Higher Knowledge Scores Research Articles

Knowledge and Awareness for the Early Detection and Intervention of Short Stature among Families in Qassim Region 2021–2022: A Cross-Sectional study

Background: Short stature is a common reason for the referral of children to endocrinology clinics. A study in Saudi Arabia recorded a relatively high frequency of short stature among children and adolescents. This condition is multifactorial and can be influenced by genetic factors, environmental factors, or endocrine diseases. Early detection and intervention are crucial steps in the long-term outcomes and benefits.
 Aim: To evaluate the knowledge and awareness for the early detection and intervention of short stature.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study utilizing a representative random cluster sample of 384 participants living in various cities in the Qassim region, including Buraydah, Unaizah, Alrass, and Riyadh Al Khabra, and in places outside the central region from October 2021 to March 2022. To achieve our goals, we used a self-administered questionnaire that evaluated knowledge and awareness for the timely identification and intervention of short stature among families in the Qassim region.
 Results: We received 469 surveys. The overall mean knowledge score was 2.04 (SD 0.92), with poor and good levels of knowledge identified among 68.4% and 31.6%, respectively. Higher knowledge scores were associated with being married, having children, and having a family history of short stature.
 Conclusion: Based on our data, we conclude that the majority of Qassimi families have poor knowledge about the early detection and intervention of short stature.

Identifying monkeypox: do dental professionals have adequate knowledge and awareness?

The emergence of monkeypox has presented a new challenge for health agencies around the globe. There is significant increase in the number of cases that too in non-endemic countries with more than 18000 cases reported worldwide. The present study was conducted to assess knowledge and awareness regarding monkeypox among dental professionals. The present cross-sectional study among 410 subjects who were residing in a northern state of the country. Informed consent was obtained from all the subjects. Study sample was selected on the basis of Systematic random sampling methodology. A self-designed close-ended questionnaire written in English and verified by experts was utilized for the study. The questionnaire was delivered personally to study subjects to collect the required information. Chi-square test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. One-fourth (24.8%) of the subjects never heard about monkeypox disease. Negative response was given by 44.8% of subjects regarding resemblance of monkeypox with small pox. Only 31.2% of subjects had knowledge regarding oral manifestations of the disease. High knowledge scores were reported by only 28% of subjects. Higher knowledge levels were significantly related to education level and working profile of study subjects. Online media (Internet) was preferred as the main source to obtain more information by 42.2 of subjects. There was low level of knowledge regarding monkeypox among study subjects. There is an urgent need for dental professionals to keep themselves updated with recent knowledge on new emerging infectious diseases.

Knowledge and attitude towards human papillomavirus and its vaccination and affecting factors among nursing and medical students: a questionnaire study

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), HPV testing and HPV vaccinations and affecting factors among nursing and medical students and explore their attitudes regarding HPV vaccination. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 635 undergraduate nursing and medical students from March to June 2020 at a state university in Turkey. The data were collected using the Questionnaire Form and HPV Knowledge Scale (HPV-KS). The HPV-KS mean scores of the students were 17.07 ± 6.95. The students were aged 26 and over, females, had good economic status, registered at the faculty of medicine, at higher year of studies, had sexual experience and recommended HPV vaccination got higher knowledge scores regarding HPV, HPV testing and HPV vaccination (p ˂ .05). Despite low vaccination rate (2.0%), almost all the students recommended the HPV vaccine (95.9%). Sex, place of residence, faculty (departments), and year of study are among the significant predictor of knowledge about HPV, HPV testing and HPV vaccinations level up to 39% (p ˂ .05). This study highlights the need for further education and training are required to increase the knowledge about HPV, HPV testing and HPV vaccination, which may help increase awareness and improve the ratio of vaccination. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and most likely to cause cervical cancer. Prophylactic vaccine administrations is critical in primary protection from HPV. What the results of this study add? The study revealed the needs for education among nursing and medical students about HPV, HPV testing and HPV vaccines. Knowledge regarding HPV, HPV testing and HPV vaccines is statistically significantly associated with age, sex, economic status, place of residence, faculty, year of study, sexual experience and recommending HPV vaccines. Sex, place of residence, faculty, and year of study are among the statistically significant positive predictors for HPV knowledge. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Educators should increase education and/or training opportunities related to HPV among nursing and medical students who are the future healthcare providers and in the risky group for HPV during undergraduate education.

Knowledge and Acceptance of COVID-19 (SARS CoV2) Vaccination among Foundation students in a College in Kedah, Malaysia

Introduction: To combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia started vaccination of front-liners and adults in the community. The latter group might have insufficient knowledge to accept COVID-19 vaccination, therefore this research was to assess the knowledge and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among youths, specifically students in a Malaysian college. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 481 foundation students in Kolej MARA Kulim (KMKU). The minimum sample size, using Epi Info was 214. Students answered an online questionnaire using google form which included demographic data (age, gender) and ten questions on knowledge and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. For knowledge questions, students answered “yes”, “no” or “don’t know”, correct answer scoring 1. For acceptance questions, a 5-point Likert scale was used ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”. EXCEL and SPSS version 23 were used for analysis with Chi-square test done to test association (significant for p-value <0.05). Results: The response rate was 65.1% with 313 students, (45.4% males, and 54.6% females) aged 18-19 years. The majority (83.7%) had satisfactory to excellent knowledge scores (mean = 6.66 (SD=2.299, 95% CI 6.40-6.91), median = 7 (± IQR =3), while 16.3% obtained poor scores (≤ 4). The majority (90%) accepted vaccination. Higher knowledge scores were associated with higher acceptance rates in both genders (p-value= 0.000). Significantly more females (90.6%) than males (80.3%) had positive attitude towards vaccination (p-value = 0.009). Conclusions: The majority of the foundation students in KMKU were knowledgeable on COVID-19 vaccination and willing to receive the vaccination against the novel coronavirus.

The effect of health education on second-hand smoke knowledge and exposure among pregnant women in Jordan: A quasi-experimental study

Second-Hand Smoke (SHS) is a significant health issue. For non-smoker pregnant women, SHS exposure can lead to harmful consequences on the fetus. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a health education program in decreasing SHS exposure and increasing pregnant women's knowledge of its harmful effects. A quasi-experimental (pretest-posttest control group) design and the second-hand exposure questionnaire (SS-A) were used. A convenience sample of 136 pregnant Jordanian women from the antenatal clinic was recruited and assigned to an intervention group (n = 70) and a control group (n = 66). The intervention group received a health education program, while the control group received the usual antenatal care. The data were collected from October to December 2018. The results revealed that the highest exposure to SHS was in the home setting, with an average of 8.7 ± 2.21 hours daily for both groups. After the educational program, there were significantly lower scores of exposure and a higher score of knowledge in the intervention group, compared to the control group (p < 0.001). There was also a significant decrease in the scores of exposure and a significant increase in the score of knowledge of the intervention group from pretest to posttest (p < 0.001). The study provides evidence about the importance of a program to educate pregnant women about the negative impact of SHS. Nurses need to assess SHS exposure and provide health education for pregnant women.

Public Awareness of Alzheimer's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease is considered the most common neurodegenerative and progressive illness. It is also a common type of dementia characterized by brain atrophy, neuronal tissue loss, and the formation of amyloid plaques. Mild memory loss is a commonly expected start of the disease, which can progress to loss of capacity to carry on a conversation and react to certain situations.ObjectiveThis study aimed to measure knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease in Saudi Arabia through the use of the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and measure the association between the ADKS with relevant demographic variables.MethodsA pre-validated questionnaire containing 30 questions was distributed electronically to anyone older than 18 years old living in Saudi Arabia. Items regarding socio-demographic characteristics and the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) were also included.ResultsParticipants did not have a high enough mean score to be regarded as appropriately knowledgeable (mean = 17.35). Higher knowledge scores on Life impact, Risk factors, Assessment and diagnosis, Caregiving, Treatment and management, and ADKS were associated with the female gender. Higher knowledge of caregiving was associated with a postgraduate academic qualification. Higher knowledge on Assessment and Diagnosis was associated with higher age. Higher knowledge on risk factors was associated with having relatives diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Higher knowledge on life impact was associated with having newspaper and journal articles as the source of medical information.ConclusionNational awareness campaigns for the community and continuing education courses for caregivers must be placed to aid in increasing awareness regarding Alzheimer’s disease.

Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients’ Knowledge of Myocardial Ischemia and Stroke Symptoms in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Background: The level of knowledge about ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke symptoms varies between different studies. Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for timely receipt of care and to improve outcomes. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge of IHD and stroke symptoms among diabetic and hypertensive patients in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey conducted in outpatient clinics in several hospitals and primary care centers. We enrolled 339 participants who had diabetes, hypertension or both. Data were collected between October 2020 and June 2021. A score of 1 was given for each correct answer. A total score of 5 was considered excellent, between 2-4 adequate, and 1 poor. Results: Poor knowledge score of IHD symptoms showed in 24.8% of participants and 26.3% had poor knowledge score of stroke symptoms. Chest pain was recognized as the most common symptom of IHD by 31%. When facing an emergency situation, 42% responded by taking the patient to the hospital and 45% by calling the emergency phone numberA higher degree of education, higher income, and previously received information were correlated with a higher knowledge score, while history of IHD in the participants was not correlated with a better score. Conclusions: Knowledge of IHD and stroke symptoms was poor in a quarter of at-risk patients in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The history of IHD in the participants did not correlate with a better knowledge score. Our findings call for more efforts to establish and expand the awareness campaign. Keywords: Awareness, knowledge, stroke symptoms, ischemic heart disease symptoms, diabetes, hypertension.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of the Greek Population Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic during the National Lockdown (March 23–May 03, 2020): A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward the COVID-19 pandemic during the total lockdown of spring 2020 in Greece. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 13 to May 5, 2020 using snowball sampling method. Adult residents of Greece anonymously completed an online survey that was distributed through email and social media. Demographic questions, questions regarding the knowledge about the disease etiology, diagnosis and prevention, and questions related to the respondents’ attitude and perception toward the restriction measures and the confidence in different kinds of institutions were included in the survey items. The appropriate statistical analyses were conducted according to the type of variable and the research question. Results: A total of 1396 fully complete questionnaires were collected. A moderate-high knowledge about COVID-19 was found in the study population (median 74.8%). The highest knowledge scores were found in females (74.8%, p = 0.015), individuals over 60 years old (77.3%, p &lt; 0.001) and individuals having completed post-secondary or tertiary education (76.5%, p &lt; 0.001). Five attitude patterns toward the pandemic were identified: “trust in institutions”, “trust in the restriction measures”, “trust in media and the internet”, “trust in traditional institutions”, and “measures deniers”. Age, education, and knowledge score were the factors defining the attitudinal patterns revealed. Conclusion: Education and public awareness seem to be the factors defining the successful management of the pandemic’s first wave in Greece. Repeated observations of attitudinal patterns are important for eliminating irresponsible behaviors in periods of health crises.

Impact of Group vs. Individual Prenatal Care Provision on Women’s Knowledge of Pregnancy-Related Topics: An Open, Controlled, Semi-Randomized Community Trial

The importance of acquiring knowledge of pregnant women on prenatal care lies in its leading to confidence and ability in decision-making. There is a growing need for a model of prenatal care that will allow nurses to provide the most efficient pregnancy-related guidance with minimum need for additional staff. This study compares the level of knowledge on subjects pertaining to pregnancy and birth in low-risk pregnancies when delivered in group versus individual settings. The study is an open, controlled, semi-randomized community trial. The intervention arm received prenatal care services in a group setting led by a nurse. The control arm received prenatal care services in routine individual meetings with a nurse. Knowledge of prenatal subjects was evaluated by questionnaires. The level of knowledge of the women in the group setting for the pre-service questionnaire was lower than that of the women in the individual group, but higher for the final questionnaire. After accounting for a starting point difference (the women in the individual care arm started with a higher knowledge score), the women in the group setting had a three-fold improvement in score compared to the women in the individual setting (p = 0.043). Prenatal care provided in a group setting may lead to better knowledge acquisition, leading to better awareness of pregnancy-related medical conditions and to enhanced adherence to recommended pregnancy tests and healthy lifestyle.

Investigation of the knowledge of South African high school rugby coaches on concussion and the return-to-play protocol.

Coaches are pivotal in the management of concussed players. Assessing the knowledge of high school rugby coaches with regard to concussion management will enable relevant future education on this topic to be covered. To investigate the knowledge of South African high school rugby coaches on concussion symptom recognition, knowledge and stepwise return-to-play (RTP) protocols. A cross-sectional descriptive study involving 143 first team, high school rugby coaches was completed via an electronic questionnaire. Independent variables included coach demographics, qualifications, experience, BokSmart accreditation, and school size. Dependent variables included knowledge scores on concussion symptoms, general concussion knowledge, stepwise RTP and Maddocks questions. Relationships between total scores for different demographic groupings were established using non-parametric techniques. The coaches had high general, symptom and overall concussion knowledge scores (77% - 80%) in contrast with low RTP scores (62%) and very low Maddocks questions knowledge scores (26%). The 35-44-year age group received top scores for symptom recognition (p=0.034) and total concussion knowledge (p=0.041). Larger category school coaches (p=0.008) and BokSmart accredited coaches (p=0.041) outperformed all other coaches in general concussion knowledge and total knowledge, respectively. However, respondents were not familiar with emotional symptoms or the importance of cognitive rest after a concussion. Educational programmes were the most popular knowledge source for coaches. In general, coaches presented with good general concussion knowledge but lesser expertise on emotional symptoms, cognitive rest and RTP management. Modifiable predictors of knowledge included the expansion of BokSmart accreditation, focussing information sessions on smaller rugby size schools and the education of coaches younger than 35 years or older than 45 years of age.

Knowledge of International Standards for Tuberculosis Care among Private Non-NTP Providers in Lagos, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Studies specifically evaluating tuberculosis knowledge among private non-NTP providers using the International Standards for Tuberculosis Care (ISTC) framework are scarce. We evaluated the knowledge of ISTC among private non-NTP providers and associated factors in urban Lagos, Nigeria. We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study using a self-administered questionnaire to assess different aspects of tuberculosis management among 152 non-NTP providers in Lagos, Nigeria. The association between the dependent variable (knowledge) and independent variables (age, sex, qualifications, training and years of experience) was determined using multivariate logistic regression. Overall, the median knowledge score was 12 (52%, SD 3.8) and achieved by 47% of the participants. The highest knowledge score was in TB/HIV standards (67%) and the lowest was in the treatment standards (44%). On multivariate analysis, being female (OR 0.3, CI: 0.1–0.6, p < 0.0001) and being a nurse (OR 0.2, CI: 0.1–0.4, p < 0.0001) reduced the odds of having good TB knowledge score, while having previously managed ≥100 TB patients (OR 2.8, CI: 1.1–7.2, p = 0.028) increased the odds of having good TB knowledge. Gaps in the knowledge of ISTC among private non-NTP providers may result in substandard TB patient care. Specifically, gaps in knowledge of standard TB regimen combinations and Xpert MTB/RIF testing stood out. The present study provides evidence for tailored mentorship and TB education among nurses and female private non-NTP providers.

Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and Vaccine Hesitancy Among the Latinx Community in Southern California Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Survey.

BackgroundThe Latinx population in the United States has experienced high rates of infection, hospitalization, and death since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is little data on the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) specifically in Latinx communities in the United States.ObjectiveWe aimed to assess COVID-19 KAP and vaccine hesitancy among a Latinx cohort in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (from July 2020 to October 2020), at a unique time when a vaccine was not available. MethodsParticipants aged ≥18 years were recruited at a primary care clinic in Southern California and asked to self-report sociodemographic characteristics, KAP, and vaccine hesitancy. A subset of the participants answered the vaccine hesitancy assessment as it was added after the start of data collection. KAP items were summed to create composite scores, with higher scores reflecting increased COVID-19 knowledge, positive attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic, and disease prevention practices. Bivariate and multivariable regression models were fitted to test associations between sociodemographic characteristics and KAP scores. For our analysis, we only included patients who self-identified as Latinx.ResultsOur final data set included 265 participants. The participants had a mean age of 49 (IQR 38.5-59) years, and 72.1% (n=191) were female, 77% (n=204) had at most a high school degree, 34.7% (n=92) had an annual income <US $25,000, and 11.7% (n=31) had previously tested positive for COVID-19. We found high knowledge regarding transmission and spread; moderate knowledge regarding symptoms awareness; overall negative attitudes, which included high pessimism in government public health efforts and high amounts of fear, anxiety, and frustration due to COVID-19 pandemic; and moderate participation in preventive practices. A college education was positively associated with a higher knowledge score than those without a college education (β=0.14, 95% CI 0.01-1.60; P=.04) when adjusted for covariates. Male gender had a positive association with COVID-19 attitude scores compared to female gender (β=1.61, 95% CI 0.50-2.72; P=.05), and male gender was negatively associated with the COVID-19 practices score compared to female gender (β=–0.16, 95% CI –0.56 to –0.06; P=.03), when both were adjusted for covariates. Among a subset of 203 patients, 26.6% (n=54) indicated that if the vaccine was available, they would not take a COVID-19 vaccine, and 18.7% (n=38) were unsure.ConclusionsGood knowledge and preventative practices in the population may have reflected effective public health messaging and the implementation of public health laws during the first wave of the pandemic; however, the overall fear and anxiety may have reflected the negative impact that the pandemic had on vulnerable populations such as the Latinx community. Although our data are a reflection of a previous time in the pandemic, we believe it captures a critical time that can be used to provide unique insights regarding potential avenues to better protect the Latinx communities against future vaccine-resistant COVID-19 strains.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.2196/25265

Cervical cancer screening-related knowledge among community health workers in Eswatini: a cross-sectional survey.

Eswatini has the highest age-standardized incidence and second highest mortality rate related to cervical cancer globally. In Eswatini, community health workers educate communities about cervical cancer screening. They need to have accurate knowledge about cervical cancer and screening to do this effectively. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening among community health workers in Eswatini. A telephone survey of 172 community health workers from eight selected constituencies was conducted. Descriptive analyses were performed to assess participants' socio-demographic and service-related characteristics. Linear regression was applied to investigate factors associated with cervical cancer screening-related knowledge. One hundred and seven (62%) participants answered at least 80% of the questions correctly. However, knowledge regarding cervical cancer risk factors, the meaning of screening results and Eswatini cervical cancer screening guidelines was suboptimal. Community health workers aged 46-55 were more likely (β = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39-2.15, p < 0.01) to have a higher cervical cancer screening knowledge score than those aged 30-45 years. Community health workers from Lubombo were marginally less likely (β = -0.83, 95% CI: -1.80 to -0.04, p = 0.05) to have a higher knowledge score than those from Hhohho. This study suggests knowledge deficits amongst community health workers in Eswatini. Knowledge deficits may result in inaccurate information being communicated to clients. While increasing knowledge of these vital health workers may not be sufficient to increase cervical cancer screening rates in Eswatini, it is an essential first step that should be the focus of future educational efforts.

Knowledge and attitude toward emergency contraceptive pills among first-year undergraduate students in Southern Thailand

BackgroundFirst-year undergraduates are at risk of unexpected pregnancy due to changes in their lives. Adequate knowledge and attitudes towards emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are essential to help prevent pregnancy. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate knowledge and attitudes towards ECPs among first-year undergraduate students in a university in Thailand.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey study was performed using developed questionnaires that were validated by four experts. The questionnaires were distributed to all first-year students at the university via an online platform. The characteristic data were descriptively analysed, and the knowledge data were analysed using the chi-square test, Mann‒Whitney U test and one-way ANOVA.ResultsData from a total of 335 students who responded to the questionnaires and met the eligibility criteria for the study were analysed. The mean knowledge score of all respondents was 7.76 ± 0.15 out of 15. The most correctly answered questions were those relating to the efficacy and safety of ECPs in pregnant women (78.5% and 72.2% correctly answered, respectively). In contrast, the least correctly answered questions were about the ECP regimens and using ECPs instead of combined oral contraception (COC) (30.4% and 34.9%, respectively). In addition, the results indicated that experience in using ECPs and in ECP education were significant factors in high knowledge scores. Moreover, most respondents trusted and would like to receive information on ECPs from health professionals in hospitals, academic institutions, or pharmacies.ConclusionThe average knowledge of ECPs of first-year students in a university in Thailand was at a moderate level. More information about the regimens of the drugs and the use of ECPs instead of COC should be provided to students, particularly at universities or pharmacies, and should be performed by health care staff.

Foodborne zoonotic trematode infections in Yen Bai, Vietnam: a situational analysis on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and risk behaviors.

SummaryIntroductionFoodborne Zoonotic Trematode Infections (FZTi) are neglected tropical diseases of public health concern in Vietnam. The transmission of FZTi is linked to human behavior patterns. The aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding FZTi among local people.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using a mixed method, which included a baseline survey and in-depth interviews. 375 participants were interviewed face-to-face in the survey, and 27 participants had the in-depth interviews.ResultsThe results showed that 36.3% passed the knowledge assessment, 86.7% passed the attitude assessment, and 24% passed the practical assessment. There were differences in average knowledge scores among gender (men higher than women, p = 0.006), ethnicities (Kinh higher than Dao and Tay, p < 0.001), and educational level (higher education, higher knowledge score, p < 0.001). There were differences in the frequency of eating raw fish between men and women (men higher than women, p < 0.001), and in the average practice score between men and women (women higher than men, p = 0.028). Eating raw fish and/or undercooked fish, raw vegetables, and drinking untreated water from Thac Ba lake in Yen Bai province were identified as FZTi risk behaviors. The occurrence of these risky habits can be explained by the lack of knowledge on FZTi, poor economic conditions and typical social features of local people.ConclusionThe current knowledge of local people in regard to safe eating practices is poor. They keep performing unsafe practices, which lead to infection with FZTi; therefore, an integrated control of FZTi is essential.

Training, knowledge and skills of community health volunteers on complementary feeding of children aged 6-23 months in Machakos, Kenya

Background: Community health volunteers (CHVs) could help reduce malnutrition related mortality through advocacy of recommended complementary feeding (CF) practices. Low levels of education, inadequate training, and limited information on their competency in CF of children aged 6-23 months are some challenges these CHVs face. The objective of this study was to establish training, knowledge and skills of CHVs on CF.Method: The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical design. A total of 168 CHVs were randomly selected. A researcher administered questionnaire was used to collect data on knowledge and training of CHVs. Observation checklist was used to assess counselling skills of CHVs on CF. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data.Results: Findings showed that 23.2%, 66.1%, and 10.7% of participants had high, moderate and low CF knowledge score respectively. Majority (83.9%) of CHVs had fair skills. Significant associations were observed between CHVs’ CF knowledge level and their occupation (AOR=1.63 CI; 1.23-8.25), education (AOR=3.36 CI; 1.07-10.59) and source of income (AOR=3.50 CI; 0.91-13.40). Overall, only 8.3% of the CHVs were competent based on knowledge on CF and their counseling skills to caregivers of children aged 6-23 months.Conclusions: This study rates knowledge of CHVs as moderate and concludes that it is sub-optimal to promote appropriate CF. Counselling skills’ score indicated that CHVs possessed fair skills therefore lack practical skills to execute their duties. MOH and other stakeholders should enhance training of CHVs.

Chronic kidney disease awareness among the general population: tool validation and knowledge assessment in a developing country

IntroductionGood knowledge and early identification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can help in preventing disease progression in its early stages and reducing undesired outcomes. The aim of the current study was to assess the level of public knowledge about CKD, determine predictors of better knowledge, and to construct and validate a CKD knowledge scale for public health assessment and research use.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic self-administered questionnaire. All people living in Lebanon and being 18 years of age and above were considered eligible for recruitment. CKD knowledge was assessed by a 37-item scale that was constructed by principal component analysis and then validated. The score of the CKD knowledge scale was computed from the extracted factors. A multivariable binomial logistic regression model evaluated the sociodemographic and clinical predictors of the knowledge score.ResultsA total of 1308 participants were included. The scale items converged over 9 factors with Eigenvalue greater than 1 and explaining 53.26% of the total variance, and the total scale had a high Cronbach’s alpha of 0.804. All items of the scale significantly correlated with the full scale with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.082 to 0.558. The ROC curve analysis determined an optimal cutoff point of better knowledge at 47.5 with 70.6% sensitivity and 44.2% specificity. The CKD knowledge score had a median of 51.00 (IQR 47.00–55.00). Higher knowledge score was significantly associated with old age (ORa = 1.018, 95% CI 1.006–1.030, P = 0.003),, occupation (ORa = 3.919, 95% CI 2.107–7.288, P < 0.001), and recent renal function assessment (ORa = 2.314, 95% CI 1.532–3.495, P < 0.001). However, a lower knowledge score was significantly associated with lower level of education (ORa = 0.462, 95% CI 0.327–0.653, P < 0.001).ConclusionA reliable tool to assess public knowledge and awareness about CKD was developed and validated. The overall knowledge was good, however, important gaps in CKD awareness were detected in some areas and subpopulations. Therefore, public health stakeholders need to implement targeted CKD educational activities to minimize the disease burden.

Ethics knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of tertiary care pediatricians in Ethiopia

BackgroundPediatricians in developing countries face different ethical dilemmas than do doctors working in settings with more resources. There are very few studies from developing countries analyzing pediatricians’ knowledge and attitudes regarding the ethical dilemmas that arise in such settings. To address this gap, we explored the clinical ethical knowledge, attitude and experience of physicians who are working in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (DPCH) of St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Study populationAll pediatric resident doctors and pediatric consultants who were working in the DPCH of SPHMMC in December, 2020.MethodA structured pretested self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all 79 of the residents and consultants in the department during the period December 15–27, 2020. The questionnaire assessed the knowledge (23 questions), attitude (9 questions) and experiences (9 questions) of the study participants regarding a variety of bioethical issues. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 for windows. The mean, median, standard deviation, and interquartile range of respondents’ scores were determined and compared using Fisher’s exact test.ResultA total of 59/79 (75%) physicians completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 30.7 ± 4.1 years. Thirty six (61.0%) were female. At the time of data collection, more than half (57.6%) served < 5 years as a physician. The mean ethics knowledge score of the respondents was 12.3 ± 2.34 out of 23 knowledge questions. The lowest and highest knowledge scores were 8 and 19 respectively. Scores were highest on questions about confidentiality (94.9% correct) and lowest on questions about genetic testing and diagnosis (13.6% correct). Only 13 (22.4%) physicians agreed with the practice of children should never be treated without consent of the parent.ConclusionTertiary care pediatricians at one hospital in Ethiopia lack knowledge about current standards in bioethics. There is a need for more ethics education in this setting.

Awareness of vitiligo among multi-ethnic populations.

Vitiligo is a common acquired pigmentary disorder reported worldwide. Although asymptomatic, vitiligo negatively affects the patients' quality of life because it provokes psychological stigmatization and social discrimination. There are several misconceptions regarding vitiligo. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of and attitudes toward vitiligo in the general population and in different ethnic groups. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during which the participants were required to watch a brief video portraying a waitress affected by vitiligo and to fill a questionnaire related to the video content. Participants were recruited from among people who visited a private international hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, and who freely accepted to participate in the study. Out of 405 participants who voluntarily participated in the study, approximately 30% were able to identify the condition as vitiligo. Approximately 66% and 88% of the participants had sufficient knowledge about and positive attitudes toward vitiligo, respectively. Those with sufficient knowledge scores significantly had more positive attitudes (p=0.001). However, there were some differences among ethnic groups (p < 0.0001). Arabians had the highest knowledge and attitude scores. Regarding close-relationship attitudes, Asians tended to have perceptions that were different from that of others. Knowledge of and attitudes toward vitiligo varied among ethnicities. Only 30% of the study population could identify this condition. Arabians had the highest knowledge score, whereas Caucasians had the highest prevalence of positive attitudes. Therefore, global awareness of vitiligo should be emphasized.

Early integration of palliative care among cancer patients: The perspective of oncology nurses in Turkey.

Cancer is a disease that threatens the life of patients and causes chronic health problems and many symptoms that affect their quality of life. For this reason, patients must be followed up in palliative care units, where they can receive more comprehensive care from the diagnosis stage. This study was conducted to evaluate the views and knowledge level of oncology nurses in the integration of early palliative care among cancer patients. A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study design of the research was employed to gather data from 106 nurses working in different areas of oncology in hospitals located in different cities in country from March to May 2021. Nurses' total scores on the Palliative Care Knowledge Test differed significantly by age, years of working in the profession, the unit worked and the working time in the unit (p < 0.05). The results of the study showed that the nurses' knowledge of palliative care was above the moderate level. The nurses with high knowledge scores advocated the need for early integration of palliative care. Moreover, the results also indicated that there is a need to increase the educational level of nurses in palliative care.