Higher Attitude Scores Research Articles

Knowledge, attitudes, harm perception, and practice related to waterpipe smoking in Lebanon.

Waterpipe smoking (WPS) is one of the most emerging popular trends in Lebanon, with a prevalence of 36.9%, the highest among all Middle Eastern countries. Thus, the primary objective of the study was to examine the factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) related to WPS among a representative sample of waterpipe smokers. The secondary objective was to examine the effect of KAP on cumulative waterpipe dose and dependence. This cross-sectional study was carried out between May and December 2018 and enrolled a representative sample of 1550 waterpipe smokers from all Lebanese districts. The questionnaire used was specifically designed for this study. High knowledge score (Beta = 0.02, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with higher waterpipe harm perception score. In addition, high knowledge score (Beta = 0.32, p = 0.007) were significantly associated with higher attitude score toward smoking ban. Higher waterpipe harm perception score (Beta = - 1.30, p < 0.001), higher attitude (Beta = - 0.21, p < 0.001), and higher knowledge score (Beta = - 0.11, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower waterpipe dependence. In addition, higher waterpipe dependence (Beta = 2.02, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with higher cumulative waterpipe smoking, while higher waterpipe harm perception score (Beta = - 1.96, p = 0.009) and higher knowledge score (Beta = 0.27, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower cumulative waterpipe smoking. Our main finding was that better knowledge and perception of the harmful effects of waterpipe were related to a better attitude toward smoking bans and a lower waterpipe smoking. Therefore, health care providers and policymakers should join efforts to make awareness campaigns across Lebanon and develop adequate interventions to curb the use of waterpipe among the population.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Propensity towards HPV Vaccine of Young Adult Students in Italy.

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), representing the main cause of genital warts and cervical cancer. This cross-sectional study evaluated knowledge and attitudes about HPV infection, related diseases, and prevention and propensity towards HPV vaccine among undergraduate students. Methods: An online and written survey about HPV and its prevention, targeted to young adults of both genders, was addressed to students attending health sciences and other schools at Universities of Genoa and Bari. Results: The overall median knowledge and attitude scores were 56.3% (25–75 p = 40–68.8%) and four out of five (25–75 p = 4–5), respectively. In the multivariate analysis, attending a health sciences university, using social networks ≤2 h a day, a history of STI, having heard about HPV and HPV vaccine previously resulted as predictors of higher knowledge scores. Having heard about HPV previously also predicted a high attitude score, together with a perceived economic status as good. Having Italian and healthcare worker parents, being employed, and following a specific diet, instead, predicted lower attitude score. Conclusions: Poor knowledge and good attitudes were found among undergraduates about HPV. In order to increase HPV vaccine compliance and the counselling skills of future healthcare workers, the improvement of training on HPV is needed.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Lebanese Community Pharmacists toward Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Inclusion of a pharmacist showed that pharmacy-led patient education can positively impact treatment outcome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) knowledge, medication adherence, quality of life, significant reduction in hospital admission rates, and emergency department visits. The objectives were to assess the degree of COPD knowledge in Lebanese community pharmacists as well as their attitudes and practice toward disease management. Between January and May 2018, a cross-sectional survey enrolled 709 Lebanese community pharmacists. A committee was created to build up the questionnaire; it was composed of two physicians (one infectious disease specialist and one pulmonologist) and eight pharmacists, with long expertise in community and hospital pharmacy. It comprised 12 questions assessing knowledge, 12 questions for attitude, and 13 questions for practice. Higher attitude (β = 0.56) and higher practice (β = 0.41) were associated with higher knowledge score. Higher knowledge (β = 0.10) and practice (β = 0.16) scores as well as female gender (β = 0.60) were significantly associated with higher attitude scores. Higher knowledge (β = 0.13) and higher attitude (β = 0.19) showed significant association with higher practice scores. Female gender (β = -0.94), however, was significantly associated with decreased practice score. Our study highlights the importance of assessing the capabilities of pharmacists of achieving their support role in COPD patients. In order to improve community pharmacists’ knowledge of COPD, ultimately improving patient outcomes, further education is crucial.

Dentists' Willingness to Report Suspected Violence Cases in Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Violence is a life-threatening issue that mainly affects head and neck areas. Dentist might be the first person to notice this type of injury. This study aimed to investigate dentists’ willingness to report suspected violence exposure of their patients and factors associated with their willingness.Materials and Methods:In a cross-sectional study of 363 dentists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a previously validated self-administered questionnaire was distributed, in both printed and electronic forms (Google Forms), to collect data on personal characteristics, professional background, and negative perception and professional attitude toward reporting suspected violence. Descriptive and analytic statistics were applied. Significance was considered at P ≤ 0.05.Results:The majority of dentists reported positive perception (88.4%) and positive attitude (68.0%) toward reporting suspected violence, with percentage mean scores of 35.2 ± 19.6 and 83.5 ± 15.0, respectively. Higher professional attitude score was significantly associated with the ability of dentists to recognize signs of violence (t = 3.19, P = 0.002). Negative perception mean scores were significantly higher with non-Saudi nationality (t = 2.03, P = 0.043), private sector (F = 3.33, P = 0.037), no training on abuse management (t = 3.02, P = 0.003), and perceived ability to identify victims of violence (t = 2.61, P = 0.01). After adjusting for potential confounders, negative perception was predicted by non-Saudi nationality (P = 0.028) and no history of previous training in abuse management (P = 0.004).Conclusion:Almost all dentists have high professional attitude scores and low negative perception scores toward reporting violence, which reflect a good sense of responsibility toward their patients and community. Educational training in abuse management must be a requirement for dental practice.

Assessing knowledge and attitudes of Palestinian undergraduate nursing students toward epilepsy and patients with epilepsy: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study assessed knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate nursing students toward epilepsy and patients with epilepsy (PWEs). Associations between different sociodemographic and academic variables and knowledge and attitude scores were also assessed. MethodsThe present study was conducted in a cross-sectional observational design among Palestinian undergraduate nursing students using a prevalidated and reliable questionnaire of 38 items. After collecting sociodemographic and academic characteristics, students answered a knowledge test (16 items) and attitude test (13 items). ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 342 nursing students. The median knowledge score was 65.6 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 31.3, and the median attitude score was 81.5 with an IQR of 20.0. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that higher knowledge scores were predicted by being female in gender (p-value <0.05), had a course/studied about epilepsy (p-value <0.001), self-rated knowledge about epilepsy as high (p-value <0.05), and ever witnessing a PWE experiencing seizures (p-value <0.001). Higher attitude scores were predicted by self-rated knowledge about epilepsy as high (p-value <0.001), had a course/studied about epilepsy (p-value <0.05), and ever witnessed a PWE experiencing seizures (p-value <0.05). ConclusionNursing students had moderate knowledge of epilepsy and had generally positive attitudes toward PWEs. Findings of this study highlighted knowledge gaps and areas for improvement. As knowledge scores were positively correlated with attitudes, probably, findings of this study might suggest that educational/training interventions can improve knowledge as well as positive attitudes of nursing students with regard to epilepsy and PWEs.

Knowledge, attitude and behaviors towards patients with mental illness: Results from a national Lebanese study.

ObjectivesPatients with mental health disorders often have to endure the burdens of the condition itself and the stigma that follows. Since no study has been conducted in Lebanon on this topic, our objective was to assess the knowledge, attitude and behaviors towards public stigma of mental health diseases, among a sample of the Lebanese population.MethodsA cross-sectional study, conducted between November 2017 and May 2018, enrolled 2289 participants. The Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), the Community Attitudes toward Mental Illness (CAMI) and the Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS) were used to assess knowledge, attitude and behaviors toward mental illness respectively. The 25th, 50th and 75th percentile of the MAKS, CAMI and RIBS scales scores were considered as cutoff points for low, medium and high scores respectively.ResultsA high knowledge score was found in 33.0% of the participants, whereas a high attitude score and a higher behavior score were found in 32.2% and 26.9% of the participants respectively. Living in North Lebanon (Beta = 1.331) and being familiar with a non-close person with mental illness (Beta = 0.811) were associated with higher knowledge of mental illness (higher MAKS score), whereas living in Bekaa (Beta = -8.693) and being 70 years old and above (Beta = -5.060) were associated with lower knowledge toward mental illness (lower MAKS score). Higher knowledge of mental illness (higher MAKS score) (Beta = 0.670), having a high level of education (university (Beta = 8.785), secondary (Beta = 6.084) and technical (Beta = 5.677)) were associated with less stigmatizing attitudes (higher CAMI scale). Being familiar with close people with mental illness (Beta = 0.577), less stigmatizing attitudes (higher CAMI scale) (Beta = 0.077) and higher knowledge of mental illness (higher MAKS score) (Beta = 0.115) were associated with higher favorable behaviors (higher RIBS score), whereas knowing a non-close person who have a mental illness (Beta = -0.720) was associated with lower favorable behaviors (lower RIBS score).ConclusionA mass media awareness campaigns that could transmit health messages to a wide public audience in the country to fight stigma toward mental illness, seems warranted.

Patient safety and error reporting in obstetrics departments: Exploring nurses knowledge, attitude, and skills

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the patient safety attitudes, skills, knowledge and barriers related to reporting a medical error from a nursing perspective in obstetric departments. Martials and Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted on a sample of 200 nurses and midwives. Patient safety attitudes, skills, and knowledge (PS-ASK) Scale was used to collect data from nurses. Results: Nurses had good knowledge and a positive attitude toward patient safety. However, the participants had higher scores in attitude than knowledge and skills. No significant difference was found between nurses and midwives regarding patient safety knowledge, attitude, and skills (p> 0.05). There are significant positive relationships between nurses' knowledge and a variety of safety attitude and skills (p < 0.05). The top three errors reported were: error during medication preparation and administration, failing to regularly monitoring of fetus's heart rate, and patient falls from beds or while walking without adequate supervision. Conclusion: Patient safety is considered one of the important areas in the health care industry. In the current study, the overall safety knowledge and skills could be described as good but not sufficient. This could be attributed to a lack of sufficient training and education. Reporting errors is still a problem due to fear of consequences.

Oral health knowledge, attitude and practices among nurses in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore, India: a cross-sectional survey

Background: Maintaining good oral health among hospitalized individuals is essential for health outcomes and quality of life. Nurses, being the primary oral care givers require adequate knowledge, attitude and practice in this area to provide effective oral health care. However, limited studies have been undertaken to evaluate this aspect of nursing care in India.Aim: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of nurses regarding oral care for hospitalized patients.Design: Cross-sectional survey.Methods: A total of 244 nurses working in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore, South India were purposively recruited for this study. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions about knowledge, attitude and practice regarding oral care.Results: The mean oral health knowledge score was 6.74 out of maximum score of 22. Most nurses were aware of the importance of oral care among inpatients and the effect poor oral hygiene and systemic diseases have on oral health. Deficiencies in knowledge were prevalent in areas including common medications that affect oral health and regarding care of dentures. Nurses, with higher nursing qualifications and working in departments with longer length of stay had higher attitude scores. Most nurses assessed oral health needs within 24hrs of admission. However, there were inconsistencies in the oral health assessment and care protocols followed and documentation.Conclusion: Nurses’ attitude towards oral health was positive yet their knowledge in specific aspects of care was inadequate. Their oral health practices needs improvement.

Multiculturality Concept and Its Reflections on Education: The Case of Turkey

The current study investigated the multiculturality attitudes of high school students using the Multiculturality Attitude Scale. The determination of the dynamics affecting students' multiculturality attitudes will provide opportunities for reconstructing the educational settings accordingly. The sample of the study was 2237 students from 24 high schools from 14 provincial centres in 7 geographical regions of Turkey. The data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics. The analyses examined the relationships between the multiculturality attitudes of the students and their gender, class level, family income status, education level of the parents, and the geographic region of residence. The findings indicated significant differences between all dimensions of the scale (i.e., anxiety, richness, tolerance, threat, and discrimination) and the variables of the study. The findings indicated that the female students’ attitude mean scores were more positive than those of the male students. Students in Central Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia, and Marmara regions had higher attitude scores than students from other regions. As students’ family income level increases, they regard multiculturality as a threat (ethnicity-based). Students whose parents have a high level of education regard multiculturality as a threat (ethnicity-based). In order to minimize these negative attitudes towards multiculturality in the society, people’s awareness of different life practices by various groups within a country or community offers richness that should be recognized. To achieve this, the regulation of educational experiences considering cultural diversity and normalizing transitions, the differences in the educational institutions that serve as foundation in the society-building process are of the utmost importance.

EVALUATION OF PROSPECTIVE MATH TEACHERS' ABILITY TO ENTER GRADUATE EDUCATION WITH FUZZY LOGIC ALONG WITH VARIOUS COMPONENTS

It seems that getting graduate education has become more important compared to the past. This is the case for teachers and prospective teachers. In order to be admitted for graduate education in Turkey, one must have ALES ( A cademic personnel and graduate education entrance exam ), College GPA (graduation grade point average) and a foreign language score. The road to success is a difficult process for many students to complete when represented by classification of traditional graduation grade point average. Development approaches of student achievement need to have a framework consisting of more in number and a complex success criteria in order to be more effective. Apart from the aforementioned grade data that was mainly determined in the classification that classify whether prospective teachers were suitable for graduate education or not, some other components such as; their emotional data, their level of knowledge on graduate education and how much priority they give to teaching department while doing their university preferences have also become important. The study was shaped in this context and by assessing various components related to the students with fuzzy logic, a more effective prediction and classification was tried to be presented. In the study, considering attitudes of prospective teachers towards graduate education, their genders, their levels of knowledge on graduate education, their university entrance scores, their order of preference, and their levels in undergraduate education, their suitabilities of admission to graduate education was aimed to be determined by fuzzy logic. In our study in which relationships of all above mentioned components with each other were analyzed, survey (scanning) method, of quantitative research methods, was used and the relational scanning model was preferred. In the study, the information of 390 prospective teachers who were studying at the department of primary school mathematics teaching in three different state universities and attending at formation programs but graduated from faculty of arts and sciences mathematics teaching department was used. MATLAB software was used for fuzzy logic analysis. In the research, a fuzzy logic rule base was created and 98 (25.1%) of the analyzed data were decided to be suitable for graduate education program. 29 (7.4%) of these prospective teachers were from the first year, 48 (12.3%) of them were from the fourth year, and 21 (5.3%) of them were from the formation group. The group with the highest percentage of prospective teachers considered to be suitable for graduate education is fourth year undergraduate students with 12.3%. The group with the lowest percentage is formation students with 5.3%. As a result of the analyses conducted by fuzzy logic providing a valid prediction and classification, the reason of fourth year prospective teachers have the highest percentage in the research can be explained as their having higher attitude scores and being more knowledge about graduate education and having higher scores on the university entrance exams than the other participants. In order to ensure prospective teachers to have a higher attitude towards the graduate education, their gaining awareness of research and being informed about graduate education from the first years of college can provide significant benefits. Prospective teachers in different departments may be included in the study. Considering different components related to the prospective teachers and conducting researches using other methods of artificial intelligence such as fuzzy logic, students and educators can be provided an effective prediction and classification opportunities. Article visualizations:

Relationship among Breastfeeding Exposure, Knowledge, and Attitudes in Collegiate Males Residing in East Texas.

Researchers exploring breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge among women suggest the decision to breastfeed is influenced by the male partner, yet few studies address males. Because collegiate males will soon enter fatherhood, assessment of their attitudes and knowledge may inform interventions aimed at increasing intention to breastfeed. This study aimed to describe collegiate males' exposure to, attitude toward, and knowledge about breastfeeding. A cross-sectional online survey was used with males ≥ 18 years of age enrolled at a Texas public university. Attitude indices measured included social limitations, public displays of breastfeeding, and employer accommodations. Descriptive statistics, correlational and regression analyses were employed. The participants' (N = 949) average age was 25.48 years; > 80% reported not being fathers. Exposure to breastfeeding was high; > 80% witnessed breastfeeding and/or had someone close breastfeed. High attitude scores indicated social acceptability of breastfeeding. Knowledge appeared limited: only 16% identified the recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; > 50% overlooked the reduced risk for overweight/obesity, ear infections, diarrhea, or food allergies. Correlations between knowledge, exposure, total attitude, and index scores were positive (p < .01) except for the public displays index. Stepwise multiple regression determined that breastfeeding exposure, knowledge scores, and father's educational level predicted total attitude score, (R2 = 0.13, F (3,851) = 44.02, p < .01). The positive attitudes outcome among this male population is promising for breastfeeding support and advocacy. Education efforts improving knowledge will likely increase behavioral intention, resulting in increased breastfeeding rates and duration.

Critical Care Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceived Barriers towards Pressure Injuries Prevention

Background: Pressure injuries are a considerable problem for hospitalized critically ill and elderly patients, as such injuries produce pain, and reduce total wellbeing, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality, as well as often extending those patients’ hospital staysPurpose: The purpose of this study was to determine critical care nurses knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers toward pressure injuries prevention.Design: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was performed, using a questionnaire method to critical care nurses’. The study took place between August and October 2017 and involved ten hospitals: two university hospital, six public hospitals, and two private hospitals.  Methods: Data were collected by means of a questionnaire using two valid and reliable instruments: i) the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool 2⋅0, and ii) Attitude Toward Pressure Ulcer Prevention and two newly developed instruments sociodemographic and perceived barriers toward pressure injury prevention.Results: The entire mean knowledge score for the participants was 54.9%, and overall high attitude scores were 76.7%. Level of education, years employed in a critical care unit, training received on pressure injury prevention, and the number of papers read on pressure injury prevention was all identified as having a significant and independent effect on participants’ knowledge concerning prevention of pressure injuries. To evaluate the effect of demographic characteristics on nurses’ attitudes, the only significant variable was "years of employment in critical care units". Shortage of staff was the most commonly cited barrier faced by critical care nurses’ during practice.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of hypertensive patients towards prevention and early detection of chronic kidney disease: a cross sectional study from Palestine

BackgroundHypertension is the second most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, the aims of the study were to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of hypertensive patients towards prevention and early detection of CKD, and to determine the clinical and socio-demographic factors, which affect the KAP regarding prevention of CKD.MethodsA cross-sectional study was held using the CKD screening Index to assess the KAP of 374 hypertensive patients who were selected from multiple primary healthcare centers in Nablus, Palestine. The CKD Screening Index is formed of three scales. First, the knowledge scale was a dichotomous scale of 30 items, while the attitude scale used 5-point Likert-type scale for 18 items and finally the practice scale was measured using 4-point Likert-type scale for 12 items. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the association between clinical and socio-demographic factors and practices.ResultsIn total, 374 hypertensive patients participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 59.14 ± 10.4 years, (range 26–85). The median (interquartile range) of the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores of hypertensive patients towards prevention and early detection of CKD were 20 (16–23), 69 (65–72), and 39 (36–42), respectively. In multiple linear regression analysis, patients age < 65 years (p < 0.001) and patients with high education level (p = 0.009) were the only factors significantly associated with higher knowledge scores. Additionally, patients age < 65 years (p = 0.007), patients with high income (p = 0.005), and patients with high knowledge score (p < 0.001) were the only factors significantly associated with higher attitude scores. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that patients with higher total knowledge (p = 0.001) as well as higher total attitudes scores towards CKD prevention (p < 0.001), male gender (p = 0.048), and patients with normal body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.026) were statistically significantly associated with higher practice score towards CKD prevention.ConclusionsAmong hypertensive patients, higher scores for total knowledge and attitudes toward prevention, male sex, and normal BMI were associated with modestly higher scores for prevention practices. Finally the findings may encourage healthcare workers to give better counseling to improve knowledge.

The Effect of Mobile Learning Applications on Students' Academic Achievement and Attitudes toward Mobile Learning

This study examines the effect of mobile learning applications on undergraduate students' academic achievement, attitudes toward mobile learning and animation development levels. Quasi-experimental design was used in the study. Participants of the study were students of the Buca Faculty of Education at Dokuz Eylul University in Turkey. The experiment was conducted during the first semester of 2013-2014 academic year. A mobile learning-based strategy was used in experimental group (n?=?15), while the control group participated in a lecture-based classroom (n?=?26). An attitude scale was used to measure the students’ attitudes toward mobile learning, and achievement test was used to examine the effect of mobile learning applications on the students’ achievement. In order to evaluate the animations developed by students, a rubric was used. For exploratory analysis, interviews were conducted with students. The findings suggest that mobile learning may promote students' academic achievement. Both groups had significantly high attitude scores toward mobile learning. Furthermore, the students appreciated mobile learning as an approach that may significantly increase their motivation. Researchers and practitioners should take into consideration that mobile learning can create positive impact on academic achievement and performance and increase the motivation of students.&#x0D;

Pharmacist’s knowledge and attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is defined as a domain of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that are not considered as a significant part of conventional medicine. The study has aimed to assess hospital and clinical pharmacist perceptions, experience, and knowledge toward CAM; and determined commonly used information resources to answer CAM-related inquiries. MethodsSaudi pharmacists completed a survey based on a previous rural Australian community pharmacist views on CAM. The study was a cross-sectional questionnaire developed by item generation through a review of scientific literature and focus groups. A total of 199 pharmacists completed the survey. ResultsA total of 199 pharmacists completed the survey. 20% of the participants indicated that they have completed their post-graduation in CAM qualification. It has been evaluated that 53% of the participants did not believe in the safety of CAM, and about 60% of participants were confident in discussing CAM therapy with the patients. Internet was the common route, used by participants to search for information regarding CAM. The relationship between different demographic variables and the attitude score of the participants was statistically significant (P = .015). This is because pharmacists, who received postgraduate CAM qualification, had higher attitude score as compared to those, who did not receive post-graduate CAM qualification. There were also statistically significant differences (P = .008) amongst the pharmacists, who frequently, sometimes, occasionally, or never recommend complementary medicine to the patients. ConclusionPharmacists play an important role in ensuring that CAMs are used safely and appropriately in Saudi Arabia; therefore, they need to be better informed about CAMs and better able to advise patients, seeking alternative remedies.

Australian nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes towards pressure injury prevention: A cross-sectional study

AimThe aim of this study was to assess student nurses’ knowledge of and attitudes towards pressure injury prevention evidence-based guidelines. BackgroundPressure injuries are a substantial problem in many healthcare settings causing major harm to patients, and generating major economic costs for health service providers. Nurses have a crucial role in the prevention of pressure injuries across all health care settings. DesignA multi-centered, cross-sectional study was conducted using a paper-based questionnaire with undergraduate nursing students enrolled in seven universities with campuses across five Australian states (Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania). MethodsData were collected from nursing students using two validated instruments (Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Instrument and Attitude Toward Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument), to measure students’ pressure injury prevention knowledge and attitudes. ResultsStudents reported relatively low pressure injury prevention knowledge scores (51%), and high attitude scores (78%). Critical issues in this study were nursing students’ lack of knowledge about preventative strategies to reduce the amount and duration of pressure/shear, and lower confidence in their capability to prevent pressure injury. Level of education and exposure to working in a greater number of different clinical units were significantly related to pressure injury prevention knowledge and attitude scores. ConclusionThe study findings highlight the need to implement a comprehensive approach to increasing Australian nursing students’ pressure injury prevention and management knowledge, as well as ensuring that these students have adequate experiences in clinical units, with a high focus on pressure injury prevention to raise their personal capability.

Osteoporosis guideline awareness among Iranian family physicians: results of a knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey.

Osteoporosis is a relatively preventable, chronic and progressive disease. Family physicians play a crucial role in relieving the burden of care. This cross-sectional study was addressed at all qualified family physicians who registered at urban family physicians and referral system program. Data collection included demographics, professional experience, and knowledge of guidelines based on a standardized KAP questionnaire. Student's t-test was used to measure the associations between KAP scores and demographic, professional experience variables.FindingsThe response rate was 72% (540/750). Based on Bloom's cut off scale, family physicians knowledge and practice scores were in moderate level, and only 14 and 38.5% of them had good knowledge and practice, respectively. Attitude score was in good level, and 64.1% of participants had positive attitude. Mean score of knowledge and practice were higher significantly among family physicians that practice in public settings. Family physicians, who completed osteoporosis training courses, had higher attitude score (P=0.03). Only 23.5% of family physicians were aware of the existence of national osteoporosis guideline. Although most family physicians believed in the importance of preventive measures, however, limited number of them had good knowledge and practice regarding osteoporosis and less than a quarter were aware of national guideline. This is a clear need to disseminate the guideline more effectively, make greater use of efficient training methods.

Attitude and awareness of expectant and lactating mothers toward infant oral health care in North Indian subpopulation: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Mothers play a key role in adoption of preventive strategies for an improved oral health in the first few crucial years of life of infants and young children. The purpose of the study is 2 folds: (1) to evaluate and compare the awareness and attitude (Aw-At) levels between expectant and lactating mothers toward infant oral health care and (2) to analyze the influence of maternal sociodemographic variables on their Aw-At levels toward infant oral health care. Materials and Methods: A total of 500 expectant and lactating mothers visiting the outpatient department of the government hospital in Rohtak, India, were randomly selected and interviewed through a 27-item self-designed, structured questionnaire. Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and Chi-square tests were applied for assessment and comparison. Results: Lactating mothers scored significantly higher than expectant mothers (P = 0.004) in awareness levels. Awareness score of mothers (26–35 years old) was also significantly higher than the younger ones (P = 0.002). Urban group had a higher attitude score than rural group mothers (P = 0.002). Working mothers scored more in both Aw-At scores (P Conclusion: The study had found low awareness levels toward infant oral health care but a positive attitude among mothers. Hence, it is suggested to increase this to ensure optimal dental health for themselves and their children by educating and motivating the mothers, providing prenatal counseling, anticipatory guidance, referral by the medical personnel, and most importantly, establishing the concept of dental home.

Evaluation of risk factors affecting parental knowledge and attitude toward antibiotic use in children with upper respiratory tract infections

IntroductionViral infection is the main cause of Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). However, antibiotic resistance is promoted through inappropriate prescription of antibiotics for children with URTIs. This study aimed to assess the possible risk factors which may be associated with such antibiotic misuse. MethodsThis prospective study was designed to evaluate parents' knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use for their children. Study questionnaires were distributed to adult parents caring for children aged between 4 and 8 years at Jordan University Hospital. Detailed content analysis was conducted to obtain all relevant information. ResultsA total of 1301 parents agreed to participate in this study. Parents’ knowledge score was 7.02/14 (SD = 1.52). The knowledge score was positively associated with both the age of parents and the income level (p-value = .001 and <.001 respectively). Also, parents who had less than 4 children had better knowledge about the use of antibiotics compared to those who had more children (p-value = .03). Regarding parents’ attitude, a mean attitude score was calculated for parents (2.33/5) (SD = 0.44). Older parents (≥45 years), those with higher income and higher number of children had higher attitude scores than those with a lower income and a lower number of children (p-values = .002, .001, .000 respectively). ConclusionsThis study showed there was a relationship between the number of children, the age of parents and income on parent’s knowledge and attitude towards using antibiotics. Additional intervention programs may be required for such groups of parents.

Medical Professionalism: the Effects of Sociodemographic Diversity and Curricular Organization on the Attitudinal Performance of Medical Students

ABSTRACT Introduction: Socioeconomic and demographic diversity in the educational environment and the development of professional attitudes enhance the quality of health care delivery. Despite the importance of diversity for equity and accessibility to health care, its repercussions for students’ attitudinal learning have not been adequately evaluated. Purpose: Evaluate the influence of academic sociodemographic diversity and curricular organization in the development of professional attitudes in different phases of the undergraduate medical curriculum. Method: In 2012, the attitudinal performance of 310 socioeconomically diverse medical students was evaluated by the administration of a five-point professional attitudes scale. The participants were at different points in their education at a Brazilian public school of medicine in Brasília, Federal District. The scale comprised 6 factors: communication, ethics, professional excellence, self-assessment, beliefs, social determinants; and a general factor called medical professionalism and was validated for the purpose of this research. The reliability coefficients (aCronbach) ranged from 0.65 to 0.87, according to different scale dimensions. Student diversity was analyzed according to differences in gender, age, religious affiliation, system of student selection and socioeconomic background. Results: The authors observed a decline in the mean attitude scores during the clinical phase compared to the preclinical phase of the curriculum. Female students displayed more positive attitudes than male students, and the students who declared a religious affiliation recorded higher attitude scores compared to those who declared themselves atheist, agnostic or non-religious. There was no correlation between family income or the system of student selection and the students’ attitude scores. The students who had attended public schools expressed a greater interest in working in the public health system compared to the other students. Age and marital status had no relevant effect on attitude scores. Conclusions: The attitude scores of medical students declined as the curriculum progressed. Female students had more positive attitudes than male students. Religious affiliation appeared to positively influence the observed attitude scores.