Preventive Actions Research Articles

Factors influencing engagement in oral cancer prevention activities among dental students and professionals in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundOral cancer is a pressing health concern in the Saudi Arabia (SA), with rising incidence and mortality rates. Despite the efforts in raising awareness, gaps persist in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to oral cancer prevention (OCP) among dental health professionals. This study aimed to identify the key factors influencing engagement in oral cancer prevention activities among dental students and professionals in Saudi. It examines the impact of socio-demographic characteristics and assesses their KAP related to oral cancer prevention.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and February 2024 using a pre-validated online questionnaire distributed among oral health providers across various regions and sectors in SA. The survey included questions about participants’ KAP toward OCP. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data.ResultsOut of 400 oral health providers invited, 157 completed the survey. The findings showed a discrepancy between knowledge and practice. While awareness of OC was generally high, this did not consistently lead to favourable attitudes or effective practices. The engagement in OCP activities was significantly associated with good knowledge, practice and favourable attitude scores. Profession significantly influenced participation, with clinicians (P = 0.013, OR = 0.131, 95% CI: 0.026–0.653) and those in administrative roles (P = 0.030, OR = 0.101, 95% CI: 0.013–0.804) both less likely to participate compared to dental students. Knowledge was a significant predictor (P = 0.002), with providers demonstrating poor knowledge being far less likely to participate (OR = 0.053, 95% CI: 0.008–0.339).ConclusionThe study identified a critical need for enhancing OCP education and training among oral health providers in SA. The findings indicate that continuous, targeted, and culturally sensitive training could bridge the existing KAP gap, potentially leading to improved early detection and management of OC, thereby reducing its morbidity and mortality rates in the region.

Temporal Stages of Burnout: How to Design Prevention?

Burnout, a major concern defined most commonly in the literature with a symptoms-based classification, can also be described as a temporal process with various stages experienced by workers, each composed of unique characteristics and challenges. This intricate process of burnout emphasizes pivotal moments, such as engagement and enthusiasm with a high job ideal (Stage 0), weakening of the ideal (Stage 1), protective withdrawal (Stage 2) and confirmed burnout (Stage 3). Through an opinion review, the objective of this article is to examine which prevention level, and more specifically which prevention actions, can be developed at each stage of this temporal process of burnout. The review criteria allow for the integration of both individual- and organization-focused interventions, ranging from early organizational-level strategies (primary prevention) to clinical consultations addressing the erosion of professional ideals (secondary prevention), as well as psychoeducational sessions aimed at promoting worker well-being. In conclusion, the article underscores the need for a holistic approach, combining organization-focused interventions with individual-focused interventions. Through a comprehensive review, this research provides insights into evidence-based practices, identifies gaps in current research, and offers guidance for future interventions for better support of workers facing burnout.

Wildfire assessment using machine learning algorithms in different regions

BackgroundClimate change and human activities are two main forces that affect the intensity, duration, and frequency of wildfires, which can lead to risks and hazards to the ecosystems. This study uses machine learning (ML) as an effective tool for predicting wildfires using historical data and influential variables. The performance of two machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression (LR) and random forest (RF), to construct wildfire susceptibility maps is evaluated in regions with different physical features (Okanogan region in the US and Jamésie region in Canada). The models’ inputs are eleven physically related variables to output wildfire probabilities.ResultsResults indicate that the most important variables in both areas are land cover, temperature, wind, elevation, precipitation, and normalized vegetation difference index. In addition, results reveal that both models have temporal and spatial generalization capability to predict annual wildfire probability at different times and locations. Generally, the RF outperforms the LR model in almost all cases. The outputs of the models provide wildfire susceptibility maps with different levels of severity (from very high to very low). Results highlight the areas that are more vulnerable to fire. The developed models and analysis are valuable for emergency planners and decision-makers in identifying critical regions and implementing preventive action for ecological conservation.

University Support and Prevention Needs for Sexual Harassment: What Do European Students and Doctoral Students Ask For?

AbstractThis study explores experiences of and reflections on sexual harassment in academia among students and doctoral students from Belgium, Croatia, Germany, and Sweden. Prevalence studies show that sexual harassment is a common occurrence and has negative consequences not only on mental health in general but also on academic performance. However, little is known about what kinds of support and prevention are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study has been to develop in-depth knowledge about students’ and doctoral students’ reflections on how victims of sexual harassment in academia should be supported, and how sexual harassment in academia could be prevented. To achieve this aim, 54 individual interviews, and 6 focus group interviews with 18 participants, were conducted between 2020 and 2022 with a total of 72 participants at the bachelors, masters, doctoral level or state exam level. Based on a thematic analysis three themes emerged: (a) Information on sexual harassment, (b) Prerequisites for reporting and intervening, and (c) Support as a preventive activity. The results show an urgent need for information, since this is perceived as lacking by students and doctoral students, and suggested strategies for information provision are presented. Further, there are challenges related to reporting, and ignorance about how to intervene when sexual harassment is witnessed. Professional support is described as important, along with support from peers, mentors, family, and friends. These findings are relevant for researchers and for clinicians at university student health centres, to develop relevant preventive and supportive interventions in the context of academia.

Depression in children aged 11-16 years old. Results of own research

The article presents the results of our own research, which aimed to find out the levels of feelings of depression in the adolescents studied. The severity of depression was investigated using the Maria Kovacs Questionnaire for the Diagnosis of Depression in Children CD2. The study involved 168 people, aged 11-16. The results obtained suggest that average severity of depressive symptoms predominates in the respondents with 39.88%, followed by very high severity with 17.26% and elevated severity with 16.67%, high severity with 12.50% and low severity with 8.93%. Low levels of depression were found in 8.93% of respondents. Given that depression is not a marginal phenomenon among adolescents, it seems necessary to carry out various preventive actions to counteract the emergence of this disease in the population of young people.

Factors that influence the use of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinics by people living with HIV/AIDS in MSM group

Introduction: The VCT Clinic service program is one of the early detection efforts to find out whether someone has been infected with HIV or not through Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT). Risky sexual behavior with HIV/AIDS is the MSM group. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the utilization of VCT services in the MSM group. Research Methodology: This study is a type of quantitative research with an approach using a cross-sectional study design. The population in this study were all HIV/AIDS sufferers who were undergoing ARV treatment at the Kendari City Hospital in 2023, totaling 349 people. Data were analyzed using SPSS to determine the frequency distribution and the chi-square statistical test to determine the variables' relationship. Result: The results showed a relationship between knowledge and the utilization of VCT clinics by the MSM group with a closeness level of 0.517, which indicated a moderate closeness of the relationship. There was a relationship between actions and the utilization of VCT clinics by the MSM group with a closeness level of 0.343, which indicated a weak closeness of the relationship. There is a relationship between family support and the use of VCT clinics by the MSM group, with a closeness level of 0.262, indicating a weak closeness of the relationship. There is a relationship between social support and the use of VCT clinics by the MSM group, with a closeness level of 0.300, indicating a weak closeness of the relationship. Conclusion: The analysis results show a significance value of <0.05, meaning there is a relationship between knowledge, attitudes, actions, social support, and family support with the use of VCT clinic services. Suggestions: It is hoped that the Kendari City Health Office will make policies in carrying out HIV/AIDS prevention activities, especially for the MSM group, by maximizing socialization about HIV/AIDS in hotspots where the group carries out activities. In addition, it is coordinating with the Education Office to provide education and socialization to students and the community to limit and avoid factors that cause risky sexual behavior.

Improving Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Secondary Coronary Prevention: Importance of Sex

Improving Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Secondary Coronary Prevention: Importance of Sex

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester: A Potential Therapeutic Cancer Agent?

Propolis and its major phenolic compound, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), have garnered considerable scientific interest due to their anti- inflammatory properties and potential therapeutic applications. This narrative review explores the potential utility of CAPE in cancer treatment. We comprehensively reviewed relevant studies from scientific databases (PubMed and Web of Science) from 2000 to 2022. Our search focused on keywords such as cancer, natural drugs, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, CAPE, cancer cell lines, antitumor effects, and propolis. CAPE exhibits diverse biological benefits, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and potentially anti-carcinogenic properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated its wide-ranging antitumor effects on various cancer cell lines, including growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, tumor invasiveness prevention, malignancy suppression, and anti-angiogenic activity. Following comprehensive preclinical toxicity assessments, further evaluation of CAPE's efficacy and safety through clinical trials is highly recommended to elucidate its potential health benefits in diverse forms of human cancer.

Fuzzy logic assessment of X-ray tube risks in robotic C-arm angiography: a failure mode and effect analysis study

This research examines the integration of robotic C-arm technology in angiography, a critical tool for treating cardiac conditions. The robotic C-arm, which includes an X-ray tube, is essential for scanning patients during procedures. The study also investigates the associated risks, specifically in Indonesian hospitals with cardiac facilities. Angiography is used to diagnose and treat heart disease by visualizing blood vessels and facilitating catheterization procedures. However, its mobility poses hazards and can impact the process. To address potential risks, failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is utilized. Traditionally, risk assessment using risk priority numbers (RPN) is conducted, but these may not accurately reflect failures due to complex evaluating processes. To overcome this limitation, fuzzy logic is employed, enhancing risk assessment accuracy. Through this approach, twenty-seven failure modes are identified across two brands, with ten major ones prioritized using fuzzy logic. These findings facilitate the development of preventive measures to mitigate future failures and enhance patient safety during angiography in hospitals. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of robust risk management in medical equipment, particularly in dynamic environments. By integrating fuzzy logic into risk assessment, the study improves prioritization accuracy, enabling effective allocation of resources for preventive actions.

Understanding and addressing gender-based violence in Eswatini

The high prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in the kingdom of Eswatini is quiet saddening. Women and girl children become victims of GBV to the extent of losing their lives. Therefore, this article sought to find the causes of GBV, collaborative majors and guidelines to help reduce GBV. The paper employed a qualitative research design underpinned by a transformative paradigm as a framework for promoting preventive action toward social justice for marginalized populations. Participatory Action Learning Action Research (PALAR) was employed. A purposeful sample of traditional leaders, religious leaders, law enforcers, NGOs and public were selected. Data was obtained through individual interviews, focus group interviews and analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. Findings obtained revealed various causes of GBV: unequal power relations, socio-economic factors, weak legal and support systems. Study recommends that government in collaboration with stakeholders must establish educational programs and guidelines to fight GBV, improve psycho-social support, strengthen recreational systems, implement programs that focus on poverty alleviation and economic empowerment, decolonization of patriarchal cultural practices and develop awareness programs about issues faced by GBV survivors. Sexual offences domestic violence act (SODV) must be enforced by the law.

Improving communication to increase uptake of high-risk breast cancer prevention appointments: Building a better letter

ObjectiveMailed letters to women identified as being at high-risk for developing breast cancer were not having the desired effect for encouraging appointments with prevention-focused providers at a large Midwest healthcare system. A partnership with communication scholars sought to revise the letter to increase awareness, intentions, and appointments. MethodsGuided by the Extended Parallel Process Model, survey responses were collected from letter recipients over the course of two years, both pre and post letter revision. Appointments attributed to letters were also tracked. ResultsRecipients of the revised letter had increased knowledge regarding the length of prevention appointments and indicated greater self-efficacy and intentions to make and attend appointments compared to those who received the non-revised letter. A greater percentage who received the revised letter also made appointments. ConclusionPartnering with communication scholars helped with improving a letter mailed to thousands of patients each year. Finding ways to increase response-efficacy of breast cancer prevention activities within communications may assist in increasing appointments. InnovationCross-disciplinary partnerships across the medical and social sciences – while not quick or simple - are essential for finding ways to improve patient wellbeing and hopefully reducing the prevalence of preventable diseases in the future.

The mediating effect of patient safety culture on the relationship between professionalism, self-leadership, and compliance with infection prevention activity against emerging respiratory infectious disease among nurses working in geriatric long-term care hospitals: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study investigates the mediating effect of patient safety culture on the relationship between professionalism, self-leadership, and compliance with infection prevention activity against emerging respiratory infectious diseases among nurses working in geriatric long-term care hospitals. Methods: In total, 136 nurses from eight geriatric long-term care hospitals were invited to participate. For the statistical analyses, descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient analyses were employed. The mediating effect was analyzed using the three-step mediation procedure of Baron and Kenny in hierarchical regression, and the significance of the mediating effect was tested using the Sobel test. Results: Patient safety culture had a full mediating effect on the relationship between professionalism and compliance with infection prevention activity (Z=3.14, p=.001) and a full mediating effect on the relationship between self-leadership and compliance with infection prevention activity (Z=3.37, p<.001). Conclusion: The study findings indicate that a higher patient safety culture within the organization further enhances compliance with infection prevention activity. Therefore, it is crucial to develop strategies to enhance nurses’ professionalism and self-leadership, as well as to improve organizational patient safety culture for the infection control in geriatric long-term care hospitals.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour thresholds for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease: morbidity survival tree analysis

BackgroundThere are no diagnosis-specific guidelines for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) for coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims identifying thresholds of MVPA and SB associated with cardiovascular events. MethodsCohort study including individuals with CHD. MVPA and SB were self-reported, and health registers identified cardiovascular events (2006-2022). Survival tree analyses identified thresholds of time associated with the risk of cardiovascular events. Thresholds were explored in Cox regression models. ResultsThere were 40,156 Australians, 62% men, mean age 70 years. Over 8.3 median years, 3260 non-fatal cardiac events, 5161 total cardiac events, and 14,383 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred. Thresholds for MVPA were 122 minutes/week for non-fatal cardiac events and 94 minutes/week for total cardiac events and MACE. Meeting MVPA thresholds was associated with an 18% lower risk for non-fatal cardiac events, 29% lower risk of total cardiac events, and 23% lower risk of MACE than not reaching the thresholds. Thresholds for SB were 4 and 10 hours/day respectively for risk of total cardiac events and MACE. SB below thresholds was associated with a 14% lower risk of total cardiac events and an 18% lower risk of MACE. There were sex-specific thresholds for MVPA and SB. ConclusionTo lower cardiovascular event risk, identified MVPA thresholds were lower (94-122 minutes/week) than the public health guidelines (150 minutes/week) in individuals with CHD. The SB thresholds associated with a lower risk of total cardiac events and MACE varied between 4-10 hours/day.

Occupational health services in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This publication analyses the activities of physicians and occupational medicine units in Poland during this period. The analysis of the number of physicians and units of occupational medicine and the preventive and judicial activities they carried out was based on the MZ-35 and MZ-35A statistical forms, which constitute mandatory medical reporting. In Poland, during the pandemic, the number of physicians authorized to perform preventive examinations of employees decreased by 9.3% (6597 in 2019 vs. 5984 physicians in 2022). At the same time, the number of basic units of the occupational medicine where preventive examinations of employees decreased from 5974 to 5534 (by 7.4%). The average number of preventive examinations performed annually on employees throughout the pandemic decreased by 9.4% from 5 429 808 (in 2015-2019) to 4 923 161 (in 2020-2023). In the first 2 years of the pandemic, the share of decisions on health contraindications to perform professional activities in the position indicated in the referral increased slightly. During the pandemic, there was also a significant decrease in the number of visits carried out by occupational medicine physicians, both to entire workplaces (by 46%) and to individual positions (by 49%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational medicine physicians reported almost 3 times more suspected occupational diseases than in previous years (an average of 1736 reports per year compared to 673 reports in 2015-2019). The most reports were recorded in 2020 (N = 2183). The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the preventive activities performed by occupational medicine physicians. Reducing the number of mandatory medical examinations of employees during the pandemic could have led to the construction of a health debt of the working population, both in terms of limiting the unfavourable impact of working conditions and worsening the chances of early detection of lifestyle diseases. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(5).

Codesign with citizens to prevent cardiometabolic diseases in disadvantaged neighbourhoods: an interview study on needs and priorities among stakeholders in Sweden

ObjectivesCardiometabolic diseases are a global health concern, affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged groups more adversely. Effective public health interventions targeting preventable risk factors like physical inactivity and unhealthy diets are needed. Codesign...

Design for policy strengthening: Analysis of forest fire disaster mitigation governance through ecotourism development integration in Siak Regency

This study aims to explain the design of policy strengthening in forest and land fire disaster mitigation governance, through the integration of ecotourism development in Siak Regency. Based on the research topic, this study employs a qualitative approach to describe governance conditions and the design of policy strengthening in ecotourism-based disaster mitigation governance. Data analysis is performed using Nvivo 12 Plus software. The results of this study indicate that forest and land fire disaster mitigation governance based on ecotourism development still has shortcomings that need to be addressed in the principles of conservation, economy, and community involvement. Then, the design of a policy to strengthen ecotourism-based disaster mitigation governance includes three crucial policy recommendations, namely: the need for special regulations related to forest and land fire disaster mitigation prevention based on the integration of ecotourism principle development, the need for a balance of roles between actors in determining and implementing ecotourism-based disaster mitigation policies, and the need for effective and efficient implementation of ecotourism-based disaster mitigation policies through increasing the involvement of strategic actors. Substantially, the handling of forest and land fire disasters in Siak Regency can be combined with ecotourism activities, especially in tourist village areas, by developing policies to strengthen the utilization of village-owned disaster mitigation facilities such as reservoirs, lakes, or ponds that are converted into water supplies during the dry season for forest and land fire disaster prevention activities and local economy-based tourist destinations. Our findings are a strategic effort to raise awareness among actors and highlight the need for policy-strengthening design in ecotourism-based disaster mitigation. These findings can also contribute to the literature that will be useful for all stakeholders in developing future long-term disaster mitigation governance policies. This study relies heavily on information from key informants, who represent only the perspectives and expertise of the stakeholders encountered. However, it still refers to important elements based on the informants’ knowledge capabilities in the disaster and tourism sectors. Therefore, we propose to conduct future studies on a comprehensive analysis of sustainable ecotourism-based disaster mitigation governance to promote and accelerate the idea of disaster and tourism in the future.

VIOLÊNCIA DOMÉSTICA E FAMILIAR CONTRA A MULHER: UMA ANÁLISE DOS FATORES DE IMPULSIONAMENTO DOS CASOS DE VIOLÊNCIA DURANTE À PANDEMIA DA COVID-19

This article examines the factors that contributed to the increase in cases of domestic and family violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the consequences of social isolation measures and the fragility of protection networks in the State of Goiás. The pandemic, by bringing economic and social challenges, highlighted a dark side of gender-based violence, exacerbating an already endemic problem. Compulsory confinement, necessary to contain the spread of the virus, drastically restricted the mobility and safety of women, who were often confined with their attackers. Furthermore, reduced access to formal care services has further compromised victims' ability to seek help and protection. This study aims to offer an analysis of statistical data and identify the factors that drove this escalation of violence, seeking to provide support for more effective preventive actions and the strengthening of public protection policies.

VIOLÊNCIA DOMÉSTICA E FAMILIAR CONTRA A MULHER: UMA ANÁLISE DOS FATORES DE IMPULSIONAMENTO DOS CASOS DE VIOLÊNCIA DURANTE À PANDEMIA DA COVID-19

This article examines the factors that contributed to the increase in cases of domestic and family violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the consequences of social isolation measures and the fragility of protection networks in the State of Goiás. The pandemic, by bringing economic and social challenges, highlighted a dark side of gender-based violence, exacerbating an already endemic problem. Compulsory confinement, necessary to contain the spread of the virus, drastically restricted the mobility and safety of women, who were often confined with their attackers. Furthermore, reduced access to formal care services has further compromised victims' ability to seek help and protection. This study aims to offer an analysis of statistical data and identify the factors that drove this escalation of violence, seeking to provide support for more effective preventive actions and the strengthening of public protection policies.

Digital forensics in the provision of crime prevention activities

Digital forensics in the provision of crime prevention activities

HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN DAN PERILAKU HYGIENE SANITASI PEDAGANG JAJANAN DI SEKOLAH DASAR NEGERI KELURAHAN WATES KOTA MOJOKERTO

The number of problems of school children's snacks when examined in terms of personal hygiene of sellers, how to store, how to serve, the quality of food and the habits of children snacking is still not good, Hygiene and Sanitation in food is a preventive activity from various kinds of diseases caused. This study is an observational study with a cross-sectional approach. The sample size that will be taken is 30 traders who sell in the area of public elementary schools in Wates Village, Mojokerto City. From the results of calculations with the Pearson correlation test, a significance value of 0.256 was obtained. If the significance value is> 0.05, it means that there is no correlation between knowledge and behavior of hawkers about hygiene and sanitation with a correlation value (0.214) categorized as a weak correlation with the basic Pearson correlation value of 0.21 to 0.40. From this study, it was found that there was a significant relationship between the knowledge and behavior of hawkers in the area of Wates Public Elementary School in Mojokerto city towards hygiene and sanitation. Knowledge and behavior of food hygiene and sanitation in hawkers in the area of public elementary schools in Wates village in Mojokerto city on average is poor. The results of this study are expected to be used as a reference in improving the quality of hygiene and sanitation of hawkers