Level Of Knowledge Research Articles

Evaluation of emergency nurses’ knowledge of medical response in nuclear and radiological emergencies : a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEvaluating emergency room nurses’ knowledge of radiation protection, health effects, and decontamination procedures is crucial for preparedness in nuclear and radiological emergencies. This study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge among emergency nurses in Saudi Arabia regarding medical responses to nuclear and radiological emergencies.MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted via a self-structured questionnaire with 15 true‒false questions divided into three domains, namely, radiation protection measures, radiation health effects, and decontamination procedures, each with five items and a possible score of 1 point per correct answer. The collected data were analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics. The study followed the STROBE checklist for methodological rigor.ResultsA total of 594 emergency nurses participated in this study, with the majority being young (64.50% aged ≤ 30), female (68.69%), bachelor’s degree-holding (67.68%), single (63.64%), having ≤ 4 years of experience (56.06%), working in public health facilities (88.89%), and lacking training in medical response (85.35%). The mean knowledge scores for participants were highest for radiation exposure effects (3.27 ± 0.91), followed by radiation protective measures (2.32 ± 0.99), and lowest for decontamination procedures (1.46 ± 1.07). Overall knowledge was measured at a mean score of 7.06 ± 1.68, with 97.47% of the nurses categorized as having poor knowledge level. Nurses in private hospitals scored higher (7.77 ± 1.82) than those in public hospitals (6.97 ± 1.65) on overall mean knowledge (P = 0.034). Concerning findings include emergency nurses’ misconceptions about the protection provided by dense materials, the effectiveness of increasing distance from a radiation source, and prioritizing decontamination of victims over life-saving measures. Additionally, they were unaware of the immediate symptoms following radiation exposure and misunderstood that the primary threat in a radioactive bomb event is the explosion rather than the radiation itself.ConclusionThis study revealed poor knowledge among emergency nurses regarding medical responses to radiation emergencies and highlighted the critical need for enhanced and standardized training in radiation emergency preparedness among nurses. The gaps in knowledge identified in this study could significantly impact the effectiveness of healthcare responses in radiation emergency scenarios. Therefore, targeted educational interventions and policy changes are recommended to address these shortcomings.

Assessing the awareness level, knowledge, and attitudes of the university community for sustainable development in Higher Educational Institutions in India—A review paper

Background: Sustainability plays a crucial role in the development of the education sector. It is analyzed that higher education institutions (HEIs) continuously working on the adoption of sustainable practices for carrying out business operations in the long run. Agenda 2030 is a comprehensive, multifaceted strategy that serve as an important framework for the comparison to uphold different principles. Additionally, the UN 2030 Agenda concerning sustainable development is introduced as global idea of balanced development. The 2030 Agenda and SDGs representing the program related to global development programs. Higher education institutions also working on the adoption of sustainable development perspective and the issues linked with them. Aim: The main aim of the study is to determine the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of the university community for achieving sustainability in HEIs. Policy Implementation: Adopting sustainable behavior is encouraged when policies are implemented well. Universities have the authority to develop and implement sustainability policies that set guidelines and requirements. Topics like waste reduction, environmentally friendly transportation, and environmentally friendly buying may be covered by the sustainability policies. Acting sustainably is encouraged among university community members through the implementation of sustainability policies. Conclusion: Findings stated efforts across sectors for the promotion of awareness and alignment with the 2030 Agenda consider a comprehensive strategy for addressing humanity, nature, and human rights. In higher education institutions, the role of education emerges as pivotal, developing green practices, development of campuses, and attracting students globally. In HEIs green practices are carried out for the development of the campus and activities in the future terms. Universities also supported in the adoption of sustainability in working education institutes international students are also attracted to them. It is identified that educators are playing an important role in achieving sustainability aspects in the education sector.

Knowledge and attitude of pharmacy students towards HIV treatment and prophylaxis in Davao City, Philippines

Pharmacy students significantly contribute to HIV management as future registered pharmacists. To contribute meaningfully, pharmacy students must be knowledgeable and have positive attitudes towards HIV treatment and prophylaxis. The aim is to investigate the levels of knowledge and attitude of undergraduate pharmacy students towards HIV treatment and education to identify key areas of improvement. Methods: The study used a quantitative research design with a structured survey based on published studies. Undergraduate pharmacy students from various schools in Davao City were invited to participate and provide informed consent. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used after obtaining data. Results: Pharmacy students in Davao City were found to have high overall knowledge (mean = 64.29%) and a high overall attitude (mean = 3.88). Knowledge about HIV treatment and prophylaxis did not correlate with the respondents' attitudes towards it. Furthermore, it was found that there is a significant difference in knowledge and attitude based on year level and school (< 0.000). Conclusion: The knowledge and attitude of undergraduate pharmacy students toward HIV treatment and prevention were high, indicating favourable results. However, improvements and training must continue to enhance their knowledge and attitude and reduce misconceptions and stigma. Collaboration with key stakeholders is essential to ensure the implementation of intervention programmes.

The opinion of pharmacists about the pharmaceutical category of herbal medicines. Survey of pharmacy retail employees

Abstract. The category of herbal medicines is represented in the domestic pharmaceutical market in the form of two main groups of pharmacy product assortment – herbal medicinal preparations (HMP) and dietary supplements (DS). They often have similarities in terms of composition, dosage form, and scope of application. Hence, attitude of professional specialists that influence consumer demand and choice, to these groups of pharmacy products is important to be considered. Aim. The purpose of the study is to assess the level of knowledge, prevailing ideas, differences in the perception of HMP and DS among pharmacists working in pharmacy retail. Materials and methods. The survey of pharmacists was conducted using a specially designed questionnaire using the Google forms electronic resource. 162 specialists with at least 1 year of experience in the pharmacy sector participated in the study. The study was conducted on the basis of the “Evalar Pharmacy” pharmacy network, specializing in the sale of herbal medicines. Results. The majority of the surveyed specialists noted urological (54.0%) and neurological diseases (52.1%) as therapeutic areas where herbal medicines have real clinical value. The leading role of retail pharmacists in the choice of products by consumers was noted by 40.1% of respondents. The possibility of replacing HMP with DS in 38.0% of cases is completely denied by them, in 50.0% and 12,0% it is allowed if desired by the patient himself or in any case respectively. 59.3% of specialists point out the difference in the regulatory status of HMP and DS to consumers in their practice. In the majority of cases, they need reliable information about clinical trials on efficacy (73.6%), as well as the quality and safety of products (52.1%). Conclusions. The results of the survey show that pharmaceutical specialists are well aware of the scope, advantages and disadvantages of the phytopreparation category, see differences in HMP and DS, but in their professional activities they are more guided by the opinion of consumers.

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FIRE RISK EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IN HIGH INSTITUTIONS IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA

The study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of fire risk emergency preparedness in high institutions in the Niger delta region of Nigeria. Three objectives and two hypotheses were raised to captivate the aim the of the study. The study adopted survey design, and systematic and purposive sampling technique was used to select eight high institutions from eight states in the Niger-Delta while Krejcie and Morgan, table was used to determine sample size of three hundred and twenty-three (382) student, Structured questionnaire, designed using 5-point Likert scale, was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics (percentage and weighted mean score WMS) and ANOVA were used for data analysis. The results of descriptive statistic showed that; the current and existing fire risk assessment methods in the high institution in the Niger-delta is below average (46.80%), the level of awareness and knowledge of students and other stakeholders on fire risk assessment methods among the high institutions in the Niger delta is substantially good (WMS= 3.79 > 3.00) and the level of effectiveness of existing fire risk assessment methods. in the high institution in the study area is substantially good (WMS= 3.91 > 3.00). The ANOVA results used to test the hypotheses revealed that; there is no significant variation in awareness and knowledge levels regarding fire risk assessment methods across the eight states (p-value 0.883 > 0.05 significance level) and there is no significant variation in level of effectiveness of the fire risk assessment methods across the high institutions in the eight states (p-value 0.238 > 0.05 significance level). It was concluded that the effectiveness of fire risk emergency preparedness in high institutions in the Niger delta region of Nigeria is good but required more improvement. It was recommended that the authorities and fire service department in the high institution should improve coordination in emergency response by addressing identified areas for enhancement, such as equipment readiness and communication systems

Knowledge State of Two Endemic Varieties of Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata with Yellow Flesh ("Kounougbé" and "Kangba") Cultivated in the Gbêkê Region and the Level of Chemical Weeding Use

Background: Yam is the main staple food in Ivory Coast and plays a crucial role in food security. However, indigenous yellow-fleshed varieties of the Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata species, such as "Kounougbé" and "Kangba" are gradually being abandoned in favor of modern varieties. Study Design: A study was conducted in the departments of Bouaké, Béoumi, Sakassou, and Botro, in the Gbêkê region, to assess the knowledge of these varieties, the preference for their tubers, and the use of chemical weeding. Results: The chi-square (χ²) test of independence showed that variables gender, age group, ethnic group and educational level influence significantly (P < 0.05) the knowledge level of "Kounougbé" and "Kangba" varieties. This knowledge level is relatively high in the different departments. The study revealed that uneducated people have better knowledge (83.97%) of these varieties. It also indicated that people aged at least 55 years old have a very good knowledge of these varieties. Moreover, the survey revealed that the natives are more familiar with "Kounougbé" and "Kangba" varieties with a rate of 92.68%. Concerning the characteristics preference for said varieties tubers and chemical weeding use, they impact meaningfully (P < 0.05) the age group variable. People at least 55 years old have the highest preference and use of chemical weeding levels with respective rates of 98.61% and 41.46%. Conclusion: This study constitutes a source of basic data which would contribute to the revaluation of endemic varieties of yellow-fleshed yam.

The power of social media influencers: unveiling the impact on consumers’ impulse buying behaviour

This study investigates the role of communication factors in influencer marketing communication in influencing trust in influencer’s branded posts, subsequently impacting the urge to buy impulsively (UBI). In addition, the study also examines the role of persuasion knowledge as a moderator and product affection as a mediator in the relationship between trust and UBI. The study integrates signalling theory and (SOR) framework to develop a model to be tested through SEM. Results of the data of 481 followers of the influencers unveiled that the credibility of the communication factors plays an essential role in developing trust in influencers ‘posts, which ultimately induces UBI. Product affection mediates the relationship between trust and UBI and people with low levels of persuasion knowledge were found to have more chances of developing UBI. This study provides valuable insights to the markets and advertisers, enabling them to understand the importance of the credibility of the influencer marketing communication factors, which result in favourable consumer attitudinal and behavioural outcomes. Additionally, it addresses the existing knowledge gap concerning the factors that precede trust formation and examines their subsequent influence on UBI.

Evaluation of Knowledge, Skill and Satisfaction Level of Laboratory Sciences Students in Pre-laboratory Immunohematology Course Using Virtual Flipped Classroom

Background: Medical education emphasizes the importance of facilitating deep learning, promoting professional behavior, and fostering skillful problem-solving in practical courses. Objectives: To determine student satisfaction, knowledge, and skill levels using the virtual flipped classroom method for the pre-laboratory immunohematology course in laboratory sciences. Methods: This semi-experimental (before-after) study included 42 laboratory science students who completed the practical immunohematology course. The intervention involved three steps of the virtual flipped classroom method. Knowledge was assessed with multiple-choice questions (MCQs), satisfaction was measured using a rating scale, and students' skills were evaluated using a rating scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests in STATA 14. Results: The results showed that the post-test knowledge score had an average of 7.42, significantly higher than the pre-test score of 4.04 (P < 0.05). Additionally, 92.85% of students reported being satisfied with the course. Regarding skill evaluation, 95.23% of students stated, "I think I have now really achieved it or a part of it." Conclusions: The virtual flipped classroom method in the immunohematology pre-laboratory course had a positive impact on students' learning and satisfaction. This teaching approach has the potential to improve teaching effectiveness, create an interactive learning atmosphere, and could be implemented in similar courses.

Knowledge and attitude of tile industry workers in the field of heat stress management

Introduction: One significant factor affecting employee performance is high ambient temperature or heat. Numerous studies have highlighted the negative effects of heat stress in various work environments. Therefore, enhancing workers' knowledge and attitudes toward heat stress can improve their performance. Materials and Methods: This semi-structured content analysis was conducted among tile industry workers in Yazd city in 2023. Participants engaged in both individual and group interviews. Initially, three unstructured interviews helped identify key points, followed by semi-structured interviews, which served as the primary data collection method. The study's reliability and validity were assessed using Lincoln and Guba. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached, and the findings were organized into main themes and subcategories. Results: The workers' perspectives on the issue were explored from various angles, leading to two main themes: knowledge and attitude, each with different subcategories. The knowledge theme includes individual and management factors, while the attitude theme encompasses individual and environmental factors. Conclusion: The tile industry workers in Yazd City demonstrated varying levels of knowledge about heat stress and held attitudes that reflected the negative impacts of this stressor. Factors such as age and education level influenced their knowledge and attitudes. Workers' understanding and attitudes towards heat stress can be achieved through proper training.

Pengetahuan kecacingan menggunakan media video pada siswa sekolah dasar

Helminthiasis in children still occurs in Seren Rembang. Educational video can enhance knowledge and attitudes in order to reduce the morbidity of Helminthiasis. This study aims to determine the impact of providing Helminthiasis educational video on the level of knowledge and attitude of students at SDN Seren Rembang. Research method is Quasi Experimental using a "pre-post test one group only" design. Total sampling involved 37 students of SDN Seren Rembang. Two questionnaires utilized to measure the knowledge and the attitude. Data analysis using the Paired Sample t-test. Result : Educational video is able to increase the average level of students' knowledge and attitude from 4.43 into 7.75, and from 30.43 into 33.37, respectively. Paired samples t-test is significant for both knowledge (p = 0,000), and attitude (p = 0,002). This study conclude that providing Helminthiasis educational video affect the level of knowledge and attitude of students at SDN Seren Rembang.

Evaluating the Knowledge of Home Caregivers on Pressure Ulcer Signs and Prevention in Elderly Patients in Al Ahsa.

Background Pressure ulcers are significant health issues affecting elderly patients, leading to severe complications, prolonged hospital stays, and high healthcare costs. Preventive care by home caregivers plays a crucial role in mitigating the development of pressure ulcers. Objective This study aims to assess home caregivers' knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention and investigate the factors associated with knowledge levels in elderly patients in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 231 home caregivers of elderly patients registered in Home Health Care, Al-Ahsa Health Cluster. Data were collected using an online questionnaire assessing demographic information and knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention, adapted from the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool (PUKAT) 2.0. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 29.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA), with a Chi-square test used for bivariate analysis of categorical outcomes. Results The majority of caregivers were female (64.5%), aged between 35 and 50 years (47.6%), and primarily family members (83.5%). Most caregivers had been providing care for 5 years or less (79.7%), with 67.5% never having received training in pressure ulcer prevention. Knowledge levels were generally sufficient, with 87.0% of caregivers showing adequate knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and caregiving duration (p=0.006) as well as training in pressure ulcer prevention (p=0.001). However, other demographic factors, such as age and gender, were not significantly associated with knowledge levels. Conclusion The study found that most home caregivers possess sufficient knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention, although training and caregiving duration significantly influence knowledge levels. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive training programs to improve caregivers' knowledge and practice, thereby enhancing the quality of care for elderly patients and reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers.

Effectiveness of a Training Program for the Prevention of Pressure Ulcers on Caregivers of Elderly Patients.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of face-to-face education on pressure ulcer prevention and care provided to caregivers of patients with pressure ulcers in home healthcare services, specifically on the progression of the ulcers and their effects on the patients. This prospective, analytical intervention study assessed the training program implemented using the presentation teaching strategy for caregivers of patients with pressure ulcers, from the perspective of the patient and caregiver. The participants were 91 patients with pressure ulcers in the Home Health Care Unit and 91 caregivers. The data collection tool, consisted of questions regarding sociodemographic data prepared by researchers and questioning the knowledge of caregivers' knowledge about pressure ulcer. The Barthel Index, Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing, Braden Risk Assessment Scale, and Care Assessment Inventory provided by family members were used to assess the level of dependence in patients' daily living activities. The patients' average age was 77.21±13.26 years and 58.2% of them were women. The caregivers' average age was 53.32±11.45 years and 83.5% of them were women. A statistically significant increase was observed between knowledge scores before and after training (p<0.001). Indicating that the training positively affects the caregivers' level of knowledge. Factors such as a private room, caregiver support, caregiver competence, and caregiving difficulties were significantly related to changes in knowledge scores. Training programs for caregivers on pressure ulcer handling in home health care patients are effective and should be planned from a broader perspective to include caregivers within the family.

Factors affecting the use of salbutamol before hospital admission in children with asthma exacerbation.

Early home intervention for asthma exacerbation (AE) in children is associated with more favorable outcomes. Inhaled short-acting beta2 agonists (SABA) are the cornerstones of AE treatment. We aimed to determine what proportion of parents administered salbutamol to their children to treat asthma exacerbation at home, and the factors affecting the decision to administer the medication. Additionally, we also aimed to examine the parents' level of knowledge regarding salbutamol use. Asthma patients who were admitted to pediatric allergy outpatient clinics due to AE were included in the study. Parents' knowledge related to home salbutamol use was evaluated using a questionnaire. Modified Pulmonary Index Score was used to evaluate AE severity. The study included 177 children (64.4% males) with a median age of 6.16 years. Of these, 86 patients (48.6%) had not administered salbutamol before hospital admission, and parents of 69 (80%) patients stated that they knew salbutamol should be administered but they did not want to administer it without consulting a doctor. Of the 91 patients who had used salbutamol before hospital admission, 28 (30.7%) had administered the incorrect dose, 2 (2.2%) used the incorrect technique, and 9 (9.9%) had the incorrect dose and incorrect technique. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, history of hospitalizations (odds ratio [OR]: 6.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.07-13.9; P < 0.001), history of more than five exacerbations (OR: 4.51, 95%CI: 1.94-10.48; P < 0.001 ), and presence of sputum (OR: 2.54; 95%CI: 1.10-5.87; P = 0.028) were the main predictors of salbutamol use. Asthma patients and their parents should be better educated and actively encouraged on the use of SABA at home during an AE.

The effects of self-explanation on game-based learning: Evidence from eye-tracking analyses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of self-explanation prompts on game performance using eye-tracking techniques. We adopted an experimental design for the study. A total of 40 4th graders participated and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. While the experimental group played a computer game with self-explanation prompts, the control group played the same game without any prompts. A Tobii 4C eye tracker with a sampling rate of 90 Hz was used to record the eye movements of the participants while they were playing the game. A pre-test and post-test were used to assess the participants’ understanding of the target concepts of the game before and after their game-playing, respectively. The results indicated an interaction effect between self-explanation and prior knowledge on the learning outcomes. Regarding the participants with lower-level prior knowledge, the experimental group gained significantly better scores on the posttest than the control group. In contrast, with respect to the participants with higher-level prior knowledge, the self-explanation prompts did not demonstrate a positive effect on the experimental group. Moreover, the results of the lag sequential analysis provide solid evidence of the differences in visual transitional patterns between the participants with different levels of prior knowledge while they were reacting to the self-explanation prompts. These results could account for the different learning outcomes achieved by the participants with different levels of prior knowledge in the experimental group.

Knowledge and awareness of child sexual abuse related to POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act among medical and dental professionals in India: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: The POCSO (Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences) Act was introduced in 2012 as a measure to safeguard and prevent interests of children affected by sexual crimes. Both medical and dental professionals are capable of identifying such cases. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of child sexual abuse related to POCSO Act among both medical and dental professionals in India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on 100 medical and dental healthcare professionals employed in a single hospital for evaluation of knowledge and awareness on POCSO Act. The questionnaire containing multiple choice questions was randomly distributed among all the study participants as hard copy or via electronic generated forms. The questionnaire comprised questions related to demographics and those dealing with knowledge and attitude. Statistical Analysis: Categorical variables were represented in the form of percentages, and data analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: 67% study participants demonstrated full knowledge of POCSO, 23% had some knowledge, and 10% study subjects had absolutely no knowledge regarding this act. 7% professionals opined that the support for such affected children must come from Government Organizations, while 15% believed that Non-Governmental Organizations must support these children. 28% professionals believed that the child support and welfare committee should play a role in supporting these children. However, 50% study participants were of the opinion that the primary support must be community-based. On analyzing statistically, level of knowledge and awareness were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.05). Conclusion: There appears to be a good amount of knowledge and attitude among both medical and dental professionals regarding POCSO Act.

Exploring the prevalence, awareness, and attitudes toward dietary supplements and anabolic hormones use among sportsmen in Beheira governorate, Egypt

BackgroundSportsmen are more likely to make the use of dietary supplements and hormones to increase adaptations to physical exercise and improve performance. The study aimed to assess the prevalence, awareness, and attitude toward dietary supplements and anabolic hormone use among sportsmen in Beheira governorate, Egypt. MethodsThe study used the cross-sectional study design and systematic random sample to include 400 participants to achieve the aim. Structured questionnaires were composed of 4 parts; sociodemographic characteristics, pattern of dietary and anabolic hormone uptake, knowledge about dietary supplements and anabolic hormones, and a scale to assess the attitude toward self-prescribed dietary supplements or anabolic hormones. ResultsThe study revealed that 58.3% of participants used dietary supplements and that 31.2% of the sample reported using hormones. Approximately half (48.5%) of the sample demonstrated adequate knowledge about dietary supplements. Conversely, 19.8% of the sample had adequate knowledge about anabolic hormones; 39.5% had an opposing attitude toward the use of dietary supplements, whereas about a quarter (24.3%) of the sample had an opposing attitude regarding the anabolic hormones. ConclusionAn alarming proportion of the studied sample used dietary supplements and hormones without consulting specialists. The levels of knowledge and attitude regarding these supplements were relatively low. It was noticed that higher levels of knowledge and attitude regarding dietary supplements and hormones were associated with a decreased likelihood of usage. It is recommended to implement educational programs aimed at increasing awareness among gym trainees about the proper use of dietary supplements and hormones and advocate for increased utilization of nutritional specialists and healthcare professionals among gym trainees before initiating the use of dietary supplements and hormones.

The effect of therapeutic education program on hypertensive Tunisian patients' knowledge: a randomized controlled trial.

Hypertension is a prevalent non-communicable disease and unequivocally one of the most serious health threats of the twenty-first century. The prevention of both immediate and long-term consequences depends on ongoing therapeutic education. To assess Tunisian hypertensive patients' knowledge of hypertension and then evaluate the impact of an educational program on knowledge among this population. A randomized controlled trial was carried out among 639 hypertensive patients in Tunisia. The control group received only basic medical care, while the experimental group acquired additionally an educational program. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that included an information sheet and the Hypertension Knowledge Level Scale (HK-LS). Before to the implementation of the program, only 12.1% of the participants had a good level of knowledge about hypertension (12.8% for the experimental group, vs. 10.5% for the control group, P=0.57). Following the program's deployment, the rate of good level of knowledge became 63.6% for the experimental group vs. 11.4% for the control group, P<0.001). The results revealed that the experimental group showed a significant amelioration in the total score of the HK-LS: from 58.49 to 76.94%, P<0.0001. In contrast, no significant amelioration was noted in the control group. Concerning the six dimensions of the scale, the amelioration in the experimental group was observed in all dimensions, except the treatment dimension. Overall, the findings indicated low levels of knowledge about hypertension. This kind of approach proved an effective improvement in disease-related knowledge and may be essential for hypertension management.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of asthma among the adults in Shendi locality, Sudan: A cross-sectional study.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition leading to intermittent airway narrowing and obstruction. Although millions suffer from asthma globally, there is limited data from African countries, particularly Sudan. This study addresses the gap in research on asthma knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the adults in Shendi locality, Northern Sudan. This cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted in Kabushiya village, Shendi, Sudan, involving 148 participants selected through multistage random sampling. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a validated, structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, Fisher exact tests, and multiple linear regression. Participants demonstrated high levels of knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices regarding asthma. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with marital status, education, occupation, and income (P values: .040, .003, .000, and .006, respectively), with the highest medians among divorced individuals, those with higher education, professional workers, and people earning <50,000 SDGs (medians: 17, 16, 17, and 16, respectively). Attitude scores varied significantly by marital status, education, occupation, and family asthma history (P values: .001, .000, .003, and .016, respectively), with highest scores among divorced individuals, those with high school or higher education, professionals, and those with a first-degree relative with asthma (medians: 6, 5, 5, and 5, respectively). Patient practice scores differed by marital status and income (P values: .026 and .006, respectively), with higher scores among singles and those earning <50,000 SDGs. Co-patient practice scores were significantly influenced by occupation, personal or familial asthma experience, and family asthma status (P values: .026, .003, and .000, respectively). No significant differences were observed in co-patient practice scores between groups. The study highlights a generally good level of asthma knowledge and positive attitudes among participants, with some variability in practices based on socio-demographic factors. These findings emphasize the need for targeted education and intervention programs to improve asthma management in rural Sudan.

Cardiac emergency readiness: A community-level assessment of CPR knowledge in Al-Baha

ABSTRACT Context: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial lifesaving technique in cases of cardiac arrest and should be performed by any member of the community. Aims: To investigate the level of knowledge regarding CPR among the general population in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Baha from July 1, 2023 to August 1, 2023. Methods and Material: Inclusion criteria were individuals aged 18 and above living in Al-Baha who consented to participate. Exclusion criteria included individuals under 18 years old, healthcare professionals, residents outside Al-Baha, individuals who refused to participate, and incomplete questionnaires. Data was collected using an anonymous self-administered validated electronic questionnaire in Arabic distributed through social media. Statistical Analysis Used: The Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, the Shapiro–Wilk test, and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Any result below 0.05 (P &lt; 0.05) was considered significant. Results: A total of 852 were included, with 65.0% of respondents female, the largest age group was 18–30 years old (43.9%). A total of 77.5% had sufficient CPR knowledge, with an average score of 11.2 out of 18. While many knew key CPR practices, gaps in knowledge existed, such as when to start CPR (15.8%). Challenges included determining unresponsiveness (26.8%) and fear of causing harm (73.6%). Social media apps were the primary source of CPR knowledge (53.8%), but 70.0% were unaware of available CPR courses, despite 75.0% expressing interest in enrolling. Conclusions: Population of Al-Baha showed a good level of knowledge, however, gaps remained need to be targeted during education efforts. The preference for social media and interest in CPR courses highlight opportunities for enhancing public preparedness.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) and Animal Owners' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Towards the Disease in Selected Districts of East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is one of the most important diseases affecting production and productivity. Cross-sectional study was aimed at to determine the seroprevalence of IBR and associated risk factors, and animal owners' knowledge, attitude and practice towards the disease from April 2021 to June 2022. Accordingly, a total of 384 serum samples were collected from both crossbreed (70) and local breed (314) cattle from purposively selected districts of East Wollega zone of Western Ethiopia. Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for testing glycoprotein antibodies (anti-gB) for bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1) virus in collected serum, and the obtained data were analysed by multiple logistic regressions by using R software 3.62 version. However, questionnaire data were analysed for descriptive statistics by SPSS version 20.0 (IBM. Corp, 2011). The total prevalence of IBR in the study area was found to be 70.54% at herd and 80.47% at individual cattle level. The significant association (p ) was found for breed, age, body condition and herd size but not for district and sex as risk factors. The BoHV-1 virus seropositivity in adult animals increased significantly, with an odds ratio of 1.65 (95% CI 0.705-3.85) compared to young. Local breed cattle were 2.055 times more likely to test positive for IBR with an odds ratio of 0.77 (95% CI 0.23-2.22) compared to crossbreed cattle. The chances of cattle in medium herds testing positive for the BoHV-1 virus with an odds ratio of (1.78 95% CI 1.303-7.50) are greater than the chances of cattle in smaller herds testing positive. The survey results showed that 70% of animal owners identified IBR as a major challenge in animal production, whereas 35% mentioned long calving intervals. However, 92% of the participants were not informed about the level of knowledge and attitude regarding particular diseases such as IBR. This study showed that there is a high prevalence of IBR in cattle in the study area, and that owners have low awareness of the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an immediate control system and conduct additional research on molecular detection to evaluate its effects on reproductive performance.