Inadequate Level Of Knowledge Research Articles

Knowledge and Attitude on Existing Mental illness among the care givers of mentally ill patients attending Psychiatric OPD at PIMS, Puducherry

Mental illness is any define disease or condition affecting the brain that influences the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and relates to others, and to his surroundings Mental disorders are widely recognized as a major contributor to the global burden of disease worldwide. There are limited number of studies on knowledge and attitude towards mental illness among caregivers. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude on existing mental illness among the care givers of mentally ill patient. To find the correlation between the knowledge and attitude on existing mental illness among the caregivers of mentally ill patients. To estimate the associate between knowledge and attitude on existing mental illness with selected demographic variables. Setting: The study will be carried out in the psychiatric OPD at Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences. Methods: A Non-experimental descriptive study design was adopted for this study. The study was conducted among the care givers of mentally ill patients at psychiatric OPD at PIMS. 46 care givers were selected by convenience sampling technique. The level of knowledge was assessed by multiple choice questions and level of attitude was assessed by 5 point likert scale on mental illness. Results: Among 46 care givers, adequate level of knowledge on mental illness has been observed 4 (8.7%) among the care givers. Moderate level of knowledge on mental illness has been observed 34 (73.9%) among the care givers. Inadequate level of knowledge on mental illness has been observed 8 (17.4%) among the care givers. Favorable attitude on mental illness has been observed 7 (15.2%) and moderate level of attitude has been observed 39 (84.8%) among the caregivers.

Intensive care nurses' knowledge of enteral nutrition at public hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen: a cross-sectional survey

Background: Nurses have a pivotal role in initiating and managing enteral nutrition (EN) and monitoring any potential complications. Yet, it is unclear whether Yemeni nurses have adequate knowledge to deliver and manage enteral nutrition safely. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of ICU nurses’ knowledge regarding the care of EN. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2019 to March 2019. A probability sampling method was used to recruit 174 nurses from four public hospitals in the capital city of Yemen. A self-administered 17-item questionnaire related to ICU nurses' knowledge regarding EN intervention was used to collect the data. Results: Based on our findings, only 10.9% of the respondents had an adequate level of knowledge about EN care, while 43.1% of them had a moderate level of knowledge, and 46.0% of them had an inadequate level of knowledge. Only 16.1% of the participants were knowledgeable of EN pre-administration care, whereas 5.80% of them were knowledgeable of EN administration care, and 9.20% were knowledgeable of EN post-administration care. There were significant associations between ICU nurses’ level of knowledge of EN care and their level of education and knowledge sources. Conclusions: The significant gap in ICU nurses’ knowledge regarding EN care identified implies the need to upgrade and refresh of the ICU nurses' knowledge by implementing a regular training program concerning EN care.

Knowledge regarding prevention of varicose vein among nurses

Introduction: Varicose veins are prominent dilated veins usually present in the lower limbs. High pressures in the veins, leakiness of venous valves, weakness of the vein wall, and inflammation are the key mechanisms that lead to varicose veins. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to find out knowledge regarding prevention of varicose vein among nurses of Patan Hospital, Systematic random sampling technique was used for data collection. The SPSS 16 version was used to analyse. Result: Out of 211 nurses, less than half respondents 73(34.6%) had inadequate level of knowledge, nearly half respondents 101 (47.9%) had moderately adequate level of knowledge and One fifth respondents 37(17.5%) had an adequate level of knowledge regarding the prevention of varicose vein. Conclusion: Majority of the respondents 101(47.9%) had moderate adequate level of knowledge and one fifth respondents had adequate level of knowledge regarding prevention of varicose vein.

Human Papillomavirus Knowledge and Vaccine Acceptability in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection that affects teens and adults in their early 20 s. Screening and HPV vaccination are important preventive measures to reduce cases of HPV and associated complications. Studies about HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptability are scarce in Saudi Arabia. This study evaluated participants’ knowledge, attitude, and acceptability concerning HPV and the HPV vaccine in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pretested survey that assessed knowledge and attitude toward HPV and the HPV vaccine among the population of Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Responses were collected from adults between January and March 2022. Data were analyzed using a t-test and chi-square test. Results: We included 569 in the study. Most participants were single (65%), females (83%), with a university-level of education (78%). The recorded knowledge score for all participants was 1.99 (out of 10). About half of the participants denied that HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. Further, 53% were interested in the HPV vaccine, and 63% of participants acknowledged that the HPV vaccine could prevent warts and cervical cancer. About 30% of the participants opposed the vaccine due to religious reasons. Conclusion: The results of our study highlight the inadequate level of knowledge concerning HPV infection, even among highly educated people. Thus, by promoting the HPV vaccine acceptance and use, awareness can be raised in our community to assure better knowledge and achieve higher protection from this virus and its complications.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Infection Prevention and Control Among Diagnostic Radiographers in Yemen

Infection transmission in radiology departments is a very important concern for radiology staff. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about infection prevention and control among diagnostic radiographers in Yemen. An online questionnaire was conducted between February and March of 2022. A total of 378 diagnostic radiographers participated in this study and completed the questionnaire. The results revealed that more than half of the participants had adequate knowledge (51.3%) and appropriate practice (51.6%), whereas more than two-thirds of participants (73%) had positive attitude toward infection prevention and control. The findings indicate a significant difference in the KAP scores in infection prevention with respect to the age, educational status, and occupational experience of the radiographers, while there was no significant difference between the KAP scores of radiographers due to the gender. Furthermore, the radiographers’ KAP scores were positively correlated. This study showed that the diagnostic radiographers in Yemen have inadequate levels of knowledge and practice regarding infection prevention and control. Therefore, the implementation of infection-control educational programs is recommended to improve their understanding and practice for a better infection control effect.

Descriptive Cross-sectional Study on Mothers’ Knowledge Regarding Prevention of Neonatal Hypothermia

INTRODUCTIONIn today’s era neonatal hypothermia is ranked as high risk factor for newborn survival. Practicing kangaroo mother, mummifying newborn, delaying first bath etc are useful practices for maintaining warm chain and thermo-protection of newborns. MATERIAL AND METHODSA cross-sectional descriptive study was used for the study. Setting of the study was post natal ward of Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Center with total sample of 70. Probability convenient sampling technique was used for the study. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTSAmong the respondents 41.4% mothers were of age between 26-30yrs, majority 75.7% were Hindu, 42.9% had completed secondary level education, more than half 51.4% were residing in nuclear family, 45.7% were housewife, more than half 52.9% had income/month as 15001-20000, more than half 61.4% had normal delivery, and more than half 51.4% had two children. Almost half of the mothers 45.7% of mothers had inadequate level of knowledge, 32.9% had moderate knowledge and 21.4% had adequate knowledge, also there showed significant association between mothers level of knowledge on neonatal hypothermia with educational status, type of family and type of delivery at 5% level (ie., p<0.05). CONCLUSIONBased on the findings it is concluded that almost half of the mothers have inadequate knowledge regarding neonatal hypothermia. Mothers knowledge might be helpful to prevent newborn from neonatal hypothermia, so training should be provided to mothers and family members during their antenatal period regarding thermal protection of the newborn.

‎ Exploring artistic abilities and creativity perceptions for the enrolled architectural engineering students

Architecture is considered one of the most significant human arts aims creativity in design. Therefore, it requires certain artistic skills and certain knowledge and perception from students. Architects are expected to have graphical communication skills enable them to translate their thoughts and ideas to sketching, drawing, model making, coloring, and rendering. The staff of first stage noticed the inadequate level of knowledge and shortfall in students’ abilities throughout years of education. Therefore, this paper aims to explore artistic abilities and creativity perceptions for the enrolled architectural engineering students. The research focuses on the first-grade students in Architectural Engineering Departments of University of Mosul. Mixed approaches were adopted for data collection including two surveys and ten in-depth interviews with the students after one month from their enrollment in university. The survey includes 68 questions serve four main axes, particularly, explores personal characteristics and abilities, traces students’ knowledge, investigates students’ artistic abilities and creativity perceptions, and tackles the role of school in developing artistic abilities and creativity for students. Findings reveal lack of student’s experience in artistic skills including sketching, drawing, or coloring, basic knowing about international or local architecture. This low qualification refers to underestimate art subject and lack of basic knowledge of architecture gained during students’ secondary education.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program on Knowledge Regarding Prevention of Road Traffic Accidents among Students of Selected College at GNSU, Rohtas

India has one of the largest road networks in the world. However, Road safety is an issue of national concern. Surge in population and motorization in the country along with expansion of road network contributes to the number of road accidents, injuries and fatalities. The aim of the study was study to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding prevention of road traffic accidents among students of selected college at GNSU, Rohtas”. METHODOLOGY: Methodology is the systematic, pre-experimental study to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding prevention of road traffic accident among students of selected college at GNSU, Rohtas.” Sample population of 60 students will be selected by purposive sampling technique. Validated tools are used to assess the pre- test and post- test knowledge score on prevent of road traffic accidents among students. The data obtained will be combined tabulated to analysed using descriptive and inferential statical methods. RESULTS: Pre-test revealed that among students had poor knowledge with a mean score of 17.8. After giving structured teaching program, post test scores increased to 22.66. The association was found between the knowledge scores of among students with Age, Previous history of accidents in the last 5 years which was significant at the level of 0.05. CONCLUSION: Majority of the samples have inadequate knowledge level. There was a highly significant increase in the level of knowledge among the subjects after the administration of STP. The paired `t` test computed between mean pre-test knowledge score and mean post-test knowledge score, indicated a highly significant difference in the knowledge scores among students. Thus, it is concluded that the STP is effective to improve the level of knowledge among student samples in selected college at GNSU Rohtas. PROBLEM STATEMENT: “A study to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding prevention of road traffic accidents among students of selected college at GNSU, Rohtas.”

Knowledge and ability of early childhood teachers in delivering career guidance for preschooler

The level of knowledge and ability of teachers in delivering career guidance is very influential on the child's self-development process, especially in the aspects of career orientation and career attainment. In this regard, this study aims to identify the knowledge and ability of early childhood education teachers in delivering career guidance for preschoolers. By using a descriptive method, data were collected using observation techniques and a self-report questionnaire, from 12 early childhood teachers in Serang City, Banten, Indonesia. The results showed that the level of knowledge and ability of early childhood education teachers in delivering career guidance services may be described in five areas: (1) needs assessment: analyzing student needs for guidance and counseling services; (2) program development: preparing the guidance and counseling service programs; (3) selecting methods/techniques/strategies: creating the most prospective guidance and counseling methods/techniques/strategies and conducting step by step of guidance activities based on selected method; (4) content development: designing guidance and counseling materials; and (5) accountability: evaluating the guidance and counseling service activities. Howeverm the adequate level of knowledge and ability at expert level was not found in any of these areas, adequate level of knowledge and ability at moderate level was found in areas (3) and (4), while inadequate level of knowledge and ability at novice level was in areas (1), (2), and (5). As a consequence, policy makers, school principals, early childhood educators, or children counselors should be more paying attention to these issues.

Exploring parents’ knowledge and attitudes towards the influenza vaccine in a rural community of Saudi Arabia

Influenza is a highly transmissible respiratory virus. Public awareness about the nature of the disease and how to prevent it must be explored to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of the disease. This study aimed to assess the parents’ knowledge and attitudes towards the influenza and the influenza vaccine in Al-Kharj Governate, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was performed, and an electronic questionnaire was distributed from December 2020 to the end of April 2021 to parents living in Al- Kharj, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.The study had 510 participants, of which 75.1% were mothers. Overall knowledge about the influenza disease was found to be low in 68.6% of participants. In addition, 55.7% of respondents displayed an inadequate level of knowledge of the influenza vaccine. Almost 75% of parents had chosen not to vaccinate their children in the past and of those, only 35.9% were willing to vaccinate their child this year. The most common reason for parents choosing not to vaccinate their children was that they believed the child to be in good health. This demographic studied in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia did not demonstrate sufficient knowledge about the influenza disease and vaccine. Study participants were hesitant to vaccinate their children. This should prompt healthcare workers and the Ministry of Health to lead a broad awareness campaign on influenza vaccination that extends to both urban and rural areas.

Serotyping and Seroprevalence of Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Bibersteinia trehalosi and Assessment of Determinants of Ovine Pasteurellosis in West Amhara Sub-region, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was undertaken in four (4) districts of the West Amhara sub-region of Ethiopia with the aim of assessing the diversity and distribution of serotypes of Pasteurella species, their seroprevalence, and associated risk factors, and knowledge, attitude, and practice of farmers toward ovine pasteurellosis. A total of 600 sheep sera were collected using multistage cluster sampling. Each sample was examined for the presence of six (6) serotype-specific antibodies using an indirect haemagglutination test. We are reporting a higher seroprevalence of 90.17% (541/600) in which all seropositive animals were shown to have been co-infected with multiple serotypes. Individual serotype prevalence showed that serotype A7 has the highest prevalence of 77.83% followed by A2 (74.33%), T15 (64%), T4 (62%), PA (60%), and A1 (39.17%). In this study, being female [odds ratio (OR): 2.45, 95% CI (1.09–5.52), p = 0.031] and living in high altitude areas [OR: 20.29, 95% CI (2.54–161.95), p = 0.004] were found to be significantly associated with sero-positivity. A questionnaire survey (n = 384) employed in a face-to-face interview was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of farmers related to ovine pasteurellosis. Accordingly, the majority (72.4%) of respondents had an inadequate knowledge level of the disease. The proportion of farmers with a favorable attitude and good practices toward the disease was 50.26 and 77.6%, respectively. This study is highly indicative that ovine pasteurellosis is a ubiquitous disease in the study area challenging the sheep production sector. The existence of diverse serotypes reported to lack cross-protective immunity is likely to explain why the current vaccination practice with the mono-serotype Pasteurella multocida biotype A vaccine is not providing adequate protection against outbreaks of the disease. Prioritization of one or more serotypes for inclusion in a multivalent vaccine should be dictated by the abundance and distribution of a particular serotype, its clinical importance, and its resultant economic impact. Furthermore, training farmers on key aspects of the disease is vital in the implementation of effective disease management strategies through a participatory approach. Data from the remaining regions of the country could help realize the development of an effective vaccine that works best at the national level.

A Descriptive Study to assess the knowledge of Nursing students regarding Biomedical waste management in selected college of Nursing, Ludhiana, Punjab

The descriptive research design was used to assess the knowledge of nursing students regarding Biomedical waste management in selected college of nursing, Ludhiana, Punjab.The targeted population of present study was GNM 1st year and P.B.BSc 1st year students.The total sample size was 50 nursing students. Convenience sampling technique was used to select the samples. The structured questionnaire was developed and information was collected from sample using Questionnaire to meet the objectives of the study. The majority of 36 (72%) GNM first year students and P.B.BSc first year students had inadequate level of knowledge,14(28%) student’s knowledge level was moderate.

A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING INFERTILITY AMONG THE MARRIED WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP IN SELECTED RURAL AREAS OF SONITPUR DISTRICT, ASSAM

Infertility is a world’s most neglected public health issue. Infertility and sub fertility shows impact in proportion of human lives. In the year 2010, from 20–44 years of age group women who were prone to the risk of pregnancy, 1.9% were unable to attain a live birth (primary infertility). Researcher experienced that in the community setting many people are not aware of infertility. The women are mostly blamed for infertility. Many couples also end up their marriage without the treatment. With this context a study was carried out to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding infertility among the married women of reproductive age group in selected rural areas of Sonitpur District, Assam. The objective of the study wasto assessthe knowledge and attitude regarding infertility among the married women of reproductive age group. Data was collected from 142 samples by using convenience sampling technique. Socio demographic Proforma, Self structured questionnaire on Knowledge regarding infertility and Five point Likert scale to assess the attitude regarding infertility was used to collect data and data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results showed that that majority 48.6% had moderate knowledge level, 30.3 % had inadequate knowledge level and 21.1% had adequate knowledge. Majority 52.1%had moderately favorable attitude, 24.6% had unfavorable attitude and 23.2% had favorable attitude. The ndings of the study shows that there was signicant association between knowledge with education qualication (P=0.001**) and religion (P=0.002**). In the study it was concluded that majority of the participants 69 (48.6%) had moderate knowledge level whereas majority 74 (52.1%) had moderately favorable attitude so there is increase in need of awareness programs in the community level regarding infertility issues.

Knowledge and Practice on Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis Among Nurses Working in a Regional Hospital, Nepal.

IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) is a highly prevalent communicable disease in Nepal. All health personnel who care for such patients are at high risk of developing tuberculosis. It is very necessary for all healthcare providers, especially nurses, who spend a lot of time with such patients, to have adequate knowledge and correct practice on the occupational safety measures to maintain health and prevent transmission of the disease. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge and practice of nurses in the prevention and control of TB infection.MethodThis study was a cross-sectional study conducted on nurses working in all wards and Outpatient Departments (OPDs) of Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. A complete enumeration of the respondents was performed, and data were collected consecutively, using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire, from all nurses working in all the wards and OPDs of the hospital. The predictors of knowledge of TB infection prevention and control (TBIPC) were assessed using binary logistic regression.ResultsThe study findings showed that a majority of nurses had an inadequate level of knowledge and poor practice of prevention and control of TB. Regarding practice, none of the nurses reported the use of an N95 mask or a respirator during care of the patients with TB and all the nurses reported that they used chemical disinfectant (virex) to clean the room and the surfaces. However, none of them reported the use of fumigation or ultraviolet irradiation for disinfection. Nurses who were 40 years and older (p = 0.001, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.965, CI = 2.083–17.457) and who were currently working in the wards with isolation rooms demonstrated higher odds for knowledge on TBIPC (p = 0.010, AOR = 2.686, CI = 1.264–5.710).ConclusionsThis study showed that a majority of nurses had an inadequate level of knowledge and implemented poor safety measures for the prevention and control of tuberculosis. This increases their risk of being infected with TB infection and cross-transmission. It is recommended that the hospital plan and conduct the necessary education/training for nurses to update their knowledge, develop the organizational structure and policies, and establish a system to support and monitor the practice of health workers on the prevention and control of TB, and maintain the health and safety of nurses caring for patients with TB.

Acute medical and surgical nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards ageing and older persons

ABSTRACT In view of population aging, more older persons are being admitted to acute hospitals. However, the level of care that older people receive is suboptimal. Nurses’ negative attitudes and inadequate level of knowledge strongly influence the level of care. The study sought to explore medical and surgical nurses’ knowledge and attitudes related to aging and older persons and to identify factors influencing their knowledge and attitudes. An online questionnaire was distributed to 339 nurses (experience ranging from 1–15 years), working in eleven medical and nine surgical wards within a Maltese acute-care hospital. One hundred and sixty-four questionnaires were collected (response rate: 48.4%). The Kogan’s Attitude toward Old People scale and Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz were used. The association between these two domains and a number of socio-demographic factors was sought. The participants had moderately poor level of knowledge (mean knowledge score:14.87 ± 2.92) and a moderately positive attitude (mean attitude score: 4.48 ± 0.58) about older adults. A Spearman correlation showed a positive relationship between knowledge and attitudes. The only factor positively influencing both knowledge and attitudes, was whether nurses had additional training in gerontology and geriatrics. Moreover, being a charge nurse, working in a surgical ward or having an older person living in the same household, resulted in better knowledge. The study highlights the importance of providing additional geriatrics and gerontological education for acute nurses to improve their knowledge base about aging and their attitudes toward older adults. This could result in older people receiving improved level of nursing care during hospitalization.

EVALUATING THE KNOWLEDGE LEVEL, PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS COVID-19 AMONG OTOLARYNGOLOGISTS

Aim: Otolaryngologists cope with the COVID-19 pandemic at first lines. Inadequate knowledge level among healthcare workers may cause inadequate controlling efforts to maintain required treatments, facilitate the rapid spread of infections and an impenetrable process start.The aim of the study was to determine the attitude, knowledge level and perception of the risk of infection with COVID-19 among otolaryngologists. Material-Methods: A questionnaire consist of a total of 36 questions was prepared in order to evaluate the knowledge and attitude about COVID-19 among Otolaryngologists. Results: The average true answer rate of knowledge questions was % 86 (range 63-100 %) showing that a great of participants had good knowledge level about the COVID-19 in our study. The majority of the otolaryngologists showed a positive behaviour towards COVID-19. Conclusion: According to our knowledge this present study was the first study that focused on the knowledge level and attitude towards COVID-19 among otolaryngologists.

The knowledge and attitude towards prostate cancer and screening practices among males in Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACTBackground:Early-stage prostate cancer can be asymptomatic. The digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test are usually used for prostate cancer screening. This study aims to assess knowledge and attitudes towards prostate cancer screening among males in Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on Saudi males above the age of 40. A self-reported questionnaire was distributed online.Results:A total of 368 males completed the questionnaire. In the studied group, 64.5% had heard about prostate cancer through social media (46.7%), the internet (40.1%), or healthcare providers (18.6%). In addition, around 20.3% of the participants had heard about the PSA screening test. Moreover, 55.2% of participants had an inadequate level of knowledge about prostate cancer and the PSA test, while 53.1% had a negative attitude.Conclusion:There was a poor level of knowledge and attitude towards screening for prostate cancer among males in Saudi Arabia. This could be due to the lack of education on the risks of prostate cancer by healthcare providers.

Public knowledge and awareness of hepatocellular carcinoma among the Saudi Arabian population

Background: The studies regarding the public knowledge and awareness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among the general population in Saudi Arabia and other countries are limited or unavailable. Therefore, our study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of the most common type of primary liver cancer (HCC) among the general population in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Taif, Department of Medicine, to assess the public awareness regarding HCC risk factors, symptoms, methods of diagnosis, screening, and liver function among the Saudi population in 2021. Data were collected using an online questionnaire using the SurveyMonkey website. Results: A total of 1,028 respondents participated in the study by answering an online questionnaire. Most of the respondents were female (71.1%) between the ages of 18 and 29 years (79.8%), had a university degree (70.1%), were nonhealthcare workers (67.4%), and were from Mecca Province (56.2%). We found that 77.2% of the participants reported knowing the functions of the liver. Considering HCC, 46.4%, 19.6%, 25.3%, and 45.3% reported that they had knowledge considering HCC, its symptoms, risk factors, and screening tests, respectively. In general, we found that 14.2% of the participants had a high level of knowledge about HCC, while 85.8% had a low, inadequate level of knowledge. Moreover, we found that high knowledge was associated with the female gender, high educational level, older age, and working in healthcare provinces. Conclusion: The findings in this study indicate poor knowledge regarding HCC in the general Saudi population.

Public awareness about the smoking cessation program by the Ministry of Health: a cross-sectional study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Each year, tobacco kills more than 8 million people. More than 7 million of these deaths are due to direct tobacco use, while 1.2 million are caused by non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has increased its efforts toward combating tobacco consumption in Saudi Arabia. This study objective is to measure the publics' knowledge in Saudi Arabia about the various smoking cessation resources and services offered by the MOH. Methods: A link to a cross-sectional online survey was distributed to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, residents on social media platforms in January 2022 (n = 415). Survey questions were adapted from the Global Tobacco Surveillance System. The data were analyzed using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences software (v22.0). Results: A total of (n = 319) responses were analyzed. Current tobacco smokers represented 60% of them. The smokers were composed of 75% of males and 25% of females who consumed tobacco. Despite a large number of the respondent being smokers, there were inadequate levels of knowledge about the various smoking cessation services offered by the MOH (40.9% of the respondents acknowledged the services provided, and 53.5% were neutral regarding these services). Conclusion: Despite the MOH's efforts to provide numerous smoking cessation services, there remains a lack of knowledge amongst the population of Riyadh. This can slow the MOH efforts toward decreasing smoking rates amongst the population in Saudi Arabia; more efforts are needed to raise awareness of these services in Saudi Arabia.

How Do Urban Slum Women Manage Excessive Vaginal Discharge? A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Abnormal vaginal discharge (VD), which is a recurring problem for most of the women at reproductive age, is a good predictor for many gynecological morbidities. Many women constantly neglect abnormal VD because of the prevailing “culture of silence.” Women who live in urban slum are vulnerable to many unhealthy practices and have a high prevalence of reproductive tract infection, especially sexually transmitted infections. Hence, this study aimed to describe urban slum women' understanding, attitudes, and related practices for abnormal VD. Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 women living in urban slum in the Colombo Municipal Council area, Colombo District, Sri Lanka, during September 2015–March 2016. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used. A validated, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from females. Data were analyzed using descriptive and relevant inferential statistics (Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance). Results: The mean age of the women was 32.51 (standard deviation [SD] ±7.94) years. The mean knowledge score was 29.18 (SD ± 8.68). Most of the women (97.1%) had inadequate level of knowledge (<50%). A significant association was observed between the knowledge score levels with the participants' educational level (P = 0.00). Major areas of knowledge deficit include causes for pathological VD and reproductive tract infections. Majority (95.9%) agreed that abnormal VD should be taken seriously but from the women who accepted (78.2%) that VD has ever been a concern to them, only 59% had consulted a general practitioner. There was a significant relationship with having accompanying symptoms such as burning sensation and lower abdominal pain and consulting a general practitioner (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Culture-specific health education intervention measures need to be targeted in order to improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward VD.