Dataset Information

Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Hearing Loss Among Primary Care Physicians in the Public Health Sector of Mauritius.

ABSTRACT: Introduction Primary care physicians are essential first points of contact for patients with hearing loss. Thus, knowledge of hearing loss and related aspects is essential to ensure the optimal management of individuals with suspected hearing loss. Objective This study aimed to determine the knowledge of and attitudes toward hearing loss among primary care physicians in the public health sector in Mauritius. Methods In this cross-sectional descriptive cohort study, 320 primary care physicians completed an online questionnaire adapted from previous questionnaires on knowledge of and attitudes toward hearing loss. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and cross-sectional analyses. Results Primary care physicians showed limited knowledge of hearing loss in areas such as early identification and intervention, professionals responsible for hearing assessments, and hearing tests used for assessing hearing sensitivity. However, the responses also showed positive attitudes toward hearing loss. Significant associations between knowledge of and attitudes toward hearing loss were obtained regarding the type of physician, length of practice, and department posted in. Ear, nose, and throat specialists, as well as pediatricians, demonstrated significantly higher scores for both knowledge of and positive attitudes toward hearing loss. Conclusions The findings highlight a strong need for ongoing medical education to spread awareness about hearing loss among primary care physicians in the public health sector of Mauritius.

SUBMITTER: Foondun T

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11008940 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Hearing Loss Among Primary Care Physicians in the Public Health Sector of Mauritius.

Foondun Taslima T Pottas Lidia L Soer Maggi M

International archives of otorhinolaryngology 20231006 2

Introduction Primary care physicians are essential first points of contact for patients with hearing loss. Thus, knowledge of hearing loss and related aspects is essential to ensure the optimal management of individuals with suspected hearing loss. Objective This study aimed to determine the knowledge of and attitudes toward hearing loss among primary care physicians in the public health sector in Mauritius. Methods In this cross-sectional descriptive cohort study, 320 pr ...[more]

PMID: 38618598

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Project description:BackgroundChildhood hearing loss is a significant health concern. Early identification and intervention are essential to maximize hearing potential and developmental outcomes, with primary care physicians (PCPs) playing a pivotal role in this process.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess PCPs' knowledge and attitudes toward childhood hearing loss, investigate the association between knowledge and attitudes, and examine the influence of demographic factors on PCPs' knowledge and attitudes towards childhood hearing loss.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from 30 November 2017 to 30 July 2018 at three public health clinics in Malaysia, specifically in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Terengganu. A self-administered questionnaire assessed PCPs' knowledge of general facts, diagnosis and intervention, and risk factors for childhood hearing loss. Additionally, the questionnaire evaluated PCPS' attitudes across cognitive, affective, and behavioural domains regarding childhood hearing loss.ResultsMost participants lacked sufficient knowledge about childhood hearing loss, with 61.4% not seeing it as a major health issue. Almost half (45.9%) didn't know that children with hearing loss can succeed in regular schools, and 78% were unaware that hearing aids don't fully restore normal hearing. Participants' awareness of risk factors varied widely, ranging from 24.6% to 90.3%. Despite these knowledge gaps, participants generally had positive attitudes towards childhood hearing loss, especially in cognitive and behavioural aspects. The study found a strong positive link between knowledge and attitudes, but demographic factors didn't significantly affect them.ConclusionsThis study highlights the urgent need to address knowledge gaps among Malaysian PCPs regarding childhood hearing loss. While these knowledge gaps exist, PCPs' positive attitudes form a foundation for developing targeted educational interventions to improve PCPs' knowledge and skills in managing childhood hearing loss. Collaborative efforts are essential to translate these findings into meaningful improvements in paediatric audiological care.

Project description:BACKGROUND:Despite the implementation of codes and declarations of medical research ethics, unethical behavior is still reported among researchers. Most of the medical faculties have included topics related to medical research ethics and developed ethical committees; yet, in some cases, unethical behaviors are still observed, and many obstacles are still conferring to applying these guidelines. METHODS:This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted by interviewing randomly selected 331 Lebanese physicians across Lebanon, to assess their awareness, knowledge and attitudes on practice regarding international and national research ethics guidelines (Lebanese decrees/Laws and CNRS chart of ethics) and scientific misconduct and misbehaviors. RESULTS:Our results revealed that although majority of participants declared familiar with ethical principles governing research that involves human subjects (79.5%), the overall mean score achieved on their knowledge questions was 46%. Only 27.4% are aware of the presence of the Lebanese National Consultative Committee on Ethics (LNCCE), with only half of them aware of its functions and only 25.7% know about the charter of ethics and guiding principles of scientific research in Lebanon. Significant higher levels of research ethics knowledge were recorded among Ph.D. degree-holding subjects, higher university positions as in professors, research ethics trainings-attendees, and physicians with prior research experience. A significant correlation was observed between knowledge of research ethics principles and positive attitudes toward research ethics principles. Noteworthy, we found that more than one third of participants have reported witnessing scientific misconduct and misbehaviors at some period of their careers. CONCLUSIONS:The presence of low mean awareness levels regarding research ethical principles among the study population of physicians and high levels of perception of scientific misconduct raises concern on the importance of implementing proper training for physicians on research ethics.

Project description:BackgroundSepsis management in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) presents a significant challenge within contemporary healthcare. The primary challenge lies in ensuring the timely and appropriate utilization of antibiotics. Inappropriate antibiotic use in sepsis management can result in a multitude of adverse outcomes. There has been insufficient focus on thoroughly understanding and resolving the issues related to the improper application of antibiotics in sepsis treatment by physicians and pharmacists. This gap in research is concerning, considering its potential implications for patient outcomes and public health. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among physicians and pharmacists toward antibiotic use in sepsis.MethodsThis web-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Shanxi Bethune Hospital between June 2023 and October 2023. A self-designed questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information of physicians and pharmacists, and to assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices toward antibiotic use in sepsis.ResultsA total of 200 valid questionnaires were collected. Among the participants, 115 (57.5%) were female and 118 (59%) had experience with ICU patient management. The mean knowledge, attitudes and practices scores were 10.2 ± 1.14 (possible range: 0-12), 45.88 ± 4.00 (possible range: 10-50) and 48.38 ± 5.84 (possible range: 11-55), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that attitudes (OR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.34-1.87, p < 0.001), work experience of 15 years and above (OR = 7.17, 95%CI: 2.33-22.0, p = 0.001) were independently associated with proactive practices. For physicians, the structural equation model (SEM) demonstrated that attitudes directly affects practices, as indicated by a path coefficient of 0.91 (p < 0.001). For pharmacist, SEM showed that knowledge directly affect attitudes, with a path coefficient of 0.75 (p < 0.024), moreover, attitudes directly affect practices, with a path coefficient of 0.87 (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe findings revealed that physicians and pharmacists have sufficient knowledge, active attitudes, and proactive practices toward the antibiotic use in sepsis. Nonetheless, the findings also reveal the persistence of certain misconceptions, alongside notable shortcomings in both attitudes and practices. Comprehensive training programs are imperative for enhancing the practices of physicians and pharmacists in this field.

Project description:BackgroundDengue fever is a rapidly emerging infection throughout the tropics and subtropics with extensive public health burden. Adequate training of healthcare providers is crucial to reducing infection incidence through patient education and collaboration with public health authorities. We examined how public sector healthcare providers in a dengue-endemic region of Ecuador view and manage dengue infections, with a focus on the 2009 World Health Organization (WHO) Dengue Guidelines.MethodsA 37-item questionnaire of dengue knowledge, attitudes, and practices was developed and administered to dengue healthcare providers in Machala, Ecuador. Survey focus areas included: "Demographics," "Infection and Prevention of Dengue," "Dengue Diagnosis and the WHO Dengue Guide," "Laboratory Testing," "Treatment of Dengue," and "Opinions Regarding Dengue."ResultsA total of 76 healthcare providers participated in this study, of which 82 % were medical doctors and 14 % were nurses. Fifty-eight percent of healthcare professionals practiced in ambulatory clinics and 34 % worked in a hospital. Eighty-nine percent of respondents were familiar with the 2009 WHO Dengue Guidelines, and, within that group, 97 % reported that the WHO Dengue Guide was helpful in dengue diagnosis and clinical management. Knowledge gaps identified included Aedes aegypti mosquito feeding habits and dengue epidemiology. Individuals with greater dengue-related knowledge were more likely to consider dengue a major health problem. Only 22 % of respondents correctly reported that patients with comorbidities and dengue without warning signs require hospital admission, and 25 % of providers reported never admitting patients with dengue to the hospital. Twenty percent of providers reported rarely (≤25 % of cases) obtaining laboratory confirmation of dengue infection. Providers reported patient presumptive self-medication as an ongoing problem. Thirty-one percent of healthcare providers reported inadequate access to resources needed to diagnose and treat dengue.ConclusionParticipants demonstrated a high level of knowledge of dengue symptoms and treatment, but additional training regarding prevention, diagnosis, and admission criteria is needed. Interventions should not only focus on increasing knowledge, but also encourage review of the WHO Dengue Guidelines, avoidance of presumptive self-medication, and recognition of dengue as a major health problem. This study provided an assessment tool that effectively captured healthcare providers' knowledge and identified critical gaps in practice.

Dataset Information

Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Hearing Loss Among Primary Care Physicians in the Public Health Sector of Mauritius.

Publications

Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Hearing Loss Among Primary Care Physicians in the Public Health Sector of Mauritius.

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