Greater Level Of Knowledge Research Articles

Community Health Workers Knowledge and Misconceptions Surrounding Osteoporosis Prevention: A Cross-sectional Survey.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, awareness, and common misconceptions about osteoporosis prevention and to identify gaps in understanding among community health workers in Lahore, Pakistan.Methodology: All Lady Health Workers (LHWs) in Lahore employed in the National Program for Family Planning & Primary Health Care were considered relevant ppulations. Primary objective was to know knowledge about prevention of osteoporosis by using a validated questionnaire “Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Tool” (OPAAT). Secondary objectives include attitudes, practices, and misconceptions regarding osteoporosis. This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024 after calculating sample size (n=300). The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 27. The Chi-square test was employed to demonstrate associations between socio-demographic variables and osteoporosis prevention, awareness, and misconceptions. Results: Among study participants (n=300) most aged between 39-48 years and 68% were married. Results showed that 18.67% of LHW has low knowledge, while 52.33% were having average knowledge regarding osteoporosis prevention and awareness. We found statistically significant association (p < 0.003) between greater levels of knowledge and academic qualification.Conclusion: LHWs, major community health workforce, found to have not only average knowledge regarding prevention of osteoporosis but also has false belief about; a finding that dictate a dire need for development of educational strategy for LHWs regarding this important health issue. Keywords: Lady Health Workers, Osteoporosis Prevention, OPAAT Score.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to tooth morphology among dental students and dental technician students

Objectives: Students are introduced to the morphological features of primary and permanent human dentition in a dental anatomy course, which is a part of the basic core sciences program in the Department of Dentistry and Dental Prosthesis Technology. The purpose of this study was to compare dental students' (DSs’) and dental technician students' (DTSs’) knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to dental morphology. Materials and Methods: Using a 26-item self-administered questionnaire, the DSs and DTSs participated in a descriptive cross-sectional study. Three components made up the questionnaire: four items for demographic profile, ten items for dental morphology knowledge level, seven items for attitude toward tooth morphology, and five items for practice in tooth morphology. There were 274 student answers in all. The data were analyzed using an independent t test and one-way ANOVA. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance for each test. Results: Between DSs and DTSs, there was a statistically significant difference in their knowledge and practices of tooth morphology (p< .001). However, DTSs knowledge of dental morphology was significantly greater, and DSs practice scores were significantly greater. There was no significant difference in the attitude of tooth morphology between the two groups (p=0.379). Both groups had low levels of dental morphology knowledge, with an average of 3.86 correct answers for DTSs and an average of 3.16 correct answers for DSs. In the DSs group, first-year students had a greater knowledge level (4.22±1.63 correct answers) than did the other students. Conclusions: Knowing the variations in dental morphology knowledge, attitudes, and practices between a dentist and dental technician may help us take preventative measures. While preclinical dentistry students and dental technician students had different levels of expertise, both groups were less knowledgeable about tooth morphology. Both groups had similarly high attitudes toward tooth morphology.

Effects of maternal anxiety and sociodemographic factors on fluoride knowledge and opinions about fluoride-containing oral products. A cross-sectional study.

To assess the relationship between maternal anxiety and so- cioeconomic status, focusing on mothers' knowledge of fluoride and their views on fluoride-containing oral products. In a cross-sectional study design involving 224 mother- child pairs, mothers' socioeconomic status, level of knowledge on fluoride, and perspectives on fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride gel/varnish were assessed through self-administered questionnaires. Maternal anxiety levels were measured using the Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Mothers with higher socioeconomic status had a greater level of knowledge regarding fluoride. However, higher socio- economic status was associated with having negative opinions about fluoride gel/varnish. No relationship was found between mothers' anxiety levels and their perspectives toward fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride gel/varnish. The general public should be informed about optimum fluoride dosage, possible side effects, and caries- preventive effects. More studies are required to evaluate the causes of negative thoughts about topical fluoride oral products.

Assessment Of Healthcare Workers’ Knowledge About Vaccines In Al-Najaf Primary Health Care Centers

Background: Immunization performed an important role in enhancing global health through decreased transmission of infectious diseases. Numerous aspects within healthcare facilities including supervision, cold-chain management, immunization session procedure, and reporting, must be thoroughly examined to ensure the effective delivery of immunization service. The study aims to evaluate the knowledge of healthcare workers working in the immunization unit in randomly selected primary healthcare centers at Najaf Province. For subjects and method, a cross-sectional research descriptive study took place at 26 healthcare facilities at six districts of Najaf, by using simple random sampling. The study involved a total of 143 healthcare personnel, including 122 healthcare workers working in the immunization units and 21 doctors. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the vaccine knowledge of healthcare workers. Data collecting began on December 2nd, 2022, and ended on March 2nd, 2023. The statistical program Statistical Package for Social Sciences/version 26 was used to examine and achieve the desired findings. Analytic statistics of Chi-square test (X2) was used to establish the statistically significant relationship between variables. Results: The study's findings revealed that healthcare workers have moderate degrees of overall vaccine knowledge (mean of score =2.23). Furthermore, a statistically significant link was discovered between the place of residence of healthcare workers and their knowledge (P=0.007), indicating that those live-in urban regions had greater knowledge levels than those living in rural areas. Conclusion: Healthcare workers possess good knowledge regarding vaccine types, doses, and schedules, moderate knowledge about contraindications and causes of postponement, and their knowledge was substantially associated with their place of residence.

Arabic validation of the "Mental Health Knowledge Schedule" and the "Reported and Intended Behavior Scale".

Mental illness affects one in eight people in the world according to the WHO. It is a leading cause of morbidity and a major public health problem. Stigma harms the quality of life of people with mental illness. This study aimed at validating the Arabic version of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) and the Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS) in a sample of Tunisian students and determining socio-demographic and clinical factors correlated with stigma. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,501 Tunisian students who filled in the MAKS, the RIBS, and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. The validation of the questionnaires in Arabic was carried out using the validity criteria: face and content validity, reliability, and construct validity. Next, the associations between stigma and sample characteristics have been studied using multivariate linear regression. Face and content validity of the measures MAKS and RIBS were satisfactory, with adequate internal consistency. There were significant positive correlations between the items and scales, and test-retest reliability was excellent. The internal validity showed that the items were well-aligned with the intended factors, and the external validity revealed a significant positive relationship between the MAKS and RIBS. Besides, gender, the field of study, psychiatric history, and contact with someone with a mental illness were all contributing factors to mental illness stigma. Additionally, men performed better than women in terms of behavior toward people with mental illness, while women had a greater level of knowledge about mental health. The Arabic versions of the MAKS and RIBS have appropriate psychometric properties, making them effective tools for evaluating mental illness stigma. With multiple factors contributing to this issue, these instruments can help focus anti-stigma efforts and promote a more inclusive society.

Incidental versus symptomatic nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas: Are they different?

Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) constitute one of the most common tumours in the sellar region and are often discovered only when associated with compressive symptoms. With the frequent use of brain imaging, there has been an increase in the prevalence of incidentally discovered NFPAs. We aim to determine the prevalence of incidental diagnosis with NPAs observed over a decade and compare the analytical, clinical and treatment differences between those who were diagnosed either incidentally or symptomatically. We also intend to evaluate the pathology differences between both groups. We retrospectively analysed patients aged ≥18 years with an apparent NFPA, defined as a pituitary lesion compatible with pituitary adenoma which is not associated with the clinical or biochemical evidence of a hormone-secreting tumour. Inclusion criteria included normal prolactin level for lesions <9 mm or a prolactin level <100 ng/mL for lesions ≥10 mm in maximal tumour diameter. We included 119 patients [53.8% males; mean age: 56.8 years (SD = 16.7)]. Diagnosis was incidental in 47.1% of patients, and many patients had unappreciated signs and symptoms of pituitary disease. In the symptomatic and incidental groups, 66.7% and 41.1% of patients had hypopituitarism, respectively (p = .005). Only 20.4% of patients incidentally diagnosed had microadenoma (p = .060). Hypopituitarism was present in 18.8% of those patients with microadenomas. Most tumours were macroadenomas (87.4%). Half of those patients diagnosed incidentally were submitted to surgery, compared with 75.8% of those who were diagnosed symptomatically (p = .004). Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas are commonly diagnosed incidentally, with many manifesting symptoms on examination. NFPAs incidentally diagnosed are more commonly macroadenomas and less frequently associated with hypopituitarism than symptomatic. Accordingly, if there was a greater level of knowledge and more suspicion about these pathologies, it might be possible to discover them earlier.

Awareness of probiotics among dental practitioners of Puducherry-A cross-sectional questionnaire study.

The efficiency of probiotics in prevention and also treatment of oral infections including dental caries, periodontitis, halitosis is found to be appealing in the recent literature. Their antagonistic role in oral infections is mainly through formation of biofilm which needs documentation. Though the emergence and practice of oral probiotics is visualized for the past two decades, the consumption and knowledge level is found to be less among the community. Stronger source to spread scientific evidence to the community would be health professionals. The current study is aimed at assessing the level of awareness of probiotics among dental practitioners of Puducherry thereby aid and assist in the beneficial practice of the same in the community. The knowledge level was assessed through a cross sectional survey using closed ended questionnaire. Involves practicing dentists of Puducherry (n-173). A prevalidated questionnaire with 17 closed ended and one open ended question was employed as the research tool. The results revealed an acceptable knowledge in 77.4% and a greater level of knowledge in 20.8% of dentists. More number of studies are expected to fulfill the lacunae in the field of safety of usage and long term effects of probiotics. Responses of the current study which was focused on dental practitioners revealed that the knowledge level is well above the acceptable level. There is no profound difference in the awareness level noticed among BDS and MDS practitioners..

Factores asociados al conocimiento del Sci-Hub en estudiantes peruanos de odontología

Introduction: It is necessary to keep up to date regarding scientific advances, even when having controversial options such as Sci-Hub. The scientific literature is generally limited to opinions about the website, and it is likely that certain personal or academic characteristics of undergraduate students are related to its knowledge. Objective: To identify some socio-educational and scientific factors associated with knowing Sci-Hub in Peruvian dental students. Material and Methods: The study uses a cross-sectional secondary data analysis design. In regard to the main variable, we asked about knowledge of the existence of Sci-Hub and calculated association statistics. Results: There were 263 participants and the average age was 21.7. Of the total, 75% were female, and 59% knew about Sci-Hub. The multivariate analysis showed that knowing scientific journals (aPR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.43-3.84; p=0.001), publication of scientific articles (aPR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.00-1.54; p=0.046) and bibliographic search training (aPR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.14-1.86; p=0.003) were factors associated with a greater level of knowledge in regard to Sci-Hub. In contrast, there was a lower level of knowledge among those with a basic level of English (aPR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.50-0.82; p=0.001), adjusted for three variables. Conclusion: Slightly more than half of the students know this resource used for obtaining scientific information, and it was predominantly associated with having a scientific background.

Predictors of Colorectal Cancer Screening among Average and High-Risk Saudis Population.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening intention is one of the most important elements influencing the longstanding effectiveness of community-based CRC screening programs. The primary purpose of this study is to generate and validate a predictive screening model that investigates the influence of Saudis’ demographics, CRC knowledge, and beliefs on intention to undergo CRC screening via fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Convenience sampling was used to recruit 600 average and high-risk participants from multiple primary health care centers in three major Saudi provinces. A valid and reliable self-administered online survey was used to collect data from March 2021 to October 2021. The final modified screening prediction model explained 57.35% of the variance in screening intention. Intention to screen was significantly influenced by seven factors in which the perceived barriers factor (β = −0.55, p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor. Those who had lower perceived barriers and greater levels of knowledge (β = 0.36, p < 0.001), health motivation (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), perceived benefits of screening (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), severity (β = 0.29, p < 0.001), and susceptibility (β = 0.28, p < 0.001) were more likely to become involved in screening practices. Health care practitioners and various media forms could benefit from the prediction model playing a significant role in raising awareness, reducing perceived barriers, and enhancing Saudi screening rates.

Dual Mediating Effects of Information and Communication Technology Resources and Family Satisfaction on COVID-19 Knowledge Among Middle School Students

Little is known about underlying pathways regarding how middle school students can improve their COVID-19 knowledge. This study investigates the relationship between subjective poverty and COVID-19 knowledge by considering a dual mediation model. A total of 328 middle school students were included. We used a multiple mediator model developed by Preacher and Hayes, using bootstrapping approach to include a first and sequence mediators. We employed the PROCESS macro 3.4 for SPSS to test the dual mediating effects. Both Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources and family satisfaction mediated the association between subjective poverty and knowledge about COVID-19. Further, an indirect effect of subjective poverty via the dual mediators of ICT resources and family satisfaction was found. Further, middle school students who more satisfied with their family dynamics and who had more ICT resources were more likely to have greater levels of knowledge about COVID-19. This study contributes to further understanding of pathways between subjective poverty and COVID-19 knowledge in the context of dual mediators. It is imperative to help households in poverty before and since COVID-19; specific financial supports that focus on ICT resources should be provided to increase middle school students’ quality of online learning, which then helps to improve family satisfaction. The pathways influence COVID-19 knowledge.

State of Knowledge and Phytochemical Analysis of Chilli Fruits (Capsicum annuum l.), "Ahalimancou" Type Consumed in the Indénié-Juablin Region (East of Côte D'ivoire)

The ethnobotanical study carried out on the fruits of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), type "Ahalimancou" in the localities of Aniassué, Affalikro, Sankadiokro and the town of Abengourou located in the east of the Côte d’Ivoire had for main objective to assess the levels of knowledge, the mode of use of this pepper by the local populations, as well as the phytochemical analysis of said chilli. Discussion groups and semi-structured individual interviews were carried out in 4 localities to collect information from 650 inhabitants, including 511 women and 139 men. The results showed that the variables gender, age group, ethnicity and level of education significantly influence (p≤0.05) the levels of knowledge and the mode of use, except the independence between the locality, the level of knowledge and mode of use. In addition, women know more about this type of pepper (80.82%) and use it much more in food (99.41%), as well as in the treatment of diseases (95.69%). People aged 60 and over have higher use levels (81.30%) in therapeutic use. The study also revealed that the Agni ethnic group is distinguished from other ethnic groups (Baoulé, Malinké, Attié) by a greater level of knowledge and use in pathology. Depending on the level of education, it appears that people without education know better (71.63%) and use this type of pepper more in the treatment of pathologies (85.39%). In addition, the study showed that the fresh form remains the only form used. With the exception of quinones, phytochemical analysis revealed that this type of pepper contains several pharmacological components depending on the stages of ripeness. Orange and red fruits had a higher content of alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids. The green and yellow fruits were highly rich in sterols and polyterpenes. Catechetical tannins were only present in green fruits. The data from our study could strengthen clinical research on the nutritional and pharmacological properties of this type of “Ahalimancou” chilli.

Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Renal Transplantation in Individuals Undergoing Transplant Evaluation.

The underutilization of kidney transplant as the preferred treatment for end-stage kidney disease is influenced by a lack of knowledge, poor attitudes, and various socio-demographic characteristics. Negative attitudes toward renal transplant disengage patients from the evaluation process and often hinder their likelihood of receiving a transplant. Determine whether a standardized educational session successfully improves knowledge and attitudes toward kidney transplant. Explore which socio-demographic variables are associated with more negative baseline attitude scores. The program evaluation utilized a pre-test/post-test design to assess attitudes and knowledge toward renal transplant before and after an educational session. The pre- and post-surveys were distributed to a convenience sample of 341 and 115 patients, respectively, between the months of September and December 2019. Exposure to a kidney transplant education program resulted in greater levels of knowledge (P = 0.019, d = 0.334). Individuals with no college education were found to have more negative baseline attitudes toward renal transplantation (P = 0.048, d = 0.382). More research is needed to explore how knowledge, attitudes, and certain socio-demographic characteristics impact a patient's intention to pursue kidney transplant. Uncovering reasons as to why certain populations of individuals have more negative baseline attitudes toward kidney transplant may also provide clinicians and transplant programs with valuable information on how pre-transplant education can be tailored to meet the needs of specific populations.

Knowledge, Attitude and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice among Physiotherapists Working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

The current study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and implementation of evidence-based practice among physiotherapists working in Saudi Arabia. A sample of physiotherapists working in various outpatient settings in Saudi Arabia participated in this survey. Sixty-four therapists (30 females, 34 males) completed a 28-item survey questionnaire. Approximately half of the participants indicated that evidence-based practice was useful and important for clinical practice. About 60% of the participants reported that they have adopted the evidence-based practice on a regular basis. Participants who had a membership in a physiotherapy organization and had advanced degrees showed more positive attitudes (t = −2.31, p = 0.02 and t = −2.15, p = 0.04, respectively) and greater levels of knowledge (t = −2.32, p = 0.02 and t = −3.86, p = 0.001, respectively) regarding evidence-based practice terminology. Furthermore, place of training (trained overseas) was associated with a positive attitude towards literature findings (t = 2.26, p = 0.03). The results of this study demonstrated that participants reported that evidence-based practice had not been extensively implemented, despite positive attitudes regarding its implementation among physiotherapists practicing in Saudi Arabia.

A population-base survey on knowledge, attitude and awareness of the general public on antibiotic use and resistance

ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess the awareness and knowledge of antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance among the general public in the Cape Coast metropolis of Ghana. It also tries to decipher whether the level of education and the professional status of an individual has a positive association with the level of knowledge on antibiotic resistance.MethodsA population-base survey involving members of the public was conducted from August to November 2019. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from 632 respondents. Data were analyzed through SPSS v.21 using Chi square statistics and multivariate regression. Differences in knowledge were evaluated using ANOVA and the assumption of equal variance was tested with Levene statistics.ResultsThe response rate was 74.3%. Lower educational status group had a greater knowledge level (39.7%) on antibiotic resistance. Despite the high score, the lowest educational status group, (M = 1.82, SD = 0.769), middle educational status group (M = 1.98, SD = 0.748), and the high educational status group (M = 1.88, SD = 0.773) were not significantly different from each other with regard to their general knowledge level on antibiotic resistance (P < 0.05). The study revealed that, working in the healthcare sector is a major contributor to the level of knowledge on antibiotic resistance.ConclusionGiven the scale of the issue on antibiotic resistance and the fact that attempts to resolve it will involve efforts on the part of all, it is important that the public is aware of the importance of the issue of antibiotic resistance, its implications and what they can do to address it. The level of knowledge among respondents with lower educational status should be enough evidence to introduce more educational campaigns on antibiotic resistance.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of General Population toward Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Relation to Health and Quality of Life in Sungai Petani, Malaysia.

Purpose:The demand of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased drastically over the past few decades. The perceptions about CAMs among general population are positive. However, the literature highlights that effectiveness and acceptance of alternative therapies among the general population is still a subject of debate.Materials and Methods:This is a cross-sectional study and the response along with demographic details was collected through a validated questionnaire; the results were analyzed by using a validated data collection tool. The results were concluded based on good, moderate, and poor responses, which were evaluated through data analysis by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20.0., SPSS Inc., Chicago, III, USA. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:In total, 182 (44.4%) of male and 228 (55.6%) of female respondents were selected for this study. Studies showed that a greater knowledge level was observed among female respondents (15.55 ± 2.7, P < 0.001). The selected Chinese population had relatively good knowledge (i.e., 15.63, P = 0.006). People practicing Buddhism had also good knowledge. Rural population had lesser family income and showed a good practice pattern and understanding (P = 0.006). The positive attitude was identified among women ( P < 0.001) with a mean score of 15.55 ± 2.7. Postgraduate participants were found to have diverse results with SD ± 6.23, and 77.1% had a good attitude. A statistically significant association was observed between religion and attitude of respondents (P < 0.001).Conclusion:Although a better practice was noticed in Malaysian population, more awareness is required and knowledge should be disseminated among the population to improve the overall health and quality of life in Malaysia.

Clinical high risk for psychosis: The effects of labelling on public stigma in a undergraduate population.

Schizophrenia is a highly stigmatized disorder. Identification of youth at high risk for psychosis has the potential for improved outcomes. However, identifying youth at risk could subject them to increased public stigma. Using an experimental vignette design, this study examined relative levels of public stigma elicited by the labels "schizophrenia," "clinical high risk (CHR)," "attenuated psychotic symptoms syndrome (APSS)," a label implying normative adolescent development ("a bad breakup"), and a no-label control condition. Ninety-six undergraduates (age: 18.8 + 1.1, range: 18-22) read a vignette describing an adolescent experiencing symptoms typical of CHR for psychosis. The vignette label (APSS, CHR, schizophrenia, a bad breakup or no label) was counterbalanced between participants. Participants answered questions assessing stigma toward the individual and their prior knowledge of and familiarity with psychosis. Overall stigma did not differ across conditions. Only ratings of personal responsibility were higher for the breakup label than the schizophrenia label (P < .05). More prior knowledge about, and higher familiarity with, psychotic symptoms predicted lower overall stigma. We did not find that schizophrenia, CHR or APSS labels elicited elevated stigma in this sample relative to the control labels. This may reflect relatively low levels of mental health stigma in the group studied, a new finding inconsistent with earlier work. Greater levels of knowledge about and familiarity with psychosis were associated with lower stigma. These findings reinforce the potential for mental health awareness campaigns to reduce stigma but also raise questions about factors contributing to lower rates of stigma.

Knowledge management in freight forwarding as a logistics intermediator: model and effectiveness

ABSTRACTThis paper aims to develop a knowledge management process for freight forwarding logistics companies and to empirically examine its effectiveness. In order for this paper to do so, it identifies the types of freight forwarders’ knowledge and scrutinizes internal and external sources of knowledge possession in companies. This paper also analyses how the freight forwarders’ knowledge assists in improving organisational performance. Research findings show that absorptive capacity and inter-firm cooperative relationships have facilitated greater level of knowledge possessed by freight forwarders. Knowledge possession has helped companies to improve value creation and organisational innovation, in which the knowledge possession has played a mediating role in the interactions among the absorptive capacity, inter-firm cooperative relationship, and organisational performance. This line of research could provide freight forwarding companies with strategic insights into a systematic knowledge management process and its effectiveness by categorically identifying freight forwarding knowledge types, sources of knowledge possession, and usefulness in improving organisational performance.

Substitution of care for chronic heart failure from the hospital to the general practice: patients\u2019 perspectives

BackgroundShifting care from the secondary to the primary system may present an opportunity to ensure that the increasing number of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) receive high-quality care while containing costs. However, shifting from secondary to primary care might seem radical to patients. A qualitative insight into patients’ issues, preferences, expectations and needs may help arrange a smooth transition from secondary to primary care for CHF patients. The aim of this exploratory study is therefore to gain insights into the way CHF patients in secondary care perceive the possibility of substitution of CHF care from secondary to primary care.MethodsIn total, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with CHF patients. Topics discussed during the interviews were the advantages and disadvantages, attitudes of patients, preferences regarding the substitution and trust in the GP and cardiologist. A thematic analysis was performed.ResultsThe minority of the patients welcomed the idea of substitution. Against that, the majority of the patients had various concerns. This attitude was mainly influenced by two main themes, confidence and security and accessibility. Most patients had more confidence in secondary than in primary care because of the greater level of knowledge and more possibilities for examination in secondary care and because of good relationships and positive previous experiences in secondary care. Patients also indicated that the general practice is geographically more easily accessible than the hospital.ConclusionPatients had various concerns regarding the substitution of care for chronic heart failure. Addressing these concerns by informing them appropriately may contribute to a smooth and patient-friendly substitution from secondary to primary care. The fears and needs of patients could also be taken into account by policymakers when optimising the way substitution is organised, or when substitution is introduced.

Effectiveness of an educational program on nurses knowledge and Practices concerning hemodynamic monitoring in intensive care unit at Baghdad Teaching Hospitals

The Study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nursing educational program on nurse's knowledge and practices concerning Hemodynamic monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit at Baghdad Teaching Hospitals. A quasi-experimental design study was conducted in Baghdad teaching hospitals from the period through September 2017 to July 4th, 2018. Non-probability (purposive) sample of (80) nurses who are working in the Intensive care units including the RCU and HDU. The results of the current study revealed that nurses who participated in education program demonstrated a greater knowledge level than the control groups in relation to hemodynamic monitoring. The effectiveness of educational programs regarding nurse's practice toward hemodynamic monitoring had a positive effect on nurse's practice as compared with a control group in relation to all hemodynamic monitoring domains. The study concluded that there was a positive effect of implemented an education program concerning hemodynamic monitoring.

Road safety and the community: an awareness survey among the coastal population of Karnataka

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) pose a significant burden on the health care system in India with high out of pocket medical expenditure. Awareness about this public health problem is necessary to combat it and this study was carried out to assess knowledge and practice towards road safety among the adult population in the coastal region of Udupi taluk in Karnataka. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 381 adults aged 18 years and above residing in the region for more than one year. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge and practice towards road safety measures. Results: Most of the participants were in the age bracket of 18-44 years (61.4%), were females (65.1 %) and had up to 10 years of schooling. Overall knowledge was found to be low with only 30% reporting good knowledge. As regards practice, drivers fared better with a good majority (87%) reporting desirable practice. Younger age (OR=0.57, 95% CI, 0.36-0.92), male gender (OR=0.14, 95% CI, 0.08-0.23), higher level of schooling (OR=0.32, 95% CI, 0.20 -0.50) and knowing to drive (OR=0.04, 95% CI, 0.02-0.07) were found to be significantly associated with a greater level of knowledge regarding road safety measures. Conclusions: The study showed inadequate knowledge and poor road safety practices among good number of participants. This emphasises the need for a customized community based awareness campaign on road safety measures coupled with stringent legislation measures to bring about the desired change.