Poor Perception Research Articles

Cervical cancer awareness, perception, and attitude among tertiary health institution students in northeastern Nigeria.

The devastating scourge of cervical cancer in Africa is largely due to the absence of preventive interventions, driven by low awareness and poor perception of the disease in the continent. This work is a preliminary effort toward understanding key social drivers promoting this disease in our immediate environment with a view to mitigating it. Female students of two tertiary health institutions in Azare, northeastern Nigeria, were approached to participate in this cross-sectional descriptive study. A structured self-administered questionnaire was administered to consenting participants and covered questions on their socio-demographics, awareness, perception, and attitude about/toward cervical cancer and its prevention. The responses were scrutinized for coherency and categorized into themes using summary statistics, while a chi-square test was used to determine the association between awareness of cervical cancer and participant age, marital status, religion, screening uptake, and willingness to undergo screen. Awareness of cervical cancer was recorded among 174/230 (75.7%) respondents who enrolled in this study; 117 (67.2%) knew that it was preventable, but only three (1.3%) respondents had undergone screening. Among the aware participants, 91 (52.3%) and 131 (75.3%) knew that sexual intercourse and multiple sexual partners are risk factors for the disease, respectively. In contrast, knowledge of the etiology was poor; 82 (47.1%) respondents who knew it was preventable had heard about human papillomavirus (HPV), while 72 (41.4%) knew that HPV causes cervical cancer. Most (78%) of the participants expressed willingness to take a human papillomavirus vaccine or undergo screening (84.6%) if made available to them. Awareness was significantly associated with participants' age (p = 0.022) and willingness to undergo screening (p = 0.016). This study revealed discordance between awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer. Educational initiatives reflective of population perception/knowledge of cervical cancer are needed to mitigate the rising incidence of this disease, especially among female healthcare providers.

Quality Control of Tap Water and Factors Determining Bacterial Contamination of Households’ Stored Drinking Water in the Town of Aboisso (Côte d’Ivoire)

Piped water must inspire consumer confidence in health and organoleptic terms. In the event of a food poisoning, consumers who have a poor perception of its quality may incriminate it, without taking into consideration that the fact of passing it through a drinking water storage container before consuming it can also cause contamination. The present study carried out in the town of Aboisso aimed to assess the role of water storage in the deterioration of microbiological quality of drinking water, and to identify the predictive factors of the presence of bacteria in stored water. To do this, physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity and free chlorine) and microbiological parameters (total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms and <i>E. coli</i>) were measured on water samples taken from taps and storage containers in 94 households. The storage conditions of drinking water were also the subject of a brief household survey. The identification of predictive factors for the presence of total coliforms and <i>E. coli</i> in stored water was done using bivariate analysis and multivariate analysis by binary logistic regression through two models. The first model included the use of a transport container and the storage conditions as independent variables. The second included besides that the values of turbidity and free chlorine. As results, the waters were weakly mineralized and acidic. Free chlorine levels, temperature values, and bacterial loads in tap water were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in stored water. While 13.83% of samples taken at the taps were contaminated with total coliforms and 1.06% with <i>E. coli</i>, 50% and 18.09% of those taken in containers were contaminated with total coliforms and <i>E. coli</i>, respectively. In the first model, only the storage duration and the method used to draw water from storage container were statistically associated with the presence of total coliforms while no variable was statistically associated with the presence of <i>E. coli</i>. In the second model, the drawing method and the free chlorine level were significantly associated with the presence of total coliforms while only the free chlorine level was associated with <i>E. coli</i>. These results motivate the need to raise awareness and train populations in drinking water hygiene.

Barriers and Coping Strategies among Obese and Overweight Learners: Sequential Explanatory Study

his study aims to assess the key barriers to physical activity among overweight and obese adolescents, discovering that the most significant obstacles are a lack of time, different priorities, and a poor perception of one's body. A mixed method sequential explanatory design was used in the study which involves 50 respondents and 8 outliers in one of the public senior high schools in Cluster 1, Division of Pampanga. These findings are consistent with broader research, which shows that time constraints, low motivation, and self-consciousness pose typical challenges for those dealing with weight concerns. Interestingly, the study finds that social support from friends is the preferred coping strategy, implying a preference for emotional comfort over creative solutions. Despite exhibiting good internal problem-solving skills in planning and goal setting, there is a lack of confidence in execution. Furthermore, preferred avoidance coping mechanisms, such as daydreaming and fantasizing, indicate a preference for emotional distance and self-soothing over direct confrontation. The study underlines the value of building self-acceptance and engaging in the present moment as potential alternatives to daydreaming. It also identifies possible issues such as low self-esteem and a desire to escape reality. Notably, overweight and obese learners face different physical and psychological difficulties. The study points out the importance of peer support in coping techniques, as students rely greatly on peers for emotional support, which inspires emotions such as belonging and appreciation. Lastly, learners indicate a stronger willingness to get involved with organized activities such as sports, recognizing the potential benefits of improving physical fitness. It is recommended to further investigate the roles of peer support and sport program and how they affect obese and overweight students. Additionally, it is also recommended to explore the metal health aspects.

Prevalence, perceptions and associated factors of health insurance enrollment among older persons in selected cash grant communities in Ghana: a cross-sectional mixed method

BackgroundUniversal Health Coverage has been openly recognized in the United Nations health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, though missing under the Millennium Development Goals. Ghana implemented the National Health Insurance Scheme programme in 2004 to improve financial access to healthcare for its citizens. This programme targeting low-income individuals and households includes an Exempt policy for older persons and indigents. Despite population ageing, evidence of the participation and perceptions of older persons in the scheme in cash grant communities is unknown. Hence, this paper examined the prevalence, perceptions and factors associated with health insurance enrollment among older persons in cash grant communities in Ghana.MethodsData were from a cross-sectional household survey of 400 older persons(60 + years) and eight FGDs between 2017 and 2018. For the survey, stratified and simple random sampling techniques were utilised in selecting participants. Purposive and stratified sampling techniques were employed in selecting the focus group discussion participants. Data analyses included descriptive, modified Poisson regression approach tested at a p-value of 0.05 and thematic analysis. Stata and Atlas-ti software were used in data management and analyses.ResultsThe mean age was 73.7 years. 59.3% were females, 56.5% resided in rural communities, while 34.5% had no formal education. Two-thirds were into agriculture. Three-fourth had non-communicable diseases. Health insurance coverage was 60%, and mainly achieved as Exempt by age. Being a female [Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR) 1.29, 95%CI:1.00–1.67], having self-rated health status as bad [APR = 1.34, 95%CI:1.09–1.64] and hospital healthcare utilisation [APR = 1.49, 95%CI:1.28–1.75] were positively significantly associated with health insurance enrollment respectively. Occupation in Agriculture reduced insurance enrollment by 20.0%. Cited reasons for poor perceptions of the scheme included technological challenges and unsatisfactory services.ConclusionHealth insurance enrollment among older persons in cash grant communities is still not universal. Addressing identified challenges and integrating the views of older persons into the programme have positive implications for securing universal health coverage by 2030.

Development and psychometric properties of an instrument to measure perception of aphrodisiac use among undergraduates in a southwestern Nigerian university.

A tool to measure perception of aphrodisiac use by undergraduates students of University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria was developed and validated. The study was hinged on several theories that could explain potential to use aphrodisiac among the youths. An exploratory mixed methods design was used to develop a scale to measure perception of aphrodisiac use by undergraduate students of University of Ibadan. Qualitative data collection was performed among thirty equally represented male and female students and five key informant interview participants while 919 participants completed the quantitative phase (surveys). Integration of matched qualitative themes from FGD/KII to survey domains was achieved through the 'building approach'. Qualitative themes assessing perceptions of aphrodisiac use by university undergraduate students were used to develop original survey items as well as new survey items peculiar to research subjects. Exploratory factor analysis was deployed on polychoric correlation matrix of the items using R-statistical packages. Further model fit analysis was conducted using confirmatory factor analysis on the items suggested by EFA as well as composite reliability and construct validity tests for the constructs. Mean Z-scores of factors were computed against socio-demographics and symptoms of aphrodisiac use among respondents that have ever used it. Most respondents (84.3%) were under 25 years, mostly male (58.4%) and singles (96.3%), with 41.3% earning ≤20,000 naira monthly. The enhanced content validity of the items from mixed method analysis yielded two major domains. Two succession of factor analyses and a structural equation modeling suggested that a first-order model is good fit for experimental data (TLI = 0.931; CFI = 0.948; SRMR = 0.047; RMSEA = 0.083). The four-factor solution to the model included: prolonged sexual performance, use without erectile dysfunction or medical advice, treatment of erectile dysfunction and recreational purposes with an internal and composite reliability that ranged from 0.62-0.92 and 0.63-0.92. The validation with socio-demographics and consequences of aphrodisiac use indicated that: Male respondents, those older than 20years, the married, those from poorly educated parent and sufferers of all related consequences had statistically significant differences with poor perception of aphrodisiac use' domains. This validated instrument is good for assessment of perception of aphrodisiac use among students in tertiary institution albeit with caution. A version of the scale that is broadened with highly refined items and tested for high internal validity is suggested.

Gamifying software engineering subject to enhance the quality of knowledge

AbstractGamification has been widely used in education in recent years. Gamification has been proven to be a useful tool for students, as it motivates them and helps them to learn. The lack of motivation on the part of the students and their poor perception of the importance of software engineering has led to the definition of SESGA. This game has been designed and carried out on third year students of the computer science degree. SESGA has been designed for students to improve their knowledge of static code analysis, unit testing and Git. A software engineering project was carried out in groups, in which each of the students had to perform common software development tasks. The evaluation has measured the accomplishment, challenge, competence, guidance, immersion, playfulness and social involvement of SESGA obtaining remarkable results. It has also shown that SESGA has allowed students to have better academic results and the number of failures has decreased.

Assessing Tobacco Treatment Engagement in Assertive Community Treatment Programs.

Despite high tobacco use prevalence among those with serious mental illnesses, few Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs provide tobacco treatment. Understanding the factors associated with the intentions to engage in tobacco treatment from both provider and consumer perspectives is important. The purpose was to examine ACT providers' intention to provide and consumer intention to engage in tobacco treatment. A cross-sectional survey of ACT program providers (N = 51) and consumers (N = 43) from four community mental health centers. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with the intentions to provide or engage in tobacco treatment from among attitudinal, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control variables. Providers reported positive attitudes, high degree of perceived behavior control, and high intentions for delivering tobacco treatment, but poor perceptions of subjective norms. These results were like consumers' intentions to engage in tobacco treatment. In regression analysis, only subjective norms and perceived behavior control were significant predictors for providers' intentions to provide tobacco treatment, but there were no significant predictors of consumers' intentions to engage in tobacco treatment. Both providers and consumers endorsed poor implementation of evidence-based tobacco treatment. Poor engagement in tobacco treatment within ACT programs indicates the need for policymakers to support tobacco treatment within the services. This finding calls for training of mental and behavioral health providers while supporting tobacco-free initiatives in ACT treatment service settings.

Post-operative patient perception of decisional regret in cochlear implant recipients

Importance Decision regret post-surgery has has been linked to health outcomes for a number of elective procedures but is understudied in cochlear implantation satisfaction. Theunpredictability in outcomes may lead to unmet expectations by the recipient. This study is the first study to investigate the decision regret concept in cochlear implant recipients. Objective Tto investigate post-operative decision regret in (CI) recipients. Design This was a prospective cohort study using the validated Ottawa Decision Regret Scale, and whether the CI met the patient’s expectations. Variables potentially associated with decision regret including patient demographics, post-operative speech perception scores, duration of deafness, duration of CI use and age were analyzed using the logistic regression model. Setting This was a multi-center study. Participants were recruited and enrolled from the University of Miami and the University of Kansas in an outpatient setting. Participants Adult, English-speaking CI recipients with at least 6 months of listening experience with their implant. Results Out of 173 58% reported no regret, 27% reported mild, and 15% reported moderate-to-strong regret. Expectations were met in 77% while not meeting expectations in 14%. The remaining 8% were neutral. Decisional regret was significantly associated (p = 0.02) with poor post-operative speech perception. No other variables were associated with regret. Conclusions Post-operative decision regret was reported by 42% of CI recipients. Poor speech perception abilities were associated with increased risk of regret. Further research is required to identify regret risks and provide resources to mitigate regret in CI recipients.

Asymmetric pulses delivered by a cochlear implant allow a reduction in evoked firing rate and in spatial activation in the guinea pig auditory cortex

Despite that fact that the cochlear implant (CI) is one of the most successful neuro-prosthetic devices which allows hearing restoration, several aspects still need to be improved. Interactions between stimulating electrodes through current spread occurring within the cochlea drastically limit the number of discriminable frequency channels and thus can ultimately result in poor speech perception. One potential solution relies on the use of new pulse shapes, such as asymmetric pulses, which can potentially reduce the current spread within the cochlea. The present study characterized the impact of changing electrical pulse shapes from the standard biphasic symmetric to the asymmetrical shape by quantifying the evoked firing rate and the spatial activation in the guinea pig primary auditory cortex (A1). At a fixed charge, the firing rate and the spatial activation in A1 decreased by 15 to 25 % when asymmetric pulses were used to activate the auditory nerve fibers, suggesting a potential reduction of the spread of excitation inside the cochlea. A strong “polarity-order” effect was found as the reduction was more pronounced when the first phase of the pulse was cathodic with high amplitude. These results suggest that the use of asymmetrical pulse shapes in clinical settings can potentially reduce the channel interactions in CI users.

Work engagement and sense of coherence as predictors of psychological distress during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between sense of coherence, work engagement, and work environment variables as predictors of the level of psychological distress during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. MethodsCross-sectional descriptive study collected between April 22 and December 16, 2020, using non-probabilistic snowball sampling. The study variables and instruments were socio-demographic variables, work engagement (UWES-9 scale), sense of coherence (Antonovsky SOC-13 scale), and psychological distress (GHQ-12 scale). Multivariate analysis and binary logistic regression were performed including the scores of the three questionnaires and other variables such as effectiveness, safety, stress, health perception, and sex. Finally, the CHAID technique was applied to create a segmentation tree. Results72.7 % of participants had high levels of psychological distress, more predominantly among women, with work stress and low sense of coherence acting as the most influential mediators in generating psychological distress, and even more so when both were combined. Low work engagement and the availability of safe and effective means to prevent infection were predictors of psychological distress among workers. ConclusionDuring the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, factors that contributed to psychological distress in the Chilean population were identified. These included a fair or poor perception of health, being a woman, work-related stress, availability of safety measures, low level of work engagement, and low level of sense of coherence. Identifying these factors may help prevent similar effects in future phases of the current pandemic or in future pandemics.

Association of Food Security With Breastfeeding Practices: A Scoping Review.

Breastfeeding is the fundamental, physiological, and psychosocial process by which the mother feeds the newborn. Early initiation of breastfeeding is recommended within the first hour of life and exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age due to its optimal contribution of nutrients for the development of the newborn. Despite this, there are factors that affect this process which involve the nutritional, physical, and psychological state of the mother, such as food security or food insecurity, however, it is unknown if it will have a decisive impact on these factors concerning the cessation of breastfeeding or total duration of breastfeeding. This study is an in-depth review of the available information related to food security as a determinant in breastfeeding practices.We did a scoping review between December 2022 - January 2023. The principal inclusion criteria were: the use of the English language, qualitative and quantitative methods, and analytical studies. All the articles were available in full text and the manuscripts ranged from 1997 and 2022. Twelve studies were included: eight quantitative, two qualitative, and two mixed. In the quantitative studies, significant positive and negative associations were found between food insecurity, exclusive breastfeeding, early initiation of breastfeeding, cessation of breastfeeding, and total duration of breastfeeding. For their part, qualitative and mixed studies describe that women with severe food insecurity tend to feel weak and may have a poor perception of their diet and, consequently, their breastfeeding practices are lower. Moreover, there are qualitative studies that mention that the higher the food insecurity, the more frequently breastfeeding occurs. The inconsistency in the results may be due to factors involving the characteristics of each population, the instrument used to measure food security, and the variables by which the models were adjusted. It is necessary to carry out more studies on the subject since it is obvious that the relationship between the variables needs to be clarified.

Evaluation of psychological occupational health constraints according to the Karasek model among female sewing machine operators in Tunisia

Evaluation of psychological occupational health constraints according to the Karasek model among female sewing machine operators in Tunisia

The relationship between changes in peak expiratory flow and asthma exacerbations in asthmatic children

BackgroundAsthma is one of the most common chronic airway diseases in children. Preventing asthma exacerbation is one of the objectives of all asthma action plans. In patients with poor perception, it is difficult to identify acute asthma exacerbations by clinical asthma score, asthma control test or asthma control questionnaire. The aim of this study is to analyze whether children with asthma have changes in peak expiratory flow(PEF)before an acute asthma exacerbation and to evaluate the relationship between PEF and asthma exacerbation.MethodsBasic information (including sex, age, atopy, etc.) and clinical information of asthmatic children who registered in the Electronic China Children’s Asthma Action Plan (e-CCAAP) from 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2021 were collected. Subjects with 14 consecutive days of PEF measurements were eligible. Subjects in this study were divided into an exacerbation group and a control group. We analyzed the relationship between changes in PEF% pred and the presence of asthma symptoms.ResultA total of 194 children with asthma who met the inclusion criteria were included, including 144 males (74.2%) and 50 females (25.8%), with a male-to-female ratio of 2.88:1. The mean age of the subjects was 9.51 ± 2.5 years. There were no significant differences in sex, age, allergy history or baseline PEF between the two groups. In children with and without a history of allergy, there was no significant difference between the variation in PEF at 14 days. Patients who only had a reduced in PEF but no symptoms of asthma exacerbation had the greatest reduction in PEF compared to the other groups. The most common cause of acute exacerbations of asthma is upper respiratory tract infection. Among the causes of acute exacerbations of asthma, the variation in PEF caused by air pollution was significantly higher than that of other causes (P < 0.05). In acute exacerbations, the decrease in PEF was significantly greater in the exacerbation group than in the control group. In children with asthma symptoms, there was a decrease in PEF approximately 1.34 days before the onset of symptoms.ConclusionChildren with asthma show a decrease in PEF 1.34 days before the onset of asthma symptoms. We recommend that asthmatic children who show a decrease in PEF should step-up asthma therapy. The most common cause of acute exacerbations of asthma was upper respiratory tract infections, and the variation in PEF caused by air pollution was significantly higher than that caused by other factors.

Pengaruh Pengetahuan, Tingkat Pendapatan, dan Persepsi Terhadap Minat Wanita Usia Subur Untuk Melakukan Screening Kanker Serviks di Puskesmas Wanajaya Bekasi Tahun 2023

This research aims to determine the relationship between knowledge, income level, and perception towards the interest of women of reproductive age in cervical cancer screening at the Wanajaya Public Health Center in Bekasi. The type of research used is quantitative research with an analytic cross-sectional study approach, and bivariate data analysis will use the Chi-Square test. This research was conducted in December 2022. The data used in this study is primary data with 100 women of reproductive age as respondents. The research results showed that out of 100 women of reproductive age, 81 women (81%) had good knowledge, while 19 women (19%) had insufficient knowledge about cervical cancer screening. As for income levels, 53 women (53%) had a sufficient income level, while 47 women (47%) had a lower income level. Regarding perceptions of cervical cancer screening, 9 women (9%) had good perceptions, 41 women (41%) had moderate perceptions, and 50 women (50%) had poor perceptions. The statistical test results using Chi-Square showed a very significant relationship between income level and interest in cervical cancer screening, with a P-value of 0.000 ≤ 0.05. From the analysis, the relationship between knowledge and interest in cervical cancer screening also showed a very high potential, with an Odds Ratio (OR) = 7.758 (2.092-28.761), meaning that women of reproductive age with good knowledge are 7.758 times more likely to be interested in cervical cancer screening compared to those with insufficient knowledge.

Assessment of the public knowledge, perception and attitude in Indonesia toward spondyloarthritis: a national survey

ABSTRACT Lack of public awareness of spondyloarthritis (SpA) leads to diagnosis delay and high disease activity. This study aimed to assess the public knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards SpA in Indonesia. This research was a cross-sectional study with an online questionnaire. A total of 1084 participants’ demographics, knowledge, attitude, and perception of SpA were obtained using convenience sampling. Respondents’ knowledge, attitude, and perception levels were scored numerically and categorized (satisfactory and unsatisfactory). Associations were assessed using a logistic regression analysis. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) knowledge score was 5.21 ± 1.89 (45.11% of respondents had satisfactory knowledge). Living on Java Island was associated with the participants’ unsatisfactory knowledge (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03 to 1.71; p = 0.027). The mean ± SD perception score was 3.14 ± 1.21 (35.98% of respondents had a satisfactory perception). Education (bachelor AOR: 1.46; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.98; p = 0.014) and occupation (employed AOR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.20; p = 0.020) were significantly associated with poor perception. The mean ± SD score of attitudes was 2.52 ± 1.54, while only 54.24% of participants preferred went to the doctor if they had symptoms of SpA. Employed respondents (AOR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.01; p = 0.046) and living inside Java Island (AOR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.87; p = 0.004) were associated with attitudes towards SpA. In conclusion, more than half of the subjects had a poor knowledge, perception, or attitude towards SpA. Therefore, programs that empower the knowledge, attitude, and perception towards SpA in community need to be developed to close this gap.

The relationship of depressive symptoms with pain and analgesic use in Turkish adolescents.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, pain (headache, abdominal pain, back pain) and analgesic use among Turkish adolescents. Additionally, it aimed to examine the association between depressive symptoms and pain and analgesic use in adolescents. This cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted in Izmir, Turkey with 954 adolescents aged 11-19 years. Data were collected with the "socio-demographic questionnaires" and the "Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children". Analyzes were performed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis. Of the adolescents, 632 (66.2%) showed depressive symptoms. Of the adolescents, 424 (44.4%) experienced headache, 256 (26.8%) experienced abdominal pain, and 343 (36.0%) experienced back pain. A total of 309 (32.4%) adolescents used analgesics for headaches, 132 (13.8%) abdominal pain, and 47 (4.9%) for back pain. Female gender, high level maternal education, bad economic status, poor health perception, bad school success, pain and analgesic use were the correlated variables with adolescent depression. The depressive symptoms, headache and back pain, and use of analgesics especially for headaches were common among adolescents. The results showed depression in adolescent correlated with pain (headache, abdominal pain, and back pain) and analgesic use. Regular screening is needed to assure early intervention of depression among adolescents.

Association between physical activity and sleep indicators among adolescents

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to analyze the association between physical activity and sleep indicators among adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 647 adolescents (53.0% female). Leisure time physical activity at low and at moderate to vigorous intensities (420 min/week) were the independent variables and the outcomes were daytime sleepiness, classroom sleepiness, poor sleep perception, sleep duration, bedtime, and wake up time. The multivariate association was performed by Poisson regression to estimate Prevalence Ratios (PR). Results: Not achieving 420 min/week of physical activity at light and at moderate to vigorous intensities was associated with a higher prevalence ratio for classroom sleepiness (PR=1.79 and 1.64), daytime sleepiness (PR=1.25 and 1.17), and poor sleep perception (PR=1.52 and 1.27), all P&lt;0.05. However, not achieving 420 min/week showed the opposite association and decreased the prevalence ratio for having a sleep duration &lt;8h (PR=0.74 and 0.72), P&lt;0.05. No association was found between physical activity and bedtime or wake up time. Mediation analysis revealed that the association between physical activity and daytime sleepiness was fully mediated by a poor perception of sleep quality, while classroom sleepiness showed a partial mediation. Conclusion: Physical activity seems to have a positive effect on daytime sleepiness, classroom sleepiness, and perceived sleep quality. Poor sleep perception was the pathway through which physical activity was associated to sleepiness in the present sample. Conversely, physical activity reduced the likelihood of students achieving 8h of sleep.

The Effect of Menopause Symptoms on Female Genital Self-Perception in Postmenopausal Women

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of menopausal symptoms on Female Genital Self-Perception (FGSP) in postmenopausal women.&#x0D; Methods: This descriptive and relationship-seeking study was conducted with women aged 40 and above who applied to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary hospital between June and December 2022, who have not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months, and who met the inclusion criteria. The Patient Information Form, The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), Vulvovaginal Symptom Questionnaire (VSQ), and the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) were used to obtain the data.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of 203 women included in the study was 57.53±6.70. The total mean scores obtained from the scales was 15.40±7.7 for MRS, 3.75±3.96 for VSQ, and 18.99 ±4.34 for FGSIS. An inverse and statistically significant relationship were found between MRS and VSQ total and sub-dimension scores and FGSIS scores (p:0.001 for all). A significant relationship was found between FGSIS score and body mass index and parity (r:-0.154, p:0.028 and r:-0.258, p:0.001). University graduates, those who had regular gynecological examinations, and people with a very good perception of general health status had significantly higher FGSIS scores (p:0.001 for all).&#x0D; Conclusion: According to the scale scores, the FGSP of postmenopausal women was moderate and negatively affected by the increase in menopausal symptoms. Obesity, an increase in the number of parities, low education level, and poor health perception were the factors that negatively affected FGSP.

Assessment of safety climate perception of maintenance workers during major overhauls, outages, shutdowns or turnarounds (MoOSTs)

AbstractMaintenance activities are used to sustain the reliability of physical industrial assets. However, studies indicate that some of the most devastating industrial accidents are attributable to poor safety perceptions of maintenance workers, especially during major overhauls, outages, shutdowns or turnarounds (MoOSTs). Typical MoOSTs involve the harmonisation of regular maintenance endeavours on a large scale, which in turn heighten risks of accidents and costs. Furthermore, MoOSTs are performed over short durations thereby necessitating parallel high‐risk activities by different organisations that have different perceptions of safety and possess different safety cultures. Understanding safety climate can immensely benefit MoOSTs organisations by improving the understanding of attitudes and perceptions that alleviate workplace incidents. This study aimed to establish safety climate that would boost safety culture and positively impact perceived safety performance during MoOSTs. Safety climate questionnaire survey was deployed to MoOSTs workers of leading cement plants in Nigeria. Through exploratory factor analysis, three underlying safety climate factors were identified, which helped to determine that factors such as ‛training and learning from incidents’, ‛commitment of senior management towards ensuring safety and its protocol development process’ and ‛effectiveness of incident reporting systems during MoOSTs’ were significant predictors of workers’ perceptions of safety performance. The findings also pointed out that the inter‐relationship between perceived safety performance, MoOSTs safety training and organisational commitment were positively correlated.

Assessment of knowledge and perceptions of human papillomavirus vaccine and its determinants among women who have eligible daughters in Debre Berhan City, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

Globally, cervical cancer(CC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading cause of CC. Persistent infection with HPV accounts for 90% of all CC cases. The human papillomavirus vaccine has the great potential to prevent HPV-related infections for millions of women and men. The current study aimed to assess knowledge and perceptions towards the HPV vaccine and its determinants among women who have eligible daughters in Debre Berhan City, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2, 2023, to May 15, 2023. A multistage sampling procedure was used to recruit 607 women participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize socio-demographic data. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to measure the associations between the dependent and independent variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. More than three-fourths of the participants, 479 individuals (80%) were currently married, and 243(40.1%) had a diploma or higher education level. Of 456(75.12) participants reported, they had information about cervical cancer. For 449(73.9%) of the participants, television was the main evidence. The majority of 352(59.99%) participants knew the HPV vaccine could be offered to a female child aged 9-14 years old. Only 215(35.4%) participants think the HPV vaccine was safe and effective. Women who had a degree and above educational level were about 9 times more likely to have good knowledge about the HPV vaccine than study participants who did not read and write (AOR=9.21; 95% CI=2.82-12.16; p=0.004). Women who did not have information about the HPV vaccine before this study were about 80% less likely to have a positive perception of the HPV vaccine than participants who had earlier information about the HPV vaccine (AOR=0.8; 95%CI=0.63-0.49; P=003). Women had poor knowledge and perceptions about the HPV vaccine. Maternal marital status, age, and having information about the HPV vaccine were the only predictors of women's knowledge of the HPV vaccine.