Do Australians have the willingness to participate in wildlife conservation?

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 575-584
Author(s):  
Megan C. Fabian ◽  
Amelia S. Cook ◽  
Julie M. Old

People's behaviour towards the conservation of Australian wildlife is important, because people's actions are the main causative factor associated with the demise and future recovery of wildlife conservation. We investigated the type and prevalence of behaviour performed by NSW residents towards wildlife conservation, investigate participants’ willingness to perform conservation behaviours in the future, and identify the barriers preventing people from engaging in conservation action. New South Wales (NSW) residents (n=312) participated in an online questionnaire in a cross-sectional study. Overall, participants’ intention to engage, and rates of actual participation, in conservation behaviours was low. The latter was mostly due to lack of time, money, knowledge, and the impact of health and fitness levels. The knowledge gained from this study can be harnessed to inform future policy and management decisions, design interventions to change conservation behaviours, and provides a foundation for further enquiry into the ‘human dimensions of wildlife’. There remains a wildlife conservation ‘attitude-intention-action gap’, where we are limited with our knowledge on how to transform pro-conservation attitudes into conservation action, which warrants further research.

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 227-237
Author(s):  
Imad T. Asmar ◽  
Hani Naseef ◽  
Nimeh Al-Shami ◽  
Maram K. Jaghama ◽  
Abdallah D. Abukhalil ◽  
...  

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapid manifestation and spread have disrupted world norms and affected people's daily activities and life. Many ministries chose mass lockdown protocol as a way to control the virus spread. Though this protocol has shown to be effective in limiting the Virus transmission, it might have a negative impact on the population's psychological status, such as boredom, confusion, psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and physical effects. Objective: This study aimed to find the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Palestinian adults' psychological status by assessing the participant's practices, reports of anxiety and depression during the pandemics Methods: An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Palestinian adults in the West Bank, at the occupied Palestinian territories, between July and September 2020. The questionnaire was structured into two domains: the first domain includes nine questions about sociodemographic data. The second consisted of 33 (yes and no) questions evaluating the participant's psychological status. Results: 739 participants with a mean age of 31.76, filled the online questionnaire. Around one-third of respondents revealed having many signs of anxiety, and around 42% of respondents expressed having many signs of depression. Females were significantly more likely to have signs of depression, whereas front-line COVID-19 health care workers were significantly the least likely to have signs of depression and no signs of depression were found among participants with high incomes. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has a negative effect on mental status; most participants have signs of anxiety and depression.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 3213
Author(s):  
Addi Rhode Navarro-Cruz ◽  
Ashuin Kammar-García ◽  
Javier Mancilla-Galindo ◽  
Gladys Quezada-Figueroa ◽  
Mariana Tlalpa-Prisco ◽  
...  

Domiciliary confinement of people is one of the main strategies to limit the impact of COVID-19. Lockdowns have led to changes in lifestyle, emotional health, and eating habits. We aimed to evaluate the association of differences in dietary behaviours and lifestyle with self-reported weight gain during the COVID-19 lockdown in Chile. In this cross-sectional analytical study, five previously validated surveys were condensed into a single 86-item online questionnaire. The survey was sent to 1000 potential participants of the university community; it was kept online for 28 days to be answered. Of the 639 respondents, the mean self-reported weight gain during confinement was 1.99 kg (standard deviation [SE]: 0.17) and 0.7 (SE: 0.06) units of body mass index (BMI) (both p < 0.001) and the median difference in body weight during lockdown was 3.3% (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.0–6.7). The differences of intake of most food groups before and during lockdown were associated with greater self-reported weight, BMI and percentage weight gain. Differences in lifestyle (odds ratio [OR] = 14.21, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 2.35–85.82) worsening eating habits (OR = 3.43, 95%CI: 2.31–5.09), and more consumption of sweet or filled cookies and cakes during lockdown (OR = 2.11, 95%CI: 1.42–3.13) were associated with self-reported weight gain. In conclusion, different dietary behaviours (mainly consumption of industrialized foods) during lockdown, as well as quality of life deterioration were the main factors associated with self-reported weight gain during lockdown.


2021 ◽  
pp. 276-282
Author(s):  
Noon Abubakr Abdelrahman Kamil ◽  
Salma Elmukashfi Eltahir Mohammed ◽  
Yasir Ahmed Mohammed Elhadi ◽  
Mohamed Babiker Musa ◽  
Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi ◽  
...  

Background: The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has impacted many aspects of life. Several studies have investigated the effect of this pandemic on academic activities. Yet, no studies addressed the impact of COVID-19 on students in Sudan. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on Sudanese undergraduate pharmacy students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire delivered to undergraduate pharmacy students. Results: A total of 137 students responded to the survey. The majority were female (74.5%) and were students in private colleges (60.6%). Majority of the students (95.0%) were affected by COVID-19 crisis and about half of the respondents (54.0%) were depressed and 85.4% reported a decreased level of concentration. In spite of these challenges, majority of our respondents were still motivated (85.3%) to continue their education on campus. Conclusion: Despite unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacy students in Sudan are motivated to continue their studies, and they want the traditional teaching model to resume. It is time to invest more in education and rethink delivery of pharmacy education in Sudan during public health emergencies. There is no better time than now.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-161
Author(s):  
Courtney Field ◽  
Vicki Archer

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the rates of chronic illness, disability and access to care between older and younger inmates who took part in a large epidemiological study in New South Wales, Australia. Design/methodology/approach Data are presented from a cross-sectional study based on a sample of inmates from correctional sites in NSW. The inclusion of results here was guided by the literature with regard to their relevance to older people, and older inmates in particular. Findings Results indicate that a higher proportion of older inmates suffer a range of chronic illnesses, with prevalence often many times higher than that of younger inmates. Older inmates are more likely to be classified as disabled and have a disability which impacts their mobility. Older inmates also reported accessing medical services in prison more recently than younger inmates and were more likely to have seen both nurses and general practitioners. Practical implications Older inmates appear to be considerably more resource intensive than younger inmates. The increasing proportion of inmates who are classified as older thus poses a pressing challenge to those working in the carceral space and, in particular, those responsible for providing healthcare to incarcerated people. Originality/value The impact of aging prisoners on resource demand has yet to be effectively measured. This study provides an important first step towards that goal.


Hand Therapy ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 141-152
Author(s):  
Kirsty van Stormbroek ◽  
Helen Buchanan

Introduction Hand rehabilitation needs in some parts of the world extend beyond the impact of specialised hand therapists. This study aimed to establish what hand rehabilitation services novice occupational therapists in South Africa were providing; the supports and barriers for such services; and, therapists’ perceptions of being equipped for hand rehabilitation. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, and an online questionnaire was sent to all occupational therapists in their first year of practice (n = 240). Data were analysed with Stata 12 and IBM SPSS Statistics, version 21.0. Responses to open ended questions were post-coded. Results A 43.3% response rate was obtained. Participants (n = 104) treated an average of 20 clients requiring hand rehabilitation per month often without adequate equipment (73%). Central nervous system (91.3%), bone and joint (72.8%) and arthritic conditions (72.4%) were treated most frequently. Most participants felt confident (64%) and competent (79%) in hand rehabilitation. Conclusion Participants were undertaking hand rehabilitation that in other contexts is considered to require specialised skills. To ensure quality rehabilitation, supervision and mentoring of novice therapists and appropriate professional development opportunities are required.


1999 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Victoria C Guevarra ◽  
Leena Gupta ◽  
Timothy C Heath ◽  
Margaret A Burgess

A statewide survey was conducted to ascertain GPs' views in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, about the potential usefulness of strategies to increase immunisation rates and to facilitate providing childhood immunisation in their practice. The survey also explored the usefulness of information sources about immunisation. From September 1997-January 1998, a cross-sectional study using a four page self-administered questionnaire was undertaken. Four hundred GPs practising in NSW, Australia were randomly selected and 343 were eligible to participate. Of these, 281 returned a completed questionnaire (82% response rate). Ninety-one percent and 88% of GPs, respectively, agreed that television campaigns or registering children with the national Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) w ere likely to increase immunisation rates. Sixty-two percent of respondents considered that the media created unwarranted parental concern about immunisation. GPs most commonly rated availability of an ACIR list of children overdue for immunisation, better parent educational material and better access to vaccines as strategies which would make immunisation easier. Sixty percent of respondents felt that increased GP payments would be successful in increasing immunisation rates. Only 51% indicated that they had used the “Australian Immunisation Procedures Handbook 6th edition” (a national clinical practice guideline) in the previous month. This study identified GP support for many initiatives aimed at increasing immunisation rates in Australia although GPs were sceptical about the benefits of some programmes. Studies to monitor the impact of GP incentives on immunisation rates in populations and individual practices are underway. These will be useful in determining whether GPs' opinions found in our study correlate with practice in this regard.


2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-70
Author(s):  
Fabio de A Gomes ◽  
Eduarda Malhão ◽  
Cláudio Maniglia-Ferreira ◽  
Danilo Lima ◽  
Maísa Casarin ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on the endodontic treatment routine. It was a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire applied to endodontists to collect information about practical modifications during endodontic treatment to protect professionals and patients against the COVID-19 outbreak. A total 1105 participants from Brazil participated in the survey. More than 90% of respondents identify the high risk of COVID-19 infection to dentists and the need to change some clinical practices. Most respondents (60.1%) are partially following social isolation. The need for a change in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during dental appointments was mentioned by 97.1% of respondents. The use of minimal adequate PPE during the pandemic period was associated with the area of residence and marital status of participants. Only 30% of respondents say they use the minimal adequate PPE. Most respondents will change cavity access preparation to reduce virus dissemination. Other changes in endodontic appointments were described in the survey: greater attention to biosafety measures, duration of dental appointments, and duration of intervals between appointments. Endodontists still need to identify the best arrangement for performing their procedures safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific guidelines require detailed information for each specialty and its procedures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (08) ◽  
pp. 1054-1058
Author(s):  
Abdullah Saleh Al-Nafeesah ◽  
Abdullah Saleh Aldamigh ◽  
Basel Abdulrahman Almansoor ◽  
Osama Al-Wutayd ◽  
Ashwaq Ahmed AlE'ed

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a newly discovered coronavirus and has resulted in a global pandemic. The World Health Organization recommended avoiding any delay or disruption of immunization services, as this could result in increases in outbreak-prone vaccine-preventable diseases. This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents’ behaviour towards their children’s scheduled vaccinations. Methodology: This web-based cross-sectional study recruited 1,143 parents/guardians of children below six years of age living in Saudi Arabia between May 1 and May 30, 2020 via social media platforms. A self-developed online questionnaire consisting of eight items was used. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with vaccine delay during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The parents/guardians were aged 20–60 years; 82% were aged between 20 and 39 years. It was found that 26% of parents did not vaccinate their children on time according to the national immunization schedule in regular situations, and 38% of parents reported delaying vaccination due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The multiple logistic regression analysis found that having two or more children, living in Riyadh or the Western region or not vaccinating children during regular situations were associated with an increased risk of vaccine delay during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Delaying children’s vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic was influenced most by living in regions with high COVID-19 prevalence and having two or more children.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 1180-1184
Author(s):  
K. Shahzadi ◽  
B. Liaqat ◽  
A. Shahbaz ◽  
H. U. Farooq

Background: COVID-19 pandemic started from Wuhan Hubei Area, China in December 2019 and by April 25th, 2020 had infected almost 2,858,000 people in 185 countries, resulting in more than 200,000 deaths. Pakistan first reported two cases was on 26th February, 2020. Aim: To illustrate the impact of lock down during Covid-19 on adult Pakistani population. Method: A cross sectional study was carried out from 1st June to 30th July, 2020. An online questionnaire was administered via social media and e-mailing channels, randomly dispersed to adult Pakistani population from 1st June 2020 until 30th July 2020. A self-prepared systematic questionnaire was utilized to record the responses of member. This survey included questions to check the impact of lockdown on Pakistani population behavior, health effect, income, daily routines and jobs status, demographic data, before and after lockdown (sleeping time, use of social networking and exercise time). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 24. Results: This data exhibit lockdown impacts the day-by-day schedules and habits of individuals. Periods of rest, eating propensities and internet users have found critical contrasts. The larger part of members acknowledged the urge influenced by lockdown in their schedules and propensities. Conclusion: Covid -19 lockdown has deistically affected all responses of life and people faced social isolation. Keywords: Covid-19, lockdown Impact, income status, sleeping time, work from home, use of internet.


Author(s):  
Adon Chawe ◽  
Ruth L Mfune ◽  
Paul Syapiila ◽  
Sharon D Zimba ◽  
Pipina Vlahakis ◽  
...  

Background: COVID-19 is a novel disease that has spread to nearly every country worldwide. Medical laboratory professionals are key in the fight against COVID-19 as they provide confirmatory diagnosis which is the main basis upon which cases are identified and clinical management instituted. Lack of knowledge, poor attitude and unsafe laboratory practices could have negative implications towards the control of COVID-19. We conducted a quick online questionnaire to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical laboratory personnel regarding COVID-19 in Zambia. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study among medical laboratory professionals in Zambia from 10th to 29th June, 2020. Data were collected using google forms and exported to SPSS version 23 for statistical analysis. Independent predictors of COVID-19 knowledge and practices were determined. Adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals are reported. Results: A total of 208 medical laboratory professionals participated in the study. There were more males (58.2%) than females. The majority of respondents had good knowledge (84.1%) and practice (75%) regarding COVID-19. Less than half (n=97, 46.6%) reported willingness to participate in a vaccination program. Predictors of good knowledge included; having a Bachelors degree (AOR: 5.0, CI: 1.15-23.9) and having prior COVID-19 related training (AOR: 8.83, CI: 2.03-38.4). Predictors of good practice included; having a masters or PhD qualification (AOR: 5.23, CI: 1.15-23.9) and having prior COVID-19 related training (AOR: 14.01, CI: 6.47-30.4). Conclusion: Our findings revealed that medical laboratory professionals in Zambia have good knowledge and positive attitude towards COVID-19. However poor practices were observed There is need for continuous professional development (CPD) to ensure that medical laboratory professionals are well informed and aware of best practices to aid in curbing the pandemic. Key words: COVID-19, medical laboratory professions, knowledge, attitude, practice


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document