Knowledge Deficits Research Articles

Nurses' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Nutrition Management of Hospitalised Adults: A Mixed-Methods Study.

To examine nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding nutrition management in hospitalised adults and explore their views on it. A mixed-method approach combining cross-sectional and descriptive qualitative methods. 379 enrolled/registered nurses working in acute or intensive units of a tertiary hospital were recruited between 24th August 2023 and 3rd December 2023. Participants completed a questionnaire on their sociodemographic profile, knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding nutrition management. Data analysis was conducted using R software, reporting levels of KAP and its associations with sociodemographic factors. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for non-normally distributed knowledge and practice scores (reported as median and interquartile range). Two-sample t-tests and ANOVA were used for normally distributed attitude scores (reported as mean and standard deviation). 21 of the participants from the quantitative study were either purposively sampled or snowballed from the quantitative study to undergo semi-structured interviews (physically or virtually face-to-face), which were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. The mean scores on KAP were 61.6, 19.4 and 22.8, respectively. Knowledge varied significantly by educational level (p < 0.001), while attitudes also differed based on education (p = 0.001) and years of employment (p = 0.019). Practice scores showed differences based on subspeciality (p = 0.032), nursing rank (p < 0.001) and years of employment (p = 0.004). Findings identified barriers to effective nutrition management, including prioritisation issues, varying professional roles, limited autonomy and resource shortages. It also emphasises nurses' roles in nutrition management and strategies such as nurses' autonomy and family members involvement to improve nutrition management. Sociodemographic factors significantly influence nurses' KAP in nutrition management, revealing knowledge deficits, low prioritisation and time constraints. Tailored education and training, increased autonomy, resource expansion and greater family involvement can enhance nurses' KAP in nutrition management.

Pathophysiology and Potential Clinical Significance of Il-5: A Review Article

Interleukins belong to the group of cytokines that play a key role in immune system cell signaling. Among them, Interleukin-5 (IL-5) gains paramount significance in the regulation of eosinophils, which are thinly scattered in most allergic as well as inflammatory conditions, especially asthma. A biochemical characterization of IL-5 is a prerequisite for understanding the basic aspects of its function and finding a precise treatment. Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is a critical cytokine that primarily drives the development and differentiation of eosinophils and B cells, playing a key role in the allergic response and the pathogenesis of asthma. Therefore, the knowledge of its biochemical structure is a prerequisite for any plan to develop targeted therapies for eosinophilia-related diseases. The clinical relevance of interleukins resides in their regulatory capabilities of immune responses, with an ever-growing recognition in diverse pathologies such as allergic manifestations, autoimmune diseases, or neoplastic processes. Interleukins in clinical application should be the focus of research, specifically IL-5, synthesizing observable from the latest related studies and knowledge deficits that should entice future research in the same line. This paper, therefore, gives a review based on already existing research findings concerning the biochemical structure of IL-5.

Ward-Based Staff Perspectives on Their Preparedness to Recognize Patient Deterioration: An Interpretive Description Study.

Despite an overall decline in serious adverse events in hospitalized patients, approximately one third of inpatient mortality continues to relate to adverse events impacting patients on general wards. The preparedness of nurses, midwives, and nursing assistants (collectively referred to as ward-based staff) to recognize patient deterioration is therefore seen as critical. The aim of this study was to explore ward-based staff perspectives regarding their preparedness to recognize patient deterioration. An interpretive description approach was utilized to interview 16 participants from a single-center regional hospital. The participants included nurses, midwives, and nursing assistants who worked exclusively on wards. The participants were purposely selected to complete semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis, and the study followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Three main themes (with subthemes) were identified: (a) feeling prepared (experience, intuitive awareness, early warning systems), (b) promoting preparedness (multimodal education, debriefing, collegial support), and (c) being unprepared (undergraduate education, knowledge deficit, staffing related concerns, psychological response to incident, unforeseen barriers). The findings suggest strategies for increasing knowledge and confidence in all ward-based staff, allowing them to feel better prepared to recognize clinical deterioration. Moreover, based on the results, ward-based staff strongly perceive experience, clinical shortfalls in undergraduate education, collegial support networks, mentorship, psychological response to incidents, and multimodal education to be key contributors to preparedness.

Exploring MRI Safety Knowledge Among Physicians and Nurses in Saudi Arabia: Highlighting Knowledge Gaps and Key Influencing Factors.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely used diagnostic modality in healthcare settings, but it carries inherent safety risks. Understanding healthcare providers' knowledge of MRI safety is crucial for ensuring patient and staff safety. This study aimed to assess MRI safety knowledge among physicians and nurses and explore factors influencing this knowledge. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 nonimaging healthcare practitioners: physicians and nurses, from different healthcare sectors in Jeddah city. A structured questionnaire assessed their understanding of basic MRI concepts, projectile hazards and contrast media risks. Statistical analyses, including Student's t-test and ANOVA, were used to examine differences in knowledge scores. Participants showed limited or poor knowledge across all MRI safety domains, including basic concepts, projectile hazards and contrast media risks, with domain knowledge scores of 31.8%, 33.7% and 32.3%, respectively. Factors having an impact on knowledge of MRI safety were the type of healthcare sector, qualification, work experience, attending workshops and whether the education curriculum included MRI safety (p ≤ 0.05). The study highlighted substantial deficits in MRI safety knowledge among nonimaging healthcare practitioners: physicians and nurses. Addressing these gaps through targeted education and training programs is essential for improving patient and staff safety in MRI settings.

Enhancing Jamun cv. Goma Priyanka Growth and Stress Resilience through Foliar Humic Acid and Potassium Silicate Application

The present research focuses on an important knowledge deficit concerning the foliar reaction of Jamun cv. Goma Priyanka to the application of humic acid (HA) and potassium silicate (KS), emphasizing its growth and physiological functions. Humic acid promotes the production and equilibrium of phytohormones such as auxins and cytokinins, facilitating cell division, elongation, and differentiation, which in turn enhances plant development. The present investigation was carried out at the Fruit Instructional Farm of College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar, the study underscores the effectiveness of the T15 treatment, which combines potassium silicate and HA at elevated doses, in enhancing leaf relative humidity, chlorophyll content, stress tolerance, and overall plant vitality.

Reading Achievement of Chilean Second-Grade Students after Covid-19

Background: Low levels of reading comprehension have remained persistent in South America, as evidenced by third-grade results from the ERCE. A deeper understanding of the underlying reading subprocesses is essential to addressing reading comprehension lags in the region. Methods: We conducted a diagnostic study to assess the reading skills of a representative sample of Chilean second-grade students from a large metropolitan area. Results: for 60% of students reading comprehension was below the level expected by the end of first-grade. These results cannot be explained by language comprehension alone, since most of those students (63%) had above second grade listening comprehension skills. Instead, low reading comprehension levels seem to be more strongly associated with deficits in frequent word recognition and vocabulary knowledge. Specifically, 88% and 58% of these students, respectively, performed below end-of-first-grade levels. Conclusions: strengthening these specific reading subprocesses is crucial to prevent comprehension deficits as reading tasks become more complex.

Assessing neonatal nurses: transitioning preterm infants to oral feeding - a multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn Egypt, approximately 10% of preterm deliveries occur between 32 and fewer than 37 weeks, leading to high neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions. Preterm infants often face oral feeding difficulties due to immature development, which can lead to extended hospital stays and increased health risks.AimTo assess neonatal nurses’ performance in terms of the transition to oral feeding in preterm infants, focusing on knowledge, practices, and attitudes.MethodsA descriptive, quantitative, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted across 16 hospitals in five governorates in Egypt from November 2023 to March 2024 involving 553 neonatal nurses. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge and attitudes and through an observed checklist for nurses’ practices. The study used statistical methods, including binary logistic regression, to analyze the data.ResultsThe findings revealed significant knowledge gaps among nurses, particularly in terms of oro-motor function, suck-swallow-breathe patterns, and nonnutritive sucking. A total of 64.6% of the nurses had unsatisfactory knowledge, 58.6% had unsatisfactory practices, and 45% had a negative attitude toward the oral feeding transition. Key predictors of satisfactory practices included higher education levels, full-time employment, and positive attitudes.ConclusionThis study highlights critical gaps in neonatal nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding the transition to oral feeding in preterm infants. Addressing these gaps through targeted educational interventions and ongoing support is essential for improving care quality and outcomes for infants. The findings revealed that a substantial proportion of nurses lacked adequate knowledge of critical areas, such as oro-motor function, the suck-swallow-breathe pattern, and nonnutritive sucking. These knowledge deficits could hinder the ability of nurses to provide optimal care during this crucial transition.

Parental Acceptance of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Females Treated for Childhood Cancer and/or With Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Survivors of childhood cancer (CCS) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients are at increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated malignancies. Although HPV vaccination is recommended for these groups, parental acceptance remains uncertain. We recruited caregivers of female CCS/HSCT aged ≥9years from the Shanghai Children's Medical Center (SCMC) vaccination clinic. Caregivers of females who were at least 6months post treatment, off immunosuppressants, and disease-free were eligible. Caregivers completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, HPV knowledge, and their willingness to vaccinate their daughters. Of the 219 caregivers enrolled, 195 (89.0%) completed the survey. Among the children of caregivers who responded, 44.6% (87/195) had undergone HSCT. All respondent caregivers lacked awareness that the HPV vaccine was recommended for their daughters. Willingness to vaccinate was endorsed by 65.1% (127/195) of caregivers, and was significantly associated with a household income over ¥50,000 (p = 0.02), the mother's HPV vaccination status (p<0.001), and their daughter receiving any vaccination post therapy (p = 0.02). The most common reasons for vaccine refusal included concerns about its impact on the child's primary disease (64.7%, 44/68), vaccine safety (58.8%, 40/68), and the belief that their child was too young for HPV vaccination (50.0%, 34/68). Only 15 of the 127 (11.8%) caregivers who initially expressed willingness to vaccinate their children had actually initiated vaccination. A substantial minority of Chinese caregivers of female CCS/HSCT are hesitant to vaccinate their daughters against HPV. Addressing caregivers' knowledge deficits and misperceptions about vaccine safety and barriers to accessing HPV vaccination is important to improve uptake.

When It Really Counts: The Art of Matching Nurse Staffing to Nurse Workload.

The NWA was evaluated using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The American Nurses Association's Principles for Nurse Staffing provided a conceptual framework with 5 core principles: healthcare consumer, interprofessional teams, workplace culture, practice environment, and evaluation. Units met average staffing needs based on NWA 96% to 99% of the evaluation period. Statistical control charts revealed the shift-to-shift range of nurse staffing deficit to overage to be -2.0 to 2.2. Thematic analysis of charge nurse interviews revealed expertise in daily staffing decisions and knowledge deficits surrounding comprehensive nursing resource planning. The tool provides valuable objective information that assists in both daily and annual nursing resource planning. A comprehensive evaluation of nursing resources should move beyond averages to include statistical control information to examine the nuances introduced by shift-to-shift staffing variances.

Patient Perceptions of Pessaries for Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

A vaginal pessary is a highly effective treatment for patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Patient views of pessaries and how their beliefs affect whether they choose pessary treatment is unknown. Our objective of this study was to describe the knowledge, understanding, and patient concerns regarding pessary use for POP management. We performed a qualitative study of women presenting with POP who were counseled about pessary use at their initial urogynecology visit. Participants completed interviews, which were recorded, de-identified, and transcribed. Transcriptions were coded for major themes by 2 independent researchers. Twenty patients with an average age of 63 ± 8.5 years participated. Most identified as sexually active (60%) and the majority had a high school education or less (80%). Thematic saturation was reached with themes of "Failure", "Convenience," "Self-Image," "Sexual Relations," "Cleanliness/Hygiene," "Physical Barriers," "Knowledge Deficits," and "Discomfort." Many patients not only viewed a pessary as a less invasive alternative to surgery but also considered it a temporary treatment. Many patients disliked the idea of having a "foreign body" in place and felt it may affect their hygiene. Although most patients believed it would alleviate their POP symptoms, many had concerns about sexual intercourse, discomfort, and fear that it may fall out. Most participants who were not sexually active thought a pessary would increase their sexual confidence. Patient opinions about pessaries are often negative with preconceived notions surrounding utilization. Focused counseling addressing concerns and fears may improve a patient's comfort with a pessary as their choice of treatment modality.

Adverse Events Involving Telehealth in the Veterans Health Administration.

Telehealth involves providing health care remotely using communication tools such as telephone, video, and remote patient monitoring. Research on telehealth has shown many benefits, including improved access to care and reduced costs, and drawbacks, including delays in care, breakdowns in communication, and missed diagnoses. The use of telehealth nationally, including in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), expanded dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its increased use, few studies have described adverse events or the role of patient safety in the provision of telehealth. The authors looked at all reports of adverse events and close calls in the VHA involving the use of telehealth between October 1, 2022, and February 2, 2023, and coded each case for the location of the event, type of event, and causes. A total of 145 reports met criteria for review. Most events occurred in primary care, outpatient behavioral health, and radiology, with delays in care, medication errors, and equipment problems being common types. Most reported events did not cause harm; 45 cases were identified as an unsafe condition, 37 as a close call, and 15 as causing some harm to the patient. There were 3,609,105 telehealth episodes of care during this time, resulting in a reporting rate of 4.02 per 100,000 episodes of care and 0.42 reports of harm per 100,000 episodes of care. The most frequent telehealth-related events were delays in care, medication errors, and equipment issues, and most events were not unique to this modality. Further research is needed to characterize safety events unique to telehealth to better define parameters for patient safety activities. Recommendations to reduce errors include ongoing provider training, human factors analysis of telehealth processes, simplifying processes and procedures for providers and patients to get help for technical or knowledge deficits in real time, and examining the business rules for telehealth care.

Multifaceted approach to reduce duplicate therapy errors in the emergency department

Medication errors continue to pose a significant risk to patient safety, accounting for half of the avoidable harm in healthcare systems around the world. In emergency departments (EDs), factors such...

Perceptions, beliefs, and anticipations regarding living wills among Master’s degree nursing students in China: an exploratory qualitative study

BackgroundSteeped in cultural heritage, the Chinese traditionally equate death with misfortune. This deeply rooted belief has led to a low rate of living will signings and poses challenges for implementing death education. Master’s degree nursing students are instrumental in facilitating and promoting the adoption of living wills, leveraging their specialized knowledge in providing compassionate care. Despite existing research on living wills, there is a scarcity of qualitative studies that consolidate the perceptions, beliefs, and anticipations of Master’s degree nursing students regarding living wills.AimTo scrutinize the perceptions, beliefs, and anticipations regarding living wills among Master’s degree nursing students in China.MethodThis study followed Colizzi’s phenomenological research method. An exploratory qualitative descriptive approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Thirteen participants participated in focus group interviews. The research question was: “What is your perception on living wills?”.ResultsThree main themes and eight subthemes were identified: Perceptions of living will (high attention, knowledge deficit, and lack of education), beliefs of living wills (high acceptance and positive clinical significance), and anticipations of the living will (high expectations of improved knowledge, factors influencing promotion, and suggestions for improvement).ConclusionThe facilitation and progression of living wills is an intricate and drawn-out process, encountering obstacles at various stages. These insights are significant for policymakers and healthcare systems, emphasizing the necessity to cultivate a supportive environment for the establishment of living wills. As indispensable contributors to the clinical operations team, Master’s degree nursing students are required to possess relevant perceptions and to foster a constructive belief system.

Factors Associated with Information Needs and Information-Seeking Intention Among People with Cancer Experience in Hong Kong.

Information is crucial for person-centered cancer care. This study investigated sociodemographic, psychological, and communicative factors associated with perceived information needs and the intention to continue seeking information among individuals with cancer experience in Hong Kong. Data were drawn from the INSIGHTS-Hong Kong (International Studies to Investigate Global Health Information Trends) survey, which included 510 respondents with personal cancer experience or as family members and close friends of those diagnosed with cancer. The findings revealed that 62% of participants perceived knowledge deficits and needed more cancer information, yet only 43% intended to seek additional information. Greater cancer worry, extensive effort in previous information searches, and concerns about information quality were significantly associated with heightened information needs. These results highlight key areas for prioritization in educational and supportive care initiatives to address unmet support needs. Additionally, the intention to seek further information was associated with perceived information needs, cancer severity, subjective norms, and concerns about information usefulness. These findings suggest strategies to enhance supportive care services by addressing unmet information needs through expanding access to credible and clear information, enhancing credibility assessment skills, emphasizing cancer risks, and leveraging support networks for individuals affected by cancer. This study lays the groundwork for future research on cancer information engagement in Hong Kong and other settings.

Hype in the Communication of Science and Society

The article considers hype in modern science, reveals its sources and its impact on knowledge production. Undermining trust, hype can have a negative impact on the social perception of science, on the choice of research priorities, which leads to uneven funding, on the assessment of risks and benefits of new technologies by non-specialists. At the same time, hype initiates the society inclusion in the discussion of the alternative visions of innovation development, helps to mobilize the scientific community and the necessary resources to solve promising issues of technoscience. Particular attention is paid to biomedical science, with which there are many expectations both in the field of disease treatment and improvement of the quality of life and its duration. The author's approach to this problem, based on the recognition of hype as an integral part of modern science, focuses on the ways to prevent its negative effects. Such efforts can be directed both at scientists, especially young ones, mass media and PR-departments of the academic institutions, and at work with the society. The latter implies taking into account the already accumulated experience of the non-specialists involved in scientific discussions within the framework of various initiatives to popularize science, to overcome the «knowledge deficit» of non-specialists and the «science and society» dialogue.

Continued engagement intention with social media influencers: the role of experience

PurposeThe emergence of social media platforms has revolutionized how brands develop partnerships with social media influencers (SMIs). However, users are seeking more meaningful engagement with SMIs, and little is known about how brands can shift their focus from transient engagements to continued engagement that builds long-term brand–consumer relationships. Extant research has provided inconsistent findings regarding consumer engagement behavior. To address this knowledge deficit, we contribute to the consumer engagement literature by developing and testing a conceptual model that explores and explains the relationships between the factors that influence continued engagement intention (CEI), a form of behavioral intention.Design/methodology/approachA literature review was conducted to identify gaps and develop a theoretically informed conceptual model and hypotheses. Survey data from 604 Instagram SMI followers were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 3.3.3 to assess the structural model relationships and conduct post hoc analysis.FindingsThe findings suggest that it is important to positively influence consumer responses to elicit CEI. Furthermore, homophily attitudes toward SMIs moderate the relationship between SMI experience and CEI.Practical implicationsBrands must work with SMIs to create positive SMI experiences and develop CEI. Furthermore, SMIs should focus on brands that fit their lifestyles to enhance homophily attitudes and forge CEI.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by combining social exchange and flow theories to develop and test a holistic framework for examining CEIs regarding SMIs and brands. The findings show that creating positive SMI experiences benefits brands seeking CEI.

The Model “SMART”- an Innovation for Achieving Future Success in TVET Students: An Empirical study

The “SMART” school innovation project represents a significant advancement in addressing the challenges faced by students in technical vocational education and training (TVET) programs, particularly concerning their mathematical proficiency. Recent analyses of state matriculation exam results have highlighted a troubling decline in mathematics achievement among students, which poses a substantial barrier to their academic and professional success in TVET learning classes. In response to this issue, the SMART project has been designed to enhance students’ academic performance while cultivating a more inclusive and engaging learning environment. At the core of the SMART project is a differentiated instruction approach to those groups’ students according to their mathematical abilities. This method allows educators to tailor their teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring that both advanced learners and those struggling with foundational concepts receive appropriate support. By creating specific groups- advanced, intermediate, and those with significant gaps—and regrouping students from different professions into new classes, the project enables targeted interventions that address individual learning needs. This approach allows for simultaneous instruction in mathematics across all new mixed-profession classes, enabling personalized support due to the equal curriculum and equal allocation of hours. This structured grouping not only helps in identifying and addressing knowledge deficits but also promotes a collaborative learning atmosphere where students can thrive. The project emphasizes the importance of regular progress monitoring, with systematic evaluations conducted every two months. This ongoing assessment enables educators to make timely adjustments to teaching strategies and group placements, ensuring that students are continuously challenged and supported. Furthermore, the project incorporates innovative and interactive teaching methods designed to engage students actively in the learning process, moving away from traditional, monotonous approaches. By establishing a comprehensive framework for educational improvement, the project not only seeks to elevate students’ proficiency in mathematics but also aims to create a holistic approach to learning that prioritizes the diverse needs of all learners. The SMART project is poised to make a lasting impact on the educational landscape, equipping students with the necessary skills and confidence to excel in their future studies and professional endeavors. By addressing the root causes of low mathematics achievement and fostering a supportive learning environment, the project aims to prepare students for the challenges they will face in both their academic and career paths.

Beyond the scoreboard: Coaches' UV-related skin cancer knowledge in outdoor sports.

The global rise in UV radiation is widely recognized as one of the most relevant health impacts of climate change. Consequently, the prevalence of skin cancer is experiencing a significant increase, with outdoor athletes being identified as a particularly vulnerable population group. This study aims to investigate the extent of UV-specific skin cancer knowledge among coaches in outdoor sports and to examine potential variations in this knowledge between different sports, coach- and club-specific factors. This nationwide representative study was conducted among outdoor sports coaches from the 10 largest outdoor sports associations in Germany. Their knowledge of the risks associated with UV radiation and prevention measures were evaluated using the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale (SCSK Scale). Out of 1200 participating trainers, the UV-specific skin cancer knowledge score averaged 17.76 (±2.98) on a scale ranging from 0 to 25. The true-false statements 'A tan is a sign that the skin is damaged' (true) and 'When using sunscreen, you can tan without any negative effects' (false) were most frequently answered incorrectly. Only 16% of participants correctly identified basal cell carcinoma as the most prevalent form of skin cancer. Differences in UV-specific skin cancer knowledge were evident across different sports, with football and tennis coaches showing the major knowledge deficits. Conversely, trainers in skiing, swimming and mountain sports demonstrated the highest levels of knowledge. Significant deficiencies in knowledge were particularly notable among male trainers, as well as those from the youngest and the oldest age group, with limited training experience and who primarily worked with children and adolescents in small clubs on a regular basis. Serious knowledge deficiencies are evident among German outdoor sports coaches. The study results emphasize the necessity for enhanced coach education and the implementation of evaluated concepts for climate adaptation in sports.

Assessment of Knowledge, Practices, and Attitudes Toward Prostate Cancer and Its Screening Among Men Aged 40 Years and Older in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men globally and the fifth greatest cause of cancer-related mortality. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), prostate cancer has been on the rise due to population aging. However, knowledge deficits and screening barriers do exist because of cultural, social, and psychological factors. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of prostate cancer and its screening among men aged 40 years and above in the UAE. A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 5and October 31, 2024,using a self-administered online questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. Data collected from the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). A total of 471 responses were analyzed. The median age of participants was 51 ± 12. Most of the respondents were non-healthcare workers with at least a bachelor's degree. Most of the participants were moderately aware of prostate cancer risk factors and symptoms. However, there was a severe lack of awareness of genetic predisposition and racial risk factors. While 80.3% of participants were aware of the role of prostate-specific antigen test in prostate screening, 62.8% recognize the role of a digital rectal examination. The most important barriers to screening were lack of perceived risk, time constraint, and fear of diagnosis. Significant knowledge gaps and barriers to prostate screening exist. Health education initiatives targeting cultural stigma with the use of culturally appropriate and accurate information through credible online platforms are necessary.

Gaps in Heat-Related Knowledge, Practices and Adaptation Strategies Among Coaches in German Outdoor Sports.

Climate change is increasing the risk of heat-related illness in outdoor sports. Coaches have a responsibility to protect the athletes in their care. In this study, the knowledge and practice of German coaches in heat prevention were evaluated nationwide. Coaches (n = 1,200) from the ten largest outdoor sports in Germany were asked about their knowledge using the knowledge of heat-related illness symptoms index (KOSI, range [0-14]). Prevention measures currently implemented by coaches were analyzed in terms of relative compliance with specified recommendations (heat prevention score (HPS), range [0-100]). The KOSI averaged 10.31 ± 1.81 and pointed to clear knowledge deficits: the lowest score values were shown by coaches in skiing (9.85 ± 1.80), soccer (10.07 ± 2.33) and golf (10.09 ± 1.75; pANOVA = 0.015). Heat protection in training was also deficient: The HPS showed a mean value of 62.41 ± 14.89. The greatest deficits existed in tennis (57.71 ± 14.29), mountain sports (58.17 ± 13.08) and soccer (58.70 ± 13.86; pANOVA < 0.001). No correlation between theoretical knowledge and practical prevention was found. In Germany, coaches are insufficiently prepared for the health hazards of heat. Promoting onsite educational programs seems essential to ensure safer sports environments.