Overall Level Of Knowledge Research Articles

Adoption of Banana Production Technology Among Banana Growers in Vaishali District of Bihar

India’s banana ranks fi rst in production and third in area and Bihar ranks 7th in the country. Dwarf canvendish, Alpan, Chinia, Chinichampa, Malbhog, Muthia and Kothia are Bihar cultivars. The Vaishali district area around the ganga basin is known for its banana production. The study comprised 135 respondents from seven villages in Bidupur and Hajipur blocks of Vaishali District of Bihar. Correlation between knowledge and adoption of banana production technologies and profi le of banana growers were obtained. The fi ndings revealed that majority (66%) of the farmers had medium level of overall knowledge regarding recommended banana production technologies. In context of practice-wise knowledge it was found that most of the farmers had low knowledge level and majority (70%) of respondents had medium adoption of recommended technologies. High level of adoption was reported for practices like propagation method (82.67%), cutting-pruning and stacking (64.67%), irrigation management (59.33%) and selection of varieties (57.33%). Extension personnel and agriculture scientist might have enhanced production of banana through regular visit, training and guidance to farmers.\

Reproductive health knowledge, attitude and health services utilization among adolescent in Kaski District

Introduction: Adolescent reproductive health has become a great concern today due to increasing rate of unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion and sexually transmitted disease. Hence, the objective of the study was to assess the reproductive health knowledge, attitude and health services utilization among adolescents in rural and urban areas of Kaski district.
 Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 419 adolescents (10-19 years of age) in rural and urban areas of Kaski district, Nepal. Multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to select required number of participants.
 Results: Out of 419, majority (78.8%) of the respondents were known about family planning, among them only 70.0% of respondents were aware about family planning methods. Fifty-one percentages of the respondents were aware about the sexually transmitted diseases. Nearly twenty-six percentage of the respondents faced the reproductive health problems within one month. Out of 107 respondents, 57.9% did not utilize reproductive health services.
 Conclusion: The overall level of knowledge towards reproductive health among adolescents was found low. However, levels of attitude towards different reproductive health components were found favorable. Only 42.1% of the respondents utilized reproductive health services among those who faced the reproductive health problems within one month.

A STUDY ON BASIC KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES FOR ROAD TRAFFIC SAFETY MEASURES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS OF UTTAR PRADESH

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge and practices of road traffic safety measures among undergraduate medical students and recommendation to prevent road traffic accident. Methods: It was an institutional-based cross-sectional study among undergraduate medical students who knew driving. Total 138 study subjects were purposively selected from three batches. A self-structured questionnaire based on knowledge and practices related to road traffic safety measures with Yes/No answer pattern. Data were collected, compiled, and analyzed using appropriate software. Results: Overall level of knowledge for road traffic safety measures was good/moderate among 37.7% of medical students each while poor among 24.6% students (more among 1st year/39.3% than 2nd year/19.0%, 3rd year/10.0%) (statistically significant X2 =13.304, p-value=0.01). Road traffic safety practices were followed by students (%), namely, wearing a seat belt while driving/seating in four-wheeler’ by 84.1% and neither keep specified speed limit on road/2.9% nor obey all traffic signals/lights/signs’/2.9%. Few students use mobile phone while driving, namely, 2nd year/19.0% and 3rd year/10.0%. Some students “Not Wear Helmet while driving a two-wheeler”/21.7%; “Wrong overtaking from left side”/17.4%; and “drive even when alcoholic”/4.3% of participants. Conclusions: Knowledge for road traffic rules/regulation was good/moderate among average number of students. Majority of medical students’ obey all traffic rules/light signal and signs while some students still did not follow it; use mobile phone while driving/not stop at zebra crossing and neither use indicators while turning nor keep valid DL. To improve the current scenario, road traffic safety rules/measures should be added in our medical curriculum and there is need of frequent awareness campaign related to road safety measures to change their behavior while driving and save their precious life.

Patients Knowledge and Perception about Orthodontic Extraction of Sound Permanent Teeth

BACKGROUND
 There are many beliefs & misconceptions of patients associated with the orthodontic extraction of sound teeth. The decision to extract creates a cycle of doubts in the patients' minds. So, the purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and perception of patients undergoing extractions of sound permanent teeth for orthodontic reasons in a dental teaching institute.
 METHODS
 This prospective study involved patients who were advised and indicated for orthodontic extraction of sound permanent teeth. A questionnaire which was content, and face validated was used to measure the patients’ responses, which included questions about the knowledge and perception of patients regarding the extraction of sound permanent teeth for orthodontic reason. The returned questionnaires were analysed, and responses were tabulated and subjected to various statistical tests.
 RESULTS
 The overall level of knowledge was 38.18 % above average and the level of perception was 45.45 % above average. There was no statistically significant association between age groups with the level of knowledge (P=0.4980). Percentagewise: higher the age group, the higher the knowledge. While there was a statistically significant association (P=0.0490) between age groups with the level of perception. Percentagewise in ≤19 yrs. it was 38.10 % as compared to 69.23 % in ≥20 yrs. age who had an above average level of perception. A statistically significant association between the ANOVA test (F=8.0794, P=0.0009) and Tukey's post hoc test was seen between education level with mean perception level. Subjects with a higher degree had above-average perception levels followed by secondary and higher secondary education levels. Knowledge level was significantly higher in subjects residing in an urban area as compared to rural area (t=-2.9097, P=0.0053), percentage wise also urban area had more level of mean knowledge (53.33 %) as compared to rural area (20 %).
 CONCLUSIONS
 The overall level of knowledge and perception in patients reporting for orthodontic extraction of sound teeth was less. The study concluded the need for more awareness about the orthodontic extraction of sound teeth which can lead to more satisfaction and less anxiety, especially in lower age groups and rural populations.

Knowledge Level of Farmers in Accessing Agricultural Information through Smartphone

The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge level of rice, millets, and cotton farmers on accessing agricultural information through smartphone. Ex Post Facto Research Design was followed in this study since it aimed to assess the knowledge level of farmers. The study was conducted during May and June 2022. It was decided to conduct the study on three types of crops representing wetland, dryland and commercial conditions, for comparison purposes. Based on maximum area under cultivation in the state, rice for wetland condition, millets for dryland condition and cotton for commercial farming were selected for the research. The study was conducted in three districts viz., Thanjavur, Salem and Virudhunagar, which were selected based on the highest area under rice, millets and cotton respectively. From each of the three districts, two blocks were selected and from the selected blocks, three villages from each block were selected for the study based on maximum area under the rice, millets, and cotton crop. Based on proportionate random sampling technique, 180 respondents were selected for the study. The responses of the respondents were subjected to frequency and percentage analysis. Most of the millet growers (90.00%), rice growers (86.67%), and cotton growers (85.00%) had low level of overall knowledge on accessing agricultural information through smartphone. Majority of the rice, millets, and cotton respondents had high level of knowledge on Uzhavan app, PM Kisan web portal, Google Pay, WhatsApp, and Google Play Store. The knowledge level could be enhanced by more promotional activities of extension workers by conducting awareness campaigns on important mobile apps and web portals related to agriculture, and by conducting trainings and demonstrations on utilizing smartphones for accessing agricultural information through browsing internet, mobile apps, and web portals.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors towards Proper Nutrition and Lifestyles in Italian Diabetic Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Prevention of diabetes mellitus is mainly based on a healthy lifestyle. The lockdown measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major changes in daily life and social behavior, which may have an influence on diabetes self-management and glycemic control. The present work aims to assess the relationship between diabetic patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards proper nutrition and lifestyles in order to plan strategies for educational intervention from a health literacy perspective. Attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge of diabetic patients attending the Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Department of the Local Health Authority of Sassari (ASL1-SS) were assessed with a cognitive survey conducted from April to July 2022. Three hundred twenty-one questionnaires were administered during the survey period. Fifty-two percent of diabetic patients were female and 48% male, with a mean age of 61.1 ± 18.5 years and 62.0 ± 15.1 years, respectively. The overall level of knowledge about the role of food and proper nutrition with respect to the risk of diabetes and its complications appeared to be generally unsatisfactory and inadequate. Nonetheless, females showed a significantly higher level of knowledge than males (p < 0.0001). Moreover, knowledge was seen to decrease according to the age of the patients (p = 0.035). As for the possible impact played by the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyles, it should be noted that about 70% of the respondents stated that they had maintained a reasonable dietary standard or even improved it throughout. Thus, the study underlines the need to improve the knowledge of diabetic subjects about nutrition and, in particular, their self-management, positively influencing behaviors and attitudes.

Factors associated with positive attitude towards hypertension control in Hawassa city administration: Community based cross-sectional study.

Background and AimsIn low‐income countries where there is shortage of appropriate medical care to manage hypertension (HTN), understanding dynamics of communities' knowledge and attitude to prevent through lifestyle is crucial. Despite this fact, there was limited information on levels of awareness and attitude towards HTN and its prevention in the study setting. So, this study was conducted to assess level and factors associated with positive attitude in Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA community level study using cross‐sectional design was done in Hawassa city administration in 2017. Six hundred and twelve respondents were selected using a multi‐stage sampling technique. Knowledge and attitude were assessed using multiple questions and responses were categorized considering mean as cutoff points. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis at 95% confidence interval (CI) were performed.ResultsThe level of mean score of knowledge was 62.7% (SD = 22.2) [95% CI: 60.9–64.4] while that of attitude was 68.1% (SD = 8.8) [95% CI: 67.4–68.8]. Divorced/widowed respondents were 73% less likely to have positive attitude as compared to married respondents (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 95% CI: 0.27 [0.14–0.51], p‐<0.001). Respondents who attended primary, secondary and higher education were 2.84 times (AOR 95% CI: [1.48–5.42], p 0.002), 5.59 times (AOR 95% CI: [2.87–10.89], p‐<0.001) and 9.28 times (AOR 95% CI: [4.39–19.65], p‐<0.001) more likely to have positive attitude as compared to those who cannot read and write. Moreover, respondents who have good knowledge were 2.24 times (AOR 95% CI: [1.49–3.37], p‐<0.001) more likely to have positive attitude as compared with those who have poor knowledge.ConclusionThe overall levels of knowledge and attitude related to HTN and its prevention were moderate but not adequate to bring lifestyle modifications required to prevent and control HTN. Health promotion activities should be strengthened to improve awareness and attitude that are pillars to bring lifestyle modification practices.

Provision of Travel Health Advice Through Local Tourist Handlers: Perspectives of Safari Tour Operators in Uganda

BackgroundThe public health burden of travel related diseases (TRDs) remains significant despite the fact that most can be avoided, particularly with the assistance of local tourist handlers such as Safari Tour Operators' (STOs). The STO's are the immediate close contact with tourist groups, and yet their perspectives regarding provision of travel health advice are unknown in Uganda. This study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of STOs regarding TRDs in Uganda. MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out among selected STOs in Kampala and Wakiso Districts using self-administered questionnaires. ResultsThe overall level of knowledge about travel health information was inadequate. Although 77.5% of the STOs were aware of some TRDs, the availability of travel health information or database in their organisations was not observed. Knowledge of the current TRDs in Uganda among the STOs was very low, with a few individuals mentioning yellow fever (9.7%), malaria (9.2%), cholera (9.2%), and HIV/AIDs (8.9%). Knowledge related to the sources of the travel health information was also low, with STOs (19.1%) and travel health clinics (14.9%) being mentioned as the main sources. The STOs had mostly positive attitude towards provision of travel health advice related to travellers, and all agreed that STOs should play a big role in the provision of travel health advice. First Aid and simple treatment options were mentioned as practices that STOs conducted to keep the travellers safe. ConclusionsWhile the STOs are motivated to do the right thing and provide their clients with sound travel health advice, they have a limited awareness of the actual TRDs in Uganda. The STOs must be educated on pertinent travel health advice, and intra-travel disease and injury management. The responsible government and non-governmental entities in Uganda need to develop educational materials emphasising the relevance of travel health advice.

Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program on Knowledge and Self-Care Management on Type II Diabetes Mellitus among Alcoholic Males with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

The study was conducted to determine whether the structured teaching program made any significant difference in improving the level of knowledge and self-care management of Type II Diabetes Mellitus among alcoholic males with Type II Diabetes Mellitus in a selected community area at Tiruppur. A quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test control group design was used. The data were collected from 60 alcoholic males with Type II Diabetes Mellitus of which 30 were in experimental group and 30 in control group selected by using purposive sampling technique. The total duration of the study was 30 days. Structured interview schedule, Questionnaire and rating scale were used as tools for this study. The major findings of the study show that in the experimental group, mean score percentage on overall levels of knowledge before intervention was found to be 30.3%, after intervention there was a drastic improvement in the mean score to 87.68%. In control group, the mean score percentage on overall levels of knowledge before intervention was found to be 29.86% and after 30 days there was no much change in the mean score percentage (29.41%). In an experimental group, mean score percentage on overall level of self-care management before intervention was found to be 25.21%. However, after intervention there was a drastic improvement 90.38% noticed in the mean score percentage. In control group, the mean score percentage on overall level of self- care management before intervention was found to be 24.33% and after intervention there was no much change in the mean score percentage 23.66%.

ASSESSING PATIENTS’ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES ON HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS AT AJUMAKO HOSPITAL: GHANA

Purpose: Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) remain one of the most important public health problems in many countries and Ghana is no exception. HAIs affect hundreds of millions patients globally. HAIs are among the five leading causes of death worldwide next to cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms, respiratory tract diseases, and infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients on prevention of healthcare associated infections in a healthcare facility in Central Region, Ghana.&#x0D; Methodology: A cross sectional study design was used in this study. Both convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used in the study to administer the questionnaire to patients who were visiting the health facility for a period of four weeks. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to present data as frequencies and percentages. On the other hand, multivariable regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between variables in the dataset. Data were presented with tables. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to present the results.&#x0D; Results: The study showed that the overall level of knowledge of respondents on HAIs was high (54%). Most of the patients (61%) also had positive attitudes toward HAIs, and the practices of patients toward HAIs prevention were also good (57%). Civil/public servant had higher odds of having good knowledge on HAIs than those who are self-employed [aOR=2.1, 95% CI=1.43-3.39]. Two times visitors also had higher odds of having good knowledge on HAIs than new patients [aOR=2.37, 95% CI 1.21–4.63].&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Majority of patients had high knowledge on HAIs with positive attitude and good practices toward prevention of HAIs. Health education on HAIs is recommended for all patients visiting healthcare facilities to help prevent such infections among the patients and health care workers.

Awareness of Testicular Cancer Among the Male Population in the Republic of Croatia

Testicular cancer is the most common tumour in men of reproductive age. The incidence has increased in the last few years, both globally and in the Republic of Croatia. no studies have been conducted in the republic of croatia that show the level of knowledge about testicular cancer, so this study was conducted to examine the knowledge and attitudes of the male population about testicular cancer, to determine whether there are differences in knowledge and attitudes between members of the male population from rural and those from urban areas, and to examine how to increase the awareness of the male population about the prevention of testicular cancer. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 respondents from rural and urban areas of the Republic of Croatia. The study was conducted using an anonymous survey questionnaire. Knowledge of risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment methods, and self-examination was examined. The results did not show a significant difference in the knowledge and attitudes between participants from rural and those from urban areas. However, the overall level of knowledge about testicular cancer has been shown to be low and efforts need to be made to improve prevention programs to protect the health of the male population.

A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Phantom Vibration Syndrome among Nursing Students Attending Online Classes in Selected Nursing College, Trichy

Electronic gadgets are the instruments which can perform many activities at a time with vast speed and makes the hard work efficient one Objectives: to assess the pre-test knowledge and attitude of the phantom vibration syndrome among nursing student, to find the association between knowledge score and attitude level regarding phantom vibration syndrome and to find out the desired attitude regarding Phantom Vibration Syndrome Design: one-group Pre-test design. Setting: Selected College, Trichy. Participants: 50 nursing students attending online classes fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Methods: Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Results: The findings of the research project revealed that, 56 % students were having inadequate knowledge regarding phantom vibration syndrome among nursing students and 44% nursing students were having moderate knowledge regarding phantom vibration syndrome among nursing students and none of them were having adequate knowledge regarding phantom vibration syndrome among nursing students. 26% students strongly agree in attitude regarding phantom vibration syndrome among nursing students, 22 % students agree in attitude regarding phantom vibration syndrome among nursing students, 14 % students uncertain in attitude regarding phantom vibration syndrome among nursing students, 20% students disagree in attitude regarding phantom vibration syndrome and 18% students strongly disagree in attitude regarding phantom vibration syndrome. Conclusion: the investigator was able to assess the overall level of knowledge and attitude regarding Phantom Vibration Syndrome among nursing students attending online classes in selected nursing college, Trichy. Keywords: Assess, knowledge, attitude, Phantom Vibration Syndrome, nursing students, online classes.

Knowledge and Preventive Practices About Osteoporosis Among Elementary School Teachers of Bandar-Abbas in 2020.

PurposeTo assess knowledge and preventive practices about osteoporosis among elementary school teachers of Bandar-Abbas in 2020.Materials and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the schools were selected using simple random sampling, and the teachers were invited to fill out an online questionnaire. The knowledge section of the questionnaire assessed general knowledge and knowledge regarding risk/protective factors, nutrition, and physical activity. The preventive practices section assessed dietary habits using a food frequency questionnaire, asking about 16 items in six groups, intakes of which were compared to the recommendations of the Iranian food pyramid. This section also assessed physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.ResultsTotally, 377 school teachers with a mean [standard deviation (SD)] age of 38 (6.7) participated in this study. The level of overall knowledge of 128 (33.9%) teachers was high, 222 (58.9%) moderate, and 27 (7.2%) low. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] intakes of fruits [2 (1–2)] and meats/eggs [1.7 (1.4–2.2)] were adequate, while those of dairy products [1.5 (0.9–2.3)], nuts/legumes [0.5 (0.2–1.1)], and vegetables [0.3 (0.1–1)] were inadequate. The median (IQR) intakes of tea/coffee [1 (0.6–2)] and cola [0.1 (0–0.3)] were considered limited. The physical activity level of 121 (32.1%) teachers was high, 124 (32.9%) moderate, and 135 (35%) low.ConclusionKnowledge of the teachers about osteoporosis was moderate, and their preventive practices were somewhat adequate concerning dietary habits and moderate concerning physical activity.

IDF21-0094 Oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices of individuals with diabetes mellitus in the Sultanate of Oman

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. In the Sultanate of Oman, the incidence of diabetes mellitus is ∼15.7% based on national survey in 2017. People with diabetes are at higher risk of oral health problems, including periodontal disease, dental caries and candidiasis; in particular, there appears to be a two-way relationship between periodontitis and blood glucose control. While previous research has indicated that diabetics have poor awareness of oral health, there is a gap in the literature from the Sultanate of Oman. Aim: This study aimed to determine oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices among Omani diabetics. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 400 adult Omani diabetics who attended the outpatient clinic of the National Diabetes and Endocrine Centre in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, and who were followed-up for 6 months between May 2019 and May 2020. A self-administered, Arabic-language questionnaire to assess oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices was developed and validated. Mean scores were calculated to determine overall levels of knowledge, attitude and practice. Ethical approval was obtained from the Centre of Studies and Research of the national Ministry of Health. Results: A total of 136 (34.0%) male and 264 (66.0%) female diabetics participated in the study. The mean age was 36.64 ± 12.49 years. The majority (76.8%) of participants demonstrated poor knowledge of oral health, especially with regards to complications like gingivitis (32.4%), dental caries (27.3%), halitosis (27.1%) and gingival abscesses (21.5%). Moreover, most (76.6%) were unaware that oral diseases affected glycated hemoglobin. In terms of practices, more than half (54.8%) routinely brushed their teeth twice a day. However, only 14.6% and 12.6% regularly flossed and used mouth wash, respectively. With regards to attitudes, 42%, 17% and 41% of the participants demonstrated poor, moderate and good attitudes towards oral health, respectively. Smokers more frequently demonstrated poor attitudes compared to non-smokers (6.3% versus 1.6%). Discussion: Various studies conducted elsewhere around the world have similarly shown that diabetics have limited knowledge and awareness of oral health. The lack of knowledge among Omani diabetics of specific oral complications such as gingivitis, dental caries, gingival abscesses and halitosis may be due to a paucity of relevant information from health care professionals. Nevertheless, participants in the current study demonstrated good practices with regards to oral hygiene. Comparable findings have been reported from studies conducted in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. In contrast, a recent systematic review of 28 studies involving 27,894 people with diabetes indicated that diabetics frequently show poor compliance with oral hygiene behaviors and dental visits. Oral self-care behaviors are imperative to minimize the risk of oral health complications associated with diabetes. Previous research has shown that self-management education is an effective method of reducing the incidence and burden of diabetes-related complications.

Design of a Knowledge Evaluation Questionnaire for Dental Specialists on Preservation and Extraction Indications of the First Permanent Molars.

Statement of the Problem: The first permanent molar (FPM) teeth are the most important elements of mastication and are crucial in the improvement of functionally proper occlusion. However, in childhood, these teeth are most susceptible to caries. The loss of an FPM in a child can cause changes in the dental arches. These changes can occur throughout a person’s life. In such cases, the dentists and dental specialists need to decide whether to preserve or extract the FPM.Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the extent of knowledge of dental specialists in Shiraz (Iran) on clinical guidelines for the preservation and extraction indications of FPMs.Materials and Method: The authors developed a dedicated questionnaire for the purpose of knowledge evaluation. A total of 6 orthodontists and 15 dental specialists, respectively confirmed the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The 19-item questionnaire covered topics such as demographic data, preservation criteria for FPM teeth, and indications for FPM extraction. The survey was carried out across six dental disciplines in Shiraz (Iran) during July-August 2018. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software (version 22.0) with the dependent sample t test and one-way ANOVA. p Value< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Out of 89 dental specialists, 64 participants (53% male, 47% female) completed the questionnaire. The mean knowledge score for all participants was 10.09±3.93 (maximum of 19). The level of knowledge had a significant and inverse correlation with age (p< 0.001) and years of experience (p= 0.017). It also had a significant relationship with dental specialization (p< 0.001).Conclusion: The overall level of knowledge of the specialists was insufficient, except for the pedodontists and orthodontists. A re-education training program for dental specialists is strongly recommended.

Assessment of knowledge regarding menstruation and sanitary absorbents among young women of Haryana

Background: Aim of the study was to access the knowledge regarding menstruation and sanitary products among young women from rural, urban and slum areas of Gurugram and Nuh.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 young women of Gurugram and Nuh districts of Haryana, India with the help of a pre-designed semi-structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed using MS-Excel. Chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation and two sample t-test were used as statistical tools to analyze the data.Results: The overall level of knowledge regarding menstruation was found to be poor among 84.2 percent of women from Nuh and 49.2 percent from Gurugram. The findings of the study revealed that education of respondents and their mother, occupation of respondent, socio-economic status, mass media exposure and religion etc. were highly significantly associated with level of knowledge regarding menstruation. Knowledge regarding menstruation was found positively correlated with menstrual hygiene practices (r=0.545** in Gurugram and r=0.270* in Nuh) and with the general perceptions regarding menstruation (r=0.500** in Gurugram and r=0.256* in Nuh) respectively. A significant difference was observed in the knowledge regarding menstruation of women from rural, urban and slum areas of Gurugram and Nuh.Conclusions: Women still lacked of proper knowledge about this crucial phenomenon of their body which leads to various unhygienic menstrual practices and misconceptions about menstruation. Knowledge of young women can be improved through education interventions on menstruation and its importance in their life.

Knowledge and Attitude regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Hospital Pharmacists in Qatar

Background: Pharmacists are front-line healthcare workers who contributed to fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Knowledge and attitude of both community and hospital pharmacists about COVID-19 were reviewed at different practice settings1. This work aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of hospital pharmacists in Qatar about COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional web-based survey was distributed over 2 months. The study included Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) pharmacists. The survey was developed based on the information available on the World Health Organization website, Qatar Ministry of Public Health, and HMC COVID-19 guidelines2–3. The survey was piloted on 15 pharmacists. The required sample size (n = 289) was calculated based on a population of 564 pharmacists working at HMC hospitals and to achieve a 95% level of confidence, with a 5% margin of error and a design effect equivalent to 2 for cluster design. Results: The recruitment was 64.7% (n = 187) of the target sample size of 289 pharmacists. The overall level of knowledge was not affected by participants’ demographics (p-value ≥ 0.05). Pharmacists provided more correct answers to questions related to general knowledge about COVID-19 compared to questions about the treatment of the disease (Figures 1 and 2). Regarding attitude, frequencies, and percentages used to report data, more than 50% of participating pharmacists are using national resources as the main source of information related to COVID-19. Good health practices and attitudes regarding diseases control were reported by pharmacists including preventative measures implementation and self-isolation when needed. Around 80% were in favor of taking the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: The required sample size was not met, limiting the reliability and validity of our reported findings. Hospital pharmacists’ knowledge about COVID-19 is good concerning the nature of the disease and its rapid transmission. Knowledge about treatment aspects needs further enhancement. Preventative measures implementation and self-isolation when needed were reported by pharmacists as good health practices and attitudes.

Level of knowledge about metalloproteinases in dental students close to graduate from three universities in Peruvian capital city.

Metalloproteinases are proteolytic enzymes that degrade dentin and periodontal collagen; therefore, it is of special interest that dental students know its mechanism of action and how its effects can be inhibited. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the level of knowledge about metalloproteinases in dental students close to graduate from three universities in Peruvian capital city. In this analytical, observational, cross-sectional and prospective study, 223 dental students close to graduate in three Peruvian universities were evaluated from September to November 2020. A questionnaire of 20 closed questions with three answers was validated and used to measure the level of general and dental knowledge about metalloproteinases. A logit model was used to evaluate the influence of the following variables: "gender" (X1), "type of university" (X2), "marital status" (X3) and "age group" (X4), in the knowledge levels of the students, considering a p-value <.05. Of the 223 dentistry students, it was obtained that the level of knowledge about metalloproteinases was predominantly low with 82.1%, (95% confidence interval (CI): 77.1%-87.1%) of the total. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, "type of university" was the only variable that proved to have a significant influence (p=.022) on the level of knowledge about metalloproteinases with an odds ratio of (OR=0.44; CI: 0.21-0.89), whilst the other variables "age group" (p>.05), "gender" (p=.058) and "marital status" (p=.114) were not considered influential factors. The majority of final year dental students in three Peruvian universities presented a low level of overall knowledge about metalloproteinases. In addition, private university students were 56% less likely to pass the subject knowledge test. On contrary, gender, age group and marital status did not significantly influence the level of knowledge of the students.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Diabetic Patients on Ocular Complications of Diabetes in Lom&amp;#233; (Togo)

Introduction: The frequency and severity of eye complications from diabetes make patient education essential, which is the basis for adequate management. What is the level of education of diabetic patients in Lomé? The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of diabetic patients on the ocular complications of diabetes in Lomé. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study by surveys on diabetic patients from April 1 to June 31, 2020, in 6 diabetes management centers in Lomé. The correct response rate was established for each component. Knowledge: poor (≤ 50%), low (50% - 65%), medium (65% - 85%) and good (≥ 85%). Attitudes: harmful (≤ 50%), erroneous (50% - 65%), approximate (65% - 85%) and fair (≥ 85%). Practice: harmful (≤ 50%), inadequate (50% - 65%) and adequate (>65%). Results: Over the study period, 150 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 56.98 ± 13.37 years with a sex ratio of 1.1 (79 men/71 women). The overall level of knowledge was insufficient (50.6%) with 65.5% for general knowledge about diabetes and 35.8% for ocular complications of diabetes. Attitudes were approximate (68.7%). In the case of hyperglycemia, 31.3% of patients would confide in a diabetologist and 22.0% in a general practitioner. If decrease in vision, 84.3% of patients would contact the ophthalmologist. The level of practice was harmful (20.4%). For diabetic follow-up, 36.7% of patients have already seen an ophthalmologist, 41.3% have performed a fundus examination, 17.3% retinal angiography, 4% laser retinal photocoagulation and 2.7% intravitreal injection (IVT). An awareness session on the ocular complications of diabetes was followed by 52.7% of patients and 50.7% of patients followed a therapeutic education session. Conclusion: This study has shown that the level of knowledge was poor, attitudes approximate and practices harmful. It is therefore important to raise awareness about diabetes and its ocular complications with the aim to change behavior.

Assessment of Knowledge and Adoption of Drip Irrigation in Cotton Crop among Farmers of Haryana

The study was set about in the state of Haryana to gauge the knowledge and adoption level of the drip irrigation system (DIS) in the cotton crop amongst the farmers. The research highlighted that more than two-thirds of the farmers (68.33%) had a high level of knowledge of DIS. The socio-economic factors such as the family income, size of the landholdings, exposure to the mass media, education level and the socio-economic status of the respondents were significantly correlated with the overall levels of knowledge and adoption of DIS by the farmers. On a whole, more concentrated efforts are the call of the hour to increase the knowledge levels and adoption of micro irrigation techniques on a wider scale.