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.
Kumars Eisapareh; Mohammad Hossein Kaveh; Farzaneh Noroozi; Fateme Eftekharian
Abstract
Background: Regarding demographic, socio-economic differences, and some other infrastructural factors, there are concerns about the access to and use of mobile health technology. This study aims to identify the facilitators and barriers to the use of mobile health from the perspective of users.Methods: ...
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Background: Regarding demographic, socio-economic differences, and some other infrastructural factors, there are concerns about the access to and use of mobile health technology. This study aims to identify the facilitators and barriers to the use of mobile health from the perspective of users.Methods: In this qualitative meta-synthesis, electronic databases were systematically searched. Studies included qualitative investigations published by 30th of December 2020 that examined the facilitators or barriers to using mobile health from the users’ point of view. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist was used to evaluate the quality of each study. A steady comparison process has been used to identify similar structures in several studies that have been summarized in thematic constructs.Results: Six factors were identified as barriers and seven factors as facilitators. Barriers included difficulty in use, inaccessibility, uselessness or inapplicability, lack of adequate skills, communication barriers, and security concerns; facilitating factors included motivational factors, documentation, degree of ease, provider credibility and source of information, perceived usability, social-cultural appropriateness, and perceived benefits.Conclusion: The findings of this study provide a good basis for information and communication technology practitioners as well as health care services to improve access to and use of mobile health technology by adopting appropriate policies for infrastructure development and social empowerment. Further research focusing on technological, demographic, and geriatrics aspects is suggested.
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.
Giti Kashi; Nafiseh Nourieh
Abstract
Background: The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-Co V) was known as a human pathogen associated with respiratory symptoms. This study aimed to investigate attitudes, knowledge, and practice about MERS-CoV in paramedics.Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 82 paramedics in Iran ...
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Background: The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-Co V) was known as a human pathogen associated with respiratory symptoms. This study aimed to investigate attitudes, knowledge, and practice about MERS-CoV in paramedics.Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 82 paramedics in Iran in April 2019 were selected in a stratified cluster sampling. Paramedics worked in Health Centers in Iran. We performed educational intervention in this study. A four-point Likert scale researcher-made questionnaire containing demographic (9 questions) and MERS-CoV (33 questions) items was administered to collect the data. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software.Results: Out of 82 paramedics, who completed questionnaires, 42.7% (35 people) were male, 56.1% (46 people) had a diploma degree, and 19.5% (16 people) had less than 1 year of work experience. about the participants reported 2 laboratoryconfirmed infections at Kerman State. In addition, 67.1% (32 people) passed a course to become familiar with disease. Theparamedics’ mean age was 37.52±8.88. The knowledge mean score of paramedics was 12.82 (SD=10.04). The highly significant source of data collection in paramedics was the attendance in a course to become familiar with disease (43.9%, 36). The mean score of the practice of paramedics was 13.98 (SD=10.00). The most significant concern in neglecting travel to polluted areas in paramedics was public health defects (39%, 32). There was a significant relationship (P<0.05, t=9.06) between knowledge score and variables: gender (P=0.001), education level (P=0.001), and years in service (P=0.039).Conclusion: The paramedic had concerns and tend to increase the knowledge regarding prevention. The awareness of the transmission of diseases was the most important factor for modifying practice and preventing diseases. Health decisionmakers recognized preventive actions to hinder the transmission of this fatal virus.
Aliasghar Masihi Nezhad; Amena Barikani; Maryam Javadi
Abstract
Background: Probiotics are non-pathogen microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the gut system. The Health personnel are responsible for treating the patients, which is a sensitive role; therefore, their knowledge, attitude, and consumption of probiotics are important. Methods: A cross-sectional ...
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Background: Probiotics are non-pathogen microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the gut system. The Health personnel are responsible for treating the patients, which is a sensitive role; therefore, their knowledge, attitude, and consumption of probiotics are important. Methods: A cross-sectional study was planned to evaluate personnel. Random sampling was conducted to select 136 persons as study samples from 275 personnel willing to participate in the study. Data collected using a self-made questionnaire consisted of demographic data, awareness, attitude, and behavioral items. Descriptive, correlation, and regression statistics were performed using SPSS ver. 22. Results: Total awareness score of personnel about probiotics was medium. No significant associations were found between total awareness score and gender, education, and field of education (P>0.050) except for age (P=0.008) and acquaintance (P=0.003). The younger group and experienced participants were more aware of probiotics than others. Most of the personnel had positive attitudes about probiotics. The study showed no correlation between attitude and variables, including genus (P=0.150), education (P=0.507), field of study (P=0.756), and acquaintance of personnel (P=0.259). The personnel’s overall behavior score did not correlate with genus (P=0.841), age (P=0.955), education level (P=o.527), field of study (P=0.955), and acquaintance (P=0.832). Logistic regression indicated that total awareness predicts personnel’s behavior. Conclusion: Shiraz health centers Personnel had no considerable awareness about probiotics. Personnel’s attitudes toward probiotics were positive, but lack of knowledge, high price, and limited access to probiotic products resulted in low consumption.
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.
Leila Bazrafkan; Sedigheh Ebrahimi
Volume 4, Issue 3 , July 2016, , Pages 137-141
Abstract
Background: Changes in expectations and requirements of the end users of medical education “community members” and evolution in health services necessitate some changes in the medical education curriculum. To achieve this reform in curricula, obtaining insight into the health care needs of community ...
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Background: Changes in expectations and requirements of the end users of medical education “community members” and evolution in health services necessitate some changes in the medical education curriculum. To achieve this reform in curricula, obtaining insight into the health care needs of community members and their comments about their physicians is highly required in community-oriented education. This survey was conducted to determine the attitudes of health care receivers toward the general physicians’ professional behavior in Fars province, Iran. Methods: This is a descriptive study and the subjects were the receivers of health care services. We selected 97 individuals in each city of Fars province using randomized-cluster sampling. The sample size increased to 150 in each city and overall 2500 individuals participated in the study. For data collection, an anonymous questionnaire was developed which was tested for the validity of the contents using the experts’ views and reliability was checked using test-retest. The data were analyzed using SPSS 14 statistical software. Results: The results of this study revealed the participants’ attitudes toward education, treatment and consultative services by physicians in Fars province. Overall, the response rate was about 95%. The patients rated the physicians’ professional behavior, as one of the key determinants of their experiences with healthcare services. Moreover, 73.2% of the participants were fully satisfied with the quality of care they received from their physicians and 24.9% were satisfied to some extent. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, the physician’s educational and consultative roles in medical education curricula must be reviewed and emphasized.
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.
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.