A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Knowledge of COVID-19 among Undergraduate Students in North-Central Ecuador

Ortega-Paredes, David; Larrea-Álvarez, César Marcelo; Jijón, Santiago Isaac; Loaiza, Karen; Šefcová, Miroslava Anna; Molina-Cuasapaz, Gabriel; Barba, Pedro; Vinueza-Burgos, Christian; Fernández-Moreira, Esteban; Ramírez, Hégira; Larrea-Álvarez, Marco

doi:10.3390/ijerph18168706

Cited by 8 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…Furthermore, the present outcomes demonstrate that students enrolled in programs related to applied sciences scored higher than their colleagues affiliated to social sciences, which has been hitherto described [ 20 , 22 ]. Previous studies reporting knowledge of genetics and COVID-19 have shown that students not associated with applied sciences curricula have difficulties when enquired about such matters [ 29 , 30 ]. On the other hand, no differences were found regarding sex and age range, implying that older students are no more knowledgeable than their younger counterparts, as shown before [ 22 , 23 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Information about antibiotic prescription and use does not seem sufficiently available or discernible to students, especially to those not familiar with scientific literature. It has been suggested that programs providing basic information about genetics or infectious diseases should be implemented as required credit courses, mainly for undergraduates associated with “social” curricula [ 30 ]. Undoubtedly, including antibiotic data in such courses will contribute to the promotion of protective health measures aimed at reducing their misuse.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Here, despite that the level of knowledge was moderate, respondents commonly adhered to recommended practices. It seems important, thus, to disclose answers at the end of the questionnaire, as hitherto suggested [ 30 , 44 ]. This practice could indeed be helpful in correcting or confirming popular perceptions among participants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recent outcomes have shown that biology-background undergraduates were more knowledgeable concerning AMR than their non-biology counterparts [ 20 , 22 ]. Interestingly, studies conducted among Ecuadorian undergraduates have revealed that students not associated with applied/biological sciences were not familiar with basic genetic concepts regarding inheritance or SARS-CoV-2 [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Antibiotic Resistance Awareness among Undergraduate Students in Quito, Ecuador

et al. 2022

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The inappropriate use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance, which reduces their efficacy. The education of undergraduates is likely to influence their practices. Assessing awareness is critical in the general effort to confront the spread of antibiotic resistance. This cross-sectional investigation was carried out using the questionnaire “Antibiotic resistance: Multi-country public awareness” developed by the World Health Organization. Students from different backgrounds at the Central University participated in the study (n = 733). The survey comprised five sections: demographics, knowledge, usage, sources of information, and attitudes. The rate of correct answers was 64.88%; differences were detected between programs of study (p < 0.001); effect size analysis showed that these differences cannot be considered large. Individuals from applied sciences scored higher than their counterparts from social studies. Mostly, interviewees were knowledgeable about usage, but mistakenly associated antibiotics with conditions such as cold/flu or viral illnesses; also, they associated antibiotic resistance with the patient and not with bacteria. Despite these misconceptions, positive attitudes were registered overall, and students generally adhered to common practices. They cited doctors/nurses and teachers as sources of information. As a consequence, it is recommended to develop courses that address deficient knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance, especially for individuals affiliated to social disciplines.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Antibiotic Resistance Awareness among Undergraduate Students in Quito, Ecuador

et al. 2022

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“…As social determinants of health measure, high social risk can increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In Ecuador, a study showed that high levels of education were related to more virus acknowledgment [ 22 ]. However, they were less assertive about the virus’s characteristics and used empirical and unproven treatments.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comprehensive study of Ecuadorian adult patients with a mild and moderate presentation of COViD-19

González-Andrade

Carrero

2023

PLoS ONE

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Aim To characterize non-hospitalized patients with mild and moderate clinical presentation. Methods We performed an epidemiological, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study carried out in Ecuador, with 1,447 participants between 18 and 66 years, non-hospitalized, with a molecular RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV2. We analyzed demographic characteristics according to sex, age group, clinical findings, behavior after diagnosis, family and social behavior, sequelae, clinical evolution, type of exposure, and personal history. Results The sample analyzed had a mean age of 37 years (95% CI 18–66), women 713 individuals (49.27%), men 733 individuals (50.66%). Age group distribution was 18–30 years, 524 individuals (36.29%), 31–45, 538 individuals (37.26), and more of 45 years, 382 individuals (26.46%). 1416 individuals were mestizos (97.99%). According to the province of residence from Pichincha were 1019 patients (70.52%), followed by Imbabura, 93 patients (6.44%), and the others 335 (23.15%) patients come from all over the country. In women, the most common findings were fever >38°C (54.40%), sputum (27.43%) and hypoxia (16.32%); HTN (5.75%) and hypercholesterolemia (3.69%). Men were more prevalent in all other findings. Comorbidities were more prevalent in all those over 45 years of age. COVID-19 antibodies test was positive in 416 patients (28.85%). Neuropsychiatric symptoms such as sleep disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, depressed mood, and chronic fatigue were more prevalent in men than women. Still, generalized anxiety disorder and chronic fatigue were more common in individuals of 31 to 45 years. 868 patients (60.07%) were in contact with a known infected person, 318 patients (22.02%) were health workers, and 782 patients (57.63%) were informed about work exposure. 545 patients (37.72%) were overweight, primarily women 310 (42.29%). 609 patients (42.65%) showed symptoms after the acute period, and 331 individuals (23.49%) reported some sequelae. Conclusion The epidemiological and clinical behavior of hospitalized and critical patients differs greatly from ambulatory or mild or moderate symptoms. It is essential to highlight those non-hospitalized patients constitute the predominant population of patients, hence the importance of adequate management that would directly affect the development of complicated forms and, consequently, the collapse of healthcare centers. It is vitally important to open more investigations that compare hospitalized and outpatient patients to have a clearer picture of the epidemic.

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The Turkish Validity and Reliability of the Coronavirus-Related Health Literacy Scale on Health Science Students

Kaya

Demır

Kaplan

et al. 2023

Konuralp Tıp Dergisi

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Objective: Health literacy is one’s ability to access, comprehend, appraise, and apply health-related information. Health literacy has become an important topic since the COVID-19 pandemic. This methodological study aimed to adapt the Coronavirus-Related Health Literacy Scale (HLS-COVID-Q22) to Turkish. Methods: The sample consisted of 539 students of the faculty of health sciences of a university in Turkey. The study was conducted between December 2020 and May 2021. The content validity ratio was calculated for content validity. The construct and concurrent validity, internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, and ceiling and floor effects were also determined. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed for construct validity. Results: The fit indices indicated an adequate fit (2/df: 4.970.70) and Cronbach’s alpha values (>0.90) were above acceptable limits. Most students had “adequate health literacy” (71.8%). A quarter of the students had “problematic health literacy” (24.5%). The remaining students had “inadequate health literacy” (3.7%). Students with lower levels of health literacy were more likely to have confusion about coronavirus-related information (p

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A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Knowledge of COVID-19 among Undergraduate Students in North-Central Ecuador

Cited by 8 publications

References 41 publications

Antibiotic Resistance Awareness among Undergraduate Students in Quito, Ecuador

Antibiotic Resistance Awareness among Undergraduate Students in Quito, Ecuador

A comprehensive study of Ecuadorian adult patients with a mild and moderate presentation of COViD-19

The Turkish Validity and Reliability of the Coronavirus-Related Health Literacy Scale on Health Science Students

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