Analytical Study Research Articles

The relationship between dental anxiety and oral health literacy with oral health-related quality of life

Background and AimDental anxiety is a prevalent issue in society, characterized by an uneasy sensation and anticipation of negative experiences in dental settings. In essence, dental anxiety, oral health literacy, and quality of life may have a relationship with each other, however, there is a shortage of evidence examining the interplay between these factors. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between dental anxiety and oral health literacy (OHL) with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL).MethodsThis is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 155 patients referred to the Department of Oromaxillofacial Diseases. Three questionnaires consisting of dental anxiety scale, oral health impact profile- 14, and oral health literacy adult questionnaire were used to measure anxiety, health literacy, and the quality of life-related to oral health. Scores were recorded and analyzed by IBM SPSS 24 software using independent samples T-test and ANOVA. Besides, the confirmatory modeling through the goodness of fit index of the model was applied.ResultsThis study involved 155 participants, with a mean age of 38.44 ± 14 years. The majority were females, comprising 99 individuals (63.9%). In this study, 89 patients (57.4%) had dental anxiety. The mean OHL score in the examined participants was 9.88 ± 3.97. Both factors of anxiety (p < 0.001) and OHL (p = 0.012) had a significant effect on the OHRQOL. There was no significant difference in the mean OHRQOL among the three categories of OHL (p = 0.085). The confirmatory modeling showed that only the fourth (p = 0.065) and fifth (p = 0.146) questions of the OHL questionnaire had no significant effect on the total score of OHL. Besides, both factors of anxiety (p < 0.001) and OHL (p = 0.012) had a significant effect on OHRQOL. With an increase of one unit in anxiety, the OHRQOL score increases by 0.31 and for a one-unit increase in the OHL score, the OHRQOL score decreases by 0.66 units.ConclusionIn conclusion, it seems that considering various dimensions of oral and dental health can help patients to have reduced psychological anxiety. Notably, further multicenter studies assessing diverse variables related to dental anxiety, OHL, and OHRQOL, and considering more comprehensive study designs with longitudinal follow-up could help provide insights into how changes in dental anxiety and OHL over time affect OHRQOL.

Exploring predictors and prevalence of postpartum depression among mothers: Multinational study

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) affects around 10% of women, or 1 in 7 women, after giving birth. Undiagnosed PPD was observed among 50% of mothers. PPD has an unfavorable relationship with women’s functioning, marital and personal relationships, the quality of the mother-infant connection, and the social, behavioral, and cognitive development of children. We aim to determine the frequency of PPD and explore associated determinants or predictors (demographic, obstetric, infant-related, and psychosocial factors) and coping strategies from June to August 2023 in six countries.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study included a total of 674 mothers who visited primary health care centers (PHCs) in Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, India, Ghana, and Syria. They were asked to complete self-administered assessments using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The data underwent logistic regression analysis using SPSS-IBM 27 to list potential factors that could predict PPD.ResultsThe overall frequency of PPD in the total sample was 92(13.6%). It ranged from 2.3% in Syria to 26% in Ghana. Only 42 (6.2%) were diagnosed. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed there were significant predictors of PPD. These factors included having unhealthy baby adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 11.685, 95% CI: 1.405–97.139, p = 0.023), having a precious baby (aOR 7.717, 95% CI: 1.822–32.689, p = 0.006), who don’t receive support (aOR 9.784, 95% CI: 5.373–17.816, p = 0.001), and those who are suffering from PPD. However, being married and comfortable discussing mental health with family relatives are significant protective factors (aOR = 0.141 (95% CI: 0.04–0.494; p = 0.002) and (aOR = 0.369, 95% CI: 0.146–0.933, p = 0.035), respectively.ConclusionThe frequency of PPD among the mothers varied significantly across different countries. PPD has many protective and potential factors. We recommend further research and screenings of PPD for all mothers to promote the well-being of the mothers and create a favorable environment for the newborn and all family members.

Examining the relationship between Life’s Essential 8 and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease among Adults in the United States: Insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2017-2020)

The American Heart Association recently updated the assessment of cardiovascular health (CVH) with the Life&amp;rsquo;s Essential 8 (LE8) score. Our cross-sectional analytical study utilized data from 5042 adults in the United States (US) from the 2017 to 2020 NHANES surveys to examine the relationship between CVH assessed by LE8 metrics and the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Multivariate linear regressions were utilized to explore the relationship between CVH metrics and ASCVD, while linear probability models were used to predict ASCVD prevalence based on achieved LE8 scores. Controlling for relevant covariates revealed an inverse association between LE8 metrics and ASCVD prevalence. Improvements in LE8 were linked to a 29% reduction in ASCVD prevalence, with transitions to higher LE8 quartiles predicting a 4.8% reduction in ASCVD prevalence. Subgroup analysis indicated significant effects of age, education, and gender on ASCVD prevalence, with younger age, college education, and the female gender being associated with lower prevalence (P &lt; 0.05). Higher LE8 scores correlated with decreased ASCVD prevalence, while factors such as younger age, college education, and the female gender were also associated with lower ASCVD prevalence. Conversely, transitioning from married to divorced/widowed/separated status was linked to increased ASCVD prevalence (P &lt; 0.01).

Experimental and analytical investigation of opening effects on the in-plane capacity of unreinforced masonry wall

A test programme consisting of four half-scale URM walls was conducted under quasi-static cyclic loading to evaluate the negative influence of openings. Test results showed that the masonry adjacent to the opening experienced significant damage, and the specimens with a door opening was found to have complete detachment of the masonry pier, resulting in a reduction in the capacity of more than 25%. Furthermore, a detailed parametric nonlinear finite element analysis was performed to assess the influence of parameters affecting the in-plane load capacity of the URM wall. Numerical results showed that depending upon the size and location of openings and the material and geometric properties of walls, the in-plane load capacity was reduced by 6–82%. Considering the results of available experimental studies and present numerical analyses, a simplified equation was proposed to estimate the reduction in the in-plane load capacity of the specimen with different types of openings. The analytical study demonstrated that the proposed equation effectively provided reliable and consistent predictions of the strength reduction factor for walls with different types of openings.

Analytical Study on the Buckling of Cylindrical Shells With Circumferential Thickness Variation Under Varying External Pressure

Abstract In this article, the analytical buckling load coefficient formula for a cylinder with circumferential thickness variation subjected to varying external pressure is established for the first time by developing a quadratic perturbation method. Based on the presented formula, some specific examples that consider either circumferential shell thickness variation or varying lateral pressure are studied and compared with those in the published literature. First, classical cosine thickness variation is analyzed. The computed results of buckling load coefficients indicate that most of differences between the proposed formula and finite element (FE) analyses in previous literature are less than 5%. Second, wind-type pressure load is discussed, and the maximum difference of predicted buckling load coefficients between our formula and results in published article is 2.3%. Third, both circumferential thickness variation and linear liquid pressure are analyzed by the proposed analytical formula and validated by the Galerkin method when both thickness and load variations are small. Therefore, accuracy and reliability of the established formula are validated. For the purpose of engineering application, buckling of a circular shell with local circumferential thickness variation due to weld shrinkage under wind-type pressure is analytically investigated. The effects of thickness variation amplitude, load parameter, half angle of thickness variation, and shell dimensions on buckling load coefficients are studied in detail.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding self-medication for acne among medical students in Beni-Suef University.

To evaluate medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and self-medication practices for acne vulgaris. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Beni-Suef University's Faculty of Medicine from January 2023 to June 2023. A pre-structured questionnaire was used for the study. A total of 297 students (85.1 %) used self-medications for acne without a prescription. The total knowledge score of self-medication among the study participants was 3.81 ± 2.23. About 71.4 % knew about precautions, and 72.7 % of the participants reported that self-medication is part of self-care. There was a statistical significance between the total mean knowledge score and age (p=0.007), gender (p=0.013), and academic year (p=0.001). A significant portion of students self-medicate about acne. The total knowledge score of self-medication was to some extent not relatively high. Educational programs can be developed to increase medical students' awareness of the risks and benefits of self-medication, information on appropriate use of medications, and when to seek medical attention.

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio on Admission to Predict Mortality of COVID-19 Elderly Patients

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus Disease-2 (SARS-COV-2) is the cause of COVID-19, which led to a global pandemic and high mortality rate, especially in elderly patients. The declining immune system in elderly patients and comorbid diseases lead to more severe symptoms and an increased mortality rate. Many studies have shown that a high Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) value can predict the severity and mortality of COVID-19. However, studies on NLR in elderly patients in Indonesia have rarely been conducted. This study aimed to determine the role of NLR on admission as a mortality predictor in COVID-19 elderly patients who underwent in-hospital treatment. This research is an analytical observational study with a retrospective cohort method conducted in Bethesda Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The research subjects were selected from July 2020 to October 2021 according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were all elderly COVID-19 patients with an age limit of &gt; 60 years old who had complete hemogram data on admission, demographic data, diagnostic criteria, types of comorbid diseases, and patient outcomes (survivor or non-survivor). The exclusion criteria were elderly COVID-19 patients with incomplete Electronic Medical Records (EMR). This study found 122 elderly patients with COVID-19 with a mortality rate of 30.33%. The result showed that NLR on admission significantly increased significantly in the non-survivor group compared to the survivor group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis presented severity (RR: 5.181; CI 1.662-16.154; p=0.005), comorbid diabetes mellitus (RR: 2.829; CI: 1.115-7.178), NLR &gt; 6.04 (RR: 6.356; CI: 2.428-16.639) and other comorbid, namely thyroid, autoimmune, cancer, and anemia (RR: 15.836; CI: 1.841-136.234; p=0.012) as factors of mortality in hospitalized elderly patients.

Analytical and numerical study of water-based silver nanofluid (Ag) across a Riga plate with nonlinear radiation and viscous dissipation: A three-dimensional study

The primary endeavor of this investigation is to determine the Darcy–Forchheimer flow of water-based silver nanofluid (Ag) across a bidirectional Riga plate with viscous dissipation and nonlinear radiation. By manipulating the pertinent variables, the governing equations undergo a transformation into nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The remodeled flow problems are investigated numerically and analytically using the MATLAB (bvp4c built-in function) algorithm and the homotopy analysis method scheme. The repercussions of the appropriate factors on the x− and y− direction velocity profiles, temperature profile, skin friction coefficient of the x− and y− directions, and local Nusselt number are examined via tables and graphs. It is found that both directional fluid velocities decline in the presence of the suction/injection parameter. Increasing the radiation parameter and the Eckert number exalts the fluid temperature. The surface shear stress decays as the suction/injection parameter and the Forchheimer number grow larger. In addition, a greater heat transfer rate appears on the Riga plate compared to the stationary plate.

Analytical Study of Nonlinear Flexural Vibration of a Beam with Geometric, Material and Combined Nonlinearities

This article explores the nonlinear vibration of beams with different types of nonlinearities. The beam vibration was modeled using Hamilton’s principle, and the equation of motion was solved using method of multiple time scales. Three models were developed assuming (a) geometric nonlinearity, (b) material nonlinearity and (c) combined geometric and material nonlinearity. The material nonlinearity also included both third and fourth nonlinear elasticity terms. The frequency response equation of these models were further evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. The models capture the hardening effect, i.e., increase in resonant frequency as a function of forcing amplitude for geometric nonlinearity, and the softening effect, i.e., decrease in resonant frequency for material nonlinearity. The model is applied on the first three bending modes of the cantilever beam. The effect of the fourth-order material nonlinearity was smaller compared to the third-order term in the first mode, whereas it is significantly larger in second and third mode. The combined nonlinearity models shows a discontinuous frequency shift, which was resolved by utilizing a set of transition assumptions. This results in a smooth transition between the material and geometric zones in amplitude. These parametric models allow us to fine tune the nonlinear response of the system by changing the physical properties such as geometry, linear and nonlinear elastic properties.

Diagnostic Role of Serum Adenosine Deaminase In Smear-negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background: Diagnosis of tuberculosis is not always easy, particularly if it is a case of sputum smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (SNPTB). Patients with respiratory symptoms resembling SNPTB are difficult to differentiate based on clinical features, chest X-ray, and Xpert MTB/RIF negativity. So, additional diagnostic test with high sensitivity and specificity is needed to increase the yield of the ongoing diagnostic strategy for SNPTB. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is now being widely used for the diagnosis of TB particularly in effusion fluids due to its simplicity, low cost, and quick available results, it is not always possible to access effusion fluids and therefore, it would be helpful to take advantage of serum levels. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the role of serum ADA in the diagnosis of SNPTB. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Dhaka Medical College &amp; Hospital, Dhaka from March 2019 to September 2021. A total of 140 patients were included in this study and divided into two groups according to selection criteria: Group I (SNPTB, n=62), and Group II (non-TB pulmonary diseases, n=78). ADA estimation was carried out using the sensitive colorimetric method described by Guisti and Galanti with a BIOSIC kit. After the collection of all the required data, analysis was done by SPSS 24.0. Results: The mean age of the study patients was 48.02 ± 9.60 years (23-73 years) with male predominance in both Group I and Group II (71 % and 60.3%, respectively, p&gt;0.05). Non-TB pulmonary cases were significantly older than SNPTBpatients (52 ± 8.56 vs 43.02 ± 8.49 years, p&lt;0.001). SNPTB patients had a significantly higher frequency of cough, fever, and weight loss compared to non-TB pulmonary cases (p&lt;0.05). In contrast, chest pain and shortness of breath were more frequent in Group II than in Group I (p&lt;0.05). Serum ADA was significantly higher among SNPTB patients compared to non-TB pulmonary cases (48.16 ± 12.13 vs 18.64 ± 7.85 IU/L, p&lt;0.001). ROC analysis of serum ADA in the diagnosis of patients with SNPTB found an AUC of 0.9850 (95% CI, 0.969-1.00) which was statistically significant (p&lt;0.001). A cut-off value of serum ADAe”33 IU/L showed sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV, and accuracy of 93.55%, 94.87%, 94.87%, 93.55%, and 94.29%, respectively to correctly diagnose SNPTB cases. Conclusion. This study finding stated that serum ADA may be a useful marker to distinguish SNPTB from non-TB respiratory diseases. However, further study with a more generalized study population is recommended. Bangladesh J Medicine 2024; 35: 61-69

Experimental and analytical study on enhancing flexural strength of RC beams using post‐ tensioned heavy‐duty metal straps wrapped around anchored steel plates

AbstractThis paper addresses the challenge of enhancing the bending capacity of beams through a cost‐effective and practical approach. Current methods are often expensive, brittle, time‐intensive, or massive. In response, an alternative method is proposed that involves the utilization of post‐tensioned heavy‐duty metal straps wrapped around steel plates anchored to the beams. To evaluate the effectiveness of the method, six large‐scale normal reinforced concrete beams were constructed with a width of 160 mm and a depth of 240 mm, and a clear span of 1900 mm. The testing parameters were the position of the steel plates along the length of the beam and the position of the metal straps along the height of the steel plates. Quantitative results demonstrate a significant enhancement in the load‐carrying capacity of the beams. Compared to the control specimen, the method led to a minimum increase of 40% of load carrying capacity and a maximum increase of 66%. Key influencing factors include the location of the metal straps on the steel plates (120 or 90 mm away from the bottom of the beam) and the position of the steel plates on the face of the beam (650 mm or 350 away from the edge of the beam). Notably, the load‐carrying capacity increases when the metal straps are positioned lower on the steel plates and the plates are placed further away from the center of the beam. Finally, analytical results obtained using VecTor2 software align well with experimental findings.

Implementation of Internet of Things for Condition-Based Maintenance in Elevator Systems: An Analytical Case Study

Implementation of Internet of Things for Condition-Based Maintenance in Elevator Systems: An Analytical Case Study

Innovation, structural inspection for new mixed complexes: DNA binding, biomedical applications and molecular docking approaches

2-Guanidinobenzimidazole (BIG) and Imidiazole (I) ligands were utilized to synthesize Cu(II), VO(II), Ag(I), and Pd(II) as mixed ligand complexes. All studied molecules were characterized through various spectral, analytical and computational studies to find out their chemical structure. TGA was applied to identify the occurrence of H2O molecules besides the mono-nuclear property of isolated complexes. These complexes were proved through DFT study to confirm the coordinating site that was proposed and displays the optimal three-dimensional structures of the studied compounds. The binding affinity of the tested complexes with CT-DNA has been tested through agarose gel, electronic spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. Furthermore, the studied molecules might bind to CT-DNA electrostatically through exterior contact, replacement, intercalation and groove surface binding with good affinity. In-vitro anti-bacterial, anti-fungi, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities are performed for all studied compounds. MOE-docking simulation results indicate promising inhibitory features of BIGIPd complexes, in agreement with in-vitro results.

The Impact of Strategic Factor on Improving Performance Effectiveness for Construction Projects - A case Study

Mission, vision and strategy play an important role recognized today by most organizations. These tools are very beneficial in steering an organization in straight direction. Strategic factors (SF) rely on the interaction between internal and external factors and on determining the future mission and vision of the organization in the light of determined objectives, and regulatory strategies and policies. This study is an analytical study of Libyan Investment &amp; Development Company (LIDCO) to determine the impact of the strategic factors on improvement of evaluation effectiveness of LIDCO performance using SWOT in conjunction with following criteria: (Total Quality Management Criteria, Quality Performance Criteria and Competitive Position Criteria). The researchers used the descriptive analytical method to analyse the content using the statistical method and the strategic analysis tool (SWOT) to understand the role and tasks that the company performs and the difficulties and obstacles facing its work by evaluating its performance to develop a strategic vision for the development of its performance. Results show delays by LIDCO in implementing projects as evaluation of the strategic factors were disregarded, leading to disregarding the application of competitive position criteria to project construction, lack of continuous improvement and of benchmarking. This paper contributes to how the factors affecting strategic planning are used and classified into different categories according to the point of view researchers in the field of strategic planning. And too knowledge of the factors influencing strategic planning, and it is very useful for engineers because of the various uses of the factors influencing strategic planning.

Differences In Quality of Life of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients at Rsi Sultan Agung Semarang Observational Analytical Studies in Age, Gender, and Stage of Cancer

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor in the head and neck area of squamous cell type located in the nasopharynx. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Indonesia is the 4th most malignant cancer and is considered one of the most malignant tumors with high mortality and morbidity. This study aims to determine the difference in quality of life in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with characteristics (age, gender, and stage of cancer) nasopharyngeal tumors. The research method was carried out with analytical observational through a cross sectional approach. The measuring instruments used in the form of EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&amp;N35 questionnaires were used to measure the quality of life of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients at RSI Sultan Agung Semarang. The data were analyzed using a binary logistic regression test. The results of the study of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients according to the characteristics at RSI Sultan Agung Semarang based on 13 respondents were dominated by male patients totaling 8 people (61.54%), aged 45 years as many as 8 people (61.54%), and cancer stages were divided into 6 people (≥46.15%) and 7 people (53.85%) in the early and advanced stages. The results of the Wald Test did not significantly differ in the quality of life of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients at RSI Sultan Agung Semarang with each sig intention. The independent variables were age (p = 0.187), gender (p = 0.227), and cancer stage (p = 0.558). The independent variable that most affected the level of quality of life of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients was gender with a value of Exp(B) = 5.394. The conclusion of this study is that there is no difference in quality of life in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with characteristics (age, gender, and stage of cancer) nasopharyngeal tumors.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 08 No. 02 Apr’24 Page: 151-156

Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Health Professionals in Togo

Background. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in behavior, social communication, and interaction. Objectives. To describe health staff's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ASD in Lomé. Methods. From January to March 2020, we conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study on ASD in childhood. A survey was administered to a sample of healthcare professionals in 5 facilities in Lomé, Togo. A questionnaire assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ASD among 139 participants (pediatricians, neurologists, general practitioners, psychologists, speech therapists, and nurses). Results.The participation rate was 84.2 % (117 / 139). One hundred seven health workers (91.5 %) had heard of ASD. Inaccurate knowledge was observed: 65.4 % gave a good definition of autism, 73.2 % did not know the autistic triad, the early warning signs (64.6 %), or the age of onset (61.0 %). Only 22.0 % of staff were familiar with autism screening tools. The highest knowledge was significantly associated with being a speech therapist or pediatrician practicing in a tertiary health facility (p &lt; 0,0001). Higher-graded staff also observed better knowledge levels (p = 0, 0128). Concerning attitudes or practices regarding autistic children, 26 of those surveyed (22,2 %) had already screened for ASD, of whom 23 (88,5 %) worked with other specialties in case management. Conclusion. This study highlights inappropriate knowledge, attitudes, and practices among health staff. These findings warrant the need for good initial training on ASD, awareness campaigns, and the setting up a specialized center in Togo.

Factors Affecting Nurses’ Use of Personal Protective Equipment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: A critical preventive measure during the rapid global spread of COVID-19 was the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare professionals, especially nurses. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the factors that influenced nurses' use of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 and 2022. A convenience sample of 423 nurses was selected from those working in teaching hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS software version 26. Descriptive statistical tests, such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used to analyze the data. Additionally, inferential tests such as the independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed. The significance level was set at P &lt; 0.05. Results: Females constituted 70.20% of the sample. The means and standard deviations for individual and organizational factors were 3.41 ± 0.65 and 3.64 ± 0.83, respectively. The relationships between gender and individual factors, as well as education and organizational factors, were found to be statistically significant. There was also a statistically significant relationship between departments and both individual and organizational factors, and between marital status and organizational factors (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Organizational factors, including the provision of adequate PPE, were the most significant contributors to nurses' use of PPE. Conversely, the non-use of PPE was partly influenced by physical complications, such as skin issues, associated with PPE usage. Managers and policymakers can use the results of this study as a guide for future policy and decision-making to reduce or eliminate the factors inhibiting and to strengthen the factors contributing to the proper use of PPE.

Analytical study of a modified-ABC fractional order breast cancer model

Analytical study of a modified-ABC fractional order breast cancer model

Undiagnosed arterial hypertension in a Latin American country, 2019 to 2021

To determine the factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension. A quantitative, observational, retrospective, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out in people aged 15 years and over included in the Demographic and Family Health Survey from 2019 to 2021 in Peru. A statistical analysis was carried out using the corrected F test, and crude and adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR), with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for inferential analysis, through Poisson regression with robust variance. Likewise, the CSPLAN analysis was carried out for complex samples according to the sample design and taking into account the weighting factor. In the multivariate analysis, a significant association was found between the factors male sex (aPR: 1.22; 95%CI: 1.19-1.26), age from 30 to 49 years (aPR: 0.94; 95%CI: 0.92-0.96), native ethnicity (aPR: 1.07; 95%CI: 1.04-1.10), having health insurance (aPR: 0.91; 95%CI: 0.89-0.93), suffering from some permanent limitation (aPR: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.76-0.91) and diabetes mellitus (aPR: 0.59; 95%CI: 0.55-0.64). No significant association was found with educational level, language, Afro-Peruvian ethnicity, or alcohol or tobacco consumption (p > 0.05). The prevalence of undiagnosed arterial hypertension is high, 69.5%. The associated factors are male sex, native ethnicity, age between 30 and 49 years, having health insurance, suffering from some permanent limitation and having diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of health literacy for cervical cancer and associated factors among Moroccan nursing and health technician students: An analytical cross-sectional study

ObjectivesAssessing the level of health literacy among nursing and healthcare technician students at the Higher Institute of Nursing and Technical Health in Agadir, Morocco, regarding cervical cancer, and identifying associated factors. Materials and methodsThis is an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study conducted among nursing and health technician students in the 2nd and 3rd years. A self-administered health literacy assessment test was employed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with health literacy level. ResultsThree hundred students were surveyed in the study. The average health literacy score was 17.1 ± 6.32, with a median score of 18 (IQR 13.50–22). Approximately one-third (30%) had a low level of health literacy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the non-healthcare profile (OR 4.458; CI95%: 2.327–8.545; p < 0.001) was a risk factor for a low level of health literacy. Conversely, benefit from health education sessions on cervical cancer (Yes OR 0.476; CI95%: 0.248–0.918; p = 0.027), academic courses as an information source (Yes OR 0.515; CI95%: 0.274–0.968; p = 0.039), and the Web as an information source (Yes OR 0.564; CI95%: 0.323–0.985; p = 0.044) were identified as protective factors. Discussion and conclusionsThe notably deficient level of health literacy regarding cervical cancer underscores the relevance of integrating a module on cervical cancer prevention into the basic education curriculum. Furthermore, it is imperative to enhance health education and awareness strategies regarding cervical cancer prevention, particularly for non-healthcare profile students. This should include targeting alternative channels such as the web and social media platforms.