Significant Difference In Knowledge Level Research Articles

Assess the effectiveness of video-assisted teaching programs on knowledge of neonatal resuscitation among B.Sc. Nursing 3rd-year students of selected nursing colleges of Rewa

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of video-assisted teaching on neonatal resuscitation of knowledge among B.Sc. Nursing 3rd-year students of the Government Nursing College of Rewa. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental research design, which consists of one group pre-test and post-test, was used for the study. This consists of 60 samples that were selected based on the sampling criteria set for the study. Purposive sample techniques are used in the study. Results: The majority of B.Sc. Nursing 3rd-year students (41.66%) were in the age group of 21 years; 85% were female, and 28.34% of them had previous experience related to neonatal resuscitation. Most students, having experience, were exposed to seminars, and the rest of them were exposed to literature. In the pre-test, 46.34% of students had average knowledge, 43.66% had poor knowledge, and 10% had good knowledge. In the post-test, 71.66% had good knowledge, and 28.34% had average knowledge. The pre-test score mean was 12±3.91, while the post-test mean was 22.04±4 showing a significant difference in knowledge level before and after the video-assisted teaching program (t-test=7.032, p≤0.05%). Conclusion: This study indicates that video-assisted teaching is effective in increasing the knowledge of the samples regarding neonatal care.

Educational Video Intervention to Improve Health Misinformation Identification on WhatsApp Among Saudi Arabian Population: Pre-Post Intervention Study.

Health misinformation can adversely affect individuals' quality of life and increase the risk of mortality. People often fail to assess the content of messages before sharing them on the internet, increasing the spread of misinformation. The problem is exacerbated by the growing variety of digital information environments, especially social media, which presents as an effective platform for spreading misinformation due to its rapid information-sharing capabilities. Educational interventions have been developed to help consumers verify the validity of digital health information. However, tools designed to detect health misinformation on social media content have not been validated. Given the increased use of social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, it is crucial to develop tools to help consumers assess the credibility of messages and detect misinformation. The main objective of this study is to develop and assess an educational tool aimed at educating consumers about detecting health misinformation on WhatsApp. The secondary objective is to assess the association between demographic factors and knowledge levels. The study used a single-arm, pre-post intervention design to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational video in improving participants' ability to detect health-related misinformation in WhatsApp messages. In the first phase, an educational video intervention was developed and validated. In the second phase, participants were invited to complete a web-based survey that consisted of pre-evaluation questions, followed by the educational video intervention. Subsequently, they were asked to answer the same questions as the postevaluation questions. The web-based survey received 485 responses. The completion rate was 99.6% (n=483). Statistically significant associations existed between knowledge level and age, gender, employment, and region of residence (P<.05). The video intervention did elicit a statistically significant change in the participants' abilities to identify misinformation in WhatsApp messages (z=-6.887; P<.001). Viewing the video was associated with increased knowledge about the following concepts: checking the "forwarded" label (P<.001), looking for spelling and grammatical errors (P<.001), analyzing the facts (P=.03), checking links (P=.002, P=.001), and assessing the photos and videos (P<.001). There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge level before and after the intervention (P<.001). This study developed and evaluated the effectiveness of an educational video intervention to improve health misinformation identification on WhatsApp among the Saudi Arabian population. The results indicate that educational videos can be valuable tools for improving participants' abilities to identify misinformation. The outcomes of this research can contribute to our understanding of what constitutes an effective tool for enhancing health misinformation awareness. Such interventions may be particularly useful in combating misinformation among Arabic-speaking populations on WhatsApp, which may ultimately improve eHealth literacy. Limiting the prevalence and impact of misinformation allows people to make better-informed health decisions.

Comparing the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Oral Fluids, Electrolytes, and Energy Management in Non-diarrheal Illnesses across Different Physician Specialties in India.

Background: The management of non-diarrheal illnesses requires careful attention to maintaining the proper balance of fluids, electrolytes, and energy (FEE). Nevertheless, there is a limited amount of information accessible regarding the utilization of oral FEE formulations in the treatment of these conditions. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess and contrast the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) among various medical specialties in India when it comes to addressing FEE imbalances in non-diarrheal illnesses through the use of oral FEE formulations, as well as to examine how these approaches influence perceived patient outcomes. We also present a subgroup analysis of KAP in healthcare personnels (HCPs) whose practices include 25% or more diabetic or geriatric patients. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional online assessment was created and conducted among physicians (n = 494) representing different medical specialties in India, which include general practitioners (GPs) (n = 128), MD physicians (n = 121), gynecologists (n = 122), and pediatricians (n = 123). Results: A total of 494 physicians across specialties, including GPs, MDs (MD internal medicine physicians), obstetrics and gynecologists (OB-GYN), and pediatricians, participated in the online assessment from September to October 2021. Knowledge scores were moderate across specialties, and there was no significant difference in knowledge level across specialties. More pediatricians and GPs than other HCPs consider FEE deficit to have a high impact on recovery. Further, pediatrician prescribers consider FEE management to be of high importance compared to other specialties. A significantly higher percentage of pediatricians assess all their patients (100%) for hydration levels, and significantly more gynecologists spend >5 minutes providing hydration advice to their patients. Among all specialties, MD and gynecologist prescribers are more likely to recommend oral FEE for patient recovery. HCPs with diabetes practices agree slightly more than HCPs with geriatric practices that oral FEE management recommendations facilitate the speed of the recovery process from non-diarrheal illnesses in their patients. However, only approximately 30% of them recommend FEE to 70% of their eligible patients, of which approximately 70% of these HCPs give formal (written/electronic) prescriptions of ready-to-drink (RTD) fluids to their patients. Conclusion: Enhancing the understanding of physicians across diverse specialties in India regarding oral FEE management and formulating recommendations for the utilization of oral FEE formulations in non-diarrheal conditions could lead to better outcomes. While knowledge and awareness of oral FEE management are similar across specialties, their practice behaviors vary. Additional research into this disparity and the assessment of the clinical advantages of oral FEE formulations in non-diarrheal illnesses among various specialties should be conducted. How to cite this article: Sathe P, Chakravarty P, Tesado C, et al. Comparing the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Oral Fluids, Electrolytes, and Energy Management in Non-diarrheal Illnesses across Different Physician Specialties in India. J Assoc Physicians India 2023;71(10):19-30.

Tingkat Pengetahuan Hidrasi, Asupan Cairan, Aktivitas Fisik, dan Status Hidrasi Remaja Usia 12-15 Tahun di Surabaya

Dehydration is a condition when the body is lacking fluid. Dehydration can impair cognitive performance, memory skills, body endurance, and muscle strength. This research aimed to describe the prevalence of dehydration, the level of knowledge, fluid intake, and physical activity among adolescents in Surabaya. We involved 66 students aged 12-15 years old from grade VII and VIII Junior High School Muhammadiyah 4 Gadung Surabaya. Subjects were interviewed to assess their knowledge level, physical activity level (PAL), and mean water intake. Dehydration status was measured by comparing subjects’ urine color to a chart developed by Armstrong. An independent t-test was performed to see the difference in mean water intake between subjects according to their knowledge level and gender. We found that 79% of the subjects still have low knowledge regarding the importance of hydration, 97% of subjects are physically inactive, 67% consume water less than their needs, and 67% of them are dehydrated. We did not find any significant difference in knowledge level, water intake, and PAL among dehydrated and non-dehydrated groups. Most of the subjects are dehydrated and have a lower knowledge level regarding hydration. It is necessary to educate adolescents through school channels to improve their knowledge and water intake.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of dental patients towards oral cancer and tobacco cessation in India

Background: One of the main causes of delay in diagnosis of oral cancer is lack of awareness about aetiology and symptoms among the general population. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of patients regarding oral cancer and their attitude towards tobacco cessation. Materials and Methods: A 29-item self-administrated questionnaire was designed and piloted and distributed to patients attending dental clinics. Questions were focused on awareness about oral cancer risk factors, signs and symptoms, places in the mouth which are more susceptible and attitude toward tobacco cessation. Chi-square, T-test, ANOVA and logistic regression tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 100 valid completed questionnaires were obtained. The mean knowledge score of patients was 5.1(±1.3) out of score of 13. Some 80% of patients did not know about early manifestations of oral cancer. Only 11% knew the most likely sites of oral cancer. Only 39 % and 52 % of patients reported alcohol and tobacco consumption as the main risk factors but they had a fair knowledge about other risk factors. There was no significant difference in Knowledge level between patients regarding their sex, educational levels and age.

Knowledge on Glasgow Coma Scale Scoring Among Nurses in Intensive Care and Emergency Department: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background Knowledge on the assessment of patients' conscious level by using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) among nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Emergency Medicine Department (EMD) remains a major challenge. Lack of knowledge and expert skills on assessment of conscious level among nurses has been associated with outcomes such as mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and development of complications associated with the primary conditions and hospitalization. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge on GCS scoring among nurses working in EMD and ICU for possible interventions to improve the quality of nursing care to patients in need of close monitoring. Methods The study used a cross-sectional descriptive approach. Data were obtained from 76 nurses working in EMD and ICU recruited by simple random sampling technique. Data were collected by using a self-administered English structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent from the study participants. Data were then cleaned for missing information analyzed using SPSS computer software version 21. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the demographic and knowledge responses. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge level; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results This study included 76 nurses; the majority 42(55.3%) working at the ICU. In general, none of the nurses had attended any formal training on GCS Scoring. Majority of the nurses had moderate level of knowledge 51(67.1%) and none had poor knowledge. Although there was no statistically significant difference in knowledge level among the study nurses based on the socio-demographic characteristics, nurses with age 21-30years, working experience 1-3years, and working in ICU, had good knowledge compared to other subgroups. Conclusion and Recommendations The study found that the majority of the nurses had moderate level of knowledge. Since none of them had attended any formal training hence the level of knowledge demonstrated might be from experience sharing and bedside training. The findings suggest the need for post-basic education training for nurses on GCS scoring. In addition, continual profession training focusing at improving nurses’ skills on GCS scoring should be strengthened.

Knowledge, Practice, and Attitude Toward COVID-19 Among Physicians in Jordan and Palestine: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and ObjectivesCoronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging disease threatening the world with a rapid increase in cases and deaths since it was first identified in December 2019. Adequate knowledge, practice, and attitudes (KPA) toward COVID-19 among physicians at the frontline defense against the COVID-19 pandemic may enhance their ability to avoid the risk of self-infection, decrease mortality, and provide adequate medical care service in this pandemic. This study aimed to assess KPA toward COVID-19 among physicians in Jordan and Palestine.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study using an online survey conducted from 10 April to 26 April 2020 among Jordan and Palestine physicians. Invitations were sent to physician groups on Facebook and WhatsApp. This survey contains 36-items, divided into four main sections to assess the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, practice, and attitude about COVID-19.ResultsA total of 454 physicians participated in this study. The mean score of basic knowledge was 4.4 ± 0.8 (range 2–4). There were significant differences between basic knowledge mean scores among physicians in different professional degrees and physicians in various health sectors (P=0.0315, P=0.0137, respectively). The mean scores of self-protection measures, were 6.1 ± 1.1 (range 3–7) and measures if physician self-suspected of COVID-19 were 9.9± 1.1 (range 5–11). The mean score of attitudes toward COVID-19 was 41.5 ± 3.3 (range 21–45) and significantly related to the age and different experience years (P=0.0022, P=0.0077, respectively).ConclusionAs the global threat of COVID-19 continues to emerge, physicians from Jordan and Palestine showed adequate KPA toward COVID-19. There was a significant difference in knowledge level and attitude between physicians. Policymakers and physicians should keep continuous educational activities, training, and follow-up updates during this pandemic.

Knowledge of risk factors for ectopic pregnancy among female undergraduates in Southeastern Nigeria

Objectives: Ectopic pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal death during the first trimester of pregnancy, accounting for approximately one in ten pregnancy-related deaths. Knowledge of potential risk factors can improve early detection and avoid morbidity and complications. This cross-sectional study determined the knowledge level and prevalence of risk factors of ectopic pregnancy among female undergraduates. Material and Methods: Three hundred and ninety female students were randomly selected from the various hostels through multistage sampling. Results: The study found that 234 (60%) respondents were aware of ectopic pregnancy. The majority of the respondents (72.1%) had moderate to a good knowledge level of ectopic pregnancy and the risk factors. There was no significant difference in knowledge level based on marital status of the respondents (P = 0.642). Predominant risk factors for ectopic pregnancy identified among respondents were use of oral contraceptives – 151 (38.8%), frequent alcohol intake – 105 (26.9%), prior pelvic inflammatory disease 94 (24.1%), and induced abortion 52 (13.3%). Initiation of oral contraceptive use was between age 13 and 20 years for about 118 (77.7%) respondents. Conclusion: Health education interventions on the knowledge of symptoms and risk factors of ectopic pregnancy need to be targeted at women of reproductive age to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.

APPLYING HEALTH EDUCATION PACKAGE ABOUT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH FOR UNIVERSITY MALE STUDENTS

Background: Human reproduction involves a man and a woman. Since men participate in sexual decisions and behavior associated with reproduction then reproductive health is a concern for all men of all ages. Therefore the earliest part of the life course adolescence and early adulthood is important because it is the most fascinating and complex transitions (physical, psychological and behavioral) in the life span. Promoting the sexual and reproductive health of young men is a keystone to enhance their health overall, to reduce some of the major health risks they face, and to establish habits that will protect them throughout their lives. Proper information about this subject can help them to handle these changes without any stress. For that the aim of this paper is to assess the application of health education package about sexual and reproductive health for University male students'. Method: A quasi-experimental (one group, pre post-test) research was used. The minimum sample size comprised 381 students. Proportion allocation technique was used to select the required students' number of first, second and third year at studied faculties. A total number of students sample was 386 students. Three tools were used for data collection: Structured self-administered questionnaire to assess male students' socio- demographic and economic characteristics, structured self-administered questionnaire to assess male students' knowledge and self-administered scale to assess male students' attitude. Results: There was highly statistical significant difference in knowledge level before and after application of educational package about sexual and reproductive health (t=151.995, P≤ 0.01). Concerning attitude of students toward sexual and reproductive health, there was significant differences before and after application of educational package (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that almost all university male students had poor knowledge score level about sexual and reproductive health before application of education package and all of them had good knowledge score level after application Recommendations: Academic learning should be occupied with sexual and reproductive health. Provide proper information for adolescent boys about sexual and reproductive health and guidance about their sexual responsibilities and relationships. Develop global service education package about sexual and reproductive health for adolescent boys and men to support providers of this subject meet the specific and diverse needs of them. Conducting Public health campaigns about the impact of denial sexual and reproductive health on adolescents.

APPLYING HEALTH EDUCATION PACKAGE ABOUT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH FOR UNIVERSITY MALE STUDENTS

Background: Human reproduction involves a man and a woman. Since men participate in sexual decisions and behavior associated with reproduction then reproductive health is a concern for all men of all ages. Therefore the earliest part of the life course adolescence and early adulthood is important because it is the most fascinating and complex transitions (physical, psychological and behavioral) in the life span. Promoting the sexual and reproductive health of young men is a keystone to enhance their health overall, to reduce some of the major health risks they face, and to establish habits that will protect them throughout their lives. Proper information about this subject can help them to handle these changes without any stress. For that the aim of this paper is to assess the application of health education package about sexual and reproductive health for University male students'. Method: A quasi-experimental (one group, pre post-test) research was used. The minimum sample size comprised 381 students. Proportion allocation technique was used to select the required students' number of first, second and third year at studied faculties. A total number of students sample was 386 students. Three tools were used for data collection: Structured self-administered questionnaire to assess male students' sociodemographicand economic characteristics, structured self-administered questionnaire to assess male students' knowledge and self-administered scale to assess male students' attitude. Results: There was highly statistical significant difference in knowledge level before and after application of educational package about sexual and reproductive health (t=151.995, P≤ 0.01). Concerning attitude of students toward sexual and reproductive health, there was significant differences before and after application of educational package (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that almost all university male students had poor knowledge score level about sexual and reproductive health before application of education package and all of them had good knowledge score level after application Recommendations: Academic learning should be occupied with sexual and reproductive health. Provide proper information for adolescent boys about sexual and reproductive health and guidance about their sexual responsibilities and relationships. Develop global service education package about sexual and reproductive health for adolescent boys and men to support providers of this subject meet the specific and diverse needs of them. Conducting Public health campaigns about the impact of denial sexual and reproductive health on adolescents.

Study to assess the knowledge regarding diabetes management amongst medical intern and nursing staff in tertiary care teaching hospital in Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India

Background: Diabetes has become a major health problem in India. Inadequate knowledge and training of frontline medical care givers like nursing staff, intern doctors and resident doctors may result in increase in both acute and chronic complications amongst diabetes patients. So, it results to high economic burden on family especially in rural parts of India. So, objective of this study was to assess knowledge about diabetes and its management amongst medical interns and nursing staff in tertiary care teaching hospital in Marathwada region of Maharashtra.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at IIMSR Medical College, Badnapur, Jalna, Maharashtra amongst 70 nursing staff and 70 medical interns by convenient sampling method during the period of June to August 2018. Knowledge on diabetes was assessed through 30 questions.Results: Knowledge related to diabetes and its management is assessed in 70 nursing staff and 70 medical interns using 50 item questionnaires. Out of 70 nursing staff mean knowledge score was 38.13 and out of 70 medical interns mean knowledge score was 40.17. Those nursing staff that had experience more than 5 years and positive family history of DM had significant greater knowledge than counterpart. There was no significant difference in knowledge level in gender, age, degree or diploma and whether in-service education opted or not amongst nursing staff. Amongst intern knowledge was more in those who had positive family history of DM. There was no significant difference in knowledge level in male and female interns.Conclusions: This study concluded that there was knowledge gap about diabetes and its management amongst frontline care givers like nursing staff as compared to medical interns suggesting requirement of additional training and educations amongst frontline health care providers.

A Pre-Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Video-Assisted Teaching on Knowledge regarding Selected Obstetrical Emergencies during Labor among Staff Nurses in Selected Hospitals of Bhopal, MP

Obstetrical emergencies are life-threatening conditions that occur in pregnancy, during or after labor and delivery. There are a number of illnesses and disorders of pregnancy that can threaten the well-being of both mother and child. Obstetrical emergencies may also occur during active labor, and after delivery. It is of paramount importance that nurses are aware of the identification and management protocols of obstetrical emergencies. Therefore, a pre-experimental study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of video-assisted teaching on knowledge regarding selected obstetrical emergencies during labor among staff nurses in selected hospitals of Bhopal, MP. The objectives of the study were to assess the preinterventional knowledge regarding selected obstetrical emergencies during labor among staff nurses, to assess the post-interventional knowledge regarding selected obstetrical emergencies during labor among staff nurses and compare the pre- and post-interventional knowledge score and to find out the association of the pre-interventional knowledge level with their selected demographic variables (age, qualification, years of clinical experiences, years of experience in labor unit, previous knowledge exposure). Thirty staff nurses working in Jawaharlal Nehru Gas Rahat Hospital and Jai Prakash Hospital, Bhopal, were selected for the study using purposive sampling technique. One group pre- and post-test design was used to observe the effect of video-assisted teaching among the staff nurses. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection in the form of multiple-choice answers. The results of the study revealed that the mean pre-interventional knowledge score of staff nurses was 9.63, which was apparently higher than the mean post-interventional knowledge score of 23.46. The positive mean difference of knowledge score shows that video-assisted teaching was effective. The calculated ‘t’ value of 16.17 at p<0.05 level shows that there was a significant difference in knowledge level of staff nurses regarding selected obstetrical emergencies during labor, such as cord prolapse, shoulder dystocia, uterine rupture, and amniotic fluid embolism.

Partisipasi guru smp terhadap penerapan kawasan tanpa rokok: studi komparasi di Kabupaten Sleman dan Kulonprogo

PurposeThis study aimed to explore the difference of participation in non-smoking areas implementation among junior high school teachers in Kulon Progo and Sleman.MethodThis research used a cross-sectional study design. The samples in this study were the junior high school teachers from Kulon Progo and Sleman District. The analysis used independent sample t-tests.Results There was no significant difference in knowledge level, self-efficacy, smoking status and school policy in Kulon Progo and Sleman districts. There was a difference in accessibility level of information about smoking ban and teacher participation to implement non-smoking areas in Kulon Progo and Sleman.Conclusion The most dominant factor that influenced the participation of junior high school teachers towards the implementation of nonsmoking areas in Kulon Progo Regency and in Sleman District of Yogyakarta is the accessibility of information about smoking ban.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Study about Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) among Population in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an epidemic in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to measure the level of knowledge, attitude and practice about Coronavirus, to correlate the sociodemographic characteristics to the level of knowledge, attitude and practice about Coronavirus, and to explore awareness and health behaviors related to the prevention of Coronavirus.&#x0D; Method: A national adaptive cross-sectional survey conducted on 714 Saudi Arabian population aged from twenty to above sixty years old in period from March to April 2017. A standardized, confidential, Internet questionnaire used for a large randomly selected population in all regions of Saudi Arabia.&#x0D; Results: Out of 714 participants, women demonstrated a greater level of knowledge of MERS-CoV risk and prevention than men. Social media was the main source for providing information about MERS-CoV with (9.7%) excellent, (72.4%) fair and (17.9%) poor knowledge. Most participants had a good attitude toward privation of camel’s milk and meat if they are source of transmission of MERS-CoV. However, females had better attitude toward the privation of camel’s milk and meat (81.6%, p ≤ 0.001) than males (66.7%). Regarding safety precautions, the data suggested that males were significantly less than females in taking safety precautions and prevention by 0.563 time (OR: 0.563 (0.341-0.94), p≤ 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Generally, participants have a high level of knowledge, positive attitude, and prevention practice toward MERS-CoV. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in knowledge level in different regions in Saudi Arabia. The females have better attitude toward MERS-CoV than males. The present study highlights the need to create wide-spread awareness about MERS-CoV infection among individuals who do not have access to the internet and social media through posters, television, and dissemination of information by healthcare professionals.

Effectiveness of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Gadgets in Gaining Knowledge of Tomato Crop Production Practices among Farmers of Karnataka

The twenty-first century is characterised as an age of information technology. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become indispensable in our daily life to reinforce ourselves for our agricultural needs. ICTs can be broadly interpreted as technologies that facilitate communication, processing and transmission of information by electronic means. Some of the ICT gadgets like televisions, computers, mobiles and internet are effectively used by technologists to disseminate agricultural-related information to the large number of farmers. Many efforts are going on in designing Agriportals, expert systems and developing multimedia DVDs for agriculture. Universities, research institutes and development departments are utilising these support systems to educate the farmers on various agriculture-related aspects. The present study is designed to measure the relative effectiveness of television, Agri-portal and multimedia DVDs in gaining knowledge of tomato crop production practices among farmers. The study was conducted in Hoskote taluk of Bangalore rural district. Total sample size of the study is 90 farmers comprising 30 each under television, Agri-portal and DVD. The before and after experimental research design was adopted for the study. The three treatments namely, television (T1), e-krishi Agriportal (T2) and DVD (T3) were tested for their effectiveness. The effectiveness was studied in terms of knowledge gained through these three treatments. Television (T1) was found to be the most effective and superior in imparting knowledge with the enhancement of 49.86%, followed by DVD 43.35% and e-krishiAgri-portal 43.03%. All the three treatments were effective in imparting knowledge with considerable variation in their effectiveness. The paired ‘t’ test revealed that there exist a significant difference in knowledge level of tomato crop production practices among the T1, T2 and T3 farmers at 1% level of significance.

Oral Cancer Knowledge and Practice among Dental Patients and their Attitude Towards Tobacco Cessation in Iran.

One of the main causes of delay in diagnosis of oral cancer is lack of awareness about aetiology and symptoms among the general population. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of patients regarding oral cancer and their attitude towards tobacco cessation. This study was carried out in Isfahan-Iran in 2014. A 29-item self-administrated questionnaire was designed and piloted and distributed to patients attending dental clinics. Questions were focused on awareness about oral cancer risk factors, signs and symptoms, places in the mouth which are more susceptible and attitude toward tobacco cessation. Chi-square, T-test, ANOVA and logistic regression tests were used for statistical analysis. A total of 546 valid completed questionnaires were obtained. The mean knowledge score of patients was 4.1(±2.7) out of 13. Some 80% of patients did not know about early manifestations of oral cancer. Only 18% knew the most likely sites of oral cancer. Only 43.1% and 65.2% of patients reported alcohol and tobacco consumption as the main risk factors but they had a fair knowledge about other risk factors. There was no significant difference in Knowledge level between patients regarding their sex, educational levels and age. Most patents (90%) expected their dentists to warn them about the harmful effects of smoking and showed willingness to quit if recommended. Knowledge about oral cancer was found to be quite low. It seems necessary to increase the level of public awareness using educational programs with cooperation of dentists in tobacco cessation programs.

Complementary and alternative medicine. Use in an older population.

The aging North American population validates increased research of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine older adults' attitudes and motivations toward CAM use in an attempt to explain its limited usage. Senior citizens (66 to 100 years) were qualitatively surveyed and interviewed to analyze trends in CAM use. Forty-two participants older than 65 completed a questionnaire and 10 of those same individuals participated in an interview session. Motivations for CAM use, prevalence of CAM use, knowledge of CAM, and physician attitudes were investigated. The results of the survey and interviews showed older adults' most prevalent motivations for using CAM were pain relief (54.8%), improved quality of life (45.2%), and maintenance of health and fitness (40.5%). Knowledge of CAM was extremely low across the entire sample, but a significant difference in knowledge level existed among CAM users and nonusers. The CAM therapies most commonly used by older adults were chiropractic (61.9%), herbal medicine (54.8%), massage therapy (35.7%), and acupuncture (33.3%). This sample of senior citizens perceived CAM treatments to be extremely beneficial. Increased education about CAM is needed for older adults and health professionals. Practitioners of CAM should try to understand older adults' motivations for using CAM therapies and be involved in educating older adults about CAM.