Public Health Education Programs Research Articles

Systems and Processes Related to Placement of Graduates at Public Health Education Institutions in India

It is desirable that public health education institutions should ensure the placement of their students in relevant organisations by establishing placement systems and processes. This would help them to achieve the goal of enhancing public health through capacity building. The present study was conducted using survey design, and purposive sampling was used to contact institutions delivering postgraduate level public health education programmes in India. Eighty institutes across India were contacted, out of which 26 institutions participated in the study. The study identified placement initiatives undertaken by various institutions. Institutions are engaged in establishing placement cell; engaging faculty, students, alumni and external contacts in placement process; organising alumni meet and employers’ meet, campus recruitment activities and are also involved in research related to placement. However, these initiatives need to be synchronised so as to effectively strategise the placements. In order to facilitate the placement of graduates effectively, public health education institutions should establish placement systems and processes. The first step in this regard can be creating standard operating procedures (SOPs), which can be referred to as a guiding document by the placement cell. The study brings value to the public health education institutions to adopt a systematic approach towards placement of its graduates.

New challenges in public health education and training in the Slovak Republic

Background: The Slovak Republic joined the European Union (EU) on May 1st 2004. The public health systemof the country is under continuous transition including public health education and training. The aim of the presented paper is to describe and discuss how far the transition of public health education of the countrywent during last time period. Methods: Web site review, documentation search and curriculum content analysis were the main methodsemployed within presented paper. Results: There are 7 universities offering public health education on bachelor, master and doctoral level.Among them 6 could be found in list of accredited universities of the Ministry of Education by AccreditationCommittee of the Government of the Slovak Republic. The three levels of education are fully harmonized withthe Bologna principles. The Accreditation Committee of the Government of the Slovak Republic describes very detailed aims of a public health education program including recommended study subjects. Universities add to additional, mostly clinical medicine or hygiene subjects to recommend study subjects leaving likely verylittle time for research at universities. Conclusions: Despite large progress further effort is needed to clarify what is public health, what kind of subject should be included in curricula and on introduction of public health research at universities.

Food safety and personal hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Jordanian mothers in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey

Background and Aim: Foodborne illnesses have shaken mothers' defense worldwide because poor knowledge and unsafe food handling practices can jeopardize their children. In Jordan, there are no reliable data on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of mothers regarding food safety when the COVID-19 pandemic occurs. Therefore, this study evaluated Jordanian mothers' understanding, beliefs, and behaviors by examining their KAPs during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on food safety KAPs of mothers living in Jordan following the COVID-19 pandemic. A reliable and accurate survey with 55 questions was distributed among mothers through social media. A total of 376 mothers completed the questionnaire. Results: The results showed a remarkable awareness among the participants of how to keep food safe. However, there is still a significant gap in the implementation of this information in everyday life. This research emphasizes the need for focused interventions in the context of COVID-19 to bridge the gap between Jordanian mothers' KAPs on food safety and personal cleanliness. Conclusion: Efforts should be made, such as public health campaigns and educational programs, to empower mothers, guaranteeing a consistent and comprehensive approach to food safety and personal hygiene in families. These results provide important insights for policymakers and health professionals who want to improve public health initiatives and community resilience during public health crises. Keywords: food safety, foodborne illness, Jordan, knowledge, attitudes and practices, personal hygiene.

Abstract P363: The Influence of Social Support on Heart Disease Risk Factor Knowledge in Texas African American Women

Introduction: Heart disease disproportionately impacts African American (AA) women nationwide and in Texas. Heart disease disparities stem from risk factors related to limited heart disease risk factor knowledge and socioeconomic resources. Social support mitigates chronic disease risk, yet this is the first study to examine the relationship between perceived social support and heart disease risk within this population. The study aimed to (1) examine how perceived social support impacts heart disease risk factor knowledge among AA women and (2) examine whether demographic characteristics moderate a relationship between perceived social support and heart disease knowledge. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that social support moderates heart disease risk factor knowledge in AA women in Texas based on demographic variables. Methods: This was a quantitative study with purposeful, snowball sampling representative of AA women aged 30-55 in Texas (n = 121). The participants completed a survey comprised of demographic questions, the Heart Disease Knowledge Questionnaire, and the Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support. Results: Approximately half the participants displayed heart disease knowledge deficiencies. Multiple regression analysis revealed that when demographic variables were controlled, age (standardized β= .28, p = .002) and income (standardized β= .19, p = .037) were the only predictor variables indicating that social support impacts heart disease knowledge, with nonsignificant differences in the regression model (standardized β = -.023, p = .80). Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that age (F change = 1.056, R square change = .008, and p = .306), education (F (3, 115) = .583, p = .627), family history (F (2, 116) = 1.51, p = .225), and income (F change = 1.006, R2 change = .008, and p = .318) as individual predictors yielded nonsignificant differences in the overall predictive model, indicating that demographic variables did not moderate a relationship between social support and heart disease knowledge. Conclusion: Overall, the study revealed a need to implement public health education programs to increase heart health knowledge through interventions that combine education and social support among AA women to influence health behavior change and reduce heart health disparities.

Association between textual and pictorial warnings on tumbac (waterpipe tobacco) boxes and motivation to quit waterpipe smoking among Lebanese and Iraqi adolescents

BackgroundWaterpipe tobacco smoking has increased tremendously at a global level among all age groups, particularly young people. Previous studies have examined the impact of waterpipe tobacco pictorial health warnings on adults but scarce studies were done on adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the association of textual versus pictorial warnings on tumbac boxes and the motivation to quit waterpipe smoking among adolescents located in two Eastern Mediterranean countries Lebanon and Iraq.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2022, involving 294 adolescents waterpipe smokers from Lebanon and Iraq. The questionnaire included the Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Smoking-11, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the Waterpipe Harm Perception Scale, Waterpipe Knowledge Scale, Waterpipe Attitude Scale, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Motivation to Stop Scale.ResultsWhen adjusting the results over confounding variables, the results showed that compared to finding the warnings to stop smoking not efficacious at all, adolescents who find the warnings moderately (aOR = 2.83) and very (aOR = 6.64) efficacious had higher motivation to quit. Compared to finding the warnings not increasing their curiosity for information about how to stop waterpipe smoking at all, participants who confessed that warnings increased their curiosity a little (aOR = 2.59), moderately (aOR = 3.34) and very (aOR = 3.58) had higher motivation to quit. Compared to not considering changing the tumbac brand if the company uses pictorial warnings, adolescents who would consider changing the tumbac brand (aOR = 2.15) had higher motivation to quit.ConclusionPictorial and textual warnings on waterpipe packs were associated with higher motivation to stop waterpipe smoking. Public health education programs for this purpose seem warranted.

COVID-19 and flu vaccination in Romania, post pandemic lessons in healthcare workers and general population.

Influenza and corona viruses generate vaccine preventable diseases and have pandemic potential, frequently dramatic. A co-infection with these viruses, may be a new worldwide threat, researchers name it flurona. The aim of our study is to assess flu and COVID-19 Romanian vaccination for 2022-2023 season and the factor associated with higher odds to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccine. An analytical cross-sectional observational survey was conducted in the general population; a self-administered questionnaire was used. 1056 responders were analyzed, mean age 32.08 ±13.36 years (limits:18-76), majority, 880 (83.33%), from urban areas, 608 (57.58%), high school graduated, 400 (37.88%) parents. More than half of the responders were healthcare workers, 582 (55.11%), also considered study population. In the study group, 796 (73.37%) responders consider flurona vaccination useful; and 872 (82.57%) responders consider that no sanctions are needed for not flurona vaccinating. In the 2022-2023 season, 162 (15.34%) responders vaccinated against the flu and 300 (28.41%) against COVID-19. The factor associated with higher odds to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccine was the habit of flu vaccination: for flu (OR = 58.43; 95% CI: (34.95-97.67)) and for COVID-19 (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: (1.21-2.31)). Other factors such as having university degree (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: (1.08-1.98)) and being a healthcare worker, (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: (1.07-1.87)) were influencing factors only for adult COVID-19 vaccination in the 2022-2023 season. In the parents' group, in 2022-2023 season, only 48 (12%) vaccinated their children against the flu and 68 (17%) against COVID-19, mostly parents that vaccinated themselves, p<0.001. In the 2022-2023 season, there were only 82 (7.65%) responders vaccinated against both diseases. Logistic regression analysis showed that no factor analyzed influenced the flurona vaccinated parent's decision to vaccinate their children for flu and for COVID-19. In the season 2022-2023, in Romania, the vaccination against flu and COVOD-19 is low, in adults and children as well. More efforts must be done to increase flurona vaccination, public health educational programs are strongly needed. Children, that are at greater risk when co-infecting with these viruses, must be vaccinated, school vaccination programs should be considered.

Prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity among medical students from the Western Balkans (South-East Europe Region).

Being overweight and obese is associated with an elevated risk of developing noncommunicable diseases, which are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. It is a warning that global prevalence of overweight among university students ranges from 20 to 40%, which presents a significant public health problem. To date, there was no research conducted on medical students regarding the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity in the countries of the Western Balkans (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Serbia). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and potential demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related behavioral factors associated with overweight and obesity of medical students from Western Balkans. A cross-sectional study was conducted, surveying 2452 students from 14 medical faculties from 5 countries in the region. The prevalence of overweight was 12% and obesity was 2.3% among medical students from Western Balkans. Male gender and smoking status are significant positive predictors of overweight and obesity. Daily level of physical activity up to 1h per day, going to preventive check-ups once a year or as a part of annual dormitory check-ups are associated with lower odds of being overweight and obese. By creating adequate public health educational programs, students can be influenced to acquire proper health-related lifestyle habits, which would lead to reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the student population, as well as risk of developing noncommunicable diseases and improving the overall health of the population.

Impact of Digital Learning Platforms on Behaviour Change Communication in Public Health Education

This conceptual research explores the transformative potential of digital learning platforms in the realm of behaviour change communication within the context of public health education. With the rapid advancement of digital technology, the traditional methods of health communication are being reimagined, offering new opportunities and challenges for promoting healthier behaviours and lifestyles. The research seeks to understand the evolving landscape of digital learning platforms and their integration into public health education programs. It investigates how these platforms can be leveraged to design and disseminate behaviour change communication interventions effectively. The study examines the theoretical foundations that underpin behaviour change communication and the ways in which digital learning platforms can enhance these foundations. Furthermore, the research addresses the critical issue of accessibility and inclusivity, as digital platforms have the potential to bridge the gap between diverse populations in terms of health literacy, socio-economic status, and geographical location. By employing a conceptual framework that combines elements of health communication theory, pedagogy, and technology adoption models, this study aims to provide insights into the effective utilization of digital learning platforms for behaviour change communication. Findings indicate that the use of digital learning platforms has led to increase engagement in public health education. This exploration is expected to shed light on the potential of these platforms to drive positive health behaviour change among diverse populations and pave the way for more informed strategies in the field of public health education. Ultimately, this research aims to encourage further exploration and development of digital learning tools for behaviour change communication in public health, with the potential to make a significant impact on global health outcomes.

UC 4-H youth spread the facts — not the disease — during COVID-19

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for education in disease transmission and prevention. In response, the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program implemented a virtual epidemiology project, based on resources developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and collaborating agencies. The teenage participants were actively engaged in group lessons focused on epidemiology, immunology, vaccination, zoology, prevention strategies, related careers, and health communication. Surveys administered before and after the program showed an increase in knowledge about vaccinations and disease transmission and improved attitudes toward, and intentions to adopt, practices that reduce the spread of disease. They also showed increased self-efficacy and positive health behaviors (hand washing and mask use, and the intention to share what they learned in their communities). These findings contribute to the development of public health and epidemiological education programs for adolescents and programming that elevates youth as messengers of health information.

Nourishing the Cognition with Millets: A Comprehensive Review of Their Nutritional Impact and Potential as Cognitive Enhancers.

Cognition is the mental processes and abilities involved in acquiring, storing, retrieving and using it for decision making. Cognitive decline due to aging, lifestyle factor, chronic health conditions, genetic, and environmental factors are rising global concern and propose a potential threat to the cognitive health. The nutritional imbalance has led to increase in cognitive disorders around the world. Millets can be a nutritional intervention for promoting cognitive health and preventing cognitive decline. Millets has abundant phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants to protect against oxidative stress-induced cognitive impairment. Millets exert neuroprotective effects by modulating pathways involved in neuronal-survival, synaptic-plasticity, and release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Millets demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties by regulating inflammatory-pathways and suppressing cytokines associated with cognitive impairment. Millets maintain healthy gut microbiota by producing metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, which influence brain function and cognition. However, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and on optimizing the proportion do exploit its potential. Implementing millet-based dietary strategies through public health initiatives and educational programs can be a practical approach to support cognitive health across populations. Harnessing the potential of millets as a nutritional intervention offers a promising avenue for promoting cognitive health and improving the quality of life.

Drug take-back program: assessment of knowledge, practices, and barriers to safe disposal of unused medication among healthcare students in a Nigerian university

BackgroundThe safe disposal of unused medication is a critical public health issue, with risks including environmental pollution, accidental ingestion, and misuse. Inadequate adherence to proper disposal methods among healthcare students could affect the practice of safe disposal of unused medicines as future healthcare professionals. This study, conducted at a Nigerian university, aimed to assess the knowledge, adherence to safe disposal practices, and barriers faced by healthcare professional students regarding unused medication disposal.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among 930 healthcare students in a Nigerian University, comprising medical and surgery, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and medical laboratory science students. Information was gathered from respondents using a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between specific variables and participants’ knowledge and practice scores, while chi-square and logistic regression tests were used for categorical variables at p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 930 students participated in this study. The results revealed a significant gap in knowledge, with (67.7%; 630) of the participants unaware of proper disposal methods and most scoring either 0 (31.9%; 297) or 1 (46.0%; 428) out of 4 on a knowledge-based questionnaire. Pharmacy students were the most knowledgeable, with 44.4% falling into the high knowledge category. However, their knowledge did not always correspond to correct practices, with only (10.1%; 94) of participants reporting use of recommended disposal methods such as returning unused medicine to a pharmacy or a drug take-back program. Significant associations were found with course of study (χ²=12.14, p = 0.033) and awareness of correct disposal methods (χ²=4.035, p = 0.045). Those aware of the correct disposal method had a higher odds ratio of high knowledge score (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.1–2.41, p = 0.018) compared to those who were not aware. In terms of disposal practices, those who had received training on safe disposal had significantly higher odds of good practice score (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.36–3.74, p = 0.002). Major barriers identified included lack of access to drug take-back programs (50.4%; 469), lack of knowledge (36.8%; 342), and inconvenience (10.3%; 14).ConclusionA knowledge gap was revealed among the respondents regarding the safe disposal of unused medications. Despite the presence of knowledge and awareness, these do not necessarily translate into good disposal practices. This call for strategies to overcome identified barriers, with the aim to bridge the knowledge-practice gap and promote safe disposal of unused medication. The study underscores the urgent need for improved public health policies and educational programs on safe medication disposal.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Optimal Control Strategies for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Transmission in Ethiopia

Despite the recent progress of global control efforts, tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health threat worldwide, especially in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Furthermore, the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has further complicated the situation. This study aims at identifying the most effective strategies for combating MDR-TB in Ethiopia. We first present a compartmental model of MDR-TB transmission dynamics in Ethiopia. The model is shown to have positive solutions, and the stability of the equilibrium points is analyzed. Then, we extend the model by incorporating time-dependent control variables. These control variables are vaccination, distancing, and treatment for DS-TB and MDR-TB. Finally, the optimality system is numerically simulated by considering different combinations of the strategies, and their cost effectiveness is analysed. Our finding shows that, among single control strategies, the successful treatment of drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB) is the most effective control factor for eliminating MDR-TB transmission in Ethiopia. Furthermore, within the six dual control strategies, the combination of distancing and successful treatment of DS-TB is less costly and more effective than other strategies. Finally, out of the triple control strategies, the combination of distancing, successful treatment for DS-TB, and treatment for MDR-TB is the most efficient strategy for curbing the MDR-TB disease in Ethiopia. Thus, to reduce MDR-TB efficiently, it is recommended that authorities focus on treating MDR-TB, effective treatment of DS-TB, and promoting social distancing through public health education and awareness programs.

Farm Prevalence of Bovine Brucellosis, Farmer Awareness, and Local Practices in Small- and Medium-Scale Cattle Farms in a Tropical Region of Ecuador

A cross-sectional study was conducted on bovine brucellosis in a sample of 173 medium/small-scale cattle farmers in a tropical region of Ecuador. A total of 173 milk tank samples were collected and analyzed through an indirect ELISA. A survey was also applied to each farm to collect information on herd management, evaluate the level of knowledge about the disease and estimate the risk that bovine brucellosis on those farms could represent for public health. The apparent prevalence among farms was 11.5% (95% CI: 6.7%–16.2%). The medium farms had a prevalence significantly higher (23.8%, 95% CI: 10.9%–36.6%, p &lt; 0.0001 ) than the small farms (7.6%, 95% CI: 4.5%–9%). Two multivariable analysis were conducted to identify risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis or reproductive disorders. Medium farms had 3.7 more odds to be infected than the small farms (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.39–9.84, p = 0.008 ). Incineration/burial of abortion material was identified as a protective factor (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.14–0.98, p = 0.04 ). Farm size and brucellosis were identified as risk factors for the occurrence of reproductive disorders. Only 25% of the farmers were aware of bovine brucellosis. Unpasteurized curdled milk was regularly consumed and marketed on 112 farms of which 14 were positive for bovine brucellosis. Highly at-risk practices, such as manipulation of aborted fetuses were also reported. These results indicate that there is a need to develop public health education programs targeted at medium/small-scale farmers in Ecuador.

Effect of Excessive Use of Digital Devices on the Vision of Growing Children Between 5-20 Years of Age

Background: The widespread use of digital devices among children has raised concerns about the potential adverse effects on their vision. This study aimed to investigate the impact of digital devices on the vision of growing children in Bangladesh, focusing on the prevalence of various vision problems and the effect of a -0.50 D Spherical Concave Lens on these issues. Material &amp; Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a private chamber of Dhaka, Bangladesh, over 16 months (March 2021-July 2022). A total of 428 children aged 5-20 years were selected, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire through in-person interviews with participants and their legal guardians. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS V.25 software. Results: The study found a high prevalence of myopia (26.87%), asthenopia (10%), eye strain (8%), and mild astigmatism (5%) among the participants. Autorefraction measurements ranged from -2.00D to -10.00 Diopters, with minimal final correction required. The use of a -0.50 D Spherical Concave Lens demonstrated significant improvements in asthenopia, eye strain, and mild astigmatism. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the adverse effects of digital devices on the vision of growing children and the potential benefits of interventions, such as the use of a -0.50 D Spherical Concave Lens, in alleviating these issues. Further research and the development of public health policies and educational programs are needed to promote eye health and reduce the adverse effects of digital device use on children’s vision.

Using Andersen’s behavioral model of health care use for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy in Nigeria

BackgroundStudies in Nigeria and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) have explored factors influencing usage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp). Most studies, however, are not model or theory-based, which provides less satisfactory guidance to malaria control programming. This study fills the knowledge gap by adapting Andersen’s behavioral model of health care use to IPTp usage in Nigeria.MethodsThis study adopted a cross-sectional design that utilized secondary data extracted from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). A weighted sample of 4,772 women who had given birth in the past year preceding the survey, was analyzed. Outcome variable was usage of IPTp, dichotomized into optimal or otherwise. Explanatory variables cut across individual and community levels and were divided into predisposing, enabling and need factors in line with the theoretical constructs of the Andersen model. Two multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors which influenced optimal usage of IPTp. Analyses were performed using STATA 14. Statistical significance was set at 5%.ResultsRealised level of optimal IPTp usage was 21.8%. Factors that either predispose or enable pregnant women to take optimal doses of IPTp were maternal education, being employed, being autonomous in their own healthcare, health insurance enrolment, partner education, receiving antenatal care in public health facilities, rural residence, being resident in northern geo-political zones, community literacy level and community perception of the consequences of malaria. Two significant need factors affecting optimal usage of IPTp were timing of the first antenatal care visit and sleeping under mosquito bed nets.ConclusionOptimal usage of IPTp is low among pregnant women in Nigeria. There is a need to devise additional public health educational programs promoting IPTp usage through the formation of Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) in every ward in all local government areas, particularly in the rural and northern parts of the country. In addition, health planners should adopt the Andersen model for assessing key determinants of IPTp usage among childbearing women in Nigeria.

Research on natal and neonatal teeth in Africa: A systematic scoping review of empirical evidence.

In Africa, natal and neonatal teeth is a culture-bound phenomenon which is associated with several sociocultural connotations which might affect child survival. Different empirical studies have been conducted in Africa on natal and neonatal teeth; however, no known scoping review has been conducted to map the empirical evidence. This systematic scoping review (SSR) aims to document the available empirical evidence, research gaps, and hotspots on neonatal and natal teeth in Africa. The methodology of this SSR was informed by the Joanna Brigg's Institute guidelines for SSRs, and it was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Eleven research databases were systematically searched to scooped out all literatures relevant to the scoping review question, after which they were screened for eligibility based on the review's selection criteria. Only the eligible literatures were included in the review. Data were extracted from the included literatures, after which the extracted data were collated, summarized, and presented as results. This review included only three journal articles. All the reviewed articles revealed knowledge gaps about natal/neonatal teeth. These articles also found misconceptions around natal/neonatal teeth; for example, nurses'and traditional birth attendants'beliefs about these teeth are contrary to scientifically known facts. Multiple myths associated with natal/neonatal teeth, as indicated in the reviewed studies, point to a poor understanding of the condition. Neonates and infants are highly vulnerable persons; they require care and safeguarding from dental myths that could threaten their survival. Educative information concerning natal/neonatal teeth should be included in public health education programs to address the observed knowledge gaps among African populations and correct wrong beliefs on neonatal and natal teeth.

Public Awareness and Prevalence of Depression Symptoms among Patients Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Qatar

Background: Public awareness is a key element in the management of depression, public awareness campaigns have contributed to the improvement of public knowledge attitudes, and to reduction of stigma towards depression.&#x0D; Aim: The aim is to identify public awareness towards depression and to estimate prevalence of depression among participants&#x0D; Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study, this study was conducted in (West Bay Health Center, Al-Rayan Health Center and Al-Dayen Health Center) affiliated to Primary Health Care Corporation in Qatar, it included all selected patients attending three randomly chosen health centers, with total response rate representing 82 % with total sample size 316 participant conducted during from January to March 2021, self-administered validated questionnaire including basic demographic data, awareness about symptoms of depression, risk factors, attitudes, treatment and help seeking behaviors also completing the PHQ-9 screening for depression questionnaire.&#x0D; Results: The general awareness about depression among participants lies within the range of 48% to 95.7%, participants attitudes towards depression revealing that good attitudes regard willing to work with depressed people (88.9%) and willing to make friends with them ( 82% ) while 39.4% agree to marry from them, participants preferences regard whom to seek advice regard depression revealing that in order psychologist (89.1%) then psychiatrist (87.8%) while family physicians (66.7%), PHQ-9 score among participants revealing average prevalence of depression reaching 19.7% at the cut point score of 10 with males reaching 17% and females 20.7%.&#x0D; Conclusions: Generally, in Qatar the level of public awareness of depression among participants was acceptable and they had positive attitudes towards depressed people also there is some statistical significant awareness results related to females in comparison to males. However, further efforts must be done to build public health educational programs related to depression in order to further raise its awareness in the community.

Prevalence and Factors Influencing Self-Medication among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Urban Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria

Despite the adverse effects of self-medication (SM), such as antimicrobial drug resistance, drug addiction, allergy, worsening of ailment, organ damage, disability, and death, the practice is still common and increasingly practiced globally, even among pregnant women. This study investigated the prevalence and factors influencing self-medication among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in urban tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. A facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out in two tertiary hospitals in Port Harcourt between 25 September and 24 October 2022, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and logistics regression techniques, and statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. A total of 413 respondents participated in the study. The prevalence of SM was 31.0% (95% CI = 26.7–73.3). Women who were not married and those with less than secondary education had the highest prevalence, 60.5% (95% CI = 45.1–74.0) and 51.1% (95% CI = 42.7–59.4), respectively. The common drugs used for SM were Paracetamol, antimalarials, antibiotics, cough and cold medicines, and herbal products. While the reasons for SM were emergency illness, high cost at health facilities, and distance to the health facility. The commonest illnesses/symptoms that necessitated SM included body pain, headache, fever, cold and cough, and vaginal discharge. Married women and those educated above the secondary level had lower odds of practicing SM compared to their counterparts; married (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.18–0.78) and &gt;secondary level (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.18–0.51). This study showed that a significant proportion of pregnant women practiced SM and marital status and educational level were the factors influencing SM in the studied population. We recommend public health education and reproductive health programmes aimed at discouraging unmarried women and those with minimal education from the irrational use of drugs during pregnancy.

Knowledge, attitude, practice and associated factors towards COVID-19 and its prevention measures among residents of Mekelle City, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia: acommunity-based cross sectional study.

The emerging respiratory disease known as the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) became a global concern and was declared as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2022. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice and associated factors toward COVID-19 and its prevention measures among residents of Mekelle city, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 604 residents of selected kebelles in Mekelle city, Tigray region from April to February 2022. A structured questionnaire and observation check list were used to collect the data. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used with SPSS version 25 to identify factors associated with the outcome variables. A total of 604 residents wereparticipated in the study with 100% response. Among the total study participants (n = 604), 74.2%, 58.8%, and 39.2%, of them had good knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practice toward COVID-19 and its preventive measures, respectively. Results from the multivariate analysis showed that age, level of education, and family size were found to be significantly associated with good knowledge of study participants toward COVID-19. Additionally, occupation, family size, income level, and having knowledge about COVID-19 were significant factors associated with the attitude of the study participants toward COVID-19. Moreover, practice of study participants to prevent COVID-19 was also significantly associated with educational status, occupation status, income level, and having a positive attitude about the practice toward COVID-19 prevention. This study result revealed that the study participants' knowledge and attitude regarding COVID-19 were good. However, their practice toward COVID-19 and its preventive measure was poor, which will affect combating the pandemic. Therefore, continuous and effective public health education programs, community mobilization, law enforcements, and breaking siege and allowing all types of humanitarian aids in the region are urgently needed to improve knowledge, attitude, and practices toward COVID-19 and its preventive measures among the residents. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10389-023-01826-3.

KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ABOUT SUN-PROTECTION AND SUNSCREEN USAGE AMONG NURSING STUDENTS

Background: Photoprotection refers to safeguarding against UV rays as well as secondary variables like oxidative stress with the use of antioxidants, etc. Additionally, the harm done by UV radiations is one of the factors contributing to the public's rising rate of skin illnesses. Sunscreens are employed as photoprotective measures to guard against these dangerous UV rays. The effectiveness of it is signicantly inuenced by the sun protection factor. It is crucial that individuals are aware of the importance of wearing sunscreen, and numerous research have been done to examine this issue. To assess knowledge, attitude and practice towards sun protection and Objectives: sunscreen usage among nursing students. A cross-sectional, descriptive study using a specially designed Materials and Methods: questionnaire was conducted among nursing students in a tertiary care center. The questionnaire was completed and r Results: eturned by 200 females in the age range of 15-25 years. Only 88 out of 200 females were using sunscreens. Majority of the patients, 136(68%) belonged to rural background. Assessment of the sun exposure revealed that 130(65%)respondents reported daily sun exposure whereas 70 (35%) had occasional sun exposure. Assessment of the knowledge revealed that all of them 200 (100%) are aware of the adverse effects of excessive sun exposure but only 56(28%) were aware of the carcinogenic effect of sunlight.62 (31%) respondents reported that they use sunscreen on a daily basis.53 (26.5%) patient mentioned sunscreens are expensive and is the reason for not using them. Media was the most common source of information. 26 (13%) of them think sunscreens are harmful to the skin. 64 (32%) of them agree that wearing sunscreen can cause vitamin D deciency. Conclusion: This study shows that proper method of use of sunscreens is low among young females and suggests need of proper training about sunscreen and their usage and also need for general public health education program.