Education Awareness Programs Research Articles

Evaluation of a Menstrual Hygiene Education Program for Adolescent Girls in Rural India

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of a pharmacist-mediated education program on menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in and around Balagangadaranatha (BG) Nagara, India. DesignPre- and postintervention study conducted over 6 months. Setting/Local ProblemAdolescent girls in India, especially in rural areas, may lack proper knowledge and a supportive atmosphere to deal with menstruation-related concerns. Many myths and taboos also make it difficult or impossible to find accurate information about menstruation and menstrual hygiene. ParticipantsThe sample included 585 female high school students who had begun menstruation and lived in and around BG Nagara, India. InterventionAn educational training session provided information about the menstrual cycle, sanitary products, proper disposal practices, and menstrual disorders. Information addressed the psychological and social dimensions of menstruation to mitigate stigma. Educational leaflets about personal menstruation hygiene practices were also provided. ResultsPre- and posttests were administered to assess participants’ knowledge of and practices regarding menstrual hygiene. Pretest scores indicated that 43.8% (n = 164) of participants had good knowledge of menstruation, 86% (n = 503) used sanitary pads, and 73.2% (n = 428) thought that increasing nutritious food was necessary during menstruation. Posttest scores indicated an increase in all areas (p < .001). ConclusionHealth education was associated with an improvement in female high school students’ knowledge of and practices related to menstrual hygiene. More menstrual health education strategies and awareness programs are needed to improve the knowledge and health of adolescent girls.

Salt-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices and their relationship with 24-hour urinary sodium and potassium excretions among a group of healthy residents in the UAE: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to measure urinary sodium and potassium as a measure of sodium and potassium intake concerning the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward sodium intake among a group of healthy residents in the UAE. A cross-sectional study on a sample of healthy adults in the UAE. In addition to the KAP questionnaire, sodium and potassium excretions, and food records were taken. The United Arab Emirates. A sample of 190 healthy individuals aged between 20-60 years. The mean (± SD) age of the sample was 38.6 (± 12.5) years and 50.5% were females. The mean urinary sodium and potassium intake were 2816.2± 675.7 mg /day and 2533.3± 615 mg/day, respectively. The means were significantly different compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of sodium and potassium, (p < 0.001). About 65% of the participants exceeded the WHO recommendations for salt intake, and participants' knowledge classification for health-related issues was fair while food-related knowledge was poor (P=0.001). A two-stage stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that KAP scores were negatively associated with urinary sodium excretion (r = -0.174; p = 0.017) and those older participants and females had lower urinary sodium excretion (p<0.001). These findings may suggest an increase in the risk of hypertension in the UAE population. Moreover, these findings emphasize the need to establish education and public awareness programs focusing on identifying the sodium contents of foods and establishing national regulations regarding food reformulation, particularly for staple foods such as bread.

The effect of end-of-life care awareness education on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of intensive care nurses: A randomized controlled trial.

Education in end-of-life care (EoLC) is essential for improving the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of intensive care nurses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of online awareness education, based on the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium, on the knowledge levels, attitudes and behaviours of intensive care nurses. This single-centre randomized controlled study. This study was performed in a tertiary intensive care unit in a university-affiliated hospital. Seventy-six intensive care nurses were selected and equally randomized. In the education, the group was given an EoLC awareness education programme on an online platform as 40-60-min sessions once a week for 4 weeks. The descriptive Information Form, EoLC Knowledge Test and the Nurses' Attitudes and Behaviours towards the EoLC Scale were used. In the study, intensive care nurses' knowledge, attitude and behaviour levels towards EoLC were evaluated before and after 4 weeks (±3 days) following the education. When the mean post-education scores of the nurses in the education group were compared with the control group, it was found that their mean scores on the EoLC Knowledge Test (p = .001, Cohen's d = 1.354, 95% CI = 3.240-6.549), the attitude sub-dimension (p = .001, Cohen's d = 1.520, 95% CI = 4.510-7.858), the behaviour sub-dimension (p = .001, Cohen's d = 1.425, 95% CI = 3.206-6.214) and the total attitude and behaviour (p = .001, Cohen's d = 1.927, 95% CI = 8.408-13.643) were statistically significantly higher than those of the control group. This study showed that EoLC awareness education positively affected nurses' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Accordingly, planning EoLC awareness education online at regular intervals may be recommended for intensive care nurses. Intensive care nurses may be given online EoLC awareness education to positively affect their knowledge, attitudes and behaviours about EoLC. Online EoLC education can be effective in terms of reaching a large number of nurses, time and cost.

Effectiveness of Activity Supported Earthquake Awareness Education Program in Primary School Children: "I Know What I Need to Do, I'm Not Falling Even If We Shake" Project.

The objective of this study was to enhance the knowledge base of primary school children regarding earthquake preparedness through the implementation of an activity-based earthquake awareness education program. The study was conducted as pre-posttest semi-experimental design with one group of 333 children in a primary school between January and May 2024. A Descriptive Information Form and Earthquake Awareness Knowledge Level Form were the data collection tools. The children were provided with a 6-week (modules) education program. Measurements were made before and after the education. The mean age of the children was 7.16±0.73 years (6-9), 56.8% were girls, 43.2% were boys, and 25.8% were second-grade children. Earthquake Awareness Knowledge Level Form total score was higher after the education (18.31±1.52) than before (15.51±3.73) (t=-16.144, p<0.001). The study revealed an increase in children's knowledge regarding appropriate behaviors in the context of earthquakes, encompassing actions to be taken before, during, and after such events. Modular education and applied activities are effective in increasing children's knowledge levels in the context of teaching a concept such as earthquake preparedness, where the acquisition of life-based skills is of paramount importance.

HYGIENIC SUBSTANTIATION OF EARLY DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETES IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a condition that develops during pregnancy and poses significant health risks to both mother and baby if not detected and managed early. This article explores the importance of hygienic practices in the early detection and prevention of GDM. It highlights key factors, including regular prenatal check-ups, the role of nutritional and personal hygiene, and the need for consistent blood glucose monitoring. Additionally, it emphasizes lifestyle modifications for at-risk women, such as maintaining a balanced diet and proper sleep hygiene. The article concludes with recommendations for overcoming common challenges in managing GDM through education and community awareness programs, underlining the critical role of proactive healthcare in ensuring healthy pregnancies.

Building a sustainable sanitation culture in indigenous people of Malaysia: A systematic literature study

The sanitation challenges faced by indigenous Malaysian communities are driving an urgent paradigm shift in sanitation approaches. This article highlights the journey toward the formation of a sustainable sanitation culture among indigenous Malaysians. Against the background of poor sanitation conditions in these communities, the main problems raised were a lack of access to adequate sanitation facilities and low awareness of hygiene practices. The aim of this study is to identify and analyze normative and empirical approaches that can be used to improve sanitation conditions. The research method uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and qualitative analysis to understand the traditional sanitation paradigm of indigenous societies. The process follows the PRISMA circuit, involving the identification, selection, and in-depth analysis of articles from a number of databases, such as Scopus and Google Scholar, focusing on the cultural values and sanitation practices that shape their sanitation paradigm. The results show that strong partnerships between governments, NGOs, and civil society are key to achieving significant changes in the sanitation culture. The recommendations of this article include the need for investment in better sanitation infrastructure, development of inclusive education and public awareness programs, and strengthening of public participation in the planning and implementation of sanitation programs. Thus, this article provides in-depth insights into concrete efforts to create a positive transformation in sanitation culture among Malaysian natives.

Challenging and encouraging halal certification in handicraft MSMEs

Halal certification, a crucial aspect of the halal product industry in Indonesia, is mandatory for food and beverage products. However, awareness and understanding of halal certification remain low among Handicraft MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). This research explores the perceptions, understanding, awareness, and challenges Handicraft MSMEs face regarding halal certification. A qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews was employed as the data collection method, followed by NVivo software analysis. The results indicate that Handicraft MSMEs lack an understanding of the importance of halal certification and are unaware of the obligations and procedures involved. We identified insufficient socialization as a significant obstacle, underscoring the urgent need for more awareness campaigns and educational programs. The complexity of the certification process and lack of coordination among halal institutions are also significant obstacles. This research provides profound insights into the challenges and opportunities in implementing halal certification for Handicraft MSMEs, emphasizing the crucial role of the government in promoting and facilitating halal certification implementation for Handicraft MSMEs to support growth and competitiveness in the market. Keywords: Halal certification, Handicraft MSMEs, NVivo

Factors and consequences of early marriage among women in Jumla

Background: In Nepal, child marriage is seen as a significant obstacle to the country's social and economic growth as well as a significant threat to the health of women. Despite a steady decline in this harmful practice over the past decade, child marriage remains widespread, with approximately one in five girls married in childhood across the globe. The objective of the study was to find out the factors and consequences of early marriage among women in Jumla. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among the residents of Jumla District where 280 married reproductive age group women were taken as subjects. Simple random sampling technique was used. Data was collected by using semi-structured interview schedule. Analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Study findings showed that majority (77.9%) of the respondents got early marriage. Early marriage was statistically association with educational status at the time of marriage (p=0.000), occupational status (p=0.000), type of marriage ((p=0.014), educational status of father (p=0.009), occupational status of father (p=0.016), parental income (p=0.000), decision making (p=0.003), husband´s education and occupation (p=0.000). Inadequate education (70.7%) and economic resources (83.9%), customs (66.8%) and unemployment (63.2%) are the main reasons of early marriage. Likewise, increasing responsibility (80.7%), lower abdominal pain (67.5%), uterine prolapse (65.4%), early pregnancy (71.1%), unplanned pregnancy (58.9%) and prolonged labor (51.8%) are the main consequences of early marriage. Therefore, it is concluded that more than three fourth of the respondents were married early which lead to many consequences. Conclusion: The study concluded that more than three fourth of the respondents got early marriage. Early marriage had significant association with educational status at the time of marriage, occupational status, type of marriage, occupational status of father, parental income, decision making at time of marriage, husband´s education and occupation. Inadequate education and economic resources, customs and unemployment are the main reasons of early marriage. Likewise, early pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy, prolonged labor, lower abdominal pain, uterine prolapse, and increasing responsibility are the main consequences of early marriage. Hence, the efforts have to be made to prevent the early marriage through awareness and various educational programs.

Consumo responsable y cadena de valor hacia un modelo sostenible en el desarrollo local del cantón Quevedo

The objective of this study was to analyze responsible consumption and the value chain as foundations for the development of a sustainable model in the Quevedo Canton. The sample size was calculated with Decision Analyst STATSTM 2.0 software. The information was obtained by applying a questionnaire to 123 consumers. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS program (Version 22.0). Consumption, availability of environmentally friendly products and the value chain were addressed. The results revealed a high degree of reliability for the 12 items, according to Cronbach's Alpha method, with a value of 0.80. Responsible consumption mainly allows the reduction of waste, conservation of resources and the choice of sustainable products and services, an educational model used is awareness and environmental education programs through digital means to provide effective solutions in the transition towards eco-friendly products. More sustainable consumption practices were adopted, cooperation between actors in the value chain allows them to promote educational awareness programs and community commitment, implementing environmental regulations in each of the links and executing permits to guarantee the quality in each of the products that are demanded.

Health Literacy Levels of Women Attending a Perinatology Outpatient Clinic for High-Risk Pregnancy Follow-Up.

Health literacy, defined as the ability to obtain, understand, evaluate, and apply health information with knowledge, motivation, and skills, is crucial for maintaining and improving quality of life. Despite the availability of health information, limited health literacy is linked to health disparities, inadequate self-management of chronic diseases, and poorer health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to assess the health literacy of pregnant women who visit the Perinatology Outpatient Clinic for follow-up care. It seeks to identify gaps in knowledge and understanding that may impede effective healthcare delivery and inform targeted health education and public awareness programs to enhance health literacy. This prospective survey study included 210 pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years attending the Perinatology Outpatient Clinic at Giresun Obstetrics and Gynecology Training and Research Hospital, Turkey. Participants completed a questionnaire on health literacy, sociodemographics, and basic health status via Google Forms (Google Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), employing tests such as Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Student's t-test, ANOVA, Spearman, and Pearson correlation, and multivariate linear regression analysis. The mean age of participants was 29.97±5.44 years, with a mean health literacy score of 29.89±7.05. Education level and living place significantly influenced health literacy scores, with higher scores among those with higher education and urban living (p = 0.014 and p = 0.038, respectively). Economic status also significantly impacted health literacy, with lower scores among those with poor economic status (p<0.001). Health literacy scores were higher among those receiving health information from healthcare professionals (p = 0.006) and lower among those finding medical information from doctors insufficient (p = 0.008). Health literacy is significantly influenced by education level, living place, and economic status. The study emphasizes the necessity of focused health education initiatives, especially for individuals with lower educational attainment and those residing in rural regions. Improving health literacy via efficient communication from medical professionals can benefit expectant mothers and their unborn children by lowering medical expenses and improving health outcomes.

The impact of disability awareness education program for typically developing children on attitudes and behaviors toward siblings with intellectual disabilities.

This study aims to investigate the impact of the "Disability Awareness Education Program" implemented for typically developing children with siblings who have intellectual disabilities on the attitudes and behaviors of these children. This study is divided into two stages. The first stage is descriptive, while the second is a quasi-experimental study consisting of pre-, post-intervention, and control groups. The study was carried out on the parents and typically developing siblings of children with intellectual disabilities studying in Special Educational Institutions in a province of Turkey. In the first phase, it was determined that 31 of 913 intellectually disabled children had siblings with typically developing aged 13-15. In the second phase, the education program was applied to typically developing siblings in the intervention group. It was concluded that the education program applied to typically developing children had a positive impact on their attitudes and behaviors toward their siblings with intellectual disabilities.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Elderly Patients at Midnapore Medical College, West Bengal.

Background Depression, anxiety, and stress are leading causes of disability worldwide and major contributors to suicide.The burden of these disorders among the Indian geriatric population is often described as a silent epidemic. The sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has only intensified this public health problem.Finding out factors associated with poor mental health is critical to improving overall healthcare for high-risk patients, especially in underserved and inaccessible communities. Aim This study was conducted to measure the prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress and their sociodemographic correlates among the Indian geriatric patient population. This study also aimed to assess the coping strategies employed and difficulties faced by the population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. A total of 107 participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Bangla version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21 BV), a 21-item self-reported questionnaire. Results Of the sampled group,43.9%, 32.7%, and 34.6% were moderately to extremely severely depressed, anxious, and stressed, respectively. Factors associated with worse mental health were increasing age, female gender, living separately from their spouses, unemployment, retirement, or any occupation that did not require one to leave their house. Of the sample population,80.3% had experienced a loss of income due to the pandemic. The most frequently used coping strategy was to solve problems they faced daily, closely followed by praying and participating in religious activities. Conclusion Depression, anxiety, and stress showed a higher prevalence than previously described, before the pandemic. This could be due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study also demonstrated some of the factors associated with and the most commonly used ways to tackle poor mental health. Adequate educational awareness programmes that are accessible in different regional languages, strengthening mental health infrastructure, and community mental health services will significantly improve outcomes, especially among high-risk populations.

Trends in hepatitis C virus seroprevalence and associated risk factors among msm in Pakistan: insights from a community-based study

Pakistan bears a substantial burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with the second-highest prevalence globally. This community-based cross-sectional study, conducted from January to December 2022 in Punjab, Pakistan, investigates the seroprevalence of HCV among the men who have sex with men (MSM) population. The study identifies demographic and behavioral risk factors associated with HCV infection within this population group. Among the 501 participants, the study found an HCV seroprevalence of 14.86%. The association between demographic characteristics and seroprevalence is assessed by calculating the percentage of positive cases, revealing notable associations with age, education level, and self-identified sexual orientation. Furthermore, the study identified several behavioral risk factors positively associated with HCV seroprevalence, including sharing personal items such as razors and toothbrushes, histories of surgery, blood transfusion, dental procedures, intravenous drug use, and therapeutic injection histories. These risk factors were identified through structured interviews, and the prevalence of HCV seropositivity among the exposed groups was calculated accordingly. Interestingly, a lower HCV positivity rate was observed among self-reported HIV-positive individuals, contradicting previous research. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive, targeted prevention strategies such as risk factor awareness campaigns and educational programs tailored for the MSM population in Pakistan. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and better understand the complex interplay of factors contributing to HCV seroprevalence in this high-risk population.

Assessing greywater characteristics in the sahel region and perception of the local population on its reuse in agriculture

Research on greywater reuse in water stressed areas is in full swing. However, the perception of greywater reuse is one of the least researched areas in West Africa, particularly in Sahelian countries. This study aimed to fills a significant gap in the existing literature, which has largely ignored the specific socio-demographic contexts of developing countries in the Sahelian regions. The study involved in-depth interviews with 240 rural households and the collection of 40 greywater samples in four locations for laboratory analysis. The survey focused on greywater management and household perceptions of greywater reuse in agriculture. The analyses focused on determining the physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of greywater collected from households. The results showed that over 80 % of households discharged greywater into the natural environment without prior treatment. The majority of respondents were aware that poor greywater management poses a health risk. The results also showed an association between locality, gender, education level and perceptions of poor grey water management. Respondents were willing to accept the reuse of greywater in agriculture, to consume irrigated vegetables and to install a greywater treatment system. The quality analysis showed that the greywater was not in compliance with the legal discharge limits. This study highlights that in order to promote sustainable greywater management practices within households, it is important to design effective greywater treatment systems that meet the needs of the target population. Awareness campaigns, education and training programmes on wastewater management could also be established.

Bisexual Discrimination, Internalized Binegativity and their Impact on Mental Health

IntroductionBisexual individuals experience discrimination both from heterosexual individuals and from the Lesbian and Gay (LG) community. This double discrimination affects their mental health. This study aimed to explore the relationship between binegativity (from heterosexual and LB individuals) and internalized binegativity and symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as the mediating role of social support. The second purpose was to explore whether these variables could predict the symptoms of depression and anxiety.MethodsA sample of 110 bisexual individuals (77.3% cisgender women, Mage = 25.2) completed self-report measures.ResultsMost participants reported being discriminated against by heterosexual (93.2%) and LG (81.8%) individuals. However, they perceived and experienced higher discrimination from heterosexual people. The majority experienced internalized binegativity. As hypothesized, heterosexual discrimination predicted depressive and anxiety symptoms. Contrary to expectations, discrimination from the LG community and internalized binegativity did not predict symptoms, although bivariate correlations showed a positive relationship. Social support was a moderator of symptoms of depression, but not of anxiety.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the impact of binegativity on the mental health of bisexual individuals and the importance of social support.Policy implicationsOur results provide practitioners and policymakers with evidence of the effects of discrimination experienced by bisexual individuals. Educational campaigns and public awareness programs are needed to foster a more inclusive and accepting society.

Sustainable Consumption Patterns: Evaluating Consumer Preferences and Barriers in the Adoption of Organic Versus Conventional Agri-Food Products

Abstract This study delves into how consumers view and choose between conventional agri food items focusing on the factors that influence their purchasing decisions amidst growing concerns about climate change and sustainability. By gathering insights from a focus group of 21 individuals, the research uncovers a clear preference for products due to perceived health and environmental advantages. Consumers recognize the quality, taste and nutritional value of items, which justifies their higher price points. Nonetheless challenges like affordability, limited availability and lack of information pose obstacles to adoption. The paper underscores the importance of an approach to promote product consumption through government initiatives awareness efforts, education programs and cost saving production methods.

Exploring Awareness and Understanding of Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Screening, and Treatment among Females in Pakistan

Purpose: Breast cancer is a pressing concern in Pakistan, ranking as the second leading cause of death among women. Despite its increasing incidence, it often lacks adequate attention from policymakers and healthcare professionals. This oversight could have severe consequences. To effectively tackle this health crisis, a thorough understanding of breast cancer's prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in Pakistan is crucial. Methodology: To assess the level of awareness and understanding of breast cancer among women, this study was conducted. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the outpatient department of Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, involving 350 female patients. Data were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 16.0. Findings: Descriptive statistics were used, and the results were expressed as percentages and presented graphically. The study found that 70% of women were aware of breast cancer. Furthermore, 74% of the patients were married, and 87% had children. Knowledge about signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer was relatively high among the women surveyed. However, only 23% of women had knowledge about performing breast self-examinations, and 18% had heard about mammography. This study provides valuable insights into breast cancer awareness and prevention behaviors among women in Pakistan, with significant implications for theory, policy, and practice. The findings highlight gaps in knowledge and awareness, particularly regarding breast self-examinations and mammography screenings. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Policy implications stemming from the study results include the need for targeted awareness campaigns, educational programs, and screening initiatives to improve breast cancer awareness and preventive behaviors among women in Pakistan. Policymakers should allocate resources towards these efforts and integrate breast cancer education into existing healthcare services and community outreach programs to ensure widespread dissemination of information and access to screening services.

Assessment of Knowledge and Perception of Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) Inhibitors Prescription among Physicians in Saudi Arabia.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors are a new class of medications that have been proven to improve both glycemic control and cardio-renal outcomes. The knowledge, attitude, and perception toward their prescriptions in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, are still unknown. The study aimed to measure the level of knowledge and attitude toward sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors prescription among physicians in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, SPSS 23rd version. Frequency and percentages were used to display categorical variables. Minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation were used to test numerical variables. Independent t-test and ANOVA test were both utilized to test the factors associated with knowledge and attitude toward the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors. A total of 65 participants were included in the study. 26.2% had a low knowledge level, 30.8% had a moderate knowledge level, and 43.1% had a high knowledge level of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. 9.2% had a low attitude level, 43.1% had a moderate attitude level, and 47.7% had a high attitude level toward sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Age, professional status, years of experience, and specialty were significantly associated with attitude but not with the knowledge of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors prescription. While the study cohort scored high in the knowledge and attitude domains of the survey, a large proportion failed to answer very essential questions in type 2 diabetes management. An educational awareness program needs to be carried out to strengthen the physicians' knowledge of SGLT2 inhibitors prescription.

IJCM_240A: A cross sectional study to assess the health literacy among adults attending outpatient clinics at a government tertiary care hospital in urban Bangalore.

Background: WHO defines health literacy as cognitive and social skills that determine the motivation and ability of people to understand, gain access and use the information to obtain good health. Inadequate health literacy has been linked to increased hospital admissions, poorer physical and mental health, lower use of preventive health services like vaccinations and screening tests. These ultimately lead to higher healthcare costs. This study was conducted to assess health literacy among adults attending outpatient clinics at a government tertiary care hospital in urban Bangalore. Objectives: To estimate proportion of inadequate health literacy and its associated factors among adults attending outpatient clinics at a government tertiary care hospital in urban Bangalore. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult attendees (i.e., patients and companions) of outpatient clinics of a government tertiary care hospital in urban Bangalore. Based on a study done by Almaleh. R et al. (P = 34.3%) with 7% absolute precision, the sample size was calculated as 200. A total of 200 adults attending outpatient clinics at the government tertiary care hospital were selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire for sociodemographic factors and HLS-EU-Q16 (European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire short version) for assessing health literacy. The data collected was entered in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS 21.0. Results: The proportion of inadequate health literacy among study participants was observed to be 38%. Factors like educational status, age, and gender were found to have an association with it. Health literacy was found to be least in lower-educated individuals. Conclusion: From the present study, it was found that a large part of adult population had limited health literacy. It should be addressed through proper interventions, like ensuring basic education and health awareness programmes.

Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practices in a tertiary hospital of Central India

Background: Breastfeeding is a behavioural act of the mother, one that is affected by demographic, socioeconomic, and faith factors as well as by cultural traditions and beliefs. However, there is little scientific literature on potential gaps between knowledge and standard practices regarding exclusive breastfeeding and its predictors among mothers in central India. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to explore the knowledge, perceptions, practices, and the associated factors of exclusive breastfeeding among urban and rural mothers at a tertiary hospital of central India. Results: A total of 500 post-natal mothers at the study hospital were interviewed to assess their knowledge and practices of exclusive breastfeeding. The study revealed that knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding was 47% while breastfeeding practices for up to six months of babies was reported by only 15% of participants. Breastfeeding within one hour of birth was reported by 31% of mothers. About 62% did not feed colostrum, while 57% fed their baby pre-lacteal feed. Mothers belonging to a rural community, living in joint family, literate, employed, better-off economic status, multigravida, having a previous history of vaginal delivery, and male child, and those counselled regarding breastfeeding during ANC visits had higher knowledge and better practices of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest an urgent need for regular counselling in ANC clinics to promote exclusive breastfeeding among women and their family caregivers. Breastfeeding awareness education programs for all pregnant women are recommended to ensure that mothers learn best practices regarding breastfeeding and its benefits.