Descriptive Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Community Pharmacists towards of Label Medications in Khartoum State: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Community Pharmacists towards of Label Medications in Khartoum State: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Sociocultural features of lifestyle modifications among TB–diabetes comorbid patients in Satara, India and its implications for planning self-management interventions for TB–diabetes comorbid patients

BackgroundLifestyle modifications (LM) are crucial in managing comorbid Tuberculosis (TB) and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients, significantly impacting treatment outcomes and overall health. In view of this, a study was conducted to clarify sociocultural features associated with LM among TB–diabetes comorbid patients.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study among randomly selected 180 adult TB–diabetes-comorbid-patients was conducted using a semi-structured interview schedule. Mann–Whitney-U-test was used to examine differences in means between patterns of distress (PDs) and perceived causes (PCs) regarding TB and Diabetes for two identified LM strategies among comorbid patients. Stepwise logistic regression was used to study factors associated with these LM strategies.ResultsTB–diabetes-comorbid-patients reporting physical symptoms as PDs preferred to follow the LM-1 strategy for TB and LM-2 for Diabetes. In contrast, patients reporting health-illness-injury-related causes follow LM-2 for TB and LM-1 for Diabetes. Further patients reporting hypertension for Diabetes (AOR = 2.916, 95% CI 0.9262–9.1788) and concerns-about-the-course-of-TB-illness (AOR = 3.746, 95% CI 1.4683–9.5593) as PDs were 3–4 times more likely to follow LM-1. While those reporting prior illnesses (AOR = 4.255, 95% CI 1.3941–12.9837) and sanitation (AOR = 5.242, 95% CI 1.2028–22.8446) as PCs for TB were 4–5 times follow LM-2. Patients who perceived consumption of alcohol as PCs of Diabetes were 10 times more likely to stop addictions (AOR = 9.680, 95% CI 2.5555–36.6639) and follow the LM-2 strategy.ConclusionGiven significant associations of sociocultural features with LM strategies, consideration of sociocultural features vis-à-vis these strategies is indispensable for managing TBDM comorbidity, emphasizing the need for developing comprehensive, patient-centred self-management interventions to enhance adherence and improve health outcomes.

Percepción de aprendizajes esperados en estudiantes de enfermería para el cuidado del paciente en situaciones críticas

Objective: to describe the expected learning outcomes perceived by fifth semester student nurses of the Health Sciences University Foundation –FUCS- Bogotá, Colombia, regarding critical care, after the implementation of a problem-based learning (PBL) didactic unit. Method: descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study in which, a Likert-type questionnaire designed Ad hoc, was applied. A sample of 43 students was obtained by convenience sampling. Results: we evaluated four dimensions: expected learning, care management, didactics and PBL. The highest score was obtained by care management, and expected learning received the lowest score. The first two dimensions, which were focused on learning and care management, obtained an average score of 4.11/5, and their relationship is very close to the achievement of competencies; on the other hand, the last two, aimed at evaluating the development of the PBL didactic unit, obtained an average score of 4/5. Conclusions: the use of the PBL methodology as a strategy in the teaching-learning process for the development of skills and competencies for care in critical situations was perceived as positive by students, thus, the institution should strengthen this type of training.

Why becoming a positive deviant for malaria prevention and control: a sequential explanatory mixed methods study in Bugesera district, Rwanda

BackgroundMalaria continues to be a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan African regions. Effective prevention and control strategies are crucial in mitigating its impact. Therefore, assessing the use of malaria preventive measures, treatment-seeking behaviours, and understanding the motivating factors behind positive behaviours/practices and barriers to using malaria preventive and control measures is essential for designing successful intervention programs.MethodsUsing a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 382 heads of households in the Mareba sector, Bugesera district, Rwanda. A qualitative study followed with 30 in-depth interviews among the top performers and other community members to explore the motivations and barriers to performing positive behaviours. Descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data were used.ResultsThis study revealed that among those who own insecticide-treated nets, 234(89.3%) reported that they slept under the bed net the night preceding the survey; 256(67%) had fever cases in the last 24 months preceding the survey; and 214(87%) reported seeking care within 24 h. While almost all 243(98.8%) of participants who had fever case reported that they have taken all medicines as prescribed, however, a large number 263(68.8%) and 148(38.7%) still think that there are people in the community who do not take all malaria medications as prescribed and there are people who share malaria medications in the community, respectively. 82(65.1%) of those who never had a fever case believe that they have been using malaria preventive measures correctly and consistently. This study found that knowledge about malaria, family support, and community mobilization are the top motivating factors to practice positive behaviours while, lack of bet nets, poverty, and lack of time were reported as main barriers.ConclusionInterventions that target key motivating factors for adopting positive behaviours in malaria prevention and control should be prioritized. This, in turn, will reduce the disease burden on affected populations. Efforts to overcome barriers in malaria prevention and control should also be participatory. Community involvement should be at the centre of these interventions.

Effect of County Government Strategies in the Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Plastic Waste in Lodwar Town, Turkana County Kenya

Plastic waste management has become a major public health and environmental concern in urban areas of many developing countries. Economic growth and population increase in the developing countries in recent years has caused an increase in utilization of natural resources that has led to unprecedented plastic waste generation. The uncontrolled plastic waste disposal has become a challenge in Africa and other developing countries due to insufficient or lack of human and financial capacities to remedy the situation. This study investigated the effect of county governments’ strategies in place in the collection, transportation and disposal of plastic waste in Lodwar town, turkana county Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. purposive sampling was used to select 345 respondents from Lodwar town and the county government employees including key informants from public health department at the county was adopted. Data were then analyzed for descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The study findings showed that majority (78.6%) of the residents disagreed that there is reselling of plastic materials to avoid generation of wastage. Further majority (38%) also disagreed that they are reusing the plastics for other purposes in their households. Additionally, majority (55.9%) still disagreed that the municipality has recycling company, which has assisted in plastic material recycling. However, on the other hand majority (71.6%) of the residents were not aware if there is a new technological recycling machine in the county. The study revealed that majority of the respondents disagreed that there are waste collectors and transporters in the town (mean= 1.95, standard deviation=0.99). Majority of the respondents disagreed that the municipality have recycling company which has assisted in plastic material recycling (Mean=1.51, standard deviation=0.89). Majority of the residents strongly agreed that handling plastic waste in Lodwar municipality is of great concern (Mean=4.59, standard deviation=0.84). The study concluded planning and coordination have a significant effect on plastic waste handling in Lodwar municipality. There are no enough waste collectors and transporters in the town also Municipality has no clear waste management guideline/policy. Recycling methods have a significant effect on plastic waste handling in Lodwar municipality. The study recommended that the municipality administration should come up with waste management guideline/policy that will ensure efficient and reliable wastage handling.

Respiratory and physical health consequences in older adults in a high-risk volcanic area: Comparison of two rural villages

Introduction Volcanism is an important natural producer of pollution that impacts health and the quality of the environment. Lung changes caused by exposure to volcanoes have been previously studied. However, limited information exists regarding the effects of prolonged exposure to volcanic compounds. So, this study aimed to analyze the pulmonary effects and stress tolerance in older adults for chronic exposure to the volcanic ashes of the Galeras volcano. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study of association included rural inhabitants aged over 60 years from Genoy, a village located in a high volcanic hazard zone of Galeras volcano, 2603 meters above sea level. Those in this group, called exposed, were contrasted with a sample of El Encano inhabitants with similar socioeconomic and cultural characteristics. Both villages belong to the rural area of San Juan de Pasto in Colombia. Results It was found that of 31 exposed participants, 18 had obstructive alteration, and in the control group, it was found that of 31 subjects, 6 presented this alteration. The difference between the two groups was significant (p<0.001). A similar situation occurred with distal airway obstruction assessed with the forced expiratory flow of 25–75%. No significant differences were found in restrictive alteration between the exposed and unexposed groups. Conclusion Chronic exposure to volcanic compounds has generated obstructive changes in the population, and these changes were greater in number and severity than those in the control group of unexposed people.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of COVID-19 Prevention among Medical Undergraduates of a Higher Institution in Enugu Metropolis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has posed a global health crisis since its emergence in late 2019. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19 prevention among medical undergraduates in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, involving undergraduate medical students from the University of Nigeria, Enugu, and Ituku-Ozalla campuses. A total of 450 participants were recruited through convenience sampling, and a structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic information, COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices. Data were analyzed using the Social Package for Social Science version 28, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The majority of participants demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19 prevention (89.6%), with significant associations observed between knowledge and the level of study (P = 0.001). A significant relationship was also noted between knowledge and attitude (P = 0.000). In terms of practice, 24.2% of medical students reported good COVID-19 prevention practices. Additionally, a majority of participants (n = 405; 90%) had not been vaccinated against COVID-19, largely influenced by vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: Efforts should focus on transforming knowledge into positive attitudes and encouraging better COVID-19 preventive practices among medical undergraduates. Addressing vaccine hesitancy through targeted education and awareness campaigns is imperative to mitigate the risks associated with the pandemic and potential future waves.

Awareness and Frequency of Encounter With Subjects With Antiphospholipid Syndrome by Medical Practitioners in Tertiary and Some Other Health Institutions in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract Background: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune multisystem disorder. There has been a limited number of reported cases from Nigeria. Objectives: To determine the awareness and frequency of encounters with APS cases by medical practitioners in health institutions in South East Nigeria. Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. All medical doctors met in the clinics who were willing to participate in the study were recruited during the period of the study. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used for data entry, validation, and analysis. Results: A total of 581 study questionnaires were distributed to medical doctors met at the clinics and clinical meetings of five hospitals in Southeast Nigeria however, 581 were approximately filled and retrieved, giving an response rate of 94.84%. Males were 383 (69.5%) and females were 168 (30.5%). A total of 445 (80.8%) were unaware of the autoimmune multisystemic nature of APS. Of the 551 respondents, 348 (63.2%) were aware that Rheumatologist is the primary care physician for APS, 290 (52.6%) reported rarity of APS, and 366 (66.4%) had up to 50% overall knowledge of APS. Respondents’ encounters with unexplained thrombotic events and unexplained stroke in the young were limited. A total of 62 (11.3%) were aware of the international classification criteria for APS. Conclusion: The authors conclude that APS awareness among medical practitioners in South East Nigeria is suboptimal.

Clinical profiles of older adults in French Caribbean nursing homes: a descriptive cross-sectional study

BackgroundNursing homes in the Caribbean are scarce and the characteristics of their residents have not been previously documented. This study aimed to describe the clinical profiles of residents living in nursing homes in Guadeloupe and Martinique (French West Indies).MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of the baseline screening data from the KASEHPAD (Karukera Study of Ageing in nursing homes) study. Clinical characteristics and geriatric scale scores, including the Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were collected and analysed.ResultsA total of 332 older adults were recruited between September 2020 and November 2022. The mean age of the residents was 81.3 ± 10.1, with a male–female ratio of 1:1. Diabetes was reported in 28.3% of the residents, hypertension in 66.6% and heart disease in 18.4%. Dementia was diagnosed in 52.3% of the residents and 74.9% had a MMSE score ≤18. The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease was 9.0%. Additionally, 18.4% were unable to perform any basic activities of daily living (ADL score of 0). The prevalence of physical impairment (SPPB < 8) was 90.0%. One-quarter of the residents were classified as undernourished (MNA-SF score ≤ 7).ConclusionResidents in Caribbean nursing homes are younger than in metropolitan France, whereas they present quite similar clinical profiles. Notably, a high prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases was observed. This study represents a preliminary effort to address the knowledge gap regarding the aging trajectories of older adults in the Caribbean and could guide the development of future nursing homes in these countries.

Knowledge and Practices of Dysmenorrhea and its Effect of Life Among Female Medical Students in Jalalabad

Dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation is defined as a severe, painful, cramping sensation in the lower abdomen that is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as sweating. headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremulousness, all occurring just before or during the menses. This study aimed to assess the Knowledge and Practices of dysmenorrhea and its effect of life among female medical students in Jalalabad. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done through online Google forms for a period of 3 months from January to March 202 A structured questionnaire was administered to 173 randomly selected Undergraduate Medical students. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Objective: To gain more insight should think about dysmenorrhea is, if not it's can have alarming consequences sexual life of female. To gain knowledge about dysmenorrhea. To study and practice about dysmenorrhea increase the awareness of immature hygiene and self medication. Results: In total,173 medical students from 1st year and 2nd year were selected for this study where age range was 17-22 years with mean age of (20±1). Majority of 74% of the participants were found in to have good knowledge about dysmenorrhea. Majority of students who has good knowledge and also had good practices where as students with poor knowledge has poor practice (p value 0.021) Conclusion: Majority students concluded that dysmenorrhea is a very common problem of female students, and they experience a number of physical and emotional symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea. Mostly students are silently suffer the pain by dysmenorrhea and discomfort associated with it due to lack of knowledge about dysmenorrhea also affects their academic performance. However, their practices were found to be a matter of concern. An educational intervention can be introduced to bring about changes their life style regarding practices about dysmenorrhea among students.

Influence of Management Leadership styles on Nurses Organizational Commitment among two Private Hospitals in Jordan

The leadership styles have been discussed in labor marketing and production before academia. Notably, certain types have been found to have a detrimental impact on both organizational commitment and service quality, particularly in the healthcare industry. Aim: To investigates the leadership practices of nursing managers in hospitals and their impact on staff commitment, seeking to understand how these leaders' styles shape organizational commitment. Subjects and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study among two private teaching hospitals. included 507 nurses aged (22-45), had at least 1 year of work experience. Results: In a study of two hospitals, it was found that most managers exhibited both transformational and transactional leadership styles from the nurses' perspective. However, transformational leadership emerged as the dominant style, with 80.27% of managers displaying this approach. Despite this, the majority of nurses reported a strong commitment to their organization. Conclusion: A comparative analysis revealed that transformational leadership style was found to be more prevalent and effective in two hospitals compared to transactional leadership style. Furthermore, both leadership styles were found to have a statistically significant positive correlation with organizational commitment, indicating a strong link between these styles and employee engagement and loyalty.

Analysis and mapping of global research publications on migrant domestic workers

Recognizing the importance of evidence-based research in informing migration policies and empowering migrant domestic workers (MDWs), this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of MDW research patterns and trends. Using a descriptive cross-sectional study design, research articles on MDWs were retrieved from the Scopus database. The findings reveal a substantial increase in research output in recent years, with notable contributions from journals in the fields of social sciences and humanities. Key contributors include scholars from the United States, the United Kingdom, and institutions such as the National University of Singapore and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Journals in the field of migration have prominent role in publishing research on MDWs. At the author level, Yeoh, B.S.A, at the National University of Singapore was the most prolific author. Academic activities were the main driver of research and that funding was suboptimal in this field. Highly cited articles focused on topics such as transnational motherhood, the international division of reproductive labor, and the negotiation of citizenship rights. Major research hotspots in the retrieved articles included mental health aspects, caregiving especially of the elderly, and struggles for legal rights. Specific nationalities, such as Filipina/o and Indonesian MDWs, have been the focus of numerous studies, shedding light on their narratives, challenges, and agency within transnational contexts. Overall, this study underscores the urgency of addressing the needs and rights of MDWs, advocate for human rights, and enhance understanding of occupational health and safety in the unique context of domestic work.

Analysis of high school students' awareness of the psychosocial effects of internet addiction

The present study aims to determine secondary school students' awareness of the psychosocial consequences of Internet addiction and to investigate differences in the level of awareness based on students' sociodemographic characteristics (Sex, grade level, number of family members, parent's marital status, education and occupation of the parents, and the family's monthly income). A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from December 10, 2022, to December 30, 2023. The sample included (765) secondary school students were (375 males and 390 females). The population was composed of 10th and 12th grade students withdrawn from ten high schools located in the Babylon Governorate in Iraq. The results of the study revealed a variation in participants’ awareness of their knowledge of the psychosocial effects of Internet addiction, as more than half of them (57.5%) recorded a fair level of awareness, while (40.1%) of them recorded a good level, and only (2.4%) exhibited a waek level of awareness. Furthermore, the data revealed notable gender and grade-level differences in psychosocial awareness. Females exhibited a higher level of awareness (51.5%) compared to males. Additionally, students in the 10-grade showed a relatively higher rate of good psychosocial awareness (44.9%). It is necessary to understand the demographic factors in shaping awareness of the effects of Internet addiction, which helps in developing targeted intervention strategies to enhance awareness and improve students' control behaviors.

Fourth COVID anniversary: does our practice have changed? The case of ENT outpatient consultations in Cameroon — a national cross-sectional survey

BackgroundIn Cameroon, the COVID-19 disease has demonstrated shortcomings in preventing nosocomial infections at both collective and individual levels. This study aimed to identify practice changes in ENT outpatient consultations in Cameroon inducted by the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place in March 2024. A Google Form was submitted to ENT practitioners online across Cameroon. It consisted of 20 questions grouped into socio-professional and clinical data.ResultsSixty-four practitioners responded to the questionnaire. The average age of respondents was 36, with extremes of 31 and 70. The sex ratio was 0.35 in favor of women. In terms of experience, 47.7% had been practicing for less than 10 years. A total of 91.3% practiced in public health facilities. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, attitudes towards respiratory diseases were as follows: wearing of masks by suspected patients (4.3%), information posters in waiting rooms (13%), constant use of disinfectant gel (26.1%), wearing of masks by practitioners (0%), wearing of gloves (54.5%), wearing of gowns (87%), constant hand hygiene after each consultation (26.1%), and regular surface hygiene (30.4%). All precautions were improved after 4 years of the pandemic except wearing eye protection.ConclusionENT practice has been strongly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and many measures still need to be taken to improve infection control in hospitals in Cameroon.

Health sciences students’ perspectives on metaverse and digital technology use: cross-sectional descriptive study

BackgroundStudents’ attitudes towards digital technologies affect their use of innovations in digital education. In the study, it was aimed to determine undergraduate health sciences students’ views about the Metaverse and digital technology.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. In the study sample, 289 health sciences students who voluntarily agreed to participate in the research and filled out the online data collection form were included. The Independent Samples T-Test, Multivariate ANOVA analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Pearson correlation analysis were used. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsThe mean score the participants obtained from the Metaverse Scale was 53.54 ± 9.00, indicating that their levels of knowledge and awareness about the Metaverse were high. The mean score they obtained from the Attitude Scale for Digital Technology was 135.98 ± 21.28, which indicated that displayed positive attitudes towards digital technology. There was no significant difference between the mean scores the participants obtained from the Attitude Scale for Digital Technology and the Metaverse Scale according to their departments and years in school. There was a positive and weak relationship between the Metaverse Scale scores and Attitude Scale for Digital Technology scores.ConclusionsThe participants’ knowledge and awareness levels about the Metaverse were high and they displayed positive attitudes towards digital technology. It is recommended that digital technologies should be used in planning undergraduate education and Metaverse platforms or applications in virtual classroom settings.

Quality of Life among Orphan Children in Bangladesh

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life among orphan children in Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 98 orphan children by using a convenient sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.  Results: The finding showed that the mean quality of life among orphans was moderate level (M=3.27, SD=.47). There was a statistically significant difference between friend’s bullying and quality of life (t-2.272, p=0.025). Statistically significant relationship found among diseases and quality of life (F=11.231, p=.002). Conclusion: Orphan children had a moderate level of quality of life. The findings of the study provide baseline data for the policy maker to develop strategies in improving quality of life among orphan children. Further study is needed to identify factors that influence quality of life among orphan children.

THE ASSESSMENT OF SELF-PERCEIVED EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND COMPETENCY LEVEL OF EMERGENCY NURSES AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL LAHORE

Competency in emergency nursing is crucial for ensuring high-quality patient care in fast-paced healthcare environments. Understanding emergency nurses' self-perceived educational needs and skill competencies is essential for guiding future training and improving patient outcomes. Objective: To assess emergency nurses' self-perceived educational needs and skill competencies at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling. The study population comprised 125 emergency staff nurses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Frequency distribution and data normality checks were performed to assess the nurses' educational background and skill competencies. Results: Most respondents (71.2%) held an associate diploma in general nursing, 13.6% had a post-RN qualification, and 15.2% held a Generic BSN. Regarding skill competency, 44% of respondents perceived themselves as highly competent, 40.8% as qualified, and 15.2% as least competent, particularly in areas like defibrillation and neurological assessment. Furthermore, 60% of the nurses needed additional education to enhance their patient care skills. Conclusion: The study concluded that emergency nurses at tertiary care hospitals require further education and training to enhance their knowledge and improve patient care outcomes. Continuous professional development programs focusing on skill enhancement are recommended to bridge the identified competency gaps.

Dental Anxiety Amongst Pregnant Women: Relationship with Dental Attendance and Sociodemographic Factors

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to investigate the relationship between dental anxiety amongst pregnant women and their dental attendance patterns, considering various sociodemographic factors, at health centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Participants in this cross-sectional descriptive study were 386 pregnant women seeking care at Saudi Ministry of Health centers. A validated version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to measure dental anxiety. Questionnaires including background data and dental anxiety were used and clinical data were collected. The association between oral health literacy and dental anxiety was evaluated with Spearman’s correlation coefficient. A multiple linear regression model with dental anxiety (MDAS score) as the dependent variable was developed to investigate further the relationship dental anxiety amongst pregnant women and their dental attendance patterns. Results: The prevalence of dental anxiety was very anxious (3.595). According to a multiple binary logistic regression model, previous experiences with dentists, household income, educational level, number of times and months of pregnancy, and the perception that oral care should be avoided during pregnancy were independently associated with dental anxiety. Conclusions: Dental anxiety in pregnant women is linked to social and psychological factors, in addition to oral health. Specifically, prior experiences with dentists, attitudes toward dental care, and general fear appear to have the strongest influence on dental anxiety. The prevalence of dental anxiety was high among this sample of pregnant women. The study shows that dental care providers need to pay attention to providing a supportive dental care situation, where patients should not experience pain. There is a need to understand the psychological factors associated with dental care procedures.

Prevalence of dental carries among school-going children aged 7–13 years in Kabul City

BackgroundDental caries is a major, multifactorial oral condition that causes the demineralization of tooth enamel and impacts approximately half of the world’s child population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries among school-going children aged 7 to 13 years in Kabul city.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 491 students aged 7 to 13 years in Kabul during the first half of 2019. A multistage cluster sampling method was used, in which educational zones, schools, and classes were selected. The data were collected using pre-structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews and oral examinations of students using dental probes and mouth mirrors while adhering to infection control protocols. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 21.0, and a p-value < 0.005 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe average age of the study participants was 9.9 ± 1.8 years. Boys made up approximately 45% of the participants, while 54.8% were girls. The overall prevalence of dental caries was 78.8%, with 62.1% in deciduous teeth and 42.8% in permanent teeth. Among students who did not brush their teeth, the prevalence of dental caries was 84.8%, compared to 81.7% for those who brushed once daily, 78.7% for those brushing twice daily, and 67.4% for those brushing three times daily (p = 0.022). About 10% of students had dental calculus, with a prevalence of 17.0% among those aged eleven and older, 10.0% among students aged nine to ten years, and 5.9% among students aged eight and younger (p = 0.006). Poor oral hygiene affected nearly one-third of the students, with 34.2% among boys and 30.9% among girls. Poor oral hygiene was more prevalent in students aged eight and younger (38.8%) compared to those aged eleven and older (25.9%) (p = 0.023).ConclusionsThe prevalence of dental caries among students aged 7 to 13 years in Kabul schools was similar to that in most developing countries. The prevalence of dental calculus was greater among students aged eleven years and older. Over 99% of the students surveyed had not undergone any dental treatment.

Enhancing Emergency Response: The Role of Collective Competence in Epidemiological Teams for Effective Laboratory Data Collection and Analysis

Background: Health systems globally face ncreasing challenges from health crises and epidemic threats, necessitating the pivotal role of epidemiological teams in emergency response. This study investigates the significance of collective competence within these teams, focusing on their ability to collect, analyze, and manage laboratory data effectively. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used to survey epidemiological teams in Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire was developed based on existing literature and distributed electronically to participants. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), using descriptive and inferential statistics to summarize participant characteristics and explore associations between variables. Results: A total of 208 epidemiological teams member completed the questionnaire, yielding insights into their The Role of Collective Competence in Epidemiological Teams. The findings reveal high levels of agreement regarding the effectiveness of management approaches, knowledge sharing, and team collaboration, with the average score exceeding 4.0 on a 5-point scale. Notably, team efficacy was found to significantly enhance the efficiency of laboratory data collection and analysis, accounting for approximately 25.9% of the variance in efficacy. Discussion: These findings underscore the need to invest in developing team competencies within epidemiological teams to improve emergency response capabilities. The study provides practical insights into enhancing team collaboration and coordination, ultimately contributing to more effective public health interventions in future health crises.