Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Knowledge and Attitudes toward COVID-19 Preventive Measures in Romania

Popa, Alina; Antoniu, Sabina A; Enache, Armand Iustinian; Popa, Iolanda Valentina; Dragomir, Raluca; Burlacu, Alexandru

doi:10.3390/healthcare10101827

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 31 publications

(38 reference statements)

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“…The fifth wave, triggered by the omicron variant, occurred in Romania between December 2021 and March 2022 [ 47 ]. Lastly, the sixth wave stretched from March 2022 to July 2022, although the dominant strain during this phase was not specified in the original text [ 48 ]. It is important to note that each wave was defined by the dominant viral variant at the time, which could have implications on the severity of the disease, the transmissibility of the virus, and the effectiveness of the treatments used.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fungal Infections Identified with Multiplex PCR in Severe COVID-19 Patients during Six Pandemic Waves

Bogdan,

Reddyreddy,

Nelluri

et al. 2023

Medicina

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Background and Objectives: With an increasing number of severe COVID-19 cases presenting with secondary fungal infections, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of fungal co-infections in severe COVID-19 patients across the six waves, identify the most common fungal pathogens associated with severe COVID-19, and explore any potential links between patient characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and the prevalence and type of fungal infection. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology Hospital, “Victor Babes”, Romania, between March 2020 and August 2022. Samples were collected from respiratory specimens, blood, and urine, after which a standard nucleic acid extraction protocol was employed. Patients were divided into groups with and without fungal infections, identified using multiplex PCR. The groups were compared based on demographic data, comorbidities, pandemic wave number, and clinical outcomes. Results: Out of 288 patients, 96 (33.3%) had fungal infections, with Candida spp. being the most common. Patients with fungal infections had higher rates of obesity (35.4% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.010) and a higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI > 2) (37.5% vs 25.0%, p = 0.027). Ventilator use was significantly higher in the fungal infection group (45.8% vs. 18.8%; p < 0.001), as was ICU admission (39.6% vs. 26.6%; p = 0.024) and mortality (32.3% vs 12.0%; p < 0.001). The distribution of different fungal species varied across the pandemic waves, with no statistical significance (p = 0.209). The mortality risk notably increased with the degree of drug resistance (OR for three or more drug resistances = 6.71, p < 0.001). The second, fourth, and fifth pandemic waves were significantly associated with higher mortality risk (OR = 3.72, 3.61, and 4.08, respectively, all p < 0.001). Aspergillus spp. and Mucor spp. infections were significantly associated with increased mortality risk (OR = 4.61 and 6.08, respectively, both p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study indicates a significant presence of fungal co-infections among severe COVID-19 patients that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with drug-resistant infections. These findings underline the necessity for comprehensive diagnostic approaches and tailored treatment strategies in managing COVID-19 patients, especially during specific pandemic waves and in patients with particular fungal infections. Further research is required to understand the implications of these co-infections and their management.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fungal Infections Identified with Multiplex PCR in Severe COVID-19 Patients during Six Pandemic Waves

Bogdan,

Reddyreddy,

Nelluri

et al. 2023

Medicina

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“…It was developed after thorough literature review. [14][15][16][17] Filling out the questionnaire took about 5 to 10 minutes. The questionnaire consisted of 21 questions divided into 3 parts: demographic data (age, gender, residency, education, socio-economic status [SES], and marital status); knowledge about COVID-19; and attitudes toward COVID-19.…”

Section: Study Instrument and Data Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge and preventive practices regarding COVID-19 disease among Ukrainian refugees in Poland

Sobieraj,

Goławski,

Sikora

et al. 2024

Medicine

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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine contributed one of the largest migration movements in the 21st century. Refugees may become a source of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections for the residents of host countries. The study aim was to assess knowledge and preventive practices regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Ukrainian refugees in Poland. The cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2022 among Ukrainian refugees registering consecutively in Zielona Góra, Poland. Knowledge and preventive practices were assessed by giving 1 point for each correct answer by anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The response rate was 96%, 190 participated (mean age 37.8 ± 15.5 years; 57.9% females); 61.6% self-reported their socio-economic status (SES) as high, 38.9% reported high level of education. The mean COVID-19 knowledge score was 3.06 ± 1.95; 19.5% scored >50%. The knowledge level was higher among migrants with high SES (P = .003). The mean preventive practices score was 2.56 ± 1.38; 54.0% scored ≥ 60%. 40.5% declared social distancing, 62.6% followed coughing etiquette, 69.0% home isolate themselves during COVID-19. 57.9% always used masks in public space, however 74.2% wore masks with uncovered nose. Refugees with higher education, high SES and knowledge level had significantly greater preventive practices scores (P = .002; P = .02; P = .03, respectively). The knowledge and preventive practices level was insufficient. Educational campaigns oriented to raising knowledge and prevention behavior skills should be implemented, especially targeting high-risk groups to avoid spread of COVID-19.

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A confirmatory factor analysis of the Iranian version of the interpersonal communication skills scale among healthcare professionals

Salahshouri,

Fathi,

Jiba

et al. 2023

BMC Med Educ

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Background Identifying healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) communication skills is crucial to improving patient outcomes. Iranian HCPs’ interpersonal communication skills (ICS) were validated using a culturally appropriate and indigenous scale. Materials and methods In November and December 2021, convenience sampling was used to collect data from 170 HCPs. Seven factors were covered by the questionnaire, which consisted of 30 items. In order to validate the scale, first- and second-order confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed. Various indices were used during the CFA, including Goodness of Fit Index (GFI), Adjusted Goodness of Fit (AGFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI), Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). The Fornell-Larcker Criterion was used to assess discriminant validity. We analyzed the data in Lisrel 8.8 and SmartPLS 3.2.8. Results According to the Q2-index obtained from the blindfold test, the model had 44% predictive power. First-order CFA results showed acceptable indices (χ2 = 767.17; DF = 375; CFI = 0.98; GFI = 0.82; AGFI = 0.80; NFI = 0.97; SRMR = 0.22; RMSEA = 0.068). Furthermore, the second-order measurement model demonstrated adequate and desirable fit indices (χ2 = 797.24; DF = 381; CFI = 0.98; GFI = 0.82; AGFI = 0.78; NFI = 0.97; SRMR = 0.059; RMSEA = 0.068). General and listening skills were ranked highest in the importance-performance map analysis (IPMA). Conclusion HCPs could benefit from this scale as it can assist them in developing ICS. It is recommended that skills training programs be replicated among different populations to evaluate their effectiveness.

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Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Knowledge and Attitudes toward COVID-19 Preventive Measures in Romania

Cited by 4 publications

References 31 publications

Fungal Infections Identified with Multiplex PCR in Severe COVID-19 Patients during Six Pandemic Waves

Fungal Infections Identified with Multiplex PCR in Severe COVID-19 Patients during Six Pandemic Waves

Knowledge and preventive practices regarding COVID-19 disease among Ukrainian refugees in Poland

A confirmatory factor analysis of the Iranian version of the interpersonal communication skills scale among healthcare professionals

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