Common Source Of Knowledge Research Articles

Effectiveness of Literacy Programs Balancing Reading and Writing Instruction: A Meta‐Analysis

AbstractReading and writing are critical to students’ success in and outside of school. Because they draw on common sources of knowledge and cognitive processes, involve meaning making, and can be used conjointly to accomplish important learning goals, it is often recommended that reading and writing should be taught together. This meta‐analysis tested this proposition by examining experimental intervention studies with preschool through high school students to determine whether literacy programs balancing reading and writing instruction strengthen students’ reading and writing performance. To be included in this review, no more than 60% of instruction could be devoted to either reading or writing. As predicted, these programs improved students’ reading, resulting in statistically significant effects when reading measures were averaged in each study (effect size [ES] = .39) or assessed through measures of reading comprehension (ES= .39), decoding (ES= .53), or reading vocabulary (ES= .35). The programs also statistically enhanced writing when measures were averaged in each study (ES= .37) or assessed via writing quality (ES= .47), writing mechanics (ES= .18), or writing output (ES= .69). These findings demonstrated that literacy programs balancing reading and writing instruction can strengthen reading and writing and that the two skills can be learned together profitably.

Perspectives about Pandemic Influenza and Its Prophylactic Measures among Final Year Pharmacy Students in Karachi, Pakistan.

Aims:In flu pandemics, pharmacy students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices are critical to save patients life. The objective of study was to determine the knowledge of and attitude toward the pandemic influenza among the pharmacy students of Karachi, Pakistan.Settings and Designs:The cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2014 by adopting a prevalidated questionnaire distributed to senior pharmacy students (final year) in seven private and public sector universities of Karachi.Materials and Methods:A total of 443 pharmacy students responded the survey. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics of the students, perceptions, level of knowledge and attitudes toward influenza, and prophylactic measures were collected.Statistical Analysis:To compute the correlation between different variables, data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square statistic method. P < 0.05 was considered statistical significance for all analysis.Results:Influenza was identified as a viral disease (n = 423; 95.48%) and 282 (71.2%) students correctly identified it as disease affecting humans and pigs. Textbooks reported as most common source of knowledge (n = 282; 64%). Most common symptoms identified were fever (81.94%), sore throat (64.1%), and nonproductive cough (43.34%). The most common preventive measures were covering nose and mouth (268; 60.5%) and wearing protective coverings (254; 57.3%). Only half of the students correctly reported about the route of administration (180; 40.6%) and strains in vaccine (186; 41.98%). The best time for administration of such vaccine was known by only 156 pharmacy students (35.34%). The majority of the students (82.6%) had no idea about the manifestation of influenza pandemic. Knowledge regarding influenza differed according to gender and institutions differing in their affiliation with tertiary care hospitals.Conclusion:It was observed that knowledge about disease progression, transmission, vaccination, and treatment in pharmacy students, especially those who are not getting clinical training in tertiary care hospitals was limited. There is an urgent need to develop awareness programs to increase knowledge of influenza among clinical pharmacists as they are more susceptible to infections and community as a whole.

Women's Knowledge Regarding the Effects of Cigarette Smoking and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection on the Development of Cervical Cancer in Poland

Introduction: Cervical cancer is one of the major causes of death in women worldwide. Women’s knowledge regarding the effects of cigarette smoking and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection on the development of cervical cancer as well as the appropriate preventive measures should play a significant part in health education of women. Aim: The aim of the study conducted in a sample of women from different socio-economic groups was to assess women’s knowledge regarding the effects of cigarette smoking and HPV infection on the development of cervical cancer. Material and methods: In the years 2010-2012, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted in 870 adult and adolescent females aged 14 to 70 years (mean age 37.1) living in Poland in rural areas and towns of different sizes. Results: In groups with different demographic characteristics, 8% to 89% (mean: 61%) of the respondents were aware of the role of HPV infection in cervical cancer development. Significantly fewer of the respondents, i.e. 0 to 73% (mean: 14%) knew about the link between nicotine and cervical cancer development. Cigarette smoking was not perceived as a contributing factor by elderly women and pregnant women living in rural areas. All respondents, irrespective of their place of residence, age and education had been rarely educated by health care professionals (mean: 32%). The most common source of knowledge was the Internet accessed by 20% to 98% of the respondents (mean: 81%). Conclusion: Knowledge regarding the effects of cigarette smoking and HPV infection significantly differed and depended on the age, education and residence (rural vs. urban areas). The Internet as the source of information was especially important in the youngest age group (schoolgirls) who were the only of the study populations not educated by health care professionals.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PREFERENCES AMONG SPANISH COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS REGARDING INHALED THERAPY (THE OPTIM PHARMACY STUDY)

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;To assess knowledge, attitudes, and preferences regarding inhaled therapy among Spanish community pharmacists.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;An 11-item questionnaire was developed and distributed to community pharmacists throughout the country. Data collected included demographics, the source of knowledge of inhaler use, known and preferred devices, steps for correct use of metered-dose (pMDI) and dry-powder (DPI) inhalers, important variables when prescribing an inhaler device, patient education, and checking inhaler technique.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Of a total of 3000 questionnaires delivered, 1722 (57.4%) were returned. The most common source of knowledge was the package insert (46.9%) followed by personal experience (33.3%). Diskus&lt;sup&gt;TM&lt;/sup&gt; and Turbuhaler&lt;sup&gt;TM&lt;/sup&gt; were the best-known devices (96.4% and 93.4%), and DPIs the preferred inhalers. Although more than half of the surveyed pharmacists were aware of the most important step for correct inhalation with pMDI and DPI, only 18% identified the correct answer ‘Patient’s preference’ as the most important variable when prescribing an inhaler device. Most of the respondents had inadequate knowledge of inhaled therapies. Statistically, significant differences were found according to geographical areas. Moreover, the mean score on inhaled therapy with one knowledge source was higher than for those with none (P&amp;lt;0.05). Additionally, patient education was poor.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;In spite of the increasing involvement of Spanish community pharmacists in patients’ care, their knowledge of inhaler use and attitudes towards inhaled therapy needs to improve, so that they can provide better patient education.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of medical ethics among medical intern students in a Medical College in Kathmandu

This baseline study was conducted to find out the knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical ethics among the undergraduate medical interns who did not have structured ethics curriculum in their course. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered structured questionnaire among the medical undergraduate interns of Maharajgunj Medical Campus, the pioneer medical college of Nepal which enrols 60 students in a year. A total of 46 interns participated in the study. The most common source of knowledge on ethics was lectures/seminars (35.7%) followed by experience at work (24.5%), training (21.4%) and own reading (17.3%). The main contents of Hippocratic Oath were known to 98.8% while 60.9% knew the main contents of Nepal Medical Council (NMC) code of ethics. Great majority (91.3%) regard ethics as very important in medical profession. “Doctors know the best irrespective of patients’ opinion” was disagreed by only 39.1% indicating the paternalistic attitude. However, 78.3% were in favour of adhering to the patient’s wish. None of the participant agreed to abandon confidentiality. Only about one-fourth (26.1%) claim to encounter ethical dilemma every day while the highest number (43.5%) had once in a month. To deal with the situation of ethical dilemma, majority approached to immediate supervisor followed by head of the department and colleagues. Eighty-seven percent of participating interns were involved in research activities involving human subjects. Only one of the participants had encountered the ethical issue on end-of-life and it was do-not-resuscitate consent in a terminally ill patient. On implementation of the curriculum on medical ethics focus should be - principles of biomedical ethics, sensitive ethical dilemmas like end-of-life care and practical experiences with participation in deliberations of the ethics committee.

Prevalence and knowledge of tuberculosis among the residents of urban slums of Shillong, Meghalaya, India

Background: The present survey on tuberculosis (TB) was carried out to fill up the lagging information on TB in Meghalaya and also to serve as a base for further research on various aspects of Tb in this state. The aims and objectives were to study prevalence of TB and TB suspects in urban slums of Shillong and to assess the knowledge about tuberculosis among the participants of the study. Methods: The present community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted during January 2016 to March 2016 in urban slums of Shillong, India. Results: Out of 330 persons interviewed, 8 had TB during the past 5 years making the period prevalence to be 24/1000 population. Prevalence of TB suspects was 18/1000 population and that of pulmonary TB cases was found to be 15/1000 population. The female/ male case ratio was 3:1. The highest TB load (62.5%) was found in the most productive age group of 20-29 years and 83% of the cases in the women were in their reproductive age group. Treatment initiation rate was 87.5% and treatment success rate was 87.5%. Defaulter rate was 12.5% and reason for default was side-effects from medication. The study revealed that 75% of the participants had heard about TB, 65.99% knew about the mode of transmission of the disease, 76.11% knew about the symptoms, 85.44% claimed the disease was curable with proper treatment, 42.51% had heard about DOTS, 52.63% claimed that the disease is preventable and 32.39% knew about BCG vaccine. The most common source of knowledge about Tb was television (34.82%). Conclusions: A high prevalence of TB was observed in the present study.

Rationale for the Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy™ (FUSE) curriculum assessment: focus on safety

Almost all surgical procedures involve the use of devices that apply energy to tissue. Adverse events can occur if the devices are not used appropriately. The SAGES' Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy™ (FUSE) program will include a curriculum and certification examination to address this safety issue. The aim of this study was to determine the self-perceived knowledge of practicing surgeons related to energy-based devices and identify areas to emphasize in the assessment component of FUSE. Psychometric experts led the test development process. During a 2-day retreat, a multidisciplinary group defined 63 test objectives assessing the knowledge and skills required to use energy-based surgical instruments safely (job task analysis). A survey was sent to a sample of 103 SAGES leaders and others in the test target audience to determine the number of items to use for the certification examination. Participants rated each objective for frequency, relevance, and importance on a 1-7 scale with the means used to create a weighted scale. The survey also included five self-assessment questions. Fifty surveys were completed; only 28 % of respondents considered themselves "experts." The most common source of knowledge was "industry sales representative or course" (42 %). The highest weighted topic was "Prevention of Adverse Events with Electrosurgery." The highest-rated objectives (>6 out of 7) were "Identify various mechanisms whereby electrosurgical injuries may occur," "Identify patient protection measures for setup and settings for the electrosurgical unit," and "Identify circumstances, mechanisms, and prevention of dispersive electrodes-related injury." Although basic and advanced energy-based devices are commonly used, training has been largely dependent upon industry representatives or industry-sponsored courses. Few surgeons consider themselves experts in the mechanisms of action and the appropriate and safe use of energy-based surgical devices. Competencies that emphasize electrosurgical safety were viewed as most important for the FUSE certification examination.

Awareness of the Pandemic H1N1 Influenza global outbreak 2009 among medical students in Karachi, Pakistan

This study aimed to assess student awareness of the pandemic pdmH1N1, including the students' attitudes and perceptions about treatment, severity of disease and preventive measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and results were analyzed using SPSS version 16. A total of 396 medical students participated in this study with a mean age of 21 (± 1.4). About 365 (92.2%) were unaware of pdmH1N1. It was identified as a viral disease by 339 (85.6%) students, and 282 (71.2%) students correctly identified it as a disease affecting humans and pigs. The most common source of knowledge was television by 259 (65.4%) respondents. Most common symptoms identified were fever by 287 (72.5%), sore throat by 169 (42.7%) and cough by 127 (32.1%). Regarding vaccine, 290 (73.2%) respondents replied that it is not available and 204 (51.5%) said there is no treatment available for pdmH1N1. In severity scale 162 (40.9%) students rated it as fatal disease. According to 205 (51.8%) respondents, avoiding close contact with sick people is an effective preventive measure followed by washing hands with soap 150 (37.1%). The awareness regarding pdmH1N1 was not adequate among students regarding disease transmission, preventive measures, vaccinations, and available treatment. As the pdmH1N1 has become a worldwide public health problem and Pakistan is at risk of outbreak, increased awareness would be a solution to avoid its spread and complications.

Prevalence, awareness and determinants of contraceptive use in Qatari women

We determined the knowledge of, attitude to and practice of contraception and the associated sociodemographic factors among a representative sample 1130 Qatari married women aged 18-49 years. Data were collected by questionnaire. The mean age of the women was 32.5 (SD 7.6) years. The vast majority (94.6%) knew about contraception but of these 1070, only 694 (64.9%) were in favour of contraception. Knowledge of contraception increased with increasing level of education (P < 0.001), but decreased the lower the household income (P = 0.002). Only 511 (47.8%) women were currently using contraceptives, which was significantly associated with age, husband's age, years of marriage, education level, income level and attitude to family planning. The most commonly known and used contraceptives were intrauterine device and pills. Friends were the most common source of knowledge about family planning method (80.0%).

Young park users’ attitudes and behaviour to sun protection

The increase in skin cancer prevalence globally has prompted a range of health promotion sun safety initiatives. An area where evidence has been lacking is on the long-term impact of some of these initiatives on the attitudes and sun protection behaviour of young adults and of the sun protection measures used by people using city parks. This article disseminates a study that examined the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of 18- to 28-year-old Caucasian park users. An interview questionnaire was used with behaviour validation incorporated to corroborate the results and reduce recall bias. A cross comparison of answers and placement into pre-coded responses were made at regular intervals to ensure consistency of data collection. Knowledge of risks associated with sun exposure and knowledge of sun protection methods was high. The most common sources of knowledge on skin cancer prevention were parents and family, followed by television, then magazines and newspapers. Surprisingly, the citing of school sun safety health promotion initiatives as a source of knowledge was low. The vast majority of females and males felt that a suntan had aesthetic qualities and made them look more attractive and healthy. Only a small number of the participants' sun protection behaviour in the park corresponded with their reported normal sun protection behaviour. Males in this study use sunscreen less than females. Females also used sunscreen with a higher sun protection factor. Seeking a tan is intentional behaviour undertaken by the majority of the participants, although females were more likely to seek a tan in comparison to males. The majority of participants had experienced sunburn in the summer period with some reporting severe sunburn. Recommendations are made for a gender specific health promotion approach, which targets familial education with a supportive environment in the school or public domain.

Evaluation of Current Knowledge, Awareness and Practice of Spirometry among Hospital -based Nigerian Doctors

BackgroundSpirometry is a cost-effective diagnostic tool for evaluation of lung function and for case-finding in a resource-limited setting. The acceptance of this test depends on the awareness of its indications and the ability to interpret the results. No studies have assessed the knowledge of spirometry among Nigerian doctors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current knowledge, awareness and practice of spirometry among hospital-based Nigerian doctors.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional survey among 321 doctors working in Nigerian hospitals between March 2008 and June 2008. Information on knowledge, awareness, practice of and barriers to spirometry were obtained using a pre-tested, self-administered structured questionnaire and the data were then analysed.ResultsOf the 321 doctors that participated, 108 (33.6%) reported that they have good knowledge of spirometry. One hundred and ninety-five (60.7%) were aware of the importance of spirometry in aiding the diagnosis of respiratory diseases; 213(66.4%) were aware of the importance of spirometry in determining the severity of diseases. Medical school was the most common source of knowledge on spirometry (64.5%). Eighty-one (25.2%) doctors reported having a spirometer in their hospitals. Doctors having access to a spirometer used it more frequently for aiding the diagnosis of COPD (40.7% vs.27.5%) and for monitoring of asthma (18.5% vs.11.3%) than those without access to a spirometer. The doctors working in University Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres (FMC) (22.4% vs. 4.5%) and those having access to a spirometer (40.7 vs.11.3%) were very confident of interpreting spirometry results compared to those working in District and General Hospitals and without access to a spirometer. Irrespective of access to a spirometer or the type of hospital they were employed in, doctors reported that unavailability of a spirometer was the greatest barrier to its use (62.5%) followed by lack of awareness about its usefulness (17.2%).ConclusionThe knowledge and practice of spirometry were poor among hospital-based Nigerian doctors because of unavailability of spirometers in most hospitals. These findings have implications for further evaluation, planning and management of patient care in respiratory disease. Spirometers should be made available in all hospitals, and the knowledge of spirometry should be improved among doctors.

“Coaching Girls”: A Content Analysis of Best-Selling Popular Press Coaching Books

Given the lack of nationalized and required coach education programs for those involved with youth sports, self-help coaching books are a common source of knowledge. With the exception of critiques of young adult sports fiction (Kane, 1998; Kreigh &amp; Kane, 1997), sport media research has lacked investigation of mediums that impact non-elite youth athletes and adolescent girls, and youth coaches and parents of young female athletes. The purpose of this study is to examine ‘coaching girls’ books–specifically how differences between female and male athletes are constructed. A content analysis was performed on selective chapters within a criterion sampling of six best-selling, self-help ‘coaching girls’ books. Results indicate coaching girls books are written from a perspective of inflated gender difference, and represent a simplified, stereo-typed account of coaching girls. Four first-order themes emerged from analysis: Problematizing Coaching Girls, Girls Constructed As “Other,” Ambivalence, and Sustaining the Gender Binary. Implications of these themes are discussed.

Misconception of emergency contraception among tertiary school students in Akwa Ibom State, South-south, Nigeria.

To assess the degree of awareness and use of emergency contraception among tertiary school students inAkwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A self-administered questionnaire survey. The Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, located on the outskirts of Ikot Ekpene local government area between 1stApril 2002 and 31st April 2002. 1,000 randomly selected female students ofthe Akwa Ibom State polytechnic, Ikot Osurua The students were aged between 16 and 43 years. Five hundred and eighty-nine (68.5%) of the respondents had heard of products that could be used as emergency contraceptives. However, only 49 (5.7%) of the respondents had practised some form of emergency contraception, which was most commonly practised by those between 16 and 25 years (71.4%). Menstrogen (30.6%), gynaecosid (24.5%), and quinine (14.3%) were the most common medications used for emergency contraception. Patent medicine dealers (40.9%) and friends/course mates (29.7%) were the most common sources of knowledge about emergency contraception. This study shows that awareness and use of emergency contraception by our youths is low. Community enlightenment about emergency contraception using specifically designed programmes, the formation of reproductive health clubs in our tertiary institutions and training of peer group educators in all our communities are advocated. Patent medicine dealers in our communities should have basic training in modern contraceptive methods and periodic evaluation should be carried out to assess their knowledge and practice of emergency contraception.

Study in sexuality of medical college students in India

Purpose: In India, talking about sex is taboo. Little is known about the knowledge, attitude, and sexual behavior of adolescents. This study was carried out with the purpose of examining: (a) the knowledge of medical students about sex, (b) the sources of learning about sex, and (c) the sexual behavior and practices of young adults. Methods: This study was carried out among the undergraduate students of a medical college in Delhi. A pretested, semiclosed-type questionnaire was voluntarily filled out by the students. Confidentiality and secrecy was assured. Results: Of 500 students, 73% participated in the study. Knowledge regarding sexual intercourse, masturbation, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases was satisfactory among 70%, 74.8%, 83.5%, and 92.6% of the respondents, respectively. Common source of knowledge about sex were friends (74.5%), pornographic films (56.2%), and books and magazines (55.1%). Only one fifth could communicate with teachers, parents, and persons of the other gender about sex. About 417 of the students viewed homosexuality as normal behavior. Sexual intercourse had been experienced by 11.8% of respondents. The mean age of first sexual intercourse was 17.5 years. Eighty-five percent strongly favored introduction of sex education at school level. Conclusion: Evidence is provided for the need to improve knowledge about different aspects of sex among a sample of Indian medical students.

The use of traditional herbal medication during pregnancy.

A survey of 577 pregnant women attending their first antenatal visit at King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban, South Africa, in 1995 revealed widespread use of herbal medications. 60% of these women had a secondary or tertiary education. 498 women (86.3%) knew about Isihlambezo (herbs taken during pregnancy for cleansing) and 252 women (43.7%) were currently taking medicinal herbs. The two most common sources of knowledge about these medicines were parents/relatives (69.8%) and traditional birth attendants/herbalists (22.6%). 28.5% of non-users indicated they had been advised by doctors not to take the herbs. In most cases, herbal medicine use--generally a daily oral dose--was initiated in the second trimester of pregnancy. Most commonly, such remedies were ingested to improve fetal conditions (45.2%) or make labor easier (16.7%). Conditions such as childhood malnutrition, congenital malformations, tumors, and acute renal failure have been linked to toxic or carcinogenic constituents present in herbal medicines taken during pregnancy. Further research is needed to determine the side effects of Isihlambezo on the pregnant woman, the fetus, the labor process, and the outcome of pregnancy. Moreover, there is a need to identify the active chemical substance in herbal medications, establish their pharmacokinetics, determine whether their use can be clinically identified without reliance on patient self-report, and to develop antidotes. The antagonistic stance of medical practitioners toward herbalism tends to exacerbate the distance between traditional and modern medicine in Africa.

Sexual Behavior, Reproductive Knowledge and Contraceptive Use Among Young Urban Nigerians

A researcher analyzed 1988 data on 5599 12-24 year olds living in 5 cities in Nigeria to determine sexual behavior knowledge and contraceptive use. 37% of males and 44% of females were sexually active. Among 20-24 year olds 86.1% of females and 77.7% of males were sexually active. Further more females were currently married than males (20.2% vs. 3%). Sexual activity was sporadic. Males were more apt to have >1 sexual partner than females (58% vs. 32%). 26% of males had 3 partners compared to only 9% of females. Sexually experienced youth tended to be Christian Igbo or Yoruba (p<.01) live in a city before age 14 (p<.01) and at least completed high school (p<.01). A friend or classmate provided most youth with information on reproductive health and contraception (46% males 39% females). Yet it tended to be incorrect or incomplete. Parents and relatives were the least common sources of knowledge. Only 43% of females and 38% of males knew a woman could conceive during 1st intercourse. In fact 15% of females and 16% of males said that pregnancy could not occur during 1st intercourse. Among sexually active females however 63% did indeed know that pregnancy could occur during 1st intercourse. Further only 33% of females and 17% of males knew that intercourse during part of the menstrual cycle would not result in pregnancy. 60% of females and 57% of males knew of at least 1 contraception. Both tended to mention the pill injectables and the condom. Only 19% of females and 20% of males used contraception. Among sexually active youth however these corresponding figures were 44% and 53%. Igbo youth from a rural village were the least likely to use contraception while the most likely group was Hausa youth with primary or secondary school. In conclusion policy makers and parents must be informed about early initiation of sexual intercourse among youth. Further concise information in an easily understood format must be distributed to parents and other relatives as well as to schools.

A Mistake about Error

In a recent stock-taking essay on the current state of the sociology of religion, Richard Fenn writes: The functionalist synthesis in the sociology of religion has disappeared ... Functionalism provided a privileged methodological stance from which the sociologist could interpret and transcend the accounts of groups and individuals. As a trained interpreter. the sociologist could provide a coherent text of a community’s beliefs, but as one skilled in delving below surface appearances the sociologist could also identify ‘latent’ functions and, in the process, call into question a community’s account of its own life. These methodological approaches are still adopted, but the sociologist does not enjoy a privileged position from which to put them together. The result is parallel and competing perspectives without a single viewpoint (Fenn 1982:101).Later, Fenn goes on to assert that To abandon functionalism is therefore to abandon a privileged methodological stance and a synthetic theoretical viewpoint. Some might therefore argue that sociologists of religion have exchanged their functionalist birthright for a mess of ethnomethodological and philosophical pottage. It is unlikely that sociologists of religion will abandon the search for a privileged standpoint from which to improve on the accounts that others, lay or professional, give bf their religious activities. The claim that a sociologist’s account of a given religious group or practice is an improved and not merely adequate translation of that group’s own experience and understanding rests on the sociologist’s more direct and complete access to common sources of knowledge (1982:123—4).Most of what I want to say accords with Fenn’s account of what has happened, but presents a case against the conclusions he draws.