽  
Wajiha Iffat ◽  
Hina Rehman ◽  
Samreen Aziz ◽  
...  

Topical corticosteroids (TCs) misuse has become a common issue for healthcare professionals and patients, particularly in Pakistan, as no stringent laws or rules are prohibiting the selling of over-the-counter medicines. The present study was designed to examine pharmacists’ insights and behaviors regarding TCs and their potential role in preventing the misuse of TCs in Pakistan. The study was a cross-sectional mixed-methods research design (phase 1, quantitative; and phase 2, qualitative) conducted from January to June 2021. The pharmacists working in various settings in Karachi were approached through different social media platforms. Data were collected through a web link of an online questionnaire with 30 closed-ended questions. Different statistical methods were employed for tabulating the quantitative data, while inductive thematic analysis was directed to classify themes from the qualitative data and to conclude findings. The mean cumulative knowledge score was 10.59 ± 1.63. The community pharmacists knew more about the available over-the-counter TCs (p = 0.041). The experienced pharmacists were more conversant than fresh pharmacists, regarding the mode of action (p = 0.008), choice of TC potency (p = 0.001), and most common local and systemic adverse effects of TCs (p = 0.001). Overall, respondents had a favorable attitude, with more than 80% agreeing that pharmacists could ensure that important safety issues are communicated with patients, and assist considerably in avoiding TC misuse. Analysis of data has produced 7 themes, 10 sub-themes, and 30 categories. Major themes included: use and misuse of TCs, adverse drug events due to TCs, cosmeto-vigilance, patient education, referral to a physician, and future perspectives for preventing TC misuse. The respondents were well versed with the dilemma of TCs misuse, and they considered patient characteristics, free availability of TCs, and lack of physician-pharmacist coordination as the major reasons. The major barriers for patient education stated by nearly all the respondents were a lack of time and lack of material/information for counseling. They emphasized the need for stringent legal strategies and the enforcement of current drug-control regulations, so that TCs are not supplied without appropriate prescriptions. The present findings indicate that pharmacists had appropriate knowledge and a positive attitude towards their potential role in preventing the misuse of TCs. Further education and sensitization in areas of deprived knowledge will undoubtedly aid in the prevention of TCs misuse by the community.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina M. Al Marzouqi ◽  
Michael E. Otim ◽  
Heba H. Hijazi ◽  
Leena S. Kehail ◽  
Ramsha A. Kamal

Abstract Objectives: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a global health pandemic that continues to have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. This study investigates the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This study uses a cross-sectional study design. The original data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed via a Google Forms link. Participants were healthcare workers currently working in the UAE healthcare facilities and recruited using snowball sampling. The questionnaire collected information on demographic variables and COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice.Results: In total, the sample of 107 healthcare workers completed the survey. About 92% of the participants worked in public institutions, 87% were from Dubai, and 673% were female. The majority were aged 31–40 years (34.6%), and 43% were radiographers. 66.4% held bachelor’s degrees and Indian nationalities were (28%) and the Philippinos were (28%). Most (90.7%) participants knew the absence of fever did not mean that the virus could not transmit from an infected person, and 84.1% agreed that wearing general medical masks prevented one from contracting COVID-19. However, only 36.4% strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19, and 54.2% reported that they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost half of the participants avoided patients who had symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusion: Overall, healthcare workers’ COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices for healthcare workers in UAE healthcare facilities was very high. However, we found gaps in awareness regarding the spread of the pandemic. Our study recommends that providing healthcare workers with education programs and counseling services would help increase their confidence in treating patients with COVID-19.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Lee Hopkins ◽  
Khuthadzo E Hlongwane ◽  
Kennedy Otwombe ◽  
Janan Dietrich ◽  
Mireille Cheyip ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: While HIV Testing Services (HTS) have increased, many South Africans have not been tested. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the top cause of death worldwide. Integrated NCD-HTS could be a strategy to control both epidemics. Healthcare service strategies depends partially on positive user experience. We investigated client satisfaction of services and clinic flow time of an integrated NCD-HTS clinic. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study evaluated HTS client satisfaction with an HTS clinic at two phases. Phase 1 (February–June 2018) utilised standard HTS services: counsellor-led height/weight/BP measurements, HIV rapid testing, and symptoms screening for sexually transmitted infections/Tuberculosis. Phase 2 (June 2018–March 2019) further integrated counsellor-led obesity screening (BMI/abdominal measurements), rapid cholesterol/glucose testing; and nurse-led Chlamydia and HPV/cervical cancer screening. Socio-demographics, proportion of repeat clients, clinic flow time, and client survey data (open/closed-ended questions using five-point Likert scale) are reported. Fisher’s exact test, chi-square analysis, Kruskal Wallis test conducted comparisons. Multiple linear regression determined predictors associated with clinic time. Content thematic analysis was conducted for free response data. Results: 284 and 333 participants were from Phase 1 and 2, respectively (N=617). Phase 1 participants were significantly older (median age 36.5 (28.0–43.0) years vs. 31.0 (25.0–40.0) years; p=0.0003), divorced/widowed (6.7%, [n=19/282] vs. 2.4%, [n=8/332]; p=0.0091); had tertiary education (27.9%, [n=79/283] vs. 20.1%, [n=67/333]; p=0.0234); and were less female (53.9%, [n=153/284] vs 67.6%, [n=225/333]; p=0.0005), compared to Phase 2. Phase 2 had 10.2% repeat clients (n=34/333), and 97.9% (n=320/327) were ‘ very satisfied’ with integrated NCD-HTS, despite standard HTS having significantly shorter median time for counsellor-led HTS (36.5, interquartile range [IQR]: 31.0-45.0 vs. 41.5, IQR: 35.0-51.0; p<0.0001). Phase 2 associations with longer clinic time were clients living together/married (est=6.548; p=0.0467), more tests conducted (est=3.922; p<0.0001), higher overall satisfaction score (est=1.210; p=0.0201). Matriculated clients experienced less clinic time (est=-7.250; p=0.0253). Conclusions: It is possible to integrate counsellor-led NCD rapid testing into standard HTS within historical HTS timeframes, yielding client satisfaction. Rapid cholesterol/glucose testing should be integrated into standard HTS. Research is required on the impact of cervical cancer/HPV screenings to HTS clinic flow to determine if it could be scaled up within the public sector.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolyn Vaughan ◽  
Anne McMurray ◽  
Mary Sidebotham ◽  
Jennifer Gamble

Background:Certification as a lactation consultant is based on practitioners having achieved a standard of knowledge indicative of their competence to practice by passing a psychometric examination. The underpinning principle of recertification programs is to support clinicians to become lifelong learners by progressively enhancing and advancing their knowledge and skills in line with contemporary evidence. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) to advance their practice.Method:A mixed-methods study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 included focus groups, interviews, and participants’ demographic data. Phase 2 comprised of an online questionnaire to IBCLCs. This approach was designed to provide a comprehensive qualitative understanding of the IBCLCs’ experiences, which was then triangulated with quantitative data from a significantly larger population of IBCLCs in Phase 2.Results:The findings are described in themes and subthemes. Participants in phase 2 (n = 3,946) reported being intrinsically motivated (93.3%, n = 3,631) and committed to providing evidence-based guidance and optimal care to support breastfeeding mothers. They identified various sources of continuing education, although attendance at conferences, peer support, and reflective sessions were the most common approaches to enhancing knowledge. They recognized that it was through extension of knowledge that they were able to advance their practice.Conclusion:This article identifies strategies that the managers, educators, and certification bodies can adopt to support the IBCLCs in continuing to advance their practice, which will ultimately improve breastfeeding outcomes for mothers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 6-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asraf Hussain ◽  
Tripathi Garima ◽  
Bishnu Mohan Singh ◽  
Ramji Ram ◽  
Raman Pal Tripti

Background: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease. It is caused by a novel virus belonging to a family known as corona virus. This virus was first identified in the month December 2019 in Wuhan, China Hubei province. Since its first identification it has spread globally. It was declared a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020 by WHO. Despite all efforts the virus continues to spread and WHO declared it a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In Nepal the first case was tested positive on23rd January and ever since numbers are increasing as days passed by. Residents of the country are the most important stakeholders to control the spread of such viruses. Nepal is a land locked country situated between India and China and is one of the vulnerable areas among SAARC nations. In spite of being such a vulnerable nation there was a lack of previous studies detecting the degree of awareness among Nepalese residents towards COVID 19. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the current level of awareness towards COVID 19 among Nepalese residents and to analyze their attitudes and practices towards COVID 19 which is very important for people’s active participation to control this pandemic. In this study we investigated Nepalese residents KAP towards COVID-19. Material and Methods: This is cross sectional online study. A self-developed online questionnaire was completed by the participants. There were a total 29 questions among which 15 questions assessedknowledge, 6 questions assessed attitude and remaining 8 questions assessed practice. Results: Among the respondents (n=760), 65.7 % were male, 50.3 % were healthcare workers, overall range of correct answers for knowledge questionnaire was 60.0-98.7%, that for attitude was 77.9-96.4% and for practice was 78.2-95.0 %. Participants with a medical degree had statistically significant better practice against COVID 19 compared with the general population. Conclusion: Findings of this study show that knowledge among people of Nepal about COVID 19 is satisfactory. Yet a significant number of participants are lacking confidence when compared to other countries. Better practice against COVID requires a sense of responsibility, though the respondents with medical background had better sense of act against COVID prevention practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e000493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Punit Virk ◽  
Samara Laskin ◽  
Rebecca Gokiert ◽  
Chris Richardson ◽  
Mandi Newton ◽  
...  

BackgroundPaediatric mental health-related visits to the emergency department are rising. However, few tools exist to identify concerns early and connect youth with appropriate mental healthcare. Our objective was to develop a digital youth psychosocial assessment and management tool (MyHEARTSMAP) and evaluate its inter-rater reliability when self-administered by a community-based sample of youth and parents.MethodsWe conducted a multiphasic, multimethod study. In phase 1, focus group sessions were used to inform tool development, through an iterative modification process. In phase 2, a cross-sectional study was conducted in two rounds of evaluation, where participants used MyHEARTSMAP to assess 25 fictional cases.ResultsMyHEARTSMAP displays good face and content validity, as supported by feedback from phase 1 focus groups with youth and parents (n=38). Among phase 2 participants (n=30), the tool showed moderate to excellent agreement across all psychosocial sections (κ=0.76–0.98).ConclusionsOur findings show that MyHEARTSMAP is an approachable and interpretable psychosocial assessment and management tool that can be reliably applied by a diverse community sample of youth and parents.


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