Effective Awareness Programs Research Articles

Analysis of a mathematical model for tuberculosis: What could be done to increase case detection

This paper presents qualitative and quantitative study of a TB mathematical model to test results from a survey carried out in Benin City, Nigeria. The purpose of the survey was to determine factors that could enhance the case detection rate of tuberculosis. Results from the survey identified four key factors that must be combined for an effective control of TB and increase the case detection rate: effective awareness programme, active cough identification, associated cost factor for treatment of identified cases and effective treatment. The overall effect of these factors on the basic reproduction number under treatment, RT, of the TB model was considered. In all, a serious concentration on tuberculosis awareness programmes and active cough identification as a marker for someone having TB was shown to significantly reduce the value of the reproduction number, hereby reducing the severity of the disease in the presence of treatment.

Determinants of TB Case Detection in Nigeria: A Survey

This paper presents results from a survey carried out in Benin City, Nigeria to determine factors that could enhance the case detection rate for tuberculosis. Studies have shown that while the treatment rate is impressive, notification rates over the last decade have been discouraging. Results from the survey identified four key factors that must be combined to increase case detection rates. These factors are effective awareness programme, active cough identification, associated cost factor for treatment of identified cases, stepping up screening exercises and conducting routine tests at regular intervals especially in high population density areas.

How to establish an effective safety awareness programme at airports

This paper answers the question of how a successful and effective airport safety awareness programme can be established. Based on open International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements, Zurich Airport has conducted detailed stakeholder interviews and established a balanced approach including different types of awareness products. The awareness programme is based on the following pillars: a basic theoretical model describing how safety-conscious attitudes can be turned into sustainable safe behaviour; a broad evaluation of user requirements; and a concept defining topics, target audience, products as well as timing of safety awareness activities. The paper lists some practical examples used at Zurich Airport and proposes indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of safety awareness campaigns. The paper is based on the Zurich Airport safety awareness concept established in November 2008.

Molecular profiles of breast cancer in Ilorin, Nigeria.

1602 Background: Breast cancer is a complex disease with diversity between tumors and within tumor. Major differences exist in incidence and mortality rates across populations, making it imperative to investigate molecular pathogenesis in various populations. Methods: To identify molecular subtypes of breast cancer we collected Formalin-fixed and Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks from Ilorin. Pathologic features and patients' data were extracted from histology reports. Tissue microarrays were constructed from FFPE tumor samples and adjacent normal breast tissue at the University of Chicago. Immunohistochemical assays were performed using a DAKO immunostainer (DAKO, Carpinteria, CA) with antibodies and antigen unmasking. Breast cancer subtypes were defined as luminal A (ER+ and/or PR+, HER2-), luminal B (ER+ and/or PR+, HER2+), basal-like (ER-, PR-, HER2-, CK5/6+, and/or EGFR+), HER2+/ER- (HER2+, ER-, PR-), and unclassified (negative for all five markers). Results: From 2003 to 2007, 203 histologicaly confirmed breast cancer patients were enrolled, including 5 males and 5 bilateral breast cancers. Median age at diagnosis was 46 yrs. Majority of patients (59%) presented with large tumors (≥ 5 cm) as median time from symptoms onset to cancer diagnosis was 6 months (interquartile range 3-12 months). Proportion of ER+, PR+ and HER2+ tumors were 27%, 16%, and 30%, respectively. Commonest breast cancer subtype was basal-like (25%), followed by unclassified (24%), luminal A (20%), HER2+/ER- (19%), and luminal B (11%). Patients with ER+ tumors had longer duration of symptoms (median 8 months) than patients with ER- tumors (5 months) but ER+ patients had smaller tumors (median 5 cm) than ER- patients (6 cm, p = 0.02). Conclusions: This study replicates previous findings that triple negative breast cancer was over-represented in African population in a different geographic region of North Central Nigeria as found in the Southwest earlier on. Patients seek medical help after many months of cancer symptoms, suggesting lack of awareness of breast cancer in the population. Study also showed that ER- breast cancer grows faster than ER+ breast cancer, underscoring urgent need to develop effective breast cancer awareness and early detection programs in Africa. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Factors Motivating Individuals to Take Precautionary Action for an Expected Earthquake in Istanbul

Istanbul is expected to experience an earthquake in the near future, but individuals show limited interest in preparing for it. This study aims to identify the factors associated with taking action to prepare for an earthquake and mitigate its effects at the individual level. A field survey was carried out in 2007 in two districts of Istanbul with different levels of earthquake risk. Within these districts, three socioeconomic levels were considered. A total of 1,123 people were interviewed face to face. Analysis indicated that the educational level of the respondents was the leading factor associated with taking at least three measures, followed by living in a higher earthquake risk area, having participated in rescue and solidarity activities in previous earthquakes, a higher level of knowledge about earthquakes, home ownership, a higher score for action-stimulating attitudes, being younger, and a higher general safety score, in that order. The findings pointed to the role of knowledge about earthquakes and possible mitigation/preparedness measures, and thus the importance of developing effective awareness programs. Such programs should also consider the characteristics of different groups in the population. Motivated individuals, such as those who have participated in rescue and solidarity activities in previous earthquakes, could be involved in reaching other people.

Understanding and transforming organizational security culture

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the practical issues, techniques and learning points associated with information security awareness and organizational change programmes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the findings and conclusions of research, observations and projects carried out in large organizations over the last two decades. It highlights failings and critical success factors in contemporary approaches to transform organizational culture. It draws on theory and research from the industrial safety field, and discusses its relevance in the information security field.FindingsThe paper identifies the primary reasons why many contemporary enterprise security awareness programmes are ineffective. It discusses the nature of the problem and solution space, identifying the practical issues and opportunities, and gives recommendations on how future programmes can be improved.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper identifies gaps in current research, including the need to confirm whether or not certain findings about incidents in safety field might be applicable to security incidents. It calls for a new approach to information security management that incorporates theory and techniques drawn from psychology and marketing.Practical implicationsThe paper is intended to educate students and researchers working in the information security field on issues and techniques associated with information security awareness and organizational change programmes. It also provides practical advice for business organizations on how to design and implement such programmes.Originality/valueThe paper takes a fresh approach to the subject, examining the relevance of theory and techniques adapted from other fields and drawing new conclusions about the requirements and approach for effective information security awareness and organizational change programmes.

HIV Awareness of Outgoing Female Migrant Workers of Bangladesh: A Pilot Study

Female migrant workers face a growing scale of unsafe migration, which increases their risk of HIV. Despite this, increasing numbers of women are migrating from Bangladesh to other countries as contractual workers. The aim of the study is to establish a baseline for the socio-demographic status of female migrant workers and the extent of their HIV/AIDS awareness along with the factors that determine it, and to discuss the need for effective HIV awareness programmes. During June-July 2008 data were collected by a questionnaire from 123 participants by approaching a cross section of women at the airport who were ready to fly to take up an overseas job. A total of 87% had heard of HIV/AIDS. Participants who had completed an education level of year ≥8 were more likely to have been informed about HIV than others. The average score in correct identification of modes of HIV infection was 1.6 (out of 4) and for preventive measures 1.8 (out of 5). Television and health workers were the major sources of HIV related knowledge. HIV-knowledge among the potential female migrant workers seems to be poor. As growing numbers of female workers are moving overseas for work, government and other concerned agencies must take a pro-active role to raise their awareness of HIV/AIDS infection and of effective preventive measures.

A FRAMEWORK FOR INFORMATION SECURITY AWARENESS PROGRAMS

The importance of information security cannot be overemphasized in today’s networked corporate world. A major component of reducing the risk of security breach in information assets is by implementing an effective security awareness program in organizations. Empirical data for this research is based on a study of two highly regulated industries – Banking and Insurance - in Puerto Rico Metropolitan Area. In this paper, we look into the various factors that go into the designing an effective security awareness program and how such a program can help companies reduce the risk of security breach. Management support is very important for the success of the program. We analyze methods for building a successful security awareness program and present a set of recommendations for strengthening the program.

Threatened fishes of the world: Xenocypris yunnanensis (Nichols, 1925) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)

Common name: You Yu (Chinese). Kunming Nase (English). Conservation status: Endangered—China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals, Pisces (Yue and Chen 1998); Endangered—China Species Red List, Vol. 1 Red List (Wang and Xie 2004). Identification: Body elongate and slightly compressed; belly rounded with scutes from end of pelvic fin to anus; snout blunt; mouth small and transverse; no barbels; eyes laterally placed; lower jaw with a well developed horny anterior edge; upper jaw thick and slightly projected; D III 7; A III 10–12; P I 13– 15; V I 8; LL 72–77; pharyngeal teeth three rows, 2,4,6—6,4,2 or 2,4,7—6,4,2 (Liu and He 1998; Chen and Li 1989; Froese and Pauly 2008). Live coloration, dark gray on back and silvery white below; dorsal fin gray, anal fin light red, caudal fin orange red, red color fading in formalin (Chen and Li 1989; Froese and Pauly 2008). Distribution: Endemic to Dianchi Lake (24°40’–25°02’1 N, 102°36’–102°47’ E, 1,885 m above sea level, 306.3 km), Kunming, Yunnan, China (Chen and Li 1989). Abundance: Abundant in Dianchi Lake in 1960s, but since 1970s, the stock has decreased rapidly (Yue and Chen 1998). Frequent aquatic biodiversity surveys (GEF/ The World Bank) have not found this species in the lake. Habitat and ecology: Midwater and benthic habitats, feeds on aquatic invertebrates, algae and organic detritus (Chen and Li 1989). Reproduction: Spawning from May to June around lake periphery over gravels; spawn sticky (Chen and Li 1989). Threats: Destruction of spawning area, competition from commercial fishes such as Cprinus carpio, over fishing for preferred taste and water pollution are critical threats. Conservation recommendations: Effective habitat protection and public awareness programs, rigid control of fish introductions and water pollution are needed. Environ Biol Fish (2009) 85:361–362 DOI 10.1007/s10641-009-9493-4

Threatened fishes of the world: Sinocyclocheilus anophthalmus (Chen and Chu, 1988) (Cyprinidae)

Common name: Blind golden-line barbel. Conservation status: Rare—China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals, Pisces (Yue and Chen 1998); Vulnerable—China Species Red List (Wang and Xie 2004). Identification: D iii, 7; A iii, 5; P i, 15–18; V ii, 8–9. Body almost naked, lateral line scales 46–59. Blind, either eyeless or with small eye dots. Snout blunt, duck-billed. Pectoral fin long, reaching pelvic fin insertion. Living fish generally semi-transparent. Adults reach 113 mm standard length. Distribution: The fish is only found in Xiaogou Cave in Jiuxiang Town, Yiliang County, Yunnan Province, China, connected to the Xijiang River system. Abundance: Population a few hundred at most (Yue and Chen 1998). Habitat and ecology: The Karst limestone cave is located in altitude 1,638 m above sea level. Cave water is shallow, around 1 m deep. Some insects and bats also inhabit the cave. Pieces of insect body parts were detected in stomach contents of fishes. Reproduction: Estimated spawning season is late May or early June. Ripe eggs are about 2 mm (Chen et al. 1988). Threats: Over-capture was considered to be one of threats (Yue and Chen 1998). Habitat degradation and environmental changes are even more serious, especially from a nearby hydropower station. The very limited distribution puts it at risk for rapid or sudden extinction due to any changes in the cave. Conservation recommendations: Capture for Sinocyclocheilus anophthalmus should be strictly prohibited except for scientific research. The border of Jiuxiang National Park, currently only a few kilometers away from the cave S. anophthalmus inhabits, should be extended to encompass the cave. Effective habitat protection and public awareness programs will be crucial for the survival of this species. Remarks: The conservation status of S. anophthalmus was previously underestimated, should be “endangered (EN)”. A detailed study of the population dynamics is urgently needed.

Threatened fishes of the world: Liobagrus kingi Tchang 1935 (Actinopterygii: Amblycipitidae)

Common name: Yang-si (Chinese). King’s bullhead (English). Conservation status: Endangered—China Red Data Book of Endangered Animal, Pisces (Yue and Chen 1998). Identification: Body elongate and compressed, head broad and depressed, snout blunt, rounded and depressed, eyes small and nearer to tip of snout, mouth large, terminal and nearly transverse, lower jaw slightly projecting, barbels four pairs, posterior barbels shorter than head length, dorsal and pectoral spine both with serrations, body naked and without lateral line (Chu and Kuang 1990; He 1999). Body color in alcohol grayish, with small dark spots, fins yellowish (Tchang 1935). Dorsal i+6, Anal iii+ 10–13, Pectoral i+7, Pelvic i+5. Maximum size 95.0 mm SL (He 1999). Distribution: Endemic to China and distributed only in Dianchi Lake and its tributaries, Yunnan Province. Abundance: It had been a familiar sight in Dianchi Lake, though the number was not great (Yue and Chen 1998). Two specimens were collected in 1960, Haigeng, Kunming (Cat. No.: KIZ1960000611, KIZ1960000612), and after that no specimens were collected (Chu and Kuang 1990). Habitat and ecology: Carnivorous, lives rapidly flowing streams with plenty of rocks at the water bottom (Yue and Chen 1998). According to collected location of above two specimens, it also lived in Dianchi Lake itself. Reproduction: Nothing is known about its reproduction. Threats: Habitat degradation and loss are the critical threat, including the overdischarge of domestic and industrial wastewater which seriously polluted the water, and the construction of water conservation projects like reservoirs, hydropower stations, which may result in rivulets drying up, and the habitat is lost. Conservation recommendations: Liobagrus kingi should be listed as a state protected animal. The conservation status of L. kingi can be improved through effective habitat protection and public awareness programs.

EHPnet: WHO Ultraviolet Radiation Website

Vol. 116, No. 4 EnvironewsOpen AccessEHPnet: WHO Ultraviolet Radiation Website Erin E. Dooley Erin E. Dooley Search for more papers by this author Published:1 April 2008https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.116-a157bAboutSectionsPDF ToolsDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InReddit http://www.who.int/uv/en/The World Health Organization (WHO) has devoted a section of its website to activities related to the health effects of sunlight. The homepage for this section provides a brief overview of the topic along with links to resources such as the 2006 report Solar Ultraviolet Radiation: Global Burden of Disease from Solar Ultraviolet Radiation and a brochure on how to enjoy sunlight safely.A Frequently Asked Questions section contains information on topics including ultraviolet radiation (UVR), tanning beds, and the UV Index. The site also has subsections on the health effects of UVR and on sun protection. The health effects page discusses the beneficial health effects of UVR, such as how it helps the body produce vitamin D and acts in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, and jaundice. Other information addresses the relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer, blindness, and cell-mediated immunity. The Sun Protection page lists precautions that can help prevent sun damage and explains how children are more vulnerable to the health threats posed by too much exposure to the sun.The homepage also provides a link to information on the INTERSUN Programme. INTERSUN was established during the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.The program has three primary goals: to serve as a source of practical and scientific information relating to the health impact and environmental effects of UVR exposure; to encourage governmental action to reduce UVR-related health problems; and to provide guidance to governments and agencies about establishing effective sun awareness programs. Two areas of special activity are tourism and occupational health. On the Tourism page, INTERSUN provides guidance to tourists and tour operators to help mitigate the impact of short, intense bursts of sun exposure, which are associated with malignant melanoma. The Occupational Health page provides information for arc welders, lab technicians, outdoor workers, and others who encounter high UVR exposures on the job.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Vol. 116, No. 4 April 2008Metrics About Article Metrics Publication History Originally published1 April 2008Published in print1 April 2008 Financial disclosuresPDF download License information EHP is an open-access journal published with support from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health. All content is public domain unless otherwise noted. Note to readers with disabilities EHP strives to ensure that all journal content is accessible to all readers. However, some figures and Supplemental Material published in EHP articles may not conform to 508 standards due to the complexity of the information being presented. If you need assistance accessing journal content, please contact [email protected]. Our staff will work with you to assess and meet your accessibility needs within 3 working days.

Understanding the barriers to clubfoot treatment adherence in Uganda: A rapid ethnographic study

Purpose. The Ponseti method has been demonstrated to be an effective, low-technology method of correcting congenital clubfoot. The purpose of this paper is to identify barriers to adherence to the Ponseti method of clubfoot treatment in Uganda. Understanding of barriers underlies successful and culturally appropriate approaches to program implementation.Method. A qualitative study (rapid ethnographic study), using semi-structured interviews, focus groups and observation, was conducted. Interviews were conducted with parents of children with clubfoot (42), adults with clubfoot (2), community leaders (40), traditional healers (39) and practitioners treating clubfoot (38). Some 48 focus groups (24 male, 24 female) were conducted with general community members to ascertain their opinions on the potential barriers. The data was collected by a team of researchers in 8 districts of Uganda over the period of one month. It was then coded manually by the researchers and sorted into themes.Results. The barriers to adherence were classified into 6 themes: (i) problems with programmatic resource availability and regional differences, (ii) distance to treatment site, (iii) poverty, (iv) lack of paternal support, (v) caregiver's other responsibilities, and (vi) challenges of the treatment process. A number of factors that were helpful for encouraging adherence were also identified: (i) outreach and follow-up services, (ii) counselling/caregiver-practitioner partnership, (iii) family harmony and solidarity, and (iv) receiving quality care.Conclusions. Our study highlights the barriers to adherence in the treatment of clubfoot, as well as factors that could be helpful for overcoming these barriers. This information provides health planners with knowledge to assist them in meeting the needs of the population and implementing effective and appropriate awareness and treatment programs for clubfoot in Uganda.

Awareness of Policies and Programmes among Small-scale Industries in India

Small-scale industries (SSIs) have been important for India’s economic development due to their contribution to production, employment, exports, and investments in the private sector. National- and state-level economic reforms since July 1991, and India’s commitments to honouring the disciplines under World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements since January 1995, have added new policies and programmes for promotion, regulation and development of India’s SSIs. Full awareness of the policies and programmes for all the SSIs has been an essential requirement to exploit the opportunities and meet with challenges under these policy regimes. In the light of this requirement, this article analyses the nature and extent of awareness of select policies and programmes under the new policy regimes in India, based on a case study (or sample survey in 2001-2) of 373 manufacturing SSIs in Karnataka State (India). The empirical results: (1) offer evidence for spatial variations in the awareness by policies and programmes and by sector-specific WTO agreements; and (2) imply a policy need for effective awareness programmes as a precondition for equalizing the benefits of new policy regimes for all the SSIs. The results and implications of this case study are of relevance for design and implementation of current and future awareness policies for the SSIs at the national and sub-national levels in India as well as in other developing countries.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Adolescents in Detention

To assess the prevalence and correlates of hepatitis C virus infection in a sample of detained adolescents. Cross-sectional prevalence study with 10- to 18-year-old adolescents who were consecutively admitted to a juvenile detention center in San Antonio, Tex. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and associated risk factors. Of the 1002 participants, 75% were Hispanic and the mean age was 15 years. Twenty adolescents had laboratory data consistent with hepatitis C virus infection, giving an overall prevalence of 2.0% (95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.1). All adolescents infected with hepatitis C virus were Hispanic (13 boys and 7 girls). Although a high proportion of the participants reported having had intranasal drug use (55.6%), tattooing (50.5%), or body piercing (25.3%), the only factor significantly associated with hepatitis C virus infection was having a history of injection drug use. Injection drug use was reported by 5.3% of the participants but by 95% (19/20) of those infected with the hepatitis C virus. This study indicates that injection drug use was linked with the majority of hepatitis C virus infections in this population of detained adolescents, similar to findings in adults. These adolescents reported a high frequency of other behaviors that could potentially pose a risk for contracting bloodborne infections. Effective prevention and awareness programs in a detention setting need to be comprehensive and include screening, hepatitis A and B immunizations, and risk-reduction counseling.

Alcohol Use among Women in a Town of Eastern Nepal

A community-based cross-sectional survey with cluster sampling method (probability proportionate to size) was carried out to estimate the prevalence of alcohol consumption among Nepalese women in Dharan town to assess the pattern of use and to identify the factors associated with this habit. A representative sample of 2340 women, aged 15 years and above was interviewed in 2002. The estimated prevalence of alcohol consumption was nearly 17%. Alcohol use is prevalent among females of hill ethnic groups. Nearly half of the divorced (formal or informal) women consumed alcohol. The women, aged 50 years and above, were at risk to become addicted to its use. Most popular drink in this area is a homemade product (Local Raksi). The alcohol users are more likely to smoke as well. More than 9% of pregnant women are found to consume alcohol during their pregnancy. Effective awareness programs are required to discourage the excessive use of alcohol among women and encourage those seeking regular health care services.Key Words: Prevalence, pattern, factors, women, alcohol, Dharan, Nepal.

Tobacco use among women in Dharan, eastern Nepal.

The study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use and also assess the factors affecting tobacco use among the female population of Dharan. A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 2,340 female participants aged 15 years and above was conducted in Dharan municipality in 2001. Cluster sampling with probability proportionate to size technique was used. Of the 2,340 subjects, 12.9% were cigarette smokers and 14.1% were smokeless tobacco users. The smoking habit had a significant relationship with the habit of tobacco chewing. About 50% of the smokers had been continuously smoking for more than 20 years. Smokers aged 50 years and above were more likely to smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day than those at the reproductive age (15-49 years). Health problems among females did not have any significant relationship with tobacco-chewing, but smokers were nearly twice as likely to suffer from any health problem than non-smokers. Gastrointestinal problems were the most common complaint among the tobacco users. An effective awareness programme is required to discourage the use of tobacco and encourage women to take regular health check-ups.

The perspective of African-American breast cancer survivor-advocates.

This article discusses the sometimes unique presentation and course of breast cancer in African-American women and the impact these differences have on the perception of breast disease among African-American women. The project described represents the thoughts of many African-American breast cancer survivors, as summarized by three breast cancer survivor-advocates who work through very different national organizations, each of whom has vast experience working directly with African-American breast cancer survivors and their families. In addition to discussions of compelling considerations that have an impact on survivor access, such as agency, culture, and class, other important access questions are raised for research scientists and clinicians that have an impact on the prevention, screening, and detection and treatment of breast cancer in African-American women as well as their accrual to clinical trials. To eradicate ethnicity-related disparities in breast cancer outcomes for African-American women, it is important for the medical community (clinicians and research scientists) to develop active partnerships with African-American and other breast cancer survivor-advocates in order to establish effective breast health awareness and breast cancer treatment programs and to develop meaningful breast cancer research programs.

Designing a Security Awareness Program: Part 1

This article represents the first of a two-part series on the importance of providing both security awareness and information systems security training to all employees, regardless of their job responsibilities. In this first article, the focus is on the first step of providing computer and information system security—developing and implementing an effective security awareness program. Readers may ask why security awareness is not considered the same as training. The simple answer is because the desired outcome of each is different.

Supplier partnership program

This paper discusses some very basic principles for improving the relationship between a supplier and a manufacturer. The ‘common goals’ of both parties can be substantially improved if they communicate often and plan in detail. Some of these basic principles discussed include: product evaluation, extensive testing, implementation of SPC (statistical process control), feedback, effective corrective actions, open communication and quality awareness program.