Mean Knowledge Research Articles

Effect of Health Education on Knowledge and Perceptions Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention among Female Students of a Medical College in Rawalpindi, Pakistan: Pre and Post Analysis

Objective: To evaluate and compare the knowledge and attitude of future female health care providers regarding pap smear screening for cervical cancer at a medical and dental institution in Pakistan. The quality of knowledge of the students was analysed to measure the efficacy of awareness intervention sessions of the students. This was aimed to highlight their role in public awareness and identify the deficit thereof in their training towards practicing preventive community medicine. Study Design: This was a pre and post analysis comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at Army Medical College Rawalpindi Pakistan, over an 8-months period from Nov 2019 to Jun 2020. Methodology: A total of 754 responses, pre intervention -401- and one-month later post intervention-353 were collected through a validated questionnaire by convenience sampling. Changes in the knowledge and attitude of students using an independent sample t test were determined one month after 20-minute educational intervention detailing cervical cancer and its screening. Association between course and year of study on the knowledge and attitude scores was determined bycomparing means using ANOVA tables. Results: Comparison of pre and post intervention scores revealed a statistically significant difference in knowledge (p< 0.001)and attitude (p=0.002) with a change in mean knowledge scores from 46.31±15.93 to 74.03±15.71 and mean attitude scores from 45.84±14.37 to 48.86±12.54 after the intervention. MBBS students showed a statistically significant improvement in attitude (p<0.001) than their BDS counterparts (p=0.535). Conclusion: Pre-intervention knowledge and attitude was inadequate. The intervention was successful with a significant increase in scores. Emphasis should be on implementing national HPV vaccination and cervical screening awareness campaigns.

Knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices regarding plagiarism among health researchers in Egypt and Lebanon: a multicenter questionnaire study

To enhance efforts against plagiarism, a deeper understanding of its various aspects is essential. This cross-sectional questionnaire study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and self-reported plagiarism practices among health researchers in Egypt and Lebanon. A validated questionnaire was distributed to postgraduate students and faculty members across 15 universities through personal emails and health researcher-specific social media platforms. Out of 283 respondents, the mean knowledge score was 14.8 ± 3.7 out of a possible 27.0, indicating moderate knowledge of plagiarism. Attitudes toward plagiarism were moderately permissive, with an average score of 62.2 ± 10.9, out of a maximum of 90.0. Subjective norms received a moderate score of 33.6 ± 6.7, where a favorable score should be low (10–23) suggesting that participants perceive society as disapproving of plagiarism and believe its prevalence is low. The mean self-reported Plagiarism Severity Score (PSS) was 4.1 ± 3.6, reflecting a low level of self-reported plagiarism, with a maximum possible score of 18. Multivariable analysis revealed a negative correlation between subjective norms and the PSS (β = −0.194, CI [−0.196: −0.010]). This finding is counterintuitive, as one would typically expect that a lower subjective norms score (indicating stronger disapproval of plagiarism), would correlate with fewer acts of plagiarism. One possible explanation for this result is the presence of negative perceptions of organizational justice—such as feelings of being unfairly treated—which might lead to higher rates of self-reported research misconduct. We recommend that universities in the Arab Middle East region develop research ethics training programs that include responsible conduct in research. However, it is essential for academic leaders to assess and address the research integrity climate within their institutions, as organizational injustice could undermine the effectiveness of these educational efforts.

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.

Impact of Informative Videos on Proxy Consent by Parents for Pediatric Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Background: Consent is never truly exercised in children as parents act as their proxy and often do not understand the advantages, disadvantages, risks, and benefits of the procedure. Their high anxiety state is mirrored in the child, leading to slower recovery. Hence, this study was designed to understand if an intervention can impact the effect of consent on parents’ anxiety, satisfaction, and knowledge. Methodology: A two-arm, parallel design, randomized controlled trial was conducted from March 2020 to March 2022 to analyze the effect of an educational video in comparison to an informational leaflet in parents giving proxy consents for various listed pediatric surgical procedures. Results: Parents in the video group had a higher mean knowledge score (6.97 vs. 6.77, P = 0.40), comparable satisfaction scores (27.45 vs. 27.58, P = 0.88), and statistically insignificant difference between anxiety scores. We noted highest score of satisfaction (28.5/40) in the parents educated up to High School level or less. Knowledge scores were lowest in pelvic-ureteric junction obstruction (5.1/10) patients. Conclusions: Our study done over a period of 2 years included a variety of diagnoses, and the videos and information leaflets were self-designed. It showed comparable anxiety, knowledge, or satisfaction in parents. Studies with more participants would be needed to take this research forward.

Household Pharmaceutical Disposal Practices, Community Understanding, and Readiness for Medicines Take-Back in Asmara, Eritrea: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Unused and/or expired pharmaceuticals stored in households are potential health and environment hazards that require safe disposal. In Eritrea, there has not been a proper household medicines disposal system and pharmaceutical wastes had been disposed of irrationally. The study was therefore conducted to assess community's understanding and disposal practices of unused/expired medications and willingness to participate in a household medicines take-back system. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2023 in randomly selected households of Asmara. The study participants were selected using a multi-stage-cluster sampling. Data, collected through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire, were double entered using CSPro version 7.3 software package and analyzed using SPSS version 26. A total of 327 participants were enrolled in the study with a predominance of female respondents (84%). The most commonly used disposal practices were throwing with household garbage (65.6%), followed by dumping under soil (38.7%) and flushing down the toilet/sink (15.2%). Around three-quarters (70.5%) of the households had unused/expired medicines stored at home during the data collection period with intention to use being the most common reason for storage (83.9%). Analgesics and anti-infectives were the most commonly stored classes of medicines, and more than half of the anti-infectives were stored for future use. The mean knowledge score of participants was 7.31/11 (95% CI: 7.09-7.52). Moreover, participants had a satisfactory willingness to participate in a household medicines take-back system, with a mean attitude score of 16.89/20 (95% CI: 16.45-17.29). Lack of awareness, negligence, time/health constraints, fear of accountability/stigma, accessibility and reluctance were reported as possible challenges in establishing a household medicines take-back system. Unnecessary storage and improper disposal of household unused/expired medicines along with inadequate knowledge on disposal mechanisms were common in households of Asmara. Hence, public education on proper disposal as well as coordinated efforts for the establishment of safe disposal mechanisms are recommended.

To evaluate the effect of a structured training program about polycystic ovarian syndrome on the knowledge and perception of nursing students of a government nursing teaching institute in Northern India

ABSTRACT Background: The education levels of females have been found to aid in the early detection of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in mitigating the long-term consequences of PCOS. Nursing students are poised to become the next generation of healthcare professionals, equipped with valuable knowledge that can be utilized to increase awareness among their peers and patients, particularly about this critical subject matter. Objective: We conducted this study to assess the current level of knowledge and perception regarding PCOS among nursing students and to evaluate the impact of structured training interventions on their baseline knowledge and perception level. Methods: It was a single-group pre-post interventional study done on the nursing students of Govt. Nursing College. A pre-tested questionnaire was used as a study tool. Intervention in the form of a structured training program was imparted to the participants. Results: The pre-test group exhibited a lower mean knowledge score (M = 22.5758, SD = 11.02290) than the post-test group (M = 31.3889, SD = 14.50417). A significant difference was observed in the mean knowledge scores (t = −8.107070, P = 0.00001). The pre-test group exhibited a lower mean perception score (M = 35.3535, SD = 3.79637) than the post-test group (M = 36.6616, SD = 3.79576). There was a significant difference in the mean perception score (t = −5.883333, P = 0.00001). Conclusions: This study has shown the positive impact of relevant training on the knowledge and perception of nursing students about PCOS.

Knowledge and practices of nurses working in urology clinics on fluid–electrolyte monitoring and management

AbstractThe aim of the study was to examine the knowledge and practices of nurses working in urology clinics on fluid–electrolyte monitoring and management. The study sample for this descriptive cross‐sectional research comprised 79 nurses employed in clinics providing care to urology patients from June 2023 to June 2024. These nurses had internet access and consented to participate in the study on a voluntary basis. The data were obtained through the ‘Google Form’, which uses a descriptive characteristics form, a fluid–electrolyte monitoring and management knowledge form, and a practice form for fluid–electrolyte monitoring and management. The mean score of the nurses on the fluid–electrolyte monitoring and management knowledge form was 7.48 ± 1.74. The most common practice related to fluid–electrolyte monitoring and management was “I monitor and record additional fluid losses related to vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and drains”. When the mean scores of the fluid–electrolyte monitoring and management knowledge form were compared according to the individual characteristics of the nurses, no statistically significant difference was found between the mean scores of the knowledge form according to the characteristics of the nurses (p > 0.05). In this study, the mean knowledge scores of the nurses were above average. When the practices of the nurses for the prevention of fluid–electrolyte imbalances were examined, most of them stated that they monitored additional fluid losses related to vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and drains. The characteristics of the nurses (clinical experience, age, years of working in the profession and educational status) did not affect their knowledge scores.

KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR OF HATTA HOSPITAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS REGARDING COVID-19 INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Healthcare-associated infection represents a public health problem in all countries. COVID-19 patients can rapidly overwhelm the capacities of healthcare systems. As more patients are hospitalized, healthcare workers (HCW) at the frontline of care are at the greatest risk of infection. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and self-reported behavior of healthcare professionals in Hatta Hospital regarding COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) during this emerging infectious disease pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Hatta hospital, United Arab Emirates (UAE) among one hundred HCWs using a self-administered questionnaire based on UAE National and World Health Organization (WHO) IPC guidelines. Of the study participants, 66% received COVID-19 IPC training inside Hatta hospital. The mean knowledge and behavior scores were 75.7% ± 9.4 and 87.6% ± 5.9, respectively. Knowledge score and behavior score were not related to gender (p= 0.232, 0.091, respectively ) and to work position (p= 0.882, 0.994, respectively), however, they were related to the previous contact with COVID -19 patients (p= 001, 0.011, respectively ). Nonetheless, gaps in IPC knowledge and behavior have been identified and need improvement. This includes donning and doffing of PPE and optimal use of protective measures especially respirators (N95 or FFP2).

Assessment of perspectives, knowledge and attitude about antibiotic use and resistance in Sudanese population.

The spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens is a major global health concern. A survey was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes towards antimicrobial use and resistance in Sudan. A cross-sectional survey with a 39-item questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms to Sudanese residents in Khartoum state. Responses were collected anonymously from April to October 2022 and subjected to statistical analysis to assess associations between variables. A total of 1,037 participants agreed to participate, with a 94.3% response rate. Two-thirds of participants reported using oral antibiotics in the past 12 months. Only a quarter obtained antibiotics with a prescription. Less than half (45.3%) of the participants underwent diagnostic tests before using antibiotics, and 30.2% adjusted or discontinued the antibiotic dosage. Forty-two percent correctly identified that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections, but confusion regarding their use persisted. The mean knowledge score was 3.3 ± 1.7, indicating average knowledge levels. Significant variations in knowledge and attitudes were observed based on age, gender, marital status, and education. The mean score of the participants' attitude was 25.5 ± 3.97. Female, younger, and single participants exhibited more positive attitudes towards antibiotics use and resistance. The participants exhibited average knowledge levels and mixed attitudes towards antibiotic use and resistance. Misconceptions and inadequate indications for antibiotic use were identified. Gender, age, marital status, and education influenced participants` knowledge and attitudes. These findings can inform strategies to promote appropriate practices and combat the spread of antibiotic resistance across health and non-health sectors.

Knowledge, attitudes, practices of cancer palliative care and their associated factors among nursing officers in Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama

Introduction: Nursing officers, having a good knowledge, favourable attitudes, and correct practices in cancer palliative care uplift patient’s quality of life. Objectives: To describe the level of knowledge, attitudes, practices of cancer palliative care and associated factors among the nursing officers in Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 252 participants with more than one year of work experience at Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama. Stratified sampling technique was adopted to select the nursing officers from different wards. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Sum of points of each participant and the percentage was calculated. Depending on the mean score they were categorized into groups accordingly. Data were analysed initially by a descriptive analysis and then by Chi square test using SPSS software version 26. P<0.05 was the significance level. Results: Response rate was 70. %. The mean age of the study participants was 32.9 (SD=6.55) years. The majority (59.5%) had good knowledge, 53.2% had favourable attitudes and 54% engaged in correct practices. Mean knowledge score was 26.4 (SD=3.44). Nurses above 30 years of age, married and having more than 10 years’ experience had significant association with knowledge (p<0.05). Most of the participants who had good knowledge had correct practices (p<0.001). Most of the participants those who had favourable attitude had correct practices (p<0.001). Association of level of knowledge and attitude was not found to be statistically significant (p=0.109). Conclusion: The majority of the nurses had a good knowledge, favourable attitudes and were engaged in correct practices in palliative care. There is a significant association between the year of experience and the nurses’ knowledge on palliative care. Having a good knowledge and favourable attitude on palliative care were positive factors for correct practices.Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Cancer palliative care, Nurses

Assess the knowledge regarding thyroid disorders among patients attending medical OPD

Background: The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland consisting of two lobes connected by an isthmus, in the neck. It is found in front of the neck below the Adams apple. Thyroid gland though a small structure on the anterior aspect of neck has many important functions to perform, failing in its duty might lead to serious consequences. Methods: A non-experimental descriptive research design was conducted to assess knowledge regarding thyroid disorders among patients attending medical OPD in a selected hospital of Dehradun at Uttarakhand. A total of 100 samples were selected through purposive sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire was administered through interview technique to assess the knowledge. Results: The study showed that the mean knowledge score of patients regarding thyroid disorders was 14.04±3.755. The mean percentage was 14.04. There was significant association between social habits, suffered or suffering from thyroid disorders, family history of thyroid disorders, medical history of any medicine intake and previous knowledge regarding thyroid disorders with knowledge score. Conclusions: From the findings of the study, it was conducted that Out of 100 participants 42% had good knowledge and 7% had poor knowledge, 38% had average knowledge and 13% had very good knowledge about thyroid disorders. There is a need for educational programs to create awareness and improve knowledge regarding thyroid disorders.

Effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding worm infestation among mothers of under-five children

Background: Children from low and middle-income nations continue to be primarily affected by worm infections. Development and nutrition may be hampered by an intestinal worm infection. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding worm infestation among mothers of under-five children. Methods: A pre-experimental one group pre-test and post-test research design was used for the study. The sample selected were 40 mothers of under-five children in a selected area of Pulwama, Kashmir. A self-structured interview schedule was used to assess the knowledge. Results: The collected data was analysed by SPSS. The study findings revealed that the mean knowledge score of nursing students in the pre-test was 16.97 and mean knowledge score of nursing students in the post test was 29.52, with a mean difference of 12.55. In pre-test, 30 (75%) had poor knowledge, 10 (25%) had average knowledge, whereas in the post-test 8 (20%) had poor knowledge, 25 (62.5% had average knowledge and 7 (17.5%) had good knowledge. The present study revealed that there was no significant association between pre-test knowledge score with the selected socio-demographic variables. Conclusions: The study revealed that mean knowledge score of nursing students in post-test was higher than the mean knowledge score of nursing students in the pre-test. The structured teaching programme was effective in improving the knowledge regarding worm infestation among mothers of under-five children.

Developing HPV Vaccination Communication Strategies: Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers Among Healthcare Professionals in Kazakhstan.

Cervical cancer, predominantly caused by human papillomavirus, remains a major public health issue globally and in Kazakhstan, where it ranks among the most common cancers in women. A pilot HPV vaccination programme in Kazakhstan was suspended in 2017 due to mass parental refusals, and it is planned to be restarted in the coming years. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, barriers, and sources of information about HPV and the HPV vaccine among healthcare professionals in Kazakhstan. A cross-sectional study (December 2022-May 2023) involving 1189 healthcare professionals in Kazakhstan used a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, mean knowledge score, between-group comparisons, and binary logistic regression to identify factors linked to higher knowledge and vaccine recommendation. The study found that the average knowledge score for HPV and the HPV vaccine among participants was 11 out of a possible 18. Correct answers to the questionnaire were observed more frequently among physicians than among nurses (p < 0.001). In our study, 72.6% of healthcare professionals expressed a positive intention to recommend the HPV vaccine. The likelihood of recommending the HPV vaccine was significantly higher among those with higher knowledge of HPV and its vaccine (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-2.5; p < 0.001), those familiar with cervical cancer patients (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.5-2.8; p < 0.001), and those with positive attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine and childhood vaccination (OR 2.3 and 1.5, respectively). Healthcare professionals identified key barriers to HPV vaccination, including public mistrust (49.4%), fear of side effects (45.9%), and insufficient knowledge among healthcare professionals themselves (30.3%). Information from the internet, including articles and journals, was the most commonly used source of information, followed by social media and colleagues. The disparities identified call for a tailored, multifaceted communication strategy that addresses the diverse needs of health professionals to address the differences in awareness between different groups, in order to ensure successful implementation and coverage of HPV vaccination across Kazakhstan.

Factors Associated with Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Personnel to Use Objective and Key Results (OKRs) in Thammasat University Hospital

Background: Objective and key results (OKRs) was a strategic tool to drive the organization to achieve a goal. Goals are concomitant and come from leaders and personnel. Most hospital management studies are conducted in a qualitative approach. Objective: To evaluate the association of knowledge, attitudes, practices, personal factor (PF), and perceived organizational support (POS) of OKRs in quantitative approach. Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive study conducted at Thammasat University Hospital (TUH), Pathum Thani, Thailand between March and April 2024. Participants were TUH personnel. Self-filling questionnaires were applied and signed written informed consent after thoroughly counselled. Questionnaires consisted of POS, knowledge, attitudes, and practices questions. PF was also collected. Results: Two hundred and twenty-one participants were recruited. Most participant (192 out of 221) were female. Three-quarters (149 out of 221) of the participants had more than ten years’ experience. Eighty-six percent (192 out of 221) of the participants had an educational level equal to or higher than bachelor. Mean knowledge, attitudes, and practices of participants were 9.5±0.6, 3.9±0.4, and 3.7±0.4, respectively. PF was not associated with POS and practices. Hospital personnel with more than 20 years seniority had OKRs’ knowledge less than those less than 10 years seniority (b= –0.21, p=0.04). Monthly income and work experience were significantly positive and negative associated with attitudes at b=0.17 and –0.15, respectively. POS was not associated with attitudes and knowledge. Practice was associated with POS, with statistical significance (b=0.20, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: OKRs knowledge decreased with work experience. Attitude was associated with high monthly income and reverse associated with work experience. POS was significantly associated with the practice. There was no association between PF and practice, PF and POS, POS and attitude, and POS and knowledge. This study provided guidelines for recognizing organizational support in implementing OKRs and improving processes to ensure efficiency and staff involvement. Management should establish clear policies involving personnel at all levels.

Undergraduate health science students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices about hepatitis B virus infection prevention at Addis Ababa university, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Hepatitis B (HB) is a serious liver-damaging infection that is caused by the HB virus (HBV). Healthcare professionals are especially susceptible to HB, a serious global public health concern. The aim of this study was to assess the undergraduate health science students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the prevention of HBV infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among third- and fourth-year health science students at the college of health sciences (CHS), Addis Ababa university (AAU) in Ethiopia. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Chi square was used to examine the relationship between the outcome variables (mean knowledge, attitude, and practice) and a few socio-demographic factors (age, sex, and year of study). Statistical significance will be determined by p values less than 0.05. Results: Half of the study participants had adequate knowledge about the HBV. More than half (55%) of research participants were in favor of the HBV vaccination. The Chi square test was used to look at the association between the participants' mean knowledge score and specific socio-demographic characteristics. However, no significant association has been found with any of the selected socio-demographic variables. Conclusions: While undergraduate health science students generally demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge and positive attitudes toward HBV infection prevention, there remain significant gaps in practice, particularly regarding vaccination uptake and adherence to standard precautions.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacovigilance amongst undergraduate students at a tertiary care teaching hospital: a questionnaire-based study

Background: Pharmacovigilance ensures patient safety and rational medication use. Spontaneous reporting by healthcare professionals is crucial, but underreporting is a major limitation. Education and training are vital to improve Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting. Inculcating pharmacovigilance into undergraduate programs empowers medical students to report ADRs. Methods: This prospective questionnaire-based study focused on assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding pharmacovigilance. A total of 223 medical undergraduate students of which 156 were students in 2nd year and 67 in 3rd final years who gave their consent were included in this study. Participants completed a pre-questionnaire before undergoing a training session on pharmacovigilance related to KAP. Following the training session, a post-questionnaire was given. Pre- and post-test questionnaires were compared and analysed using an appropriate statistical test. Results: The study showed that knowledge and attitude scores among second and third-year medical students improved after the training program. Following training, the mean knowledge score for second-year students significantly increased from 5.56 to 8.6, while their mean attitude score increased from 5.9 to 7.24. Similarly, for third-final-year students, the mean knowledge score improved from 6.62 to 9.01, and the mean attitude score increased from 6.69 to 7.52. The results clearly showed that the training program had a positive impact on the knowledge and attitude of both student groups. The mean practice scores for second-year and third-final-year students were 0.76 and 1.34, respectively. Conclusions: The study showed significant improvement in knowledge and attitude after the educational intervention, indicating a positive impact of the training program.

Awareness and Knowledge of Common ENT-Related Issues Among the Population in the Qassim Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background ENT disorders are common, leading many people to seek medical advice. A common misconception among the population is that upper respiratory tract viral infections can be treated with antibiotics, despite their ineffectiveness against viruses. Assessing the level of knowledge and awareness regarding common ENT-related issues among the population in the Qassim region is therefore crucial. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using a random sampling technique to survey 415 participants aged 18 and above. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge of various ENT issues, and scores were calculated to gauge overall awareness. Results The majority of participants demonstrated a satisfactory level of knowledge, with a mean knowledge score of 9.37 ± 3.59. Significant gender differences were observed, with females displaying higher knowledge levels (61.9%, p < 0.05). Additionally, higher educational attainment was positively correlated with better awareness of ENT issues. Conclusion While general awareness of ENT-related issues in the Qassim region is adequate, specific knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the treatment of viral infections. Targeted educational initiatives are needed to address these gaps, focusing on groups with lower awareness levels.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward sleep hygiene and cardiovascular health: a cross-sectional survey among healthcare workers.

Healthcare workers grapple with distinct challenges, inherent to their profession, making them susceptible to irregular sleep patterns and insufficient sleep, which may further impact their cardiovascular health. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers concerning sleep hygiene and cardiovascular health. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Yancheng TCM Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine between July, 2023 and September, 2023. Demographic characteristics, KAP scores, sleep health awareness and habits, and sleep quality were assessed through the questionnaires. A total of 423 valid questionnaires were included in the study. Among these, 215 (50.83%) were aged 35 or below, and 128 (30.26%) reported suffering from chronic insomnia. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 43.23 ± 5.67 (possible range: 10-50), 24.53 ± 4.59 (possible range: 9-45), and 20.22 ± 4.46 (possible range: 6-30), respectively. Multivariate analyses indicated that attitude score (OR = 0.890, 95% CI: [0.807-0.981], p = 0.019), sleep health awareness & habits score (OR = 1.847, 95% CI: [1.284-2.656], p = 0.001), experienced chest tightness or heart palpitations (OR = 6.084, 95% CI: [2.172-17.042], p = 0.001), and the presence of chronic insomnia (OR = 5.017, 95% CI: [2.428-10.368], p < 0.001) were independently associated with sleep quality. Healthcare workers had adequate knowledge, negative attitude and moderate practice toward sleep hygiene and cardiovascular health. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address the observed gaps in attitudes and practices, aiming to enhance overall awareness and promote healthier sleep habits among healthcare professionals.

Virtual Obstetric Emergency Simulations: Enhancing Knowledge, Skills, and Confidence of Emergency Medicine and Obstetric Professionals.

Between 2008 and 2016, 23% of pregnancy-related deaths in Ohio occurred in an emergency department (ED) or outpatient setting. Prior research showed that 98% of Ohio's delivery hospitals conduct obstetric (OB) emergency simulations, whereas only 30% include ED staff. The goal of the grant was to increase the knowledge, skill, and self-efficacy of emergency medicine (EM) professionals in managing OB emergencies. In addition to EM professionals, there was high interest by obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and other professionals in the course. Therefore, the goal of the project was to increase these elements for all professionals including EM and non-EM professionals in managing OB emergencies. Twelve virtual training courses using simulated patient encounters and video-based skills training were conducted across Ohio on the management of OB emergencies. Scenarios focused on common causes of pregnancy-related death using data from the Ohio Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Committee. Pre- and posttests assessed training effectiveness. Between August 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023, 258 learners completed the course. Most were female (76.76%), White (90.61%), and under 45 years old (69.40%). Most (66.49%) were from EM, followed by OB/GYN (18.09%), and other specialties (15.43%) including family medicine and pediatric EM. Most worked in hospital settings (89.19%). Learners reported a median 10.00 (interquartile range [IQR]: 15.00) years in clinical practice. Overall, mean knowledge scores increased by 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62, 1.01), after the course (p < 0.001). Mean knowledge scores increased by 0.90 (95% CI: 0.64, 1.16; p < 0.001), 0.67 (95% CI: 0.24, 1.09; p = 0.003), and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.16, 1.04; p = 0.01) for those from EM, OB/GYN, and other specialties, respectively. Median scores for reported self-efficacy increased by 24.00 (IQR: 22.33) and self-reported skills increased by 30.42 (IQR: 22.83) points (p < 0.001). Virtual simulations can be effective in improving EM, OB, and other professionals' knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-reported skills in managing OB emergencies. · Obstetric knowledge and skills can be taught effectively in a virtual environment.. · Educational interventions can use pregnancy-associated mortality data to target local patterns.. · Simulation can teach management of high-acuity, low-frequency obstetric emergencies to learners..

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on the use of local anaesthesia in the Emergency Department

Background: Local anaesthesia (LA) is frequently used in the Emergency Department (ED). Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a potentially fatal complication associated with its use. It is assumed that all doctors administering LA are trained in all aspects of its use including the management of LAST.Methods: A prospective, multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted at three academic EDs in Gauteng. Doctors working in the ED completed an online questionnaire designed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of LA as well as the recognition and management of LAST.Results: A total of 94 completed questionnaires were analysed. Of these, 44% of participants had graduated from medical school less than 5 years ago, and 72% had less than 5 years of experience working in the ED. The overall mean knowledge score percentage for the safe use of LA was 48.2%. The overall mean knowledge score percentage for recognition and management of LAST was 56.7%. A total of 78% of participants knew that intravenous intralipid emulsion (ILE) therapy is needed in managing LAST; however, only 25% of participants knew where to access ILE and only 33% knew how to use it.Conclusion: The overall level of knowledge on LA and the management of LAST among doctors working in the ED is low. There is also an apparent lack of awareness of the potential for toxicity despite frequent use of LA. Although the occurrence of LAST is rare, our findings highlight an obligation for continuous education on local anaesthesia and the management of LAST.Contribution: The result of this research indicates a gap in training regarding the potential for toxicity of local anaesthesia, recognition of systemic toxicity, and the management thereof. These findings suggest the possibility of misdiagnosis and under reporting of LAST.