Assessment of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Knowledge and Attitudes in a Sample of Health Care Workers from Southeast Brazil

This present survey sought to investigate the level of knowledge and the attitudes pertaining the monkeypox (mpox) virus infection among a sample of health care workers (HCWs) in Italy, as well as the possible role of different factors on these outcomes. The cross-sectional survey was performed from July through October, 2022 at four randomly selected hospitals located in Southern Italy. The questionnaire was completed by 421 HCWs, for an overall 59% response rate. Less than two-thirds were able to define the disease and the correct answer of the transmission mechanisms ranged from 22.8% for contact with contaminated objects to 75.8% through close contact with body fluids. Only 4% and 12.8% indicated HCWs and elderly/frail/people with underlying immune deficiencies as risk groups. The mean overall score of the knowledge assessment on mpox was 3.4 (0-9). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HCWs with a lower number of years of working experience and those who had acquired information about mpox from scientific journals were more likely to have a higher level of knowledge. The average score of the perception of the severity of the disease was 6.3. A similar score with a value of 6.1 has been observed for the statement that mpox is a serious problem for the population. Regarding the level of concern about contracting mpox, the mean score was 5.1. Only 10.5% reported that they feel that this disease can be prevented, with an overall mean score of 6.5. Almost all HCWs reported that they are still living as usual, with no modification of their behavior for fear of contracting the mpox. The results of the multivariate logistic regression model showed that women, HCWs with a higher level of knowledge about mpox, and those who needed additional information about mpox were more likely to have a higher level of perception of the severity of the disease. This survey has demonstrated that HCWs had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge toward mpox and only nearly half showed positive attitudes. Strategic health training programs should be made so that knowledge can be acquired.

Abstract: Introduction: Basic Life Support (BLS) refers to the procedures that must be performed in situations of cardiorespiratory arrest or airway obstruction, and therefore, undergraduate students and health professionals must be highly trained to perform. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge about Basic Life Support (BLS) and the associated factors among undergraduate students from the health area in their last year of school in a public university. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with undergraduate students in Physical Education, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine and Dentistry at the Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Brazil. Data collection was carried out in 2019, in the last month of course completion, by a trained researcher using a self-administered questionnaire containing sociodemographic data, professional training, perceived self-knowledge and a validated BLS instrument. There was an association between the outcome “undergraduate students’ knowledge” dichotomized as high (≥70% correct) or low level (<70% correct) and the independent variables (sociodemographic data, professional training and perceived self-knowledge) and the performance of the binary and multinomial logistic regression (p<0.05). Results: 191 undergraduate students participated in the study, being 85.6% of the chosen universe. A total of 30 participants (15.7%) had a high level of knowledge on BLS, being students from the Nursing (n = 12) and Medicine (n = 18) courses. While 35.3% of Nursing students and 46.2% of Medicine students had a high level of knowledge about BLS, there were no students from the Physical Education (0.0%), Pharmacy (0.0%) and Dentistry (0.0%) courses. In the crude analysis, the low level of knowledge was associated with younger age (OR=2.75, 95%CI:1.22-6.21), not feeling safe to perform BLS (OR=3.12, 95%CI:1.38-7.01) and the fact that the discipline was not part of the undergraduate course (OR=18.35, 95%CI:2.44-138.1). In the adjusted analysis, the fact that the discipline was not part of the undergraduate course (OR=13.41, 95%CI:1.74-103.12) remained. Conclusion: Most students had a low level of knowledge about BLS, and only students from the Medicine and Nursing courses demonstrated a high level of knowledge. After adjustment, the fact that the discipline was not part of the undergraduate course was associated with a lower level of knowledge about BLS.

Abstract: Introduction: Basic Life Support (BLS) refers to the procedures that must be performed in situations of cardiorespiratory arrest or airway obstruction, and therefore, undergraduate students and health professionals must be highly trained to perform. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge about Basic Life Support (BLS) and the associated factors among undergraduate students from the health area in their last year of school in a public university. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with undergraduate students in Physical Education, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine and Dentistry at the Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Brazil. Data collection was carried out in 2019, in the last month of course completion, by a trained researcher using a self-administered questionnaire containing sociodemographic data, professional training, perceived self-knowledge and a validated BLS instrument. There was an association between the outcome “undergraduate students’ knowledge” dichotomized as high (≥70% correct) or low level (<70% correct) and the independent variables (sociodemographic data, professional training and perceived self-knowledge) and the performance of the binary and multinomial logistic regression (p<0.05). Results: 191 undergraduate students participated in the study, being 85.6% of the chosen universe. A total of 30 participants (15.7%) had a high level of knowledge on BLS, being students from the Nursing (n = 12) and Medicine (n = 18) courses. While 35.3% of Nursing students and 46.2% of Medicine students had a high level of knowledge about BLS, there were no students from the Physical Education (0.0%), Pharmacy (0.0%) and Dentistry (0.0%) courses. In the crude analysis, the low level of knowledge was associated with younger age (OR=2.75, 95%CI:1.22-6.21), not feeling safe to perform BLS (OR=3.12, 95%CI:1.38-7.01) and the fact that the discipline was not part of the undergraduate course (OR=18.35, 95%CI:2.44-138.1). In the adjusted analysis, the fact that the discipline was not part of the undergraduate course (OR=13.41, 95%CI:1.74-103.12) remained. Conclusion: Most students had a low level of knowledge about BLS, and only students from the Medicine and Nursing courses demonstrated a high level of knowledge. After adjustment, the fact that the discipline was not part of the undergraduate course was associated with a lower level of knowledge about BLS.

Livestock keeping has been practiced as a way of life by the farmers of our country from generation to generation. Dairy farming is recognized only next to agriculture as a source of income to the dairy farm women. A study was conducted in Rajkot and Amreli district of Gujarat state to assess the knowledge level of respondents regarding clean milk production practices and to ascertain the association between the characteristics of trained and untrained farm women and their level of knowledge. A sample of 240 respondents was selected for present study. Majority of the trained farm women were from medium level of knowledge, while 18.33 per cent and 12.50 per cent of the trained farm women were from high and low level of knowledge. In case of untrained farm women majority of the farm women were from medium level of knowledge while 28.33 per cent and 14.17 per cent of the untrained farm women were from low and high level of knowledge. There was positive and highly significant relationship between education, experience in dairy farming, extension participation, risk orientation and their knowledge of trained farm women While, in case of untrained farm women education, experience in dairy farming, extension participation, risk orientation had positive and significant relationship with knowledge.

Mother is a main caretaker of their children particularly during the first three to six years of life when they are at the risk of being undernourished. How well she takes care of her children to keep them healthy will depend upon the level of her knowledge regarding childcare and nutrition and various associated factors. As such this study was planned to assess and enhance the extent of knowledge among women beneficiaries of ICDS (Integrated child development Service Scheme) centers of district Budgam of Kashmir region. With an intension to surpass and facilitate the knowledge of women beneficiaries this study was taken up with a sample of 600 registered women beneficiaries of AWCs (Anganwadi centers) out of which 150 were nursing mothers, (NM) 150 were pregnant women (PW) and 300 were mothers of child beneficiaries (MCB having children in the age group 6 months-3years. The tool used for assessing the knowledge level was a self-devised rating scale designed to measure the nutritional knowledge related to importance of different kinds (variety) of foods for adequate/ optimal growth and development of a child. Further, in order to divide the levels of nutritional knowledge as, low, medium and high, Quartiles were calculated. In this way the mothers having low level of knowledge (Q1) those who scored up to 4, medium (Q2) whereas, sample women who scored between 5-6 and high level of knowledge (Q3) scored as ≥ 7.The statements were so arranged that a positive answer was specified under score of 1, whereas, a negative statement was granted a score of 0 . The scores of positive responses were summed up and the level of knowledge of women beneficiaries was ascertained, a statistically significant variation is observed in levels of nutritional knowledge as per educational qualification and income group among the respondents. It is also seen that respondents from block B.K.Pora and Nagam blocks are having high level of nutritional knowledge in comparison to block Budgam and Chadoora. Among the groups, MCB are having higher level of knowledge in comparison to NM and PW. No significant variation in the levels of nutritional knowledge is seen as per age. It is quite obvious from the study that education of mothers is directly related to knowledge. Educated mother are more knowledgeable than functionally literate mothers.

Objective: the aim of this study is to determine the level of students' knowledge about the environmental health.Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Health and Medical Technology in Baghdadcity during the period from 1st march till 1st of July 2012. Data was collected by self-recording of a previously designedquestionnaire to obtain socio-demographic information such as (age, gender, department, year of grade).Results: The highest rate of students were in the 2nd year followed by the 3rd year, highest rate of students had lowlevel of knowledge followed by intermediate level of knowledge, while lowest rate of students on had high level ofknowledge .Females had higher level of knowledge compared to males who had intermediate Level of knowledge;Students of pathological analysis department had high level of knowledge among other students, followed by studentsof anesthesia department. The lowest rate was among department the physiotherapy. A significant associationbetween that low level of knowledge was among 1st (57.7%) and 2nd (50.7%) year students mainly , while high level ofknowledge was mainly among 4th year (9.8%), and the intermediate level of knowledge was among 3rd year studentsin a rate of (53.3%) and 4th year in a rate of 50%.Recommendations: Include all the department of the college in environment health lectures as the issue is importantfor all student and not only the community health students.

Continuous education of health workers is a vital component in prevention and containment of hospital infections. Having that in mind, City's Department for Public Health, as a part of continuous medical education, in a period between Sep 11, 2010 and Feb 16, 2011 organized four seminars for health workers to evaluate and raise knowledge about hospital infections. Out of 158 health workers who attended seminars, majority of them (67) had Post Graduate Diploma, 55 had Secondary Diploma and 36 had Graduate Diploma. During seminars, special questionnaire was used to test the attendee's level of knowledge about hospital infections. Comparisons were drawn based on sociodemographic characteristics of attendees (like occupation, level of education, work experience). In order to get a better idea about the level of knowledge and effectiveness of the seminar, the results were grouped into three levels: low (up to 7 correct answers), medium (8-15 correct answers) and high (16 - 20 correct answers). Before the seminar majority (56.33%) of attendees showed a medium level of knowledge, while 29.75% had low and 13.92% had high level of knowledge. Upon completion of seminar the attendees showed improved results with only 5.69% at low level of knowledge. Significant improvement was registered at the high level of knowledge (45.57%), while medium level of knowledge was registered at 48.74% attendees.

A high level of vaccine knowledge increases people's behavioral risks for contracting COVID-19 in Japan

BackgroundCancer has become a major health concern due to the increasing morbidity and mortality rates, and its negative social, economic consequences and the heavy financial burden incurred by cancer patients. About 40% of cancers are preventable. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cancer prevention, and associated characteristics to inform the development of targeted cancer prevention campaigns and policies.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of adult patients at Mohamed Sekkat and Sidi Othmane Hospitals in Casablanca, Morocco. Data collection was conducted by two trained interviewers who administered the questionnaire in-person in the local language. An unsupervised clustering approach included 17 candidate variables for the cluster analysis. The variables covered a wide range of characteristics, including demographics, health perceptions and attitudes. Survey answers were calculated to compose qualitative ordinal categories, including a cancer attitude score and knowledge score.ResultsThe cluster-based analysis showed that participants in cluster 1 had the highest mean attitude score (13.9 ± 2.15) and percentage of individuals with a high level of knowledge (50.8%) whereas the lowest mean attitude score (9.48 ± 2.02) and knowledge level (7.5%.) were found in cluster 3. The participants with the lowest cancer attitude scores and knowledge levels were aged 34 to 47 years old (middle age group), predominantly females, living in rural settings, and were least likely to report health professionals as a source of health information.ConclusionsThe findings showed that female individuals living in rural settings, belonging to an older age group, who were least likely to use health professionals as an information source had the lowest levels of knowledge and attitudes. These groups are amenable to targeted and tailored interventions aiming to modify their understanding of cancer in order to enhance the outcomes of Morocco’s on-going efforts in cancer prevention and control strategies.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are considered both a high-risk population regarding infections and effective vaccine recommenders whose willingness to be vaccinated is the key to herd immunity. However, the vaccination status, acceptance, and knowledge of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine among HCWs remain unknown. Therefore, we conducted an online survey regarding the above among HCWs in China after the vaccine was made available. Questionnaires returned by 1,779 HCWs were analyzed. Among these participants, 34.9% were vaccinated, 93.9% expressed their willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccine knowledge level was high (89.2%). A bivariate analysis found that participants with a college degree, low level of knowledge, non-exposure to COVID-19 status, and those who are females or nurses have a lower vaccination rate, while participants who are married, with a monthly income of more than 5,000 yuan, and low knowledge levels are less willing to be vaccinated. A multivariate analysis found that participants with a high (OR = 7.042, 95% CI = 4.0918–12.120) or medium (OR = 3.709, 95% CI = 2.072–6.640) knowledge level about COVID-19 vaccines were more willing to be vaccinated. Participants were less likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine if they were married (OR = 0.503, 95% CI = 0.310–0.815). In summary, Chinese HCWs have a strong willingness to be vaccinated and a high level of knowledge. Measures, such as targeted education for HCWs with low willingness and low level of knowledge, open vaccine review procedures, increased government trust, reduced vaccine costs, and provide vaccination guarantee policies, may improve the vaccination coverage of the at-risk group.

Background:Andropause in men refers to the clinical and biochemical syndrome associated with advanced age and characterized by a deficiency in serum testosterone levels. With the increase in aging male population and life span in Iran and focus on quality of life, andropause will become a major health issue that needs to be addressed in order to prevent disability. The results of some research have shown that there is still low level of knowledge and attitude toward andropause among health professionals. This study aimed at assessing the level of knowledge and attitude of general physicians regarding andropause in 2014.Methods:This cross-sectional study was carried out on 402 general physicians in Shiraz. A researcher-made questionnaire was developed for assessing the level of knowledge and attitude of general physicians about andropause. SPSS 18 was used to analyze the data, and descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Pearson correlation were applied for data analysis.Results:The mean score of knowledge and attitude about andropause was 29.4 out of 76 and 35.1 out of 45, respectively. The findings showed a poor level of knowledge and positive attitude toward andropause among general physicians. There was a significant relationship between occupational status and knowledge about andropause (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant relationship between attitude and demographic characteristics (P<0.05). The correlation between knowledge and attitude toward andropause was not statistically significant (P=0.548).Conclusion:The findings of the present study indicate the need for designing educational interventions to improve the knowledge and attitude of andropause among general physicians.

Background Physical restraint is a common practice in the intensive care units which often result in frequent skin laceration at restraint site, limb edema, restricted circulation, and worsening of agitation that may even end in death. Despite the sensitivity of the problem, however, it is felt that there are nurses' evidence-based practice gaps in Ethiopia. To emphasize the importance of this subject, relevant evidence is required to develop protocols and to raise evidence-based practices of health professionals. So, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and influencing factors of nurses regarding physical restraint use in the intensive care units in northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was maintained from March to September 2019 at Amhara regional state referral hospitals, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 260 nurses in the intensive care units were invited to take part in the study by a convenience sampling technique. The Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Staff regarding Physical Restraints Questionnaire was used to assess the nurses' knowledge and attitude. Linear regression analysis was employed to examine the influencing factors of knowledge and attitude. Adjusted unstandardized beta (β) coefficient with a 95% confidence interval was used to report the result of association with a p value < 0.05 statistical significance level. Result The mean scores of nurses' knowledge and attitude regarding physical restraint use among critically ill patients were 7.81 ± 1.89 and 33.75 ± 6.50, respectively. These mean scores are above the scale midpoint nearer to the higher ranges which imply a moderate level of knowledge and a good attitude regarding physical restraint. Lower academic qualification and short (<2 years) work experience were associated with lower-level of knowledge, and reading about restraint from any source and taken training regarding restraints were factors associated with a higher knowledge. Diploma and bachelor's in academic qualification were significantly associated with a negative attitude regarding restraint. Besides, there was a more positive attitude among nurses with a higher level of knowledge and who received training regarding physical restraint use. Conclusion The nurses working in the intensive care unit had a moderate level of knowledge and a good attitude regarding physical restraint use. So, developing and providing educational and in-service training to the nurses regarding physical restraint are necessary to strengthen the quality of care for critically ill patients.

Level of knowledge and quality of life among Saudi caregivers of Parkinson’s disease patients: A study from a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The local wisdom of nuwo pangung in Kelumbayan District can play a role in mitigating flood disasters if the intergenerational population has a high level of knowledge about it. Measuring the level of knowledge of the intergenerational population regarding flood disaster mitigation based on local wisdom needs to be carried out in flood-prone areas. The purpose of this study was to measure the level of knowledge of the X, Y, and Z generations of residents in flood disaster mitigation based on local wisdom, nuwo pangung. This research uses quantitative methods. The research was conducted in Kelumbayan District. The population in this study is an intergenerational population of 8192 people. The sample consisted of 120 residents of generations X, Y, and Z. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The research variables consist of the level of flood disaster knowledge, mitigation, and nuwo Pangung local wisdom. Data collection techniques using tests. Data analysis techniques using percentage techniques. Results Research shows that 73% of the population of Generation X has a low level of knowledge, 72% of the population of Generation Y has a moderate level of knowledge, and 71% of the population of Generation Z has a high level of knowledge. The level of knowledge of the intergenerational population based on indicators is at low, medium and high levels. The level of knowledge of generation X residents in flood disaster management based on local wisdom nuwo panggung is at a low level, generation Y residents are at a moderate level, and generation Z residents are at a high level. Keywords: flood disaster, disaster mitigation, local wisdom

BackgroundThe provision of health education involving self-care and good adherence to medications has been acknowledged to be a cost effective strategy for improving quality of life of diabetes patients. We assessed levels of knowledge about type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), self-care behaviours and adherence to medication among DM patients.MethodsA facility based cross-sectional survey of 325 adults with T2DM patients attending Jimma University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia was conducted. We used diabetes Knowledge Test, Expanded Version of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities and Morisky 8-Item medication adherence as tools to measure diabetic knowledge, self-care behaviours and adherence to medications respectively. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to assess the independent predictors of diabetes knowledge and adherence to medications. The binary logistic regression was applied for self-care behaviours.Results309 respondents were included in the survey. Of all the respondents, 44.9 %, 20.1 % and 34.9 % had low, medium and high level diabetic knowledge respectively. High level of diabetic knowledge was the reference group. Being illiterate (AOR = 3.1, 95%CI: 1.03-9.3), having BMI <18 kg/m2 (AOR = 6.4, 95%CI: 1.2-34.9) and duration of DM < 5 years (AOR = 4.2, 95%CI: 1.9-9.5) were significantly associated with low level of diabetic knowledge. T2DM patients who practiced good self-care (AOR = 0.5, 95%CI: 0.3-0.9) were less likely to have low knowledge. Duration of DM < 5 years (AOR = 9.8, 95%CI: 3.2-30.2) was significantly associated with medium level of diabetic knowledge. 157(50.8 %) patients had poor self-care behaviour and this was associated with level of education and adherence to medication. The proportions of patients with low, medium and high adherence to medication were 24.9 %, 37.9 % and 37.2 % respectively. Being a merchant, having medium level of diabetic knowledge and having good glycemic control level were associated with low adherence to medications.ConclusionsSignificant number of DM patients had low level of knowledge, poor self-care behaviours and low level of adherence to medications. These findings call for the need of integrated interventional management on diabetic knowledge, self-care behaviours and adherence to medications. To ensure effective T2DM management, a strategic approach that improves health literacy could be a cross cutting intervention.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12902-016-0114-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.