Higher Knowledge Research Articles

Examining preventive occupational health and safety management in the Swedish welfare sector-questionnaire development, its validity and reliability, and initial findings on employers' knowledge.

A preventive approach to occupational health and safety management (OHSM) can improve working conditions, but more knowledge is needed on how this should be organised in practice. Here, we describe the development, validity and reliability of a questionnaire used to examine employers' preventive OHSM within the Swedish welfare sector. Furthermore, employers' knowledge of preventive OHSM was explored using the survey data. A questionnaire was developed based on interviews with key actors (n = 7), experts (n = 6) and intended respondents (n = 5). Using the final questionnaire, 197 responses were collected from employer (n = 126) and employee representatives (n = 71) and used to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of open-ended and multi-choice items were used to assess the response distribution, content validity and interrater reliability (i.e. employer-employee correspondence from 32 matched pairs from the same workplace). Quantitative and qualitative analyses of survey responses from employer representatives were performed to assess their knowledge of preventive OHSM. The final questionnaire included 91 items covering employers' working routines, resources and work environment economics. Qualitative analyses indicated a high content validity in the questionnaire, with a satisfactory response distribution and very small proportion of missing data on individual survey items. Overall, the interrater reliability was high (>60%), but the employer representatives generally gave more examples within different areas of the OHSM compared to the employee representatives. Most of the employer representatives (74%, n = 90) assessed that their organisation had sufficient knowledge regarding preventive OHSM but that the knowledge of work environment economics was lower. By combining work environment research with questionnaire design research, high validity and reliability was achieved for this questionnaire. Furthermore, the employers generally perceived that they have high knowledge of preventive OHSM but that more knowledge is needed on work environment economics.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding dengue vaccine: a baseline study of community members and health providers in Indonesia.

Despite recent behavioral interventions aimed at reducing the burden of dengue, persistent unfavorable related behaviors in the Indonesian community suggest that vaccination could be effective. However, before this is implemented nationally, public perception and acceptance of the vaccine should be assessed in addition to health providers' points of view. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of community members and health providers in Indonesia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six districts of three Indonesian provinces. Respondents included both community members and health providers living within the territory of the selected primary health care centers. Pretested questionnaires were used to gather information on the sociodemographic characteristics and KAPs regarding dengue vaccines. An independent t-test was performed to compare the mean KAP scores between community members and health providers, while a logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors in each domain. Only 18.5% of health providers possessed high knowledge of the dengue vaccine versus only 12.5% of community members. Approximately one-third of the health providers versus one-fourth of community members displayed a high to moderate score for attitudes about dengue vaccines. Dengue vaccination practices demonstrated a more favorable score for both health providers and community members at 59.1% and 41.1%, respectively. No individual sociodemographic characteristics were associated with KAPs; rather, only education was correlated with better dengue vaccination practices. We also found that good knowledge of dengue was the only factor associated with all domains. Our findings highlight the urgent need to deliver educational interventions to health providers and community members in Indonesia to improve their awareness of dengue vaccines.

The Clinical and Biochemical Profiles and Outcomes of Dengue Fever and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in Children During a Dengue Outbreak in 2022 at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

This study aims to determine the analysis of the influence between the level of knowledge on the behavior of using paracetamol syrup in parents in the community and health care facilities in the city of Bandung. The research method used was analytic-correlation in a cross sectional approach. The sampling technique used was accidental sampling. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire with data analysis using the Spearman Rank correlation test. The results showed that the level of knowledge of parents or guardians in the community (community) and three health care facilities in Bandung City (Pharmacy, Clinic, Puskesmas) the majority had high knowledge (65.13%). The behavior of using paracetamol syrup in parents or guardians in the community (community) and three health care facilities (Pharmacies, Clinics, Puskesmas) the majority had very good behavior (67.58%). In this study, the level of knowledge affects the behavior of paracetamol syrup use in the community (community) and three health care facilities in Bandung City (Pharmacies, Clinics, Puskesmas). So that the better the knowledge, the better the behavior of using paracetamol syrup.

The Influence of Parents' Knowledge Level on the Behavior of Paracetamol Syrup Use in the Community and Health Service Facilities in the City of Bandung

This study aims to determine the analysis of the influence between the level of knowledge on the behavior of using paracetamol syrup in parents in the community and health care facilities in the city of Bandung. The research method used was analytic-correlation in a cross sectional approach. The sampling technique used was accidental sampling. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire with data analysis using the Spearman Rank correlation test. The results showed that the level of knowledge of parents or guardians in the community (community) and three health care facilities in Bandung City (Pharmacy, Clinic, Puskesmas) the majority had high knowledge (65.13%). The behavior of using paracetamol syrup in parents or guardians in the community (community) and three health care facilities (Pharmacies, Clinics, Puskesmas) the majority had very good behavior (67.58%). In this study, the level of knowledge affects the behavior of paracetamol syrup use in the community (community) and three health care facilities in Bandung City (Pharmacies, Clinics, Puskesmas). So that the better the knowledge, the better the behavior of using paracetamol syrup.

Abstract 4147628: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Patient Knowledge in Peripheral Artery Disease

Introduction: Patient knowledge of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) is low compared to other cardiovascular diseases. Research Questions/Hypothesis: We hypothesize that demographic and socioeconomic factors impact patient knowledge of PAD. Goals/Aims: To obtain qualitative description of and identify factors associated with patient knowledge of PAD. Methods/Approach: We performed a convergent parallel mixed methods study of participants with an established PAD diagnosis. Participants completed an 87-item survey assessing demographics, awareness of PAD diagnosis, and PAD knowledge. Functional health literacy (FHL) was measured using the short Test of Functional Health Literacy Assessment. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify factors associated with PAD knowledge scores. Semi-structured interviews were used to describe understanding of PAD. Transcripts were analyzed with inductive and deductive coding, and a constant comparative approach was used to identify themes. Results/Data: There were 91 participants (77.2% response rate, 49.5% female, 29.7% Black, mean age 68.6 years). Most participants (51.7%) had chronic limb-threatening ischemia and 17.6% had a previous major amputation. While 21.3% had poor FHL and 24.4% were unaware of their PAD diagnosis, the average knowledge score was 79.1%. On bivariate analysis, non-White race, non-ambulatory status, poor FHL, lack of awareness of PAD diagnosis, and not knowing the chronicity of diagnosis were inversely associated with knowledge score. Multivariate linear regression showed that poor FHL, non-White race, and not knowing the chronicity of PAD diagnosis were independently associated with low PAD knowledge. Qualitative analysis of 22 participants revealed that patients have difficulty understanding the name “PAD”, confuse PAD with other comorbidities, and have incorrect beliefs about PAD despite high knowledge scores. Conclusions: Knowledge of PAD is associated with health literacy. However, patients have incorrect beliefs and difficulty understanding the terminology associated with PAD despite a high average knowledge score. Knowledge scores may not adequately reflect understanding. Future research will focus on optimizing patient education, identifying strategies to appropriately gauge patient understanding, and understanding the association between knowledge and behavior in PAD.

Delivering Education Through a Podcast to Change Provider Practice: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Podcast

Education delivery through multi-media such as podcasts has become more common yet impacts on behavior change are understudied. To address this, we evaluated an educational podcast available for continuing education (CE) credit to all providers but specifically tailored for children and/or women-focused specialties (i.e., family medicine, OBGYN, pediatric, prenatal, primary care). The podcast consisted of three 20-minute episodes focused on: (1) prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs); (2) perspectives from those with lived experience; and (3) treatment and prevention of FASDs at the provider level. Podcast effectiveness to educate providers was assessed using a mixed-methods evaluation. Participants completed registration information and an immediate post-test, which examined provider knowledge, self-efficacy, and practice behaviors related to FASD prevention. Qualitative data was collected from a sample of those who completed the post-test via focus groups conducted 6 months later. From March 2021 to March 2022 there were 579 listeners with 103 claiming CE credit (the evaluation sample) who participated in the evaluation. Participants reported high FASD-related knowledge; more than 85% were better able to educate patients about prenatal alcohol use risk and FASDs post-podcast. The majority (59.3%) intended to change practice based on what they learned. Qualitative results contextualized the benefits and challenges to changing practice, including structural barriers, and suggestions for enhancing the podcast in future seasons. Education delivered through podcasts can be effective in improving provider knowledge and self-efficacy and in promoting practice change. Podcasts offer broad reach and accessibility providing an opportunity to educate on topics including FASD.

Knowledge and attitudes toward over-the-counter medications among pharmacy students: insights from a cross-sectional study in Taif University, Saudi Arabia

IntroductionOver-the-counter (OTC) medications are those obtained without a medical prescription from a healthcare professional. With the increasing availability of information from various sources, including social media, pharmacy students may be exposed to unreliable or inaccurate data. Incorrect medication use is particularly concerning due to its potential risk of causing adverse health effects.” Hence, this study aims to determine students’ knowledge and attitudes at Taif University’s pharmacy college.MethodsThis research utilized a cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study, employing data from a sample of 450 pharmacy students from Taif University in Saudi Arabia. Descriptive analysis included descriptive and differential analysis. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 27.ResultsThe majority of participants, 297 (88.2%), were aware that inappropriate use of over-the-counter medications might have negative implications. A total of 233 participants (51.8%) reported having previously used an OTC medication. Also, 293 (65.1%), were aware that using OTC medications beyond their expiration date was harmful. A total of 280 participants (62.2%) had a high knowledge of OTC medication, whereas 170 respondents (37.8%) had a low level of knowledge. A significant correlation was found between age, year of study, and the use of OTC medication p-values <0.05 (0.016*, 0.003*, and 0.001* respectively) and understanding of OTC medication. Gender had no significant influence on knowledge of OTC (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe study found positive attitudes toward OTC medications. Due to increased pharmaceutical exposure and self-medication, upper-year students and OTC course graduates comprehend OTC medications better. The examination found safety protocol violations in expiration dates, prescription label interpretation, and storage. Therefore, the study provides useful information for future attempts. Also, this study may contribute to the literature and guide future research to fill knowledge gaps.

How knowledge, awareness and perceptions of pesticide residue risks in fruits and vegetables, influence purchase decisions across Malaysian communities

Understanding consumer perceptions and behaviours toward pesticide residues in food is vital for food safety and public health. This study examines the knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of 303 participants from rural, suburban, and urban Malaysian communities regarding pesticide residue risks in their food purchases, particularly fruits and vegetables. Participants completed adapted questionnaires via Google Forms or in-person interviews, covering sociodemographic information, food purchasing habits, and levels of knowledge, awareness, and perception of pesticide residues. Results indicate that urban communities have the highest knowledge about pesticide residues, followed by rural and suburban areas. Awareness levels are even across all community types, with rural areas slightly higher. Urban participants also show the highest perception levels, followed by rural and suburban communities. Rural communities demonstrate a strong positive correlation between knowledge and perception, while suburban areas show a moderately positive correlation. Urban communities exhibit significant correlations between knowledge awareness and perception, with a weaker relationship with awareness. These findings highlight the interplay between community settings and consumer behaviour in purchasing fruits and vegetables. The study emphasises the need for tailored educational and policy interventions to address the varying levels of knowledge and concerns about pesticide residues across different Malaysian communities.

Knowledge and awareness of emergency department residents and physicians regarding the management of dentofacial traumatic injuries: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMajority of patients with Dento-Facial Traumatic Injuries (DFTI) seek initial care at an Emergency Department (ED). The timely management of DFTI is of utmost importance in determining long-term prognosis of the tooth and the patient’s overall quality of life. Thus, knowledge and awareness of ED residents & physicians regarding the management of DFTI is crucial for better patient outcomes. Numerous studies have investigated the knowledge of ED specialists regarding initial management of dental trauma, however, scientific evidence in this domain is scarce in our region.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of ED residents and physicians regarding diagnosis and management of DFTI using a web-based survey on REDCap.MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted among the ED residents and physicians of private and public hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. Data was collected through a web-based questionnaire, sent via email to the participants. The survey comprised of questions assessing their knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of various dental and maxillofacial injuries. Responses from the participants were graded as low, moderate or high knowledge levels according to a pre-determined criteria. Pearson’s chi-square test was applied to determine the association between knowledge scores.ResultsThe total response rate was 47.6%. Out of 116 participants, 49 (42%) responses were received from physicians and 67 (58%) from residents. The overall knowledge level of participants was low (46.6%) and there was no significant difference in the knowledge level between residents and physicians (p = 0.157). Participants who had received formal training in dental trauma (p = 0.038) and those with more years of clinical experience (p = 0.004) had higher knowledge scores, that were statistically significant.ConclusionsThe knowledge and awareness of ED residents and physicians in dental trauma management was generally low. Specialized training courses are required to provide timely and adequate management of traumatic dental injuries in order to improve patient-related outcomes.

The association between the knowledge, perception, and practice of dietary supplement among Chinese adults

IntroductionRapid growth has been found in the market of dietary supplements (DSs) in China. However, studies about the knowledge level, intentions, and behavior related to DS remained limited in the Chinese population. This study aimed to explore the knowledge level, perception, and practice toward DS among Chinese adults.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional design among 1,714 participants aged between 18 and 65 years. A total of 54.1% of participants reported purchasing supplements in the past 6 months. Knowledge levels were assessed with a score from 1 to 10 based on correct answers to 10 binary questions about supplements.ResultsOnly 29.1% of participants answered seven or more questions correctly, while 7.9% answered three or fewer questions correctly. Participants with high and middle knowledge levels were more likely to seek medical advice when experiencing discomfort symptoms and were less likely to choose DS, with corresponding odd ratios (ORs) of 1.58 (95% CI: 1.16, 2.13) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.91) in high knowledge group and ORs of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.80) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.30) in middle knowledge group (Pfor trend = 0.003 and 0.028, respectively). No significant differences were found in the motivation of DS use between knowledge levels. Although higher knowledge levels were associated with less spending on DS (OR high = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.99; OR middle = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.64, 1.20; Pfor trend = 0.038), it did not guarantee better and more accurate awareness toward DS use.DiscussionIn conclusion, there is a growing demand for supplements among Chinese adults, but a significant gap between knowledge and behavior exists, affecting decision-making behaviors regarding DS.

Avoiding anti-inflammatories: a randomised controlled trial testing the effect of an eHealth information package on primary healthcare patient medication knowledge and behaviour in Aotearoa New Zealand

BackgroundPatient medication knowledge and health literacy affect patient safety. Taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-i) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), with diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) is nephrotoxic. Patients...

Development and Validation of Objective and Subjective Osteoporosis Knowledge Instruments Among Chinese Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Clinicians must be knowledgeable about osteoporosis so that they can convey information regarding the prevention of fragility fractures to their patients. The purposes of this study were to develop objective and subjective knowledge instruments for osteoporosis and fragility fractures and then test their reliability and validity among Chinese orthopaedic surgeons. A 2-round procedure was used to develop the objective and subjective knowledge instruments. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to 293 orthopaedic surgeons; 189 surgeons returned the questionnaires. We examined internal consistency, test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and discriminant validity; we also compared the subjective knowledge level with the objective knowledge level among surgeons. Our results showed that the Subjective Knowledge Scale (SKS) regarding Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures had a high Cronbach alpha coefficient (0.915), and the objective Osteoporosis Knowledge Test for Clinicians (OKTC) had an adequate Kuder-Richardson 20 coefficient (0.64). Item analyses were conducted, and a short version of the OKTC (the OKTC-SF) was developed. The SKS, the OKTC, and the OKTC-SF all showed good test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and discriminant validity. The percentage of surgeons with a high subjective knowledge level was higher than the percentage of surgeons who selected the correct answer for several corresponding questions related to objective knowledge. The SKS, the OKTC, and the OKTC-SF all demonstrated good reliability and validity. However, the orthopaedic surgeons may have overestimated their knowledge level regarding osteoporosis. Targeted continuing medical education that is based on individual knowledge level is needed to improve the undertreatment of osteoporosis among patients with fragility fractures.

Understanding of Health literacy among Healthcare students in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Background and objectiveHealth literacy is the cognitive and social abilities that influence a person’s motivation and capacity to learn, comprehend, and use information to improve and maintain good health. We aimed to investigate Healthcare Students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Health Literacy in the Riyadh Province of Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis study used prevalidated electronic questionnaires among healthcare undergraduates from colleges affiliated with Saudi University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December to April 2024. Healthcare students were asked to answer a self-designed online questionnaire sent to them through social media platforms.ResultsThe response rate was 560 out of 600 (93.3%); 293 of the 560 students (52.3%) were aged between 23 and 24 years (mean age was 21.29 SD = 1.852). The mean GPA among the students was 4.31(± 0.682). The average overall score for health literacy among healthcare students was 100.92 ± 11.80. The mean scores for knowledge were 24.17 ± 4.67, attitudes were 38.65 ± 4.20, and practice in health literacy was 38.09 ± 5.09. Among all healthcare students, 50.2% reported good knowledge, 54.1% had good attitudes, and 50.1% exhibited good practices in health literacy. However, students’ knowledge (p = 0.019) and training (p = 0.024) in health literacy were significantly associated with smoking cigarettes. Additionally, smoking shisha was significantly associated with students’ knowledge (p = 0.022), attitudes (p = 0.001), and practices (p = 0.001) in health literacy.ConclusionOur study highlights that half of the healthcare students reported limited knowledge, attitude, and practice in health literacy. Age, gender, and course of study did not show significant differences. Rather, students who did not smoke cigarettes or shisha were found to have higher knowledge, attitudes, and practice in health literacy compared to smokers. However, to improve health literacy, additional education and increased awareness are needed. Further investigation is warranted to address the factors related to poor health literacy.

Healthcare workers’ knowledge and preparedness for unprecedented foodborne botulism outbreak in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe recent unprecedented foodborne botulism outbreak in Saudi Arabia necessitated an assessment of healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This study assessed healthcare workers' knowledge regarding the transmission, contagiousness, presentation, and diagnosis of foodborne botulism, as well as their management practices, including contacting public health authorities, administering antitoxin, preparedness to respond to botulism cases and consulting generative Artificial Intelligent (AI)-chatbots, like ChatGPT. MethodsA cross-sectional online survey targeting Saudi HCWs was conducted from May 6–19, 2024, following the first foodborne botulism outbreak. The survey, developed by infectious disease and public health experts according to the Saudi Public Health Authority (SPHA) botulism guidelines, covered several sections: demographics, knowledge about foodborne botulism, attitudes and perceptions, intended practices, and worry level. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, multivariable linear regression to assess factors influencing knowledge, and multivariable logistic binary regression to evaluate factors affecting confidence in handling botulism. ResultsAmong the 1058 participants, the knowledge score was 9.69/20 (48.4 % correct ± 18 %), with higher scores among HCWs working in tertiary centers, older than 34 years, reading SPHA botulism protocol, and using scientific journals as main information sources. HCWs consulting ChatGPT had significantly lower knowledge scores (p-value < 0.001). HCWs displayed highly intended practices in managing botulism, with a mean score of 4.10/5. The self-rated management confidence was moderate (2.84 ± 1.05 out of 5-points). Multivariable logistic binary regression showed that previous experience with botulism and reading SPHA protocol were the most significant factors associated with a higher management confidence. ConclusionsThis study highlights significant HCWs’ knowledge gaps during unprecedented foodborne botulism outbreak. Previous experience with botulism cases and reading recent guidelines were associated with higher knowledge and confidence, while reliance on ChatGPT was linked to lower scores. This study emphasizes the importance of timely publishing local guidelines to favorably affect both knowledge and confidence to deal with infectious outbreaks. Future research should evaluate long-term effectiveness of educational interventions.

Socio-Economic and Buying Behavior of Groundnut Growers towards Micronutrient Fertilizer in Sabarkantha District of Gujarat, India

The study aims to analyze the impact of socio-economic, knowledge level and buying behavior of groundnut growers towards micronutrient in Sabarkantha district. This study employed a multistage sampling technique in the Sabarkantha district of north Gujarat, known for its high groundnut productivity. The focus was on three talukas-Himmatnagar, Idar and Talod-chosen for their extensive groundnut cultivation areas in 2024. From each taluka, five villages were randomly selected and eight growers from each village, totaling 120 growers, were selected. The study aimed to explore the socio-economic profiles of groundnut growers, assess their knowledge of micronutrient fertilizers, analyze their buying behavior. The majority of growers (55.83%) were between 36 and 50 years old, with more than 15 years of farming experience. Most belonged to nuclear families and had completed higher secondary education. Borewells and open wells were the main irrigation sources, with 57.50% also involved in animal husbandry. Annual incomes ranged between ₹1,44,901 and ₹6,72,800. Additionally, 73.33% between ₹3,38,501 and ₹8,26,500 from both farming and other sources. Groundnut growers demonstrated high awareness of the importance, access and benefits of micronutrients, though only 19.17% had soil health cards. Agro-input dealers (54.16%) were the primary information source and mixed micronutrients (49.16%) were most preferred. The study found a strong relationship between socio-economic variables and buying behavior, with 96.20% of the variation explained. Positive influences on purchasing included the price of micronutrients, growers’ income, farming experience and larger landholdings, while older growers and those with higher knowledge were less likely to purchase micronutrients. Most growers (75.00%) purchased from agro-service centers or dealers. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the socio-economic profiles, knowledge and buying behavior of groundnut growers in the Sabarkantha district.

Knowledge and attitude of pharmacy students towards HIV treatment and prophylaxis in Davao City, Philippines

Pharmacy students significantly contribute to HIV management as future registered pharmacists. To contribute meaningfully, pharmacy students must be knowledgeable and have positive attitudes towards HIV treatment and prophylaxis. The aim is to investigate the levels of knowledge and attitude of undergraduate pharmacy students towards HIV treatment and education to identify key areas of improvement. Methods: The study used a quantitative research design with a structured survey based on published studies. Undergraduate pharmacy students from various schools in Davao City were invited to participate and provide informed consent. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used after obtaining data. Results: Pharmacy students in Davao City were found to have high overall knowledge (mean = 64.29%) and a high overall attitude (mean = 3.88). Knowledge about HIV treatment and prophylaxis did not correlate with the respondents' attitudes towards it. Furthermore, it was found that there is a significant difference in knowledge and attitude based on year level and school (&lt; 0.000). Conclusion: The knowledge and attitude of undergraduate pharmacy students toward HIV treatment and prevention were high, indicating favourable results. However, improvements and training must continue to enhance their knowledge and attitude and reduce misconceptions and stigma. Collaboration with key stakeholders is essential to ensure the implementation of intervention programmes.

Exploring the knowledge and attitudes towards metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD): Validation and correlations of MAFLD-knowledge questionnaire and MAFLD-attitude questionnaire

BackgroundMetabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a highly prevalent non-communicable disease whose prevalence is reaching pandemic proportions. Its implications constitute a major public health concern. To date, no validated tool measures knowledge and attitudes towards MAFLD in young adults in the Middle East and North Africa region. ObjectiveTo establish and validate questionnaires that measure knowledge and attitudes towards MAFLD. MethodsMAFLD-Knowledge Questionnaire (KQ) and MAFLD-Attitudes Questionnaire (AQ) were developed by disease content experts and piloted on a group of 20 students. The questionnaire was next administered to 406 university students aged 18–24 years. The dimensionality of the instrument was tested using exploratory factor analysis and consistency with Cronbach's alpha. Finally, known-group validity was assessed by comparing the knowledge and attitudes of those with poor versus good knowledge. ResultsFor the knowledge questionnaire, 28 out of 32 questions had good loading and were thus included. Based on Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), there were 4 domains with Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) 0.95 and Bartlett test with P < 0.001, with very good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.88). For the attitudes questionnaire, 17 items were extracted all with adequate loading. EFA revealed 3 domains with KMO of 0.95 and very good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.81). Known group validity showed a significant difference between the attitudes of subjects with poor and moderate knowledge and poor and high knowledge scores but not between moderate and high knowledge scores. ConclusionWe developed and validated two questionnaires, one for the assessment of knowledge and the other for attitudes towards MAFLD in young adults. Further studies are needed to confirm dimensionality and reproducibility in different populations and age groups.

Examining and comparing the relation between representational competence and conceptual knowledge across four samples

IntroductionWhereas it is commonly assumed that in learning science, representational competence is a critical prerequisite for the acquisition of conceptual knowledge, comprehensive psychometric investigations of this assumption are rare. We undertake a step in this direction by re-analyzing the data from a recent study that found a substantial correlation between the two constructs in undergraduates in the context of field representations and electromagnetism.MethodsIn this pre-registered contribution, we re-analyzed the data (N = 515 undergraduate students; Mage = 21.81, SDage = 4.04) to examine whether the relation between representational competence and conceptual knowledge, both measured with psychometrically validated test instruments, is similar or varies between four samples from two countries. To this end, we employed correlational analysis and scatter plots. Employing these methods, we examined whether a positive relation between representational competence and conceptual knowledge can be found and is of similar magnitude in all samples. We also employed multiple-group latent profile analysis to examine how the more detailed association between the two constructs varies or is similar across samples.ResultsWe found that the relation between the two constructs was positive in all four samples, but was stronger in the samples consisting primarily of engineering and physics students than in environmental sciences and teacher education-students. All latent profiles indicated that high representational competence is a prerequisite for high conceptual knowledge, but not vice versa. We found little relation to learners’ gender and topic-specific learning opportunities in high school.DiscussionThese results indicate that the qualitative findings of a positive relation between representational competence and conceptual knowledge, with no evidence of learners that achieve high conceptual knowledge with low representational competence, generalize across different populations. We derive hypotheses for further moderating factors that can be examined in future research.

Eye disease knowledge and awareness among Iranian population: The Gilan Eye Study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the public knowledge regarding cataract, glaucoma, refractive error, and diabetic retinopathy among Iranian population living in Gilan province. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 2588 individuals aged over 50, living in both urban and rural districts of Gilan. All participants were interviewed to determine their knowledge regarding the mentioned eye diseases. Their source of knowledge was determined whether health care professionals, family or relatives, social media, or publications. Socioeconomic status (SES) of participants was calculated based on the principal component analysis. The presenting visual acuity of all study participants was assessed by a trained optometrist. In this study, total knowledge of cataract, glaucoma, refractive errors and diabetic retinopathy was 52.1%, 2.5%, 15.1%, and 29.7%, respectively. A lower cataract knowledge was found in participants with low (odds ratio [OR] = 0.44; p = .02) and moderate SES (OR = 0.56, p = .02). We also lower knowledge of glaucoma among low (OR = 0.33; p &lt; .001) and moderate SES group (OR = 0.48, p = .002). A higher level of knowledge about refractive error was observed in participants with normal vision (OR = 4.89; p = .011) and mild/moderate visual impairment (OR = 3.69; p = .046). Participants without a history of diabetes mellitus had less knowledge about diabetic retinopathy (DR) (OR = 0.56; p &lt; .001), while those with more than 12 years of education had higher knowledge about DR. In conclusion, lower level of the knowledge was identified among individuals with lower levels of SES and education, while participants with better vision could be benefit from the high levels of knowledge.

Implementation of an Integrated Problem Based Learning Model in Generic Science Skills in Thermochemical Material

This research aims to determine the effect of Prior Knowledge Evaluation, Student Worksheets on student learning outcomes using the Problem Based Learning Model Integrated Generic Science Skills on Thermochemical Material. This research was carried out at SMAN 2 Percut Sei Tuan in the 2022/2023 academic year, the research was designed using a dual paradigm with two independent variables, namely Prior Knowledge Evaluation and Student Worksheets and one dependent variable, namely Evaluation of Learning Outcomes. The population in this study was all class XI at SMAN 2 Percut Sei Tuan. The sample used class XI B as an experimental class taught with Prior Knowledge Evaluation, Student Worksheets and Evaluation of Learning Outcomes tools using the Generic Science Skills Integrated PBL Learning Model. Sampling was using purposive sampling technique. The instruments used in this research consisted of 25 Prior Knowledge Evaluation questions, 15 Student Worksheets questions and 28 Evaluation of Learning Outcomes in multiple choice form which had been developed by previous researchers. The results of this study that thereare significant influence between Prior Knowledge Evaluation and Student Worksheets on learning outcomes. There are differences in learning outcomes between students who have low Prior Knowledge Evaluation and high Prior Knowledge Evaluation.