Difference In Mean Knowledge Scores Research Articles

Medical and Allied Health Students’ Knowledge About Nutritional and Immunological Properties of Breast Milk

Abstract Objectives This study was conducted to determine medical and allied health students’ knowledge of immunological and nutritional aspects of breast milk, and to assess the preferred method for continuing education to improve knowledge about breast milk. Methods A descriptive study was conducted using an anonymous online survey administered to undergraduate and graduate students in medical, nursing, nutrition/dietetics and physician assistant training programs at a Midwestern university. A 40-item questionnaire, delivered in Qualtrics, had 5 demographic items, 29 multiple choice or true/false items about immunological and nutritional properties of breast milk, and 6 items on educational resources. Content validity of the survey was established using input from one member of IBCLC and three Registered Dietitians. A survey link was distributed by e-mail to 1396 prospective participants. Frequencies of responses, cross-tabulations, and descriptive statistics were determined. Between group differences knowledge scores were analyzed using independent t-test and ANOVA with post hoc tests (P < .05). Results The response rate was 5.6%. The mean knowledge score of the 78 participants was 49.5% ± 6.8% out of 29 items. The nutrition/dietetics students had the highest mean knowledge score of 51% ± 5%, followed closely by those from physician assistant (50% ± 7%), medical (49% ± 7%), and nursing (48% ± 8%) disciplines. The differences in mean knowledge scores among the students were not statistically significant (P = .948). Overall, 67% of students reported that the preferred method for continuing education to learn about breast milk was through an online course, over attending a seminar/workshop (60%), course in a class (37%), reading journal articles (34%), attending a professional meeting (32%), or learning from books (20%). Conclusions The low scores demonstrated a deficit in knowledge regarding the nutritional and immunological properties of breast milk among both medical and allied health students. Improving knowledge in this area by taking an online course was the preferred method by both undergraduate and graduate students in these health care fields. Funding Sources Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP)

Novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) awareness among the dental interns, dental auxiliaries and dental specialists in Saudi Arabia: A nationwide study

BackgroundDental health care workers (DHCW's) are invariably at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. The objectives were; to investigate the current knowledge on COVID-19 among the DHCW's; and to conduct quasi-experiment among the DHCW's who were unaware of the disseminated COVID-19 information. MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional study targeting dental interns, auxiliaries, and specialists with a two-staged cluster sampling technique was performed. A 17-item questionnaire was subjected to reliability and validity tests before being administered. The participants for quasi-experiment were separated from the original sample after their initial response. Chi-square test assessed responses to knowledge statements between the participants. Difference in mean knowledge scores between the categories of DHCW's and sources of COVID-19 information was assessed using ANOVA. Data from the quasi experiment (pre vs post knowledge intervention) was subjected to paired t-test. Percentage of DHCWs providing correct or wrong responses to each knowledge statement at baseline and after 7 days were compared using McNemar test. ResultsThe overall sample consisted of 706 (N) participants, and the DHCW's with no prior knowledge on COVID-19 (N=206) were part of the quasi experiment. Findings from cross-sectional study revealed that knowledge was significantly (p<0.05) related to the qualification level (interns vs auxiliaries vs specialists). However, the difference in the source of information (WHO/CDC vs Journal articles vs MoH) did not demonstrate any effect. Number of participants with correct responses to knowledge questions had significantly (p<0.05) increased after intervention. Also, the overall mean knowledge score (10.74±2.32 vs 12.47±1.68; p<0.001) had increased significantly after the intervention. ConclusionIn conclusion, the basic knowledge on COVID-19 among the DHCW's in Saudi Arabia is acceptable. Timely dissemination of information by the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia had a positive impact on the COVID-19 knowledge score of the DHCW's.

Effect of a Surgical Teaching Video on Resident Performance of a Laparoscopic Salpingo-oophorectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To assess the effect of a surgical teaching video on junior resident knowledge and performance of a laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy (LSO). Randomized controlled trial. Urban tertiary care academic obstetrics and gynecology department. First- and second-year gynecology residents. Access to an education video on LSO for 1 week before performing this surgery in the operating room. Twenty-four junior residents were recruited and randomized to either the educational video group or traditional residency training group. All participants completed a demographic survey and knowledge questionnaire before performing an LSO, which was video-recorded. Video recordings of surgical performance were analyzed using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS; 20 points) and an LSO-specific tool (30 points). Participants completed a self-assessment questionnaire before completing the procedure. The primary outcome measure was the difference in OSATS scores. The secondary outcomes were the knowledge questionnaire scores and self-assessed confidence scores. There were no significant differences between demographic variables of the 2 groups. The primary outcome revealed no significant differences in mean (standard deviation) OSATS scores (10.64 [2.05] vs 11.55 [1.85], p = .3) or LSO-specific tool scores (16.45 [2.68] vs 17.85 [2.63], p = .24). However, there was a significant difference in mean knowledge scores between the video and the traditional training (8.42 [0.79] vs 7.11 [1.36], p = .01) groups. In addition, residents in the video group had more confidence in their knowledge of pelvic anatomy (3.83 [0.39] vs 3.00 [1.00] out of 5.00, p = .04). For junior learners, the use of an LSO video improved knowledge and confidence in anatomy but did not translate to improved surgical performance in the operating room. Surgical videos are a useful adjunct and complement hands-on technical teaching.

Effectiveness of School based Awareness Programmes against Tobacco among Users and Non- Users– A Cross- Sectional Study from Rural Kerala, India

Background:Known is the fact that adult tobacco users mostly had their initiation into the habit during the adolescence period. The current study was conducted to evaluate the impact of awareness programmes among adolescent students in rural Kerala, India, in terms of knowledge enhancement on tobacco hazards. Methods:A total of 10 high schools and higher secondary schools from one educational sub district were selected using multi stage sampling design. Male students in the age group 13-19 years studying in class IX and X (high school category) and class XI and XII (higher secondary school) were included in the study. The effectiveness was assessed using pre and post training evaluation forms based on mean knowledge scores. Results:1,114 students participated by filling both the forms (mean age 15.6, SD 1.3). The response rate was 92.8%. The prevalence of ‘current users’ in the study was 4.3% (95% CI 3.11- 5.49). Overall difference in mean knowledge scores among study subjects was evident when pre and post training responses were compared (p<0.001). The difference in knowledge scores was evident among ‘never users’ of tobacco before and after the awareness programmes (p<0.0001). However, no significant difference in mean scores was observed among ‘ever users’ of tobacco (p = 0.584), age groups of ever users (p=0.208), students of high schools (p = 0.242) and higher secondary schools (p= 0.994). Comparison of never, ever and current users revealed significant difference between ‘never’ and ‘current’ users (p = 0.001). However, no such difference was observed between ‘ever’ and ‘current’ users (p =0.138) and ‘ever’ versus ‘never’ users (p =0.099). Conclusion:The study was useful to improve knowledge among school students in general. However, newer strategies have to be tested to understand the best possible measures for tobacco awareness training among adolescent tobacco users.

Assessing the impact of structured education on the knowledge of hospital pharmacists about adverse drug reactions and reporting methods in Saudi Arabia: an open-label randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundPharmacists have limited knowledge about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Saudi Arabia.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the impact of educational intervention on the knowledge of hospital pharmacists about ADRs.MethodsThis was a 3-month randomized controlled trial conducted in Saudi Arabia between January 2018 and March 2018. Participants in both groups were required to complete an online questionnaire at baseline and at 12-week follow-up. Participants in the intervention group received a structured information sheet about ADRs 2 weeks after the first assessment. The main outcome measure was difference in mean knowledge score about ADRs.Main outcome measureDifference in mean knowledge score about ADRs.ResultsA total of 46 participants were included in the study. At the 12-week follow-up, there was a significant improvement in the mean knowledge score (± standard deviation) of intervention participants from 7.67 (± 2.1) at baseline to 11.22 (± 0.4) (95% CI −4.5 to −2.5; p < 0.0001). The mean knowledge score of control participants remained unchanged at 6.71 (± 2.3) during both baseline and follow-up assessments.ConclusionADR-specific education was associated with a significant improvement in the knowledge and understanding of pharmacists about ADRs and their methods of reporting.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40267-019-00621-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Knowledge on birth preparedness and complication readiness among expecting couples in rural Tanzania: Differences by sex cross-sectional study.

BackgroundInadequate knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) among expecting couples delays timely access to maternal emergency services. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge on birth preparedness and complication readiness and how men and women differ" among expecting couples in a rural setting of Rukwa Region, Tanzania.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study targeting pregnant women and their partners was performed from June 2017 to October 2017. A total of 546 couples were sampled using three-stage probability sampling techniques and then interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The mean score difference was sought using independent t-test. Multiple linear regressions were performed to determine the predictors of knowledge.ResultsThere was a significant difference in mean knowledge scores between pregnant women (M = 5.58, SD = 4.591) and male partners (M = 4.37, SD = 4.285); t (1085) = -4.525; p<0.001. Among women, BPCR levels were positively influenced by age (β = 0.236; p<0.01), having ever heard about birth preparedness (β = 0.176;p<0.001), being of Mambwe ethnicity (β = 0.187; p<0.001), living near a health center rather than a dispensary (β = 0.101;p<0.05) and having had a prior preterm delivery (β = 0.086;p<0.05). Access to media through radio ownership negatively influenced BPCR levels among both women (β-.119; p<0.01) and men (β = -0.168; p<0.0001). Among men, the BPCR knowledge was only positively influenced by having ever heard about birth preparedness (β = 0.169;p<0.001), age at marriage (β = -0.103; p<0.05), and having completed either primary (β = 0.157;p<0.001) or secondary education (β = 0.131;p<0.01).ConclusionSome important predictors of knowledge were revealed among women and men, but overall knowledge about birth preparedness and complication readiness was low. This study demonstrates inadequate knowledge and understanding at the community level about key elements of birth preparedness and complication readiness. In order to improve access to life-saving care for women and neonates, there is a pressing need for innovative community strategies to increase knowledge about birth preparedness and complication readiness. Such strategies are essential in order to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in rural Tanzania.

Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Pediatric Pain Management in Western Australia

Background and Aim: Despite clinical guidelines, suboptimal pediatric pain management persists. A local audit found poor guideline compliance. Inadequate knowledge is a recognized barrier to the delivery of evidence-based care. The aim of the study was to investigate nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management at an Australian tertiary pediatric hospital. Design, Setting, Participants and Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study using the Pediatric Pain Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire (Revised) was distributed to 590 nurses in an Australian pediatric hospital. Results: The mean knowledge score (n = 201) was 77.56 out of 100 (range 49.82-94.16, standard deviation [SD] 8.55); mean attitude score (n = 229) was 72.46 out of 100 (range 33.33-93.33, SD 11.76). Significant differences in mean knowledge scores were found between nurses' designations (p = .018), with the greatest mean difference (MD) between clinical nurses and enrolled nurses (10.5; p = .002). Nurses with experience in critical care had significantly higher mean knowledge scores (MD 3.1; p = .012). Senior registered nurses had the most positive mean attitude score (82.4, SD 6.2), which was significantly higher than clinical nurses (73.77, SD 10.0), registered nurses (71.64, SD 12.6), and enrolled nurses (68.89, SD 8.8) (p < .05). Nurses with specialist pediatric qualifications had significantly more positive attitude scores (mean 75.65, SD 11.6) than those without (mean 70.86, SD 11.7; p = .005). However, 51% of respondents believed that children tolerate pain better than adults do. Conclusion: Although nurses' overall knowledge and attitude toward pediatric pain were among the highest reported, areas for targeted education using in-service education and workshops were identified alongside a need for exploration of the impediments to providing best care.

Knowledge of Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting and the Pharmacovigilance of Biological Medicines: A Survey of Healthcare Professionals in Ireland.

BackgroundIn Europe, changes to pharmacovigilance legislation, which include additional monitoring of medicines, aim to optimise adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting systems. The legislation also makes provisions related to the traceability of biological medicines.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess (i) knowledge and general experience of ADR reporting, (ii) knowledge, behaviours, and attitudes related to the pharmacovigilance of biologicals, and (iii) awareness of additional monitoring among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Ireland.MethodsHospital doctors (n = 88), general practitioners (GPs) (n = 197), nurses (n = 104) and pharmacists (n = 309) completed an online questionnaire.ResultsThere were differences in mean knowledge scores relating to ADR reporting and the pharmacovigilance of biologicals among the HCP groups. The majority of HCPs who use biological medicines in their practice generally record biologicals by brand name but practice behaviours relating to batch number recording differed between some professions. HCPs consider batch number recording to be valuable but also regard it as being more difficult than brand name recording. Most respondents were aware of the concept of additional monitoring but awareness rates differed between some groups. Among those who knew about additional monitoring, there was higher awareness of the inverted black triangle symbol among pharmacists (> 86.4%) compared with hospital doctors (35.1%), GPs (35.6%), and nurses (14.9%). Hospital pharmacists had more experience and knowledge of ADR reporting than other practising HCPs.ConclusionThis study highlights the important role hospital pharmacists play in post-marketing surveillance. There is a need to increase pharmacovigilance awareness of biological medicines and improve systems to support their batch traceability.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40259-018-0281-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Assessment of periodontal knowledge among residents of West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India: A descriptive epidemiological survey

Aim: To assess the periodontal knowledge among 18–50-year-old adult population living in the West Godavari state of Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional face-to-face interview survey from July 2014 to June 2015 among individuals between ages 18 and 50 years living in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh using a stratified multistage sampling method. For data collection, a specially designed pretested proforma was used. The proforma consisted of demographic details such as name, age, sex, income, education, occupation, personal habits, and systemic diseases, if any. The proforma also included a structured, 14-item questionnaire to assess the knowledge levels of participants regarding periodontal health and diseases. t-test and analysis of variance were used to analyze the collected data. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all comparisons. Results: The lowest percentage of correct answers was related to gum care during pregnancy (11.6%) and the effect of systemic diseases on periodontium (30%). A majority of the participants had higher level of knowledge scores related to the use of toothpaste (95.2%) and food accumulation leads to gum diseases (80.8%). There was no significant difference in mean knowledge score among different gender and occupation groups (P > 0.05). Participants with high economic status had the highest periodontal disease knowledge (P = 0.015). Conclusion: Knowledge concerning periodontal health and disease is still poor in West Godavari; therefore, more dental health education is needed to improve oral health. In this study, positive attitudes toward prevention were related to better knowledge.

Piloting a Sex-Specific, Technology-Enhanced, Active Learning Intervention for Stroke Prevention in Women.

Recent studies reveal deficiencies in stroke awareness and knowledge of risk factors among women. Existing stroke education interventions may not address common and sex-specific risk factors in the population with the highest stroke-related rate of mortality. This pilot study assessed the efficacy of a technology-enhanced, sex-specific educational program ("SISTERS") for women's knowledge of stroke. This was an experimental pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of 150 women (mean age, 55 years) with at least 1 stroke risk factor. Participants were randomized to either the intervention (n = 75) or control (n = 75) group. Data were collected at baseline and at a 2-week posttest. There was no statistically significant difference in mean knowledge score (P = .67), mean confidence score (P = .77), or mean accuracy score (P = .75) between the intervention and control groups at posttest. Regression analysis revealed that older age was associated with lower knowledge scores (P < .001) and lower confidence scores (P < .001). After controlling for age, the SISTERS program was associated with a statistically significant difference in knowledge (P < .001) and confidence (P < .001). Although no change occurred overall, after controlling for age, there was a statistically significant benefit. Older women may have less comfort with technology and require consideration for cognitive differences.

Abstract 24: Helping to Educate Women About the Risk of Stroke (HER-Stroke): Initial Results from a Teaching Intervention

Introduction: Recent studies reveal deficiencies in educating women about stroke. The vast majority of stroke education is presented as gender neutral or with a male bias. This study examined if a computer-based, gender-specific education program (HER-Stroke) increased women’s awareness of stroke signs and symptoms. Methods: This 2-phase prospective study with 2-week follow-up examined gender-specific education based on Knowles’ Theory, enrolled 225 women with at least one stroke risk factor from any inpatient setting or neurology outpatient setting. Phase I, 75 women received standard stroke education (Group A). Phase II, 150 women randomized to standard (Group B) vs HER-Stroke education (Group C). Knowledge is scored as the percent of questions answered correctly; confidence is the percent of questions attempted; and accuracy is percent correct of those attempted. Results: Mean age was similar for Group A, B, C (54.4, 57.9, 52.5 years) respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in mean knowledge scores comparing groups A B and C: (69.4%, 71.6%, 69.0%; p=0.67), mean confidence scores for groups A, B, and C respectively (80.8%, 83.2%, 80.2%; p=0.77), or mean accuracy scores for group A B and C (86.2%, 85.6%, 85.0%; p=0.75). Regression analysis revealed that older age was associated with lower knowledge scores (p&lt;.001) and lower confidence scores (p&lt;.001). After controlling for age, the intervention was associated with a statistically significant difference in knowledge and confidence (p&lt;.001). Conclusions: Enhanced efficacy among younger participants may reflect experience and comfort using technology. While the intervention was not associated with a change in overall scores, after controlling for age there was a statistically significant difference among groups. Further research including unmeasured covariates is needed to explore optimal stroke education formats for older learners.

Evaluation of overdose prevention trainings in New York City: Knowledge and self-efficacy among participants 12 months after training

ABSTRACTBackground: Prevention of unintentional opioid overdose deaths is effective through overdose prevention trainings (OPTs), in which laypersons are taught overdose response through six actions. This longitudinal study examines trainee knowledge 12 months after OPT completion. Methods: Participants were enrolled following OPT at six sites. At the 12-month follow-up, participants were asked to name the drug overdoses that naloxone reverses and name overdose response actions. A 6-point scale was created and was comprised of the number of correct overdose response actions mentioned (check breathing; administer sternum rub; call 911; give rescue breathing; administer naloxone; put victim in recovery position). Mean knowledge was compared by participant sociodemographic characteristics, confidence, and site of OPT training (indoors versus outdoors). Results: Of 344 OPT participants, 273 were reached at 12 months. Nearly all (99%) participants identified that naloxone reverses heroin overdoes; 77% identified that naloxone reverses opioid analgesics overdoses; and 68% identified that naloxone reverses methadone overdoses. Overdose response actions most frequently mentioned were giving naloxone (86%) and calling 911 (76%). The remaining four actions were mentioned by less than 40% of participants. Overall mean knowledge score was 2.7 out of 6. Mean knowledge scores were higher for college graduates than those with less than college education (3.2 vs 2.6, P < 0.001), for those who felt very confident (mean score [ms] = 2.9), compared to somewhat confident (ms = 2.4) and a little or not at all confident (ms = 1.5) in their ability to reverse an overdose (P < .001), and for indoor-training recipients (3.0 vs 2.5, P = 0.02). There were no differences in mean knowledge scores for trainees by age, race, or gender. Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for several improvements in OPT curriculum, including emphasis on naloxone reversal of opioid analgesic and methadone overdoses, and all 6 rescue actions. Lower knowledge scores among outdoor-trained participants likely reflect session brevity, suggesting that outdoor trainings need to be enhanced.

Effectiveness of Organ Donation Information Campaigns in Germany: A Facebook Based Online Survey.

BackgroundThe German transplantation system is in a crisis due to a lack of donor organs. Information campaigns are one of the main approaches to increase organ donation rates. Since 2012, German health insurance funds are obliged by law to inform their members about organ donation. We raised the hypothesis: The willingness to sign a donor card rises due to the subsequent increase of specific knowledge by receiving the information material of the health insurance funds.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to assess the influence of information campaigns on the specific knowledge and the willingness to donate organs.MethodsWe conducted an online survey based on recruitment via Facebook groups, advertisements using the snowball effect, and on mailing lists of medical faculties in Germany. Besides the demographic data, the willingness to hold an organ donor card was investigated. Specific knowledge regarding transplantation was explored using five factual questions resulting in a specific knowledge score.ResultsWe recruited a total of 2484 participants, of which 32.7% (300/917) had received information material. Mean age was 29.9 (SD 11.0, median 26.0). There were 65.81% (1594/2422) of the participants that were female. The mean knowledge score was 3.28 of a possible 5.00 (SD 1.1, median 3.0). Holding a donor card was associated with specific knowledge (P<.001), but not with the general education level (P=.155). Receiving information material was related to holding a donor card (P<.001), but not to a relevant increase in specific knowledge (difference in mean knowledge score 3.20 to 3.48, P=.006). The specific knowledge score and the percentage of organ donor card holders showed a linear association (P<.001).ConclusionsThe information campaign was not associated with a relevant increase in specific knowledge, but with an increased rate in organ donor card holders. This effect is most likely related to the feeling of being informed, together with an easy access to the organ donor card.

Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Self Instructional Module on Pain Management for Nursing Officers at Selected Military Hospitals, Pune

Pain is one of the most common reasons people enter the health care system, yet it is one of the most widely under treated health problems. Controlling pain is a vital component of patient care. The study was evaluative in nature and a quasi-experimental design was used, The study aimed at developing SIM on ‘pain management’ for nursing officers and testing the effectiveness by assessing the knowledge level of nursing officers before and after implementation of SIM. The investigator also studied the relationship of knowledge level with selected variables like nursing officer's professional qualification, age, and professional experience. A pre-test was carried out before administration of SIM. A post test was carried out after the administration of SIM at an interval of 7–14 days. The post test mean knowledge score (26.14) was significantly higher than the mean pre test knowledge score (13.33). Further analysis was carried out in each area to find out the difference in mean knowledge scores. The computed‘t’ values were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001) in each learning areas. Learning through self instructional module is a practical strategy for nursing officers to encourage them to incorporate pain relief measures into nursing practice.

Knowledge Regarding Hymens and the Sex Education of Parents

The objective of this study was to ascertain beliefs and knowledge of pediatricians and parents regarding the hymen and to evaluate parental and pediatrician attitudes regarding sex education by pediatricians. Surveys were distributed anonymously to parents and pediatricians. Survey questions included knowledge of the female hymen and questions regarding attitudes toward sexual health education. There was a statistically significant difference in mean knowledge scores between pediatricians and parents regarding the hymen (3.7 versus 1.3; p < 0.0001). Almost two-thirds of pediatricians (63%) felt comfortable providing sexual health education directly to their patients, but only 41% felt comfortable educating parents. Pediatricians and parents demonstrate knowledge gaps about the hymen.

Effect of Educational Module on Knowledge of Primary School Teachers Regarding Early Symptoms of Childhood Psychiatric Disorders

Context:University-based pre-service educational programs do not adequately prepare the teachers to have sufficient knowledge and skill for identifying a wide variety of symptoms related to mental health disorders among children.Aims:To assess the effect of educational module on knowledge of primary school teachers regarding early symptoms of childhood psychiatric disorders.Settings and Design:A pre experimental study on a sample of 35 primary school teachers was done in selected schools of Delhi.Materials and Methods:Self-instructional module on early symptoms of childhood psychiatric disorders (SIM on ESCD) was developed. Data was collected by using standardized tools including the structured questionnaire for ‘Demographic and selected variables’ and pre-test knowledge questionnaire. The subjects were exposed to SIM on ESCD for a period of 15 days. Knowledge regarding early symptoms of childhood psychiatric disorders was assessed twice, first one being before exposure to module and the next one on 16th day of exposure to module.Statistical Analysis:Data were analyzed using statistical package STATA 9.0 version.Results:Primary school teachers who have been teaching in government schools had high pre-test knowledge score than that in private sector. There was significant difference in mean knowledge score of primary school teachers before (9.71) and after (15.60) the administration of SIM on ESCD. Younger teachers and those who had less years of teaching experience had more knowledge gain score than those who were older and had more teaching experience.Conclusions:In the absence of adequate pre-service and in-service education of primary school teachers on early symptoms of childhood psychiatric disorders, SIM on ESCD is a highly effective and viable method for improving primary school teachers’ knowledge on early symptoms of childhood psychiatric disorders.

Investigation of the Impact of HBM-Based Training on BSE in Women Referred to Health Centers in Zahedan in 2010-2011

: Background: Women of all ages are at risk for developing breast cancer. More than 90% of patients can be treated if diagnosed early. However, most women do not perform a regular BSE (Breast Self-Examination), which is an effective and inexpensive way to prevent considerable cancer-related death and morbidity.Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the impact of Health Belief Model (HBM)-based training on BSE behavior.Patients and Methods: The study involved a controlled intervention performed with 200 women referred to health centers in Zahedan; 100 women were included in the intervention group and 100 other women in the control group. Before undertaking intervention training, a questionnaire designed according to HBM principles was completed by the subjects. The intervention training was then carried out with the intervention group using a lecture, question and answer sessions, and a film. Two months after the intervention, the questionnaire was readministered. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 software, an independent t-test, a paired t-test, and a chi-square analysis; P < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The independent t-test showed that before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in mean knowledge scores or HBM parameters among the control and intervention groups (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference was found after the intervention as the mean knowledge score increased and the HBM parameters differed in the intervention group (P < 0.05). A paired t-test showed that the mean differences in knowledge scores and HBM parameters before and after the intervention were statistically significant (P < 0.05), but no significant before and after differences were identified among the control group (P > 0.05). Before the study, the percentage of women who regularly performed a BSE was 7% in the intervention group, but this was increased to 51% after the intervention.Conclusions: It seems that a training program based on HBM principles is effective for inducing BSE behavior. Also, based on the findings of this study, there may be a need to increase the awareness of the perceived severity of breast cancer and the possible benefits of BSE and a self-efficacy approach to health. It is recommended that training programs emphasizing such changes be designed and implemented. Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:The results of this study is to be used for health and medical authorities, It is recommended that Training programs with emphasis on changing knowledge, perceived severity and benefit , and self-efficacy, toward improving the health of women should be designed and implemented. Please cite this paper as:Lotfi B, Hashemi SZ , Ansari Moghadam A. The Investigation of the Impact of HBM Based Training on BSE in Women Referred to Health Centers in Zahedan in 2010-2011. Health Scope. 2012; 1(1): 39-43. DOI: 10.5812/jhs.4698 Copyright © 2012 Kowsar Corp. All rights reserved.

Influenza immunization rates, knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care workers in Iran

This study aimed to determine influenza vaccine coverage and evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practice about influenza and vaccine of health care workers in Tehran, Iran. This cross-sectional survey involved 144 health care workers (HCWs) at the Tehran University of Medical Science between October 2008 and February 2009. Participants received a self-administered questionnaire directed at 35 items of knowledge and every correct response was scored one point. Influenza vaccination coverage for the 2008-2009 season was 66.9 % (range, 45% to 62%). Most HCWs (80.6%) had received an influenza vaccination in the past, and 65.4% intended to receive vaccination in the coming year. The main reason given for being immunized was the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine (51.4%). The main reason given for not being immunized was concern about adverse effects (23.1%). The knowledge score for the 35 items ranged from 0 to 34 (mean 17.37). Mean knowledge scores differed between educational levels. There was no significant difference in mean knowledge scores between females and males (P > 0.05). Independent variables (age, sex, marital status, having children aged ≤ 16 years, educational level) were not significant predictors of taking influenza immunization. Despite the high coverage rate of influenza vaccination in our study, we would expect a higher rate because of free vaccine availability. The results indicate the need for on-going education of influenza disease among HCWs to increase vaccination rates.

A model for offering carrier screening for fragile X syndrome to nonpregnant women: results from a pilot study

PurposeTo develop a model of offering population carrier screening for fragile X syndrome to nonpregnant women in primary care, using a program evaluation framework. MethodsA three-phase approach included: (I) needs assessment exploring staff and client attitudes, and informing development of educational materials, questionnaires and protocols; (II) offering screening to women, with questionnaires at baseline (Q1) and another (Q2) 1-month later; (III) genetic counseling for test-positive women and interviews with a subgroup of participants. ResultsOf 338 volunteering for Phase II, 94% completed Q1, 59% completed Q2, and 20% (N = 65) chose testing revealing one premutation carrier and three gray zone results; 31 women were interviewed. Tested women had more positive attitudes toward screening (Q1: P < 0.001; Q2: P < 0.001) compared with untested, although there was no significant difference in mean knowledge scores or anxiety. Women generally supported being offered prepregnancy screening; however, reasons against being tested included: not currently planning a family; perceiving benefits of screening as unimportant; and having to return for testing. ConclusionThis is the first prospective study exploring informed decision-making for fragile X syndrome carrier screening, using a thorough process of consultation, with no apparent harms identified. It provides a model for development of future genetic screening programs.

Differences in Cancer Prevention Knowledge and Experience Among Medical Students at Three Institutions Over Time

To evaluate the effect of an enhanced cancer prevention curriculum on medical students' changes in knowledge, self-perceived competence, and educational experience in cancer prevention during the first three years of medical school at three different institutions. MANOVAs were used to compare the differences in mean knowledge scores and self-reported competence in counseling and performing screening exams among the institutions at pre-test and post-test, respectively. We also calculated a change score for the two institutions that used the same ID codes to track students and used a MANCOVA for comparison in order to adjust for pretest scores. Pearson chi-square tests were used to compare educational experience. The three schools significantly (p < .01) differed from each other in mean knowledge scores and self-perceived competence at both survey times. For all three institutions, post-test scores were significantly higher than pre-test scores (p < .001). The students of the three schools also reported significantly (p < .05) different amounts of educational experience in most areas. The varied amount of direct instruction in cancer prevention received by the students at the three institutions may account for the variation in outcomes. Findings demonstrate the effect of the enhanced curriculum.