Health Talks Research Articles

An alternative communication model for breastfeeding intervention in antenatal clinics

Objectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the dual-feedback loop communication model in countering misconceptions about exclusive breastfeeding among pregnant women attending routine antenatal clinic at Specialist Hospital, Yola Adamawa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are to: (a) Use a pre-test to identify misconceptions pregnant women have on exclusive breastfeeding; (b) implement a behavior change intervention that targets the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of pregnant women; and (c) administer a post-test to determine a variance in the KAPs of pregnant women after the intervention. Material and Methods: A mixed-method design that combines quantitative and qualitative methods was adopted for the study. Data for the study comprised health talks delivered in antenatal clinics and responses of cross-section of participants in pre- and post-tests. Thirty-three (33) pregnant women selected purposively served as participants for the study. Participants who met the inclusion criteria had previously breastfed and have been attending the routine antenatal clinical sessions at Specialist Hospital, Yola. The rhetorical structure of the health talks were examined based on insights from discourse and communication theories. Results: Results of the qualitative analysis revealed misconceptions on exclusive breastfeeding arising from inadequate (K)nowledge, poor (A)ttitudes, and unhealthy (P)ractices. The quantitative analysis revealed significant variation between maternal (K)nowledge (KEBF r = 0.636, P > 0.05), (A)ttitude (AEBF r = 0.595, P > 0.05), and (P)ractices (PEBF r = 0.757, P > 0.05) on exclusive breastfeeding and the intervention’s impact. Conclusion: Misconceptions about exclusive breastfeeding and defects in the communication model used in delivering health talks perpetuate misconceptions among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in the health facility studied. Empowering pregnant women attending antenatal clinics with requisite knowledge of the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding using a dual-feedback loop communication model can promote compliance to exclusive breastfeeding, which, ipso facto, can reduce the incidence of child mortality resulting from non-compliance to exclusive breastfeeding. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness of the dual-feedback loop model in countering misconceptions in other health talks in Nigeria.

Assessment of gestational diabetes mellitus knowledge, attitudes, and practices and associated factors among pregnant women at a district hospital in Coastal Kenya

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is any degree of glucose intolerance first recognized during pregnancy. GDM awareness among pregnant women translates into GDM prevention and early diagnosis.ObjectiveTo establish the underlying factors influencing GDM Knowledge Attitude and Practices (KAP) among pregnant women at Kinango District Hospital.MethodAn explanatory mixed-methods design was implemented by initially assessing GDM KAP quantitatively [QUAN], followed by the qualitative [qual] exploration of contextual factors behind quantitative results. In the [QUAN] strand, 354 pregnant women were interviewed from January to February 2019. Thereafter, in the [qual] strand, key informant interviews were conducted among four pregnant women and three healthcare workers; a focus group discussion was held among nine pregnant women, from May to June 2019. STATA V15 software package was used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed manually using thematic analysis.ResultAmong 354 pregnant women, 29.0% were knowledgeable, 46.98% had good attitude and 60.17% had good practice. Attending at least one antenatal clinic visit and having heard about diabetes mellitus were associated with good GDM attitude and practices. Among the knowledgeable pregnant women, one-third (33.33%) obtained GDM information from a health facility. Discussions with pregnant women and the interviews with healthcare workers highlighted that daily health talks during antenatal clinic, included GDM and diabetes mellitus information. Furthermore, attendance of at least one antenatal clinic visit was low (85.88%), among pregnant women (87.86%) who were expected to have attended at least one antenatal clinic visits.ConclusionDespite low GDM knowledge, pregnant women had relatively good GDM attitudes and good GDM practices. Daily health talks conducted during antenatal clinic as well as indigenous knowledge among pregnant women, influenced the latter. Hence, GDM information dissemination needs to be enhanced for the improvement of GDM KAP among pregnant women for GDM prevention.

Association of umbilical cord care practices with neonatal infection in Katsina, northwest Nigeria

Background: Significant numbers of neonatal deaths occurring each year are caused by infections that can be directly associated with improper and unhygienic umbilical cord care practices. The objectives of this study were to describe the umbilical cord care practices among mothers whose babies were admitted for suspected sepsis at the Federal Teaching Hospital and Turai Umaru Yar’adua Maternal and Children Hospital Katsina, Nigeria, assess the relationship between umbilical cord care practices and neonatal sepsis, and the influence of home delivery on this relationship. Methodology: This was a hospital-based descriptive observational study of 60 selected neonates with clinical features of sepsis admitted into the special care baby unit (SCBU) of the two hospitals between July and December 2022. The study involved the collection and microbiological analysis of blood samples using the BacT/Alert microbial detection system, and the administration of a structured questionnaire on the mother of each enrollee to collect relevant information about cord care practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The Chisquare (x2) test and Odds ratio (with 95% confidence interval) were used to determine the association of risk factors with culture-confirmed sepsis, and a p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 60 neonates blood samples, 31 (51.7%) were culture-positive for neonatal sepsis while 29 (48.3%) were culture-negative. There was no statistically significant association between risk factors such as application of traditional materials for cord care and place of delivery, and culture-confirmed neonatal sepsis (p>0.05). However, neonates whose mothers use traditional materials for cord care were more likely to develop sepsis than those who do not (OR=2.027, 95% CI=0.716-5.736). Concerning place of delivery, which is an important determinant of umbilical cord hygiene, babies delivered at home were almost 3 times more likely to have culture-confirmed sepsis than those delivered in the hospital (OR=2.975, 95% CI=1.040-8.510). A total of 26 out of the 60 (45.3%) mothers of the neonates agreed to have used unhygienic and traditional materials for cord care, with charcoal (39.0%), local herbs (27.0%), cow dung/urine concoction (19.0%), and others (15.0%), such as lubricants, ash, and balm, being the most commonly used materials for cord care. Conclusion: Neonatal infection is common among newborns in Federal Teaching Hospital and Turai Umaru Yar’adua Maternal and Children Hospital (TUYMCH), Katsina, northwest Nigeria, with a prevalence of culture-confirmed neonatal sepsis of 51.7%. Although there was no statistically significant association between unhygienic cord practices and neonatal sepsis in this study, babies whose mothers use traditional materials for cord care were more likely to develop sepsis. There is a high rate of use of harmful and unhygienic traditional materials for cord care in our environment. This habit can be discouraged through health education using the mass media and health talks in health facilities. The use of chlorhexidine, the recommended antiseptic for cord care by the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health, should be encouraged.

Knowledge Perception and Utilisation of Labour Analgesia Among Antenatal Clinic Attendees in a Tertiary Centre in Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract Background: Labour pain management forms an integral part of modern obstetric practice. Despite the availability of various forms of obstetric analgesia in Nigeria, reports indicate poor knowledge, awareness, and utilisation of labour analgesia among the obstetric population. Objective: To determine the knowledge, perception, utilisation, and factors affecting utilisation of labour analgesia among antenatal clinic attendees at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among 421 consecutively consenting antenatal patients in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the FMC, Makurdi, between March 1 to July 31, 2023. Data were collected using an interviewer-guided questionnaire, analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0, and results were presented in textual form and tables. Results: About 47% (199) of the study participants perceived labour pain as the worst possible pain. Only 18.3% (77) of the study participants were knowledgeable about labour analgesia, while just 6.4% (27) of the study participants had ever used it. On multiple logistics regression, the knowledge of labour pain relief (adjusted odd’s ratio [aOR] 0.090, CI = 0.038−0.215, P < 0.001) and mode of previous delivery (aOR 0.292, CI = 0.114−0.750, P < 0.011) were the factors affecting the utilisation of labour analgesia among study participants. Conclusion: There is poor knowledge and utilisation of labour analgesia among antenatal patients. Incorporation of labour analgesia into existing protocols and enhancing health education on labour analgesia as part of antenatal health talks can create awareness of labour analgesia among antenatal patients.

Sexual initiation age and related risk-taking behaviours among adolescents in urban secondary schools in Nairobi County

Risky sexual behaviour such as early sexual initiation, inconsistent condom use and sexual intercourse with multiple partners are relatively prevalent among youths in sub-Saharan Africa. Sexual intercourse is an important event in one’s life trajectory and the contributory factors are: proximate and distal environments. The proximate environment includes micro systemic influences such as one's attitudes and beliefs, and extends to one's family. The distal environment includes one's community and culture. However, there are core forces which influence personal choices and behaviours like the self, family and community, and networks and cultural influences. While there are a variety of factors that contribute to early sexual initiation, proper parenting behaviour has been identified as a key strategy for reducing adolescents’ risky sexual behaviours. Even though early sexual initiation process is subject to a number of barriers, there is still less focus on parenting behaviour and its relationship with early sexual initiation among adolescents. Therefore, this study applied social survey to assess sexual initiation age and its related risk-taking behaviors among the adolescents in urban secondary schools in Nairobi County. The study found the common period in which adolescents initiate sex and even befriend strangers as age (15-16years). The findings have shown that children are capable of initiating drug use at any given period. This suggests the need for parent to undertake close monitoring of their children at all ages to curb drug abuse and encourage health talk with them on the effects of drug use.

The Effect of Two Health Education Packages on Nutritional Knowledge, Practices, and Physical Activity Levels Among School-Going Adolescents in Rishikesh: A Cluster Randomized Trial.

Introduction Adolescence is a critical period known for presenting specific challenges in disease treatment and health promotion. Studies have highlighted that increased nutritional awareness is associated with healthier eating habits, while regular physical activity aids in controlling and preventing non-communicable diseases. Equipping adolescents with health education in schools prepares them to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles throughout their lives. To assess and compare the efficacy of health education packages targeting nutrition knowledge, practices, and physical activity levels, a cluster-randomized trial was conducted among school-going adolescents. Methodology Two distinct health education packages were developed for the two intervention groups. In group 1, a health talk supported by a flip chart was delivered, followed by pamphlet distribution. In contrast, in group 2, only information pamphlets were distributed. The study was conducted in government schools in Rishikesh, with four schools selected. Two schools were randomly allocated to each intervention arm. In each school, a questionnaire was administered to assess the students' nutrition knowledge, practicesand physical activity levels. This was followed by the intervention, and the students were reassessed for the same parameters after two weeks. Result The pre-intervention and post-intervention comparisons within the same group- the mean scores for nutrition knowledge, food practice, sleep duration, and recreational screen time were comparable in the intervention group 1 (p>0.05). There was a decrease in the mean physical activity score and screen time for studies in intervention group 1, and these differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean scores for nutrition knowledge, physical activity, sleep duration, and screen time for studies were comparable in the intervention group 2 (p>0.05). There was an increase in the mean food practice score and a decrease in recreational screen time in intervention group 2, and these differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). On comparing the groups with each other, it was found thatGroup 2 exhibited a significantly higher mean food practice score compared to group 1 post-intervention. While there was a statistically significant decrease in the mean physical activity score in intervention group 1, this group still had higher physical activity levels than group 2.Post-intervention, group 2 exhibited a higher screen time for studies compared to group 1. Both groups had comparable sleep durations at baseline and post-intervention, with intervention group 1's mean sleep duration falling within the recommended range set by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Regression analysis provided valuable insights into the relationship between baseline values of various variables and their post-intervention values, aiding in understanding the impact of the health education packages. Conclusion The findings emphasize the significance of incorporating nutrition and physical activity education into the curriculum of students.

Relatability, consumerism, and legitimated advice: mental health talk by female social media influencers

ABSTRACT Social media influencers (SMIs) who publish content on mental health play a vital role in the lives of teenage girls. To examine what kind of mental health advice SMIs give, we interviewed teenage girls and identified SMIs who regularly post content on mental health. The indexing of their YouTube videos (n = 234) shows that the advice includes calls to self-improvement; work on the body; and seeking help. Our analysis demonstrates that working strategically to uphold their fame, the SMIs balance the roles of expert and friend; turn consumption into mental health advice; and gain legitimacy via collaborations with health organisations. The logic specific to social media requires an additional layer in the interpretation of mental health content in SMI videos. While reciprocity and support between SMI and follower are enabled, the inclusion of such content is also strategically beneficial for the SMI as it contributes to increase her perceived authenticity.

Impact of supplementation with iron–folic acid (IFA) and vitamin D3 compared with IFA alone on haemoglobin levels in elderly people with mild-to-moderate anaemia: protocol for the double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled Iron and vitamin D trial in Elderly Anemia (IDEA)

IntroductionAnaemia in the elderly is often difficult to treat with iron supplementation alone as prevalence of anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) alone or mixed with iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is high...

The Role of Knowledge and Practices in Schistosomiasis Transmission Among Primary School Children in Osun State, Nigeria

Background: Studies have documented various risk factors associated with schistosomiasis infection transmis-sion, but little is known about the influence of knowledge on practices that contribute to the transmission of the infection. This study, therefore, seeks to document the importance of knowledge on practices that contribute to the transmission of schistosomiasis among primary school children. Methods: This study employed a descriptive study design. A total of 504 primary school children were recruited from three senatorial districts in Osogbo using convenience sampling. Vital information on knowledge of schis-tosomiasis infection and practices that aid its transmission was collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. A twenty-one-point knowledge question was used to compute the knowledge score and dichotomized into good knowledge (≥ 10 points) and poor knowledge (&lt;10 points), while sixteen points practice questions were used to compute the practice score dichotomized into good practice (≥ 8 points) and poor practice (&lt; 8 points) Results: A more significant percentage (93%) of the respondents had poor knowledge of schistosomiasis, alt-hough a good number of them (65.1%) exhibited good practice. A little above a third (35.9%) engaged in swim-ming, while about a fifth (22.8%) engaged in fishing. About a fifth (22.6%) engage in defecation in river water, while very few (4.0%) drink from such polluted water. The logistic regression model revealed that male re-spondents were 1.6 times more likely to have poor practices than their female counterparts (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 0.413-0.913), those who have received health talk on the infection were 27 times less likely to have poor practic-es (aOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.175-0.761), those who reported being positive for the infection were 4.4 times more likely to have poor practice (aOR 4.4, 95% CI 1.703-11.260) and those who had poor knowledge of the infection were 6.0 times more like to have poor practices relating to the infection (aOR 6.0, 95% CI 0.014-0.278). Conclusion: Primary school children have poor knowledge of schistosomiasis, which influences the practices that aid infection transmission. Therefore, public health education is needed to control the infection.

Knowledge and Attitude of Married Women in Kwara State, Nigeria Towards Vasectomy as a Choice of Male Contraception

Despite the well-documented impact men have on women’s choice of contraception, it appears that women’s input into their partners’ decisions about contraception has been undervalued and underutilized. Vasectomy being one of the few options available for males, is not often used as a means of family planning. This study examined the knowledge and attitude of married women in Kwara state, Nigeria towards vasectomy as a choice of their male partner’s contraception. Specifically, differences in knowledge and attitude based on selected demographic characteristics were assessed. The study design was descriptive survey type. Six hundred married women were sampled from the six Local government areas selected across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State, Nigeria through a multistage procedure. Two research questions and hypotheses were tested for the study. Data collected were analyzed using percentage and pie-chart to answer the research questions raised while 4-way Analysis of Variance to test the hypotheses postulated at 0.05 alpha level. Results revealed that respondents had inadequate knowledge of vasectomy and negative attitudes towards it as choice of contraceptive for their partners. There was no significant difference in the knowledge of vasectomy among respondents based on years of marriage, family size and religion. However, when tested, a significant difference existed in knowledge of vasectomy based on educational level (F (8, 532) = 0.665; p&gt;0.05). Also, no significant difference was found in the attitude of females on vasectomy as a choice of male contraception based on years of marriage, education, family size and religion in Kwara State, Nigeria (F (8, 532) = 1.047; p&gt;0.05)The findings suggest a need for effective awareness programmes as well as improvement in health talks and counselling topics targeted to enhance their knowledge of vasectomy as well as improve their attitude towards it.

The Role of Sustainable Communication in Hospital Health Services Through Internal Best Practice Sharing Health Talk Activities

The Role of Sustainable Communication in Hospital Health Services Through Internal Best Practice Sharing Health Talk Activities

Assessment of Factors Associated with Alcohol Abuse among Youth Aged (15-25) Years in Starch Factory at Lira Municipality Lira District, Uganda

In Uganda, alcohol consumption has been on the rise, with WHO ranking Uganda as the highest consumer in the world. Studies conducted among internally displaced populations in war-torn areas of northern Uganda have revealed that alcoholism is a prevalent issue, particularly among men. This has become a major cause of domestic violence, accidents, and other fatalities within homes. The aim of this study was to assess the factors contributing to alcohol abuse among young people aged 15-25 at Starch Factory at Lira district Uganda. Questionnaires were used to gather data, which was then analyzed manually using pens, papers, and calculators, and later presented in numerical tables using a computer. The study revealed that the main contributing factors to alcohol abuse among young people were environmental, such as the availability of alcohol, local breweries, and persuasive advertisements. Socio-economic factors, including peer pressure, social norms, unemployment stress, and feelings of boredom, also played a significant role. The study also identified the major repercussions of alcohol abuse on health and the economy. In conclusion, the availability of alcohol through numerous breweries and persuasive advertisements, along with social norms, unemployment, boredom, and peer pressure, were found to be the primary drivers of alcohol abuse among young people in this village. The government should therefore organize and fund health talk programs and seminars to raise awareness within the community about the factors contributing to alcohol abuse and its impact on their lives. Additionally, the government should implement strict alcohol policies that regulate the age, level, and time of alcohol consumption. Keywords: Alcohol consumption, Alcohol abuse, Youths, breweries, Persuasive advertisements.

Knowledge, attitude and readiness to use contraceptives among postpartum women at a tertiary hospital in southwest Nigeria.

Background: Postpartum family planning is vital in the prevention of unintended pregnancy and closely spaced pregnancies in the first year post-delivery. This study was designed to examine the postpartum women’s knowledge, attitude, belief and readiness to contraceptive use.&#x0D; Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the postnatal clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria using an interviewer-assisted structured questionnaire among one hundred and ninety-four consenting recently delivered women. Data was analysed using IBM Statistics for Windows Version 23.0. Tests of association was done using chi-square and statistical significance was set at p-value of &lt; 0.05.&#x0D; Results: Many of the respondents (60.8%) were in the age group 30-39 years and the majority (90.3%) had tertiary level of education. Most of the respondents got their information from health talks at antenatal clinic (42.8%) and health workers (42.3%). The majority (82.5%) of respondents were aware of contraception and 157(80.9%) intended to use contraceptives, however, only 54(34.4%) were willing to adopt a method at the postnatal clinic visit. The most preferred contraceptive methods were implants (23.4%). Respondents with three or more children alive(p=0.001), had statistically significant associations with prior use of contraception while those with the tertiary level of education(p=0.001) and of the Christian religion (p=&lt;0.001) had statistically significant associations with good knowledge of contraception. &#x0D; Conclusion: The knowledge and readiness to use contraceptives was high but only about half were willing to adopt a method at the postnatal clinic. Robust prenatal counselling may help to increase the uptake of postpartum contraception.

To capture the child’s interest - nurses experiences of ‘Saga stories in health talks’

BackgroundAs unhealthy lifestyle habits have been found to be established early in life and often track into adulthood, early preventive initiatives are important. ‘Saga Stories in health talks’ is a newly developed material that is intended to be used as a support for nurses at child health care (CHC) centers in their health talks with children and parents in Sweden. The aim of this study is to explore how CHC nurses experience the usability of the ‘Saga Stories in health talks’ material.MethodsThis study used a qualitative design. The material ‘Saga Stories in health talks’ was tested by 33 CHC nurses working in 11 CHC centers in three regions in Sweden. All CHC nurses were invited to participate in the interviews and 17 agreed. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using content analysis.ResultsThree categories and eight sub-categories emerged. The categories were: (1) An appreciated tool suitable for health talks, (2) Illustrations to capture children’s interest in the conversation with families, and (3) Barriers and facilitators. Saga Stories in health talks’ was experienced by the CHC nurses as an appreciated tool with content highly relevant to what should be discussed during the health talks. The CHC nurses described the material as well-designed with illustrations that helped them capture the child’s interest and increase their participation, while still involving the parents. Support from colleagues, the researchers, and managers were seen as important facilitators. Challenges included structural factors such as how and when to best use the material, especially concerning that the 4-year visit contained many other mandatory parts.ConclusionsThis pilot study show that the material ‘Saga Stories in health talks’ was highly appreciated by CHC nurses and facilitated their health talks with families in CHC. Important aspects with the material were the relevant content and the focus on healthy living habits, as well as the child friendly illustrations. These findings can be used when similar material is developed to facilitate health talks with families in other contexts. Our results also highlight the importance to adjust the implementation of a new material with already established practice and routines.

Improving cervical cancer screening rates among women of reproductive age in rural Kisumu County through dialogue-based community health education.

Low- and middle-income countries continue to bear the burden of cervical cancer partly due to low uptake of screening services. Interventions through the media to increase demand for screening services among women of reproductive age (WRA) have not yielded the desired results mainly due to the unidirectional flow of information. The current study evaluated the use of a dialogue-based approach to community health education to improve the demand for cervical cancer screening services among WRA in rural sub-counties in Kisumu County. This was a mixed-method longitudinal pre and post-intervention study with a control group. The self-reported screening rates were assessed at baseline in both the intervention and control groups followed by dialogue-based community health education in the intervention arm. This was followed by endline screening rates evaluation. The screening rates at baseline and endline were compared followed by a focused group discussion among the leaders of the community units to discuss the contributors to the observed screening rates. The proportion of change in the screening rates was calculated and statistical significance was assessed at p ≤ 0.05. There was a significant increase in the number of WRA reporting to have been screened at the endline in the intervention arm (p = 0.007). The number of those being screened due to the health talks conducted by the Community health volunteers also increased significantly at the endline (p = 0.036). The barriers included; not knowing where to get screened (p < 0.0001), violation of ones' privacy (p < 0.0001), lack of spousal support (p < 0.0001), waiting time at the facility (p = 0.001), attitude of the health providers (p < 0.0001) and cost of transport to the facility (p < 0.0001). The use of dialogue-based community health education has the potential to improve the uptake of cervical cancer screening services and identify the additional barriers as experienced by the WRA targeted for screening.

Use of drama for improving breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy among rural pregnant women from selected communities in two Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Breastfeeding self-efficacy (BFSE) is a key variable that enhances exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and promotes positive health outcomes for infants and their mothers. To increase BFSE and EBF of mothers, numerous interventions targeting prenatal and postnatal periods have been developed. However, there is paucity of studies utilizing drama interventions for improving BFSE and EBF. This study assessed the effect of a drama intervention on BFSE, initiation, and EBF of pregnant women in rural communities in Lagelu and Egbeda Local Government Areas (LGAs), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with pregnant women in their second trimester. Selected communities from Lagelu and Egbeda LGAs were randomized into experimental and control groups. A total of 200 pregnant women (100 experimental and 100 control groups) were enlisted and followed-up at one, three and six months postnatal periods. A six-session programme comprising four episodes of drama and two sessions on hygiene practices were presented to experimental groups prior to delivery, while the control group received health talk on hygiene practices. Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (ODK) was used to obtain information on socio-demographic, BFSE, initiation, and EBF at prenatal and postnatal periods. BSFE scores were categorized as low (14-32), average (33-51), and high (52-70). Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze data at α0.05. Mean ages of women were 28.4 ±6.5 and 27.0±6.2years in experimental and control groups respectively. Average and high BFSE pre-intervention (11.0%; 89.0% and 9.0%; 91.0%) and six months post-intervention (97.3%;100% and 95.2%; 95%) for experimental and control groups. Age, marital status, and occupation were predictors of BFSE, breastfeeding initiation and EBF at (R2 = 22.3; p<0.05). The experimental group had an increase in BFSE, initiation, and EBF practice compared to control group. The use of drama intervention is recommended for effective breastfeeding practices.

A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude regarding Voluntary Blood Donation among College Going Male Students, a Quasi-experimental Study

Introduction: Voluntary blood donation in developing countries like India is constrained by misconception, fear, and widespread myths regarding blood donation.(1) Donated blood is an essential component in the management of many diseases. It is the main lifesaving for an individual with loss of large volumes of blood from accidents, hemorrhages or surgery.(2) Blood and its product demands is increasing, which can be ensured by increasing awareness and interest in blood donation in different groups of people. Youth is one of those groups. Misconception and low levels of awareness lead to unsatisfactory voluntary blood donation practices among them. The aim is to assess the knowledge and attitude of college students towards voluntary blood. Material and Methods: After prior permission from the College Authority, all the students who were present on the day of the study and who acknowledged their consent for participation were enrolled in the study. A pre-tested, semi-open-ended questionnaire was used as a study tool first as a pre-test to check their prior knowledge and attitude, followed by a health talk. Then, the same questionnaire was used to check their improvement of knowledge about blood donation. Results: As per the Wilcoxon rank test there is a significant improvement in the knowledge of study participants after health talk; out of a total 105 male students, 102 show positive rank (W+). Conclusion: Health education regarding voluntary blood donation is effective in improving the knowledge and attitude of youth. This will further improve the situation of voluntary blood donation by youth.

Evaluation of video-assisted HPV education in government-supported clinics in Western Kenya.

Despite prevalent preventative methods of human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer remains the foremost cause of cancer-related death among women of reproductive age in Western Kenya. HPV self-sampling is a preventative measure that can improve accessibility and availability to cervical cancer screening. Correct education about HPV is crucial to combating stigma and increasing HPV screening uptake. In this study, we evaluated the workflow impact of a video-assisted HPV education to promote self-sampling in clinical settings in Kisumu, Kenya. We conducted a descriptive workflow study nested in a two-part cluster-randomized control trial in six government-supported health clinics in Kisumu County. We observed the workflow of HPV screening video-assisted and standard health educations. and evaluated community and clinic health assistant facilitation (CCHA), duration, and feasibility of the intervention. Thirty HPV screening-eligible women who participated in the video intervention were recruited for three focus group discussions (FGDs). The FGDs aimed to better understand women's experience with the video screening, their impressions on the content, and feedback about intervention logistics. Across 33 observations, 16.5 women per day watched the educational video at intervention clinics, and 14 women per day heard standard Ministry of Health cervical cancer prevention education talks at control clinics. Sixty-three percent of women participated in HPV self-sampling in the intervention sites, compared to forty-six percent who screened after standard health talks at control sites. The workflow observations identified variable video projection and viewing space, access to power supply, and CCHA availability and ability to utilize the projector as major factors impacting education workflow. Women in FGDs appreciated the video modality, length of video, and education location. HPV video education is a suitable intervention, with further research recommended to determine the viability of sustainably implementing the intervention in a clinic environment. This research is fully funded by the Duke University Global Health Institute.

Strategies adopted by oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in patient education on oral cancer: A Nigerian study.

The burden of oral cancer in Nigeria is increasing. Different studies have shown how public education on oral cancer have increased knowledge of oral cancer across populations, however, it is not known if these practices are adopted by oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in Nigeria. To investigate the patient oral cancer education strategies adopted by oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in Nigeria. This study adopted an analytical cross-sectional study design. This study surveyed practicing oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in Nigeria. An e-questionnaire was used for this study. The data were analyzed using the SPSS Version 20 software, and a p-value of <.05 was used to determine the level of statistical significance. The study's response rate was 46.6% (75/161). The 75 participants were from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria responded to the survey questionnaire. Even though more than half (43/75, 57.3%) of the respondents have never received any training since their post-bachelor's degree qualification on the strategies that can be used in educating patients on oral cancer, majority (54/75, 72.0%) of them knew at least one education strategy; also, the most known (36/54, 66.7%) and utilized (33/54, 61.3%) strategy among those respondents who were aware of patient education strategy was health talk. Only 38.7% (29/75) of the respondents reported that health learning materials (posters, leaflets, fliers, and flipcharts) are available in their clinics, all of which were in insufficient quantities. Also, 93.3% (70/75) of the respondents opined that it is worthwhile that dental clinics/hospitals in Nigeria invest in the provision of oral cancer learning materials for patient use. Inferential statistical analysis did not reveal any significant relationship between the respondents' characteristics and their awareness and practice on patient oral cancer education strategies. This study identified that many oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in Nigeria lack the needed capacity to educate their patients on oral cancer. There is a need to strengthen their capacity by giving them training on patient oral cancer education strategies, and by providing them with good quality and enough teaching aids.

Exploration of the Need for Integration of Cervical Cancer Information into Postnatal Services at Primary Health Care Centers in Ibadan Nigeria

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a preventable disease yet it is one of the leading causes of death, especially in low-income countries. In Nigeria, information on CC is yet to be part of routine health talk at Postnatal Clinics (PNC) at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level. The PNC would however have been a good avenue to reach women at risk of CC. This study explored health care workers (HCWs)’ willingness to integrate CCS services (CCSS), and women’s readiness to uptake the services at PHCs in Ibadan, Nigeria. Method: A qualitative study design was employed in this study. Data were collected through four sessions of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among the women attending PNC, and 20 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) for health workers in PHC facilities. The Atlas.ti software, version 8 was used for the analysis. Thematic contents from the study were presented as quotes and streams of thoughts. Results: Information on CCS is currently excluded from the list of PNC activities such that most women have never heard of the need for CCS. They were interested in receiving CCS information and services. Women pleaded for the integration of CCS information in PHC clinic activities but preferably in a free or subsidized format in order to encourage utilization of the services. Challenges identified were mainly a shortage of manpower and a lack of training on CCS. Conclusion: Health workers were willing to integrate CCS services in PHC activities, however, recommended recruitment of more hands to ensure effective service delivery in line with National health policy on PHC in Nigeria.