Multinational municipal waste collectors and leptospirosis prevention: Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, practices and the associated factors

Background Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease and often under-reported. Municipal waste collectors, engaging mainly migrant labour are at risk to leptospirosis due to their nature of work. The present study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the multinational municipal waste collectors towards prevention of leptospirosis, and further identify factors associated with the KAP. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using face-to-face interview among 184 municipal waste collectors. They completed a questionnaire on sociodemographics and KAP towards leptospirosis. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine factors associated with KAP towards the leptospira infection. Results The majority of participants were Bangladeshi (75.0%) and Indonesian nationals (20.7%), with poor knowledge of leptospirosis (92.93%). The attitudes towards leptospirosis were moderate (59.78%) while preventive practices were good (74.46%). Indonesians had significantly better knowledge as compared to other nationals (p p = 0.021). Workers with upper secondary school education had better attitudes (p = 0.026) and preventive practices scores (p = 0.045). Individual monthly income had inverse association with attitudes scores (p = 0.036). Conclusions Overall, the preventice practices among municipal waste workers was good due to relatively ethical work behaviours. However, they had poor knowledge on the cause, modes of transmission, symptoms and treatment of leptospirosis. The study suggests that targeted education to increase knowledge and systematic preventive measures to reduce contact with the infection are necessary for this occupation group.</p

Seroprevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding prevention of Hepatitis C among municipal waste collectors in Penang Island, Malaysia

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection and the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention among municipal waste collectors in Penang Island, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenient sample of 184 adult male municipal waste collectors in Penang Island from January to May 2018. Respondents’ blood samples were obtained and evaluated for antibodies to Hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and questionnaires administered to them to collect information on sociodemographic variables and knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention. The seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus was estimated, and the association between sociodemographic variables and respondents’ level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention was explored using a range of parametric and non-parametric statistical tests in SPSS version 23. Results were considered significant at p Results: The seroprevalence of Hepatitis C infection among our study sample was 0%. Majority had good attitude (60.9%) and good practice (70.1%) but poor knowledge (72.8%) of Hepatitis C. Respondents’ income was significantly predictive of knowledge (p=0.033) and attitude (p=0.005) regarding Hepatitis C prevention. There were no significant associations between sociodemographic factors and practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention. There was a significant positive correlation between respondents’ knowledge and practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention (r=0.169, p=0.022). Conclusions: Knowledge of Hepatitis C prevention is significantly lacking among Municipal waste collectors in Penang Island, and their income appears to play a significant role in determining their level of knowledge and attitude regarding Hepatitis C prevention.</p

Multinational municipal waste collectors and leptospirosis prevention: Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, practices and the associated factors

Background Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease and often under-reported. Municipal waste collectors, engaging mainly migrant labour are at risk to leptospirosis due to their nature of work. The present study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the multinational municipal waste collectors towards prevention of leptospirosis, and further identify factors associated with the KAP. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using face-to-face interview among 184 municipal waste collectors. They completed a questionnaire on sociodemographics and KAP towards leptospirosis. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine factors associated with KAP towards the leptospira infection. Results The majority of participants were Bangladeshi (75.0%) and Indonesian nationals (20.7%), with poor knowledge of leptospirosis (92.93%). The attitudes towards leptospirosis were moderate (59.78%) while preventive practices were good (74.46%). Indonesians had significantly better knowledge as compared to other nationals (p p = 0.021). Workers with upper secondary school education had better attitudes (p = 0.026) and preventive practices scores (p = 0.045). Individual monthly income had inverse association with attitudes scores (p = 0.036). Conclusions Overall, the preventice practices among municipal waste workers was good due to relatively ethical work behaviours. However, they had poor knowledge on the cause, modes of transmission, symptoms and treatment of leptospirosis. The study suggests that targeted education to increase knowledge and systematic preventive measures to reduce contact with the infection are necessary for this occupation group.</p

Prevalence and factors associated with prediabetes and diabetes in fishing communities in Penang, Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, characterized by hyperglycemic state of the body. A silent killer, which can take the lives of victims if undiagnosed at the earliest stage. Prediabetes has become an important health concern across countries due to its huge potential for the development of diabetes and other complications. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes and its associated factors among rural fishing communities in Penang, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among fishing communities in Southwest District of Penang, Malaysia from August to November 2017. Blood sample (finger prick test) and physical examination were performed on sample of 168 participants consented in this study. Pre-validated Malay versions of International Physical Activity 7 (IPAQ-7) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaires were used to assess the level of physical activity and stress levels of the participants. Multinomial logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with prediabetes and diabetes. Results: The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes were 19.6% (95% CI: 14.3, 26.4) and 10.12% (95% CI: 6.4, 15.7) respectively. The median physical activity (interquartile range) in MET-minutes per week for those with diabetes (1071.0 (2120.0)) and prediabetes (1314.0 (1710.0)) was generally lower as compared to non-diabetes. Majority reported moderate stress (57.3%) from PSS system. Abdominal obesity, family history of diabetes and being hypertensive were significant factors associated with diabetes; while older age, bigger waist circumference and self-perceived poor routine diet were factors associated with prediabetes. Conclusions: The screening for prediabetes in this population gives the opportunity to implement lifestyle interventions at the earliest possible, which could prevent the development of diabetes. The identification of diabetic individuals provides an opportunity to conduct health promotion and education to ensure good metabolic control and hence reduce the risks of complications.</p

Seroprevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding prevention of Hepatitis C among municipal waste collectors in Penang Island, Malaysia

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection and the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention among municipal waste collectors in Penang Island, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenient sample of 184 adult male municipal waste collectors in Penang Island from January to May 2018. Respondents’ blood samples were obtained and evaluated for antibodies to Hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and questionnaires administered to them to collect information on sociodemographic variables and knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention. The seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus was estimated, and the association between sociodemographic variables and respondents’ level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention was explored using a range of parametric and non-parametric statistical tests in SPSS version 23. Results were considered significant at p Results: The seroprevalence of Hepatitis C infection among our study sample was 0%. Majority had good attitude (60.9%) and good practice (70.1%) but poor knowledge (72.8%) of Hepatitis C. Respondents’ income was significantly predictive of knowledge (p=0.033) and attitude (p=0.005) regarding Hepatitis C prevention. There were no significant associations between sociodemographic factors and practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention. There was a significant positive correlation between respondents’ knowledge and practice regarding Hepatitis C prevention (r=0.169, p=0.022). Conclusions: Knowledge of Hepatitis C prevention is significantly lacking among Municipal waste collectors in Penang Island, and their income appears to play a significant role in determining their level of knowledge and attitude regarding Hepatitis C prevention.</p

Summary table of 2-way repeated measures ANOVA showing main effect of group, time and group x time interaction for adherence, CD4 count, viral load and weight.

<p>Summary table of 2-way repeated measures ANOVA showing main effect of group, time and group x time interaction for adherence, CD4 count, viral load and weight.</p

Baseline socio-demographic characteristics of respondents.

<p>Baseline socio-demographic characteristics of respondents.</p

Summary table of mixed repeated measures ANCOVA showing main effect of group, time and group x time interaction for adherence, CD4 count, viral load and weight.

<p>Summary table of mixed repeated measures ANCOVA showing main effect of group, time and group x time interaction for adherence, CD4 count, viral load and weight.</p

Changes in CD4+ T cell count by ART status between HIV and malaria co-infected (positive) and HIV infected only (malaria negative) patients.

<p>1 –Baseline CD4; 2- Follow-up CD4 count; and 3- Current CD4 count among HIV patients attending ART clinic in Infectious Disease Hospital Kano from June to December 2015.</p