Total Correct Answers Research Articles

Colorectal Cancer Prevention: Is Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer (Chat GPT) ready to Assist Physicians in Determining Appropriate Screening and Surveillance Recommendations?

To determine whether a publicly available advanced language model could help determine appropriate colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and surveillance recommendations. Poor physician knowledge or inability to accurately recall recommendations might affect adherence to CRC screening guidelines. Adoption of newer technologies can help improve the delivery of such preventive care services. An assessment with 10 multiple choice questions, including 5 CRC screening and 5 CRC surveillance clinical vignettes, was inputted into chat generative pretrained transformer (ChatGPT) 3.5 in 4 separate sessions. Responses were recorded and screened for accuracy to determine the reliability of this tool. The mean number of correct answers was then compared against a control group of gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons answering the same questions with and without the help of a previously validated CRC screening mobile app. The average overall performance of ChatGPT was 45%. The mean number of correct answers was 2.75 (95% CI: 2.26-3.24), 1.75 (95% CI: 1.26-2.24), and 4.5 (95% CI: 3.93-5.07) for screening, surveillance, and total questions, respectively. ChatGPT showed inconsistency and gave a different answer in 4 questions among the different sessions. A total of 238 physicians also responded to the assessment; 123 (51.7%) without and 115 (48.3%) with the mobile app. The mean number of total correct answers of ChatGPT was significantly lower than those of physicians without [5.62 (95% CI: 5.32-5.92)] and with the mobile app [7.71 (95% CI: 7.39-8.03); P < 0.001]. Large language models developed with artificial intelligence require further refinements to serve as reliable assistants in clinical practice.

Sociodemographic Characteristics and the Influence of Religion on the Knowledge of Doctors, Nurses, and the General Population in Montenegro About Transplant and Organ Donation.

The goal of our research was to determine the level of knowledge of healthcare workers and the general population about transplantation and organ donation through sociodemographic and religious aspects. We conducted a cross-sectional study to provide insight on the knowledge of doctors, nurses, and the general population in Montenegro about organ transplantation and donation. We had 400 respondents (200 doctors and nurses and 200 people from the general population) who were surveyed and who signed informed consent to participate in the study. In the analysis of knowledge about organ donation, significant differences were shown in the number of total correct answers between the 2 groups of respondents. Respondents from monotheistic, Montenegrin Orthodox, Catholic, and Islamic religious groups had the same percentage of correct answers, with no significant differences between these groups. Although respondents older than 56 years were the least informed about the term "organ donation," 21.1% stated thatthey would donate organs regardless of the circumstances; 5.2% of respondents between age 46 and 55 years also stated they would donate organs regardless of the circumstances. With regard to this parameter, significant differences were shown between respondents in different age groups. Healthcare workers had a higher level of knowledge about organ transplant and donation compared with the general population, which is justified by the gaps in education among the general population. In both healthcare workers and the general population, religion had no significant influence on the level of knowledge about transplantation.

Effectiveness of telesimulation on cardiorespiratory arrest for nursing students.

To evaluate the effectiveness of telesimulation on cardiorespiratory arrest to improve the performance of nursing students. This was an experimental study, whose sample consisted of 30 undergraduate nursing students from a Brazilian university. It was structured from two groups: an experimental (n=15) and a control (n=15). For both groups, expository classes and skills training were held. For the experimental group, a virtual clinical simulation scenario was implemented. Before the beginning of the interventions, a pre-test was applied and, after the end of this, a post-test was applied to evaluate the students' gain of knowledge and skills. From the analysis of the total correct answers and the scores obtained in the pre-test and post-test, it was found that there was an improvement in the performance of both study groups. Regarding the averages of the points obtained, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.001). The post-test score was significantly higher than the pre-test score in the intervention group (p=0.001). The virtual scenario developed proved to be superior in improving the performance of nursing students in managing cardiorespiratory arrest when compared to traditional teaching methods.

Comparison of children with and without dyslexia using functional head impulse test and pediatric balance scale.

The aim of this study is to compare functionality of vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) responses to evaluate the functional properties of the vestibular system and daily balance performance in children with dyslexia and children with normal development. Fifteen participants diagnosed with dyslexia were included in the study group (SG), and 15 healthy participants were included in the control group (CG). All groups underwent Functional Head Impulse Test (f-HIT) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). f-HIT was performed with at least 15 head impulses at 4000-5000-6000°/s2 randomly to the right and left in the plane of the horizontal semicircular canal (SCC). Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U test. SG percentage values were obtained lower than CG percentage values. Comparisons between the two groups showed that there was a significant difference in all parameters (4000-5000-6000°/s2 and total) in the right-side stimulation, there was significant difference for 4,000 s2 and total correct answers in the left side. In addition, although there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the PBS score, the SG scores were lower (p = 0.062). As a novel test, f-HIT, revealed the difference in functionality of vestibular performance in the dyslexia group. In the dyslexia group, f-HIT may be helpful in evaluating and monitoring the vestibular system.

The Relationship Between Memory, Type, and Severity of Aphasia With Confrontation Naming in Post-stroke Patients With Chronic Aphasia

Objectives: The brain’s widespread neural functions lead to aphasia in which the patients experience difficulties in cognitive and language functions. Memory, type, and severity of aphasia are associated with language and the naming process. In the current study, we investigated the relationship between memory, type, and severity of aphasia using the confrontation naming test in post-stroke patients with chronic aphasia. Methods: This research was a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study. We selected 45 chronic aphasia patients aged 35-70 years. The participants with a mild to moderate score in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were assessed with the Persian naming test, Wechsler Memory Scale, and Persian Western Aphasia Battery. Results: There was a significant difference between memory with correct answers without a cue, correct answers with a semantic cue, and the total correct answers from confrontation naming (P&lt;0.001, r=0.62; P=0.01, r=0.37; and P&lt;0.001, r=0.71; respectively). Furthermore, the results indicated a significant difference between the type of aphasia with subtests of confrontation naming involving correct answers with semantic cues and total correct answers (P=0.02). Also, the results showed a significant difference between the severity of aphasia with correct answers without a cue, correct answers with a semantic cue, and the total correct answers from confrontation naming (P&lt;0.001, r=0.77; P=0.03, r=0.31; and P&lt;0.001, r=0.67; respectively). In comparing semantic and phonetic cues, memory, type, and severity of aphasia indicated significant association only with semantic cues. Discussion: There is an association between memory, type, and severity of aphasia with confrontation naming in patients with aphasia. The data have highlighted the importance of factors that need to be considered to formulate a comprehensive treatment plan to achieve further improvement in naming skills.

What do professional cleaners know about the skin care? A questionnaire-based study.

Correct daily skin care is important regarding hand eczema (HE). However, only a few studies have evaluated the level of knowledge among hospital cleaners. To examine the level of knowledge regarding skin protective behaviour and risk factors with respect to HE in hospital cleaners. All cleaners working in four hospitals in Denmark were invited to participate in the study, which was based on a questionnaire consisting of 22 questions. 142 of 236 cleaners (response rate=60.1%) were included. The mean of total correct answers were approximately five out of nine questions. 85.6% of participants evaluated themselves to have a low degree of knowledge of skin care and protection. Based on the number of correct answers, 90% were defined as having low knowledge. Being born or raised outside of Denmark was statistically significantly associated with lower level of knowledge. Risk factors for HE such as, work with wet hands, and use of household cleaning products were only recognized as risk factors by less than 50%. Our study indicates that Danish hospital cleaners have a low degree of knowledge regarding skin care and protection. Cleaning workers born or raised outside of Denmark are in need of special attention.

Nursing students’ genomics literacy: Basis for genomics nursing education course development

This study aimed to investigate the genomics literacy of Finnish and Filipino nursing students as a basis for developing a genomics nursing education course. This is a cross-sectional online survey using the 31-item Genomic Nursing Concept Inventory, IBM SPSS version 27, and item-analysis. A total of 245 nursing students participated in the study; 75% reported that they had not completed any genetics-genomics courses. The GNCI scores ranged from 2 to 31 total correct answers out of a total possible score of 31. The GNCI mean score of the Finnish cohort (9.53; SD = 3.48; 36% correct) was significantly lower compared to the Filipino cohort (16.21; SD = 9.74, 58% correct). These results show that the genomics literacy of nursing students in Finland and the Philippines is weak, particularly in human genome homogeneity and genotype-phenotype association concepts. We recommend designing effective genetic and genomic educational programs and updating the nursing curricula.

The knowledge and attitude on pain management and their associated factors among nursing students at the school of nursing, Vavuniya

Background: Pain control in patients is important as untreated pain impede their response to treatments and negatively affect their quality of life. Optimal pain management requires adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and competent pain assessment measures. Nurses are key players and have an essential role in pain management. Applying nursing roles requires that nursing students attain adequate knowledge about pain, its management, and positive attitudes towards it.Aim/s: To assess the knowledge and attitudes on pain management and their associated factors among nursing students in the School of Nursing, Vavuniya.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the total study population of second-year (n=97) and third-year nursing students (n=43) at the School of Nursing, Vavuniya. The study was conducted using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire that included the modified Ferrell and McCaffery (2012) Knowledge and Attitude Survey Regarding pain (KASRP). Data were described using descriptive statistics, and associations were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests. Significance was set as p&lt;0.05. The ethical clearance was obtained from the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.Results: The response rate was 97%. The majority belonged to the age group between 23-25 years (n=112, 80.0%). The mean age was 23.7 years (SD +1.102). Majority were female (n=135, 96%), Sinhalese (n=107, 76%) and Buddhist (n=98, 70%). Most of the students had “poor” knowledge on pain management (n=98, 70%) and had “fair” attitudes (n=98, 70%). “Good” attitudes were reported by 7% (n=10) of the students. The median of the total correct answers for knowledge was 13 (IQR=5) out of 30 questions, and the median attitude score was 8 (IQR=4) out of 15 questions. The year of study and additional study of reference materials were significantly related to knowledge and attitudes towards pain management (p&lt;0.01).Conclusion: The overall knowledge among nursing students on pain management was “poor”, and most had fair attitudes towards pain management. Pain management education needs to be strengthened, and positive attitudes should be cultivated through curricular reforms in nursing education.

Knowledge of Men and Women about infertility Risk Factors

Background and objectives: With the modern lifestyle of men and women and technological developments, many infertility risk factors have increased nowadays. Therefore, it is important to search for, prevent and manage these risk factors. This study aimed to explore the knowledge of men and women patients regarding risk factors of infertility in Duhok city. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 501 patients who attended one tertiary governmental hospital in vitro fertilization department and three primary health centers in Duhok city from 1st November 2019 to 15th February 2020. The data collection which included the interviewing questionnaire about the knowledge of men and women about infertility risk factors. These data were categorized into two sections. The first section ion about sociodemographic data. The second section is about infertility risk factors. The mean value of the total correct answers of the participants was considered the level of knowledge for male and female participants. Results: The age of the participants ranged between 18-70 years. The participants were males (53.7%) and females (46.3%). The overall knowledge about the risk factors of infertility was 50.51%. The participants reported that stressful life (77.8%), continuous use of anabolic steroids (67.3%), working in petrochemical industries (69.9%), and continuously wearing tight clothes can cause infertility (63.3%), and these results have statistically significant values. While they reported that continuous exposure to high light intensity (29.7%), prolonged standing (33.1%), continuous contact with chlorine in the swimming pool (30.9%), cosmetic products (24.2%), excessive chlorine in drinking water cause infertility (29.7%) and these results have no statistically significant values. Conclusions: This study showed that patients have an an acceptable level of knowledge about infertility risk factors.

Beneficial effects of AT1 antagonists treatment, losartan, on cardiovascular and cognitive function on aged male Dahl salt sensitive rats

Introduction and objectiveCardiovascular diseases and hypertension are the major contributors to the pathogenesis of vascular dementia. The Dahl salt‐sensitive (DSS) rat model is characterized by age‐associated cardiovascular remodeling and the development of central arterial stiffness (CAS) in the presence of renin‐angiotensin system disbalance, accompanied by cognitive decline. We hypothesized, that the anti‐hypertensive treatment, antagonist for angiotensin II receptors losartan (LOS), via reducing CAS, will improve cardiovascular parameters and cognitive function in aged DSS male rats.MethodsMale DSS rats (n=30) were kept on a normal salt diet (0.5% NaCl) for the duration of the study. At 6 months of age, rats were given either LOS in drinking water (30mg/kg/day, n=14) or control treatment (n=16) for 6 months. Measurements, including systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP) and pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of CAS (by echocardiology), were taken after 6 months of LOS treatment. Rats were tested in an operant chambers (OCh) attention challenge to assess attention and impulsivity; elevated plus maze (EPM) was performed to estimate anxiety‐like behavior. Statistical analyses were performed using 1‐way ANOVA, t‐test and Pearson correlation. Data are presented as mean ± SEM.Resultsfollowing 6 months of treatment, at 12‐mo of age, LOS treated rats had lower BP and PWV vs. control (Table 1). Performance on the OCh indicated that LOS rats had more correct responses vs. control rats (Fig. 1). The LOS group exhibited lower anxiety levels, because they spent less time on the closed shoulder in EPM (Table 1) and demonstrate 1.5‐fold increase of time in the open shoulder (p &lt; 0.01). PWV and SBP was negatively correlated with time on open shoulder, total distance traveled and total correct answers at 12‐mo of age (Fig.2).ConclusionAged male DSS rats show beneficial effects of LOS on cardiovascular and cognitive function. The CAS and BP improvement by LOS was associated with improved attention and lower anxiety levels. The mechanistic basis of LOS effects on cognition via cerebrovascular and brain changes will be further investigated.

Croatian nurses' and nursing students' knowledge about pressure injury prevention

AimThe aim of the study was to determine the knowledge of nurses and nursing students about pressure injury (PI) prevention. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was used, and the sample consisted of 312 participants, of whom 198 were nursing students and 114 were nurses from the clinical hospital. The response rate for the total population was 78%. The Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool PUKAT 2.0. was translated to Croatian and used in the study. Data were collected between January and March 2020. Descriptive statistics and chi square tests with Fisher correction for small samples were used to analyze the data. ResultsThe mean number of correct answers was 10.45 points or 41.8%, which is not considered a satisfactory result. Nurses from the clinical hospital achieved 45.48% correct answers, while part-time students achieved 39.7%. Respondents achieved the best results in the theme of risk assessment and the lowest in the theme prevention of pressure ulcers. A statistically significant difference between the two groups of respondents was found in the themes of classification and observation (p = 0.004), nutrition (p = 0.015), prevention of pressure ulcers (p = 0.010), and specific patient groups (p = 0.002), as well as in the number of total correct answers (p = 0.000). ConclusionsThe results showed that knowledge about PI prevention in nurses and nursing students was inadequate. Nurses showed a higher level of knowledge than the students. PIs are a significant clinical problem affecting quality of life, health care costs, and treatment outcomes in patients, so it is important that nurses have adequate knowledge.

‘DENTIST’S PERSPECTIVE ABOUT RADIOLOGICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT’- A QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY IN TAMIL NADU

BACKGROUND: Radiographs are diagnostic aids commonly used by dentists and physicians for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Traditional method of radiography is still being practiced despite the invention and evolution of digitalization. Dental workplaces that practice conventional radiographic techniques must use numerous chemical solutions for X-ray film processing. All these chemical solutions necessitate specific handling and disposal techniques. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the knowledge on dental radiological waste management among dentists in Tamil Nadu. METHODOLOGY:A survey was performed for a sample size of 379 dental clinicians. A multiple‑choice response type of questionnaire was designed with close‑ended questions with a maximum choice of four responses. Responses were evaluated to extract the results. RESULTS: The result of this present study showed that total correct answers have been reported to be &lt;50%. This showed lack in knowledge among the dentists. CONCLUSIONS: Harmful dental radiographic wastes should be carefully disposed to minimize hazards to the environment. Although there is small amount of contribution of waste generated by individual, it’s eventual accumulation plays a pivotal role in affecting the environment and human health in various ways. Thus, it becomes exceedingly significant for proper disposal of waste products from conventional radiographs in lowering its impact on the surrounding environment. KEYWORDS: Radiographic waste, lead foil waste, silver waste.

Knowledge and attitude of pain management among Italian nurses in intensive care unit: a multicentric descriptive study.

The main objective of the study was to document the current knowledge and attitudes towards pain management among Italian nurses working in intensive care unit (ICU). A multicenter cross-sectional study design was carried out. In order to assess the knowledge and attitudes of pain management, the KASRP questionnaire was used. The questionnaire was submitted online through Google Forms platform. A total of 864 nurses completed and returned the study questionnaire (58% were males). The mean of the total correct answers was 31.21 (SD 2.92) out of 40 (total score if all items answered correctly) with range of 22-38. No significant differences were observed with regard to gender (t = 1.875, P = .061). Spearman's correlation test showed a positive significant relationship between knowledge and attitude of pain management and years of ICU experience (r = -.424, P <.001) and between knowledge and attitude of pain management and the attendance of a pain update course in the last 3 years (r= -0.83, P =.014). We haven't found any correlation neither between age and knowledge nor between age and attitude score (r = -0.32, P = .351). This study has shown that Italian ICU nurses have good level of pain management knowledge and attitudes of pain medication. It is recommended to consider pain management in the context of continuing professional development.

Knowledge about COVID-19 among Citizens in Thi-Qar Governorate/Iraq: an Online Survey

Epidemics of infectious disease, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), necessitates knowledgeassessment of pertinent populations as fast as possible because the findings are of great importance to thepublic health response. This study aims to (i) Assess the knowledge of Iraqi residents about COVID-19 and(ii) Identify the relationship between certain demographic features and the overall knowledge. This studywas conducted in Thi-Qar governorate/Iraq, the researcher used an electronic survey questionnaire (usinggoogle form), the Uniform Resource Locator was distributed through social media platforms with briefintroduction concerning the study. The tool of the study (questionnaire) involved of two parts: demographics(4 items) and knowledge questionnaire (3 sub-domains including 12 items). The total correct answers ratewas (88.1%). Lowest answers rate scored in routes of transmission sub-domain (82.5%) while control andprevention (92.7%) sub-domain scored the highest rate. Mean knowledge score of 10.57 (standard deviation:1.5, Range: 0-12). Also, results display highly significant relationships between overall knowledge anddemographic characteristics (P &lt;0.001).Conclusion: Most well-educated Iraqi residents, particularly males, are knowledgeable about COVID-19.However, this result should be generalized with caution due to limited sample representativeness.

A ketogenic drink improves cognition in mild cognitive impairment: Results of a 6-month RCT.

IntroductionCounteracting impaired brain glucose metabolism with ketones may improve cognition in mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsCognition, plasma ketone response, and metabolic profile were assessed before and 6 months after supplementation with a ketogenic drink containing medium chain triglyceride (ketogenic medium chain triglyceride [kMCT]; 15 g twice/day; n = 39) or placebo (n = 44).ResultsFree and cued recall (Trial 1; P = .047), verbal fluency (categories; P = .024), Boston Naming Test (total correct answers; P = .033), and the Trail‐Making Test (total errors; P = .017) improved significantly in the kMCT group compared to placebo (analysis of covariance; pre‐intervention score, sex, age, education, and apolipoprotein E4 as covariates). Some cognitive outcomes also correlated positively with plasma ketones. Plasma metabolic profile and ketone response were unchanged.ConclusionsThis kMCT drink improved cognitive outcomes in MCI, at least in part by increasing blood ketone level. These data support further assessment of MCI progression to Alzheimer's disease.

Evaluation of a mobile safety center's impact on pediatric home safety knowledge and device use

BackgroundA Mobile Safety Center (MSC) is designed to remove financial accessibility barriers to home safety by providing education and safety devices within local communities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an MSC on pediatric home safety knowledge and device use.MethodsWe conducted a prospective home safety interventional study. Parents and grandparents with children at home were recruited at community events attended by the MSC. Participants completed a pre-test survey assessing demographics and current home safety knowledge, practices, and device use. Participants then attended the MSC’s short home safety educational program. Afterwards, participants completed a knowledge reassessment post-test and were offered free safety devices: a smoke detector, a gun lock, and a childproofing kit comprising outlet covers, doorknob covers, and cabinet latches. We administered two follow-up surveys four weeks and six months after visiting the MSC. Descriptive statistics, Friedman tests, Wilcoxon Sum-Rank tests, and Pearson Chi-Square were used to assess respondent demographic characteristics and changes in home safety knowledge, practices, and device use.ResultsWe recruited 50 participants, of whom 29 (58%) completed follow-up 1, 30 (60%) completed follow-up 2, and 26 (52%) completed both. Participants who completed both follow-ups increased total correct answers to safety knowledge questions between the pre-test and post-test (p = 0.005), pre-test and follow-up 1 (p = 0.003), and pre-test and follow-up 2 (p = 0.012) with no significant changes between the post-test, follow-up 1, and follow-up 2. Of the respondents who reported accepting safety products, outlet covers were used most frequently, followed by the smoke detector, doorknob covers, cabinet latches, and the gun lock.ConclusionsThe MSC may be an effective means of increasing home safety among families with children, as participation in the MSC’s home safety educational program significantly increased home safety knowledge and spurred home safety device use. Implementation of MSCs could potentially reduce childhood injury rates within communities through promotion of home safety.

Awareness and Practices of Dental Students and Dentists Regarding Infection Control in Prosthodontic Clinics

Background:Patient safety is a priority for achieving higher quality health care standards and human error&gt; reduction.Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of appropriate infection control practices in a prosthodontic clinic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Methods:This cross-sectional study included 460 dental students and dentists recruited from five centers. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaires&gt; composed of 25 questions. The questionnaires&gt; assessed infection control practices in prosthodontic clinics, including wearable barriers, disinfection measures among patients, disinfection of laboratory submissions, and proper infection control. Other questions assessed sources of knowledge, self-evaluation of knowledge, implementation, and satisfaction with knowledge application.Results:Total correct answers for proper practice (16 questions) had a mean of 12.5 with a standard deviation of 2.8. The most commonly practiced procedure was wearing a mask (99.8%) and the least was sterilizing the facebow before its use by the patient (53.7%). Participants from governmental colleges (m = 13.67, SD = 2.17) had significantly higher scores than participants from private colleges (m = 12.35, SD = 2.9),p&lt;0.001. Only 2.8% had never attended a lecture, and only 13.8% had never had hands-on training for infection control. Despite 49.1% evaluating themselves as having very poor to poor knowledge, 90.7% had fair to very good valuation of their infection control implementations, and 87.6% were satisfied with their knowledge and performance levels.Conclusion:Dental students and dentists have high levels of adequate infection control practices in the prosthodontic clinic despite the moderate level of their satisfaction with their knowledge.

Peer education for medical students on health promotion and clinical risk management.

CONTEXT:Health promotion (HP) and clinical risk management (CRM) topics are seldom discussed during medical school lessons. Peer-assisted learning (PAL) has long occurred informally in medical education, and interest in this method has recently grown, as it is considered a valuable technique for both tutors and tutees.AIMS:The aim was to evaluate the impact of HP and CRM PAL intervention on medical students' (tutees) knowledge level.SETTINGS AND DESIGN:A PAL intervention has been implemented at Udine University medical school during 2017. It was composed of lectures and practical activities conducted by ten near-peer tutors.METHODS:The effectiveness has been evaluated by giving tutees: (1) a knowledge multiple-choice questionnaire, before and after the intervention; (2) a satisfaction questionnaire; and evaluating (3) tutees' group assignments.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:We performed descriptive analysis; then McNemar, Wilcoxon signed rank, Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney, and t-tests were applied.RESULTS:The number of students addressed by PAL intervention was 62. Difference in total correct answers among pre- and post-intervention questionnaires showed a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.0001), both when analyzing it globally and by area (HP/CRM). Students' satisfaction for CRM was greater than for HP area (P = 0.0041).CONCLUSIONS:This educational intervention based on PAL showed its effectiveness producing a statistically significant improvement in students' knowledge. Our findings confirm that PAL could be a feasible method for HP and CRM topics.

Knowledge and attitudes of nurses toward pain management.

Background:Pain control is a vitally important goal because untreated pain has detrimental impacts on the patients as hopelessness, impede their response to treatment, and negatively affect their quality of life. Limited knowledge and negative attitudes toward pain management were reported as one of the major obstacles to implement an effective pain management among nurses. The main purpose for this study was to explore Saudi nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward pain management.Methods:Cross-sectional survey was used. Three hundred knowledge and attitudes survey regarding pain were submitted to nurses who participated in this study. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS; version 17).Results:Two hundred and forty-seven questionnaires were returned response rate 82%. Half of the nurses reported no previous pain education in the last 5 years. The mean of the total correct answers was 18.5 standard deviation (SD 4.7) out of 40 (total score if all items answered correctly) with range of 3–37. A significant difference in the mean was observed in regard to gender (t = 2.55, P = 0.011) females had higher mean score (18.7, SD 5.4) than males (15.8, SD 4.4), but, no significant differences were identified for the exposure to previous pain education (P > 0.05).Conclusions:Saudi nurses showed a lower level of pain knowledge compared with nurses from other regional and worldwide nurses. It is recommended to considered pain management in continuous education and nursing undergraduate curricula.

Hepatitis B virus outreach to immigrant population in Greater Boston Area: Key to improving hepatitis B knowledge.

AIMTo characterize the understanding of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and determine if outreach improves HBV understanding among Greater Boston Area immigrants.METHODSSix outreach sessions were held in various community venues in the Greater Boston Area. Verbal consent was obtained from participants prior to starting each session. Each session included a pre-session questionnaire, followed by a teaching session, and then a post-session questionnaire. In person interpreters were present for translation during the teaching session and assistance for questionnaire completion when needed. The questions were developed based on the HBV clinical experience of physicians who serve largely immigrant populations. Questionnaires included Likert-type scale, open-ended, and true-false questions. All results were anonymous.RESULTSOne hundred and one people participated in this study. Participants were 30% male with ages ranging from 19 to 87 years. The study population included immigrants from 21 countries, as well as seven United States-born participants. The greatest numbers of participants were from Somalia (44%), Morocco (10%), and Cameroon (8%). Pre session questionnaires revealed that 42% of participants were unaware that HBV can cause cancer, and 50% were unaware that therapies for HBV exist. Our brief teaching intervention led to improved scores on post session questionnaires. For example, at baseline, 58% of participants responded correctly to the question “HBV infection can cause scarring of the liver and liver cancer”, whereas 79% of participants responded correctly after the teaching session (P = 0.01). Furthermore, the mean of total correct answers in the true or false portion of the questionnaire increased from 5.5 to 7.6 (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONA teaching session targeting Boston Immigrants at-risk for HBV helped improve scores on HBV knowledge questionnaires. Outreach may empower at-risk patients to pro-actively seek HBV care.