Knowledge Subscale Research Articles

Characteristics of knowledge and stigma of autism spectrum disorder among university students in Jordan: a nationwide cross-sectional study

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and repetitive behaviors. It often coexists with other mental health conditions like depression. Despite growing awareness, stigma and limited understanding persist, particularly in Jordan, influencing medical help-seeking behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and stigma among medical and non-medical students towards ASD.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted between June and July 2024, examined knowledge and stigma toward ASD among undergraduate students in Jordan. Using a convenience sample, data were collected via self-administered surveys on social media and at universities. The Autism Sigma and Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q) assessed participants’ knowledge and stigma. Statistical analysis included Chi-square and multiple linear regression.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 1200 students, with a mean age of 21.11 ± 1.73 years, and 725 (60.4%) female respondents. Good economic status was reported by 945 (78.8%) participants, and 886 (73.8%) lived in urban areas. Medical students made up 811 (67.6%) of the sample, and 328 (27.3%) had prior knowledge of autism. The mean knowledge score was 44.50 ± 13.70, with significant associations found between knowledge subscales (diagnosis, etiology, treatment) and factors like gender, marital status, major, and prior knowledge. Urban residence, medical studies, and prior knowledge were positive predictors of higher knowledge scores. Stigma was reported by 18.3% of students, influenced by location, major, and prior autism knowledge.ConclusionThis study reveals knowledge gaps about ASD among Jordanian students, where medical students were a positive factor for having stigma, underscoring empathy-based education’s importance.

Validation of Psychometric Properties of Partners in Health Scale for Heart Failure.

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a complex chronic disease, and it is associated with a second comorbid condition in more than half of cases. Self-management programs can be specific to CHF or generic for chronic diseases. Several tools have been validated for CHF. Presently, there are no established generic instruments that are validated for measuring self-management in CHF. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the internal reliability and construct validity (psychometric properties) of the Partners in Health (PIH) scale for patients with congestive heart failure, a generic chronic disease self-management tool. Methods: The study included 210 adult CHF patients [120 with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HfrEF), 90 with preserved ejection fraction (HfpEF)], from Community Cardiology Outpatients in West Melbourne, Australia, who were treated in community cardiology and were included between May 2022 and Jan 2024. The screened patient population were diagnosed with CHF and were eligible for an SGLT-2 inhibitor. Cohort analysis used the Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the a priori four-factor structure. Omega coefficients and 95% credible intervals (CI) were used to assess internal reliability. Results: In the CHF (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) cohorts, participants' mean [standard deviation (SD)] age was 66.8 (13.5) and 71.3 (9.76) years. Description of study sociodemographics highlighted that 88% and 52% of patients were male, there was a BMI > 50% in both cohorts, eGFR > 60 mL/min were 59% and 74%, and LVEF < 40% and > 50% were 99% and 100%, respectively. Model fit for the hypothesised model was adequate (posterior predictive p = 0.073) and all hypothesised factor loadings were substantial (>0.6) and significant (p < 0.001). Omega coefficients (95% CI) for the PIH subscales of Knowledge, Partnership, Management and Coping were 0.84 (0.79-0.88), 0.79 (0.73-0.84), 0.89 (0.85-0.91) and 0.84 (0.79-0.88), respectively. Conclusion: This study is original in confirming the dimensionality, known-group validity, and reliability of the PIH scale for measuring generic self-management in outpatients with CHF syndrome.

Diabetes knowledge, attitudes and practices among Chinese primary care physicians: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a public health crisis that requires adequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) by health care providers to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. This study aimed to assess the KAP regarding T2DM among primary care providers (PCPs) in Central China.MethodsThis multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 971 PCPs using self-employed KAP questionnaires. Questionnaires were designed to evaluate KAP regarding T2DM among PCPs, and was measured with SPSS software. Descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression models used to analyze the data.70%, 80% and 70% of total values were considered as the cut-off point for defining good knowledge, positive attitude and correct practice.ResultsA total of 971 PCPs with a mean age of 44.0 ± 10.2 years were evaluated. 620 (63.9%) PCPs worked at village clinic and 605 (62.3%) PCPs have been working more than 20 years. Only 26.3% of the respondents participated in Continued Medical Education (CME) programs regarding diabetes in the past year due to Covid-19 pandemic. Overall, despite positive attitudes toward diabetes, there were substantial gaps in knowledge and practices. The PCPs scored 7.25 out of 14 points on the knowledge subscales, 7.13 out of 8 on the attitude subscales, and 4.85 out of 11 on the practice subscales. Gender, age, practice setting, professional titles, duration of practice and CME attendance were significant predictors of knowledge; Age, practice setting and duration of practice were significant predictors of attitudes; and family history of diabetes affected PCP practices.ConclusionsDespite positive attitudes toward diabetes, there were substantial gaps in knowledge and practices. These findings call for action from relevant health authorities and policy makers to improve PCPs’ KAP regarding diabetes in Central China.

Staff-Perceived Barriers to Patient Mobilization Vary by Hospital, Discipline, and Experience: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Survey

ObjectiveTo describe staff-perceived barriers to progressive patient mobilization. DesignCross-sectional staff survey. SettingTen internal medicine wards in 4 hospitals in a large health service. ParticipantsNursing, medical, and allied health staff (n=208). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresPatient Mobilization Attitudes and Beliefs Survey. An overall barriers score and subscale scores for knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were calculated and compared between hospitals, discipline, and years of clinical experience. ResultsThe survey was completed by 208 participants (123 nurses, 27 medical, 58 allied health), of whom 104 (50%) had <5 years of experience. The greatest perceived barriers included nursing workload, medical orders not being in place, and patient and family resistance to mobilization. Overall barrier scores differed between hospitals, discipline (mean nursing score ± SD 50±7; mean medical score ± SD, 51±7; mean allied health score ± SD, 43±7), and years of clinical experience (<5y mean score ± SD, 50±7; 5-9y mean score ± SD, 47±7; ≥10y mean score ± SD, 46±8); significant differences by hospital and discipline persisted in multivariate analysis. The behavior subscale had the highest barriers score and knowledge the lowest across all subgroups. ConclusionsStaff-perceived nursing workload, lack of medical orders, and patient and family resistance to be the greatest barriers to patient mobilization. Barrier scores differed between disciplines, experience levels, and across hospitals within a single health service. Lower scores on the knowledge subscale highlight the need for multicomponent strategies beyond education that address culture and systems; education may particularly benefit medical staff.

Development and validation of the Women’s Self-care Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire (WSKAQ)

BackgroundMenopausal women should learn self-care practices to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, positive health behaviors, and health status. In addition, the lack of self-care knowledge can lead to unhealthy attitudes and lifestyles, resulting in many complications. Improved self-care knowledge can foster positive attitudes, leading to healthier lifestyles as a beneficial cycle. However, menopausal women have limited knowledge about self-care and evaluation tools. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and investigate the validity and reliability of the Women’s Self-care Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire (WSKAQ) in Iranian menopausal women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 249 menopausal women, aged between 45 and 65 years and at least one year post-menopause, with a minimum literacy level of elementary education. Validation properties included construct validity, exploratory (EFA), and discriminant validity. Reliability was further established through Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s Omega. PASS 15 and SPSS 27 software were used to select centers, calculate sample size and analyze the data, respectively.ResultsThe initial stage of construct validity involved the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and EFA, resulting in a 6-item self-care knowledge subscale, 47.29% of the total data variance, and 7-item self-care attitude subscale, 55.50% of the total data variance. Independent t-test indicated that menopausal women with education level equal to or higher than diploma have significantly higher self-care attitude scores than those with lower than diploma (p = 0.007). Additionally, significant correlations were observed between self-care knowledge and attitude (r:0.30). Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s Omega coefficients of the 13-item WSKAQ were 0.77 and 0.78, respectively.ConclusionsBased on the results, the WSKAQ, consisting of 13 items, was validated and reliable for assessing the self-care knowledge and attitude of Iranian menopausal women.

Social Intelligence and Counselling Competencies of Prospective Counsellors in Public Universities in Nigeria

This study investigated the social intelligence and counselling competencies of prospective counsellors and the difference in sexes in Public Universities in Edo and the Delta States of Nigeria. To achieve the objectives, three research questions were raised and one corresponding hypothesis was formulated and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. A survey research design adopting the correlational approach was employed in the study. The population of the study comprised all master's students in public universities in Edo and Delta States in the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 sessions who had completed practicum counselling courses. A sample of 89 prospective counsellors was used for the study. The researcher used two types of instruments to collect data, practicum scores were one of the data for this study. The instruments used are the Tromso Social Intelligence Scale (TSIS), and the Counsellors Competency Scale (CCS). The instruments were validated by the researcher’s supervisors and one test expert in the Department of Educational Evaluation and Counselling Psychology. The reliabilities of the instruments were established, using the Cronbach alpha statistics. A reliability coefficient of 0.84 was obtained for the Social Intelligence scale. Coefficients of 0.81, 0.90, and 0.80 were obtained for knowledge, skills and behavioural sub-scales for the Counsellor Competency Questionnaire. Data analyses were carried out and the hypothesis was tested using Fisher’s-Z test statistics. The study's findings revealed no significant difference in the relationship between social intelligence and counselling competencies of prospective counsellors by sex in public universities in Edo and Delta States.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender clinical competence of physiotherapy students in Israel

BackgroundClinical competence encompasses attitudes, skills, and knowledge regarding diverse client groups. Appropriate clinical competence requires an understanding of the cultural context in which healthcare is delivered. In conservative countries such as Israel, there is a noticeable scarcity of information regarding the clinical competency of physiotherapy students (PTSs) in effectively treating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. The objective of this study was to assess the level of LGBT clinical competence among PTSs in Israel.MethodsConducted through an anonymous online self-report survey, this study gathered personal and academic background information and self-reported data on previous LGBT education during undergraduate studies of PTSs. It utilized the Hebrew version of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were computed for all outcome measures. The internal reliability of the LGBT-DOCSS was assessed. Total scores of the LGBT-DOCSS, along with scores in each of the three subscales (clinical preparedness, knowledge, and attitudes), were compared across different levels of religiosity and gender.ResultsThe sample comprised of 251 PTSs, with an average age of 25.57 ± 3.07 years (34.7% men, 65.3% women). All students reported a lack of LGBT community-related courses during their undergraduate studies. The translated Hebrew version demonstrated good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.65 to 0.83. The LGBT-DOCSS total score was 4.55 ± 0.61 out of 7, indicating a low level of clinical competency. The highest mean score was in the attitudes subscale (6.55 ± 0.87), which was significantly higher than the scores for the knowledge subscale (3.14 ± 1.46) and clinical preparedness subscale (3.36 ± 0.86). Religiousness was significantly associated with clinical preparedness and attitudes. Men exhibited higher self-reported levels of knowledge and clinical preparedness, albeit with more negative attitudes compare to women. Sexual orientation was significantly associated with clinical competency, with PTSs who identified as heterosexual demonstrating a lower level of clinical competency compared to participants who identified as non-heterosexual.ConclusionsIn Israel, PTSs demonstrated a low level of clinical competency in terms of self-reported knowledge and self-reported clinical preparedness but contrasting positive attitudes toward the LGBT community. Religiousness, gender and sexual orientation had a significant influence on competency levels.These preliminary findings highlight the urgent necessity to enhance the knowledge of PTSs regarding the LGBT community to improve their clinical competence.Trial registration NRNot applicable.

Higher orthorexia tendency among female fashion models: an empirical international study

PurposeFemale fashion models are more at risk for developing eating disorders than non-models due to the intense occupational pressure they face. The present study focuses on assessing whether female models are more prone to report orthorexia nervosa signs and symptoms than non-models.MethodsFemale fashion models (n = 179, mean age: 25.9 SD = 4.40 years) and an age adjusted control group (n = 261, mean age: 25.0 SD = 4.97 years) were selected by snowball sampling. Participants filled out an online survey containing anthropometric questions and the 18-item Eating Habits Questionnaire.ResultsAccording to BMI, fashion models were underweight (mean BMI = 18.1 SD = 1.68) while control participants’ BMI was in the normal range (mean = 22.1 SD = 4.23, p < 0.001). On all three of Eating Habits Questionnaire subscales fashion models showed significantly higher average value (Knowledge subscale: M = 2.42 among models versus M = 2.08 in the control group, p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.52; Problems subscale: M = 1.93 among models versus M = 2.61 in the control group, p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.49; Feelings subscale: M = 3.20 among models versus M = 2.96 in the control group, p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.38). Orthorexic tendencies were reported by 35.1% of the models versus 20.2% of controls.ConclusionFashion models are at risk for the development of eating disorders. Even though not yet included in the DSM-5, the assessment of orthorexia nervosa among fashion models seems to be important. It is suggested to take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of disordered eating habits among models as they can lead to the development of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.Level of evidenceLevel III, well-designed cohort study.

Exploring research engagement among nurses in a Magnet®-recognized cancer center: An analysis of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and influencing factors

ObjectiveDespite the significance of research in nursing practice and its role in enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients, nurses report limited opportunities to engage with research. Known barriers include limited organizational support, a lack of time, resources, and knowledgeable colleagues/mentors. The study aims to determine research knowledge, attitudes, and practices among cancer nurses and understand factors influencing nurses’ involvement in research. MethodsRegistered nurses responded to a cross-sectional questionnaire. Data were collected using a modified version of the Nursing Research Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices survey and the Barriers to Nurses’ Participation in Research Questionnaire. ResultsThree hundred and sixty-six nurses responded, of whom 15% had previously been involved in research. Nurses reported moderate to high research knowledge (μ= 1.72), attitudes (μ= 1.92), and practice (μ= 1.79) scores. The most common barriers to engagement with research included a lack of time (78.0%), lack of incentive or reward (61.4%), lack of knowledge or skills (54.2%), lack of training opportunities (51.4%), and lack of experienced nursing research mentors (44.8%). Holding a specialist, advanced practice, or administrative role, and a postgraduate qualification were associated with higher scores on the knowledge, attitudes and practice subscales. Previous experience of conducting research was associated with higher knowledge and attitudes scores. Previous experience of authoring a paper and submitting a grant were associated with higher knowledge scores. ConclusionsThe study reveals a moderate–to-high level of knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding research among nurses, but low engagement. Barriers include lack of time, incentive, knowledge, training, and mentorship. Nevertheless, attitude scores, reflecting nurses’ willingness to engage in research were high on average. The findings highlight the potentially modifiable nature of barriers to research engagement. Increasing capacity for nursing research may be achieved through investment in research support and training to overcome barriers to research, which may discourage nurses engagement.

Nurses’ Perception on Evidence Based Practice in Tertiary Hospital of Nepal: A Quantitative Cross-sectional Study

Background: The evidence-based practice movement has spread globally, prompting calls for evidence-based policymaking and public health. Health care being the dynamic discipline with research, is, intended to improve practice through evidence-based novel approaches. As evidence based practice (EBP) among nurses is essential for improving the quality of care, fewer pieces of evidence are available in Nepal. This study aimed to assess the perception of evidence-based practice among nurses of a tertiary hospital in Nepal. Methods: We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study among the 100 nurses of Bir Hospital in Kathmandu. The self-administered questionnaires were applied using the survey instrument by Upton and Upton. A purposive sampling technique was employed. We calculated the mean score to assess the nurses’ perceptions in the three sub-scales of knowledge, attitude, and use of evidence-based practice. Bivariate analysis was performed to examine the relationship between subscales. Results: The majority (89.0%) of nurses did not receive training on evidence-based practices. The mean score of knowledge on EBP was 4.47±1.11, the mean score of attitude on EBP was 4.45±1.06, and the mean score of EBP use was 4.18±1.42. EBP knowledge, attitude, and use were not significantly associated with the selected demographic variables (age, work experience, EBP training and marital status). Conclusion: Nurses’ perceptions of evidence-based practice were moderate. The implementation of EBP use needs to be strengthened among the nurses. Nurses need to be more involved in the implementation of EBP. To incorporate evidence in practice, nurses require training and support from high authorities.

Technical Adequacy of the Data-Based Instruction Knowledge and Skills Assessment in Writing

Technical Adequacy of the Data-Based Instruction Knowledge and Skills Assessment in Writing

Counselor Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Competency: Christian and Non-Religious Addiction Counseling Programs

This study compared levels of professional competency working with self-identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients among graduates and field experience students of Christian and nonreligious-affiliated CACREP-accredited addiction counseling programs. Applicants completed an instrument to measure the dependent variables of awareness, knowledge, and skills to work with LGB clients. The sample consisted of 84 master’s students in field experience and unlicensed counselors within 2 years of graduation. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to test the hypotheses. Participants from nonreligious-affiliated addiction counseling programs scored higher on the awareness (&lt;em&gt;M&lt;/em&gt; = 68.82, &lt;em&gt;M&lt;/em&gt; = 63.03), knowledge (&lt;em&gt;M&lt;/em&gt; = 50.22, &lt;em&gt;M&lt;/em&gt; = 35.88), and skills (&lt;em&gt;M&lt;/em&gt; = 43.20, &lt;em&gt;M&lt;/em&gt; = 37.91) subscales than participants from Christian-affiliated programs. These differences were found to be statistically significant at &lt;em&gt;p&lt;/em&gt; &lt; .000.

A novel online training program for sexual and gender minority health increases allyship in cisgender, heterosexual paramedics.

Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) make up 4% of the Canadian population. Due to existing barriers to care in the community, SGM patients may seek more help and be sicker at presentation to hospital. Paramedics occupy a unique role and can remove or decrease these barriers. There are no existing evaluations of training programs in SGM health for prehospital providers. A training program to develop better allyship in paramedics toward SGM populations was developed and assessed. A 70- to 90-min mandatory, asynchronous, online training module in SGM health in the prehospital environment was developed and delivered via the emergency medical service (EMS) system's learning management system. A before-and-after study of cisgender, heterosexual, frontline paramedics was performed to measure the impact of the training module on the care of SGM patients. The validated Ally Identity Measure (AIM) tool was used to identify success of training and includes subscales of knowledge and skills, openness and support, and oppression awareness. Demographics and satisfaction scores were collected in the posttraining survey. Matched and unmatched pairs of surveys and demographic associations were analyzed using nonparametric statistics. Of 609 paramedics, 571 completed the training, and 239 surveys were completed before and 105 (n = 344) surveys after the training; 60 surveys were paired. Overall AIM scores of matched pairs (n = 60) improved by 12% (p < 0.001), with knowledge and skills accounting for most of the increase (21%, p < 0.001). Unmatched pairs (n = 344) were similar in demographics and scores. Rural paramedics also had significantly lower pretraining oppression awareness scores and had lower posttraining AIM scores compared to suburban paramedics (6% difference). Satisfaction scores rated the training as relevant and applicable (87% and 82%, respectively). A novel prehospital training program in the care of SGM patients resulted in a statistically significant increase in allyship in cisgender, heterosexual-identified frontline paramedics.

The Fear of SARS-CoV-2 Infection versus the Perception of COVID-19 Vaccination amongst Older Adults in Urban Areas (CoV-VAC-PL Study): A Polish Community-Based Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic not only adversely impacted physical health but also affected older adults' mental health. The first news on COVID-19 vaccination made a major breakthrough to the effect of improving older adults' mood, notwithstanding the fact that vaccinated individuals in this age group accounted only for 40.6% of the overall vaccination rollout in Poland. This study was aimed at assessing the level of anxiety regarding COVID-19 amongst older adults in Poland and assessing the attitude of older adults toward COVID-19 vaccination. The study sample encompassed a population of 800 individuals aged 60 years and older randomly picked up from a representative sample of all the residents in 16 voivodeship cities (50 individuals from each of the cities). The research method used in this study was a diagnostic survey, and its technique was based on an author-designed questionnaire and four standardised psychometric scales: the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), the Drivers of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Scale (DrVac-COVID-19S), and the Scale to Measure the Perception of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Acceptance (the VAC-COVID-19 Scale). The degree of fear of SARS-CoV-2 among seniors equalled 1.03 ± 1.95 in terms of the CAS and 15.61 ± 5.75 in terms of the FCV-19S. Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination have proven positive (DrVac-COVID-19S-61.23 ± 12.35; VAC-COVID-19-44.31 ± 7.20). Females scored higher than males to the extent of the scales under consideration. The older the respondents were, the higher the scale score. A group of individuals with higher educational status was characterized by substantially higher scores covering the Knowledge subscale (p < 0.001) and the Autonomy subscale (p = 0.038), as well as a higher total score in terms of the DrVac-COVID-19S (p < 0.001). A group of positive factors including the reasons for COVID-19 vaccination in terms of the VAC-COVID-19 Scale was the only case to prove statistically insignificant relationships between the population size of the city the respondents came from and the scale values under consideration (p = 0.790). Statistically significant relationships were proven between SARS-CoV-2 contraction and fear of COVID-19 as measured by means of the CAS (p < 0.001) as well as between SARS-CoV-2 contraction and the Values subscale (p = 0.017) and the Knowledge subscale (p < 0.001) within the framework of the DrVac-COVID-19S scale and the total score in terms of the DrVac-COVID-19S scale (p = 0.023). No relationship was detected between the Autonomy subscale scores in terms of the DrVac-COVID-19S and the Knowledge subscale scores in terms of the DrVac-COVID-19S. The remaining scales were correlated to the extent of statistical significance. A subjective fear of COVID-19 was measured to be low or moderate within the group under study depending on the scale under consideration, proving declining trends as compared to the results arising from previously conducted studies. Seniors have more often had positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. The relationship between all of the sociodemographic features under consideration and the feeling of COVID-19 anxiety and between educational status, place of residence, SARS-CoV-2 contraction, COVID-19 vaccination, and the overall attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination indicator was proven to be statistically significant (depending on the scale under consideration). Furthermore, the correlation between the overall results arising from the standardised psychometric scales applied to this study was indicated to be statistically significant.

Associations between nurse characteristics, institutional characteristics and perceived nurse knowledge and self-efficacy of reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.

To determine the association between nurse and institutional characteristics and perceived professional nurse knowledge and self-efficacy of reporting child abuse and neglect. A sample of N = 166 nurses were recruited to respond to the Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (RSCAN) survey. A multiple linear regression examined whether nurse characteristics and institutional characteristics were associated with the two RSCAN survey domain scores. Perceived knowledge of a workplace child abuse and neglect protocol was associated with the knowledge subscale. Education and child abuse and neglect expertise were significant predictors of the self-efficacy subscale. Nurses with a master's or higher degree and those who identified as being either forensic, paediatric or Emergency Department nurses, had less perceived institutional barriers to self-efficacy of reporting child abuse and neglect. This study provides a preliminary insight into the institutional barriers and facilitators of nurses as child abuse and neglect mandated reporters. To encourage innovative education and collaborations to support nurses as fully informed child abuse and neglect mandated reporters. This research identifies the gaps and facilitators of nurses as child abuse and neglect mandated reporters to inform healthcare professionals and academic institutions on the importance of nurse education and experience in nurse knowledge and self-efficacy in reporting suspected child abuse and neglect. The authors of this study have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines: STROBE. There is no patient or public contribution as the study only looked at nurses.

ADAPTAÇÃO CULTURAL E AVALIAÇÃO DAS PROPRIEDADES DE MEDIDA DA VERSÃO BRASILEIRA DO ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME RESPONSE INDEX

ABSTRACT Objective: to conduct the cultural adaptation and evaluate the measurement properties of the Brazilian version of the Acute Coronary Syndrome Response Index. Method: a methodological study was conducted with adults of both sexes diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Individuals with an inability to understand Portuguese, significant hearing deficits, or those disoriented were excluded. Data were collected from November 2020 to August 2022 at a university hospital in the state of São Paulo. The cultural adaptation followed the steps recommended in the literature. The measurement properties were assessed in a sample of 244 individuals, testing the reliability and the face, content, construct, and structural validity. Results: the Brazilian version of the instrument retained semantic, idiomatic, conceptual, and cultural equivalences similar to the original version. The internal consistency results for the subscales were: KR-20 of 0.399 for the Knowledge subscale, and Cronbach’s alpha of 0.735 and 0.577 for the Attitudes and Beliefs subscales, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated adequate fit indices to the original model of three subscales (Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs). Convergent construct validity showed a weak but positive correlation between the Knowledge and Beliefs subscales and between the Knowledge and Attitudes subscales. Conclusion: the Brazilian version preserved textual equivalences, face, content, and construct validity and showed an adequate fit to the original model when applied to individuals with coronary artery disease treated at a public and teaching hospital. Additional studies in different health institutions and with samples of varying characteristics are recommended.

Genç kadınların cinsel sağlık okuryazarlık düzeylerinin evlilik öncesi riskli cinsel davranışları üzerine etkisi

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of young women’s Sexual Health literacy levels on their risky sexual behaviors before marriage. MATERIAL and METHODS: The descriptive type of research was conducted with 356 young female students studying at the Midwifery Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Gaziantep University in the 2023-2024 academic year. “Personal Information Form”, “Sexual Health Literacy Scale (SHLS) and “Premarital Risky Sexual Behavior Assessment Scale for Young Women (PRSAS-YW)” were used as data collection tools. RESULTS: Young women’s SHLS total score average was found to be 54.37±9.96, their sexual knowledge subscale average score was 32.22±9.00, and their sexual attitude subdimension average score was 17.35±4.31. The mean total score of young women on the PRSAS-YW was found to be 74.54±13.15. When looking at the average scores of the PRSAS-YW subscales; motivating beliefs were determined as 37.02±6.62 points, facilitators were determined as 24.92±5.56 and hindering factors were determined as 12.59±3.51 points. A negative, weakly statistically significant relationship was found between the SHLS and PRSAS-YW total score averages (r=-.243, p=0.001). Sexual Health literacy explains the change in premarital risky sexual behavior scores at a level of 0.59% (F = 22.167; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was found that young women had high Sexual Health literacy levels and a positive sexual attitude, and their risky sexual behavior before marriage was low. Additionally, it has been determined that as Sexual Health literacy levels increase, the risk of premarital sexual behavior decreases. Keywords: Sexual Health literacy, premarital sexuality, young women, midwifery

Knowledge and awareness toward human papillomavirus vaccination among Saudi female nursing students.

Human Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted agent, causing cervical cancer. In Saudi Arabia, cervical cancer is ranked as the ninth most common carcinoma in women. HPV vaccine is an effective prevention method against HPV high-risk types such as HPV 18 and 16. Research on HPV vaccine knowledge and awareness is limited due to the lack of extensive data reportage on HPV and cervical cancer cases among Saudi women. This study was aimed to determine the knowledge and awareness of human papillomavirus vaccination among Saudi nursing female students. This study was cross-sectional and included (n = 114) participants. The study used an online survey, which included demographical variables and the HPV knowledge scale. The data were collected from October 10, 2023, until January 3, 2024. Descriptive data, Mann-Whitney Z-tests and nonparametric tests were used to analyze the study's findings. The study participants' mean age was 20.8 years (SD 1.6). Most students (72%) did not receive the HPV vaccine. The overall mean HPV knowledge was 10.0 (SD 7.08). The HPV knowledge subscales showed poor levels of knowledge of HPV infection, screening, and vaccines: 5.15 (SD 3.87), 1.39 (SD 1.34), and 2.06 (SD 1.87), respectively. In conclusion, Saudi Arabia having a predominantly youthful population, it is crucial to implement educational programs that improve the understanding and awareness of HPV infection among nursing students and other health professionals. There is a necessity to establish impactful awareness campaigns and integrate interventional research to inform health professionals and the public about the disease and dispel misunderstandings and cultural beliefs about HPV and HPV vaccines to prevent cervical cancers among young females.

The impact of art therapy on the relationships between individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and their care partners

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with dementia have long reported negative social and psychological experiences. The current study employed a small group art therapy intervention; the intra‐ and inter‐personal impact was assessed through patient and care partner self‐report.MethodThirty patient / care partner dyads were enrolled. Patients had an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, MMSE score of 18‐26, and insight into their condition. For each 4‐week session, 3 to 4 dyads jointly participated in a 90‐minute, weekly art therapy intervention, facilitated by a Registered Art Therapist. A pre‐test post‐test design was employed, with patients completing the Dyadic Relationship Scale, Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, and Stigma Impact Scale; care partners completed the Dyadic Relationship Scale and Dementia Attitudes Scale.1,2,3,4 During each study visit, subjects viewed and discussed artwork, created art, and were encouraged to share their artwork with the group.ResultAnalysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Scores for both subscales of the Dyadic Relationship Scale – Positive Dyadic Interaction and Dyadic Strain – revealed a significant improvement (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively) after art therapy. A significant increase in care partner scores was also apparent on the Dementia Knowledge subscale of the Dementia Attitudes Scale. Patient data showed a significant shift towards better self‐esteem scores after intervention.ConclusionThis study fills a gap in research targeting intra‐ and inter‐personal experiences of individuals with dementia. Results indicate that art therapy may improve relationship dynamics between individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their care partners, and may improve patients’ self‐esteem.

Predictors of Sexual and Reproductive Self-care Among Iranian Adolescent Females

Background: Self-care can include the activities that individuals perform in accordance with their needs to maintain and promote their health. Puberty is the most important change that comes with adolescence, which necessitates adolescents to become aware of their sexual and reproductive health. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to investigate the predictors of adolescent females’ sexual and reproductive self-care status. Methods: This cross-sectional study using random multistage sampling was conducted on adolescent females aged 14 - 19 years in the secondary schools of Karaj, Iran, in 2022. A total of 555 female students voluntarily completed the survey. The survey included the Female Adolescents’ Sexual and Reproductive Self-care Scale (FASRSCS). Pearson’s correlation coefficient and univariable and multivariable linear regression were applied. Results: The mean score of the FASRSCS was 65.42 out of 100 (standard deviation (SD) = 10.27). The highest mean score was acquired on the Perception of Female Adolescents of Premarital Sexual Relationships subscale (85.98 (SD = 14.28)), and the lowest mean score was acquired on the Reproductive and Sexual Health Knowledge subscale (36.97 (SD = 23.58)). The total score on the FASRSCS had the strongest association with the Adolescents and Family Interaction subscale (r = 0.71, P &lt; 0.001), and the weakest association was with the Reproductive and Sexual Health Knowledge subscale (r = 0.38, P &lt; 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that having very strong religious beliefs (β = 0.23, P &lt; 0.001), receiving information regarding puberty and menstrual health from peers (β = -0.20, P &lt; 0.001), and cold parent-child relationship (β = -0.19, P &lt; 0.001) were independent significant predictors of good sexual and reproductive self-care among adolescent females. Conclusions: Given the importance of religious beliefs, parent-adolescent relationships, and the sources through which adolescents receive information regarding their sexual and reproductive health self-care, it is necessary to appropriate design interventions, including the aforementioned factors, in order to optimize and promote good sexual and reproductive health among female Iranian adolescents.