A Tale of Two Cities: Community Psychobehavioral Surveillance and Related Impact on Outbreak Control in Hong Kong and Singapore During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Epidemic

2004 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 1033-1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel M. Leung ◽  
Stella Quah ◽  
Lai-Ming Ho ◽  
Sai-Yin Ho ◽  
Anthony J. Hedley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Difficulty Breathing ◽  
Current Outbreak ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

AbstractObjectives:To compare the public's knowledge and perception of SARS and the extent to which various precautionary measures were adopted in Hong Kong and Singapore.Design:Cross-sectional telephone survey of 705 Hong Kong and 1,201 Singapore adults selected by random-digit dialing.Results:Hong Kong respondents had significantly higher anxiety than Singapore respondents (State Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI] score, 2.06 vs 1.77; P < .001). The former group also reported more frequent headaches, difficulty breathing, dizziness, rhinorrhea, and sore throat. More than 90% in both cities were willing to be quarantined if they had close contact with a SARS case, and 70% or more would be compliant for social contacts. Most respondents (86.7% in Hong Kong vs 71.4% in Singapore; P < .001) knew that SARS could be transmitted via respiratory droplets, although fewer (75.8% in Hong Kong vs 62.1% in Singapore; P < .001) knew that fomites were also a possible transmission source. Twenty-three percent of Hong Kong and 11.9% of Singapore respondents believed that they were “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to contract SARS during the current outbreak (P < .001). There were large differences between Hong Kong and Singapore in the adoption of personal precautionary measures. Respondents with higher levels of anxiety, better knowledge about SARS, and greater risk perceptions were more likely to take comprehensive precautionary measures against the infection, as were older, female, and more educated individuals.Conclusion:Comparative psychobehavioral surveillance and analysis could yield important insights into generic versus population-specific issues that could be used to inform, design, and evaluate public health infection control policy measures.

scholarly journals Typhoon Preparedness Measures of the Hong Kong Public for Typhoon Mangkhut

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s45-s46
Author(s):  
Tiffany Yeung ◽  
Eva CC Lam
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Power Outage ◽  
Precautionary Measures

Introduction:Climate change has brought more extreme weather events to Hong Kong. The increasing number of powerful tropical cyclones that hammered Hong Kong in recent years reminded the territory to review typhoon preparedness of the community.Aim:Typhoon Mangkhut slammed Hong Kong in September 2018 and caused significant devastation. Three weeks after the devastation, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Disaster Preparedness and Response Institute commissioned the Public Opinion Programme at The University of Hong Kong to conduct a survey to understand the general Hong Kong public’s typhoon preparedness measures and their information seeking behaviors.Methods:A cross-sectional population-based anonymous telephone survey was conducted on a random sample of 1,018 Cantonese-speaking adults aged 18 or above.Results:The most common typhoon preparedness measures were taping windows (45%), followed by food stockpiling (18%), and closing of doors/windows (10%). Only 2% and 1% of the respondents were prepared for water and power outage, respectively. 36% of the respondents did not take any precautionary measures. 29% sought typhoon precautionary measures information from the mass media and 31% of respondents relied on their previous experience. Other sources of information included government sources (7%) and social media (7%).Discussion:Though no death cases were reported related to Typhoon Mangkhut, the effect of the superstorm caused over 300 casualties, blocked roads, and transportation chaos caused by fallen trees and other debris, power and water outage, serious floods, and severely damaged public and private facilities. Around 40,000 households experienced a power outage and some residential estates were left without water. The survey revealed the lack of precautionary measures of the Hong Kong public for power and water outage. More education on typhoon preparedness, especially on power and water outage and more community-level support on localized disaster preparedness advice, would likely improve disaster preparedness for the Hong Kong public.

scholarly journals Update on COVID-19 Infection and Ivermectin Treatment

2021 ◽  
pp. 9-16
Author(s):  
Konne Felix Eedee ◽  
Emeji Roseline
Keyword(s):  
Mucous Membrane ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Ivermectin Treatment ◽  
Infected Person ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

Coronaviruses are a group of related RNA viruses that cause disease in mammals and birds. COVID-19 infection is caused by a single stranded RNA virus called SARS-CoV-2 that is similar to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The aim of this review is to identify how COVID-19 infects man, the preventive approach and treatment possibility with ivermectin drug. The possible main source of transmission is thought to be a close contact with infected person or animal and respiratory droplets while the mucous membrane; conjunctiva, mouth, nasal cavity, and throat are the main routes of transmission. The virus enters the human through the ACE2 receptor which are found in the mucous membrane. This is an important step for coronavirus infection establishment. To stay safe from coronavirus, physical distancing, wearing of face mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning/washing your hands, the use of hand sanitizers and coughing into a bent elbow are precautionary measures to avoid contracting the infection. Ivemectin blocks the initiation of the binding of the viral protein to the cytoplasmic receptor (imp α/β). The inhibitory role of ivemectin prevents further increase in the viral load. Ivermectin drug could be a remarkable medical breakthrough for the lasting treatment of the infection; however, more clinical trials are suggested in this area.

scholarly journals Bird harvesting practices and knowledge, risk perceptions, and attitudes regarding avian influenza among Canadian First Nations subsistence hunters: implications for influenza pandemic plans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia A. Charania ◽  
Ian D. Martin ◽  
Eric N. Liberda ◽  
Richard Meldrum ◽  
Leonard J. S. Tsuji
Keyword(s):  
Avian Influenza ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Influenza Pandemic ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background There is concern of avian influenza virus (AIV) infections in humans. Subsistence hunters may be a potential risk group for AIV infections as they frequently come into close contact with wild birds and the aquatic habitats of birds while harvesting. This study aimed to examine if knowledge and risk perception of avian influenza influenced the use of protective measures and attitudes about hunting influenza-infected birds among subsistence hunters. Methods Using a community-based participatory research approach, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with current subsistence hunters (n = 106) residing in a remote and isolated First Nations community in northern Ontario, Canada from November 10–25, 2013. Simple descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the distributions and relationships between variables. Written responses were deductively analyzed. Results ANOVA showed that males hunted significantly more birds per year than did females (F1,96 = 12.1; p = 0.001) and that those who hunted significantly more days per year did not perceive a risk of AIV infection (F1,94 = 4.4; p = 0.040). Hunters engaged in bird harvesting practices that could expose them to AIVs, namely by cleaning, plucking, and gutting birds and having direct contact with water. It was reported that 18 (17.0%) hunters wore gloves and 2 (1.9%) hunters wore goggles while processing birds. The majority of hunters washed their hands (n = 105; 99.1%) and sanitized their equipment (n = 69; 65.1%) after processing birds. More than half of the participants reported being aware of avian influenza, while almost one third perceived a risk of AIV infection while harvesting birds. Participants aware of avian influenza were more likely to perceive a risk of AIV infection while harvesting birds. Our results suggest that knowledge positively influenced the use of a recommended protective measure. Regarding attitudes, the frequency of participants who would cease harvesting birds was highest if avian influenza was detected in regional birds (n = 55; 51.9%). Conclusions Our study indicated a need for more education about avian influenza and precautionary behaviours that are culturally-appropriate. First Nations subsistence hunters should be considered an avian influenza risk group and have associated special considerations included in future influenza pandemic plans.

scholarly journals Preventing Re-Emergence of COVID-19: A National Survey of Public Risk Perceptions and Behavioural Intentions Concerning Travel Plan Among Taiwanese

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Ping Wong ◽  
Ching-Ju Chiu ◽  
Haridah Alias ◽  
Tony Szu-Hsien Lee ◽  
Zhijian Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Strong Influence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Media Platform ◽  
The Social ◽  
Public Risk ◽  
Media Platform ◽  
Precautionary Measures

Background: The objectives of this study were to investigate risk perceptions and travel intention among the general public in Taiwan during the COVID-19 outbreak.Methods: This study used a cross-sectional online survey to collect data. The questionnaire was disseminated via the social media platform (LINE and Facebook) to the general public.Results: A total of 3,237 complete responses were received, of whom 5.8% (95% CI 5.1–6.7) of the participants reported intent to travel to overseas countries with an apparent community spread and 5.5% (95% CI 4.7–6.3) reported intent to travel to other overseas countries in the next 1 month. A relatively higher proportion (46.5%; 95% CI 44.7–48.2) reported intention for domestic travelling. Participants who viewed travelling to only be risky for older adults or those with medical conditions (OR = 2.19; 95% CI 1.38–3.47) and who perceived that one will not get infected if one takes recommended precautionary measures (OR = 3.12; 95% CI 1.85–5.27) reported higher travelling intention to overseas countries with an apparent community spread.Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that risk perceptions were depicted as a strong influence of travel intentions.

scholarly journals Bird harvesting practices and knowledge, risk perceptions, and attitudes regarding avian influenza among Canadian First Nations subsistence hunters: implications for influenza pandemic plans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia A. Charania ◽  
Ian D. Martin ◽  
Eric N. Liberda ◽  
Richard Meldrum ◽  
Leonard J. S. Tsuji
Keyword(s):  
Avian Influenza ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Influenza Pandemic ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background There is concern of avian influenza virus (AIV) infections in humans. Subsistence hunters may be a potential risk group for AIV infections as they frequently come into close contact with wild birds and the aquatic habitats of birds while harvesting. This study aimed to examine if knowledge and risk perception of avian influenza influenced the use of protective measures and attitudes about hunting influenza-infected birds among subsistence hunters. Methods Using a community-based participatory research approach, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with current subsistence hunters (n = 106) residing in a remote and isolated First Nations community in northern Ontario, Canada from November 10–25, 2013. Simple descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the distributions and relationships between variables. Written responses were deductively analyzed. Results ANOVA showed that males hunted significantly more birds per year than did females (F1,96 = 12.1; p = 0.001) and that those who hunted significantly more days per year did not perceive a risk of AIV infection (F1,94 = 4.4; p = 0.040). Hunters engaged in bird harvesting practices that could expose them to AIVs, namely by cleaning, plucking, and gutting birds and having direct contact with water. It was reported that 18 (17.0%) hunters wore gloves and 2 (1.9%) hunters wore goggles while processing birds. The majority of hunters washed their hands (n = 105; 99.1%) and sanitized their equipment (n = 69; 65.1%) after processing birds. More than half of the participants reported being aware of avian influenza, while almost one third perceived a risk of AIV infection while harvesting birds. Participants aware of avian influenza were more likely to perceive a risk of AIV infection while harvesting birds. Our results suggest that knowledge positively influenced the use of a recommended protective measure. Regarding attitudes, the frequency of participants who would cease harvesting birds was highest if avian influenza was detected in regional birds (n = 55; 51.9%). Conclusions Our study indicated a need for more education about avian influenza and precautionary behaviours that are culturally-appropriate. First Nations subsistence hunters should be considered an avian influenza risk group and have associated special considerations included in future influenza pandemic plans.

scholarly journals Do people with mental health problems have lower adherence to precautionary measures in COVID-19 pandemic? A cross-sectional observational study in Hong Kong

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e046658
Author(s):  
Allen T C Lee ◽  
Gabriel W H Cheng ◽  
Cuichan Lin ◽  
Brian H C Wong ◽  
Linda Chiu Wa Lam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Confounding Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Lower Adherence

ObjectivesMental health problems are prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, but their effect on adherence to precautionary measures is not well understood. Given that psychological morbidities are associated with lower treatment adherence, and that precautionary measures are important in containing the spread of COVID-19, this study aims to determine if people with mental health problems have lower adherence to precautionary measures against COVID-19.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional territory-wide online survey between 17 June and 31 July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinically significant mental health problems, adherence to precautionary behaviours, and confounding factors such as sociodemographic factors and self-reported physical health were assessed.SettingThe link to the questionnaire was disseminated to the general population in all 18 districts of Hong Kong using various social media platforms.Participants1036 individuals completed the survey. Of them, 1030 met the inclusion criteria of being adult Hong Kong residents.Primary outcomeAdherence to precautionary measures against COVID-19, including wearing face mask, frequent handwashing, household disinfection, social distancing, minimising unnecessary travel, and stocking up on food and daily essentials.ResultsOf the 1030 participants, 166 (16.1%) had clinically significant mental health problems. Interestingly, they were more likely to stock up on food and daily essentials during the pandemic (7 (4.2%) vs 15 (1.7%), p=0.04; unadjusted OR=2.49, 95% CI=1.00 to 6.21, p<0.05) and had a lesser tendency to stop social distancing even if the pandemic subsides (86 (51.8%) vs 513 (59.4%), p=0.07; unadjusted OR=0.74, 95% CI=0.53 to 1.03, p=0.07). The latter association remained significant after adjusting for the confounding factors (adjusted OR=0.68, 95% CI=0.48 to 0.96, p=0.03).ConclusionsContrary to our hypothesis, people who are mentally unwell might go beyond the recommended precautionary measures. Our findings highlight the need to identify mental health problems and provide care and support for those who might go too far with precautionary measures.Trial registration numberChiCTR 2000033936.

scholarly journals Swine flu awareness in pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1981
Author(s):  
Nilesh Doshi ◽  
Aditi J. Upadhye ◽  
Jayshree J. Upadhye
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Swine Influenza ◽  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Swine Flu ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Precautionary Measures

Background: Swine influenza outbreaks are common in pigs year-round and infection in humans is a result of close contact with infected animals. Understanding the perception of the public and their potential resources would help public health agencies in developing educational programs to increase the awareness of the public. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices on different aspects of swine flu.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 100 pregnant women was conducted at Varun Arjun Medical College, Banthara, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India to test their knowledge, attitudes, and use of precautionary measures against influenza infection.Results: In this study, 98 (98%) of pregnant women were aware of swine flu infection, 85 (85%) of pregnant women knew that swine flu is due to viral infection while 65 (65%) of pregnant women were aware that swine flu infection spreads through air while sneezing and coughing. In this study, 95 (96%) of pregnant women knew fever as symptom of swine flu, 83 (83%) of pregnant women knew cough and cold as symptoms while 64 (64%) of pregnant women knew headache and body ache as symptoms. 94 (94%) of pregnant women were aware that vaccination against swine flu can prevent swine flu infection. 80 (80%) of pregnant women knew that covering mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing can prevent spread of swine flu infection while 52 (52%) of pregnant women knew that frequent hand washing helps in preventing spread of swine flu infection. 76 (76%) of pregnant women received vaccination against swine flu while 24 (24%) of pregnant women did not receive vaccination against swine flu.Conclusions: Learning more about the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the public during swine flu and other infectious disease outbreak can be crucial to improve efforts by public health officials and clinicians.

EVALUATION OF CLINICAL PROFILE AND PATTERN OF CONJUCTIVAL CONGESTION IN MILD COVID -19 PATIENTS IN DESIGNATED COVID-19 HOSPITALS.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Surbhi Gupta ◽  
Suharshi Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Close Contact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Recent History ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Department Of Ophthalmology ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

Background: SARS-COV-2 is thought to be transmitted from person to person mainly through respiratory droplets or close contact. The most common symptoms of COVID -19 are fever, cough, slight dyspnoea, sore throat, headache and fatigue. Complications in severe cases include pneumonia, renal failure, etc. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Ophthalmology GMC Jammu in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology, GMC Jammu, upon 139 mild Covid-19 positive patients, kept under isolation during the period: March 2020 to August 2020. Patients with fever, upper respiratory symptoms, or asymptomatic individuals who were confirmed positive for COVID -19 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from nasophayngeal swabs were included in the study. Results: The mean age of patients was: 37-years. 37 patients diagnosed as Covid-19 positive showed no symptom of Covid-19.  72 (51.8%) patients were surely healthy individuals without any kind of illness or co-morbidities. While only 16 patients (11.5%) reported with conjunctivitis (congestion) or a recent history thereof. Three patients had developed conjunctival congestion without Covid-19 symptoms. 8 patients had recent history before the onset of Covid-19 symptoms. Most of the patients had manifestation within the first week of admission. Conclusions: Conjunctival congestion is significant ocular manifestation among Covid-19 patients. Covid-19 related history and symptoms should therefore include such ocular examinations as well and sufficient precaution is implemented while dealing with conjunctivitis patients showing mild symptoms of Covid-19. Key words: SARS-COV-2, COVID-19, Conjunctival Congestion, Nasophayngeal Swabs

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