scholarly journals Knowledge of Healthcare Workers on Immunization: New and Under-utilized and Perception towards Future Vaccines

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-207
Author(s):  
AM Jibo ◽  
RS Karaye ◽  
AU Gajida ◽  
AA Abulfathi

Nigeria is making effort to address the child mortality burden by increasing vaccine coverage rates, yet the vaccine coverage falls short of 90% target. Scaling up of new and under-used vaccines to 90% coverage could save more than 600,000 Nigerian children. Healthcare givers knowledge of vaccine used for immunization is essential to increase the vaccine uptake rates. This study assesses the knowledge of routine, underutilized and future vaccines among health workers. A cross sectional descriptive study was done among health care workers at a tertiary health facility in Nigeria. Using a pre-tested semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire, 220 respondents were selected by cluster sampling technique. The health workers’ knowledge of these vaccines was assessed using a scale developed for the study. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 22.The mean age of the respondents was 31.9 + 5.7 years . Doctors and nurses formed more than half of the respondents, 51.8% (n=114). About three quarters of respondents 72.3% (n=159) had good knowledge of vaccines used in routine immunizations. Knowledge of under-utilized and future vaccine was low with less than a fifth 18.6% (n=41) and one tenth 9.1% (n=20) having good knowledge scores respectively. Similarly, poor perception scores of future vaccines were observed in 90.1% (n=218) of the respondents. Only marital status was associated with knowledge of underutilized vaccines (p<0.05) and no association was observed between other sociodemographic variables and knowledge of these vaccines (P>0.05). The awareness level of health care workers on routine immunization is high. Their knowledge and perception of under-utilized and future vaccines were however low. There is, therefore, need for more training and retraining of health care workers on the vaccines.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olaniyan Akintunde Babatunde ◽  
Muideen Babatunde Olatunji ◽  
Roseline Oluyemisi Akande ◽  
Joseph Muyiwa Olumoyegun

Abstract Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 has continued to threaten the existence of human race. The novelty and unstable epidemiologic pattern of the virus had generated so much concern among the global health experts. These concerns were found to be escalated among frontline health care workers to the extent of impeding the timeliness of the response activities. To slow down the spread of the already established community transmission through the surveillance activities, the concern of the health workers at the community level needs to be addressed. Therefore, this study assessed the concern about COVID-19 pandemic among the primary health workers in Oyo State, Nigeria.MethodsThis was an online cross-sectional survey conducted among primary health care workers in Oyo State between March and April 2020. Using a two-stage sampling technique, we recruited 284 respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire linked to the Google form was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25; bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of health workers’ concern at 5% level of significance.ResultsThe mean age of respondents was 45.0 + 9.0 years. About 52.5% had goodk knowledge of COVID-19. In the domains of concern, 66.9%, 53.2%, 51.4%, and 46.5% of the respondents expressed government-related concern, self-satisfaction related concern, work-related concern and social status related concern respectively. Male respondents were less likely to express concern about COVID-19 compared with their female counterparts (aOR= 0.39, 95% CI = 0.20 – 0.76). Nurses/midwives (aOR= 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05 – 0.85) had lesser likelihood of expressing concern about COVID-19 while middle staff (aOR= 2.5, 95% CI = 1.18 – 5.39) and income earner of ≥ N200, 000 (aOR= 2.3, 95% CI = 1.34 – 3.92) had higher likelihood of expressing concern about COVID-19.ConclusionThe study revealed an average knowledge of COVID-19 among the respondents. Government-related and self-satisfaction related concerns were majorly expressed by the majority of the PHC workers. Therefore, holistic policy that addresses the welfare and training of the HCWs is recommended.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Titus Kipchirchir Kolongei ◽  
Justus Osero ◽  
Albert Gachau

Abstract Background: This was a cross sectional exploratory study that examined data obtained from health care workers on substance use in Bungoma County Kenya. Methods: This was a cross sectional exploratory study in selected health facilities in three sub counties of Bungoma County. This study used a two-stage cluster sampling technique and systematic sampling to select the respondents. The study sample was (N= 237 ) among health care workers in selected facilities in 3 sub counties of Bungoma county .The study response rate was 96.3 %(237/247) . Self-reported data on substance use during their lifetime, use in the past 12 months and past 30 days was used as key parameters to determine patterns and correlates of substance Results: As compared with females, males were found to have a greater like hood of substance use, having family member with a history of substance use and a colleague who uses substances were key predictors for substance use. Substance use prevalence without generalization to the population of Health care workers (HCWs) in this study shows a high prevalence of lifetime substance use (35.02, 29.17- 41.36) concurs with findings in a study in Machakos and Nairobi (Mokaya et al 2018). Alcohol had the highest lifetime prevalence rate (33%) Conclusion; Alcohol use among HCW had the highest prevalence with socio-demographic factors on gender, family and peer influence associated with substance use among health workers. The study findings suggest preventive interventions against substance use are required at family level and among peers. Further research is needed on substance abuse, dependence, reasons for substance use and how it affects health workers performance Keywords: Substance Use, abuse, dependence, patterns, correlates, lifetime use


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Wiredu Agyekum ◽  
Grace Frempong Afrifa-Anane ◽  
Frank Kyei-Arthur ◽  
Bright Addo

The acceptance or otherwise of the COVID-19 vaccine by health care workers can influence the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among the general population as they are a reliable source of health information. In this study, we sought to determine the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines among health care workers in Ghana. Using a cross-sectional design, we collected data from 234 health care workers through a self-administered online survey from 16 January to 15 February 2021. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses using binary logistic regression were performed using STATA version 15. The results showed that 39.3% of health care workers had the intention of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Factors such as sex, category of health care workers, relative being diagnosed with COVID-19, and trust in the accuracy of the measures taken by the government in the fight against COVID-19 proved to be significant predictors of the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine. Concerns about the safety of vaccines and the adverse side effects of the vaccine were identified as the main reasons why health care workers would decline uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in Ghana. The self-reported low intention of health care workers to accept the COVID-19 vaccine in Ghana requires the urgent call of the Government of Ghana and other stakeholders to critically address health care workers' concerns about the safety and adverse side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, as this would increase vaccine uptake. Interventions must also take into consideration sex and the category of health care workers to achieve the desired results. Keywords: COVID-19, Vaccines, Vaccine acceptance, Health care workers, Ghana


Author(s):  
Olubunmi Ayinde ◽  
Aishat Bukola Usman ◽  
Posi Aduroja ◽  
Abass Gbolahan

Abstract Background Health workers are at the front line of the COVID-19 outbreak response and as such are exposed to hazards that put them at risk of infection. Poor knowledge among HCWs and inadequate infection control practices may lead to the increased risk of COVID-19 nosocomial transmission. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of Oyo state health care workers on COVID-19 as part of emergency preparedness. Methods A hospital based cross-sectional survey was conducted in selected health facilities in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 350 HCWs were assessed for the knowledge, attitudes and practices on COVID-19 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictors of good knowledge at 95% confidence interval. with Epi-info software. Results The level of good knowledge on COVID-19 was 78.6% and positive attitude was 64% among the respondents. Majority of respondents practice safe measures in the prevention of COVID-19 including washing of hands (95.3%), routine cleaning (82.7%) and high-level disinfection (83.9%). However, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was low (56.8%). Predictors of good knowledge on COVID-19 were being a female HCW [Adjusted Odd’s Ratio(AOR) = 6.5 95% CI 1.0-17.2], ≥ 10 years length in service[AOR = 5.2 95%CI 2.7–18.9] and being a secondary or tertiary facility[ AOR = 3.6 95%CI 1.7–32.2]. Conclusions Overall knowledge and attitude were satisfactory however the practices of HCWs on the use of personal protective equipment was not satisfactory. Effective infection control measures including regular skill-based training and/or orientation for all categories of HCWs can improve infection control practices in health facilities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Martin Wiredu Agyekum ◽  
Grace Frempong Afrifa-Anane ◽  
Frank Kyei-Arthur ◽  
Bright Addo

Because health care workers are a reliable source of health information, their acceptance or rejection of COVID-19 vaccines can influence the general population's uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. In this study, we sought to determine the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines among health care workers in Ghana. Using a cross-sectional design, we collected data from 234 health care workers through a self-administered online survey from 16 January to 15 February 2021. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed using STATA version 15. The findings revealed that 39.3% (n = 92) of health care workers intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccines. Factors such as sex (AOR = 0.451; CI 95% 0.240–0.845; p = 0.013 ), category of health care workers (AOR = 2.851; 95 CI%: 1.097–7.405; p = 0.031 ), relative being diagnosed with COVID-19 (AOR = 0.369; CI 95% 0.145–0.941; p = 0.037 ), and trust in the accuracy of the measures taken by the government in the fight against COVID-19 (AOR = 2.768; CI 95%: 1.365–5.616; p = 0.005 ) proved to be significant predictors of the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine. Concerns about the safety of vaccines (n = 93, 65.5%) and the adverse side effects of the vaccines (n = 23, 14.8%) were identified as the main reasons why health care workers would decline uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in Ghana. The self-reported low intention of health care workers in Ghana to accept COVID-19 vaccines necessitates an urgent call from the Government of Ghana and other stakeholders to address health care workers' concerns about the safety and adverse side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, as this would increase vaccine uptake. Interventions must also take into consideration sex and the category of health care workers to achieve the desired results.


Author(s):  
Oche M. Oche ◽  
Habibullah Adamu ◽  
Musa Yahaya ◽  
Ismail A. Raji ◽  
Hudu Garba Illo ◽  
...  

Aims: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to coronavirus pandemic among health care workers in Sokoto metropolis of Sokoto State, Nigeria.  Study Design: A cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Sokoto metropolis, northwest Nigeria between July and October 2020 Methodology: Four hundred and twenty-seven respondents were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected manually using a self-administered questionnaire entered into the computer for analysis using IBM SPSS version 25 for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and frequencies of the various variables were tabulated. Results: The mean age was 35.16+- 9.25 years, with those aged 30-39 years constituting 38% of the respondents. There were 53.2% males, 47.3% nurses, and 27.2% doctors, and 71.6% of the respondents were from tertiary health institutions, out of which 42% had 1-5 years of work experience. Up to 99% were aware of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), and overall, 78.2% had good knowledge, and 91% of all the respondents had positive attitudes towards the pandemic (p-value 0.001). Overall, 68.4% of the health workforce had appropriate practices towards preventing COVID-19, and 83% were willing to be posted to isolation centers with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusion: The study demonstrated significant awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 amongst the health workforce in Sokoto with significant positive attitudes towards the pandemic and appropriate practices towards preventing the pandemic and willingness to work in isolation centers to support the prevention of the pandemic.


Author(s):  
P. K. Kubai ◽  
M. P. Ndiba ◽  
L. K. Ikiara ◽  
C. K. Karani

Worldwide Corona virus outbreak has cause panic and enormous health and economic effects due to inadequate or lack of appropriate information about COVID -19. Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the Level of knowledge and Preparedness to Corona Virus (COVID –19) Pandemic among Health Workers in Igembe South, Meru County, Kenya. Study Design: This was cross-sectional study was conducted to determine their Knowledge and Preparedness among HCWs on COVID-19 pandemic. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Igembe South Health Facilities between March and June 2020. Methodology: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in Igembe South Sub County of Meru County from March 2020 to June 2020 among 87 Health Care Workers to determine their Knowledge and Preparedness on COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected using structured Likert’s Scale questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed to obtain frequencies and distribution of the variables. Results: The results shows that eight seven (87) health care workers with mean age of 34± 9 (SD) years with a minimum age of 19 years and maximum age of 60 years were recruited responded to the questions of the study. Among the 87 participants, 51 (58.6%) had at least a bachelor's degree, 30 (34.5%) participants had a diploma and 6 (6.9%) participants had a certificate. About 32 (36.8%) of the participants were nurses. Other professional disciplines included nutritionists, records officers, supporting staff, social workers among others. Majority of the facilities acknowledged receiving Ministry of Health guidelines and protocols on COVID-19 case management. Regarding knowledge of COVID -19 Almost half (48.3%) of the participants somewhat agreed that health care workers had knowledge of Corona Virus Pandemic, however, most of the respondents (50.6%) strongly disagreed that they are equipped with adequate Knowledge to manage severe Corona Case compared to (8%) respondents who strongly agreed that Corona Virus Incubation period is an average of 7 days and maximum of 14 days. Conclusion: The study concludes that knowledge and preparedness level on COVID - 19 was above average, however, there is need for continuous professional development (CPD) training and support supervision for HCWs to ensure maintenance of appropriate practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study further concludes that those with knowledge and are conversant with their respective areas of practice are at less risk, considering that inadequate knowledge is not only a risk factor for poor delivery of WHO approved COVID -19 guidelines met to prevent the spread of COVID -19, but also increases the occupational risk to health care workers.


2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (15) ◽  
pp. 2345-2365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tevfik Pinar ◽  
Cengizhan Acikel ◽  
Gul Pinar ◽  
Erdem Karabulut ◽  
Meral Saygun ◽  
...  

Violence in the workplace is an increasing occupational health concern worldwide. Health care workers are at high risk of assault. To develop, monitor, and manage prevention policies, baseline data should be available. This cross-sectional study was designed to determine the current extent of workplace violence nationwide in Turkey. The study population of 12.944 health care workers was a stratified sample of all health care workers (612,639) in the country. A probabilistic sampling was made on the basis of the “multistage stratified random cluster sampling method.” This study was conducted by a structured questionnaire in a face-to-face interview. The questionnaire items were adapted and translated into Turkish based on questionnaires of International Labor Organization, International Council of Nurses, World Health Organization, and Public Services International. The percentage of health care workers who experienced workplace violence in Turkey in the previous 12 months was 44.7%. The types of violence included physical 6.8%, verbal 43.2%, mobbing (bullying) 2.4%, and sexual harassment 1%. Multivariate analysis showed that level of health care system, type of institution, gender, occupation, age, working hours, and shift work were independent risk factors for experiencing workplace violence ( p < .05). Our study indicates that the workplace violence among health care workers is a significant problem. The results of the study can serve as the basis for future analytical studies and for development of appropriate prevention efforts.


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1765-70
Author(s):  
Jamal Azfar Khan ◽  
Asif Ali ◽  
Farzana Muneer

Objective: To determine the impact of a single tutorial session on the technique of donning and doffing the personal protective equipment by health care workers. Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: CMH Landi Kotal Cantt, from 1st March 2020 to 10th June 2020. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted on 62 health workers, working in CMH Landi Kotal Cantt. They were asked to demonstrate donning and doffing surgical masks, gowns and gloves and the steps were evaluated as per a standardized checklist. Then, the participants were given a single tutorial of the donning and doffing technique of personal protective equipment. They were asked to demonstrate their technique of personal protective equipment use one week, one month and three months after the tutorial. Any improvement was recorded in the checklist used earlier. Results: The correct donning and doffing technique of personal protective equipment were demonstrated by 22 and 14 participants respectively before the tutorial. When evaluated one week after the tutorial, this number increased to 48 and 38 respectively, showing significant improvement (p<0.05). The technique of personal protective equipment use deteriorated significantly one month of the tutorial and deteriorated further after three months (p<0.05). The most common fault while donning and doffing the equipment was the incorrect donning sequence, and self-contamination while taking off the gloves, respectively. Conclusion: A single tutorial session results in significant improvement in the technique of using personal protective equipment by health care workers but the effect is lost over time.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 123-127
Author(s):  
Imran Ahmed ◽  
Asif Khan ◽  
Abdul Ahad Sohail ◽  
Mujeeb-ur- Rehman

Background: Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are one of the most common problems encountered in health care. It is a major cause of concern for hospitals throughout the world. Methods: The study design was cross sectional and data was obtained from health care workers currently employed in hospitals. We selected tertiary care hospitals by convenient sampling technique. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 330 health care workers were included in the study out of which 54.4% (180) were males and the rest 45.4% (150) were females. When the participants were asked of the minimum time required for alcohol based hand rub to eradicate the microorganisms, only 42% (138) were able to correctly answer that it takes 20 seconds. Conclusion: Our study identified considerable gaps in knowledge and practice in some key areas regarding hand hygiene which need re-emphasis through regular training sessions aim at keeping abreast with standard protocols of hand hygiene.


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