Female Health Science Students Research Articles

The Impact of Electronic Device Use on Dry Eye Disease Symptoms based on Age and Gender: A Cross-sectional Study in Health Science University Students

Background Individuals with dry eye disease (DED) may experience ocular symptoms, affecting their quality of life. DED is multifactorial and is related to age, gender, and other factors. While a study may contain examination results of DED symptoms in elderly populations, where electronic device use has contributed to DED, disease occurrence in younger populations, such as university students, remains unclear. Purpose We evaluated DED frequency and risk factors for health science university students using electronic devices during online courses. Methods This study is a cross-sectional study using a previously validated DED questionnaire [Computer Vision Syndrome questionnaire (CVSQ)], which contains three parts: student demographics, electronic device information, and DED symptoms. We conducted an observational cross-sectional study of 359 health science students (aged 18 and above) at King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between October 2022 and January 2023. We collected data on electronic device variables and DED symptoms in this cohort. Results We recruited 359 male (29.2%) and female (70.8%) health science students. Participant ages ranged from 18–20 (62.4%) to 21–27 (37.6%) years old. Participants were asked 24 questions, which gathered information on electronic device type, screen time in online classes, occupational characteristics (smoking status), and associated eye symptoms, such as pain, redness, itchiness, dryness, and heavy eyelids. Based on most responses, the Tablet was the most used and preferred device (85%), with continuous use of the device during university courses/ activities (85.8%). The correlation of the survey parameters was only significantly related to gender and study years with DED symptoms. The highest eye symptom intensity levels (always to severe) indicated burning (6.7%) and dryness (8.6%) sensations. Lastly, a significant association was identified between DED symptoms and screen time, gender, and smoking status. Conclusion DED symptoms were commonly reported in university students who used electronic devices. Our study provides valuable insights into electronic device usage duration impacted the ocular health of females and younger students, aiding in preventing dry eye disease risks and maintaining good eye health.

Effects of global postural re-education on stress and sleep quality in health sciences female students: a randomized controlled trial pilot study.

The purpose of this study was to determine, for the first time, whether the application of a self-management program with global postural re-education (GPR) influences stress and sleep quality in female health science students. In this randomized controlled trial pilot study, forty-one female health science students were randomized into a control group (n=21) and an intervention group (n=20). Participants underwent 8 weeks of self-management with and without GPR, after familiarization and therapy training. Outcomes included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire and cortisol levels in saliva measured with the "CORTISOL Saliva ELISA SA E-6000" kit. Sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a Sleep Diary; total sleep time (TST), sleep onset latency (SOL), wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO), sleep efficiency (SE), and perceived sleep quality or satisfaction were assessed using the Likert scale. After self-treatment with GPR, participants in the intervention group showed lower cortisol levels compared to the control group (p = 0.041). Additionally, the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in sleep quality according to their PSQI (p = 0.010), STAI (p=0.043), SOL (p = 0.049), and SE (p = 0.002). This study shows that self-management through GPR helps reduce stress and improve sleep quality in female health science students. https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT05488015.

Evaluation of female university students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward human papillomavirus infection and vaccination. Multicenter cross-sectional study

IntroductionHaving good knowledge and a favorable attitude toward human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccinations is the cornerstone for increasing the use of HPV vaccinations and preventing cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV and HPV vaccinations, as well as to identify associated factors among female undergraduate health science students at both the University of Gondar (UoG) and Bahir Dar University (BDU), Amhara, Ethiopia.MethodsInstitutional-based multicenter descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1, 2023, to July 30, 2023. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 633 female undergraduate health science students, and data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The data were coded, entered in Epi-data, and exported to SPSS for analysis. Variables with a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were inserted in a multivariate logistic regression model, and those with a P-value of < 0.05 in the multivariate binary logistic regression were considered statistically significant factors for knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding HPV and vaccine against it.ResultsThe study included 600 participants with a mean age of 20.8 ± 0.75 years. Using Bloom’s cutoff points for the KAP study, among the participants, 436 (72.7%) had good knowledge about HPV, whereas 315 (52.5%) had good knowledge about HPV vaccinations. More than half of the participants, 359 (59.8%) heard about HPV vaccinations in Ethiopia. More than half of the participants, 342 (57%) had favorable attitudes toward HPV vaccinations. Only 261 (43.5%) participants believed the HPV vaccine was safe and effective. All participants had never been tested for HPV, and 471 (78.5%) refused to have their samples for regular HPV testing. The factors like ages between 21 and 23 years (AOR, 2.12, 95% CI: 1.22–3.09) and favorable attitudes toward HPV vaccinations (AOR: 1.88; 95%, CI: 1.15–3.41) were associated with the participant’s knowledge about HPV vaccinations. Having good knowledge about the virus (AOR: 1.92; 95%, CI: 1.11–5.88) and its vaccine (AOR:1.60; 95%CI: 1.07–2.47) were factors associated with the attitude of the participants about HPV vaccinations. Additionally, HPV vaccination practice was significantly associated with the attitude of the participants toward HPV vaccinations (AOR: 1.85; 95%CI: 1.15–3.45), knowledge about HPV (AOR: 1.18; 95%CI: 0.55–5.50), and HPV vaccinations (AOR: 1.85; 95%CI: 1.08–2.44).ConclusionThis study revealed that half of the students had good knowledge and a favorable attitude toward HPV vaccinations, but there was poor HPV vaccination practice. There is still a need for continued health education, training, and counseling services for students to strengthen HPV vaccination practices, improve students’ attitudes and knowledge about the benefits of vaccination, and improve counseling abilities against HPV-induced cancer.

Examining the association between emotional intelligence and chatbot utilization in education: A cross-sectional examination of undergraduate students in the UAE

BackgroundWhile Emotional Intelligence (EI) demonstrably affects academic success, literature lacks exploration of how implementing chatbot in education might influence both academic performance and students' emotional intelligence, despite the evident potential of such technology. AimTo investigate the associations between Emotional Intelligence (EI), chatbot utilization among undergraduate students. MethodsA cross-sectional approach was employed, utilizing a convenience sample of 529 undergraduate students recruited through online questionnaires. The participants completed the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire and modified and a modified versions of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model. Resultsof the 529 participants, 83.6 % (n = 440) of participants regularly used chatbot for learning. Students demonstrated a moderate average EI score (129.60 ± 50.15) and an exceptionally high score (89.61 ± 20.70) for chatbot acceptance and usage. A statistically significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation was found between chatbot usage frequency and EI total score. Gender and major emerged as significant factors, with female students (p < 0.05) and health science students (p < 0.05) utilizing chatbot less compared to male and other major students, respectively. A negative correlation (r = −0.111, p = 0.011) was observed between study hours and chatbot usage, suggesting students with higher study hours relied less on chatbot. ConclusionsThe positive correlation between chatbot use and EI in this study sparks promising avenues for enhancing the learning experience. By investing in further research to understand this link and integrate AI tools thoughtfully, policymakers and educators can cultivate a learning environment that prioritizes both academic excellence and student well-being, reflecting the values and perspectives of UAE culture.

Lifetime Experience of Gender Based Violence among Female Health Science Students.

Gender based violence is a common public health problem across all parts of the world with women and girls being common victims. Despite the equal risk of unmarried women to experience gender based violence, there is dearth of studies done in Nepal. Thus, this study aims to find out the lifetime experience of gender based violence among unmarried women. This was an analytical cross-sectional study done among female university students, studying at different streams of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel. Ethical approval was taken from Institutional Review Committee of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (Reference number: 04/21). The calculated sample size was 120 and non-probability sampling technique was used. The study was conducted from March to May 2021. Data was collected by using Google Forms and analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. The lifetime experience of gender based violence was 154 (92%) with Public place violence 140 (91%), childhood violence 92 (60%) and intimate partner violence 67 (44%). Total 45 (27%) of the respondents had witnessed violence in the family and 24 (14%) had experienced discrimination at home. Relationship status, experience of childhood violence and witnessing violence during childhood were associated with gender based violence in the logistic regression. Total 79 (51%) respondents shared about their experience with someone while none reported. Total 41 (28%) respondents mentioned that they never faced gender based violence despite mentioning about experiencing violence in the questionnaire. Lifetime experience of gender based violence was high among unmarried young women with most of the respondents experiencing public place violence.

Attitudes of Female Health Science Students and Recent Graduates toward the Care of the Dying in Saudi Arabia.

Positive and professional attitude of health professionals toward the palliative care issues of patients is crucial and challenging for fresh graduates. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of health science graduates about providing care for dying patients and their families. In this cross-sectional study, graduates of the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia (n = 113) have participated. The FATCOD -B scale was used to measure the attitude of health science graduates toward the care of patients and their families on a 5-point Likert scale. Data was collected through survey research forms. Significant associations of graduates' attitude toward care of the dying patient with age, department, religious beliefs, education and experience (p = .05) were found. On the scale of caring for the dying patients' families, religious beliefs and education (p = .05) were significant. Furthermore, multiple linear regression confirmed the predictive relationship of religious beliefs, education, and experience (R2 = .342, F = 11.021, p = .000) with graduates' attitudes toward patient care. In comparison, education (R2 = .068, F = 1.541, p = .183) was the predictor of participants' attitudes towards care of the patients' families. There is a dire need to focus on palliative care in the formal curriculum for all the health sciences disciplines. It is highly recommended to utilize case scenarios and simulation practice skills during the academic year to prepare students before the internship year. On-job counselling sessions can be helpful to increase the positive attitude of young Health graduates while working with dying patients and their families.

Abstract PO-270: Evaluation of attitudes, beliefs and influences and their impact on HPV vaccination rates among minority health science students

Abstract Introduction: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease. The contraction of HPV is associated with the development of several different types of cancers, including anal, cervical, and oropharyngeal cancers. These cancers have proven to impact Black and Hispanic women disproportionately across the United States, suffering from high rates of HPV infection and high incidence of cervical cancer. Despite knowledge of this risk, HPV vaccination rates remain low among minority women. Personal beliefs and access surrounding HPV vaccination may be contributors to these disparities. This survey aims to study the motivations behind the choice to receive HPV vaccination among health science students. Health science students are the target for this study as they are uniquely situated as the future providers of their communities. If the study is able to gauge how they feel about HPV vaccination, then the scientific community can target interventions to impact change beginning with the providers themselves. Females specifically were chosen as they are the primary targets of HPV vaccination. HPV vaccination rates among female health science students are a secondary result. Methods: A 37-item electronic survey was sent out to female health science students at the University of Florida which include the schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Veterinary Science. The online survey was then distributed in July of 2021 through Qualtrics. The survey evaluated previous HPV knowledge, motivations for or against HPV vaccination, and beliefs surrounding HPV vaccination. Results: The survey was delivered and distributed in July of 2021. In this study there are four different types of questions analyzed to gather information on previous HPV knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and external influences. Results will be categorized and compared based on race/ethnicity. By analyzing these groups there is an opportunity to understand how one's racial or ethnic background can affect their medical decisions in health science students and the recommendations they give to others. Results are pending. Conclusion: This being the first study of its kind warrants further investigation as health science students are trusted individuals of the medical community. If these students are against HPV vaccination, then medical schools could target interventions to teach students about racial disparities in HPV infection and vaccination recommendation. So, when given the opportunity as a provider these students can recommend vaccination to their patients. These results are indicative of knowledge gaps and attitudes within the younger generations of the medical community. Citation Format: Katya M Marcia, John M Allen. Evaluation of attitudes, beliefs and influences and their impact on HPV vaccination rates among minority health science students [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-270.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on health science students well-being in Lithuania: is there a difference according to gender

Background COVID-19 has spread globally, with 110,974,862 confirmed cases and 2,460,792 deaths worldwide. Many studies have demonstrated the impact of infectious disease outbreaks on psychological problems. It seems indispensable to understand the effects of pandemic situation especially in students population. We conducted this study to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on health science students well-being. Methods Students from two major health science universities of Lithuania were asked to fill out a form consisting of 19 questions aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic and students emotional feelings (stress, anxiety, depression) related to this effect. Independent sample t-test was performed to evaluate the difference of means of scores between males and females. Results Total of 1545 students filled out the form, of which 84.9% (n = 1311) were female. Females experienced greater negative effect of pandemic situation on their family relationships (t = 2.16, p = 0.03), education process (t = 2.33, p = 0.02) and belief in future (t = 4.49, p < 0.001). Female students also experienced more negative emotional feelings associated with stress, anxiety and depression on friendships (t = 2.92, p = 0.004), family relationship (t = 3.7, p < 0.001), their health (t = 3.97, p < 0.001), education process (t = 3.98, p < 0.001) and belief in future (t = 5.7, p < 0.001). Conclusion Female health science students, differently than males, experience greater negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown and more negative emotional feelings, such as stress, anxiety and depression, related to it and their well-being.

Response regarding the importance of vitamin D and calcium among undergraduate health sciences students in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundVitamin D and calcium are essential dietary components for human body, and their deficiency is linked to poor bone health and osteoporosis. Adequate knowledge of health staff regarding vitamin D and calcium is critical for general population awareness. The current work was to evaluate the awareness regarding the importance of vitamin D and calcium among undergraduate health science students in Al Kharj.MethodsA self-distributed validated questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Undergraduate health science students in Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University from the College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, College of Dentistry, and College of Applied Medical Science were included in the study. Students between the age of 18 and 25 years have participated in the study.ResultsFour hundred fifty-seven undergraduate health science students participated in the study. The vast majority of students knew about the importance of calcium (96.7%) and vitamin D (95.4%), whereas only 89.4% knew about osteoporosis. The participant students reported in their answers that the sources of knowledge were the Internet (42.8%), physicians (41.5%), textbooks (21.2%), teachers (19.1%), family and relatives (18.3%), and/or other sources (6.1%). The overall attitude was poor in about (54%) of the participants showing gender differences regarding sun-exposure duration and supplementation of calcium and vitamin D.ConclusionThe study revealed that both male and female undergraduate health science students in Al Kharj were familiar with the importance of vitamin D and calcium; however they reported improper attitude that warrants further health guidance and educational programs.

Magnitude of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and its correlation with academic performance among female medical and health science students at University of Gondar, Ethiopia, 2019: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the magnitude of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and associated factors among female students of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, 2019.DesignInstitution-based cross-sectional...

Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and quality of life among health science college student

&lt;p&gt;Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of affective, behavioral and physical symptoms with appear in the luteal phase that could affect productivity and quality of life. PMS in adolescents could affect academic performance, such as a decreasing in concentration, failed the exam and absenteeism in the class. The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of PMS and determine its effect on quality of life among female health science students. This cross-sectional study was conducted between July-September 2017 on nursing female students of Health Science Collage “Karya Husada Semarang”, Central a Java, Indonesia. Students were enrolled 207 from first to fourth grade using WHOQOL–BREF form to determine quality of life. Inclusion criteria were having regular menstrual cycles (21-35 days) at least three period. Descriptive analysis and Mann Whitney tests were used for statistical analyses. The prevalence of PMS was found to be 60.8%. Physical health, psychological, social relationship, and environment domain were significantly higher in females with PMS (for each one P &amp;lt; 0.05).&lt;/p&gt;

Learner Analysis to Inform the Design and Development of a Serious Game for Nongaming Female Emerging Health Care Preprofessionals: Qualitative Sample Study.

BackgroundOverall, 75% of health care practitioners are women, but half of all females do not play digital games of any kind. There is no consensus in the literature regarding optimal design elements to maximize the efficacy of serious games. To capitalize on the promise of serious games in health care education, it is important for instructional designers to understand the underlying learners’ values, attitudes, and beliefs that might motivate nongaming female health care preprofessional students to independently choose to persistently play serious games to mastery.ObjectiveSpecifically, the aim of this study was to seek answers to 2 questions. First, what values, attitudes, and beliefs contribute to the nongaming behaviors of 12th-grade female emerging health care preprofessionals? Second, how do the values, attitudes, and beliefs of 12th-grade female emerging health care preprofessionals align with important design features of serious games?MethodsIn this study, a learner analysis was conducted using semistructured interviews with 8 12th-grade college-bound female health science students to better understand learners’ values, attitudes, and beliefs to inform the design and development of a serious game. These interviewees represented a diverse subset of the female emerging health care preprofessionals who self-identified themselves as not playing games at all, not very often, or infrequently.ResultsThe findings suggest that the study participants exhibited a complex fusion of desire for both accomplishment and affiliation. The participants were all independent, competitive, and prosocial leaders. They thought strategically and consciously self-limited their leisure time to achieve personally meaningful long-term goals. They embraced overcoming expected failures and aimed to achieve relevant high-stakes wins in all academic, athletic, extracurricular, and leisure activities they valued while consciously avoiding what they considered to be non–goal-oriented activities.ConclusionsThe results of this study reinforce the need for a robust learner analysis to identify the multifaceted behavioral characteristics of targeted learners before the design and development of serious games. The common characteristics of the 12th-grade female health science students in this study suggest that they will choose to invest their limited leisure time playing a personally meaningful, preprofessionally authentic serious game if the collective design elements are aligned with the students’ self-conceptualization of their present or future selves.

Skin lightening practices, beliefs, and self-reported adverse effects among female health science students in Borama, Somaliland: A cross-sectional survey.

BackgroundSkin-lightening (SL) products are common, especially in Africa. Adverse effects from these products represent a public health concern. Use of these products in Somaliland is unknown.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of use of SL products among female health science students, beliefs about these products and practices, and adverse effects experienced.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of female health science students at Amoud University in Borama, Somaliland.ResultsOf the 400 students who were invited to participate, 265 completed the survey (response rate: 66%). Mean participant age was 21.1 years (standard deviation: 2.0 years). The majority of students were single (91.2%) with a Fitzpatrick skin type of 3 or darker (94.2%). Past or present use of SL products was reported by 25.6% of participants, and 52.2% admitted to current use. Compared with non-users, more SL product users agreed that lighter skin color gives a woman more confidence, helps a woman have better job opportunities, and increases chances of getting married. They also agreed that advertisements on television for SL products influence a women’s preference for a lighter skin tone (p < .05). More than 60% of participants were unsure what active ingredients were in their SL products. Only 9% denied any undesirable adverse effects, and the remainder reported an array of local and systemic adverse effects. The vast majority realize that SL products may cause undesirable local (92%) and systemic (89%) adverse effects.LimitationsGeneralizability is limited because a nonrandomized convenience sample from one university was studied. Response bias also may have skewed results.ConclusionUse of SL products among female health science students in Somaliland is common, and causes cutaneous and systemic adverse reactions. Use appears influenced by beliefs about the benefits of lighter skin color. Education is needed on the proper use of these products, how to avoid harmful products, and how to prevent complications.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and associated factors among female health science students in Wollo University, Ethiopia, 2017/18

BackgroundPremenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is also called late luteal phase dysphoric disorder. The syndrome involves mood symptoms, behavior symptoms and physical symptoms. This pattern of symptoms occurs at a specific time during the menstrual cycle, and the symptoms resolve for some period of time between menstrual cycles. It is one of the most common problems in female students of higher education institution that impaired academic performance and professional and interpersonal relationships. The main objective f this study is to assess Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and associated factors among Female health science students in Wollo University, east Amhara, Ethiopia, 2016/17.MethodsThe study was conducted from January 1–15, 2017 involving 254 regular health science students were involved from college of medicine & health science, Wollo University. Institution based cross sectional study design was used. Systematic random sampling technique was utilized. Data were collected through interviewer administered standardized and pretested questionnaires. The collected data were presented in tables, graph & chart. Association between dependent and independent variable were tested using logistic regression model of SPSS version 20. Variables that have P-value less than 0.25 at bivarate analysis were entered to multivariate analysis model. Finally those variables which had P-value of < 0.05 were considered as having statistically significant association with the dependent variables.ResultThe prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in this study was 66.9%. Degree of dysmenorhea was found to have statistically significant association with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Students who had mild grade of dysmenorhea were less likely to have PMDD as compared with those students who had severe dysmenorhea (AOR = 0.13 at 95%CI (0.03–0.58). About 139 (61.8%) of female student reported that frequent class missing and low grade were occurred due to menstrual disorder.ConclusionThe Prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder was highest as compared to other similar studies done in other countries. The factor associated with premenstrual dyphoric disorder was grade of dysmenorhoea. In order to tackle this problem, collaborative efforts should be taken.

Evaluation of Knowledge, Perception, and Risk Awareness About Breast Cancer and Its Treatment Outcome Among University of Gondar Students, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Breast cancer is among the most common life-threatening public health problems of global concern including Ethiopia. Knowledge and awareness about the disease will help to reduce the number of cases who present at late stages of the disease. The objective of this survey was to assess the knowledge, perception and risk awareness about breast cancer among female medical and health science students of University of Gondar, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted from May 03 to June 01, 2017 at University of Gondar, Ethiopia. Three hundred students were proportionally selected from nine departments using simple random sampling method. Using a structured questionnaire data on risk factors, symptoms and perception about breast cancer and its management approach was collected. Data were entered to and analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results: A total of 300 students had fully completed the survey making the response rate 95.24. The participants' mean age was 21.4 years with the standard deviation (SD) of 2.13 years. The overall level of knowledge on breast cancer was low. Majority of the participants were unaware for complex risk factors such as first child after the age of 30 years (51%), early onset of menses (55.3%), and menopause after the age of 55 years (47.7%) are liked with breast cancer even though they acknowledged old age, family history, and smoking as possible risk factors for breast cancer. Pain in the breast region, change in the shape of the breast, and nipple discharge were the most frequently correctly identified symptoms of breast cancer. Majority of the study participants had also correct beliefs about breast cancer management and its outcomes. however, they had negative perception of breast cancer treatment by considering it to be a long-term and painful process. In binary logistic regression analysis department (p = 0.000) and year of study (p = 0.008) were found to be an independent predicting factors for knowledge among the study participants.Conclusions: The overall level of knowledge on breast cancer and clinical breast examination guidelines was found to be low even though majority had positive perception toward the treatment and its outcomes. Hence, intensive breast health awareness campaign, which should also stress on the importance of early detection and reporting, is necessary to improve the knowledge about breast cancer.

Experience of sexual harassment in public transport among female health science students: A cross sectional study of Kathmandu, Nepal

Background: Sexual harassment on public transport is an everyday occurrence for millions of girls and women around the globe. With the skyrocketing population of Kathmandu valley public transport has been facing enormous pressure. The major victims of these harassments happens to be college going girls and working women as they tend to travel more in public transports. This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors responsible for sexual harassment in public transport among female health science students.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 396 female health science students studying in Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences using self-administered structured questionnaire. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling method.Results: The prevalence of sexual harassment among female health science students was found to be 79.6%. Physical harassment was the most prominent type of harassment (67.1%) followed by verbal (61.2%) and non verbal 34.6%. After the experience of sexual harassment, 44.6% scolded the harasser, 29.1% kept silent, 17.3% dropped at nearest bus station whereas remaining 9% reacted in other different ways. Overcrowding was considered as main reason for sexual harassment by 69.2% of the participants. 36.8% of female students didn’t use any precautionary methods whereas 32.6% avoided going out alone at night.Conclusion: The study reveals that the prevalence of sexual harassment is significantly high. With increasing population and limited vehicles people are left with no option rather than travelling in the overcrowded vehicles where the chances of experiencing various sorts of sexual harassments are very high. In order to address this emerging issue, prompt and appropriate intervention should be taken by government, public and especially the status of women must be raised in society.JMMIHS.2018;4(1):20-32

Awareness and Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer Among Female Medical and Health Science Students at University of Gondar

Abstract 6 Background: Cervical cancer is causing a burden in sub-Saharan Africa, with human papillomavirus (HPV) identified as the necessary cause of cervical cancer. HPV mainly affects young women, which puts female university students at risk of cervical cancer. Knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and HPV in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, is poor. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and HPV in University of Gondar medicine and health science female students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to May 30, 2016, at University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia. Undergraduate female students from 11 different health-related departments at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences were included in the study. A 14-item, paper-based, self-administered questionnaire was provided to each of the participants to measure her level of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and HPV. Results: A total of 267 female students participated in the study, with ages ranging from 18 to 24 years (mean age, 20.58 ± 1.22 years). More than one half of participants (59.6%) stated that they did not know the main cause of cervical cancer, whereas only approximately one fifth (19.5%) identified HPV as the main cause of cervical cancer. As many as 83.9% of participants did not know other causes of cervical cancer. Binary logistic analysis revealed that students from midwifery (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 14.14; P &lt; .05), anesthesiology (AOR, 9.66; P &lt; .05), and medicine (AOR, 5.84; P &lt; .05) departments were associated with knowledge of the main cause of cervical cancer. Furthermore, fifth-year students (AOR, 16.94; P &lt; .05) and fourth-year students (AOR, 8.32; P &lt; .05) were found to have better knowledge of the main cause of cervical cancer. Only a few students (15%) had been vaccinated for HPV or had had a cervical smear test performed in the past. Conclusion: Cervical cancer mainly affects young women, which puts female university students at risk of cervical cancer. Hence, assessing the knowledge and awareness of these students will be of paramount importance to designing effective measures to increase their knowledge and awareness of the disease. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST No COIs from the authors.

Knowledge Attitude and Utilization of Emergency Contraception among Health Science and Medical Students of Arba Minch University, 2015

Emergency contraception refers to contraceptive methods that can be used by women to prevent an unwanted pregnancy in the first few days after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive accident such as leakage/slippage of condom. It is important to prevent unwanted pregnancy and there by induced abortion. There for this study aimed to assess the knowledge attitude and practice of emergency contraceptive among Arba Minch University health science students. Cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from July 21, 2017 among female health science and medicine students of Arba Minch University. Self-administered structured and pre-tested questioner was used to obtain information from 216 study participants who were selected by population proportional systematic random sampling technique. After data collection the data was coded, entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20.0. Binary logistic regression was fitted with forward stepwise method and significance was determined at p-value<0.05. The study showed that, 95.9% of the university female students had heard about emergency contraceptive; 87.4% of them identified the correct timing of use (72 hours). 84.8% students support the idea of making available emergency contraceptives for all females, 88.2% respondents said they are willing to use emergency contraceptive if need arises and 88.2% said they will recommend emergency contraceptive for other females if need arises. And also 58.8% of the respondents have ever practiced emergency contraceptive, of which 55.7% were used oral pills, 18.4% were used intra uterine contraceptive device. There is significant relation between use of emergency contraception and the level of class they are attending (class year), residence, knowledge about emergency contraceptives, attitude towards EC and parental communication. The level of knowledge, their attitude and practice of emergency contraceptive among students was high compared to other studies, further to increase this has to focus on information communication with in the school and families.

Breast Self-examination: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Female Health Science Students at Adama Science and Technology University, Ethiopia

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths among women worldwide. Diagnosis of breast cancer at an earlier stage allows women more treatment choices and greater chance of long term survival. Breast self-examination (BSE) once a month contributes to a woman’s heightened awareness of what is normal for her. It is recommended that women over the age of 20 years perform monthly breast self-examination to detect new lumps and other changes in their breast. In view of the fact that mammography is not readily available in resource limited countries like Ethiopia, this study was designed to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of regular Breast self-examination amongst female health science students of Adama science and Technology University in 2014. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used to select 368 study subjects randomly. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information. The collected data were entered into Epi-info version 3.5.1. After cleaning the data it was exported to SPSS version 21 for further analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were also performed with logistic regression to measure the association between dependent & independent variables. Result: A total of 368 respondents participated in the study, of these, only 8.7% of them had good knowledge and 59.2% had positive attitude towards BSE. About two fifth (39.4%) of the respondents had done breast selfexaminations, from these only 9.7% of them practiced monthly. Statistically significant association was obtained only with, level of education of the participant, father’s educational level and program of enrolment. Conclusion and recommendation: Knowledge and practice of BSE was low, even though majority of them have positive attitude. Being health was the major mentioned reasons for not doing BSE. The ministry of health is recommended to promote awareness about BSE through emergence of groups in the University, celebrating days like breast cancer day.