Cross-sectional Questionnaire-based Study Research Articles

Stress levels amongst Turkish dental students, general dentists and paediatric dentists during performing paediatric dentistry: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to evaluate stress levels and stressors amongst dental students, general dentists and paediatric dentists treating paediatric patients. This study was conducted on 664 dentistry students, general dentists and paediatric dentists in Turkey. Data were collected through an online questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics and the Pedodontic Practice Stress Scale (PPSS). Stressors when treating paediatric patients were compared between the groups. The scores obtained from the questionnaire were analysed. Compliance with normal distribution was analysed according to Kurtosis-Skewness values. One-way analysis was used to compare the scale scores (p < 0.050). Of the participants, 74.54% were female and 25.46% were male. The females showed a significantly higher level of stress, compared to the males (p = 0.001).When compared according to the level of education, the mean total stress scores did not differ (p = 0.211), but the mean complication score was found to be statistically significantly higher in paediatric dentists (p = 0.001). In addition, the lowest mean stress score was found in dental students. Statistically significant differences were found in all sections of the PPSS scale in terms of the ability to manage a paediatric patient as an adult patient and the importance of knowing child psychology theories. Factors, such as the educational status, the number of patients treated, the behaviour of the patient's relatives and the potential to communicate with them, cause variable stress in dental students and general and specialist dentists working with children.

A study of knowledge, attitude and behavior of patients towards their illness and their relation to sociodemographic factors

Background: This study was conducted to assess basic knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients to their illness and find its correlation with various socio-demographic factors. Method: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based analytical study. All patients over 18 years of age who attended the OPD or were admitted to the medical ward and who agreed to participate in the study were included. A questionnaire regarding the demographic characteristics of the study participants as well as the patient’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding their disease was administered regularly by experienced physicians dealing with OPD and IPD both type of patients. Results: Out of total 100, only 38% patients came for regular follow up and only 57% brought old records. 36% were not taking medications regularly for various reasons (trying alternative medicine (22.2%), advice from others (11.1%), found medicines ineffective and stopped without reconsulting (8.3%), fear of adverse effects (8.3%), couldn’t afford (8.3%), worsening of symptoms (5.6%) etc. 19.4% had no reasons. 67% patients got medicines prescribed from a qualified clinician while other sources were pharmacist (9%), relatives/friends (5%) and self-medication (6%). Significantly more females, educated and employed were aware about their medical condition and medications. Significantly more educated and employed brought old records and came for regular follow up (p-0.0187), Significantly more educated seeked qualified doctor’s advice as compared to uneducated. (p=0.0002). Conclusion: There is a need to educate patients about the importance of medication awareness, adherence, regular follow up, disadvantages of unscientific and unreliable information to improve compliance to treatment.

Pharmaceutical Activities, Services, Medicines, and Products at Community Pharmacies in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia: Findings and Implications for the Future.

Introduction Community pharmacies are highly accessible and provide access to several services to patients and community members. Recently, several developments have been made in Saudi Arabia to enhance the roles and contributions of community pharmacists to the healthcare system, including expanding their scope of practice. This study aims to evaluate the current pharmaceutical activities, medicines, products, and services offered by community pharmacies. Methods This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based descriptive study. The questionnaire consisted of three sections. The first section comprised the demographic characteristics of the participants. The second section explored the types of pharmaceuticals and products sold by community pharmacies, while the third section explored the current professional services and activities offered bypharmacies. This study was conducted among community pharmacists in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Results Overall, 109/115 community pharmacies participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 94.78%. Most participants (97.25%) were men, and 42.20% were 31-40 years old. All pharmacies (100%) dispensed prescriptions and provided over-the-counter medicines, self-care therapeutics, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements. However, only a few pharmacies had controlled and narcotic medicine services (5.50%) and supplied vaccines (3.67%). Almost all pharmacies provided access to herbal products (97.25%), self-diagnostic test/home-test kits (97.25%), first-aid kits (95.41%), and medical equipment and devices and their accessories (89.91%). All pharmacies (100%) sold health-related products, including oral, skin, and hair care products. All pharmacists (100%) provided medication counseling. However, e-prescription services (Wasfaty) were provided in only 55.96% of the pharmacies. Most pharmacists provided health education and promotion (95.41%), management of minor ailments (88.99%), and patient training on the use of medical devices (92.66%). Other pharmaceutical activities included travel health advice (52.29%) and smoking cessation (31.19%). However, patient care services, including vaccination services (0.92%), patient assessment and monitoring services (0.92%), and point-of-care (POC) testing (0.92%), were limited. Additional services included online shopping (66.97%), home delivery of medicines (54.13%), and instant/live chat communication with pharmacies (70.64%). Conclusion Community pharmacies play a crucial role in Saudi Arabia's healthcare system. These include providing access to medicines, medical equipment, and various products related to health and wellness. Community pharmacies provide public health services. However, their clinical services are limited. Consequently, a holistic strategy involving all stakeholders is required to further enhance the role of community pharmacists and better utilize their skills and training to provide preventive healthcare services and optimize medication therapy in primary care settings.

Quality of Life Determinants in Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study.

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting men globally, with a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). With the recent therapeutic advancements and improvements in survival, there is a need to understand the determinants of HRQOL in metastatic prostate cancer patients to optimize treatment strategies for quality of life as the number of survivors increases. The aim of this study was to identify clinical variables that affect HRQOL and its domains in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer at a tertiary cancer center in India. Baseline clinical features, treatment details, and completed Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P), composed of FACT-general (FACT-G) and prostate cancer-specific concerns subscale (PCS) and FACT-P Trial Outcome Index (FACT-P TOI) questionnaires, were collected. The mean total, as well as individual domain scores, were calculated. Additionally, these were stratified by the current treatment being received by patients. Linear regression was used to identify independent factors affecting HRQOL in these patients. Of the 106 enrolled patients, 84 completed the FACT-P questionnaire and were included in the analysis. The median age was 66 years, and at the time of assessment, 3 patients (3.6%) were receiving androgen deprivation therapy only, 53 patients (63.1%) were on ADT + androgen receptor-targeted agents (ARTAs), and 18 patients (21.4%) patients received ADT + chemotherapy. The mean (±standard deviation) of the FACT-P TOI score was 70.33 (±15.16); the PCS subscale was the most affected, followed by functional well-being. Patients on chemotherapy scored significantly higher on PCS, but the composite scores were not significantly different. Univariable regression identified obesity (body mass index > 25 kg/m2) and duration of first-line treatment as significant predictors of better HRQOL; however, obesity was the only independent predictor in multivariable analysis (β = 8.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 15.0; p = 0.022). Obesity also independently predicted a better FACT-P and its physical well-being domain score and PCS. Prostate cancer patients experience impaired QoL, especially in the prostate cancer-specific and functional well-being domains. Lower BMI is an independent predictor of poor QoL, and this requires efforts to assess the impact of strategies to manage the nutritional status of patients with metastatic disease on QoL outcomes.

Severity of inattention symptoms, experiences of being bullied, and school anxiety as mediators in the association between excessive short-form video viewing and school refusal behaviors in adolescents.

Recent years have seen an increase in school refusal behavior among adolescents, potentially due to factors like excessive short-form video viewing, bullying, and school anxiety. Limited research has investigated how these factors contribute to school refusal behavior. This study used random forest regression, path analysis, and network analysis to identify key variables and pathways leading to school refusal behavior. In this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, 2,056 (996 male, 1,060 female, mean age: 14.79 ± 1.24 years) middle and senior high school students were asked to complete the School Refusal Behavior Assessment questionnaire to assess school refusal behavior features, the Excessive Short-Form Video Viewing Scale as well as self-reported viewing times during leisure days to assess excessive short-form video viewing, the SNAP-IV Rating Scale to assess the severity of inattention symptoms, and the self-administered questionnaires to assess experiences of being bullied and school anxiety. The prevalence of school refusal behavior in the surveyed adolescents was found to be 31.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 29.8-33.9%]. In terms of significance, the severity of inattention symptoms exhibited the greatest predictive power, while excessive short-form video viewing accounted for the most variance. Path analysis revealed that excessive short-form video viewing not only directly affects school refusal behavior features but also does so indirectly through severity of inattention symptoms and school anxiety. Key bridge factors in this pathway include intense fear and anxiety associated with school attendance, manifesting as somatic symptoms and avoidance behaviors. The findings indicate that not only does excessive short-form video viewing directly influence school refusal behavior features in adolescents, but it also indirectly impacts these features through mechanisms involving severity of inattention symptoms and school anxiety. The bridge factors highlight potential targets for interventions among the SRB features and predictors.

Distressed personality is associated with late adverse effects in long-term survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma.

There are few studies of personality traits in long-term Hodgkin lymphoma survivors (HLSs) treated according to contemporary stage-and risk-adapted approaches. The Distressed Personality (DP) Scale covers negative affectivity and social inhibition. We examined differences in self-reported late adverse effects (LAEs) between HLSs with and without DP and other explanatory variables. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included a population-based cohort of HLSs treated from 1997 to 2006, aged 8-49 years at diagnosis, and alive in 2016. Among 518 eligible HLSs, 303 responded (58%), and 294 completed the DP scale. DP was defined by scores above cut-off on both the negative affectivity and social inhibition subscales. LAEs studied were major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep problems, obesity, neuropathy, fatigue, memory problems, and general health. DP and 10 other explanatory variables were tested against LAEs as dependent variables in multivariable regression analyses. The mean age at survey was 45.9 years (standard deviation [SD] 4.6), mean follow-up time 16.7 years (SD 3.0), and 48% were females. Eighty-two HLSs had DP (28%, 95% confidence interval 23% - 33%). All LAEs except obesity were significantly more common/had higher mean score in HLSs with DP. In multivariable analyses, presence of DP was significantly associated with all LAEs except obesity. The presence of DP is common among HLSs. The presence of DP was associated with most self-report LAEs examined. Including assessment of personality traits in the survivorship care plans of HLSs should be considered. Prospective studies assessing the influence of pretreatment DP on LAEs are warranted.

Factors influencing academic failure rate among first-year Indian medical students who experienced competency-based medical education curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The primary objective of the study was to assess the factors that influenced the increased failure rate among first-year Indian medical students who appeared for the Maharashtra University of Health Science (MUHS) summative university examination, having experienced the competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum for the first time amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. A retrospective cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study was undertaken between July 2021 and November 2021, in which first-year Indian medical students who were enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program in the year 2019 and appeared for the MUHS summative university examination in February 2021 were invited to participate. Analysis was done using JASP (v0.16.0.0), and the odds ratio for failure was calculated at a significance level of P < 0.05. Responses were obtained from 360 individuals, of whom 74.5% had passed and 25.5% had failed (n = 360). The odds of failure in first-year MBBS summative university examination was higher in students with irregular Internet access, irregular device access, an unsupportive peer environment in college, a National Entrance cum Eligibility Test score below 500, an unsupportive family environment during the lockdown, severe stress, severe depression, testing positive for COVID-19 before the exam, death in the family during the exam, and failing in terms and prelims and students of male gender ( P < 0.01). The total failure rate of 27% in the MUHS examination was mainly attributed to interplay between the student's mental health, lack of devices or Internet, and the changed assessment part of the CBME curriculum. Surprisingly, lecture frequencies, teaching patterns, and study resources did not influence the failure rate. These results can be used to formulate interventions that will help to improve academic performance and mental health students and thus help them adapt to the new curriculum.

Oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices among nurses: a hospital-based questionnaire survey from a tertiary healthcare setting in Faridabad, India

BackgroundNurses play an integral part in the comprehensive delivery of healthcare services and contribute significantly to the success of public health initiatives. The knowledge, attitude and practices of nurses in...

Reporting of self-reported hand eczema as an occupational disease in hospital cleaners: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

Hand eczema (HE) is a prevalent disease among professional cleaners. To investigate how often cleaners have their self-reported HE, induced or worsened by cleaners' occupational activities, reported as an occupational disease to the authorities in Denmark and to identify reasons for underreporting. In addition, consultation by physicians and treatment for HE among cleaners were also investigated. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included hospital cleaners at three different hospitals in Region Zealand, Denmark. We included 224 out of 234 cleaners from three hospitals (response rate: 96%). The lifetime prevalence of self-reported HE with onset in adulthood was 18.3% (n = 41), with cleaners believing every case to be caused or exacerbated by their occupation. Only 9.7% (n = 4/41) of the cases were reported as an occupational disease to the authorities. The most common reasons for non-reporting were a lack of perceived seriousness of the disease (40.5%) and unawareness of the risk of self-reported HE being of occupational origin (32.4%). Remarkably, only 75.7% (n = 28/37) of workers with unreported cases had consulted a physician at some point. Additionally, among cleaners who self-reported HE attributed or aggravated by their occupation, but not officially reported as such, only 56.8% (n = 21/37) had ever used hand moisturisers, while less than 45% had ever used topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors. Our findings reveal substantial underreporting of self-reported HE, perceived to be induced or worsened by the cleaner's occupational activities, as an occupational disease to the authorities.

Digital impression perception among dental students in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

The use of digital dentistry is rapidly increasing in prosthodontics. However, most dental students are not familiar with applying digital technologies in dental clinics. Thus, the aim of the current study was to assess the perception of dental students at different educational years towards digital impressions in comparison to conventional impressions. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on various educational years of dental students in the College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, between February and April 2023. The students had performed at least one intraoral scan (Trios 3shape) and another conventional polyether impression for phantom casts/patients. The questionnaire assessed students' perceptions of digital impressions using a 5-point scale ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare students' perceptions of digital impressions according to gender and educational year, respectively. The study included 122 students. About 55% were females with a mean (SD) age = 22.51 (3.36). Most students thought that digital impressions are faster and more user-friendly compared to conventional impressions. Significantly more female students thought that the handpiece was too big for intraoral use (p = 0.04) and that the process of the software was time-consuming and complicated. In general, higher educational year students were more satisfied with the digital impressions than lower educational year students. Digital impressions were perceived by most students as being faster and easier than conventional ones. However, male students and those with higher educational years showed better perception of digital impression.

Over-the-counter cosmeceuticals: Exploring usage patterns and attitudes among Indians

Objectives: The study’s objectives were to find the prevalence of over-the-counter (OTC) usage of skin, nail, and hair care products and to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of the Indian population presenting to a non-dermatology outpatient department (OPD) for various indications concerning this usage. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, conducted over a year, in which 668 consenting Indians aged 18–60 years, representing various socioeconomic backgrounds were surveyed through Google Forms regarding the OTC cosmeceutical usage in a non-dermatology OPD. Results: This KAP study was conducted on 668 participants, of whom the majority were middle-aged males (481 [72.01%]), with a diverse socioeconomic range, with the upper-middle class making up the largest segment (264 [39.52%]). Allopathy was the primary treatment choice for 347 (51.95%) of participants, with 566 (84.73%) preferring professional healthcare over self-medication. Social media was a significant source of skincare information, with Google Ads (279 [41.8%]) and Instagram (84 [12.6%]) being popular platforms. While doctors’ advice influenced 270 (40.4%) of participants in their skincare choices, word-of-mouth played a role, with 251 (37.57%) agreeing it was helpful. OTC usage was found to vary by socioeconomic class and treatment type. Oral OTC products were preferred for skin health, especially in the upper class, while fairness creams were more common among the lower class. Conclusion: Despite the growing reliance on social media for skincare information, traditional sources such as word-of-mouth and TV still hold sway, indicating a mix of modern and conventional influences. The frequency and type of OTC product usage varied across socioeconomic classes, with oral products like vitamin supplements leading in the upper class and fairness creams leading in the lower class, reflecting the societal pressure for a fair complexion in this subset.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE REGARDING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND ITS USAGE IN DENTAL ACADEMICS CURRICULUM AMONG DENTAL UNDERGRADUATES AND POSTGRADUATES

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being recognized for its potential to revolutionize dental education and practice. However, the extent of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding AI among dental undergraduates and postgraduates remains underexplored. Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to AI and its integration into the dental academic curriculum among dental undergraduates and postgraduates. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 545 participants, including final-year dental undergraduates and postgraduate dental students . The structured questionnaire covered demographics, knowledge of AI, attitudes towards its integration into dental education, and current practices involving AI. Results: The study found significant variations in knowledge levels, with postgraduates demonstrating a more comprehensive understanding of AI applications in dentistry compared to undergraduates. Attitudes towards AI were generally positive across both groups, with participants recognizing its potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and streamline administrative tasks. However, there were concerns about the reliability of AI systems and the potential for reduced human oversight. Practical application of AI was limited, particularly among undergraduates, highlighting a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical use. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for integrating comprehensive AI education into the dental curriculum, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical training. Continuous professional development and a balanced approach to AI use in dental practice are essential to prepare future dental professionals for an AI-driven healthcare landscape. Gender-wise, the survey reveals consistent support across male and female dental professionals for AI's potential in enhancing dental research, with minimal variation in beliefs. KEYWORDS: Artificial intelligence, dental education, knowledge, attitudes, practices, dental undergraduates, postgraduates.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG DIFFERENT DENTISTS REGARDING ORAL PIERCING DELETERIOUS EFFECT: A QUESTIONNAIRE BASED STUDY

Background: Oral piercings, including tongue, lip, and cheek piercings, are popular forms of body modification. These piercings, while culturally significant and a means of self-expression, pose various health risks that necessitate informed management by dental professionals. Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to oral piercings among dental undergraduates, postgraduates, and practicing dentists. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 300 participants, comprising dental undergraduates, postgraduates, and practicing dentists. The questionnaire covered demographics, knowledge of oral piercings, attitudes towards these modifications, and clinical practices in managing complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, with descriptive statistics and comparative tests (Chi-square and ANOVA) applied to evaluate KAP differences among the groups. Results: Significant variations in knowledge levels were observed, with practicing dentists displaying the highest understanding of oral piercings and their complications. Postgraduates demonstrated a more comprehensive knowledge compared to undergraduates, who showed a basic understanding. Attitudes towards oral piercings varied, with undergraduates and postgraduates viewing them more favorably compared to the cautious stance of practicing dentists. Clinical practices also differed, with experienced dentists more proactive in patient education and management strategies. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for enhanced education on oral piercings across all levels of dental training. Integrating comprehensive curricula and continuous professional development programs can bridge knowledge gaps and improve clinical practices. Gender-wise analysis highlights that both male and female dental professionals show comparable levels of awareness and engagement regarding oral piercings, with responses indicating a shared commitment to patient education and proactive care practices in managing associated risks and complications KEYWORDS: Oral piercings, dental education, knowledge, attitudes, clinical practice, complications.

Awareness of cancer and its associated factors for parents of adolescents and young adults: A cross-sectional study.

Cancer is a common health problem worldwide. Early cancer education for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is important for the prevention or early detection of cancer. In this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study, we examined the cancer awareness among parents of AYAs. Japanese adults with junior or senior high school children were included in this study. The cancer awareness measure (CAM) was used to assess cancer awareness, and the survey was conducted in December 2021. Warning signs, barriers to seeking help, and risk factors were surveyed using an online anonymous questionnaire. In addition, personal information, the presence of other cancer survivors, attendance at cancer seminars, conversations with children about cancer, interest in cancer education for children, and previous cancer screening were surveyed. A t-test or Spearman correlation coefficient was used to compare the total CAM scores for the individual factors. The relationship between cancer-screening behavior and individual factors was analyzed using the χ2 test. In addition, multiple regression analysis or logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors influencing cancer awareness or cancer-screening behavior. Responses were obtained from the 612 participants. The mean CAM score was 3.7 for cancer warning signs, 4.3 for barriers to seeking help, and 6.5 for risk factors. Cancer warning signs were associated with gender and the presence of a spouse, family member, or friend who had experienced cancer. Barriers to seeking help were associated with age, gender, and education, while risk factors were associated with gender, education, and conversations about cancer with children. Moreover, these scores were associated with each cancer screening behavior. Cancer awareness among Japanese adults with AYAs was influenced by gender, academic background, occupation, the presence of cancer survivors around them, and whether they had conversations about cancer with their children, as well as their cancer screening behavior.

Perception of Fresh Graduates and new Academic Faculty Regarding Specialty of “Health Professional Education” as a Career- A Multicentre Study in Pakistan

Objectives: To gain insight into emerging medical professionals’ awareness and willingness to choose health profession education as their career Study design: Quasi experimental trial. Place and duration of study: HIT Hospital Taxila in the period of 6 months. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in 3 institutes Wah Medical College (Wah Cantt), UMDC (Lahore), Sardar Begum Dental College and Kabir Medical College (Peshawar) and allied hospitals. The participants were selected via convenience sampling. MBBS and BDS graduates were included in the study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire using nominal YNDK scale used to evaluate the understanding regarding Health professional education. Data was collected and analyzed in SPSS version 23. Results: Eighty-five participants completed the questionnaire with equal male female ratio. The participants were well aware of the field and were well acquainted with MHPE.A significant number of participants agreed on making it part of undergraduate curriculum as 67% of them faced difficulties during their undergraduate studies. 91% encouraged Health professional education training at their institutes and 70% of them have Health professional education department. PBL and OSCE were known to 55.3% and 88.2% respondents respectively. Experience alone cannot make one a good teacher was expressed by 71.8% participants while 47.1% respondents command on subject is enough for being a good teacher. 65.9% participants stated that Health professional education is a demanding that involves active teaching not merely a managerial job. Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for more research into how medical professionals see health profession education. The ever-changing healthcare landscape requires educational programs that are in line with potential students’ knowledge base and objective to enhance health profession education that develops a skilled and driven healthcare workforce in Pakistan.

Perception of Fresh Graduates and new Academic Faculty Regarding Specialty of “Health Professional Education” as a Career- A Multicentre Study in Pakistan

Objectives: To gain insight into emerging medical professionals’ awareness and willingness to choose health profession education as their career Study design: Quasi experimental trial. Place and duration of study: HIT Hospital Taxila in the period of 6 months. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in 3 institutes Wah Medical College (Wah Cantt), UMDC (Lahore), Sardar Begum Dental College and Kabir Medical College (Peshawar) and allied hospitals. The participants were selected via convenience sampling. MBBS and BDS graduates were included in the study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire using nominal YNDK scale used to evaluate the understanding regarding Health professional education. Data was collected and analyzed in SPSS version 23. Results: Eighty-five participants completed the questionnaire with equal male female ratio. The participants were well aware of the field and were well acquainted with MHPE.A significant number of participants agreed on making it part of undergraduate curriculum as 67% of them faced difficulties during their undergraduate studies. 91% encouraged Health professional education training at their institutes and 70% of them have Health professional education department. PBL and OSCE were known to 55.3% and 88.2% respondents respectively. Experience alone cannot make one a good teacher was expressed by 71.8% participants while 47.1% respondents command on subject is enough for being a good teacher. 65.9% participants stated that Health professional education is a demanding that involves active teaching not merely a managerial job. Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for more research into how medical professionals see health profession education. The ever-changing healthcare landscape requires educational programs that are in line with potential students’ knowledge base and objective to enhance health profession education that develops a skilled and driven healthcare workforce in Pakistan.

Perceptions and experiences of community pharmacists with off-label prescribing in the pediatric population.

This study aimed to investigate and provide insight into the prevalence and patterns of off-label drug use in the pediatric population from the perspective of community pharmacists, addressing the existing data gap in a developing setting. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on Albanian community pharmacists in June 2021. The online administered survey explored the participants' demographic details, perceptions, and experiences with off-label prescriptions in pediatric patients. The statistical analysis conducted on the survey data comprised the construction of frequency tables and the application of the chi-square test for independence. Three hundred and thirty-six community pharmacists nationwide completed the survey, out of which 186 (55.3%) were practiced in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Over 80% of surveyed pharmacists (n = 275) had encountered off-label drug prescriptions in pediatric patients, yet only 40% of participants reported dispensing medicines for off-label use. Community pharmacists reported that general pediatricians tended to prescribe off-label medications more frequently than pediatric subspecialists or general practitioners. It was found that off-label prescriptions were more frequently observed among children aged between 2 and 11 years. Antibiotics were the most reported medicines for off-label use in this study mentioned in almost all off-label categories. Prescribing medicines for unapproved uses for the treatment of pediatric patients is present in community settings in Albania. This indicates the need for further data collection and analysis to understand off-label practices in our country's pediatric population comprehensively.

Prevalence of Dehydration in Egyptian Primary School Children and its Impact on their Cognitive performance

Abstract Background More than 75% of children do not meet the water intake recommendations by the Institute of medicine. In addition, more than 80% of children in many European countries do not achieve the water intake recommended by the guidelines of the European food safety authority. Studies have revealed a correlation between hydration status and cognitive achievements in visual attention, immediate memory span, semantic flexibility, and automatic application of arithmetic operations in school children living in hot climates. Aim of the Work Assessment of the hydration status in Egyptian primary school children and determining the relationship between hydration status and cognitive function. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on 200 children, the age group was from 9 to 13 years old. Data collection included the governmental, private and international schools in Cairo. The questionnaire was fulfilled during school time. A child-friendly “fluids and liquid food” diary was designed to prospectively record the volume of total fluid intake including water, sugar sweetened beverages and fruit juices in the previous day and during school day. Hydration status was assessed by self-reported urine colour using eight-point colour scale. The students were asked to answer four cognitive function tests that were designed to test the cognitive skills which were known to be affected by dehydration (Visual attention, Visual memory, Visual search, Visuomotor performance). Results 54 children (27%) had “Satisfactory knowledge” i.e. the children who met the criteria in the self- answered questionnaire and 146 children (73%) of them had “Unsatisfactory knowledge of proper total fluid intake. 166 children (83%) reported low total fluid intake and 34 children (17%) had adequate total fluid intake (according to the guidelines of the European food safety authority), 118 children (59%) were dehydrated, and 34 children (17%) were severely dehydrated. There was a statistically significant higher total fluid intake in international school regarding the amount of total fluid intake during school time and the amount of total fluid intake per day. In our study, the most consumed fluids after water were sugar sweetened beverages and fruit juices. There was a highly statistically significant positive correlation between total fluid intake and cognitive function regarding visual attention, visual memory, visual search, visuomotor performance and total score of cognitive functions, with p-value (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion We concluded that there was a significant correlation between school students’ hydration status and total fluid intake and their cognitive functions regarding their Visual attention, Visual memory, Visual search, Visuomotor performance. That calls for the importance of corroboration of our study results with studies that further explore students’ awareness and perception about their daily need of water and benefits of proper hydration.

Combatting Antibiotic Resistance: Identifying Gaps in Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Among Medical Interns.

Antibiotic resistance presents a significant global health threat to modern medicine. The awareness and attitude of future doctors undergoing training may play a crucial role in addressing this important issue, influencing the control of resistance and promoting responsible antibiotic stewardship. This study aimed to estimate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic usage and antimicrobial resistance among tertiary care teaching hospital medical interns. The questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 123 MBBS interns from multiple medical institutions. Intern's knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices regarding antibiotic use were recorded. Based on survey responses from 123 participants, 116 (94.31%) were aware of the adverse effects of indiscriminate antibiotic use, recognizing the risks of ineffective treatment, increased adverse effects, prolonged illness, bacterial resistance, and higher medical costs. Most (106, 86.18%) acknowledged the challenges of treating antibiotic-resistant infections, and 69 (56.10%) correctly identified that bacteria are not a cause of the common cold and flu. Most (115, 93.5%) recognized antibiotic resistance as a significant global health problem. In attitude, 90 (73%) believed antibiotics should be avoided for colds, but 80 (65%) thought they hastened fever recovery. Only 48 (39%) recognized that antibiotics contribute to resistance, while 102 (83%) agreed skipping doses fosters resistance. Most support hospital policies (118, 96%) and curriculum courses (112, 91%) for rational antibiotic use.Regarding practice, 12 (9.76%) interns admitted to overusing antibiotics, 68 (55.28%) consulted a doctor before starting antibiotics, and 87 (70.73%) checked expiry dates. Additionally, 62 (50.41%) preferred antibiotics for cough and sore throat symptoms. The study highlights that while interns have a good knowledge and awareness of the harms of antibiotic misuse, they are not translating this knowledge into practice. This indicates a disconnect between understanding and application. Therefore, there is a need to add a rational antibiotic prescription and stewardship module to the medical curriculum to ensure that knowledge is effectively translated into changing beliefs and practices.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses regarding airway clearance in neurocritical illness patients: A cross-sectional study.

We aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding airway clearance among nurses and explore the factors affecting the knowledge, attitudes and practices. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Airway clearance is an important method of eliminating excess secretions. In neuroscience nursing, nurses are important executors of airway management, and their knowledge, attitudes and practices can influence the effectiveness of airway clearance. This study was conducted from July to September 2023 in four hospitals in Jiangsu Province, China. A structured questionnaire about airway clearance was designed and used to collect the data. The nurses used this questionnaire to self-rate. The STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies was followed. The age, work experience, highest educational attainment and technical title of the nurses can significantly influence their knowledge. The age, highest educational attainment and technical title of the nurses can significantly impact their attitudes. Practice scores were significantly influenced by age, work experience, technical title, whether the nurses had received any training on airway clearance techniques, and whether the department developed procedures for implementing the airway clearance technology. Nurses' attitudes were significantly associated with knowledge and practice, and there was no significant correlation between knowledge and practice. This study showed that age, work experience, highest educational attainment and training were related to knowledge, attitudes and practices. These findings suggest that nursing managers can conduct airway clearance training according to age group, working experience and education level of the nurses. No patient or public contribution. The findings show that the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to airway clearance in neuroscience nursing among nurses were acceptable, which means that nurses can better perform airway management on patients. These findings serve as a significant reference for designing an airway clearance education for nurses and meet the needs of nurses in clinical nursing practice.