Proper Practices Research Articles

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR OF VULVA HYGIENE WITH PATHOLOGICAL LEUKORRHEA INCIDENCE

Vulva hygiene is important to prevent pathological vaginal discharge. Adolescent girls are susceptible to such discharge due to insufficient awareness of proper hygiene practices. A preliminary study identified instances of improper wiping techniques and failure to adequately dry the vulva before donning underwear among students. Moreover, some students reported experiencing genital itching. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between knowledge and behavior of vulva hygiene with pathological vaginal discharge This study employed a correlational cross-sectional design. The population consisted of 52 female students at Al-Hasani Islamic Boarding School, selected through total sampling. Data were collected using validated and reliable questionnaires. Statistical analysis utilized Kendall's Tau correlation test. This research has passed an ethical review with letter number 1450/UN22.9/PG/2024 which considers research ethics in the form of informed consent, anonymity, privacy, confidentiality, justice, and beneficience. The results are 65.4% of respondents had good knowledge of vulva hygiene, 53.8% exhibited good vulva hygiene behavior, and 50% experienced pathological leucorrhea. Correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between knowledge (ρ value = 0.087) or behavior (ρ value = 0.582) of vulva hygiene and pathological leucorrhea incidence. Further research is needed regarding factors associated with the occurrence of pathological vaginal discharge.

Effects of Measles Vaccine and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Children Presenting in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Rawalpindi/Islamabad

Objectives: To identify risk factors associated with the development of measles among children under 12 years of age in a tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi/Islamabad and to determine the effectiveness of measles vaccination in the study population. Methods: A retrospective case control study was done from January 2022 to January 2023 at the Department of Pediatrics, Holy Family Hospital (HFH), Rawalpindi & PAEC General Hospital, Islamabad. Total 600 children were included in the study. The hospital data record had children under the age of 12 with measles. Case controls were enrolled without measles at the same hospital, matched for age and sex. Study outcomes were analyzed by multivariant regression test adjusted with age and sex. Results: The average age of the children was 32.24±14.58 months. Mothers with low education were mostly have measles [OR: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.9-6.5, for primary schooling and OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.7-2.0, for matriculation]. Children with measles were mostly not breastfed during the first 2 years of life [OR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.5-1.4]. Cases were also more likely to have never been vaccinated [OR: 8.2, 95% CI: 5.5-15.0] and never vaccinated other children at home [OR: 6.5, 95% CI: 4.5-10.0]. Conclusion: The study concluded that breastfeeding and proper weaning practices are necessary to eradicate measles.

Occurrence of Salmonellae in Chickens from some Selected Poultry Farms in Kano, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty This study provides a novel investigation into the prevalence of Salmonella species in poultry from selected farms in Kano, Nigeria, using comprehensive random sampling techniques across multiple local government areas. The findings reveal a notably low prevalence of asymptomatic Salmonella infections (1.54%) among chickens, potentially attributable to effective hygiene practices, biosecurity measures, and biological control of vectors. This research contributes valuable baseline data for the epidemiological understanding and management of Salmonella in poultry farms within the region. Full Abstract Infections with bacteria of the genus Salmonella are responsible for a variety of acute and chronic diseases in poultry. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Salmonella species in chickens from some selected poultry farms in Kano, Nigeria. Random sampling method was used in the study. One (1) farm was chosen from each of the eight (8) selected Local Government areas of the State. Thirteen (13) samples each from cloacae, egg, dust, drag and boots which is (65) from each farm) were collected from apparently healthy chickens (layers), transported immediately to the laboratory for analyses. The colonies were subsequently subjected to Gram-staining and microscopy. Eight Salmonella isolates were determined, three (3) were isolated from boot swabs, two (2) from cloacal swabs and one (1) each from egg, dust and drag swabs. All the isolates were confirmed by serological test; using Salmonella “O” antigen; group A-S (Oxoid). Asymptomatic Salmonella infection among chickens in the sampled farms is low with (1.54%). The low occurrence could be attributed to proper hygienic practices, biosecurity measure as well as application of biological control of rodents and other vehicles of Salmonella.

Casuística em endocrinologia veterinária: Análise dos atendimentos de 263 casos de cães e gatos durante o ano de 2023

This article presents a detailed analysis of 263 cases treated in the endocrinology sector of the Anclivepa Mazei Unit during the year 2023, exposing a significant change in the profile of endocrine diseases in dogs and cats. The results indicated a marked prevalence of obesity, reaching 20,53% of cases, and diabetes mellitus, representing 19,39%. Notably, the distribution by sex revealed a predominance of females (57.79%), of which a large proportion were castrated (80.26%). In terms of age groups, the highest proportion of animals treated were over 8 years old (68.82%). Furthermore, the analysis of the body score condition showed that, in addition to obese animals, 28.52% were overweight and 33.08% maintained an ideal weight, highlighting the need for nutritional intervention and weight management. Comparatively, the observed frequency of hypothyroidism was only 4.94%, marking a significant contrast with previous studies that highlighted this condition as one of the most prevalent in endocrine clinical settings. This study suggests that changes in pet lifestyle, influenced by owner practices, along with advances in diagnostic methods, play a crucial role in observed endocrine health trends. We also highlight the critical need to educate owners in regards to proper feeding and exercise practices for their animals, in addition to the importance of advancing the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Localization of the questionnaire about sharps disposal at home among diabetes based on knowledge, attitude, and practice theory, and a cross-sectional survey of current conditions.

Diabetes Mellitus is a long duration disease, and if a person with diabetes is infected with a blood-borne infectious disease and proper syringe disposal practices are not followed, they run the danger of transmitting the infection to others for a very long period. Whereas fewer research has been done in China on the handing of sharp objects at home. Therefore, there is a need to translate and localize the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice Questionnaire regarding sharp disposal for diabetic patients to assess the current level of patient knowledge, attitudes, and practices and to improve the basis for promoting safe sharps handling practices. This investigation was a cross-sectional study. The Knowledge-Attitude-Practice Questionnaire regarding sharp disposal was localized and debugged and tested for reliability and validity, and then 334 patients were investigated by General Characteristics Questionnaire, Knowledge- Attitude-Practice Questionnaire regarding sharp disposal, and the influencing factors of practice level regarding sharp disposal of patients were analyzed. The Cronbach's α value of the attitude section was 0.864 and the content validity index was 0.923. The knowledge and practice sections are in line with continental language conventions and are easy to understand without any ambiguity. The majority (52%) of the participants had poor knowledge and a neutral attitude toward disposing of sharp objects. Sharps disposal practices among diabetes mellitus patients were poor since about 90% of patients dispose of their used sharps directly into the household waste. Furthermore, we found that level of education, knowledge and attitude were the major predictors of practices regarding sharps disposal among diabetic patients (R 2 = 0.573, p < 0.001). The Chinese version of the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice Questionnaire regarding sharp disposal has applicability in China. In China, current practice of disposing used sharps is improper. Additionally, the majority of the subjects had low levels of knowledge and attitudes. To raise awareness and encourage diabetic patients to follow appropriate sharps disposal practices, there needs to be ongoing education and a locally tailored safe sharp disposal alternative accessible.

Exploring Phenolic Compounds in Crop By-Products for Cosmetic Efficacy.

Phenolic compounds represent a group of secondary metabolites that serve essential functions in plants. Beyond their positive impact on plants, these phenolic metabolites, often referred to as polyphenols, possess a range of biological properties that can promote skin health. Scientific research indicates that topically using phenolics derived from plants can be advantageous, but their activity and stability highly depend on storage of the source material and the extraction method. These compounds have the ability to relieve symptoms and hinder the progression of different skin diseases. Because they come from natural sources and have minimal toxicity, phenolic compounds show potential in addressing the causes and effects of skin aging, skin diseases, and various types of skin damage, such as wounds and burns. Hence, this review provides extensive information on the particular crops from which by-product phenolic compounds can be sourced, also emphasizing the need to conduct research according to proper plant material storage practices and the choice of the best extracting method, along with an examination of their specific functions and the mechanisms by which they act to protect skin.

CHANGES IN THE MACROENVIRONMENT AND NEW THREATS TO FARMS

In the context of agriculture, numerous significant long-term trends are emerging. Some of these pose threats to farm operations. They can be categorized as threats related to pressure to achieve climate and environmental targets under emission reduction, animal welfare and biodiversity policy, climate changes, structural changes in the farm environment, increasing technological pressure, changes in consumption patterns and unequal conditions of competition in international markets. This study aimed to identify phenomena perceived as threats to agricultural activities and the general mechanisms of their impact on agricultural farms. It is prepared based on a literature review. It was found that the effect of some threats can be mitigated through proper farming practices and increasing production scale. Other threats, including those arising from enforced climate and agricultural policies, have consequences that necessitate economic support for farms or compensation for losses, for example, through subsidies. Insurance may be useful only for protection against well-known threats of measurable risk. One can state that currently published research results still insufficiently recognize how emerging threats alter the outcomes of agricultural farms, what strategies farmers adopt, and which of these are effective for particular production types and given production scales.

Association of parental level of education and child factors on length-for-age indicator among socially vulnerable children aged 6-24 months from a Brazilian state using structural equation modelling.

This cross-sectional study employs structural equation modelling (sEM) to explore both direct and indirect effects of parental level of education and child individual factors on the length-for-age outcomes in children aged 6-24 months assisted by the Bolsa Família Program in the State of Alagoas. A total of 1448 children were analysed by the sEM technique. A negative standardised direct effect (sDE) of the children's younger age (sDE: -0·06; P = 0·017), the use of bottle feeding (sDE: -0·11; P < 0·001) and lack of a minimum acceptable diet (sDE: -0·09; P < 0·001) on the length-for-age indicator was found. Being female (SDE: 0·08; P = 0·001), a higher birth weight (SDE: 0·33; P < 0·001), being ever breastfed (sdE: 0·07; P = 0·004) and a higher level of parental education (SDE: 0·09; P < 0·001) showed a positive SDE effect on the child's length-for-age. The model also demonstrated a negative standardised indirect effect (SIE) of the sweet beverage consumption (SIE: -0·08; P = 0·003) and a positive effect of being ever breastfed (SIE: 0·06; P = 0·017) on the child's length-for-age through parental level of education as a mediator. This research underscores the crucial role of proper feeding practices and provides valuable insights for the development of targeted interventions, policies and programmes to improve nutritional well-being and promote adequate linear growth and development among young children facing similar challenges.

Maternal misperception of under-five children weight status and associated factors: A cross-sectional study.

Maternal perceptions, about the nutritional status of their children, may have implications for timely health care seeking and feeding behaviour. Shreds of evidence are limited in this area that assessed maternal perception about the nutritional status of the children in the context of Bangladesh. The objective of this study is to assess the differences in mothers' perceptions about their children's nutritional status who are less than 5 years of age and their associated factors in the context of urban slum areas. A cross-sectional study (Quantitative approach) was conducted in two of the largest urban slums of Dhaka city. A total of 437 mother-children dyads were included in the final analysis. The outcome of interest was the mother's 'varied perceptions' regarding the nutritional status of their children under five. 'Varied perception' refers to the difference between a mother's subjective assessment of her child's nutritional condition and the anthropometrically measured nutritional status. The prevalence of mother's varied perceptions was around 46%, and among them, 37% of mothers underestimated and 9% overestimated their child's nutritional status. 'The child doesn't want to eat' (AOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 2.34-5.85; p < 0.001) and 'Feels light when carried' (AOR = 3.39; 95% CI: 1.69-6.81; p = 0.001) were the significant reasons behind the mother's perception about the nutritional status of their under-five children. About one in two mothers' perceptions about their children varied from the anthropometry-derived status. Various research findings indicate that providing health education on proper feeding practices for children, along with anthropometric measurements, can assist mothers in enhancing their understanding and assessing their child's nutritional status with greater accuracy. Further qualitative research may be instrumental in getting deeper insights into maternal perception to develop context-specific interventions.

Location Based Waste Management System Application Using Flutter

This project introduces a dynamic Flutter mobile application aimed at revolutionizing waste management in urban environments. The application leverages location-based services to provide users with real-time alerts regarding the arrival of garbage collectors, ensuring timely and efficient waste disposal. Additionally, it offers a feature to locate the nearest disposal facilities, catering to users who may be unfamiliar with proper waste management practices. The application's user-friendly interface and intuitive design aim to bridge the gap between residents and waste management authorities, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and organized waste management ecosystem in urban communities. This innovative solution exemplifies the potential of technology in addressing critical environmental challenges. Location-based waste management systems use GPS and other technologies to track waste collection and disposal activities. Location-based waste management systems can also help to educate the public about waste disposal practices and encourage recycling and composting

Analysis of Barrier and Driver Factors to Risk Monitoring and Control Implementation in Construction Projects

Construction projects inherently involve risks. If proper risk management practices are not employed, the likelihood of cost overruns can reach more than 80%. Risk monitoring and control are essential processes in risk management; however, their implementation is inadequate in construction projects. This research analyzed the main barriers and drivers for implementing risk monitoring and control in construction projects. A questionnaire survey was conducted using a Likert scale to measure respondents' perceptions. Data were collected from 71 respondents: top management, project managers, project risk managers, and risk officers. This study employs descriptive analysis and factor analysis to achieve the objectives. The results indicate that the 19 identified barriers to risk monitoring and control were categorized into 4 main factors: lack of practice, lack of risk awareness, lack of incentives and having difficulty finding methods, and misperceptions about risk monitoring and control. Meanwhile, the 21 drivers were categorized into 5 main factors: management support, tools and information technology, organizational structure and communication, external environment, assigning responsibility, and contingency reserve.

Fungal Diseases in Yerba Mate: Status and Management Strategies.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.), with its health benefits and socioeconomic significance, plays a crucial role in Argentina and other South American countries like Brazil and Paraguay. Its cultivation in the Province of Misiones (Argentina) supports various sectors, contributes to regional development, and provides employment opportunities. However, the transition from extractive practices to monoculture, accompanied with increased demand, has led to phytosanitary challenges. Imbalanced native microbiota, disease development, and pathogen dispersion have become prevalent issues. Understanding the known pathogens associated with yerba mate plants is crucial for developing effective agricultural strategies. The primary objective of this study is to synthesise current knowledge on prevalent fungal diseases in yerba mate cultivation, as well as to provide agricultural management recommendations for effective disease control. Fungal diseases can cause significant damage to different parts of the plant, resulting in economic losses. The proximity of neighbouring plantations to yerba mate crops may contribute to the cross-contamination of pathogens, emphasizing the need for comprehensive epidemiology and accurate diagnosis. Multiple fungal genera have been reported to cause pathologies in yerba mate. Among the fungi causing foliar diseases are Ceratobasidium niltonsouzanum, Cylindrocladium spathulatum, Pseudocercospora mate, Asterina sphaerelloides, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides aff var. yerbae, and Phyllosticta sp. Caulinary diseases are caused by Alternaria sp., Phoma sp., Colletotrichum sp., and Ceratocystis fimbriata. Regarding root rot, the genera Rhizoctonia sp., Pythium sp., Fusarium sp., and Rosellinia sp. have been reported. Proper crop management practices and monitoring are essential for effective disease control. To reduce reliance on chemical compounds, the use of biocontrol agents like Trichoderma sp. has shown promise in regulating phytopathogenic fungi populations. Continued research is vital to preserve the yerba mate industry and ensure its long-term viability while minimizing environmental impact.

Determination of prevalence of subclinical mastitis, characterization of intra-mammary infection-causing bacteria, and antibiotic susceptibility in dairy camels in Jigjiga City, Somali region, Ethiopia

BackgroundSubclinical mastitis in camels, an inflammation of the udder without visible signs, can reduce milk quality and raise bacteria levels. Regular monitoring of camel milk is crucial for consumer safety.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in Jigjiga city, Ethiopia to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of subclinical mastitis in she-camels. The study included 244 lactating she-camels from three privately-owned camel dairy farms, and a questionnaire survey was conducted with 60 camel owners.ResultsThe overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis in she-camels was 10.6% (26/244), with no significant difference among the studied dairy farms. Risk factors that influenced the result of California Mastitis Test (CMT) included age and udder and leg hygiene. The study revealed that S. aureus was the most prevalent bacterium among the isolated bacteria, with a prevalence rate of 34.5%. This was followed by S. agalactiae, S. dysgalactiae, and Pasteurella multocida, with prevalence rates of 29.8, 19.4, and 16.2%, respectively. Among the isolated bacteria, 84.5% were sensitive to Erythromycin, 60% to Streptomycin, 44.7% to Oxytetracycline, and 36.7% to Tetracycline. Interviews with camel owners revealed that 66.7% used mixed herd grazing methods and reported feed shortage. Treatment practices for sick camels included modern veterinary drugs, traditional medicines, or a combination of both. The owners of camel dairy farms did not maintain proper hygiene practices during milking, such as not using soap when washing hands.ConclusionAddressing camel mastitis necessitates access to alternative drugs, comprehensive herder training, and enhanced management practices.

Breaking bad news in oncology practice: experience and challenges of oncology health professionals in Ethiopia – an exploratory qualitative study

ObjectiveTo explore the experience and challenges health professionals face during breaking bad news (BBN) to patients with cancer in the oncology centre of Black Lion Specialized Hospital (BLSH), Addis Ababa,...

Defense Pathways of Wheat Plants Inoculated with Zymoseptoria tritici under NaCl Stress Conditions: An Overview

Due to being sessile, plants develop a broad range of defense pathways when they face abiotic or biotic stress factors. Although plants are subjected to more than one type of stress at a time in nature, the combined effects of either multiple stresses of one kind (abiotic or biotic) or more kinds (abiotic and biotic) have now been realized in agricultural lands due to increases in global warming and environmental pollution, along with population increases. Soil-borne pathogens, or pathogens infecting aerial parts, can have devastating effects on plants when combined with other stressors. Obtaining yields or crops from sensitive or moderately resistant plants could be impossible, and it could be very difficult from resistant plants. The mechanisms of combined stress in many plants have previously been studied and elucidated. Recent studies proposed new defense pathways and mechanisms through signaling cascades. In light of these mechanisms, it is now time to develop appropriate strategies for crop protection under multiple stress conditions. This may involve using disease-resistant or stress-tolerant plant varieties, implementing proper irrigation and drainage practices, and improving soil quality. However, generation of both stress-tolerant and disease-resistant crop plants is of crucial importance. The establishment of a database and understanding of the defense mechanisms under combined stress conditions would be meaningful for the development of resistant and tolerant plants. It is clear that leaf pathogens show great tolerance to salinity stress and result in pathogenicity in crop plants. We noticed that regulation of the stomata through biochemical applications and some effort with the upregulation of the minor gene expressions indirectly involved with the defense mechanisms could be a great way to increase the defense metabolites without interfering with quality parameters. In this review, we selected wheat as a model plant and Zymoseptoria tritici as a model leaf pathogen to evaluate the defense mechanisms under saline conditions through physiological, biochemical, and molecular pathways and suggested various ways to generate tolerant and resistant cereal plants.

Factors Influencing Adherence to Hazardous Waste Management Policy Frameworks among Health Workers in Private Hospitals in Nairobi County – Kenya

Purpose: This study, therefore, sought to investigate the factors influencing the adherence to hazardous waste management guidelines among healthcare workers in private hospitals in Nairobi County. The specific objectives of the study included; determining the level of adherence to proper HCWM practices among health workers, identifying the individual related factors that influence adherence to proper HCWM practices among health workers, and identifying the health facility-related (institutional) factors that influence adherence to proper HCWM practices in 4 selected hospitals in Nairobi County Kenya. From the population of 900 healthcare workers from 4 levels 4 facilities, random sampling was applied to identify the 90 respondents. Methodology: Data analysis and reporting was done using appropriate quantitative methods. Findings: The findings from this study show that the level of adherence to hazardous waste management policies among healthcare workers in private level four hospitals in Nairobi County is low. Despite the high level of awareness by the health workers on the important measures of collection, segregation, treatment, transportation and disposal of waste, the level of performance on the same is low. This is greatly attributable to negligence and unfavorable attitude towards healthcare waste management practices among healthcare workers. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: Based on the study findings, we would recommend the improvement of hazardous waste management efficiency.

Induced spawning, larval rearing, and innate diet analysis of Indian black clam, Villorita cyprinoides: An alternative to resource restoration through aquaculture

Villorita cyprinoides (Gray, 1825) also called the Indian black clam is a native species from the Indian peninsula directly related to the livelihood of many beneficiaries. The wild population of this Cyrenid clam is confronted with substantial challenges, including various climatic stressors and anthropogenic pressures such as overfishing and habitat destruction. A balance between capture fisheries and aquaculture through the development of hatchery technology is inevitable for ensuring the sustainable use of resources. The declining population of V. cyprinoides underscores the urgency of standardizing breeding protocols and implementing proper farming practices to foster a sustainable black clam fishery, given that Villorita is a potential candidate species for aquaculture. This paper describes the first successful induced spawning of the clam with successful rearing of larvae up to the umboned veliger stage and evaluates the efficacy of induced spawning through combined physical and chemical stimuli. Furthermore, our study employs eDNA metabarcoding to analyze plankton dynamics in waters from native clam beds. This sheds light on the potential microalgal dietary preferences of the species, which can be valuable in preparing diets for larval development and aquaculture in the future.

Intestinal Helminth Infections among Primary School Aged Pupils in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of helminthiasis in primary school children in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 172 faecal samples were collected and analyzed using Kato-Katz technique. Other pieces of information concerning demography were obtained through structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using chi-square test and P˂0.05 were considered significant. Overall, 45 (26.16 %) of the samples were infected while 127 (73.84 %) were negative. Among the schools sampled, Community Primary School, Amowere recorded the highest infection prevalence of 58.18% while no infection was recorded in Umuoji Primary School, Ebenebe (0.00 %). In relation to class, pupils in class four were the most infected 12 (31.58 %) while class one children had the least prevalence 5 (12.19 %). Gender-wise, males recorded the highest prevalence of 28.43 % with female children having a lower prevalence of 22.86 %. In terms of age, children between the age bracket of 7–9 years were most infected 31 (30.09 %) with the least prevalence occurring in the 4–6 years age group. In total, four helminth parasites were found in the stool samples of the children, A. lumbricoides 35 (20.59 %), Hookworm 7 (4.16 %), and T. trichiura 5 (2.19 %). Among the predisposing factors studied, school and type of parasite were found to be statistically significant (P˂0.05). Mass deworming of primary school children should be undertaken regularly by health officers as well as enlightenment programs of pupils on proper hygiene practices and sanitation.

Awareness and Periodontal Health Practices of Fixed Orthodontic Appliance Patients: A Questionnaire-Based Survey.

A well-aligned dentition is more conducive to periodontal health, which is necessary for successful orthodontic therapy. Maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial for effective treatment, and patient cooperation, education, motivation, and attitude are all important components. Orthodontists must routinely check in with their patients to see whether they are maintaining their oral hygiene and if they are using any additional assistance. Negligence on the part of the patient may be the cause of poor treatment outcomes. This study aims to show how patient education can affect treatment outcomes and the development of a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and healthy dentition. Aim This study aims to investigate awareness, attitude,andperiodontal health knowledgeamong orthodontic patients. Objectives The study explores the level of awareness and knowledge regarding periodontal health among orthodontic patients, examining its correlation with factors such as age, attitude, and duration of orthodontic treatment. Additionally, it aims to gauge the extent of education received by orthodontic patients regarding proper oral hygiene practices and the potential repercussions of neglecting them. Methods A questionnaire-based study with a cross-sectional design was performed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 428 participants were randomly selected from several private orthodontic clinics and hospitals. The participants in the study were individuals currently undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Information was gathered using a self-administered questionnaire. Results The patients undergoing orthodontic treatment have a moderate understanding of periodontal disease about dental plaque. The level of awareness of periodontal health was 41%, and the level of knowledge about periodontal health was 51%. When it came to periodontal health, adult orthodontic patients had a positive attitude toward fixed orthodontic treatment (mean score = 0.75). Subjects' attitudes regarding fixed orthodontic treatment were significantly impacted by the patient's consistency with his/her dental checkups (p value = 0.02). Conclusion The patients'periodontal health awareness was moderate, while their periodontal health knowledge was fair. Orthodontic patient's awareness levels, as well as knowledge levels, showed significant differences in age and duration but not sex. Results showed no significant difference among the attitude levels of orthodontic patients and age, sex, and duration.

Analysis of the relationship between fear of coronavirus and hand hygiene beliefs and practices of surgical nurses: A descriptive and cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to analyse the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and hand hygiene beliefs and practices of surgical nurses. This article is a descriptive correlational study. It was conducted between February and May 2021 with 306 surgical nurses working at public and private hospitals in Northern Cyprus. A personal information form, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Hand Hygiene Belief Scale and Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory were used for data collection. Of the participants in the study, 25.41% were 29 years old or younger and 85.15% were female. The mean scores obtained from the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Hand Hygiene Belief Scale and the Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory were 23.12 ± 8.03, 81.33 ± 7.67 and 69.15 ± 1.94, respectively. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale scores were negatively correlated with the Hand Hygiene Belief Scale scores and positively correlated with the Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory scores. Hand hygiene practices were better for nurses with higher level of COVID-19 fear. Therefore, a high level of seriousness and awareness of nurses about hand hygiene, which was achieved during the COVID-19 pandemic, should be sustained to maintain proper hand hygiene practices.