KAP Scores Research Articles

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of the Lebanese University Medical Students and Junior Doctors on Basic Life Support Practices

Background: Basic life support (BLS) is the recognition of sudden cardiac arrest and activation of emergency response system, followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and rapid defibrillation. Aim: Our study aimed to determine the level of awareness of the Lebanese University medical students and trainees on BLS, by assessing the association between knowledge, attitude, and practice on BLS, and between the demographic variables and KAP scores. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 330 medical students enrolled at Lebanese University, from year four of general medicine till year five of residency. An online survey was used to collect data about demographic characteristics, knowledge (K), attitudes (A), and practice (P) about BLS. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Participants were 52.7% females, 47.3% males, and their mean age was 24 ± 2 years. Of the 330 participants, 38.8% received formal training regarding BLS. Medical students had low knowledge (90%), moderate to good attitudes (71.5%), and low practice (93%) regarding BLS. Multiple linear regression showed that knowledge was positively associated with age (p = 0.001), knowledge and information regarding BLS (p = 0.016), and any formal training/workshop regarding BLS (p = 0.021). Attitude was positively associated with academic year (p = 0.002) and knowledge (p = 0.003). Practice was positively associated with age (p < 0.001) and knowledge (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Most Lebanese University medical students showed low knowledge, moderate to good attitudes, and low practice regarding BLS. We recommend that CPR/BLS should be a core competency across all health care professional programs.

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.

Unlocking insights: Mahout's perceptions and practices in managing Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) infection among captive Asian elephants in Surin province, Thailand.

Surin, situated in the northeastern region of Thailand, has earned the reputation of being an "elephant village" due to its high captive elephant population and unique tradition of elephant rearing. However, the continuous occurrence of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) infection poses a significant threat to elephants, particularly the young ones. This study investigated various aspects of EEHV-related elephant care among ninety-two mahouts at the Surin Elephant Kingdom Project. This study used semi-structured interviews and observations to assess the mahouts' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP scores) toward EEHV transmission, prevention, and management. The result revealed knowledge and practice scores below expectations, indicating an insufficient understanding the nature of disease and preventive measures. However, the mahouts exhibited awareness of the severity of the disease and factors contributing to transmission risk. Regarding the relationship among KAP scores, a positive correlation was observed at a low level (p < 0.05) between the knowledge and practice scores. Interestingly, approximately 55% of the survey respondents were confident that their elephants would not receive EEHV, leading to inadequate prevention measures. From the result, it is crucial to provide comprehensive knowledge about the nature of the disease and preventive measures to all mahouts. This education should emphasize the importance of early monitoring signs, appropriate weaning age, and preventing viral transmission practices. The KAP survey offers valuable insights that can identify areas requiring improvement and guide the development of effective and targeted disease prevention programs within the specific population. Therefore, it is recommended that the KAP survey should be employed in other parts of the country where the elephant management system differs.

Physiotherapists knowledge, attitudes, and practices about therapeutic interventions for cognitive and motor impairments in adult patients with traumatic brain injury

Abstract Background and aim Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects brain functions, often leading to a range of cognitive and motor impairments, necessitating effective rehabilitation. It is expedient for physiotherapists to have adequate knowledge, an appropriate attitude, and practice towards managing cognitive and motor impairments in adults with TBI. This study assessed physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cognitive and motor impairments in adult patients with TBI. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 75 physiotherapists recruited from 8 hospitals in South-West Nigeria via purposive sampling. A self-developed questionnaire administered via Google Forms® was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of physiotherapists towards cognitive and motor impairments in adult patients with TBI. Descriptive statistics of mean, median, range, percentages, and frequency distribution tables were used in summarizing the KAP, while the association/correlation between KAP scores and selected demographic/profession-related characteristics was also investigated using inferential statistics of the Man-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis, and Spearman ranked correlation. The level of significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results The mean age of the participants was 28.73 ± 7.093 years, predominantly female (53.3%), with a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy (78.7%), and specializing in neuro-physiotherapy. Most respondents demonstrated knowledge of cognitive 45 (60%) and motor 42 (56%) impairments in adult TBI patients. There was a (rho = 0.259) positive significant correlation (p = 0.025) between the age of the physiotherapist and their knowledge of the management of cognitive and motor impairment in adult patients with TBI. Conclusion Many physiotherapists in South-West Nigeria demonstrate good knowledge of TBI, with this knowledge increasing with age. This study underscores the importance of continuous educational training for physiotherapists, a consequence of which should be better rehabilitation and functional outcomes for people with TBI.

Understanding the future of dengue in Malaysia: Assessing knowledge, attitude, and homeowner practices in mitigating climate-driven risks

Introduction Dengue fever poses a significant public health threat, particularly in tropical regions like Malaysia. The rising incidence of dengue outbreaks challenges healthcare systems and highlights the urgent need for effective preventive measures. Climate change, with rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns, is expected to worsen the dengue situation in the coming years. Methods . This is a cross-sectional study conducted among adult residents of low-cost housing apartments in an urban poor community in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia involving approximately 16,000 residents. A representative sample of 1,636 residents was calculated using the Krejcie and Morgan formula, and stratified random sampling was used to ensure proportional representation across the various floors of each PPR community apartment block. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from a validated Malay version. The questionnaire assessed respondents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to dengue prevention, categorising KAP scores as “Good” (≥80%) or “Poor” (&lt;80%). Descriptive statistics summarized population characteristics and KAP scores, while logistic regression identified predictors of KAP levels, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results In this community, 76.7% of participants exhibited poor knowledge and 83.1% had a negative attitude towards dengue, despite 66.7% demonstrating good preventive practices. The PPR location significantly predicts dengue knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices, with p-values of less than 0.001 for all domains. Marital status also predicts dengue knowledge (p = 0.007) and preventive practices (p = 0.023), while prior infection with dengue is a predictor of preventive practices (p = 0.047). Conclusion Despite the community’s good dengue prevention practices, likely influenced by environmental expectations, there remains a critical need for education to sustain and strengthen these efforts, as climate change continues to worsen in the coming years. It is crucial to help residents grasp the relevance of these practices, so they can apply them more effectively as climate-driven risks intensify. Targeted interventions should de designed differently for each of the four PPR communities as their levels of knowledge, attitude and practices vary significantly, taking into account independent factors like marital status and prior dengue infection, which shape preventive behaviors.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of General Dentists Towards Tele-dentistry

Background: Considering the growing importance of tele-dentistry and its potential to enhance the delivery of dental services, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of private dental offices towards this technology. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 50 general dentists practicing in Semnan city, selected based on entry criteria through the enumeration method. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire (including gender and years since graduation) and a 15-item researcher-made questionnaire designed to assess their KAP towards tele-dentistry. Results: Among the participants, 54% (27 participants) were female, and 46% (23 participants) were male, with an average age of 30.2 ± 6.48 years. The mean number of years since graduation was 7.74 ± 5.13 years. The mean and standard deviation of KAP scores were 5.96 ± 1.07 (knowledge), 34.32 ± 3.41 (attitude), and 1.44 ± 0.50 (practice), respectively. Men scored significantly higher in knowledge compared to women (7.26 ± 0.91 vs. 6.70 ± 1.14; P = 0.037). There was a significant inverse correlation between knowledge scores and years since graduation (r = -0.292; P = 0.032). Additionally, 52% (26 participants) reported having used tele-dentistry, while 96% (48 participants) expressed an intention to use it in the future. Conclusions: The findings suggest that knowledge regarding tele-dentistry was notably higher among men and those with fewer years since graduation. Health policies should prioritize training programs to enhance general dentists' knowledge and practice of tele-dentistry, supporting its effective implementation in dental care.

Knowledge, attitude, and perception of exercises among post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: A cross-sectional study.

Exercise rehabilitation is crucial for the recovery after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) of exercise among post-HSCT patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University between January 2020 and December 2022 among post-HSCT patients, using a self-designed questionnaire. A total of 192 patients were included, with the mean age of 37.90 ± 11.96 years; 116 (60.42%) reported to exercise before. The mean KAP scores were 9.22 ± 2.05 (possible range: 0-12), 43.51 ± 5.47 (possible range: 12-60) and 51.79 ± 7.45 (possible range: 15-75), respectively. Patients previously inactive in exercise exhibited significant differences in KAP scores from active patients: attitude total score, positive attitude, perception total score, willingness to exercise, aerobic exercise, breathing training (all P < .001), with a noteworthy distinction in resistance exercise (P = .018). According to structural equation modeling, perception was directly influenced by knowledge (β = 0.87, P < .001), attitude (β = 0.26, P = .007), and exercise habits (β = 3.36, P = .001), as well as indirectly by education (β = 0.44, P = .010) and knowledge (β = 0.18, P = .029). Post-HSCT patients had adequate knowledge, moderate attitude and perception of exercises, even 1 year after HSCT. Patients inactive in exercises exhibited significant differences in knowledge and exercise perception from active patients. Healthcare professionals should tailor education, target attitude, and personalize exercise plans to facilitate effective recovery post-HSCT.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of stroke and thrombectomy among medical students in Henan, China.

To assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of stroke and thrombectomy among medical students in Henan, China. A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students from 5 universities in Henan, China between June and September, 2022, using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 1105 medical students [697 (62.1%) females] participated. Their mean KAP scores were 11.1 ± 2.90, 35.37 ± 4.94, and 21.48 ± 5.51 out of 14, 44, and 24, respectively. Structural equation modeling revealed that, age (estimate = 0.351, P = .005) and education (estimate = 0.370, P = .024) positively affected knowledge, while major (estimate = -0.128, P = .017), internship experience in neurosurgery or neurology (estimate = -1.321, P < .001), and family history of stroke (estimate = -0.557, P < .001) negatively influenced knowledge. Knowledge (estimate = 0.649, P < .001) and having seniors over the age of 60 at home (estimate = 1.228, P = .001) had positive effects on attitudes, while internship experience in neurosurgery or neurology (estimate = -0.471, P = .090) and family history of stroke (estimate = -0.596, P = .020) had negative impact on attitudes. Moreover, knowledge (estimate = 0.230, P < .001) and attitudes (estimate = 0.628, P < .001) positively influenced practices, whereas sex (estimate = -1.141, P < .001), internship experience in neurosurgery or neurology (estimate = -0.578, P = .025), and family history of stroke (estimate = -0.523, P = .027) negatively influenced practices. Medical students in Henan, China showed adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice toward stroke and thrombectomy. Age, sex, education, major, internship experience in neurosurgery or neurology, family history of stroke, having seniors over the age of 60 at home might have impact on their KAP.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dietary management among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in China

BackgroundThis study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding dietary management among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted at JiuJiang NO.1 People’s Hospital from November 2023 to May 2024. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires that solicited demographic information and measured KAP scores related to dietary management in RA patients.ResultsThe survey yielded 504 valid questionnaires. Of the respondents, 306 (60.71%) had a Body Mass Index (BMI) within the optimal range of 18.5–23.9 kg/m2. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 10.13 ± 3.58 (possible range: 0–22), 31.38 ± 2.38 (possible range: 9–45), and 4.46 ± 2.30 (possible range: 0–12), respectively. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between knowledge and practice (r = 0.294, p &amp;lt; 0.001) as well as between attitude and practice (r = 0.178, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that knowledge score (OR = 1.165, 95% CI: [1.078, 1.259], p &amp;lt; 0.001) was independently associated with proactive practice. The structural equation model (SEM) results showed that knowledge had direct effects on attitude (β = 0.291, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and practice (β = 0.188, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Meanwhile, attitude had a direct impact on practice (β = 0.081, p = 0.045).ConclusionThis study indicates that patients with RA generally demonstrate inadequate knowledge but hold positive attitudes toward dietary management, despite relatively inactive practices in implementing such dietary changes. Healthcare providers should prioritize educational interventions that not only enhance patient understanding but also actively support the implementation of dietary management strategies in clinical settings.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES REGARDING CHATBOTS AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: (1) Primary: Determine healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to AI Chatbots. (2) Secondary: Assess healthcare professionals’ perspectives on using Chatbots as teaching tools and implementing them in the Competency-Based Medical Education curriculum. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to 132 health professionals, including faculty and CRMIs, through Google Forms. Data on artificial intelligence (AI)-related KAP and barriers were collected following IHEC approval. The KAP scores, along with the relationship between categorical variables – such as population type and the use of AI Chatbots – were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Results: The study revealed that participants had a moderate level of knowledge about AI Chatbots. Attitudes were mixed, with some skepticism about AI replacing human teachers but also recognition of its benefits. Most participants infrequently used AI Chatbots in their daily activities. Barriers to usage included lack of knowledge, limited access, time constraints, and curriculum gaps. Conclusion: This study underscored the need to enhance medical education with AI topics and address existing barriers. It is crucial to better prepare health professionals for AI integration to leverage AI’s potential for improving patient care and training.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oil and salt intake and related influencing factors in Southwestern China

ObjectsExcessive oil and salt consumption is a public health issue, notably in China where intakes surpass WHO guidelines. The present study aims to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Southwestern China residents regarding oil and salt and explore the influencing factors.MethodsThis study used convenience sampling to collect data from 7,367 participants aged 18–75 in the Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, and Guizhou regions of China via on-site face-to-face surveys. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models were used to analyses knowledge, attitudes, and practices about oil and salt intake and their influencing factors among residents of Southwestern China.ResultsIn Southwestern China, residents of Guizhou Province exhibited poor KAP regarding oil and salt. There were urban–rural differences in Yunnan, Sichuan, and Chongqing, and residents living in towns and cities were the favored factors for KAP scores. Groups engaged in self-employment/sales and freelance were risk factors for KAP score. Individuals with higher education was a favorable factor for KAP score. In Yunnan, Sichuan, and Chongqing groups with preference of salty tastes were favorable factors in KAP score. Diabetic patients were more likely to score low on oil and salt-related KAP performance.ConclusionIn Southwestern China, residents of Guizhou Province displayed poor results in their KAP regarding oil and salt. The region of the province, ethnicity, urban and rural residence, education, taste preference, and prevalence of chronic diseases were the influencing factors of oil and salt-related KAP scores.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients with hyperlipidemia towards stroke: a cross-sectional study

Objective With the rising incidence and mortality rates of stroke, understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients with hyperlipidemia towards stroke is crucial for improving their health management and preventing stroke. This study aimed to investigate the KAP of patients with hyperlipidemia towards stroke. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University between November 2, 2023, and December 31, 2023. Demographic information and KAP scores of the participants were collected via questionnaire administration. Results In this study, a total of 385 patients diagnosed with hyperlipidaemia were included. Among them, 211 (54.8%) were male, and 214 (55.6%) had been dealing with hyperlipidaemia for less than one year. Multivariate analyses showed that age greater than or equal to 55 years (OR = 4.016, 95% CI: [2.128,7.579], P < 0.001) and attitude score greater than or equal to 21 (OR = 5.673, 95% CI: [3.432,9.376], P < 0.001) were independently associated with proactive practice. Mediation analysis showed that knowledge directly affected the attitude (β = 0.637, P = 0.010) and attitude directly affected the practice (β = 0.721, P = 0.010). Meanwhile, the direct effect of knowledge on practice was not significant (β = -0.059, P = 0.438), however, knowledge was found to indirectly affected practice through attitude (β = 0.459, P = 0.010). Conclusion Our study reveals that patients with hyperlipidemia exhibit a concerning gap in their understanding of stroke, despite holding positive attitudes and displaying suboptimal preventive practices.

Education of the "SusCatinTing" application on changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of brides-to-be

The "SusCatinTing" application is a digital health intervention designed to enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of brides-to-be regarding stunting prevention during the critical first 1000 days of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this application in improving stunting prevention efforts among brides-to-be in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia. The application provides educational content on healthy pregnancy, maternal nutrition, and stunting prevention strategies, incorporating both text and audio explanations to ensure accessibility for illiterate and visually impaired users. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a single-group pretest-posttest approach involving 50 pairs of brides-to-be with internet-connected Android smartphones. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires administered by trained enumerators, focusing on KAP related to stunting prevention. The results indicated a significant improvement in KAP scores post-intervention (knowledge score increase: 42.59, p &lt; 0.001). The application’s unique features, including interactive quizzes and a certification process for marriage registration at the Office of Religious Affairs, contributed to its effectiveness. The study concludes that the "SusCatinTing" application is a promising tool for enhancing health education and promoting preventive behaviors among brides-to-be. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of such digital interventions on stunting rates and maternal-child health outcomes.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Acceptance of Health Science Information among WeChat Public Account Users: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of WeChat users towards health-related public accounts. The study included 567 participants who completed the questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation among the 3 dimensions. Multivariate analysis identified independent factors associated with KAP scores. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 6.12 ± 2.29 (61.2% of the total), 55.83 ± 7.33 (69.8% of the total), and 14.07 ± 3.72 (70.4% of the total), respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed between knowledge and practice (r = 0.392, P < 0.001) as well as between attitude and practice (r = 0.319, P < 0.001). Age [OR = 0.29 (0.09, 0.91), P = 0.034], marital status [OR = 2.11 (1.04, 4.29), P = 0.038], income [OR = 2.42 (1.23, 4.75), P = 0.010], and physical condition [OR = 0.45 (0.24, 0.85), P = 0.014] were independent factors associated with KAP scores. WeChat users in China had relatively adequate knowledge and positive attitudes towards health-related public accounts. The findings highlight the potential of WeChat in enhancing health information dissemination in China.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of inpatients with cardiovascular disease regarding obstructive sleep apnea

There is a significant interrelationship between cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as they share common risk factors and comorbidities. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of inpatients with cardiovascular disease towards OSA. This cross-sectional study was conducted between January, 2022 and January, 2023 at Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University among inpatients with cardiovascular disease using a self-administered questionnaire. A self-designed questionnaire was used to assess KAP, and the STOP-Bang questionnaire was applied to evaluate participants’ OSA risk. Spearman correlation and path analyses were conducted to explore relationships among KAP scores and high OSA risk. Subgroup analyses were conducted within the high-risk population identified by the STOP-Bang questionnaire. In a study analyzing 591 questionnaires, 66.33% were males. Mean scores were 6.81 ± 4.903 for knowledge, 26.84 ± 4.273 for attitude, and 14.46 ± 2.445 for practice. Path analysis revealed high risk of OSA positively impacting knowledge (β = 2.351, P < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.598, P < 0.001) towards OSA. Knowledge directly affected attitude (β = 0.544) and practice (β = 0.139), while attitude influenced practice (β = 0.266). Among high OSA risk individuals, knowledge directly impacted attitude (β = 0.645) and practice (β = 0.133). Knowledge indirectly influenced practice via attitude (β = 0.197). Additionally, attitude directly affected practice (β = 0.305). These findings provide insights into the interplay between OSA risk, knowledge, attitude, and practice. Inpatients with cardiovascular disease demonstrated inadequate knowledge, moderate attitude, and practice towards OSA. The findings highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions to improve awareness and management of OSA.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Rural Households in Bojnourd, Iran Regarding the Fleas

Background and Objectives: Fleas are obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites of humans and animals, and their importance in general human health is mostly related to their ability to transmit infectious pathogens. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of rural households in Bojnourd, North Khorasan Province of Iran, regarding the fleas. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted from May to November 2020. The study population consisted of rural household members from 11 villages in Bojnourd City. The data were collected using a researcher-made KAP questionnaire with acceptable validity and reliability. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS software, version 20 using t-test and ANOVA. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Of 408 participants, 209 (51.23%) were female and 199 (48.77%) were male. Most of them were in the age group of 21-30 years (37.01%), and less in the age group above 41 years (11.27%)., and were employed (n=109, 26.71%). A significant difference was observed in KAP score based on gender, age, educational level, and occupation (P&lt;0.05). The mean scores of knowledge, attitude and practice were 75.38%, 53.6% and 49.3%, respectively. Conclusion: The rural households in Bojnourd has a high knowledge of fleas, but their attitude and practice are low. Therefore, appropriate training programs are necessary to improve their attitude and practice

Salt-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices and their relationship with 24-hour urinary sodium and potassium excretions among a group of healthy residents in the UAE: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to measure urinary sodium and potassium as a measure of sodium and potassium intake concerning the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward sodium intake among a group of healthy residents in the UAE. A cross-sectional study on a sample of healthy adults in the UAE. In addition to the KAP questionnaire, sodium and potassium excretions, and food records were taken. The United Arab Emirates. A sample of 190 healthy individuals aged between 20-60 years. The mean (± SD) age of the sample was 38.6 (± 12.5) years and 50.5% were females. The mean urinary sodium and potassium intake were 2816.2± 675.7 mg /day and 2533.3± 615 mg/day, respectively. The means were significantly different compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of sodium and potassium, (p < 0.001). About 65% of the participants exceeded the WHO recommendations for salt intake, and participants' knowledge classification for health-related issues was fair while food-related knowledge was poor (P=0.001). A two-stage stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that KAP scores were negatively associated with urinary sodium excretion (r = -0.174; p = 0.017) and those older participants and females had lower urinary sodium excretion (p<0.001). These findings may suggest an increase in the risk of hypertension in the UAE population. Moreover, these findings emphasize the need to establish education and public awareness programs focusing on identifying the sodium contents of foods and establishing national regulations regarding food reformulation, particularly for staple foods such as bread.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Community Pharmacists towards Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting in Pokhara

Introduction: The pharmacovigilance activities were initiated since 2004 AD which promote Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) reporting in hospital-based set-up in Nepal. But the system lacks robust activities related to ADRs and its reporting on community-based pharmacy. The role of pharmacist is very essential in preventing harmful effects of medicine. Objective: The main objective of the research is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of community pharmacists towards ADR reporting and to correlates the KAP scores with the demographic distribution of the respondents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by using a self-administered structured questionnaire. During the study period 132 pharmacists working at community pharmacies in Pokhara were selected and they were interviewed. Results: Out of 132 pharmacies visited, with an overall response rate of 65.33%, only 87 pharmacists agreed to response. There were 56 males and 31 females. The pharmacists with post-graduation degree had a high KAP score (21.00) followed by PharmD (19.5), graduate pharmacists (19.35), and then assistant pharmacists (13.8). Conclusion: Majority of the pharmacist had relatively better attitude but good knowledge towards ADRs and pharmacovigilance. In spite of that the knowledge and attitude could not reflected on the practice of ADR reporting. The majority of respondents emphasize the reporting of ADR from ground level is essential, so that the outcome-based treatment can enhance the patient’s safety.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among osteoarthritis patients: a cross-sectional study

Background Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common drugs in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). NSAIDs are generally used at home by patients, without supervision, requiring proper knowledge and attitudes for correct practice. This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of patients with OA toward NSAIDs. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled patients with OA at the Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University between January and March 2024. The KAP scores and demographic information of respondents were collected through a self-designed questionnaire. Results There were 645 participants, with 579 (89.8%) over 45 years old and 394 (61.1%) females. The average scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 16.26 ± 3.79 (possible range: 0–24), 18.12 ± 1.99 (possible range: 5–35), and 29.20 ± 5.52 (possible range: 10–50), respectively. The structural equation model (SEM) found that for individuals currently using NSAIDs, the attitude had a direct effect on practice (β = 0.978, P < 0.001). For individuals not using NSAIDs, the attitude had a direct effect on practice (β = 0.936, P < 0.001). Conclusion This study suggested that adequate NSAID knowledge is the prerequisite for correct NSAID-related medical decisions, while attitude has a crucial intermediary effect. Healthcare professionals and society should strengthen education regarding the relevant knowledge of NSAIDs and guide the cultivation of positive attitudes toward NSAIDs.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Parents to Childhood Immunization: A Cross-Sectional Study in Gandaki Province of Nepal

Introduction: Childhood immunization is one of the most cost effective public health interventions to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases and improve child survival. In Nepal, the national immunization program aims to ensure that all children receive the recommended vaccines, yet challenges remain in achieving universal coverage. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of parents towards immunization play a critical role in vaccine uptake. This study was designed to assess their understanding, attitudes, and behaviors toward vaccinating their children. Methods: A prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted from April 22, 2023, to October 2023 GP Koirala National Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Hospital, Tanahun, Gandaki Nepal, involving 227 parents of children under 18 months. The participants were selected through purposive sampling from Pediatric OPD of this hospital. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data about their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding childhood immunization. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 with descriptive statistics, with results expressed as frequencies and percentages and Chi-square tests employed to identify associations between demographic variables and KAP levels. Results: The study revealed that 73.6% of parents had good knowledge about childhood immunization, recognizing the importance of vaccines and being aware of the vaccination schedule. However, only 64.3% of parents demonstrated a favorable attitude toward immunization, reflecting mixed perceptions about the necessity of vaccines and their safety. Additionally, 60.3% of parents exhibited good practices, indicating that while a majority ensured their children received vaccines, there were still gaps in adherence to the full immunization schedule. Demographic factor such as education level significantly influenced KAP scores. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for continuous efforts to enhance parental knowledge, improve attitudes, and reinforce good practices regarding childhood immunization in Nepal. Although the majority of parents showed a reasonable understanding of vaccines, the discrepancies in attitudes and practices suggest that targeted interventions, including education and outreach, are necessary to improve vaccination rates. Addressing these gaps is crucial to ensuring complete immunization coverage and safeguarding children from preventable diseases. Keywords: Childhood immunization, parental knowledge, vaccination practices, public health, vaccine uptake.