Amirhossein Erfani; Reza Shahriarirad; Keivan Ranjbar; Alireza Mirahmadizadeh; Mohsen Moghadami
Abstract
Background: Knowledge and awareness of disease transmission modes and basic hygiene principles during a public health crisis are crucial for developing effective control measures. The researchers aimed to evaluate Iranians’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) throughout the coronavirus disease ...
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Background: Knowledge and awareness of disease transmission modes and basic hygiene principles during a public health crisis are crucial for developing effective control measures. The researchers aimed to evaluate Iranians’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to detect related sociodemographic variables.Methods: This cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted from the 2nd - 8th March 2020 among the general population of Iran above 15 years of age. A 76-item self-designed questionnaire regarding KAP towards COVID-19 was used, and the participants’ demographic characteristics and sources of information were collected. The Snowball sampling method was applied for data collection, and responses were scored based on the Likert scale. Simple and multiple linear regression was performed using SPSS version 26. The statistical significance level was P<0.05.Results: Among 8591 participants, the overall achieved knowledge, attitude, and practice score regarding COVID- 19 characteristics were 90%, 90%, and 89%. Also, an overall score of 85% was achieved regarding the knowledge of the transmission mode and high-risk groups for COVID-19. There was a significant association between female gender, higher age, and higher education with knowledge, attitude, and practice. Male gender, being single, and lower education levels were associated with lower scores in knowledge and practice (P<0.001) and poorer attitudes towards COVID-19 (P<0.001, 0.002, and <0.001, respectively).Conclusion: During its outbreak, the Iranian population demonstrated decent knowledge, appropriate practice, and a positive attitude towards COVID-19. Furthermore, health education programs, mainly targeting lower-knowledge individuals regarding COVID-19, are essential for encouraging a positive attitude and maintaining safe practices. Hopefully, by increasing knowledge via public health policymakers and the cooperation of the Iranian authorities and the general population, optimistic control and elimination of the disease can be anticipated.
Sanaz Noroozi; Mostafa Farahbakhsh; Mohammad Taha Saadati Rad; Shahrokh Amiri; Farinaz Saeedi
Abstract
Background: Methylphenidate is an important drug treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Parents’ knowledge of the drug predicts their adherence to this treatment and active participation in the therapeutic interventions. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge ...
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Background: Methylphenidate is an important drug treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Parents’ knowledge of the drug predicts their adherence to this treatment and active participation in the therapeutic interventions. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of the parents of children with ADHD, who referred to the child and adolescent psychiatry clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, regarding methylphenidate (Ritalin).Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on 300 parents during 2019-2020. The subjects were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the socioeconomic status questionnaire and a researchermade questionnaire, which encompassed the two sections of demographic information and parents’ attitudes, knowledge and performance. The validity and reliability of the tool were confirmed. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and t-test.Results: The mothers played a more significant role in the care of children with ADHD compared to the fathers. Significant correlations were observed between the parents’ knowledge, attitude, and performance with Ritalin consumption, and the knowledge score of the parents was low (46.6%), confirming their need for education in this regard. Meanwhile, 52.86% of the parents had a moderate knowledge level, and only 1% had excellent knowledge regarding the drug. Overall, the parents considered methylphenidate a more effective drug for ADHD compared to other medications. However, 84% of the parents were concerned about their children’s Ritalin addiction. According to the results, mothers played a more significant role in the treatment of children with ADHD compared to the fathers.Conclusion: According to the results, parents’ participation in the treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD as a supporter and provider of methylphenidate had a positive effect in this regard. Therefore, supporting and improving the knowledge and attitude of parents could improve their perception of methylphenidate consumption by their ADHD children, thereby enhancing the prognosis of the patients.
Leila Ghavami; Tayebeh Rakhshani; Zahra Motlagh; Aboubakr Jafarnejad; Azizallah Dehghan
Abstract
Background: The present study aimed to compare the effect face-to -face and distance learning on knowledge, attitude and practice of females about breastfeeding in Shiraz, Iran.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in Shiraz, Iran in 2019 on 313 women who were referred to health centers ...
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Background: The present study aimed to compare the effect face-to -face and distance learning on knowledge, attitude and practice of females about breastfeeding in Shiraz, Iran.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in Shiraz, Iran in 2019 on 313 women who were referred to health centers (93 face-to face group, 105 distance learning group, and 115 control group). The study outcomes included knowledge, attitude, and practice of the women about breastfeeding which were measured at the onset and one-month post-intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software.Results: Mean changes of knowledge and attitude were significantly higher in the face-to-face and distance learning intervention groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Mean practice changes from the baseline until one month after the intervention was significantly higher in the face to-face intervention group compared to the control group (P=0.015) and in the face-to-face intervention group compared to the distance learning intervention group (P=0.002).Conclusion: The present study showed that both face-to-face and distance learning breastfeeding interventions effectively increased the mothers’ knowledge and attitudes, and that faceto- face intervention would led to improved practice.
Abiodun Ebenezer Kolapo; Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi; Temitope Olajumoke Omoju; Olugbenga Adeola Odukanmi; Dayo Olufemi Akanbi; James Olatunde Okediran; Muhammad Shakir Balogun
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and sources of COVID-19 information among Nigerian youths. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 817 National Youth Service Corps members. Participants’ overall general knowledge about COVID-19 was ...
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Background: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and sources of COVID-19 information among Nigerian youths. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 817 National Youth Service Corps members. Participants’ overall general knowledge about COVID-19 was assessed using nine questions that consisted of general knowledge on the cause, origin, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms, availability of a potent vaccine and specific therapy, prevention strategies of COVID-19 and knowledge of proper handwashing practices. P-values Results: The mean age of the respondents was 24.1± 2 years, 317 (41.2%) were males, and 73 (8.9%) had studied a health-related course. Of the 754 respondents who responded to the COVID-19 knowledge questions, 187 (24.8%) had general knowledge about COVID-19, while 280 (37.1%) had knowledge in all domains; mode of spread, symptoms and signs, and prevention of COVID-19. Among the respondents, 129 (40.7%) males had satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 (p=0.070), while 38 participants (52.1%) who had studied a health-related course had satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 (p=0.003). Regarding the knowledge of handwashing, 184 (58%) males displayed satisfactory knowledge (p=0.007). Social media (64.4%) and television (58%) were the main sources of COVID-19 information. Respondents who had studied a health-related course were twice likely to have satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 (AOR=2, 95% CI=1.25-2.5 p=0.003,) and six times likely to have satisfactory knowledge of handwashing (AOR=5.6, 95%CI=3.3-10.0, p=<0.0001). Conclusion: Utilization of both social media and the mainstream mass media in disseminating health education information and correcting fake news and misconceptions is needed. Health promotion strategies should be organized for all youths, especially among those who have no previous education in the health and allied courses.
Mansour Kashfi; Mostafa Eslahi; Tayebeh Rakhshani; Hasan Hashemi; Pejhman Baqeri; Mehdi Sharafi
Volume 6, Issue 1 , January 2018, , Pages 40-45
Abstract
Introduction: Environmental health is definitely one of the issues and challenges considered by human societies on the eve of the third millennium. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude and performance of the people of Fasa on segregation of municipal solid wastes ...
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Introduction: Environmental health is definitely one of the issues and challenges considered by human societies on the eve of the third millennium. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude and performance of the people of Fasa on segregation of municipal solid wastes in 2017. Method: This cross – sectional study was conducted on 400 residents of Fasa who were selected through cluster sampling. The tool used in this study was a Lickert-spectrum questionnaire, which was essentially a combination of two standard instruments and the researcher’s field studies. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 22 software as well as descriptive statistics, Man-Whitney test and one – way ANOVA test. Results: The results of this study showed that the mean knowledge, attitude and performance of the people were 23.5±5.3, 13.5±3.0, and 21.5±2.6, respectively. 43.7% of the subjects had weak knowledge (188 people), 28.6% had moderate knowledge (123 people) and 27.7% had good knowledge (119 people). Moreover, 36.6% had weak attitude (156 people), 19.3% had moderate (85 people) and 44% had good attitude (189 people). Finally, the performance of 46% of the participants was weak (198 people), that of 30.5% was moderate (131 people), and 23.5% had good performance (101 people). The mean scores of knowledge, attitude and performance of the male and female subjects were not significantly different.
Parisa Neghab; Mryam Bakhtiar; Ali Golkari
Volume 5, Issue 2 , April 2017, , Pages 51-58
Abstract
Background: The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status of parents and their knowledge, attitude and tendency toward different forms of fluoride therapy for their 7-9 year-old primary school children in Shiraz.Methods: A total of 444 subjects were selected ...
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Background: The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status of parents and their knowledge, attitude and tendency toward different forms of fluoride therapy for their 7-9 year-old primary school children in Shiraz.Methods: A total of 444 subjects were selected through multi-stage random sampling. The subjects were parents of 7-9 year old boys and girls attending primary schools in 4 districts in Shiraz. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire containing a number of questions regarding their knowledge, attitudes and tendency toward fluoride therapy for their children.Results: The mean scores for parental knowledge, tendency and attitude toward fluoride therapy for their children were 8.05 ± 2.46, 3.38 ± 1.73 and 54.66 ± 5.89, respectively. As to the parental knowledge, 25.23% and 72.52% of the subjects had either poor or average knowledge, respectively. Similarly, about 32% and 39.6% of the parents had a poor or average tendency toward fluoride therapy and 42.57% and 57.43% of them held a strong or mild positive attitude toward it, respectively.Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicated that the majority of parents did not have sufficient knowledge about different types of fluoride therapy and their caries-preventive effect. They lacked a positive attitude and a strong tendency to practice fluoride therapy for their children. There was a significant association between socioeconomic status of parents and their knowledge, attitude and tendency toward fluoride therapy for their children.
Afsane Ahmadi; Nasrin Nasimi; Farnoosh Fakoorziba; Javad Rasooli
Volume 4, Issue 2 , April 2016, , Pages 70-75
Abstract
Background: Due to the increasing global use of nutritional supplements, dietitians play a key role in raising consumer awareness and reducing supplementary side effects. Hence, determination of the states of knowledge, attitudes and practices of this group as to common dietary supplements is important. Methods: ...
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Background: Due to the increasing global use of nutritional supplements, dietitians play a key role in raising consumer awareness and reducing supplementary side effects. Hence, determination of the states of knowledge, attitudes and practices of this group as to common dietary supplements is important. Methods: A list of all the dietitians employed in the health centers, nutrition clinics and private offices of Shiraz city was prepared; then, all the 36 qualified dietitians were referred to and the information of 25 dietitians was collected. To gather the data, we employed a 4-part questionnaire including demographic data and questions related to their knowledge, attitudes, and practices about prescribed dietary supplements. The knowledge scores of less than 50%, 50-75%, and over 75% were considered as low, medium, and good knowledge, respectively. And the classification of attitudes was determined based on quartile ranking. The data were statistically analyzed through SPSS, version19, using Chi-square and t-test statistical methods. Results: Most of the dietitians had moderate (80%) and low (20%) level of knowledge, while 100% of them had a positive attitude (3rd quartile) about the role of dietary supplements in health, side effects, and food interactions. The most common supplements recommended were those for anemia and growth of children. In this study, the dietitians who had higher level of knowledge significantly used nutritional journals to increase their awareness. Conclusion: Considering the key roles of dietitians and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the field of supplements and the results of the study, it appears that necessary measures should be taken to enhance the dietitians’ knowledge.
Parvin Afsar Kazerooni; nasrin motazedian; Mehrab Sayadi; Nadia Motazedian; Mojghan Sabet
Volume 2, Issue 3 , July 2014, , Pages 99-106
Abstract
Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemics are largely linked to high-risk populations such as female commercial sex workers (FSWs). This study assessed sexual behaviors, attitudes and knowledge of this marginalized group.Methods: We conducted a cross- sectional study on 278 selfidentified ...
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Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemics are largely linked to high-risk populations such as female commercial sex workers (FSWs). This study assessed sexual behaviors, attitudes and knowledge of this marginalized group.Methods: We conducted a cross- sectional study on 278 selfidentified FSWs by using Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) method in Shiraz, south of Iran, from June 2010 to March 2011. Volunteer women were interviewed in order to explore issues such as sexual behavior, sexual violence, work conditions, contraceptive methods, HIV/AIDS knowledge, HIV test, and source of HIV information.Results: The majority of participants (95.1%) knew about condoms; however, only 40.6% used condoms consistently. Despite the subject’s wide knowledge regarding modes of transmission, 61% and 40% did not use any protection with anal and oral intercourse, respectively. 21% of FSWs experienced sexual violence. Nearly half (45.2%) of them had an HIV test and more than three-quarters knew their test results. The women in our study preferred to receive their information from health workers (63%) and peer group (45.2%).Conclusion: This study sheds light on the existing knowledge and practices of this high-risk group. Although the majority of FSWs were familiar with HIV/AIDS, risky behaviors such as anal and oral sex are still in practice; this calls for education and HIV prevention campaigns focusing on risk education awareness. Efforts in addressing the problem of inconsistent condom use needs to be directed towards client specific approaches and must be regarded a top priority.
Mehrdad Askarian; Zahra Dehghani; Mina Danaei; Veda Vakili
Volume 1, Issue 2 , October 2013, , Pages 77-82
Abstract
Background: Physicians are one of the most important groups directly associated with public health and their health related lifestyle has a significant impact on their patient’s behaviors. Several studies showed that the majority of medical students did not have appropriate and healthy behaviors. The ...
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Background: Physicians are one of the most important groups directly associated with public health and their health related lifestyle has a significant impact on their patient’s behaviors. Several studies showed that the majority of medical students did not have appropriate and healthy behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risky lifestyle knowledge and behaviors among Shiraz medical students.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2011. Using a stratified random sampling method, 400 medical students were selected to fill in the questionnaires. The questionnaire contained 33 questions including demographic data, healthy lifestyle knowledge and behavior (including physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, water drinking, etc), perception of stress and student’s health information resource. The association between demographic factors and participants’ knowledge, practice and stress score was determined. The correlation between the participants’ knowledge and behavior scores was calculated.Results: The mean knowledge and attitude scores were 2.8 and 3.6, respectively. In 40% of knowledge and 80% of practice questions, the percentage of the correct answer was below 50%. There was a significant correlation between the participants’ knowledge and behavior scores (P<0.05).Conclusion: This study raises the voice of concern with medical students’ knowledge and behavior on healthy lifestyle measures. There is a need for re-thinking, planning and reviewing these concepts of pure reason which is essential in their future professional career. Health considerations, health surveillance and care systems which are based on evidence, reasonability and rationality still have to be paramount.
Mahin Nazari; Mohammad Reza Hosseini; Mohammad Hossein Kaveh
Volume 1, Issue 2 , October 2013, , Pages 83-88
Abstract
Background: Smoking is one of the preventable causes of diseases as well as early deaths all around the world. In addition, conducting educational interventions plays a major role in preventing adolescents from smoking. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of educational intervention ...
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Background: Smoking is one of the preventable causes of diseases as well as early deaths all around the world. In addition, conducting educational interventions plays a major role in preventing adolescents from smoking. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on preventing Shirazi students from smoking.Methods: In the present quasi-experimental study, 154 male students of the 2nd grade of high school from Shiraz were selected through multi-stage cluster sampling and randomly assigned to a control and an experimental group. The study data were collected through a questionnaire including the demographic information, questions on knowledge, and questions based on the components of the theory of planned behavior. After the pre-test, the intervention group underwent the educational intervention and after 2 months, both groups took part in the post-test. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software (v.11.5) and analyzed through the non-parametric tests of Mann-Whitney, Fisher, and Chi- square as well as Linear Multiple Logistic Regression.Results: No significant difference was observed between the two groups’ mean scores before the intervention. After the intervention, the intervention group’s scores of knowledge, attitude, intention, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly increased.Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior was highly effective in reducing Shirazi high school students’ intention to smoke.
Mohammad Hossein Kaveh; Fatemeh Darabi; Mahin Nazari; Hamidreza Tabatabaee
Volume 1, Issue 1 , July 2013, , Pages 6-13
Abstract
Background/Objective: This study aimed to address the knowledge gap in citizenship education. In other words, there was an attempt to investigate the effect of a citizenship education program on knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral intention of high schools girls. Methods: 228 female ...
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Background/Objective: This study aimed to address the knowledge gap in citizenship education. In other words, there was an attempt to investigate the effect of a citizenship education program on knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral intention of high schools girls. Methods: 228 female students, 91 in the experimental and 137 in the control groups participated in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. The educational program was run in the experimental group using interactive teaching-learning techniques. The research data were, then, analyzed in SPSS, using inferential statistics. Results: The mean score of the students’ knowledge in the experimental group increased from 7.35±1.93 in the pretest to 11.14±1.78 in the posttest, while in the control group this score remained approximately the same in the pre- and post-tests. The pre- and post-test means of attitude scores were statistically different, but not in the control group. The pretest mean scores of the subjective norm in the experimental and control groups were relatively similar, but in the posttest it became significantly different (experimental: 25.78±3.77, control: 23.40±4.62). The students’ behavioral intention score increased from 18.51±2.71 to 20.87±3.04 in the experimental group. The mean scores of intention in the pretest and posttest were not statistically different in the control group. In the second posttests, the levels of these constructs remained unchanged in the control group, but they were significantly higher than pretest scores in the experimental group. Conclusion: This study revealed the adolescents’ need for as well as the efficacy of a citizenship education program.