Higher Mean Knowledge Score Research Articles

P1-440 Latent class analysis of student substance use

IntroductionData were collected from a student population to investigate how substance use is related to perceived substance use of friends and the wider University population, during the period February to...

Consumer perceptions of trans fats in 2009 show awareness of negative effects but limited concern regarding use in snack foods

The purpose of this study was to determine consumers' perceptions of industrially produced trans fats. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Regina at 3 different grocery store chains located in 3 different regions. A 21-item survey was administered in English by 3 research assistants at the grocery stores over a 5-day period. Of 498 potential respondents who were approached, 211 completed the survey, for a 42% response rate. The majority of respondents were female and over 61 years of age. When respondents were asked if they looked for information on food packages while grocery shopping, none of the respondents indicated that they looked for trans fat on the food label. Ninety-six percent of respondents identified that trans fat is found in processed foods, whereas 42% of respondents incorrectly identified trans fat as being found in nonhydrogenated margarines. More female respondents self-reported that they had made dietary changes to decrease trans fat intake as compared with male respondents (p < 0.05). Those participants who made dietary changes to decrease trans fat intake had higher mean knowledge scores than did those who did not make changes (p < 0.043). Sixty-three percent of respondents indicated that they would not make dietary changes to their snack food selections even if their selections contained trans fat. Consumers know a little about trans fats and consider them to be a concern. However, consumers are reluctant to make dietary changes to limit these fats in their snack food selections.

Associations of high-risk behaviour and HIV status with HIV knowledge among persons in Tallinn, Estonia

The aim of this study was to determine the associations between the level of HIV knowledge, HIV-related risk behaviours, and HIV status among persons receiving voluntary counselling and testing services in Tallinn, Estonia. A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 772 subjects completed a 47-item questionnaire gathering information on demographics, HIV-related risk behaviours, and HIV-related knowledge. Participant's HIV status was determined by an anonymous rapid test. Only incident HIV cases were included in regression analyses. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) modelling evaluated associations between HIV knowledge and high-risk behaviours while multivariable logistic regression assessed association between HIV status and HIV knowledge. The final ANCOVA model indicates that HIV risk behaviours are significantly associated with HIV knowledge (p = 0.01). Compared to participants with no identified high-risk behaviour, the adjusted mean score of HIV knowledge was higher among persons sharing injection equipment (p = 0.05), and persons engaging in unprotected heterosexual intercourse (p = 0.03); there was no statistical difference observed among men engaging in unprotected sex with other men. Women had higher mean scores than men (p = 0.01) and persons of ''other'' ethnicities had a higher mean knowledge score than ethnic Estonians (p = 0.01) and Russians (p < 0.01). Logistic regression indicated that mean knowledge was higher among participants who tested HIV positive (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.12-1.87). In this sample, higher knowledge scores were not associated with lower infection rates. These results indicate the importance of targeting all high-risk groups in HIV prevention and education programmes.

Knowledge and risk behaviors related to HIV/AIDS, and their association with information resource among men who have sex with men in Heilongjiang province, China

BackgroudIn Heilongjiang province, the HIV prevalence in men who have sex with men (MSM) is generally lower than other part of China. However, the official perception for their risk of HIV/AIDS infection has been increasing in the province over the years. Moreover, little information on HIV/AIDS was provided to the communities so that we have disadvantage of controlling HIV/AIDS epidemic in the region. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of HIV among MSM in Heilongjiang province, to assess their knowledge levels and risk behaviors related to HIV/AIDS, and to explore their associations with information resources.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a standardized questionnaire and blood test was administered in 2008 by local interviewers to a sample (1353) of MSM in four cities in Heilongjiang province.ResultsAmong 1353 MSM, 2.3% were identified with HIV infection. About 48.7% of the subjects had multiple male sexual partners and only 37.3% of the subjects had consistent condom use (use every time) in the past 6 months. Most had a fair level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS, with the highest mean knowledge score among the MSM from Jiamusi, those with income 2000-3000 RMB/month, those searching sexual partners via internet and those performed HIV testing over 1 year ago). However, some myths regarding viral transmission (e.g., via mosquito bites or sharing kitchen utensils) also existed. Resources of information from which knowledge and risk behaviors related to HIV/AIDS was most available were television (58.6%) among MSM, followed by sexual partner (51.6%), publicity material (51.0%) and internet (48.7%). Significantly statistical differences of mean knowledge score were revealed in favor of book (P = 0.0002), medical staff (P = 0.0007), publicity material (P = 0.005) and sexual partner (P = 0.02). Press (P = 0.04) and book (P = 0.0003) were contributory to the most frequent condom use (condom use every time), while medical staff (P = 0.005) and publicity material (P = 0.04) is associated with moderate rate of condom use (condom use often).ConclusionsAlthough the prevalence of HIV infection is low among MSM in Heilongjiang province, the situation that the risk behaviors were frequent in the population is alarming. The study suggests that some strategies like condom use and education intervention are practical approaches and need to be strengthened.

University undergraduates' knowledge of chlamydia screening services and chlamydia infection following the introduction of a National Chlamydia Screening Programme

Objectives To determine knowledge of sexually transmitted chlamydia infection among university undergraduates following the introduction of a National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP).Methods Anonymous self-administered questionnaire on chlamydia knowledge and sexual behaviour provided to a convenience sample of 400 university undergraduates.Results There were 259 responses (65%) and 17% of respondents were aware of the NCSP. Female students had significantly higher mean knowledge scores than males (p < 0.001), were more likely to be aware of the NCSP (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.70, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.11–7.49) and to have ever attended chlamydia screening (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.33–6.66). Overall, higher mean knowledge scores did not translate into reduced risk taking sexual behaviour, and female respondents were significantly more likely to attend for a ‘general check-up’ if they ‘had sex without a condom with a person of unknown sexual history’ (p = 0.043). Popular sources of chlamydia-related information were friends and the media. The internet was not a major source of information.Conclusions Awareness regarding the NCSP, chlamydia infection and screening is limited and perception of personal risk poor. New evidence-based strategies are required to address knowledge gaps and risk-taking behaviour among university students.

The relationship between personal breastfeeding experience and the breastfeeding attitudes, knowledge, confidence and effectiveness of Australian GP registrars

In conjunction with other health professionals, doctors believe they play an important role in promoting breastfeeding to women. Although many have positive breastfeeding attitudes, significant knowledge deficits often limit their capacity to effectively encourage, support and assist breastfeeding women and their infants. Personal breastfeeding experience (of self or partner) may be the main source of breastfeeding knowledge and skill development and is related to improved knowledge, more positive attitudes and greater confidence. This paper describes the relationship between the cumulative length of personal breastfeeding experience and the breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes of a cohort of Australian general practice (GP) registrars, as well as their confidence and perceived effectiveness assisting breastfeeding women. The Australian Breastfeeding Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire containing demographic items, a 20-item attitude scale and a 40-item knowledge scale was distributed between February and May 2007 to Australian GP registrars in their final year of training. Participants with more than 52-week cumulative personal (self or partner) breastfeeding experience had the highest mean knowledge score, had more positive attitudes, and were more confident and effective than all other participants. Parents with limited personal experience (<or=26 weeks) had the poorest breastfeeding attitudes and their knowledge base was similar to participants with no personal experience. Confidence and perceived effectiveness when assisting breastfeeding women rose with increasing cumulative breastfeeding experience. Personal breastfeeding experience per se does not guarantee better breastfeeding knowledge or attitudes although increasing length of experience is related to higher knowledge, attitude, confidence and perceived effectiveness scores.

Knowledge of STIs and blood‐borne viruses among Vietnamese men in metropolitan Sydney

To describe the sexual health knowledge of a group of Vietnamese men living in inner urban Sydney in order to assist with future program planning. Data were collected through telephone interviews conducted in Vietnamese using a structured questionnaire. Data were obtained from 499 of 761 eligible men contacted, giving a response rate of 66%. The data were weighted to be consistent with the age distribution of Vietnamese males in the area. A comparison was done with a published national telephone study of sexual behaviour and knowledge. Low knowledge levels about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses were found, compared with data from a published national telephone study. The factors associated with higher mean knowledge scores on multiple regression were: having 10 or more lifetime female sexual partners, being hepatitis B vaccinated, knowing someone with HIV, having received information about HIV in Vietnam in the past 12 months, having received information about HIV or STIs in the past 12 months from a GP. Knowledge about chlamydia was particularly poor. Targeted, community-wide, awareness-raising campaigns and health care worker education is required to improve the Vietnamese community's knowledge of STIs, with particular emphasis on improving chlamydia knowledge.

Do Women's Health Internal Medicine Residency Tracks Make a Difference?

Women's health tracks (WHTs) were developed to overcome identified deficiencies in residency training. Their effectiveness in preparing residents to manage both gender-neutral and gender-specific medical conditions is unknown. Using current guidelines for internal medicine training, we designed a 65-item survey to measure residents' knowledge, comfort levels, and referral patterns concerning two gender-neutral topics (diabetes and thyroid disease) and two gender-specific topics (polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS] and menopause). We administered it to postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) and PGY3 internal medicine residents at a large academic medical center and compared the results of WHT and non-WHT residents using chi-square and t tests. Of 61 residents, 50 (82%) responded. Fifty percent of respondents were female, 62% were PGY3, and 36% were WHT. WHT residents had higher mean knowledge scores than non-WHT residents concerning PCOS (60% vs. 45%, p < 0.05) and menopause (73% vs. 60 %, p < 0.01), and they were more likely to report feeling "very comfortable" handling PCOS and menopause issues (43% vs. 18%, p < 0.02), including diagnosing PCOS, managing hot flashes, and managing vaginal atrophy. WHT residents were less likely than non-WHT to immediately recommend referrals if patients had suspected PCOS (0% vs. 19%, p < 0.03) or confirmed PCOS (0% vs. 32%, p < 0.02), and they were more likely to report feeling adequately trained to provide comprehensive ambulatory women's healthcare (73% vs. 7%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between WHT and non-WHT residents on gender-neutral topics. A WHT can help improve competencies in selected areas of women's health without compromising residents' knowledge or comfort concerning two core gender-neutral topics in ambulatory medicine.

Diabetes knowledge and glycemic control among Chinese people with type 2 diabetes

Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is a key component of effective glycemic control and an important part of clinical diabetes management. The effects of DSME in China have not been investigated. To identify factors that could enhance the quality of Chinese DSME programmes. The relationship between patients' diabetes knowledge and their glycemic control was explored. A non-experimental cross-sectional study was undertaken in a large Shanghai hospital in China. Forty inpatients and 60 outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited. A Chinese version of the Diabetes Knowledge Scale was used to assess subjects' diabetes knowledge and collect demographic data and HbA1c levels. The mean diabetes knowledge scores among Chinese with type 2 diabetes was 22.1 +/- 3.76 out of a possible 30 marks. There was no difference in overall diabetes knowledge in people with HbA1c <7%, indicating good control and those with HbA1c >or=7%, indicating suboptimal glycemic control (t = -0.811, P = 0.419). However, there were differences in scores between the two groups for some specific questions on sick day management and food substitution. Moreover, sociodemographic characteristics such as age and occupation were significantly correlated with diabetes knowledge; age was negatively correlated with diabetes knowledge and white-collar workers had the highest mean knowledge score and housewives the lowest. Sociodemographic characteristics need to be considered when developing diabetes self-management programmes for Chinese people with type 2 diabetes.

The correlation between nutrition knowledge and eating behavior in an American school: the role of ethnicity.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nutrition knowledge and eating behavior of a sample of middle school children. The participants were 532 students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades from Shawnee Middle School in Lima, Ohio. The students were asked to a complete a questionnaire (CANKAP--Comprehensive Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices), which measured nutrition knowledge and eating behavior, and is reproduced here. The data were coded and computer-analyzed using the SAS statistical program for analysis by frequency distribution, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson Correlation Coefficients. Data analysis provided the following results: Mean nutrition knowledge scores of sixth grade students (68.4) were higher than mean nutrition knowledge scores of seventh and eighth grade students (58.5 per cent). The relationship between nutrition knowledge and eating behavior was insignificant for sixth grade students, but significant for seventh and eighth grade students. Also, "Caucasians" had higher mean knowledge scores than "Other" ethnic groups combined. The students demonstrated knowledge about the cultural and psychological aspects of nutrition. However, they were not able to identify the food sources of nutrients or nutrient functions, and they did not use a daily food guide to choose foods, although they were aware of the importance of milk and vegetable consumption. Knowledge about nutrition and healthy eating behavior appears to be weak within this group, and it would be beneficial to promote a nutrition curriculum for students in middle schools.

Knowledge of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in genitourinary medicine clinic attenders.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of awareness of genital chlamydial infection, and level of knowledge related to this infection, in genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic attenders. METHODS: 500 consecutive patients attending...

Investigation of lay knowledge of the management of avulsed permanent incisors.

The prognosis of replanted avulsed permanent incisors depends largely on prompt and appropriate emergency management. The aim of this study was to investigate lay knowledge and attitudes in this respect. Postal questionnaires were sent to all physical education teachers, school nurses and secretaries, attendants in swimming baths and leisure centres and to 220 parents of teenage children in a defined area of North West England. The overall questionnaire response rate was 86.9%. Knowledge of methods of dealing with this problem was generally inadequate in both parents and the other groups. Although 53.6% of respondents claimed to have received first aid training only 3.1% could remember dental injuries being included. There was evidence that dental health education in this field can be effective, since the highest mean knowledge score was found in the 11.5% of respondents who recalled receiving advice from sources such as posters, magazines and newspapers. More than 80% of the respondents stated that they would not want to replant an avulsed incisor themselves, the main reason being lack of knowledge and training. It is suggested that there is a need for potentially effective dental health education in relation to this problem.