Source Of Health Information Research Articles

TikTok and Bilibili as health information sources on gastroesophageal reflux disease: an assessment of content and its quality.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a global chronic disease. Short video platforms make it easy for patients with GERD to obtain medical information. However, the quality of information from these videos remains uncertain. This study aimed to systematically assess videos related to GERD on TikTok and Bilibili. We conducted a search and gathered 241 Chinese videos related to GERD and recorded the essential information. Two independent evaluators assessed each video based on the completeness of six components of the GERD guidelines, and assessed the quality and reliability of the information in the videos using recognition tools. Finally, videos from different sources were compared. The uploaders of most videos were medical professionals (86.7%, n = 209). The content was mainly about symptoms and treatment. The quality of the videos information varied depending on the sources. Among videos posted on Bilibili, those posted by medical professionals had a lower content score for definition (P < 0.001). Videos produced by non-gastroenterologists had the highest mean modified DISCERN. (The DISCERN scoring tool was initially created for assessing written publications, but nowadays, it is frequently leveraged for appraising various health-related videos. Details can be found in the text) quality of the videos information was acceptable; however, the content varied significantly depending on the type of source used. Videos with broad content should be carefully screened to meet more needs.

Comparing public health-related material in print and web page versions of legacy media.

The objectives of this study were to create a database of public health content from a sample of legacy media, and to compare the prevalence of public health themes in print and web-based versions over time. A database was created from eleven nationally published magazines as a sample of legacy media content. Relevant material was extracted and coded by the title of the article, periodical, print or web edition, month of publication, item type, and 1-3 public health theme codes. Theme codes emerged as the documents were reviewed based on the primary discussion in each piece. A total of 2558 unique documents were extracted from print issues and 6440 from web-based issues. Seventeen public health themes were identified. Individual coded documents were saved with file names identical to the code string, thus creating a searchable database. Legacy media are those that existed before the internet and social media. Publishers target readership groups defined by age, gender, race, sexual orientation, and other commonalities. Although legacy media have been identified as trusted sources of health information, they have not been examined as sources of public health communication. Because both print and web-based versions exist as unstructured textual data, these are rarely examined with informatics methods. The process described can serve as a model for application of informatics approaches to similar data and assist development of targeted public health communications. Having a better understanding of what types of health content is distributed through legacy media can help to target health messages to specific demographic and interest groups in ways that are understandable and appealing to them.

Epidemiologic and clinical features of cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom exposures reported to the National Poison Data System, United States, 2010–2022: a descriptive analysis

BackgroundHarmful algal bloom occurrences have been increasingly reported globally and over time. Exposure to the variety of toxins and co-contaminants that may be present in harmful algal blooms can cause illness and even death. Poison control data is a valuable public health information source that has been used to characterize many types of toxin exposures, including harmful algal blooms. Prior studies have been limited by location and time, and knowledge gaps remain regarding cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom (cyanoHAB) exposure circumstances, and the breadth and severity of associated clinical effect.MethodsThe objective of this study was to characterize epidemiologic and clinical features of cyanoHAB exposure cases reported to 55 US poison control centers and available in the National Poison Data System (NPDS). We identified 4260 NPDS cyanoHAB exposure cases reported from 2010 to 2022, including symptomatic exposure cases with and without clinical effects related to the exposure and asymptomatic exposure cases. We assessed demographics; exposure routes, locations, chronicity; clinical effects; and medical outcomes. We calculated case rates annually and 13-year case rates by US geographic division.ResultsOver half of cyanoHAB exposure cases were children < 20 years old (n = 2175). Most cyanoHABs exposures occurred in a “public area” (n = 2902, 68.1%); most were acute (≤ 8 h) (n = 3824, 89.8%). Dermal and ingestion routes and gastrointestinal effects predominated. 2% (n = 102) of cases experienced a moderate or major medical outcome; no deaths were reported. National rates increased from 0.4 cases/1 million (1 M) person-years in 2010 to 1.4 cases/1 M person-years in 2022. The Mountain division had the highest 13-year rate (7.8 cases/1 M person-years).ConclusionsCyanoHAB exposure case rates increased 2010–2022, despite a decrease in all-cause exposure cases during the same period. NPDS data provide valuable public health information for characterization of cyanoHAB exposures, an emerging public health challenge.

Content analysis of fluoride-related posts on Instagram

BackgroundThe Internet and social media have become many people’s primary sources of health information. Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, and users spend a significant amount of time daily on the platform. Therefore, analyzing oral health-related information shared online can help to identify the requirements of specific groups, assisting in the planning and execution of educational public health actions. As a result, this study was carried out to conduct a qualitative evaluation of fluoride-related content on Instagram in 2022–2023.MethodsUsing hashtags associated with fluoride, a search was conducted on the Instagram application in the Persian language. All fluoride-containing posts were saved, and data was collected thrice at two-month intervals. MAXQDA software version 2020 was used to categorize the collected data content based on type, quality, and quantity.ResultsThe qualitative analysis included 1565 (9.45%) posts with fluoride-related content out of 16,475 total posts. After removing the duplicates, 400 posts remained, among which 282 posts (70.5%) and 118 posts (29.5%) were pro- and anti-fluoride, respectively. After qualitative analysis, 270 codes were examined and categorized into three main themes and eight subthemes: “fluoride sources,” “The advantages and disadvantages of fluoride,” and “Invalid beliefs about fluoride.”ConclusionThe frequency of pro-fluoride use was higher than anti-fluoride posts. However, due to the high prevalence of posts containing false information on fluoride toxicity for health, ineffectiveness on caries prevention, and conspiracy theories, there is a need to improve the quality of information on fluoride by providing scientific and unbiased explanations by professionals online or during dental visits and supervising social media content.

Healthy from the Start: Co-Designing Sleep, Nutrition and Physical Activity Resources for Young Shiftworkers-Novel Implementation and Evaluation.

The increasing prevalence of shiftwork among young adults poses significant health risks, primarily due to its disruptive effects on sleep, nutrition and physical activity. Addressing these risks necessitates the development of tailored, evidence-based resources to support these key health behaviours. Participatory research approaches, engaging those with relevant lived experience (i.e., co-design) are a novel and effective approach in developing these resources. As such, the aim of the present study was to explore whether sleep, nutrition and physical activity resources for young shiftworkers could be developed using participatory, co-design approaches and how co-designers would rate both the approaches used and the resulting resources. A participatory approach engaged co-designers (young, experienced or previous shiftworkers; workplace health and safety specialists; science communicators and academic experts) to complete 2-3 online questionnaires and participate in 1-2 online workshops, to co-design sleep, nutrition and physical activity resources for young shiftworkers. Following resource development, co-designers assessed both the participatory approach and the resulting resources, through an online questionnaire, which included the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool (PPEET). Co-designers (n = 48) participated in the development of sleep, nutrition and physical activity resources for young shiftworkers. Co-designers evaluated the participatory approach positively, with a mean rating across all PPEET items of 4.7 (±0.2) on a 5-point Likert scale. Co-designers also provided positive ratings for the resources, with the majority (91.7%) either agreeing or strongly agreeing that they were user-friendly, valuable and informative for young shiftworkers and would serve as a credible source of health information. By adopting a novel participatory approach, we successfully co-designed sleep, nutrition and physical activity resources for young shiftworkers. Participatory approaches, including co-design, should be considered when developing health interventions for shiftworkers, given the value of embedding lived experience to address their unique lifestyle challenges. Co-designers and/or people with relevant lived experience were involved in all project activities: conceptualisation, design, recruitment, data collection, data analysis, knowledge translation and output generation.

YouTube videos on gingival grafting procedures: Content and quality analysis

BackgroundPeriodontal surgery for gingival defects is widely recognized by dental care professionals and researchers for its effectiveness in treating gingival recession and improving oral health outcomes. YouTube (Google LLC) is 1 of the health information sources patients and clinicians use, and assessing its content quality is crucial. The authors aimed to examine the content and quality of YouTube videos on gingival graft procedures. MethodsThe online video streaming platform YouTube was searched using the key word gingival graft. Two independent examiners analyzed a total of 120 videos; a third examiner assessed interrater reliability. Fifty videos that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The assessed content topics for these YouTube videos consisted of 13 different categories, and their overall quality was evaluated using the Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI). Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software, Version 9.4 (SAS Institute). ResultsThere were 23 videos in the high-quality content groups and 27 videos in the low-quality content group. Hospitals and universities uploaded most of the included videos. The most commonly discussed topics in the included videos were the patient’s condition (36 [72%]) and area of tissue graft (34 [68%]). The total VIQI score and flow had a significant impact on the overall content score (P < .05). ConclusionsThere was a direct correlation between total VIQI scores and total content scores and an inverse relationship between viewing rate and total content scores. Practical ImplicationsTo ensure patients receive accurate and up-to-date information about treatment, the authors recommend guiding them toward reliable resources by means of providing direct links to trustworthy websites, creating and sharing playlists of reliable educational videos, and offering printed materials with quick-response codes linking to verified sources. These actions will help patients easily access and trust the information they need for their treatment decisions.

Social media and health care: a cross-sectional analysis of X (Twitter) posts using the NodeXL platform

Introduction. The landscape of healthcare and medical education is rapidly evolving, driven by the popularity of social media platforms like Facebook, WeChat, and X (Twitter). These platforms have transformed healthcare communication, enabling trainees, medical students, and practitioners to enhance learning and clinical practice. Educators leverage social media to simplify complex medical concepts, fostering continuous learning and professional development. Despite their benefits, social media, notably X (Twitter), boasting over 186 million active users, are susceptible to misinformation, underscoring the importance of verifying data accuracy and identifying influential medical sources. This study aims to identify the most influential sources of health information through X (Twitter) analysis using the NodeXL tool. Methods. Employing a cross-sectional design, this study utilized the NodeXL platform for social media analysis. NodeXL facilitated the identification of prevalent topics in public health discussions on X (Twitter). Influencers, users, and prominent healthcare providers were categorized to assess the credibility of their information. Data collection extended up to March 1, 2024. Results. Analysis revealed that the #hospital hashtag garnered the highest number of tweets among popular healthcare hashtags (6,438 tweets, with 84% being unique). Conversely, #medicalcare and #medicine had the lowest citation counts (58 and 116 respectively). @MahaHealthIE emerged as the most famous account using the #healthservices hashtag. Notable influencers with the #hospital hashtag included YouTube, Narendra Modi, and Al Jazeera English. @GreenSwelfares led in using the #medicalcare hashtag, while YouTube and the World Health Organization (@WHO) were prominent among accounts using #medicine. Conclusion. This study underscores the significance of monitoring social media and tracking key influencers periodically. However, the study's limitation lies in its snapshot nature, failing to capture the dynamic shifts in influencer popularity trends over time.

Media, Doctors, Friends or No One? Predictors of Credibility of Health Information Sources in Ukraine

Media, Doctors, Friends or No One? Predictors of Credibility of Health Information Sources in Ukraine

Association between beliefs in medical conspiracy theories and health behaviors among medical and healthcare students. Implications for professional practice.

While conspiracy theories cover many different themes, medical conspiracy theories (MCTs) have become particularly prevalent in modern societies. As beliefs in MCTs can become a source of "infodemics", influence individual health behaviors and cause distrust in medical institutions and personnel, healthcare workers must find ways to overturn patients' conspiracy thinking. However, as the medical world is not free of these beliefs, in this study, we investigated beliefs in MCTs among medical and health science students and their association with reported health behaviors. Our sample was derived from a self-administered, anonymized, computer-assisted web survey conducted among 1,175 medical and health science students enrolled at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland. From a set of twenty different MCTs, one-third of students rejected all of them, 18% believed in one, 15% in two, 10% in three, and 24% supported four or more conspiracy theories. In addition, many students were hesitant or unsure about MCTs. We also found that nursing and midwifery students were the most likely to believe in MCTs, while medical and dental students were the least supportive. Support for MCTs was higher among students in the early years of their studies and who declared themselves religious and conservative. This study also highlights the association between students' support for MCTs and their reported health behaviors, including avoiding vaccinations, using alternative medicine, taking vitamin C, or using social media as an essential source of health information. As medical and health science students are prone to conspiratorial thinking, they should be trained to act as a trusted and reliable source of medical information, to mitigate conspiratorial beliefs, and to act as role models for their patients and society, effectively shaping health behaviors in the population.

Abstract B069: Designing a Hispanic/Latino community-driven HPV vaccine and HPV-related cancer awareness campaign for young adults and youth in Los Angeles County

Abstract Background: In Los Angeles, HPV vaccination is lowest among Hispanic/Latino (HL) youth, young adults, and HL adolescent girls of immigrant parents, despite HPV vaccination preventing more than 90% of cancers attributed to HPV infection. This study aims to address gaps in the HPV vaccine and HPV-related cancer awareness through community-driven exploration of multimedia sources and cultural tailoring of the Es Tiempo Campaign to HPV vaccine initiation materials. Methods: A mixed-methods design was used, combining quantitative surveys, qualitative listening sessions and focus groups. In May 2024, five youth between 14 and 17 years of age and seven young adults between 18 and 30 years of age who self-identified as HL were recruited through community outreach in Los Angeles. The twelve participants were surveyed and participated in two 90-minute Listening Sessions (grouped by age) to gather formative data. During the LS, participants reviewed culturally tailored designs of media materials (e.g., banners, posters) focused on HPV vaccination initiation. Focus groups with another twelve young adults gathered confirmative data. Descriptive statistics assessed demographics. Coding of transcripts identified themes. Results: Preliminary results from the Listening Sessions found that youth and young adults had similarities and differences in their preferences for receiving health information. Both age groups preferred health materials with visually appealing images and materials that could be easily found and distributed. All relied on health information provided by their providers including informational pamphlets, texts, and emails. Differences were found in whom they sought health advice from. Youths sought health advice from parents or family, while young adults did this too but only after reviewing health information first online. Both age groups identified social media, such as Instagram and TikTok as key sources for health information. However, neither group wanted to receive health information through Facebook or Twitter. Young adults wanted images showing HL patient-provider interactions, while youth preferred images of family or community. Youth liked cartoon-style images, but young adults wanted images of real HL people. For cultural tailoring, youth liked images that reflected a traditional colorful border. Young adults found this border was not representative of diverse HL communities. Conclusion: Community-driven research identified gaps in tailoring and guiding multimedia dissemination efforts for HPV vaccine initiation campaign materials among youth and young adults in the HL community. HL youth and young adults, as community informants, provided advice on multimedia platforms, design appropriateness, and comprehension. Community participation is essential to identify and create culturally competent designs at an appropriate literacy/language and age level and to produce materials for educational campaigns that are not only culturally specific but also visually appealing to the target population. Citation Format: Samantha Verganza, Patricia Escobedo, Rosa Barahona, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati. Designing a Hispanic/Latino community-driven HPV vaccine and HPV-related cancer awareness campaign for young adults and youth in Los Angeles County [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B069.

Survey of Medical Access for Inpatients in Center for Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment: Social Media Usage Preferences and Influencing Factors in China

This study investigated the role of social media in the process of cleft lip and palate patients selecting surgeons. Patients utilized social media to obtain information about their health care providers and treatment teams and relied on this information to guide their decisions on where to seek medical care. A retrospective survey was conducted among patients who underwent surgery in our department from December 2020 to May 2023. Through an anonymous questionnaire titled “Factors Influencing the Decision to Choose a Particular Cleft Surgeon,” we explored how patients discovered their primary surgeon via social media and the factors they deemed most important in selecting their surgeon. The questionnaire was completed by patients or their guardians. The cleft lip and palate patient population exhibited a distinct geographical distribution. A total of 548 individuals participated in the survey on media usage. Search engines (Baidu) were the most frequently visited (30.5%), followed by short video platforms (TikTok and Kwai), accounting for 21.7%, the hospital’s official website at 20.8%, and WeChat at 15%. The primary factors influencing the selection of surgeons were the surgeon’s reputation (66.2%), the hospital/medical team’s reputation (49.2%), the quality of communication during consultations (15.4%), and the surgical outcomes depicted in postoperative photos (6.9%). The Internet remains the primary source of health information. Therefore, it is crucial to not only provide accurate medical information but also effectively communicate complex medical knowledge through easily accessible media channels in a manner that is comprehensible to patients.

Analysis of Healthcare Workers' Behavior in Maternal and Child Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Aceh Province

Healthcare workers, including midwives, face a high risk of disease, including the coronavirus. It is expected that healthcare workers possess good knowledge and behavior regarding the management of care for pregnant women, childbirth, newborns, and the handling of emergency complications during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the behavior of healthcare workers in providing health services to mothers and children during the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive study employs a cross-sectional design, involving all midwives in Aceh Province, with data collection conducted through Google Forms from June to July 2021. The results indicate that there is no relationship between age, length of service, and sources of health information with the behavior of healthcare workers in providing health services to mothers and children during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a significant relationship between knowledge and COVID-19 prevention behavior, with a p-value of 0.000. In conclusion, healthcare workers with higher knowledge are more likely to exhibit good behavior in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, it is important to continue enhancing their knowledge, particularly regarding virus transmission, to strengthen supportive behaviors and contribute to breaking the chain of COVID-19 transmission.

Public Libraries Encouraged to Meet the Health Information Needs of Tribal Women in Bangladesh

A Review of: Yesmin, S., Abdul Karim, M., &amp; Atikuzzaman, M. (2023). Community engagement of public libraries for ensuring tribal women’s health literacy in Bangladesh. IFLA Journal, 49(4), 678–693. https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352231198260 Objective – To investigate public libraries’ existing community engagement practices, explore their willingness to provide health information services to tribal communities in Bangladesh, and examine tribal women’s health information-seeking behavior and interest in obtaining health information from public libraries. Design – A cross-sectional study using online interviews and structured questionnaires. Setting – Public libraries and tribal communities in tribal regions of Bangladesh. Subjects – Public librarians (n=11) and tribal women (n=276) from three tribal districts in Bangladesh (Bandarban, Khagrachari, and Mymensingh). Methods – Interviews were conducted with librarians via Zoom in January 2023. Survey questionnaires were distributed to a convenience sample of 300 tribal women from February to March 2023. Data was analyzed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), using univariate and bi-variate measures. Main Results – All of the libraries provided print materials (books, newspapers, and periodicals) for reading and lending and offered photocopying and Internet browsing services. Other forms of resources such as microfiches and digital materials, inter-library loan services, and facilities for people with disabilities were not widely available. Most libraries (72.8%) did not provide any specific program (e.g., health-related outreach program) for tribal community engagement, although they all recognized the urgency and value of such programs. Lack of funding and bureaucratic complexities were identified as the top two barriers. Out of the 276 tribal women responding to the survey, close to two-thirds of the respondents indicated they were either moderately or very interested in receiving health information. The top three health topics the respondents sought information on were vaccinations, symptoms of disease, and nutrition. The primary health information sources for the respondents were doctors at nearby community clinics or government hospitals, and none of the respondents sought health information from public libraries. Most respondents acknowledged the importance of being informed about health issues and found it difficult to locate health information on the Internet. High costs and lack of awareness regarding health issues represented the main challenges the respondents encountered when seeking health information. Among the demographic variables, respondents’ religion and age were negatively correlated with their interest in health information, while their education status was positively correlated with it. Conclusion – Public libraries in tribal areas in Bangladesh lacked health information services but recognized the importance of providing them. Tribal women expressed interest in receiving health information, encouraging public libraries to develop and implement related services and programs. Public libraries may consider adding new job titles such as consumer health librarians and partner with other stakeholders for better community engagement. The government of Bangladesh should substantially invest in public libraries as community hubs and minimize bureaucratic hurdles that prevent public libraries from initiating new services. Professional library organizations in Bangladesh may also draw ideas from the study in establishing professional guidelines for health information services and community outreach programs.

Public health communication during the COVID-19 health crisis: sustainable pathways to improve health information access and reach among underserved communities

This study aims to explore the perspectives of community leaders (CL) on trusted sources of health information, examine their roles, challenges, and needs in disseminating COVID-19 health information, and identify opportunities to improve public health reach and access for underserved communities. This qualitative study included seven focus groups conducted via online video conferencing from April-June 2021. The participants (n = 9) were CL recruited from the Texas Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) for their experience working with underserved communities in Dallas, Texas. Data were coded deductively and analyzed thematically. The analysis resulted in three themes: (1) Information fatigue, mistrust, and desensitization were experienced by community members and leaders; (2) CL were expected to process, verify, and share accurate and timely COVID-19 health information; (3) CL identified potential strategies to improve COVID-19 health info access and reach. CLs were critical in addressing mis/disinformation and fostering trust in public health communication, particularly in underserved communities. They acted as vital intermediaries for health information, striving to debunk mis/disinformation and disseminate accurate health information. Public health strategies could benefit from prioritizing the integration of CL in communicating health information during crises and rebuilding trust within historically and racially marginalized and underserved communities. Supporting CLs, for example, through resources and training programs to counter misinformation and provide access to culturally and linguistically tailored health resources, may significantly enhance the access and reach of evidence-based health communication during health crises.

Is YouTube a sufficient source of information on Sarcoidosis?

BackgroundThe internet is a common source of health information for patients and caregivers. To date, content and information quality of YouTube videos on sarcoidosis has not been studied. The aim of our study was to investigate the content and quality of information on sarcoidosis provided by YouTube videos.MethodsOf the first 200 results under the search term “sarcoidosis,” all English-language videos with content directed at patients were included. Two independent investigators assessed the content of the videos based on 25 predefined key features (content score with 0–25 points), as well as reliability and quality (HONCode score with 0–8 points, DISCERN score with 1–5 points). Misinformation contained in the videos was described qualitatively.ResultsThe majority of the 85 included videos were from an academic or governmental source (n = 63, 74%), and median time since upload was 33 months (IQR 10–55). Median video duration was 8 min (IQR 3–13) and had a median of 2,044 views (IQR 504 − 13,203). Quality assessment suggested partially sufficient information: mean HONCode score was 4.4 (SD 0.9) with 91% of videos having a medium quality HONCode evaluation. Mean DISCERN score was 2.3 (SD 0.5). Video content was generally poor with a mean of 10.5 points (SD 0.6). Frequently absent key features included information on the course of disease (6%), presence of substantial geographical variation (7%), and importance of screening for extrapulmonary manifestations (11%). HONCode scores were higher in videos from academic or governmental sources (p = 0.003), particularly regarding “transparency of sponsorship” (p < 0.001). DISCERN and content scores did not differ by video category.ConclusionsMost YouTube videos present incomplete information reflected in a poor content score, especially regarding screening for extrapulmonary manifestations. Quality was partially sufficient with higher scores in videos from academic or governmental sources, but often missing references and citing specific evidence. Improving patient access to trustworthy and up to date information is needed.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Bungkulan Buleleng Village Communities Related to the Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccination

Background: The contribution of the community through their knowledge, attitudes, and practices are essential to control COVID-19 through vaccination.Objectives: This study aims to analyze the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the community related to implementing the COVID-19 vaccine.Methods: This observational study with a cross-sectional design was carried out from June to July 2023. Samples of 155 respondents were obtained through convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria include the community domiciled in Bungkulan Village, aged ≥18 years, and is willing to be involved in research, while respondents who didn’t fill in the complete questionnaire are excluded from research. Data was collected using self-developed offline questionnaire. The relationship of knowledge, attitudes, and practices was analyzed by multiple linier regression and Spearman-rho test (95% CI).Results: Findings showed that the majority of respondents were aged 25-29 years old (30.32%), male (76.13%), graduated from high school (65.16%), worked (89.68%), didn’t experience comorbidities (96.13%) and AESI (87.10%), lack of knowledge (53.29 ± 23.24) but has a good attitude (75.18 ± 11.55) and practices (84.06 ± 16.17) related to the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination. There is a significant relationship between knowledge with attitudes (r = 0.352; p = &lt;0.001) and attitudes with practices (r = 0.257; p = &lt;0.001), also knowledge and attitudes simultaneously influence the practice of Covid-19 vaccination (p=&lt;0.001).Conclusion: A person's attitudes and practices in a positive direction tend to begin with good knowledge. Strong sources of public health information and communication are necessary to develop good knowledge.

Internet use, spatial variation and its determinants among reproductive age women in Ethiopia

BackgroundThe Internet is the preferred source of health information for retrieving relevant information. In Ethiopia, the Internet penetration rate is improving year to year, but it is still at a low level compared to the rest of the world and neighboring African countries. Due to a lack of adequate information, it is important to assess Internet use, spatial variation, and determinants of Internet use among reproductive-age group women in Ethiopia.MethodSecondary data from EDHS 2016 were used to analyze 15,683 women aged 15–49 years. Spatial analysis was performed using ArcGIS 10.7. The Bernoulli model was used by applying Kuldorff’s methods using SaTScan 10.1.2 software to analyze the purely spatial clusters of Internet use. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression was applied to estimate community variance to identify individual- and community-level factors associated with Internet use. All models were fitted in STATA version 17.0, and finally, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported.ResultThe magnitude of Internet use was 4.97% ± 95% CI (4.63–5.32). The overall average age of women was 24.21 ± 8.06 years, with the age range 15–24 years constituting the larger group (39.2%). Women with secondary and above education [AOR = 6.47; 95% CI (5.04, 8.31)], unmarried [AOR = 2.60; 95% CI (1.89, 3.56)], rich [AOR = 1.95; 95% CI (1.00, 3.80)], own a mobile phone [AOR = 3.74; 95% CI (2.75, 5.09)], media exposure [AOR = 2.63; 95% CI (2.03, 3.42)], and urban [AOR = 1.80; 95% CI (1.08, 3.01)] had higher odds of Internet use. The spatial variation in Internet use was found to be nonrandom (global Moran’s I = 0.58, p value < 0.001). Fifty-seven primary clusters were identified that were located in Addis Ababa city with a relative likelihood of 10.24 and a log-likelihood ratio of 425.16.ConclusionsInternet use among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia is 4.97 and has significant spatial variation across the country. Both community- and individual-level factors affect Internet use in Ethiopia. Therefore, educating women, improving access to media, encouraging women to use family planning, and supporting household wealth could improve women’s Internet use.

An assessment of ChatGPT’s responses to frequently asked questions about cervical and breast cancer

BackgroundCervical cancer (CC) and breast cancer (BC) threaten women’s well-being, influenced by health-related stigma and a lack of reliable information, which can cause late diagnosis and early death. ChatGPT is likely to become a key source of health information, although quality concerns could also influence health-seeking behaviours.MethodsThis cross-sectional online survey compared ChatGPT’s responses to five physicians specializing in mammography and five specializing in gynaecology. Twenty frequently asked questions about CC and BC were asked on 26th and 29th of April, 2023. A panel of seven experts assessed the accuracy, consistency, and relevance of ChatGPT’s responses using a 7-point Likert scale. Responses were analyzed for readability, reliability, and efficiency. ChatGPT’s responses were synthesized, and findings are presented as a radar chart.ResultsChatGPT had an accuracy score of 7.0 (range: 6.6-7.0) for CC and BC questions, surpassing the highest-scoring physicians (P < 0.05). ChatGPT took an average of 13.6 s (range: 7.6-24.0) to answer each of the 20 questions presented. Readability was comparable to that of experts and physicians involved, but ChatGPT generated more extended responses compared to physicians. The consistency of repeated answers was 5.2 (range: 3.4-6.7). With different contexts combined, the overall ChatGPT relevance score was 6.5 (range: 4.8-7.0). Radar plot analysis indicated comparably good accuracy, efficiency, and to a certain extent, relevance. However, there were apparent inconsistencies, and the reliability and readability be considered inadequate.ConclusionsChatGPT shows promise as an initial source of information for CC and BC. ChatGPT is also highly functional and appears to be superior to physicians, and aligns with expert consensus, although there is room for improvement in readability, reliability, and consistency. Future efforts should focus on developing advanced ChatGPT models explicitly designed to improve medical practice and for those with concerns about symptoms.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Experiences in Chicago Neighborhoods With Increased Adverse Maternal Outcomes: A Qualitative Study

Abstract: Background: Black birthing people are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White birthing people. Objective: We aimed to better understand the pregnancy and postpartum experiences with health care, support, and maternal morbidity and mortality (MMM) of Black pregnant and parenting people living in neighborhoods with increased rates of MMM in Chicago, Illinois. Methods: This was a rapid qualitative analysis in Chicago, Illinois based on principles of community-based participa-tory research. Community partners recruited Black pregnant and parenting individuals living in neighborhoods with higher rates of MMM. Four focus groups from February 2021 to October 2021 were led by community health workers and covered pregnancy and postpartum experiences. Transcripts were deductively and inductively coded by paired-analyst teams and thematically analyzed. Results: This study included 31 participants from eight neighborhoods. Key themes related to pregnancy and the postpartum period included the: (1) a need for social and mental health support during and after pregnancy, (2) a preference for multiple sources of health information, (3) a need for strengthened connection with medical providers and health care systems, (4) a lack of clarity regarding MMM and the postpartum period, and (5) a difference in language between patients and health care providers. Conclusions: Further research and interventions are needed to evaluate how to best support pregnant and postpartum people, to implement patient-centered language when communicating about pregnancy and postpartum complications, and to demonstrate investment by health care workers in Black birthing people. Crucial to further research and interventions is communication with and input from communities most affected by MMM.

The quality of routine data for measuring facility-based maternal mortality in public and private health facilities in Kampala City, Uganda

BackgroundRoutine health facility data are an important source of health information in resource-limited settings. Regular quality assessments are necessary to improve the reliability of routine data for different purposes, including estimating facility-based maternal mortality. This study aimed to assess the quality of routine data on deliveries, livebirths and maternal deaths in Kampala City, Uganda.MethodsWe reviewed routine health facility data from the district health information system (DHIS2) for 2016 to 2021. This time period included an upgrade of DHIS2, resulting in two datasets (2016–2019 and 2020–2021) that were managed separately. We analysed data for all facilities that reported at least one delivery in any of the six years, and for a subset of facilities designated to provide emergency obstetric care (EmOC). We adapted the World Health Organization data quality review framework to assess completeness and internal consistency of the three data elements, using 2019 and 2021 as reference years. Primary data were collected to verify reporting accuracy in four purposively selected EmOC facilities. Data were disaggregated by facility level and ownership.ResultsWe included 255 facilities from 2016 to 2019 and 247 from 2020 to 2021; of which 30% were EmOC facilities. The overall completeness of data for deliveries and livebirths ranged between 53% and 55%, while it was < 2% for maternal deaths (98% of monthly values were zero). Among EmOC facilities, completeness was higher for deliveries and livebirths at 80%; and was < 6% for maternal deaths. For the whole sample, the prevalence of outliers for all three data elements was < 2%. Inconsistencies over time were mostly observed for maternal deaths, with the highest difference of 96% occurring in 2021.ConclusionsRoutine data from childbirth facilities in Kampala were generally suboptimal, but the quality was better in EmOC facilities. Given likely underreporting of maternal deaths, further efforts to verify and count all facility-related maternal deaths are essential to accurately estimate facility-based maternal mortality. Data reliability could be enhanced by improving reporting practices in EmOC facilities and streamlining reporting processes in private-for-profit facilities. Further qualitative studies should identify critical points where data are compromised, and data quality assessments should consider service delivery standards.