Postgraduate Degree Research Articles

Acceptance and Preference for COVID-19 Vaccine among Japanese Residents at Early Stage of the Epidemic in Japan.

Background: This study aimed to survey the attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines and their acceptability among the Japanese public as soon as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized vaccines and their rollouts started around the world. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted in Japan between 4 January and 5 March 2021. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines according to demographic characteristics, vaccine characteristics, and vaccine production. Results: A total of 1037 completed responses were received. More than half (63.5%) of the participants responded positively (extremely likely/likely) toward COVID-19 vaccines. The highest acceptance to be vaccinated was discovered among the youngest age group. As expected, participants who had never delayed acceptance or refused the vaccine in their history of vaccination had a significantly higher willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Females (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.99−3.58) and participants who had ever delayed acceptance or refuse the vaccine (OR = 3.49, 95% CI: 2.42−5.05) had higher odds of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Participants with a postgraduate degree (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.40−1.00) presented the highest willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19. More than two-thirds (72.9%, 95% CI: 70.4%−75.8%) of the participants did not mind a booster dose required following primary vaccination. A total of 63.2% (95% CI: 60.0%−66.0%) of the participants only accepted a nearly 90% effective or above vaccine at preventing COVID-19. At the same, 86.4% (95% CI: 84.4%−88.4%) of the participants reported only accepting a vaccine with minor side effects. Conclusions: The moderate levels of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance found in the early phase of the pandemic demonstrate that it is important to improve the implementation of effective management for vaccine promotion and the acceptability of the vaccine to slow or delay transmission.

Academic clinical fellows in radiology: how can we improve success?

To survey past and current radiology academic clinical fellows (ACFs) for feedback on their experiences, academic achievements, challenges faced in balancing academic and clinical responsibilities, and opinion on how to optimise the fellowship programme. A 26-question online survey approved by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) Academic Committee was distributed over a 7-month period (June 2021 to January 2022) to current and past radiology ACFs via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) integrated academic training imaging leads, radiology training programme directors, and social media. Thirty-five survey responses were received from past or present ACFs. Of the respondents, 42.8% (15/35) entered ACF training from another research post, and most continued their academic interests after ACF training (59.3%, 16/27 that had completed the post). The majority (22/35, 63%) had or were in the process of obtaining a postgraduate research degree. The most common academic outputs were scientific publications and national/international conference presentations. Most (23/35, 66%) would recommend the ACF post to colleagues, although some found it challenging balancing on-call and examination commitments during training. Entry into the radiology ACF programme is often after a prior academic post. Many ACFs appear to enjoy their fellowship experience and continue academic interests after training, some achieving higher research degrees. Challenges in balancing clinical workload require some flexibility from local clinical and academic supervisors. Suggestions for alternative structuring of the ACF pathway and how to optimise entry into these competitive posts are also outlined.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Regarding CPR Among Non-medical Staff at a Medical School in South Africa.

Background Sudden cardiac arrest can occur unexpectedly in any person and at any place including at medical schools. Improved outcomes after cardiac arrest are dependent on the initiation of early first responder high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and rapid defibrillation. There is a lack of data pertaining to the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of non-medical staff at medical schools regarding CPR. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of non-medical staff employed at a medical school in South Africa regarding CPR. Methods In this cross-sectional survey study, a paper-based questionnaire was administered to non-medical staff (i.e., all staff without a medical [MBBCh or equivalent] or nursing degree) employed at the medical school. Data were collected between August 1 and October 25, 2020. Results The final study sample comprised 150 participants. Of these, 103 (68.7%) were female, 109 (72.7%) were ≤ 40 years old, 62 (41.3%) had a postgraduate university degree, 72 (48.0%) had witnessed a medical emergency at the medical school premises and 46 (30.7%) had previously undertaken first aid or CPR training. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 4.4 ± 1.6 out of 10 with only 25 (16.7%) participants knowing what the first thing was to look out for during a medical emergency and 28 (18.7%) participants knowing the location of the automated external defibrillator. Most participants (n=136, 90.7%) indicated that CPR training should be mandatory for all employees. Conclusion Non-medical staff surveyed displayed suboptimal knowledge but positive attitudes and perceptions towardCPR. Although this was a single-center study, these results can be used to motivate CPR training of non-medical staff at all medical schools.

Análisis sensorial de panqués elaborados con harina de sorgo, goma xantana y enzima transglutaminasa microbiana

Sorghum is a cereal used as fodder, mainly. Despite being a beneficial product for human health, its consumption is little or null in Mexico. The food industry could be an alternative to diversify this cereal in products compatible with celiac people. The study was focused on the consumer's characterization and the sensory assessment of pancakes elaborated with various proportions of xanthan gum (GX) and the microbial transglutaminase (MTG) enzyme in two cities from the central and northeastern regions of Mexico. A survey, designed and validated previously, was given to 58 consumers where the demographic characteristics of participants and the sensory analysis of nine pancakes (P) were explored. The latter were prepared with the following proportions of GX/MTG: P1 (0/0 %), P2 (0/0.25 %), P3 (0/0.5 %), P4 (0.25/0 %), P5 (0.25/0.25 %), P6 (0.25/0.5 %), P7 (0.5/0 %), P8 (0.5/0.25 %), P9 (0.5/0.5 %) and a commercial pancake (control). The study revealed that the majority of the participants were women (77.5 %). The predominant age was between 20 and 29 years (51.7 %) with a university academic level (30.2 %) and postgraduate degree (38 %), and income ≥ $20,000 MXN (53.6 %). The most preferred and accepted pancakes were P9 and P7 followed by the control, P5 and P8. However, the most accepted pancake was the control followed by P7 and P9. It is concluded that sorghum pancakes represent an alternative with health benefits for people with celiac disease.

Factors Associated with Attitudes toward Scientific Research Vietnam Nursing Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Nursing students do scientific research at the university level not only contributing to the development of the nursing profession but also helping themselves to practice more useful skills for future work. A positive attitude toward scientific research has been shown to motivate students to practice research. Objective: to assess attitudes toward scientific research and explore associated factors of nursing students in Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adopted and conducted on 238 nursing undergraduate students. Study samples were collected from October to November 2021 through a face-to-face meeting with study subjects and an accidental sampling technique. The attitudes Toward Research Scale was used in this study. Results: The study showed that 76.1% of nursing students had a positive attitude toward scientific research. Through simple linear regression analysis, it showed that having been or participating in scientific research projects (p=0.019), scientific research activities (p=0.028); intending to pursue a postgraduate degree (p=0.016); being introduced/invited to participate in scientific research projects (p=0.021) and having contact with people who can guide scientific research (p=0.033) was the factors that affect nursing students' attitudes toward scientific research. Conclusions: Many associated factors influence the attitude toward scientific research of nursing students. Further effective interventions are needed to address this issue

Quem são os fonoaudiólogos que trabalham com afasia progressiva primária no Brasil? Um estudo de inquérito transversal exploratório

ABSTRACT Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a progressive language disorder associated with frontotemporal impairment and mainly affects the left hemisphere of the brain. In general, this condition compromises abilities related to comprehension and expression of language. The diagnosis of PPA depends on in-depth knowledge regarding functions of language, neurology, and neuropsychology. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) have a pivotal role in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of PPA. The absence of these professionals involved in the diagnosis and rehabilitation may reflect on the quality of care of people with PPA. Objective: To identify the sociodemographic, educational, and professional practice characteristics of SLTs who work with people with PPA in Brazil. Methods: An online questionnaire was disseminated to reach SLTs across Brazil. The questionnaire collected information regarding sociodemographics, training and education, practice (time, setting, service provision), and sources of referral. Results: The study included 71 participants (95.8% women). Specialization was the most frequent educational level followed by master’s degree, and participants where mainly from the Southeast and South regions of Brazil. Neurologists were the professionals who most referred patients with PPA to SLTs. Finally, SLTs worked primarily in homecare settings and provided mainly individual therapy services. Conclusion: SLTs who work with PPA in Brazil can be characterized mainly as professionals with postgraduate degrees, relatively young, and from the South and Southeast regions of Brazil.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pharmacovigilance among Ayurveda Doctors Practicing in Wardha, Maharashtra, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) significantly, cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. As a result, proper ADR monitoring is required. Considering the consequence of this area, the Ministry of AYUSH has introduced a Pharmacovigilance programme for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy (ASU&amp;H) drugs. Every Ayurveda Practitioner’s (AP) immense responsibility is to detect and report ADR. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Pharmacovigilance among AP in Wardha, Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a Government Hospital, Wardha, Maharashtra during March to May 2022. Total 38 Ayurveda Doctors of Wardha city having Bachelor of Ayurvadic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), MD degree, either working in private clinics and hospitals or as medical officers were enrolled in the study. A validated questionnaire was prepared on Google form, circulated through WhatsApp to the doctors, and asked them to fill and submit it within seven days. The collected data were analysed using MS Excel 2007 and expressed in percentages (%). Results: Thirty (78.94%) male, and 08 (21.05%) female doctors possessing BAMS degrees (68.42%) and postgraduate degrees (37.57%), with practice experience between 5 to 30 years participated in the study. Present study revealed that 32 (84.21%) of the BAMS doctors from Wardha city believed that Ayurveda drugs do not cause ADRs, and only 06 (21.05%) have encountered ADRs in their practice, of which only 02 (5.26%) reported an ADR. Conclusion: The present study revealed that AP are well aware about ADR but lacking in the knowledge of its reporting. There is a strong need to organise sensitisation and awareness programmes to implement the pharmocovigilance effectively.

What aspects influence the prioritization of Primary Health Care by municipal managers in Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil?

Primary Health Care (PHC) is capable of achieving broad coverage and effectiveness. This study evaluated the factors associated with the prioritization that municipal health managers in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) give to PHC. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out between August 2017 and May 2019 using an online FormSUS questionnaire, consisting of 44 questions divided into 4 blocks, sent to 497 municipal health managers. Multiple logistic regression was performed to analyze factors associated with PHC prioritization. Out of 404 participants, 66.8% reported a maximum degree of prioritization. Managers with a postgraduate degree showed greater prioritization than those with elementary education (78.5% vs 58.8%, p<0.01). Regarding the postgraduate area, managers with training in public health prioritized PHC more than in other areas, or with no postgraduate studies, respectively with 84%, 77.1% and 61.8% (p<0.01). After adjusting for covariates, having a postgraduate degree in public health or in another area remained associated with greater chances of prioritization. The results may encourage initiatives that consider the level and area of education for this position focusing on technical, and not strictly political criteria.

Understanding the development of higher education in Soviet Kazakhstan

This article examines the path of higher education development in Soviet Kazakhstan from the perspectives of higher education institutions, student enrollment, and postgraduate study. By doing so, it is intended to contribute to a better understanding of higher education history in the republic. Document analysis was used as a methodological tool. The results show that higher education was an integral part of the Soviet system, served and subordinated to it. The development and expansion of the system were determined primarily by economic planning, industry needs, and ideological priorities. Therefore, higher education institutions were established throughout the Soviet period and their number grew steadily. The increase in the number of institutions was accompanied by the increase in the number of students. The growth of the educational opportunities was possible due to the diversity of delivery modes and the establishment of a large number of regional branches and faculties in addition to the main campuses of institutions. As a result, all types of higher education institutions, with the exception of medical schools, also offered correspondence or evening classes, and sometimes both. As for postgraduate education, its expansion was comparatively slow. Moreover, the state’s priority was technical sciences, as evidenced by the allocation of more quotas and the high percentage of teaching staff with postgraduate degrees in those fields.

Blood donation in China from 2017 to 2021: A cross-sectional study

Objective: The objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine the essential demographic characteristics of blood donors in China from 2017 to 2021 and to analyze the impact of various factors on blood donation in China, including the blood donor’s attitudes towards family replacement/mutual blood donation (FRMBD) and the effects of policy changes on blood donation. Design: This study is a cross-sectional review comparing the demographic characteristics of blood donors from 2017 to 2021. Setting and participants: The study included 1164 participants who were randomly sampled across China. The data were collected by trained staff and entered into a standard electronic data framework. Results: The number of blood donations observed in China generally increased from 2017 to 2021. Among the 1164 respondents, 785 were non-blood donors and 379 were blood donors. Most people’s awareness of blood donation comes from organizations. Univariate analysis showed significant relationships between being a blood donor and being aged 30 or above ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), being a doctor ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), having Ph.D. degrees ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), or being familiar with blood donation policy ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). There was no significant difference in recognition between family FRMBD and voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRBD). The study also investigated the impact of canceling FRMBD blood donation policies on the selection of blood donation methods. The results showed that the percentage of VNRBD was 57% and 41% in 2017 and 2021, respectively. This indicates that canceling FRMBD policies will not affect people’s choice for blood donation methods. Conclusions: The results of the univariate analysis showed that people over 30 years of age, those with a Ph.D. or postgraduate degree, and those with knowledge of blood donation policies were more likely to be blood donors. People’s reasons for banning the abolition of FRMBD may be due to the fact that it may not be possible to achieve an adequate supply of blood only through VNRBD. Through comparing the data of 2017 and 2021, it is found that the cancellation of the FRMBD blood donation policy will not have an impact on people’s blood donation ways, and most people agree to cancel the FRMBD. Strengths and limitations of this study Strengths: This study analyzed factors related to decisions about blood donation in various regions of China. For the first time, we analyzed changes in perceptions of blood donation and donation rates before and after the abolition of FRMBD. • This survey did not record changes in the dynamics of the number of blood donations counted over consecutive years. • The individual donor factors such as gender and regional differences in blood donation awareness and facilities, which contribute to regional differences in people’s blood donation behavior, were not investigated.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: Current Knowledge, Clinical Experience, and Perception among General Dental Practitioners, Pediatric Dentists, and Other Dental Specialists in Northern India – A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is the hypomineralization of systemic origin of one to four permanent first molars, frequently associated with affected incisors. It is presented as demarcated enamel opacities of different colors, occasionally undergoing posteruptive breakdown. The characteristic feature of MIH is the clear demarcation between the affected and sound enamel. There is an asymmetry of defects present in the molars and incisors where one molar or incisor can be severely affected, while the contralateral tooth may be clinically sound or have only minor defects. Aim: The study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge, perceptions, and clinical experience of general dental practitioners (GDPs), pediatric dentists (PDs), and other dental specialists (DSs) in Northern India about MIH. Methodology: Online survey methods were used to collect the responses from Northern Indian dentists regarding their knowledge and perceptions about MIH. The survey tool focused on participants’ sociodemographics, clinical experience, perceptions, clinical management, and preferences for further training. The level of knowledge regarding MIH was compared among the three groups. Data analysis utilized Chi-square and one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s post hoc test using SPSS Statistics version 26. Results: The majority of respondents had observed MIH in their practice (77.3%). The participants who had a postgraduate degree had a significantly higher knowledge score value than GDPs (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Dissemination of evidence on MIH to dental practitioners, especially to GDPs, is highly needed to assure confidence in MIH diagnosis at an early stage when it can be best managed.

Analysis of the prevalence, evolution, and severity of dishonest behaviors of Spanish graduate students: the vision of academic heads

Most of the studies aimed at analyzing academic dishonesty amongst university students target the undergraduate cluster. This study aims to improve this situation by exploring and describing the opinion and perception of postgraduate degree academic heads (i.e. university vice-rectors, heads of the doctoral programs, heads of the postgraduate office, etc.) about the prevalence, evolution, and severity of dishonest behaviors and misconducts potentially committed by students in order to generate evidences that can help improving institutional strategies and policies to confront academic misconduct. The research it is based on the results of an online questionnaire administered to 102 postgraduate studies academic heads from 42 Spanish universities in relation to: improper conduct during exams and tests, dishonest behavior in the preparation or writing of assignments and dissertations, dishonest practices of a general nature and, finally, dishonest behavior in research. The study results highlight that the most prevalent practices and those that have increased the most are related to the preparation and submission of academic assignments and written activities and, also, research related activities. Regarding the severity, there is considerable consensus among Spanish academic heads that most of the dishonest actions analyzed are very serious and critical behaviors. In general terms, the results obtained point out focus areas of possible interventions aimed at the prevention, detection and punishment of fraudulent and dishonest behaviors in postgraduate studies, with the analysis of the degree of consensus/dissent among academic heads being a key element when designing and implementing these reforms and institutional interventions. This paper covers a deficit of evidences regarding academic integrity in postgraduate level and it does it using relevant informants: academic postgraduate heads, a target group that has high relevance as can generate synergies of change and improvement on the situation described by the present study.

Knowledge and Practice Regarding Risk Factors for Peptic Ulcer Disease in Saudi Arabia’s Adult Population

Objective: To assess the knowledge of the Saudi population on peptic ulcer diseases (PUD) and their risk factors. To evaluate their awareness and practices of the preventive methods used in daily practic-es. Methods: This was an online cross-sectional survey that included residents of all five regions of Saudi Arabia regardless of nationality. The survey was distributed in both the Arabic and English languages to approach more individuals from different backgrounds. Results: There were 784 participants, of which 6.1% non-Saudis and 93.9% were Saudis. 63.5 % of participants selected “H. Pylori” as a risk factor that may lead to PUD. Among other risk factors, 39.2% selected smoking and 37.5% selected NSAIDs. There was a statistically significant correlation (p=0.03) between a question about knowing what H. pylori are and the respondents' level of education, with 77.3% of respondents with a high school diploma answering "No" and 63% of respondents with a postgraduate degree answering "Yes". Only 32.8% of the participants knew about H. Pylori, when hands are not washed after using the restroom or before eating or preparing food, pylori can spread. 56% of respondents were unaware that NSAIDs should be taken with or after a meal. In addition, on-ly 50% of smokers were aware that smoking contributed to the pathogenesis of PUD. Conclusion: This research revealed that very little is known about H. Pylori and how it spreads, as well as the adverse effects of NSAIDs and the precautions that must be taken to avoid them. This demon-strates the need for public education about these risk factors and the diseases they may cause, as well as the significance of physician-patient discussions to ensure patients have the necessary knowledge prior to starting NSAID therapy.

An Overview of Books Suggested for Research Methods at International Relations (IR) Postgraduate Degree Programmes in Turkey

This study focuses on the core reading in research methods courses in International Relations (IR) postgraduate programmes in Turkey. The first section determines the core reading materials in the syllabi. In the second section, in order to thematically code these books, we create five categories: (1) General Research Methods, (2) Research Methods in Social Sciences (3) Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Research Methods, (4) Research Methods in Political Science (5) Research Methods in International Relations. The research was modelled/designed according to a case study conducted with a qualitative approach. The data collection method of the study is document review, while the chosen data analysis method is content analysis. The study analyses the contents of syllabi from 70 different module/course. Findings show that Social Sciences have the most methodology-related books with 37% of the books being relevant to research methods. Conversely, the study shows that this rate is at 1% for IR. The study concludes that discipline-specific method books are not chosen within the IR postgraduate programmes. Finally, the study recommends significant research methodology books to be included in the related IR syllabi.

Investigation of the Cultural Competence Levels of Diabetes Nurses

Objective: It is important for nurses to have cultural competence in order to keep up with the cultural diversity brought by globalization. In this study, we aim to examine the cultural competence levels of diabetes nurses in diabetes education and care in accordance with the cultural characteristics of individuals with diabetes.&#x0D; Methods: This study was conducted in a cross-sectional descriptive type with 183 diabetes nurses between September 15 and December 15, 2020 in Turkey. The data were collected using the Introductory Information Form and the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale.&#x0D; Results: We determine that almost all of the diabetes nurses had cultural competence above the average. We find that having a postgraduate degree from diabetes nurses, receiving cultural education before, and having a diabetes nurse experience of 6 years or more affected the cultural competence levels (p

Survey of U.S. cow-calf producer methods and opinions of cattle health and production record-keeping

The objective of this study was to describe U.S. cow-calf pro­ducer characteristics associated with the use of cattle health and production records (CHPR). We anonymously surveyed 14,294 cow-calf producer members of the National Cattle­men’s Beef Association (NCBA). Multivariable logistic regres­sion by manual forward variable selection was used to test demographic factors for association with CHPR-keeping out­comes. In total, 3,741 (26.2%) responses were received, with 3,641 (97.3%) respondents actively involved in cow-calf pro­duction. Of 3,624 respondents who said whether or not they maintained CHPR, 3,169 (87%) used some form of CHPR. Of 3,133 respondents who described their CHPR-keeping meth­ods, 1,966 (62.8%) used handwritten, and 1,167 (37.2%) used electronic CHPR. Annual cow inventory (96%), breeding dates (89.3%) and calving dates (88.1%) were the most commonly recorded CHPR. Among all respondents, understanding commercially available CHPR software (57.2%) was the most commonly identified CHPR-keeping challenge. Factors associated with using any form of CHPR were seed­stock production (OR = 5.1; compared to non-seedstock production), respondent age (≤ 54 years: OR = 2.5; 55-64 years: OR = 1.7; 65-74 years: OR = 1.3; compared to age ≥ 75 years), female respondents (OR = 1.7; compared to male), respondent’s primary income source is cow-calf op­eration (OR = 1.5; compared to not being pri­mary income source), and respondent having a post-graduate or professional degree (OR = 1.7; compared to high-school diploma or less). This study concluded that demo­graphic factors such as producer age, gender, education level and operational goals impact CHPR-keeping on U.S. cow-calf operations.

A survey on the knowledge of patients’ companions about the concept and application of hospital triage

Introduction: Given the importance of the subject and the knowledge gap, we decided to perform this survey. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the knowledge levels of patients’ companions about the concept and application of hospital triage were evaluated in 202 subjects. The research population included patient companions referred to the emergency department (ED). The exclusion criterion was the failure to complete the questionnaire. Convenience sampling was done. Questionnaires were delivered to the companions of the patients. In this study, the data gathering tool was a questionnaire consisting of two parts. The final questionnaire included 13 questions, 10 and 3 of which were closed (multiple choice) and open questions, respectively. Finally, the age, level of education, and gender were also asked from participants. The level of patient triage was also determined in this research. Results: 202 questionnaires were completed by companions of patients admitted to the ED. The mean age of those who completed the questionnaire was 39.95±17.92 years, and 192 individuals expressed their gender, of which 123 (64.1%) and 69 (35.9%) persons were male and female, respectively. The level of education was also reported in 180 people. Moreover, diploma and postgraduate diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and postgraduate or doctoral degrees were observed in 59 (32.77%), 90 (50%), and 31 (17.22%) patients’ companions respectively. Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that the knowledge about the concept of triage among ordinary people of the society is lower than the desired level.

Collaborative Interprofessional Health Science Student Led Realistic Mass Casualty Incident Simulation.

In collaboration, a health science university and a fire department offered a mass casualty incident (MCI) simulation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a cross-section of student health care providers to determine their working knowledge of an MCI. Students were given a pretest using the Emergency Preparedness Information Questionnaire (EPIQ) and the Simple Triage and Rapid Transport (START) Quiz. The EPIQ instrument related to knowledge of triage, first aid, bio-agent detection, critical reporting, incident command, isolation/quarantine/decontamination, psychological issues, epidemiology, and communications. The START Quiz gave 10 scenarios. Didactic online content was given followed by the simulation a few weeks later. A posttest with the same instruments was given after the simulation. Participants were majority female (81.7%), aged between 25-34 (41.7%), and 61.7% (n = 74) had undergraduate or post-graduate degrees. The overall pretest mean was 2.92 and posttest mean was 3.64. The START Quiz found participants struggled to correctly assign triage levels. Students also experienced challenges correctly assigning patients to specific triage categories. Findings will assist educators to understand knowledge gaps, so revisions can be made to enhance learning in disaster management. Concentration in proper field triage is also a needed focus.

OPTIMAL AGING AND SATISFACTION WITH SOCIAL SUPPORT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract Social support is important for optimal aging, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when older adults are at risk of social isolation and its attendant health problems. Providing support may be especially protective of health outcomes. We examined whether actual received, provided, and satisfaction with support were related to optimal aging early in the pandemic (April-May, 2020). Survey participants (N=238) were on average 71.2 years old (SD=7.3), 73% female, 92.6% White, and highly educated (48% with post-graduate degrees). Optimal aging (Aldwin &amp; Igarashi, 2016) was indicated by a latent variable of health outcomes, including depressive symptoms, cognitive lapses, and physical symptoms. Nearly all older adults (90+%) reported receiving or providing actual support from or to at least one family member or friend. We investigated the associations between age, summed social support, satisfaction with support, and health outcomes, controlling for chronic illnesses. Two SEM models were estimated for received support and provided support, respectively. After trimming non-significant paths, both models had acceptable fits (CFI &amp;gt; .90, RMSEA &amp;lt; .08, SRMR &amp;lt; .08). Age and chronic illnesses had negative associations with health outcomes, but neither received nor provided social support was significant. However, satisfaction with both received and provided support were significant and independently associated with optimal aging in both models. Thus, isolation levels in this sample were surprisingly low, as indicated by high levels of social support received and provided. However, only the quality of (or satisfaction with) support was important for optimal aging during this unique and shared stressful experience.

Psychological Antecedents of Healthcare Workers towards Monkeypox Vaccination in Nigeria.

The ongoing monkeypox (MPX) outbreak has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. People in close contact with active MPX cases, including healthcare workers (HCWs), are at higher risk of virus acquisition since the MPX virus can be transmitted by skin contact or respiratory secretions. In this study, we aimed to assess the psychological antecedents of MPX vaccination among Nigerian HCWs using the 5C scale. We used an anonymous online cross-sectional survey to recruit potential participants using snowball sampling. The questionnaire aimed to assess the geo/socioeconomic features and the 5C psychological antecedents of vaccine acceptance (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, and collective responsibility). A total of 389 responses were included, with a median age of 37 years (IQR: 28−48), 55.5% males, and 60.7% married participants. Among the studied Nigerian HCWs, only 31.1% showed confidence in MPX vaccination, 58.4% expressed complacency towards vaccination, 63.8% perceived constraints towards MPX vaccination, 27.2% calculated the benefits and risks of vaccination, and 39.2% agreed to receive MPX vaccination to protect others. The determinants of MPX vaccine confidence were being single (OR = 5.07, 95% CI: 1.26−20.34, p = 0.022), a higher education level (with pre-college/high school as a reference, professional/technical: OR = 4.12, 95% CI: 1.57−10.73, p = 0.004, undergraduate: OR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.32−6.55, p = 0.008, and postgraduate degree (OR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.51−8.04, p = 0.003), and absence of chronic disease (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.27−5.22, p = 0.009). The significant complacency predictors were having a middle-income (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.33−0.89, p = 0.008), having a bachelor’s degree (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.10−5.11, p = 0.027), and knowledge of someone who died due to MPX (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05−0.93, p = 0.040). Income was associated with perceived vaccination constraints (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.39−0.99, p = 0.046). Participants aged 46−60 years had decreased odds in the calculation domain (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.27−0.98, p = 0.044). Middle-income and bachelor degree/postgraduate education significantly influenced the collective responsibility domain (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.19−3.69, p = 0.010; OR = 4.17, 95% CI: 1.85−9.38, p < 0.001; and OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.50−7.90, p = 0.003, respectively). An investigation of the 5C pattern-based psychological antecedents of MPX vaccination in a sample of Nigerian HCWs revealed low levels of vaccine confidence and collective responsibility with high levels of constraints and complacency. These psychological factors are recommended to be considered in any efforts aiming to promote MPX vaccination needed in a country where MPX is endemic.