Mean Knowledge Research Articles

Intensive care nurses’ knowledge of pressure injury prevention

BackgroundPressure injuries (PIs) remain a significant public health concern due to their high prevalence among critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Despite advancements in science and technology related to PI prevention, the prevalence continues to rise. A key factor contributing to this rise is inadequate knowledge and limited use of evidence-based practices by nurses, resulting in prolonged hospital stays and poor patient outcomes. This study aimed to determine the knowledge of intensive care nurses regarding pressure injury prevention.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 101 nurses working in four ICUs at an academic hospital in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The revised Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool (PUKAT 2.0) was utilized to gather data from a convenience sample of intensive care nurses. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data, with statistical tests including the Shapiro-Wilk test, univariate and multivariate linear regression, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient tests. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe mean knowledge score of the nurses (N = 101) was 42.16% (SD 12.09), indicating poor knowledge of PI prevention. The lowest scores were observed in the areas of “prevention of pressure injuries” (25%) and “classification and observation” (39.5%). Higher levels of education (14.00; 95% CI 2.90–25.11; p = 0.014), seniority (15.58; 95% CI 2.92–28.24; p = 0.016), and years of experience (6.38; 95% CI 9.70–5.45; p = 0.039) were statistically significant predictors of better prevention and management of PI.ConclusionThe findings of this study demonstrate that intensive care nurses have poor knowledge of prevention measures, classification, and observation of stages. This may hinder their ability to effectively utilize risk assessment tools in clinical practice. Improving training and providing intensive care nurses with adequate information about evidence-based practices to prevent PI could strengthen their contribution to patient safety. These findings underscore the need for continuous, mandatory training programs for intensive care nurses to stay updated with the latest evidence and practices in PI prevention.

Preliminary insights: exploring irrigation practices during endodontic treatment among general dental practitioners in Malaysia.

Objective(s) This questionnaire study aimed to analyse the irrigation knowledge and current trends in irrigation practice during endodontic treatment among general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Malaysia.Materials and methods A three-part, self-administered questionnaire with multiple-choice questions was distributed to dentists in Malaysia. The survey comprised three sections: demographic data; irrigant selection and protocol; and other irrigation practices. Knowledge questions were marked based on a recommended answer by endodontists and the scores were analysed among various groups having different years of experience using the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results Out of 172 responses, the mean knowledge score of all respondents was 12.92 (standard deviation = 2.774) out of a possible total score of 18. For the scores of groups of practitioners with different years of experience, the Kruskal-Wallis test showed p = 0.069. Sodium hypochlorite appeared as the most used irrigant. Most respondents routinely practised smear layer removal using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Antibacterial capability and tissue dissolution were the main factors in irrigant selection. In total, 65.6% of the GDPs claimed to change their irrigation protocol to suit different pulpal and periapical diagnoses. There was considerable variation regarding the type of irrigants used, irrigation protocol, concentration, volume, time spent for irrigation, irrigation needle usage and additional adjunct methods used.Conclusion(s) Respondents of the survey were following the recommended irrigation practices in terms of irrigant selection but there is scope for improvement in other aspects of irrigation practice. Further investigation with a larger sample size is needed for more robust conclusions.

Knowledge and perspectives towards the use of histology in inflammatory bowel disease by gastroenterologists across the Asia-Pacific region.

Recently, histological mucosal assessment has gained momentum as a potential new treatment target for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the Asia-Pacific region. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge and acceptability of histological assessment among gastroenterologists across the region. A cross-sectional survey among gastroenterologists in the Asia-Pacific region was conducted and compared against a previous Australian survey. The questionnaire assessed knowledge and attitude towards the role and application of histology in IBD practice. Statistical analyses were employed to compare scores and identify predictors. A total of 221 gastroenterologists from 12 countries, including 77 (34.8%) from Australia, responded to questionnaire, with 185 (83.7%) completing the survey. The mean knowledge score was 9.8 ± 3.3 (51.6%). There was no significant difference in the average score among countries (P= 0.53). IBD specialist (P< 0.01), doctoral degree (P= 0.02), and regular participation in IBD multidisciplinary meetings (P= 0.01) were associated with higher scores. Most respondents (90.7%) agreed on the importance of histology in IBD. While 54.6% of Australians perceived the role of histology as established, only 37.0% of Asians respondents considered this similarly (P= 0.02). Histological activity alone minimally influences treatment escalation in patients with endoscopic remission, but achieving combined histo-endoscopic remission often leads to therapy de-escalation. Although gastroenterologists in the Asia-Pacific region are aware of the role of histology in IBD, their knowledge remains limited, and its clinical utility is not widely adopted. There is a need to promote the routine use of standardized histological assessment in IBD practice.

Effectiveness of a video-assisted teaching program on menstrual cup usage among women (18–45 years age group) in selected colleges of Patna

ABSTRACT Introduction: Menstrual cups are a sustainable alternative to traditional menstrual products, yet their usage remains low in many regions. In India, only 0.3% of women use menstrual cups, representing a lack of knowledge and a negative attitude towards the use of menstrual cups. This study aimed to promote menstrual cup usage and develop the right attitude among women (18–45 years old) in selected colleges in Patna. Material and Methods: One group pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted in selected colleges in Patna with a nonrandomized convenient sampling technique employed to select 100 participants. The intervention consisted of a 30-minute video session on menstrual cup usage, and a structured questionnaire administered pre- and post-intervention to assess knowledge and attitudes. Results: Post-intervention analysis showed a significant increase in knowledge and positive attitudes towards menstrual cup usage. The video-assisted teaching program was found effective in enhancing knowledge regarding menstrual cup usage, as evidenced by the mean knowledge score, which improved from 7.25 + 1.89 to 8.40 + 1.43, as well as the attitude mean score, which improved from 32.14 + 8.50 to 33.91 + 7.88. Conclusion: The video-assisted teaching program effectively enhanced knowledge and positively influenced attitudes toward menstrual cup usage among women in the targeted age group. This suggests that similar educational interventions could be beneficial in promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene practices. Many participants suggested that if it is added through government schemes, it will be more valuable in promoting the adoption of menstrual cups among women.

Effectiveness of integrated program on clinical care pathway for patients with heart failure upon competency of nurses

Cardiovascular disease is still the most common cause of death and disability in industrialized nations, and its prevalence is rising rapidly. Heart failure (HF) is increasingly common and incurs a substantial cost, both in terms of quality and length of life. Clinical pathways provide a means of implementing the most up-to-date guidance into clinical settings to improve the value and efficiency of the care provided. Methods: This study was conducted using the A Quasi-Experimental Time series Research design to assess the level of competency and to determine the effectiveness of clinical care pathway on management of patients with heart failure among 60 nurses (30 in Control and 30 in Intervention Group) from selected hospitals who were selected by consecutive sampling technique. The data was collected using pretested and validated tools such as background variables proforma of nurses, structured knowledge questionnaire and Observation Checklist on Practice of Integrated Program on Clinical Care Pathway for Heart Failure through self-administration method. Results: The study findings revealed that the mean knowledge score for heart failure management was significantly higher in the intervention group (25.50 ± 1.61) compared to the control group (17.87 ± 1.83). Additionally, their practice scores also were significantly higher across all components, days, and global scores in the intervention group (127.97 ± 3.43) than the control group (76.90 ± 7.60) with a p &lt; 0.001. Conclusion: An empowerment of nurses focusing on clinical pathway could improve knowledge on heart failure, which could lead to better patient care including patient education and could reduce patient readmission for heart failure.

A study to assess the effectiveness of informational booklet on knowledge regarding early signs and immediate management of myocardial infarction among the undergraduate students in selected colleges in Udupi

Methods: An evaluative approach with pre-experimental, one group pretest posttest design research design, were used to assess the effectiveness of informational booklet on knowledge regarding early signs and immediate management of myocardial infarction among undergraduate students. In the view of nature of the problem and accomplish the objectives of the study, a structured self-administered knowledge questionnaire was prepared to assess the knowledge among undergraduate students regarding early signs and immediate management of myocardial infarction. Reliability of the tool was tested and validity was ensured in consultation with guides and experts in field of Nursing and Medicine. The pilot study was conducted from 7/6/23 to 14/6/23 after obtaining permission from Dr. G Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College, Udupi. The final study was conducted from 17/6/23 to 24/6/23 after obtaining permission from the authority of Poornaprajna College, Udupi. Subjects were chosen by purposive sampling technique. The researcher introduced self to the subjects and purpose of the study was explained. She obtained written consent from those who were willing to participate in the study. Instructions were given and the tool was administered. Pretest was conducted on 17/6/23 at 9.00 am onwards. Time to conduct pre test was about 35 mts and on the same day informational booklet was given. The respondents were thanked at the end of the class. Post test was conducted on 24/6/23. Results: The mean post-test knowledge scores 28, is higher than mean pre-test knowledge scores 11.5. The computed value 22.59 (p &lt;0.05) showed that there is highly significant difference between the pretest and post-test mean knowledge scores 16.5. Hence, hypothesis H1 is accepted. This indicates that the informational booklet is effective in increasing the knowledge scores on early signs and immediate management of myocardial infarction.The chi square value of like variable such as age, gender, religion, class of study, dietary pattern, area of residence, previous information and source of information at 0.05 level of significance does not show any significant association. Hence, the hypothesis H2 is rejected. Interpretation and conclusion: The study revealed that during pretest majority 83 (83%) undergraduate students had poor knowledge level, 17 (17%) had moderate knowledge on early signs and immediate management of myocardial infarction. During posttest majority of 49 (49%) gained excellent knowledge, 48 (48%) got good knowledge and 3 (3%) undergraduate students gained moderate knowledge. This indicates that the informational booklet is effective in increasing the knowledge scores on early signs and immediate management of myocardial infarction. There was no statistically significant association found between knowledge score and demographic variables.

Breastfeeding Intentions, Attitudes, and Knowledge Among Medical Students in Croatia.

Medical students should have adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward breastfeeding to support breastfeeding dyads. No studies in Croatia have explored breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes or intentions among medical students. To investigate breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and intentions among medical students at the University of Split School of Medicine. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2023, using online and written questionnaires. All medical students without children were eligible to participate. The validated Breastfeeding Intentions, Attitudes, and Knowledge Questionnaire (BIAKQ) was used. Sociodemographic data were collected. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, t tests, and Mann-Whitney U test. A total of 357 medical students participated (response rate 64.1%). There was no significant difference between preclinical and clinical students. Students who attended the elective "Breastfeeding Medicine" demonstrated significantly more positive attitudes toward breastfeeding (Mean Rank = 215.62) than those who did not attend (Mean Rank = 173.58; U= 5468.50, p = 0.010); however, no significant difference was found in knowledge or intentions. Female students had significantly more positive attitudes compared to male students (Mean Rank = 189.47 vs. Mean Rank = 150.55, U = 9796.50, p = 0.001), whereas male students expressed significantly more positive intentions (M = 36.97, SD = 5.26 vs. M = 34.44, SD = 5.86, t = -3.69, p = 0.002). The mean knowledge score was 11.92 (SD = 1.43) out of 13 points. Negative attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond 1 year and breastfeeding in public were found. Despite adequate breastfeeding knowledge, some medical students demonstrated negative attitudes and intentions toward breastfeeding. Including breastfeeding education into core medical subjects focusing on the importance of breastfeeding for maternal and infant health and the risks of formula feeding could help improve attitudes, especially during the clinical years. It would also be important to address prevailing prejudices.

Awareness and Knowledge of Developmental Coordination Disorder Among Healthcare Professionals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a lifelong neurological disorder impairing the coordination and planning of motor and sensory tasks. Its functional manifestation includes difficulties in various aspects of daily living, making early diagnosis and management essential. This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study targeted healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province who work with children under the age of 18. The questionnaire was completed through field visit interviews and electronically via social platforms from October 2023 to March 2024, collecting data on demographics, professional experience, familiarity with related disorders, and awareness of dyspraxia symptoms. Of the participants, 21.2% had previously diagnosed at least one child with dyspraxia, with family physicians comprising 30% of those diagnoses. The overall mean knowledge score was 17%, ranging from 8.3% to 23.1%. The most recognized symptom was motor learning difficulties (22.7%), followed by gross and fine motor skill delays (22.3%). Notably, 65.15% of respondents were unsure about the gender distribution of dyspraxia. The findings align with international studies, showing significant knowledge gaps among healthcare providers in the Eastern Province. These findings also emphasize the need for targeted health promotion programs, promotional activities, and media involvement for enhancing public health outcomes, early identification, and better management of DCD.

Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme (Stp) On Knowledge Regarding Prevention and Management of Urinary Tract Infection Among Female in Patients Admitted in Ah&amp;Rc B G Nagara

Background: Urinary tract infection occurs among the most prevalent infections in humans is urinary tract infection. When uropathogenic bacteria, typically Escherichia coli, rise from the perineum into the bladder and defeat host innate immunity, simple infections most frequently occur in apparently healthy women Urinary tract infection is one of the commonest infections to affect humans. Purpose: The study assessed the effectiveness of Structured teaching programme on regarding UTI among female patients admitted in Adichunchanagiri Hospital &amp; Research Center B G Nagara. Method: The patient’s level of knowledge was assessed using an 30-item Urinary Tract Infection female Patient Awareness Questionnaire. An STP was administered to 60 patients with UTI Female Patient. Discussion: The pretest mean knowledge score was 42.89% and SD was ±2.45. The posttest mean knowledge score was 77.00% and SD was ±2.14. The paired t-test showed t=2.04, df=29. Conclusion: STP was effective in enhancing the knowledge of UTI Female patients. This implies that when appropriately implemented, the UTI patients will bring the benefits of STP, Which could enhance their overall health condition.

Differences in knowledge, attitudes and intentions towards HPV vaccination among young adults from diverse socio-cultural groups in Israel: A cross-sectional study

In Israel, The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine is recommended to both genders up to age 26. Many 18–26 olds missed their opportunity for vaccination during school. Our study described HPV knowledge, attitudes and vaccination intentions among unvaccinated 18–26 Israeli adults across various demographics, aiming to inform future catch-up vaccination strategies.We recruited participants through an anonymous survey and collected information about demographics and HPV knowledge, attitudes and intentions using questions from validated questionnaires adapted to the Israeli context, distributed between December 2023–February 2024. We calculated weighted mean knowledge and attitude scores according to age, gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation. We determined factors associated with vaccination knowledge, attitudes and intentions using multivariate linear regressions.Of 4324 respondents, 36 % were vaccinated. Of 1994 unvaccinated individuals included in the final analysis, <50 % reported being familiar with HPV. The overall mean weighted HPV knowledge score was 9.5/14 (95 % CI 9.3–9.7). Older participants, Jewish non-Ultra-Orthodox, and those with higher education levels reported higher knowledge scores. Attitudes towards HPV vaccination were generally neutral but tended towards the positive, with an overall mean weighted score of 2.9/5 (95 %CI 2.88–2.95). Variation in attitudes across different demographic groups was minimal.Intention to vaccinate within 12 months was low, with <15 % of respondents overall expressing an intention to do so. Factors significantly associated with higher vaccination intention included being Arab, older, female, having multiple sexual partners, and being a student. There was no association between sexual orientation and vaccination intention. Arab participants showed the highest intention to vaccinate despite having the lowest knowledge levels.Young adults in Israel demonstrate low HPV awareness and vaccination intention, with minor variations in attitudes across different demographics. Providing more information may be insufficient to increase vaccine uptake in all groups. Future catch-up campaigns should be tailored to barriers specific to different groups.

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF NURSES TOWARDS PALLIATIVE CARE FOR THE DYING PATIENT

Palliative care is crucial in managing elderly patients at the end of life, yet nurses’ knowledge and attitudes significantly influence the quality of care provided. Understanding these factors can highlight areas for improvement in training and practice. Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of nurses towards palliative care for older dying patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Nursing Department of Nishtar Hospital, Multan from September 2023 to September 2024. A total of 100 nurses involved with palliative care of elderly patients were selected for the study. Knowledge of nurses was evaluated by the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing which contained 20 questions that could be answered by selecting true, false, or unknown options. The attitudes of nurses were assessed on a seven-item thanatophobia scale which could be answered on a Likert scale from 1 to 7 with 1 being strongly agree and 7 being strongly disagree. Results: The mean knowledge score was 12 ± 3.1 which showed a moderate understanding with a score range of 6-19. The median attitude score on the thanatophobia scale was 13 with a score range of 8 to 35. Age (r= -0.347, p=0.006) and experience (r= -0.286) were negatively associated with attitudes and these associations were significant. Total knowledge scores and total attitude scores were moderately and negatively associated indicating that good knowledge was correlated to positive attitudes (p=0.008). Conclusion: A moderate knowledge level and favorable attitudes of nurses were recorded towards palliative care. However, more experience and training can improve these scores.

Needs Assessment and Tailored Training Pilot for Emergency Care Clinicians in the Prehospital Setting in Rwanda

Background: In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), 45% of deaths could be addressed by implementation of an emergency medical services (EMS) system. Prehospital care is a critical component of EMS worldwide, and basic, affordable training has been shown to improve EMS systems. However, patient outcome impact is unclear. In this study we aimed to assess the current state of prehospital care in Kigali, Rwanda, through a needs assessment, focused training intervention, and analysis of current practices and patient outcomes. Methods: We identified 30 clinicians through the prehospital medical command office and included them in the study. A prospective, nonrandomized, interrupted time-series approach was used. Data collected through closed- and open-ended questionnaires included age, sex, training, and knowledge assessment. We used the data to create a tailored, 18-hour training after which immediate and 11-month post-tests were administered. Linked prehospital and hospital care datasets allowed for evaluation of patient outcomes and prehospital process indicators that included training skill application, airway intervention, intravenous fluid administration, and glucose administration. Results: Of 30 clinicians, 18 (60%) were female, 19 were nurses, and 11 were nurse anaesthetists. Median age was 36, and median years providing care was 10 (IQR 7–11). Twenty-four (80%) participants completed immediate and post-test assessments. Mean knowledge across 12 core skills significantly improved from a pre-test mean of 59.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.2–77.20) to a post-test mean of 87.8% (95% CI 74.7–100). At 11 months post-training, the score improvement maintained, with a mean score of 77.6%(95% CI 59.2–96.8). For patient outcomes, the total sample size was 572 patients; 324 of these patients were transported to the ED during the pre-training period (56.4%), while 248 were transported post-training. Prehospital oxygen administration for patients with a saturation level of &amp;lt;95% significantly increased pre- to post-training (66.7% to 71.7%; Δ = 5.0%; Δ95% CI 1.9,−8.1%). No significant changes were noted in patient treatment outcomes or other process indicators due to small sample sizes. Conclusion: This study provides insights on Rwandan EMS and demonstrates that a tailored intervention targeting education on prehospital process indicators has positive impacts on clinician knowledge and practice.

Health Volunteers and E-Booklet Impact on Knowledge and Treatment Adherence in Hypertension Patient

Hypertension is a disease with a global prevalence of 1.3 billion cases in 2019, which is the leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of hypertension in Indonesia is 34.1% among the adult population, with a mortality rate of 427,218. The failure of hypertension patient management is mostly due to a lack of awareness of the importance of adherence to hypertension treatment and a lack of knowledge. This study aims to determine the effect of health education by health volunteers using e-booklet on the knowledge and adherence to treatment of hypertensive patients at Batujajar Health Center area. This study used a quasi-experimental design with intervention and control groups. The sample in this study consisted of 32 respondents, who were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The results showed that health education by health volunteers using e-booklet significantly increased the mean knowledge of hypertensive patients, with the mean value of knowledge rising from 75.6 to 86.8 after the intervention. Patients' adherence to treatment also increased, with the mean value rising from 4.4 to 6. The results showed a significant positive effect on both variables, with a p-value of 0.016 for knowledge and 0.001 for treatment adherence, respectively. Based on the findings, health education conducted by health volunteers using e-booklets significantly impacts the knowledge and medication adherence of hypertension patients in the Batujajar Health Center area. It is recommended that health volunteer training be conducted periodically by healthcare professional and that the e-booklet be utilized as an educational tool at the health center and as a credible reference source for the community.

Knowledge Level of Physicians Prescribing Bisphosphonates: Prevention and Treatment of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Introduction: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is an important uncommon complication. Due to its complexity, its prevention requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving physicians and dental clinicians. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of physicians prescribing bisphosphonates in Tehran, Iran, about dental considerations in such patients and the prevention and treatment of MRONJ in 2019. This descriptive, cross-sectional study evaluated 100 physicians (rheumatologists, endocrinologists, oncologists, and orthopedists) practicing in Tehran. A questionnaire comprising a demographic section and knowledge questions regarding dental considerations in patients taking bisphosphonates was administered among the physicians. The frequency of qualitative variables such as gender, type of specialty, and physicians’ responses to each question was calculated, and the knowledge scores were analyzed separately based on the physicians’ specialty types using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test for pairwise comparisons. The effect of different variables on knowledge scores was analyzed by simple regression. Results: The mean knowledge score of physicians was 5.19±1.78 (range 2-8). The mean knowledge score of oncologists was significantly higher than that of endocrinologists (5.88 versus 4.52, P=0.03). No other significant differences were noted. Work experience (P=0.04), age (P=0.02), orthopedics specialty (P=0.05), and oncology specialty (P=0.006) had significant effects on the knowledge score. Conclusion: Considering acquiring about 50% of the total score, physicians seem to have limited knowledge about dental considerations in patients taking bisphosphonates.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding medication splitting and crushing among the general public in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSplitting or crushing medications are used for dosage administration when a certain dose is not easily accessible. Understanding the splitting or crushing of medications is essential to guarantee safe medication...

KAP ANALYSIS OF NURSES REGARDING PREVENTION OF OSTEOPOROSIS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH NUTRITIONAL BEHAVIORS

Osteoporosis is a significant public health concern, affecting millions globally. Nurses play a vital role in educating and guiding patients about preventive measures. However, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding osteoporosis prevention, along with their own nutritional behaviours, are crucial factors that can influence patient care and health outcomes. Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of nurses regarding osteoporosis prevention and its association with nutritional behaviours. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Nursing Department of Nishtar Hospital, Multan from September 2023 to August 2024. A total of 100 nurses with at least a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of one year of work experience were included in the study. The data was collected through a questionnaire divided into five sections to collect demographic information, levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices, and nutritional habits of nurses. Results: The mean knowledge score was 19.24 ± 4.10 with 55% of nurses possessing good knowledge. The mean attitude score was 71.68 ± 7.05 with 80% of nurses having positive attitudes. The mean attitude score was 47.32 ± 7.44 with 58% of nurses having good practices. 58% of nurses had good nutritional behaviours with a mean score of 111.08 ± 14.73. A strong direct association was observed between nutritional behaviors and KAP scores (p=0.001). Conclusion: Good knowledge, attitudes, practices, and nutritional behaviours were noted in nurses regarding osteoporosis prevention. The KAP scores had a direct and strong association with nutritional behaviors promoting lifestyle changes.

Exploring ADHD understanding and stigma: Insights from an online survey in Lebanon.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Public knowledge of ADHD plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes, reducing stigma, and fostering a supportive environment for individuals with this disease. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and stigma of the general Lebanese population regarding ADHD and identify potential factors associated with these variables. An online cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2023 among adults from all Lebanese regions. The questionnaire was self-administered, available in Arabic and English, and included a sociodemographic section and the validated tools Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorders Scale (KADDS) and the ADHD Stigma Questionnaire (ASQ). A total of 647 participants were included. Most participants (n = 483 (74.7%)) lacked prior experience with individuals who have ADHD, and only 12.8% reported having good information about the condition. The participants had a mean knowledge score of 20.49 ±3.23 and a mean ADHD stigma score of 75.71 ±20.58. A significantly higher knowledge score was associated with a university level of education (B = 0.14, p < 0.001), older age (B = 0.14, p = 0.001), using the internet (B = 0.13, p = 0.001) and lecture (B = 0.09, p = 0.015) as a source of ADHD information, having a high monthly income (B = 0.13, p = 0.001), being female (B = 0.08, p = 0.030) and having a health coverage (B = 0.08, p = 0.025). Conversely, a lower knowledge was significantly associated with obtaining ADHD information from television (B = -0.13, p = 0.001) and family (B = -0.08, p = 0.043). A significantly lower score was associated with ever being diagnosed with ADHD (B = -0.18, p < 0.001), having an intermediate monthly income (B = -0.10, p = 0.005), and consuming alcohol (B = -0.11, p = 0.004), while a higher score was significantly associated with a higher KADDS total score (B = 0.12, p = 0.002) and being employed (B = 0.07, p = 0.044). The present study addressed a gap in the existing literature by examining ADHD knowledge and stigma in the Lebanese population. Surprisingly, a positive correlation between higher ADHD knowledge and increased stigma challenges common assumptions, suggesting a complex relationship between knowledge, misconceptions, and societal attitudes. The findings emphasize the need for targeted education and advocacy to improve knowledge and alleviate misconceptions and stigma within the general population.

One-year impact of behavioural interventions on schistosomiasis-related knowledge, attitude and practices of primary schoolchildren in Pemba, Tanzania

BackgroundElimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem and interruption of transmission in selected areas are goals set by the World Health Organization for 2030. Behaviour change communication (BCC), coupled with other interventions, is considered an essential measure to reduce the transmission of Schistosoma infection. Focusing on elimination, we assessed the 1-year impact of BCC interventions on schistosomiasis-related knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of schoolchildren in hotspot schools versus low-prevalence schools that did not receive the interventions.MethodsSchool-based cross-sectional surveys were implemented in 16 schools on Pemba Island, Tanzania, in 2020 and 2022, respectively. The schistosomiasis-related KAP were assessed in children attending grades 3–5, using pre-tested questionnaires. Between the surveys, in 2021, children from hotspot schools were exposed to BCC interventions. The difference in mean knowledge and attitude scores, respectively, between schoolchildren from hotspot and low-prevalence schools during the survey in 2022 was determined with a linear mixed-effect model.ResultsIn the five hotspot schools that received BCC interventions, 315 children participated in the survey in 2020 and 349 in 2022. There was a 21.0% increase in children with moderate knowledge and a 13.8% decrease in no knowledge; a 8.3% increase in good attitude and a 19.2% decrease in poor attitude; 3.4% and 3.2% fewer children reported to use waterbodies for washing clothes or body, respectively. In the 11 low-prevalence schools without BCC interventions, 778 children participated in 2020 and 732 in 2022. The percentage of children with poor knowledge (56.4% and 63.1%) and poor attitude (55.3% and 53.1%) remained relatively stable from 2020 to 2022, but 4.9% and 3.0% less children reported to use waterbodies for washing clothes or their body, respectively. In 2022, the difference in mean knowledge scores was 0.8 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5−1.1] and the difference in mean attitude scores was 0.6 (95% CI: 0.4−0.7) between children in hotspot compared with low-prevalence schools.ConclusionsAfter one year of implementation, the BCC interventions markedly improved the KAP of exposed children. Complemented by improved access to clean water and sanitation, BCC holds promise to contribute successfully to the achievement of schistosomiasis control and elimination targets.Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN91431493. Registered 11 February. 2020, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN91431493.Graphical

Israeli dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding smoking cessation care

BackgroundThe 5A’s model for brief smoking cessation care (SCC) is recommended for dentists to reduce the negative impacts of smoking on oral health. This study investigates Israeli dentists' adherence to the 5A’s guidelines and explores factors influencing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Israeli dentists during June–August 2020. The questionnaire included sociodemographic, smoking, and professional characteristics; knowledge (10 true/false statements); attitudes regarding SCC [based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)] using 13 statements (1–5 Likert scale), for a composite mean attitude score; and 5A’s performance (1–5 Likert scale, never to always). Two primary outcomes were analysed: (1) performing all of the 5A’s ‘often or always’; and (2) performing ‘always’ the first two steps (“Ask” and “Advise”). Multivariable logistic regression explored the association between the various characteristics and the primary outcomes.ResultsOverall, n = 410 responded. Mean knowledge score was 2.58 (SD = 1.51). Mean attitude score was 2.65 (SD = 0.60). Performance of all 5A’s was low with 14.1% (n = 57) reporting completing all 5A’s ‘often or always’, while 34.1% (n = 139) reported ‘always’ performing ‘Ask’ and ‘Advise’. Specialists had better odds of ‘often or always’ performing the 5A’s (adjusted OR = 2.01, p = .022) and ‘always’ performing ‘Ask and Advise’ (adjusted OR = 1.71, p = .022).ConclusionsThis study highlights the insufficient performance of SCC among Israeli dentists, revealing gaps in knowledge and attitudes related to SCC. Various measures, such as training, automatic referral systems, and integrating SCC as quality measures, may improve SCC provision among Israeli dentists.

Empowering EVAR: Revolutionizing Patient Understanding and Qualification with 3D Printing.

This study addresses the need for enhanced patient education in the context of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and its treatment through endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Effective patient education is essential for improving comprehension and engagement, particularly for those facing complex medical conditions. A total of 55 patients scheduled for EVAR participated in the study. Patient-specific three-dimensional (3D)-printed models of the participants' aneurysms were created using computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scans. The educational intervention included a structured session utilizing these 3D models, with assessments conducted before and after the session, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Statistical analyses evaluated the knowledge gain and its correlation with cognitive function. The results showed a significant increase in knowledge scores post-education (p < 0.001), with a mean knowledge gain of 2.36 points. Patients rated the effectiveness of the 3D models highly on a Likert scale, with a mean score of 4.64 for improving their understanding of the medical condition and procedural aspects. A weak correlation was observed between MMSE scores and knowledge test results. This study demonstrates the potential of patient-specific 3D models to enhance patient education in the context of EVAR, improving patients' understanding of their medical condition and the procedure and thereby facilitating more informed decision-making.