Self-reported Practices Research Articles

Tuberculosis management and referral practices among traditional medicine practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria.

Despite the potential role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Traditional Healers (THs), little is known about their knowledge of tuberculosis (TB) management and referral practices in Nigeria. To determine knowledge and self-reported practices of traditional birth attendants and traditional healers in managing TB in Lagos, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study of 120 THs and TBAs in three high TB burden Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were collected between April 2018 to September 2018 through interviewer-administered questionnaires. We used Statistical Package for Social Sciences software for data analyses. Independent predictors of being TBA or TH were determined using logistic regression at the statistical significance of P<0.05 and 95% confidence interval. TB knowledge increased from 52.7% pre-test to 61.7% post-test and did not differ between TBAs and THs. Of the 120 Traditional Medical Practitioners studied, 70% (84) never treated TB; 57.3 % (69) ever referred chronic cough patients to a health facility; 90% (108) were willing to collaborate with National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), 85% (102) attached monetary and token incentive as a condition for the collaboration. THs had decreased odds of ever referring TB patient to the hospital (AOR: 0.3, 95% CI:0.14-0.64, P=0.002); currently referring TB patients (AOR: 0.06, 95% CI:0.02-0.17, P<0.0001) and consulting <40 patients in a year (AOR: 0.22,95% CI:0.09-0.53, P<0.0001). Majority of the THs and TBAs were willing to collaborate with NTBLCP in the identification and referral of Presumptive TB patients. We suggest that NTBLCP empowers the TBAs and THs to help with an early referral of TB patients.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of childhood myopia among Indian optometrists: A questionnaire-based study.

To investigate the knowledge of myopia and its natural history including complications and clinical approaches for management adopted by optometrists across India. An online survey was distributed to Indian optometrists. A pre-validated questionnaire was adopted from previous literature. Respondents provided information about their demographics (gender, age, practice location, and modality), myopia knowledge, self-reported practice behaviors relating to childhood myopia, the information and evidence base used to guide their practice, and perceived extent of adult caregiver engagement in making management decisions for myopic children. A total of 302 responses were collected from different regions of the country. Most respondents demonstrated knowledge of the association between high myopia and retinal breaks, retinal detachment and primary open-angle glaucoma. Optometrists used a range of techniques to diagnose childhood myopia, with a preference for non-cycloplegic refractive measures. The most common approaches to management were single-vision distance despite most optometrists identifying orthokeratology and low-dose (0.01%) topical atropine as two potentially more effective therapeutic interventions for controlling childhood myopia progression. Almost 90% of respondents considered increasing the time spent outdoors to be beneficial for reducing the rate of myopia progression. The main sources of information used to guide clinical practice were continuing education conferences, seminars, research articles, and workshops. : Indian optometrists appear to be aware of emerging evidence and practices, but are not routinely adopting measures. Clinical guidelines, regulatory approval, and sufficient consultation time may be of value for assisting practitioners in making clinical decisions based on the current available research evidence.

Tuberculosis management and referral practices among traditional medicine practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria

Introduction: Despite the potential role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Traditional Healers (THs), little is known about their knowledge of tuberculosis (TB) management and referral practices in Nigeria. Objective: To determine knowledge and self-reported practices of traditional birth attendants and traditional healers in managing TB in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 120 THs and TBAs in three high TB burden Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were collected between April 2018 to September 2018 through interviewer-administered questionnaires. We used Statistical Package for Social Sciences software for data analyses. Independent predictors of being TBA or TH were determined using logistic regression at the statistical significance of P0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: TB knowledge increased from 52.7% pre-test to 61.7% post-test and did not differ between TBAs and THs. Of the 120 Traditional Medical Practitioners studied, 70% (84) never treated TB; 57.3 % (69) ever referred chronic cough patients to a health facility; 90% (108) were willing to collaborate with National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), 85% (102) attached monetary and token incentive as a condition for the collaboration. THs had decreased odds of ever referring TB patient to the hospital (AOR: 0.3, 95% CI:0.14-0.64, P=0.002); currently referring TB patients (AOR: 0.06, 95% CI:0.02-0.17, P0.0001) and consulting 40 patients in a year (AOR: 0.22,95% CI:0.09-0.53, P0.0001). Conclusion: Majority of the THs and TBAs were willing to collaborate with NTBLCP in the identification and referral of Presumptive TB patients. We suggest that NTBLCP empowers the TBAs and THs to help with an early referral of TB patients.

Extent of cardiovascular medications dispensing practice without a prescription: Self-reported and simulated patient-based study at community pharmacies in Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundCritical actions are required for the proper administration of medications to patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, there has been an increase in irrational use of cardiovascular drugs. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of non-prescription cardiovascular medicine dispensing practices at community drug retail outlets (CDROs) in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional survey and simulated patient-based visits were employed at the CDROs in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia between June 1 and July 20, 2022. The cross-sectional component that assessed the self-reported practices used a standardized self-reported questionnaire. A simulated patient (SP) case scenario, using different tracer prescriptions only for cardiovascular medications, allowed for the observation of real-world dispensing procedures. SPSS version 22 was used for the data entry and analysis.ResultsThe cross-sectional study approached 76 CDROs, and 71 of them agreed to take part (93.4% response rate). More than half of the respondents (53.5%) were males, with a mean (SD) age of 33.5 ± 9.1 years. Overall, the current self-reported survey showed that 59.2% of the participants provided cardiovascular drugs without a prescription. A total of 213 simulated visits were conducted. Considering all SP scenarios, the percentage of cardiovascular drugs dispensed without a prescription increased to 88.7%. Besides, more than 90% of pharmacists did not demand the SP to have a prescription, did not advise them to visit doctors or clinics, and did not inquire as to whom the medication was required.ConclusionA significant proportion of CDROs dispensed cardiovascular medications without a prescription. The findings highlight the disparity between self-reported and actual CDRO practices. Additionally, nearly all of the CDROs approached made it simple to obtain cardiovascular medications. Stakeholders could adherently follow the CDROs’ practices to improve their proper dispensing procedures.

Knowledge of Cholera Among Syrians: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Cholera is a communicable acute bacterial infection caused by a gram-negative bacterium that is Vibrio Cholera. Worldwide, is estimated that an incidence of 1.3–4.0 millions of cholera infection, leading to 21,000–143,000 deaths annually. Prevention of cholera require a proactive approach rather than reactive, as it`s identified to be the best strategy to decrease the cholera spreading risk in given population or community. Recently WHO warned that, the cholera spreading risk in Syria is very high, which linked to drinking of untreated water and food contamination.&#x0D; &#x0D; Aim: we conducted this study with aiming to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding risks of cholera infection, preventive measures and preparedness among community in Syria. Consequently, recommending suitable measures based on study results.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted in Syria to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding cholera and cholera vaccine among general population in Syria. The inclusion criteria for participation were Syrian nationality aged 18 or more, male or female, from all governorates of Syria, never have cholera previously, and were willing to participate. The questionnaire was consisting of four sections. The first section was about sociodemographic data. The second section evaluated respondents' self-reported knowledge on cholera and divided into two parts (2a: Knowledge on cholera, its prevention and treatment. 2b Knowledge on cholera vaccine). The third section evaluated respondents’ self-reported practice relating to cholera and its vaccine, this section divided into two parts (3a: Practice relating cholera and its treatment/management. 3b: Practice relating cholera vaccine. The fourth section inquired respondents’ attitude toward cholera and cholera vaccine. 52.9% thought that cholera outbreaks happen in summer seasons.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Among 1563 Syrian national participants, (n=982, 62.8%) were females, and (n=581, 37.2%) males. 60.9% of respondents did not recognize the cholera in the first place. Passing watery stool was the most recognized symptom of cholera with 50.3%, severe dehydration with 31.1%, and repeated vomiting with 10.3%. Lack of safe drinking water was recognized as the most common cause for cholera. Most respondents (54.1%) have chosen IV saline as the treatment of choice for cholera. 85.3% of respondents are with providing health care to the infectants in health centers.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: According to our findings, there is insufficient understanding of the cholera symptoms and risk factors. The need for better understanding of such common outbreaks is essential to counter them. Consequently, there is a greater need to increase cholera awareness and education programs on the disease's signs and symptoms and its risk factors.&#x0D;

Perceived motivators, knowledge, attitude, self-reported and intentional practice of female condom use among female students in higher training institutions in Dodoma, Tanzania

BackgroundUnplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) inclusive, have remained to be a significant public health challenges among young people, especially across middle and low-income countries. Self-efficacy on the right ways of using condoms appears to be effective against the aforementioned health-related problems. However, most women of reproductive age tend not to use them when they are using highly effective contraceptives such as implants, and/or injectable hormones. It is unknown whether the uptake of female condoms among young girls is significantly high or not. Examining female students’ perceived motivators, knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported and intentional female condom practice in training institutions seems to be a key precursor in addressing the challenge.MethodsThe institutional-based analytical cross-sectional survey in a quantitative research approach was adopted to study 384 randomly selected female students from higher training institutions, in Tanzania. Interviewer-administered structured questionnaires from previous studies were the main data collection tools. Data analysis was done using a statistical package for social science (SPSS) with the strength of statistical limits set at a 95% confidence interval and a 5% significance level.ResultsThe response rate of the study was 100% with 24 ± 2.122 years respondents’ mean age while and 32.7% of them were in the third year of their studies. Only 6.2% of the respondents reported having used female condoms while 26.3% of them have not ever seen packages of female condoms. The minority of the respondents (21.7%, 23.3%, and 9.4%) demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitude, and intention to use female condoms respectively. Their age, accommodation, marital status, peer groups, previous training, knowledge, and attitude related significantly to their intentional practices of female condom use (p < 0.05).ConclusionGiven the existing governmental and non-governmental efforts that advocate awareness creation and the uptake of various contraceptives, this study has found that knowledge, attitude, self-reported and intentional practices of female students admitted in higher training institutions within Dodoma region, Tanzania is low. Institutionalized educational programs on sexual and reproductive health matters may need to be prioritized to increase the availability, accessibility, and uptake of female condoms among female students in higher training institutions.

Factors associated with partner notification intentions among symptomatic sexually transmitted infection service attendees in South Africa.

In South Africa (SA), a client-initiated partner notification (PN) approach is implemented for the management of sexual partners of patients presenting with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or STI syndromes. To explore the demographic, sexual behavioural and clinical characteristics associated with PN intentions among symptomatic STI service attendees at sentinel primary healthcare facilities in three SA provinces. We analysed cross-sectional data obtained from 1 293 adults enrolled into STI aetiological surveillance during 2019 - 2020 in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces. Self-reported sexual practices, PN intentions and clinical data were collected using nurse-administrated questionnaires. We assessed gender-stratified factors associated with the index case's willingness to notify their sexual partners of their STI syndrome diagnosis. Univariable and multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to determine factors associated with gender-stratified PN intentions. The enrolled participants comprised 887 male (68.6%) and 406 female (31.4%) STI clients. Self-reported PN intentions were higher among women than men (83.5% v. 64.4%; p<0.001). Multivariable analyses revealed that casual sex partnerships during the preceding 3-month period and enrolment at the KwaZulu-Natal site were independent barriers to PN intent among male participants. For females, enrolment at the Gauteng site was independently associated with lower PN intentions, while presenting with genital ulcer syndrome was a motivator towards PN intent. The primary reasons cited for non-disclosure across both genders were casual sexual encounters, followed by geographically distant partnerships and fear of disclosure. We show that demographic and behavioural characteristics, as well as relationship dynamics, may influence the PN intentions of STI service attendees in SA. Alternative PN strategies should be considered, based on the reported barriers, to increase overall STI notification, strengthen partner management and ultimately reduce STI incidence.

A Critical Point About Early Childhood Assessments: Validity and Reliability Issues in Teachers’ Formative Assessment

In the current study, Turkish early childhood teachers’ self-reported beliefs and practices on ensuring reliability and validity on their formative assessment implementations were investigated. A total of 17 female early childhood teachers participated in this study. The data for this phenomenological study was collected through semi-structured interviews. The researchers developed some themes and categories based on participant teachers’ responses about validity and reliability through constant-comparative data analysis method. The finding of the study revealed that the teachers who took part believe that obtaining valid and reliable information is critical for their assessment. Their self-reported practices, on the other hand, revealed that they have some difficulty using multiple assessment procedures with one another due to crowded classrooms and other excessive paper shuffling. The findings once again underline the importance of practical teacher training in understanding that assessment is an evidence-based process.

Prevent2Protect Project: Regulatory Focus Differences in Sexual Health Knowledge and Practices

The way people perceive risks and make decisions about their health is regulated by two motivational systems—prevention of harm or promotion of pleasure. People more focused on prevention strive to avoid negative outcomes and enact more health-protective behaviors. In contrast, people more focused on promotion strive to attain positive outcomes and take more risks with their health. Building upon recent evidence extending this framework to sexual behaviors and health, we conducted a pre-registered online survey (OSF) with Portuguese and Spanish adults (N = 742; Mage = 31.42, SD = 9.16) to examine whether self-reported STI knowledge and sexual health practices differ based on predominant regulatory focus. This study was part of the Prevent2Protect project (OSF). Results showed that prevention-focused participants had heard about more STIs and retrieved more of their knowledge from scientific sources but had been tested for fewer STIs in the past. In contrast, promotion-focused participants indicated they had specific knowledge about more STIs, retrieved more of their knowledge from medical and peer sources, and had been tested for more STIs in the past. They also reported more frequent STI testing, using free testing facilities or asking their family practice doctor to get tested, more routine sexual health check-ups, and more use of other contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills. These results remained unchanged after controlling for demographic differences. Overall, our findings showed that different motives in sexuality shape sexual health knowledge and sexual health practices.

Effect of teacher-led activity-based learning on road safety education among school children protocol for a mixed-methods study

Background: Road traffic injuries are the single biggest contributor of fatality among age 10 to 24 years worldwide. Also, there is no standardized education system for providing road safety education in schools. This study aims to check the effectiveness of teacher-led activity-based road safety educational intervention to the school children of age 11-15 years will improve their knowledge, attitude, self-reported practice and self-reported parent practice, compared to the existing curriculum and to find the feasibility, perception of children and teachers in implementing this intervention as a part of routine curriculum. Methods: This mixed-methods study has stratified cluster randomized trial as quantitative part and focused group discussions as qualitative part. This will be carried out in co-education English medium schools located in urban Puducherry. Study participants are school children of age 11-15 years in the class 7, 8 and 9 of the selected schools. The data will be collected using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Assessments will be done at three time points in the intervention schools and at baseline and end-line in the control schools. The module for intervention will be developed by principal investigator and provided to the teachers after prior sensitization. Conclusions: This study protocol is designed to test the hypothesis that, the teacher-lead activity-based learning for school children will improve their road safety knowledge, practices and behavior compared to existing curriculum if any. Trial Registration: The trial is registered in Clinical Trials Registry, India (REF/2018/01/016902).

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Patterns Relating to Sexual Dysfunction Among Urologists and Andrologists in China

Although sexual function is an indispensable part of overall human health, both male and female sexual dysfunction have been poorly addressed in China. To explore the self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns related to sexual dysfunction among urologists and andrologists in China. This survey study enrolled urologists and andrologists from various regions in China. Urologists and andrologists from 100 selected medical centers were invited to participate in the survey. Responses from eligible urologists and andrologists were analyzed from July 20 to 30, 2022. The primary outcomes were the respondents' basic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns related to sexual dysfunction for both male and female patients. Among 1687 urologists and andrologists (749 [98.7%] male; 375 participants [49.4%] aged 36-50 years) invited to participate, 759 were eligible, with 395 participants (52.0%) determined to have passing knowledge on diagnosis and treatment for male and female sexual dysfunction (defined as a score of 6 or more points) and 523 participants (68.9%) responding with positive attitudes, including interested in providing sex counseling and managing sexual issues for male and female patients. Moreover, of 395 individuals with passing knowledge, 289 participants (73.2%) were interested in providing sex counseling or sexual function care to patients; 336 participants (85.1%) thought they should routinely screen the spouse for sexual dysfunction when the partner was diagnosed with a sexual dysfunction. Among individuals with passing knowledge, 232 participants (58.7%) reported knowledge on the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of premature ejaculation and 162 participants (41.0%) reported knowledge on the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction, which were significantly higher than rates among 364 participants with limited knowledge (premature ejaculation: 140 participants [38.5%]; erectile dysfunction: 78 participants [21.4%]). Only a few urologists and andrologists could manage female sexual dysfunction following guidelines, although the proportions were higher in the group with passing knowledge (38 participants [9.6%]) compared with those with less knowledge (5 participants [1.4%]). Additionally, most participants felt confident to manage male sexual issues (569 participants [75.0%] reporting often or almost always), while most of them were not so confident on female sexual issues (274 participants [36.1%] reporting often or almost always), mainly due to lacking knowledge in this field (518 participants [68.2%]). The findings of this survey study suggest that urologists and andrologists in China lacked knowledge on sexual dysfunction, which in turn was associated with their attitudes and clinical practice patterns, especially for female sexual dysfunction. More training on sexual dysfunction should be undertaken to improve this situation.

Factors associated with the level of Knowledge and self-reported Practice toward safety precautions among Factory Workers in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

According to the International Labor Organization, occupational accidents and diseases kill millions of workers every year. To assess factors associated with the level of knowledge and self-reported practice toward safety precautions among factory workers in the East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021. An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 randomly selected factory workers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and an observation checklist. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistical method and using bivariate binary and multivariable logistic regression models. Variables with a p-value <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval were considered to have statistical significance. The study had a response rate of 99.0%, with a total of 416 respondents. 53.4% of respondents were aware of safety precautions, and 56.0% of them rated the use of personal protective equipment as an indicator of the practice of safety precautions. Factory workers' educational status (adjusted odds ratio: 4.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.4, 7.8), job satisfaction (adjusted odds ratio: 4.7, 95% confidence interval: 2.1, 10.4), and having training on safety issues (adjusted odds ratio: 12.8, 95% confidence interval: 6.3, 26.1) were determinant factors of knowledge regarding safety precautions, while the type of factory (adjusted odds ratio: 16.0, 95% confidence interval: 5.8, 44.1), the presence of regular supervision (adjusted odds ratio: 3.8, 95% confidence interval: 2.1, 6.8), and overall knowledge about safety precautions (adjusted odds ratio: 7.2, 95% confidence interval: 3.9, 13.2) were the independent determinants of the practice of safety precautions. Workers' knowledge and practice regarding safety precautions were low as compared to studies in developing countries. Interventions targeted at the provision of training, promotion, and enforcement of issues regarding safety precautions should be in place. Employers, the government, and employees should work together to address these workplace safety issues.

A Culturally Responsive Disposition: How Professional Learning and Teachers’ Beliefs About and Self-Efficacy for Culturally Responsive Teaching Relate to Instruction

Persistent social inequities in the United States demand attention to culturally responsive (CR) teaching, which requires a specific disposition toward students and teaching. Using survey data of secondary teachers ( N = 417) in seven urban districts across the country engaging in equity-oriented professional learning (PL) initiatives, we examine the relationship between teachers’ beliefs about, self-efficacy for, and engagement in PL around CR teaching and their self-reported CR teaching practices. We find correlational evidence that teacher-reported self-efficacy with CR teaching and engagement in PL focused on CR teaching are associated with higher self-reported frequency of CR teaching. We also find that teachers who have beliefs aligned with CR teaching have a stronger relationship between their CR teaching self-efficacy and self-reported CR teaching practices. Finally, we find evidence that changes in CR teaching self-efficacy are associated with changes in self-reported CR teaching—suggesting that CR teaching self-efficacy may drive changes in CR teaching.

Re-emergence of rabies: Assessment of knowledge and self-reported practices regarding rabies among youth in Central Kerala

Re-emergence of rabies: Assessment of knowledge and self-reported practices regarding rabies among youth in Central Kerala

Self-Reported Blood Transfusion Practices and Attitudes of Kenyan Medical Doctors

Self-Reported Blood Transfusion Practices and Attitudes of Kenyan Medical Doctors

Reproducibility and Validity of a Self-Administered Food Safety Assessment Tool on Children and Adolescent's Risk Perception, Knowledge, and Practices.

The present study aimed to verify the instrument's reliability and validity for assessing children and adolescents' risk perception, knowledge, and food safety practices in the school context. Moreover, it aimed to test the hypothesis that both application methods (paper and pencil (PAPI) and online) are valid. The instrument comprised three questionnaires and followed a strict protocol to combine online and PAPI models, resulting in five application forms. The sample consisted of 439 Brazilian students from 10 to 14 years old (y/o). The results related to reliability and validity indicated that the knowledge questionnaire presented adequate stability and discriminant validity coefficients. The self-reported practices questionnaire obtained acceptable coefficients of stability and internal consistency. Regarding risk perception data, it was observed that students attribute a low probability of Foodborne Diseases (FBD) outbreaks occurrence and low severity of possible symptoms. In addition, students demonstrated insufficient knowledge and inadequate practices on issues related to failures associated with the time and temperature of preparation, storage, and exposure of food, contamination of food, and consumption of unsafe food. In this context, the reproducibility and validity indices need to be interpreted and discussed correctly, and young people in food safety actions are a priority in facing FBD.

Communication Training and Code Status Conversation Patterns Reported by Emergency Clinicians.

During acute health decompensations for seriously ill patients, emergency clinicians often determine the intensity end-of-life care. Little is known about how emergency clinicians conduct these conversations, especially among those who have received serious illness communication training. To determine the self-reported practice patterns of code status conversations by emergency clinicians with and without serious illness communication training. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among emergency clinicians with and without a recent evidence-based, serious illness communication training tailored for emergency clinicians. Emergency clinicians were included from two academic medical centers. A five-point Likert scale ("very unlikely" to "very likely" to ask) was used to assess the self-reported likelihood of asking about patients' preferences for medical procedures and patients' values and goals. Among 161 respondents (71% response rate), 77 (48%) received the training. A total of 70% of emergency clinicians reported asking about procedure-based questions, and only 38% reported asking about patient's values regarding end-of-life care. For value-based questions, statistically significant differences were observed between emergency clinicians who underwent the training and those who did not in four of the seven questions asked (e.g., the higher odds of exploring the patient's life priorities [adjusted OR=4.34, 95% CI=1.95-9.65, P-value < 0.001]). No difference was observed in the self-reported rates of all procedure-based questions between the two groups. Most emergency clinicians reported asking about procedure-based questions, and some asked about patient's value-based questions. Clinicians with recent serious illness communication training may ask more about some values and priorities.

Impact of specialty on the self-reported practice of using oral antibiotic therapy for definitive treatment of bloodstream infections.

No established guidelines exist regarding the role of oral antibiotic therapy (OAT) to treat bloodstream infections (BSIs), and practices may vary depending on clinician specialty and experience. To assess practice patterns regarding oral antibiotic use for treatment of bacteremia in infectious diseases clinicians (IDCs, including physicians and pharmacists and trainees in these groups) and non-infectious diseases clinicians (NIDCs). Open-access survey. Clinicians caring for hospitalized patients receiving antibiotics. An open-access, web-based survey was distributed to clinicians at a Midwestern academic medical center using e-mail and to clinicians outside the medical center using social media. Respondents answered questions regarding confidence prescribing OAT for BSI in different scenarios. We used χ2 analysis for categorical data evaluated association between responses and demographic groups. Of 282 survey responses, 82.6% of respondents were physicians, 17.4% pharmacists, and IDCs represented 69.2% of all respondents. IDCs were more likely to select routine use of OAT for BSI due to gram-negative anaerobes (84.6% vs 59.8%; P < .0001), Klebsiella spp (84.5% vs 69.0%; P < .009), Proteus spp (83.6% vs 71.3%; P < .027), and other Enterobacterales (79.5% vs 60.9%; P < .004). Our survey results revealed significant differences in selected treatment of Staphylococcus aureus syndromes. Fewer IDCs than NIDCs selected OAT to complete treatment for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) BSI due to gluteal abscess (11.9% vs 25.6%; P = .012) and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) BSI due to septic arthritis (13.9% vs 20.9%; P = .219). Practice variation and discordance with evidence for the use of OAT for BSIs exists among IDCs versus NIDCs, highlighting opportunities for education in both clinician groups.

Influence of a rural interprofessional education placement on the rural health workforce: working in primary care, rural settings, and with Māori.

Introduction Pre-registration interprofessional rural immersion programmes provide students with first-hand insight into challenges faced in rural clinical practice and can influence future practice intentions. The impact of short rural and hauora Māori interdisciplinary placements on early healthcare careers is unknown. Aim Explore whether a 5-week rural interprofessional education programme influenced graduates' choices to work in primary care, rurally, and with Māori patients. Methods We conducted a survey-based, non-randomised trial of graduates from eight healthcare disciplines who did (n = 132) and did not (n = 479) attend the Tairāwhiti interprofessional education rural programme with hauora Māori placements. Participants were surveyed at 1-, 2-, and 3-years' post-registration. Self-reported practice location and vocation were analysed with mixed-model logistic regression. Free-text comments were analysed with Template Analysis. Results We did not identify any measurable impact on rural or community workforce participation at 3-years' post-registration. Free-text analysis indicated that a short rural interprofessional immersion placement had long-term self-perceived impacts on desire and skills to work in rural locations, and on desire and ability to work with Māori and embrace Māori models of health. Discussion Our study suggests that short rural immersion placements do not increase rural workforce participation during early healthcare careers. Three-years' post-graduation may be too early to determine whether rural placements help to address rural health workforce needs. Reports from rural placement participants of increased ability to care for people from rural backgrounds, even when encountered in a city, suggest that assessment of practice location may not adequately capture the benefits of rural placement programmes.

Programme-based experiences of preschool teachers regarding support of children’s social skills

ABSTRACT Providing social skills to children through an appropriate educational programme positively affects their overall development. The aim of this study was to examine the views and experiences of 13 Turkish preschool teachers working with 5–6-year-old children regarding support of children's social skills. An interview protocol was used to gather the views and self-reported practices of teachers, as well as a document review codebook was used to analyze the content of teachers' educational plans. The teachers were found to place importance on their educational programmes and regularly include social skills activities within their plans, while considering programme-based factors like gains and indicators and materials. However, the content of teachers' plans was considerably different from their self-reported practices regarding organization of the learning environment, interval of social skills activities, family involvement, and assessment. Finally, participating teachers were found to be deficient in effective planning of educational plans for promoting children's social skills.