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Preventive Medicine Reports Jul 2024Vaccine hesitancy is a major barrier to infectious disease control. Previous studies showed high rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Middle East. The current...
BACKGROUND
Vaccine hesitancy is a major barrier to infectious disease control. Previous studies showed high rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Middle East. The current study aimed to investigate the attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among adult population in Iraq.
METHODS
This self-administered survey-based study was conducted in August-September 2022. The survey instrument assessed participants' demographics, attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination, beliefs in COVID-19 misinformation, vaccine conspiracy beliefs, and sources of information regarding the vaccine.
RESULTS
The study sample comprised a total of 2544 individuals, with the majority reporting the uptake of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination (n = 2226, 87.5 %). Positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination were expressed by the majority of participants (n = 1966, 77.3 %), while neutral and negative attitudes were expressed by 345 (13.6 %) and 233 (9.2 %) participants, respectively. Factors associated with positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination in multivariate analysis included disbelief in COVID-19 misinformation and disagreement with vaccine conspiracies. Higher COVID-19 vaccine uptake was significantly associated with previous history of COVID-19 infection, higher income, residence outside the Capital, disbelief in COVID-19 misinformation, disagreement with vaccine conspiracies, and reliance on reputable information sources.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 vaccine coverage was high among the participants, with a majority having positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. Disbelief in COVID-19 misinformation and disagreement with vaccine conspiracies were correlated with positive vaccine attitudes and higher vaccine uptake. These insights can inform targeted interventions to enhance vaccination campaigns.
PubMed: 38947232
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102791 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Advances in the development of neurotechnologies have the potential to revolutionize treatment of brain-based conditions. However, a critical concern revolves around the...
BACKGROUND
Advances in the development of neurotechnologies have the potential to revolutionize treatment of brain-based conditions. However, a critical concern revolves around the willingness of the public to embrace these technologies, especially considering the tumultuous histories of certain neurosurgical interventions. Therefore, examining public attitudes is paramount to uncovering potential barriers to adoption ensuring ethically sound innovation.
METHODS
In the present study, we investigate public attitudes towards the use of four neurotechnologies (within-subjects conditions): deep brain stimulation (DBS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), pills, and MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) as potential treatments to a person experiencing either mood, memory, or motor symptoms (between-subjects conditions). US-based participants (N=1052; stratified to be nationally representative based on sex, race, age) were asked about their perceptions of risk, benefit, invasiveness, acceptability, perceived change to the person, and personal interest in using these neurotechnologies for symptom alleviation.
RESULTS
Descriptive results indicate variability between technologies that the U.S. public is willing to consider if experiencing severe mood, memory, or motor symptoms. The main effect of neurotechnology revealed DBS was viewed as the most invasive and risky treatment and was perceived to lead to the greatest change to who someone is as a person. DBS was also viewed as least likely to be personally used and least acceptable for use by others. When examining the main effects of symptomatology, we found that all forms of neuromodulation were perceived as significantly more beneficial, acceptable, and likely to be used by participants for motor symptoms, followed by memory symptoms, and lastly mood symptoms. Neuromodulation (averaging across neurotechnologies) was perceived as significantly riskier, more invasive, and leading to a greater change to person for mood versus motor symptoms; however, memory and motor symptoms were perceived similarly with respect to risk, invasiveness, and change to person.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that the public views neuromodulatory approaches that require surgery (i.e., DBS and MRgFUS) as riskier, more invasive, and less acceptable than those that do not. Further, findings suggest individuals may be more reluctant to alter or treat psychological symptoms with neuromodulation compared to physical symptoms.
PubMed: 38946963
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.09.24308176 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Jun 2024In this editorial, we comment on the article entitled "Stage at diagnosis of colorectal cancer through diagnostic route: Who should be screened?" by Agatsuma ....
In this editorial, we comment on the article entitled "Stage at diagnosis of colorectal cancer through diagnostic route: Who should be screened?" by Agatsuma . Colorectal cancer (CRC) is emerging as an important health issue as its incidence continues to rise globally, adversely affecting the quality of life. Although the public has become more aware of CRC prevention, most patients lack screening awareness. Some poor lifestyle practices can lead to CRC and symptoms can appear in the early stages of CRC. However, due to the lack of awareness of the disease, most of the CRC patients are diagnosed already at an advanced stage and have a poor prognosis.
Topics: Humans; Colorectal Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Quality of Life; Neoplasm Staging; Mass Screening; Prognosis; Colonoscopy; Incidence; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Life Style
PubMed: 38946873
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i23.2959 -
Progress in Community Health... 2024Recent data indicate rising opioid overdose deaths among African American residents of Washington, DC.
BACKGROUND
Recent data indicate rising opioid overdose deaths among African American residents of Washington, DC.
OBJECTIVES
We highlight a community-informed approach to assessing attitudes toward opioid use disorder treatment among DC residents (February 2019 to March 2020).
METHODS
A listening tour with trusted community leaders led to the formation of a Community Advisory Board (CAB). When the COVID-19 pandemic commenced in March 2020, community dialogues became exclusively virtual. The CAB partnered with academic leaders to co-create project mission and values and center the community's concerns related to opioid use and its causes, treatment structure, and facilitators of effective engagement.
RESULTS
Interview guides were created for the engagement of community members, using values highlighted by the CAB. The CAB underscored that in addition to opioid problems, effective engagement must address community experience, collective strengths/resilience, and the role of indigenous leadership.
CONCLUSIONS
Engaging community prior to project implementation and maintaining alignment with community values facilitated opioid use disorder assessments. Community-informed assessments may be critical to building community trust.
Topics: Humans; Black or African American; Opioid-Related Disorders; District of Columbia; COVID-19; Community-Based Participatory Research; Female; Male; SARS-CoV-2; Community Participation; Adult
PubMed: 38946568
DOI: No ID Found -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2024Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer, with 99% of cases linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It reflects global inequity as its burden is highest...
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer, with 99% of cases linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It reflects global inequity as its burden is highest in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to determine the HPV vaccination coverage and its determinant factors among young women in the three sub-Saharan African countries. Data from the Demographic and Health Surveys among three sub-Saharan African countries were used for analysis. A total of 4,952 women were included in the study. Stata 14 was used to analyze the data. The determinants of the outcome variable were identified using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model. Factors with p-values < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval were declared statistically significant. About 7.5% young women were vaccinated for HPV vaccine against cervical cancer in the current study. Younger age, use of internet, rich economic class, and individual-level media exposure were found to be favorable conditions, whereas being employed was negatively associated with HPV vaccination. Only few segments of young women in these three countries got HPV vaccination. The authors recommend that increasing internet use, media exposure, and economic level of young women will increase the HPV vaccination rates. Furthermore, creating awareness among employed women will also increase the possibility of HPV vaccination.
Topics: Humans; Female; Papillomavirus Vaccines; Young Adult; Papillomavirus Infections; Vaccination Coverage; Adolescent; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Africa South of the Sahara; Adult; Health Surveys; Vaccination; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Human Papillomavirus Viruses
PubMed: 38946555
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2370111 -
American Journal of Community Psychology Jul 2024Political engagement (PE) is associated with a sense of empowerment. PE by parents affects children's lives. This study explored parents' attitudes about inclusion of...
Political engagement (PE) is associated with a sense of empowerment. PE by parents affects children's lives. This study explored parents' attitudes about inclusion of political engagement discussion in well-child care. Because voting is an expression of empowerment, we hypothesized that voting would be related to higher parenting self-efficacy. We administered a brief questionnaire to a convenience sample of parents/guardians at well-child visits at an urban hospital. The questionnaire included 10 Likert scale questions touching on parenting efficacy; beliefs about political engagement; voting behaviors; and demographics. Analysis included descriptive statistics, correlations, and factor analysis. Among the 70 respondents 84% were mothers; 55% self-identified as low income; 62% self-identified as a "person of color." Voting in the 2020 national election was reported by 37%. Most parents (54%) said they would feel comfortable discussing voting with a doctor. Factor analysis identified two main factors: self-efficacy and engagement. Engagement, but not self-efficacy, was related to voting behavior. Contrary to our hypothesis, PE did not appear related to parenting self-efficacy. Notably, more than half of parents felt comfortable discussing PE with their child's doctor. Given the critical role of parents in shaping the world their children inhabit, further exploration could prove to be of value.
PubMed: 38946535
DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12761 -
Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society Jul 2024Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) comprise ailments involving the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) and its associated anatomical structures. The complexity involved... (Review)
Review
AIM
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) comprise ailments involving the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) and its associated anatomical structures. The complexity involved in TMD is primarily due to its broad spectrum of conditions, clinical signs and symptoms variability, and multifactorial etiology. Considering the above, the present study was performed to help understand the prevailing knowledge and awareness of TMD among Indian dentists in the context of the new specialty "orofacial pain".
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
Questinnaire study and review.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The questionnaire was distributed using a web-based portal nationwide among Indian dentists. Dentists were invited to participate, clearly stating that the intent and purpose of the questionnaire was to record the existing knowledge and awareness concerning temporomandibular disorders among Indian dentists. The questionnaire was segregated into three sections: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of TMDs. The questions were recorded using a Likert three-point scale (1=agree; 2=disagree; 3=not aware). 310 dentists participated in the survey, among which 105 were general dentists (BDS [Bachelor of Dental Surgery] graduates), and 205 were dentists with specialist training (MDS [Masters of Dental Surgery] graduates).
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED
The results obtained from the study participants was used to calculate the percentage and frequency, following which tabulations were made based on graduate type and clinical experience. The values obtained from all three sections were recorded, and the responses were analysed using Pearson's Chi-Square test with statistical significance kept at P < 0.05.
RESULTS
Results of the study disclosed that only 58.1% of general dentists and 46.8% of specialists were confident in handling temporomandibular disorder patients. Splint therapy was the preferred treatment modality for general dentists, whereas dentists with specialist training preferred occlusal rehabilitation.
CONCLUSION
The results of the current survey indicate that Indian dentists lack sufficient training in dental schools on all three sections and face difficulty diagnosing and treating TMDs.
Topics: Humans; India; Surveys and Questionnaires; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Dentists; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Male; Female; Practice Patterns, Dentists'
PubMed: 38946513
DOI: 10.4103/jips.jips_573_23 -
Public Health Nursing (Boston, Mass.) Jul 2024Social residents become increasingly concerned about Alzheimer's dementia (AD) as a global public health crisis. China's AD population is the largest and growing...
OBJECTIVE
Social residents become increasingly concerned about Alzheimer's dementia (AD) as a global public health crisis. China's AD population is the largest and growing fastest. However, no study has examined Chinese social residents' knowledge and attitudes concerning Alzheimer's illness. This study examined Chinese social residents' AD knowledge and attitudes using the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and dementia attitudes scale (DAS).
DESIGN
Cross-sectional survey.
SAMPLE
338 social residents over 18 years old from various Chinese regions were recruited using convenient sampling.
MEASUREMENTS
The ADKS (Chinese) and the Dementia Attitude Scale (Chinese) were used to assess their knowledge and attitude regarding AD.
RESULTS
A total of 328 respondents (97.04%) completed the survey. ADKS = 19.44 ± 3.33; DAS = 86.98 ± 12.7. Age and education levels can have a substantial impact on ADKS scores, and education levels can have a substantial impact on DAS scores.
CONCLUSIONS
Low levels of awareness and acceptance of AD exist among Chinese residents. The results indicate that China must immediately implement comprehensive AD education for its social residents.
PubMed: 38946470
DOI: 10.1111/phn.13354 -
European Journal of Public Health Jul 2024Resilience of national health systems in Europe remains a major concern in times of multiple crises and as more evidence is emerging relating to the indirect effects of...
BACKGROUND
Resilience of national health systems in Europe remains a major concern in times of multiple crises and as more evidence is emerging relating to the indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care utilization (HCU), resulting from de-prioritization of regular, non-pandemic healthcare services. Most extant studies focus on regional, disease specific or early pandemic HCU creating difficulties in comparing across multiple countries. We provide a comparatively broad definition of HCU across multiple countries, with potential to expand across regions and timeframes.
METHODS
Using a cross-country federated research infrastructure (FRI), we examined HCU for acute cardiovascular events, elective surgeries and serious trauma. Aggregated data were used in forecast modelling to identify changes from predicted European age-standardized counts via fitted regressions (2017-19), compared against post-pandemic data.
RESULTS
We found that elective surgeries were most affected, universally falling below predicted levels in 2020. For cardiovascular HCU, we found lower-than-expected cases in every region for heart attacks and displayed large sex differences. Serious trauma was the least impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
CONCLUSION
The strength of this study comes from the use of the European Population Health Information Research Infrastructure's (PHIRI) FRI, allowing for rapid analysis of regional differences to assess indirect impacts of events such as pandemics. There are marked differences in the capacity of services to return to normal in terms of elective surgery; additionally, we found considerable differences between men and women which requires further research on potential sex or gender patterns of HCU during crises.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Europe; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; SARS-CoV-2; Elective Surgical Procedures; Pandemics; Middle Aged; Adult; Aged; Wounds and Injuries; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 38946449
DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad180 -
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.) Jul 2024
Topics: Humans; Suicide Prevention; Attitude of Health Personnel; Adult; Female; Male
PubMed: 38946264
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20240081