Preventive Behaviors Research Articles

Barriers to Effective Infection Prevention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study.

Infection prevention (IP) behaviors such as hand hygiene (HH) and mobile device disinfection are important to reduce the risk of infection transmission from both family members and hospital staff to critically ill neonates. To inform the design of educational interventions to improve both patient family and staff IP behaviors, we engaged separate groups of nurses and family members to understand perceptions about the spread of infection and barriers to implementing effective IP strategies. This was a qualitative study using focus groups to gather data from neonatal nurses and patient family members. Data were triangulated with hospital-wide survey data and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Twelve nurses and 4 patient family members participated. Themes related to communication about IP between staff and family members emerged: stakeholders expressed discomfort with the timing and nature of just-in-time HH education. These communication challenges contributed to stress levels within the neonatal intensive care unit. This finding was reflected in the hospital-wide survey. Steps should be taken to improve communication about IP behaviors between patient family members and frontline staff. Reducing nurse burden of providing just-in-time HH reminders to patient family members through increased IP education may decrease stress and facilitate IP behaviors. This has the potential to decrease infection spread and improve patient outcomes. The development of interventions targeting stakeholder communication is therefore warranted, but additional research is needed to understand the timing and process for delivery of the educational material.

The Relationship Between Individual Characteristics, Religius, And Social Support And Infectious Disease Prevention Behaviors In Islamic Boarding School “X”, 2022

Background: Islamic boarding schools are places that have a high risk of spreading infectious diseases. This can be caused because Islamic boarding schools have very dense housing and low cleanliness in the Islamic boarding school environment. Objective: To determine the relationship between individual characteristics, social support and religiosity with infectious disease prevention behavior at the Al-Kahfi Integrated Islamic Boarding School in 2022. Method: This research uses quantitative research methods with a cross-sectional study design , the number of respondents in this study was 116 respondents, and the sampling technique used in this research was simple random sampling. The data analysis carried out was univariate analysis and bivariate analysis using the chi-square test and OR value. Results: It is known that of the total respondents, only 50% of respondents had good behavior. Of all the variables studied, only gender and knowledge variables did not have a significant relationship with infectious disease prevention behavior. In the attitude variable (p=0.015), religiosity (p=0.016), peer support (p=0.09), support from ustadz or uztadzah (p=0.016) have a significant relationship to infectious disease prevention behavior at the Al Al Integrated Islamic Boarding School -Kahfi. Conclusion: There are several research variables that have a significant relationship with infectious disease prevention behavior at the Al-Kahfi Integrated Islamic Boarding School, including attitude, religiosity, peer support, and support from ustadz or ustadzah. Suggestion: Managers at the Al-Kahfi Integrated Islamic Boarding School can maximize the facilities available in an effort to prevent infectious diseases, such as providing nutritious food for students, creating regular joint sports programs, creating award programs and carrying out punishments for students who violate agae motivating students to prevent infectious diseases in the Islamic boarding school environment.

Predictors of health preventive behavior among university students in the post-COVID-19 era in Wuhan via TikTok journeying

TikTok has become increasingly popular among young people in China and there is growing number of young people who start to pay great attention to their health through this platform. Wuhan is a significant location for this study, since it was the initial epicenter of COVID-19. However, little is known about the extent to which university students in Wuhan, China, rely on TikTok for health-related information and how this affects their preventive health actions in the post-COVID-19 era. Therefore, it is crucial to look into the direct effects of TikTok users’ search for health information and their actions to protect their health, as well as the mediating functions of e-health literacy and COVID-19 risk perception. The impact of TikTok as a social media platform on the health-related behaviors of university students was examined using the Media Dependency Theory which explains how media use can have significant effects on individuals’ attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. 426 questionnaires were gathered by cluster sampling from a sample of Wuhan university students. Mplus8 was used to perform structural equation modelling, which looked at the relationships between these variables. The results showed a positive correlation between users’ TikTok health information seeking and their health preventive behavior (β = 0.303, p < 0.001). Furthermore, it was discovered that this relationship is mediated by e-health literacy and COVID-19 risk perception in series (β =0.029, p<0.001). The findings demonstrate how TikTok functions as a platform that supports university students’ efforts to protect their health. The results also imply that students’ post-COVID-19 preventive measures for health in search of health information on TikTok are significantly influenced by their e-health literacy as well as their perception of COVID-19 danger. By obtaining more accurate health-related information, university students are equipped with more health skills and have correct attitude towards the disease. In summary, these results advance the knowledge of how TikTok, a social media platform, affects the health-related behaviors of university students.

Risk perceptions of healthcare workers and occupational health experts on psychological distress: a qualitative mental model study

Abstract Background The objectives of this study are to explore healthcare workers’ (HCW) mental models regarding psychological distress and to compare these with that of experts. Methods Semi-structured interviews was conducted (n = 28 HCWs, n = 13 experts). Topic list encompassed risk perception, early stress symptoms, causes, consequences and preventive measures of psychological distress. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using MAXQDA. Results Similarities were found in risk perception, symptoms, causes, and consequences. Differences arose in HCWs' reliance on personal experiences and values, versus experts' scientific perspective. Preventive measures also showed discrepancies. Variation within HCWs was found on all aspects of their mental model. Conclusion For effective preventive interventions regarding psychological distress, experts should consider HCWs' personal values and experiences, acknowledging the variation in their mental models. This approach may enhance HCWs' engagement in preventive behaviors.

Dissonance between posts of health agencies and public comments regarding COVID-19 and vaccination on Facebook in Northern California.

Public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have prompted a need for health agencies to improve their disease preparedness strategies, informing their communities of new information and promoting preventive behaviors to help curb the spread of the virus. We ran unsupervised machine learning and emotion analysis, validated with manual coding, on posts of health agencies (N = 1588) and their associated public comments (N = 7813) during a crucial initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2020 to February 2021) among nine different counties with a higher proportion of vaccine-hesitant communities in Northern California. In addition, we explored differences in concerns and expressed emotions by two key group-level factors, county-level COVID-19 death rate and political party affiliation. We consistently find that while health agencies primarily disseminated information about COVID-19 and the vaccine, they failed to address the concerns of their communities as expressed in public comment sections. Topics among public audiences focused on concerns with the COVID-19 vaccine safety and rollout, state mandates, flu vaccination, and frustration with politicians, and they expressed more positive and more negative emotions than health agencies. Further, there were several differences in primary topics and emotions expressed among public audiences by county-level COVID-19 death rate and political party affiliation. While this research serves as a case study, findings indicate how local health agencies, and their audiences, discuss their perceptions and concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and may inform health communication researchers and practitioners on how to prepare and manage for emerging health crises.

An Exploratory Study on the Role of Trust as a Cue to Action in Inducing the Preventive Behaviors in COVID-19 Situation

An Exploratory Study on the Role of Trust as a Cue to Action in Inducing the Preventive Behaviors in COVID-19 Situation

Examining the Link Between Information Processing and Preventive Behavior in the Risk Information-Seeking and Processing (RISP) Model: A Panel Study

The Risk Information-Seeking and Processing (RISP) model postulates that individuals who process risk information systematically are likely to hold stronger attitudes toward preventive behavior than those who process information heuristically. Therefore, individuals’ attitudes toward risk preventive behavior developed or changed through systematic processing are likely to be more persistent over time than those whose attitudes are based on heuristic processing. To examine this proposition, we conducted to a two-wave panel study in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings supported the proposition that processing influenced attitude strength, which influenced individuals’ attitude toward behavior a year later. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

I trust doctors and midwives: exploring breast cancer literacy among women referring to the health centers in Iran

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Early diagnosis of BC could considerably improve outcomes. Since health literacy could influence preventive behaviors and women’s ability to make decisions about breast care, therefore, this study aimed to explore breast cancer literacy in women.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted in Iran using the directed content analysis. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a purposeful sample of women from April 2021 to June 2022 and continued until saturation was reached. Interviews were analyzed using the initial matrix developed based on the European health literacy framework.ResultsIn all twelve women were interviewed. During data analysis, 612 primary codes grouped into four dimension of health literacy (access, understanding, appraise, and apply) of three health domain (health care, disease prevention, and health promotion). Many believed that it was difficult to access accurate information about BC. They used various sources to obtain information. The participants addressed some facilitators and barriers in understanding the information and for information appraisal they mentioned seeking help from health professionals. Through the acquired cognitive skills, the participants took some steps to apply BC information. Also, having information about BC and the involvement of relatives with cancer were indicated as triggers for decision-making on breast care, while poor financial conditions, not having enough information, fear, shame, and embarrassment, were pointed out as inhibiting factors.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that barriers in access, and understanding of information on breast cancer exist among women. The findings also suggest that women’s decision-making and preventive behaviors on breast care are much dependent on social and cultural factors.

Emerging Evidence Supports Broader Definition of Chairside Behavior Guidance and Familial Compliance.

Behavior management as a set of clinical techniques to induce desirable clinical treatment and subsequent compliance behaviors in children and families varies internationally based on professional training, access to care, health literacy, and societal norms. This report proposes non-typical diagnostic considerations of additional inherent behavioral conditions and familial and social qualifiers that may help predict success both at the chairside and in compliance with home self-care behaviors to reduce caries susceptibility. A review of the medical and dental literature provides ample support for the consideration of changing characteristics of both the patient and the environment. The current recommendations for choice of behavior guidance in direct clinical care, as used in the USA, often fall short of efficacy for a variety of reasons including the provider limitations, the extent and difficulty of treatment, and most recently appreciated, the complexity of negative childhood experiences, subclinical behavioral disorders, and immutable negative determinants of health outside the dental setting affecting interaction with health professionals. These same factors, such as family dysfunction and societal stresses, also impact compliance with out-of-clinic preventive efforts that many oral health care providers rely upon to help mitigate treatment limitations in reaching children. There are also behavioral elements of compliance and attitudes toward health that dentists need to recognize. A broader, more inclusive concept of behavior guidance to include factors beyond those typically associated with a dental patient affecting treatment and compliance with preventive behaviors may be beneficial. Every population and patient will have differing characteristics and require individualized care.

Detection of antiretroviral drug-resistant mutations and HIV-1 subtypes in circulation among men who have sex with men, SEM females and female sex workers: results of Vietnam's HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus (HSS+) system, 2018 - 2020.

HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) can reduce the effectiveness of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in preventing morbidity and mortality, limit options for treatment, and prevention. Our study aimed to assess HIV-1 subtypes and HIVDR among key populations in HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus Behavior (HSS+) in 2018 and 2020. One-stage venue-based cluster sampling was used to recruit participants at hotspots identified for Men who have sex with men (MSM) in 7 provinces and SEM females and female sex worker (FSW) in 13 provinces. Participants completed a standard questionnaire about risk and preventive behaviors, and ART history, and provided intravenous blood for HIV testing. HIVDR testing was conducted on HIV-positive samples with VL >1,000 copies/ml. A total of 185/435 (42.5%) HIV-positive samples had viral load ≥1,000 copies/ml, of which 130/136 from MSM and 26/49 from FSW, were successfully sequenced. Six HIV-1 subtypes were detected (CRF01_AE, A, CRF07/08_BC, B, C, CRF25_cpx), with CRF01_AE (82.7%, 129/156) the most common. Drug resistance mutations were detected in 16.7% of participants overall (26/156), in 15.4% (20/130) of MSM, and in 23.1% (6/26) of FSW. Mutations associated with resistance to NNRTI were the most frequently detected (73.1%, 19/26). The high level of resistance was presented in NNRTI and NRTI classes. There are 10 major resistance mutations detected with NRTI (M184VI-25.0%, K65KR-50.0%, Y115F-25%), NNRTI (K103N-21.1%, E138A-10.5%, V106M-5.3%, K101E-5.3%, G190A-5.3%) PI (L33F-40.0%, M46L-20.0%). Vietnam's HSS+ system identified an emerging strain of HIV-1 and mutations associated with resistance to multiple drug classes among MSM and FSW.

Unraveling the impact of infodemic stress on information and health behaviors: a double effect perspective

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the underlying mechanism whereby information-induced stress, resulting from the burdensome nature, questionable information reliability, misleading content and diffuse characteristics of infodemic pressure, impacts individuals’ online information-related behavior and health-related preventive behavior.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a cross-sectional survey organized with social media users during the post-pandemic period. Based on the 342 valid responses, structural equation modeling was employed to validate the research model.FindingsThe results substantiate our multidimensional view of infodemic stress, which encompasses dimensions including information overload, uncertainty, diffusivity and insecurity. We found that the infodemic stress contributes to pandemic fatigue, then engenders both negative information behavior and reduced engagement in preventive behavior. Furthermore, infodemic stress has also been found to have a direct positive effect on individuals’ engagement in preventive behavior.Originality/valueThis study introduces the concept of “infodemic stress” and presents a comprehensive framework to capture its various dimensions. This study offers novel insights into the psychological and behavioral repercussions of the infodemic stress transmitted through social media.

Individual Characteristics Associated with Fears and Prevention Behaviors Related to Respiratory Infectious Disease among South Korean Adults Using Complex Sample Design.

This study aimed to identify the relationships among individual characteristics, COVID-19-related fears, and infection-prevention behaviors using data from 228,932 adults (weighted to 43,583,798.71) aged 19 and older who participated in the 2021 Community Health Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The complex sample design analysis using SPSS 20.0 revealed the following. Women had statistically significantly higher COVID-19-related fears and a higher level of preventive behaviors compared to men. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of physical activity among men was higher than that of women. Compared to the period before COVID-19, the frequency of smoking and drinking decreased for both men and women, with the reduction being more pronounced in men than in women. The high-exercise group had a lower level of COVID-19-related fears. Self-perceived health status was inversely and significantly related to COVID-19-related fears. The low-exercise group had a lower score for self-perceived health status than the high-exercise group. This study demonstrated that maintaining sufficient physical activity positively influences self-perceived health and reduces anxieties related to COVID-19 infection and fatalities. The results highlight the importance of physical activity and the need to identify strategies that effectively maintain regular exercise while adhering to infection-prevention measures during pandemics.

Quality of life and health behaviors of patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, both in Poland and worldwide, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Health behaviors, whether positive or negative, play a crucial role in influencing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to analyze the correlation between health behaviors and the quality of life among patients with cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among 120 patients (116 eligible) at the Independent Public Provincial Hospital in Poland. Standardized tools including the Health-Related Behavior Inventory (HBI) questionnaire developed by Zygfryd Juczyński, the WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire, and an original questionnaire with metric data were employed for diagnostic survey. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 10.0 program, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The respondents' average HBI score was 5.09, while the average overall quality of life score was 3.42, and the average overall health score in the study group was 3.07. Statistically significant correlations were observed between health practices and the assessment of general health, the general index of health behaviors and the level of quality of life in the physical domain, as well as positive mental attitude and quality of life in the psychological domain. Lower quality of life and poorer health status among patients with cardiovascular diseases were associated with increased preventive behaviors and intensified health practices. Conclusions: Despite having a good quality of life on average, individuals with cardiovascular diseases demonstrated moderate health behavior scores. The coexistence of lower quality of life and poorer health status with intensified preventive activities and health behaviors suggests a need for support in mental functioning, as well as adequate education and motivation regarding diet and eating habits. Moreover, it's essential to utilize appropriate techniques to motivate patients to adopt healthier behaviors.

Impulsivity mediates the relationship between sleep quality and interpersonal functioning: a cross-sectional study in a sample of university students

BackgroundAmid the current mental health pandemic, research continues to investigate potential contributors associated with increasing levels of negative mental health. Among such contributors is sleep, which is vital for physiological and psychological functioning with potential downstream behavioral consequences, including in relation to impulsivity and social functioning. Given the significant rates of disordered sleep behaviors reported in the literature, our study sought to investigate the relationship between sleep quality, impulsivity and interpersonal functioning among university students.MethodsAn anonymous online survey was administered to university students (Ages 18 + ; N = 526; 33% male, 67% female) addressing demographics, sleep quality, impulsivity, and interpersonal functioning.ResultsOur findings indicate a substantial proportion of students reporting poor sleep quality and impulsivity. Moreover, higher levels of impulsivity and lower interpersonal functioning were associated with poor sleep quality. Mediation analysis revealed a significant mediating role of attentional impulsivity in the relationship between sleep quality and interpersonal functioning.ConclusionsRepeated reports of significant levels of impulsivity underlying numerous psychiatric disorders, its prevalence socially, and the fundamental issue that impulsivity reflects (i.e., lack of self-control/self-discipline/self-regulation), suggests a necessity to reorient therapeutic efforts towards the root of the problem. Thus, efforts should seek to maximize preventative behaviors that strengthen the individual (e.g., improving sleep-related behaviors), and contribute to the building of character/virtue, through self-discipline, perseverance and consistency, in order to reduce negative outcomes (e.g., impulsivity, dysfunctional interpersonal functioning).

Religious-Based Peer Education in Preeclampsia Prevention: Social Cognitive Theory and Information, Motivation, Behavioral Skill Model Approach to Improve Preeclampsia Preventive Behavior in Indonesia

Background:Preeclampsia is the second leading cause of maternal death, largely due to the failure to identify the condition early. Prevention behaviors for preeclampsia in pregnant women can be developed through the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model. Utilizing religious organizations with unique values and cultures to foster high levels of compliance, a Religious-Based Peer Education approach can optimize these preventive efforts. Objective:This research aims to analyze the influence of knowledge, skills, motivation, observational learning, husband's support, and self-efficacy on the formation of preeclampsia prevention behaviors. Methods:A non-equivalent pre- and post-test design was conducted in Bojonegoro district from August 2022 to February 2023. The sample consisted of 179 pregnant women in the intervention group and 168 in the control group. The intervention involved Religious-Based Peer Education, with peers being members of the Muslimat NU religious organization, while the control group received routine assistance from existing health cadres. Data were analyzed using path analysis. Results:The mean scores for knowledge, skills, and behavior in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (13.81 vs. 12.34; 2.37 vs. 1.95; 30.33 vs. 28.19; p &lt; 0.001). The strongest factors influencing the formation of preeclampsia prevention behavior were screening skills (b = 0.74, p = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.03–0.23) and self-efficacy (b = 0.36, p = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.23–0.48). Conclusion:The SCT and IMB models, when applied through Religious-Based Peer Education, have proven effective in improving preeclampsia prevention behaviors. Ongoing training for peers and consistent support for pregnant women are essential to identify high-risk pregnancies and prevent maternal complications. Keywords: social cognitive theory; information-motivation-behavioral skills model; preeclampsia; religious-based peer education; behavior

Social networks and COVID-19 vaccination intention in Dutch middle-aged and older adults in 2020: Insights into individual, interpersonal, community, and societal determinants – The SaNAE study

BackgroundSocial networks, our social relationships, influence the spread of infectious diseases and preventive behaviors such as vaccination. Here, we aimed to assess which individual, interpersonal (social network characteristics), community and societal factors are associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination intention during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, prior to vaccine availability. MethodsThis cross-sectional study collected primary data from 5,001 community-dwelling adults aged 40 years and older in the Netherlands, using an online questionnaire from August and November 2020. COVID-19 vaccination intention was measured by assessing whether respondents were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination if the vaccines became available. Associations between individual (sociodemographic variables, health, health concerns), interpersonal (social network characteristics including structure, function, and quality), community (social and labor participation) and societal factors (degree of urbanization), and the outcome variables COVID-19 vaccination intention (yes vs no, yes vs unsure, unsure vs no) were assessed in stepwise multivariable logistic regression analyses. p-values < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. ResultsAmong participants (N = 3,396), 59 % reported a positive intention to vaccinate, 35 % were unsure, and 6 % had no intention. Men, individuals of older age, those with a college or university degree, those concerned about their personal and family health, and knowledge about protecting oneself from the virus were more likely to have the intention to vaccinate (versus no intention). Interpersonal factors associated included having a larger network size (social network structure) and a larger proportion of informational supporters (social network function). Living outside of urban areas, a societal factor, was associated with vaccination intention (versus no intention). ConclusionThis study identified key factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intention. Health promotion efforts should address not only individual factors but also incorporate the social environment. Our findings highlight the importance of organizing social networks to mobilize social support for pandemic preparedness.

The Digital Health Revolution: Exploring the Impact of Online Cancer Information on Self-Reported Preventive Behaviors.

Cancer, one of the leading causes of death worldwide, is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth within the body. While there have been many improvements in the treatment of cancer clinically, there is now an urgent need to improve cancer-related communication. This study explores the impact of online health information, specifically cancer-related information and prevention, among members of the general public. Through a randomized survey, we examined what information leads people to take action to minimize their cancer risk and communicate with their providers. Through evaluation of the various modes of communication, we were able to provide insight into which are more effective and better received by members of the general public. Through this, ways of bettering these avenues of communication and strengthening the bond between them will be highlighted and more easily elaborated on by future studies. The results of our study indicated that 60% of participants asserted that they are motivated by online preventive information to take steps to limit their cancer risk, while only roughly 44% of participants overall agreed that their doctor has communicated with them about when proper cancer screenings should be scheduled for the future. Although patients may be turning to the Internet now more than ever due to various reasons, when comparing self-reported rates of comprehension among the study participants, 35% agreed that the cancer-related information they can access online is confusing, while fewer than 22% of participants agreed that the cancer-related information they receive directly from their doctor is confusing. This is indicative of the limitations the Internet may have when undertaking the role of being a medical resource, especially when acting as a replacement for in-person medical appointments where patients can communicate directly with their physicians. Ultimately, these results provide a unique perspective into how people receive, evaluate, and implement cancer-preventive steps and general health-related information in a post-COVID-19 world, where the Internet is now strongly embedded in healthcare.

Smart Book Media Education on Preventing Dental Caries

Dental caries problems are experienced by most elementary school children in Indonesia. Lack of children's knowledge about preventing dental caries affects their behavior in maintaining dental and oral health. Efforts to prevent dental caries can be done by providing dental and oral health education to children through learning media aids, namely smart books. The purpose of the study was to see the effect of smart book media education on preventing dental caries in elementary school students. The type of research used was pre-experiment with a One Group Pre-Test Post-Test Design. The sample was taken by random sampling, the sample size was based on the Isaac and Michael formula with an error rate of 5% and 37 elementary school students in grade 5 were obtained. The variables in the study were smart books and dental caries prevention. Smart book media has been tested and declared feasible by media experts and material experts. Hypothesis testing using Wilcoxon Sign Rank. The results of the study showed an increase in caries prevention behavior in all students (100%) from the aspects of Knowledge, Attitude and Action after being given education through smart books. Wilcoxon Sign Rank analysis showed that there was a significant influence of the results of smart book education on dental caries prevention behavior in the aspects of Knowledge, Attitude, and Action 0.001 (p &lt; 0.05). The use of smart books as an educational medium has been proven to be able to increase dental caries prevention behavior effectively in elementary school children. Elementary school students become more aware of the efforts that must be made to prevent caries

Determinants of transmission prevention behavior among Tuberculosis patients in Surabaya, Indonesia

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, causing significant health challenges globally. Meanwhile, Indonesia ranks second worldwide in terms of TB prevalence, with East Java being among the most affected provinces. Surabaya, in particular, a major city reported approximately 4.628 cases in 2021, underscoring the urgent need to prevent transmission through behavior of patients. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze determinants of transmission behavior among TB patients in Surabaya, Indonesia. MethodsThe methodology used in this study was a cross-sectional design and the participants were 144 TB patients at three community health centers in Surabaya, selected using simple random sampling. Variables including knowledge level, supportive behavior, and medication adherence were analyzed and data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire. Additionally, data analysis was performed with statistical methods to determine the significance of variables. ResultsThe results showed that knowledge (P-value = <0.001), supportive behavior (P-value = 0.001), and medication adherence (P-value = 0.004) had a significant effect on transmission prevention behavior among TB patients. ConclusionBased on our results, it was concluded that higher knowledge level, supportive behavior, and medication adherence had a significant correlation with increased social support provided by patients in preventing and controlling TB transmission. Therefore, there is a need to implement targeted programs to enhance prevention behavior.

Abstract B056: Empowering underserved communities: The impact of the Sun Bus and Texas Tech on skin cancer awareness and prevention in “Sun City”

Abstract Purpose: Ultraviolet radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer.1,2 Other risk factors include fair skin, moles, family history, and history of sunburns.1,3 Photoprotective practices and regular skin examinations can help prevent skin cancer associated with ultraviolet radiation,5-8 underlining the importance of prevention and early detection. However, dermatological health disparities, such as limited access to dermatologists and inadequate awareness of sun protection practices, present significant challenges to effective prevention and early detection efforts. Recognizing and addressing these barriers is crucial, particularly amongst minoritized groups, who carry a higher burden of skin cancer morbidity and mortality.9 The Sun Bus, affiliated with the Colorado Melanoma Foundation, travels across the United States providing free skin cancer screenings and prevention education to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.1 In collaboration with the Sun Bus, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine and Myth Busters at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso organized a bilingual skin cancer education and screening community event in El Paso, Texas. The main objectives were to debunk skin cancer myths prevalent in underserved communities and to strengthen prevention initiatives. Methods: Participants were administered optional surveys assessing their skin cancer knowledge and prevention behaviors before and after attending the session. Demographic data was collected, and pre-event and post-event knowledge were quantified using unpaired T-tests. Results: The event was attended by over 100 people. Over 80% of the event attendees were Hispanic. Among them, approximately one-third had only graduated high school, another third had completed college, and one-quarter held advanced degrees. The ages of participants ranged from 18 to over 75. Notably, 22% of respondents were uninsured. All survey respondents reported learning something new from the event. The performance from the pre-test to the post-test improved significantly by 7.04% (p=0.017). Additionally, attendees reported better knowledge about where to apply sunscreen and the importance of wearing sun-protective clothing. Conclusion: The Sun Bus Community Initiative proved to be an effective method for participants to learn about sun protection, skin cancer prevention and screening. This initiative could serve as a model to implement in other underserved communities to improve skin cancer awareness and prevention. Citation Format: Daniel Lovasz, Brian Kan, Hannah Riva, Shravya Kichena, Fabiola Ramirez, Whitney Shaffer, Julia Guido, Mariana Arajuo-Rincon, Jessica Chacon. Empowering underserved communities: The impact of the Sun Bus and Texas Tech on skin cancer awareness and prevention in “Sun City” [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B056.