Mean Total Knowledge Score Research Articles

Knowledge and Attitudes About HPV Infection, HPV Vaccination, and Cervical Cancer Among Rural Southeast Asian Women

The incidence of cervical cancer in developing countries is high and even higher among women in rural areas in these countries. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer among young women in rural settings in a Southeast Asia country. A convenience sample of ethnically diverse young rural women in Malaysia was surveyed. Participants were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Among the participants (N = 449), knowledge of HPV, HPV vaccination, cervical screening, and cervical cancer risk factors was extremely poor. The mean total knowledge score (14 items) was 2.37 (SD ± 1.97). Although many had never heard of the newly released HPV vaccine, two-thirds professed an intention to receive the HPV vaccine. Intention to receive the vaccine was significantly associated with knowledge of cervical screening and cervical cancer risk factors (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.03-1.33; P = 0.013). Reasons for vaccine refusal were doubts about safety and efficacy of the new vaccine (27.4%), perceived embarrassment at receiving an STI vaccine (20.7%), and perception of not being at risk of HPV infection (20.0%). Providing HPV education to the rural residents is a high priority.

A novel school-based intervention to improve nutrition knowledge in children: cluster randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundImproving nutrition knowledge among children may help them to make healthier food choices. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of a novel educational intervention to increase nutrition knowledge among primary school children.MethodsWe developed a card game 'Top Grub' and a 'healthy eating' curriculum for use in primary schools. Thirty-eight state primary schools comprising 2519 children in years 5 and 6 (aged 9-11 years) were recruited in a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial. The main outcome measures were change in nutrition knowledge scores, attitudes to healthy eating and acceptability of the intervention by children and teachers.ResultsTwelve intervention and 13 control schools (comprising 1133 children) completed the trial. The main reason for non-completion was time pressure of the school curriculum. Mean total nutrition knowledge score increased by 1.1 in intervention (baseline to follow-up: 28.3 to 29.2) and 0.3 in control schools (27.3 to 27.6). Total nutrition knowledge score at follow-up, adjusted for baseline score, deprivation, and school size, was higher in intervention than in control schools (mean difference = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.05 to 2.16; p = 0.042). At follow-up, more children in the intervention schools said they 'are currently eating a healthy diet' (39.6%) or 'would try to eat a healthy diet' (35.7%) than in control schools (34.4% and 31.7% respectively; chi-square test p < 0.001). Most children (75.5%) enjoyed playing the game and teachers considered it a useful resource.ConclusionsThe 'Top Grub' card game facilitated the enjoyable delivery of nutrition education in a sample of UK primary school age children. Further studies should determine whether improvements in nutrition knowledge are sustained and lead to changes in dietary behaviour.

Evaluation of breast cancer awareness among female university students in Malaysia.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women of all ethnic and age groups in Malaysia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms and methods of screening among female university students and their perception towards the disease treatment outcomes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to March 2008 at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Two hundred participants from 10 randomly selected faculties were interviewed face to face by a trained pharmacist using a validated questionnaire. In addition to their demographic characteristics, participants were required to answer 22 questions concerning knowledge of breast cancer and five questions related to their perception of breast cancer management and treatment outcomes. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15. The mean age of the respondents was 26.7 (SD=1.9) years. The results showed that the vast majority of the female university students had inadequate knowledge of breast cancer. The mean total knowledge score of the students was 60.7%. Indian students had significantly less knowledge of breast cancer compared to their Chinese and Malay counterparts (p<0.05). However, more than two third of the students were aware of breast self examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE) recommendations. Furthermore, the students had positive perceptions towards the treatment outcomes of breast cancer. This study has highlighted the need of a breast cancer awareness campaign, which should also stress the importance of early detection and reporting of breast cancer.

Ethnically diverse female university students’ knowledge and attitudes toward human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccination and cervical cancer

Objective Cervical HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease among college-age women. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes towards HPV infection, HPV vaccination and cervical cancer among female university students, to provide insight into development of HPV educational information. Study design A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample. A total of 1083 ethnically diverse female students attending a public university were approached and 650 were interviewed. Results Knowledge regarding HPV, HPV vaccination, cervical screening and cervical cancer risk factors was remarkably poor. Across the sample, the mean total knowledge score (14-item) was only 3.25 (S.D. ±2.41; 95% CI 3.07–3.44). Only 10.3% had heard of the newly released HPV vaccine. Approximately 48% of participants indicated an intention to receive an HPV vaccine. Intention to receive an HPV vaccine was significantly associated with knowledge of HPV and genital warts (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.25–1.88), and knowledge of cervical screening and cervical cancer risk factors (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.11–1.33). Of those who refused HPV vaccination, 50.9% doubted the safety and efficacy of the new vaccine, and 41.5% perceived themselves as not at risk of HPV infection. Conclusion The findings suggest that providing education about the etiology of cervical cancer and the HPV link is an essential component to enhance HPV vaccine uptake.

Iranian Dental Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Towards HIV/AIDS Patients

Dental treatment procedures frequently involve blood and saliva that may be contaminated with HIV. The purpose of this cross-sectional survey was to assess Iranian dental students' knowledge of and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS patients. In 2008, a fifty-three-item self-administered questionnaire was conducted on all 750 dental students who participated in the 10(th) Dental Student Congress in Isfahan, Iran. The overall response rate to the questionnaire was 60.7 percent. The total mean knowledge and attitudes scores were 82.1 percent (excellent) and 57.4 percent (negative), respectively. There were no significant differences in the knowledge or attitude scores between male and female students. A majority of the students were aware of the association between HIV and oral candidiasis (98.1 percent), major aphthous (95.8 percent), and Kaposi's sarcoma (93.8 percent). Although a majority of the students had excellent knowledge (78.4 percent), only 1 percent had professional attitudes about treating patients with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, it is important that dental students, as future dentists, develop not only the necessary practical skills but also attitudes that will prepare them to treat HIV/AIDS patients.

Evaluation of a Web-based Teaching Module on Examination of the Hand

To evaluate the effectiveness of an online module in the development of medical students' clinical hand examination skills. We developed a Web-based module to teach examination of the hand to first-year medical students (n = 99) to address the core skills expected in undergraduate medical training in Canada. The module was compared to the standard recommended text and tutor-led teaching using a validated objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and a written knowledge test. A total of 17 students completed the OSCE from the book-based learning group, 18 from the tutor-led group, and 26 from the online module group. The average total OSCE score was significantly higher for students in the online module group compared to the textbook group (73.2% and 60.5%, respectively; p = 0.003). There was no significant difference between students in the online module and tutor-led groups (73.2% and 69.0%, respectively; p = 0.31). The online module group had a significantly higher mean total knowledge score than the textbook group (8.4 and 5.7, respectively; p < 0.001; maximum score 10) and the tutor-led group (8.4 and 7.4, respectively; p = 0.04). Our study provides evidence that a well designed Web-based module, supported by sound educational theory, is an effective tool in the teaching of musculoskeletal examination skills, and provides some advantages over tutor-led teaching in terms of knowledge retention.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients on Ramadan Fasting at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/39-1-5253 Objective: To assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of type 2 diabetes patients regarding Ramadan fasting. Study Design: A cross-sectional study done at the outpatient clinic hospital at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Two hundred and forty three type 2 diabetes patients who attended the outpatient clinic were given a self-administered questionnaire. Two-way analysis ofvariance (2-way ANOVA) was used to test differences ofthe total mean score of knowledge, attitude, and practice between genders and between those who received health education and those who did not. Result: Knowledge deficits were identified for symptoms of hypoglycemia, correct practice during fasting, and problems that may arise from fasting. A positive attitude was noted for self-control of the disease and the ability to fast. Medications were adjusted according to doctors' advice. The majority ate the predawn meal, but only 15.69% had supper, and 16.09% never took simple sugars on breaking fast. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes patients exhibited a good attitude toward Ramadan fasting despite deficits in knowledge and inappropriate practice.

Are physicians aware of obstructive sleep apnea in children?

Background and purpose Childhood obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects 1–3% of preschool children. If left untreated, it can result in serious morbidity including growth retardation, cor pulmonale, and neurocognitive deficits, such as poor learning and behavioral problems. Early recognition and treatment is important to prevent morbidity and sequela and to provide better quality of life both for the child and his or her family members. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the knowledge and attitude physicians have about pediatric OSA, using the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes in Children (OSAKA-KIDS) questionnaire. Patients and methods The first section of the OSAKA-KIDS questionnaire, which includes 18 items presented in a true-or-false format, was developed to assess the knowledge physicians have about pediatric OSA. The second section, including five items, was developed to assess attitudes and was measured on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. Results A total of 230 questionnaires were completed by physicians: 138 (60.3%) pediatricians, 70 (30.5%) general practitioners and 21 (9.2%) pulmonologists. The mean total knowledge score was 66.7%. The knowledge score positively correlated with having sub-specialty training ( r=0.205, P=0.002) and negatively correlated with having a higher degree ( r=−0.283, P<0.001). The mean total attitude score was 3.4. The knowledge score positively correlated with the attitude score ( r=0.27, P<0.001). Conclusions This study shows that among physicians there are deficits in knowledge about childhood OSA and its treatment. More focused educational programs are needed within medical schools and within pediatric residency and post-graduate training programs.

Effect of a Training Program on Physicians’ Knowledge Regarding Family Medicine

Egypt’s Health Sector Reform Program (HSRP) has envisioned a shift in Primary Health Care (PHC) provision approach to the concept of Family Medicine (FM). Within the reform strategies, the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) has performed continuous efforts in training General Practitioners (GPs) and medical graduates working in PHC facilities in FM either in Egyptian universities or abroad. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of a training program on PHC physicians, by measuring their knowledge about (FM) aspects, before and after the training course. A 44 days’ training program was provided to 20 PHC physicians in San Stefano FM center, Alexandria Governorate. The main objective of this course was to prepare the trainees for working in family practice. A self-administered questionnaire was designed to assess the physicians’ knowledge about different aspects of PHC and FM, both before and after the training. The results of the present study revealed that 70% of the physicians were males, in the age group 40 to <50 years. None of them had post graduate degrees in PHC and/or FM, and 40% had no training courses at all. A minority received 3 months training courses in FM either in the United Kingdom or in Saudi Arabia. The effectiveness of the training program was proved by the significant improvement in the mean total knowledge score of the physicians, from 75.15 in the pre-test, to 94 in the post-test. Also, similar significant improvement occurred in the mean knowledge score of 7 out of 11 subscales. Moreover 85% of the physicians had good knowledge in the post-test in comparison to 25% in the pre-test and none of them had poor knowledge in the post-test in comparison to 10% in the pre-test. This highlights the importance of Continuing Medical Education (CME) as well as training course in increasing physicians’ competency and ability to cope with new vision for delivering good quality health care.

Oncology Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences Regarding Advance Directives

To determine oncology nurses' knowledge of, attitudes toward, and experiences with advance directives (ADs). Descriptive, correlation survey. Usable responses from 794 (21% return) of 3,840 randomly selected members of the Oncology Nursing Society. The typical respondent was female, Caucasian, married or living as married, middle-aged, and Christian. A mailed survey using the Knowledge, Attitudinal, and Experiential Survey on Advance Directives instrument. Knowledge, attitudes, experiences, confidence, and ADs. Overall, oncology nurses were most knowledgeable about ADs in general (70% correct) and less knowledgeable about the Patient Self-Determination Act (51% correct) and their state laws (53% correct). The mean total knowledge score based on the three subscales was 17.4 out of a possible 30, or 58% correct. The nurses' experience with ADs was measured using a five-item subscale with a mean score of 4 (SD = 1.11). They were less confident in their ability to assist patients with completing ADs. Respondent attitudes reflected an advocacy role in end-of-life decisions. Attitude items were reviewed individually. Respondents strongly agreed (97%) with the statement that patients should receive sufficient medication to relieve pain even though it may hasten death, which reflects the emphasis in oncology on adequate pain management at the end of life. Nurses' knowledge scores were low. Nurses in the study were not highly confident in their ability to assist patients with ADs. Demographic variables generally did not influence knowledge, confidence, or experience scores. More education related to ADs is needed and could be administered through in-service classes or continuing education. Nurses' responses indicated that they need more time to assist patients with completing ADs. This is difficult in the current practice environment but must be recognized as critically important.

Survey of the knowledge, attitudes and experiences of Western Australian women in relation to prenatal screening and diagnostic procedures.

To determine the knowledge, attitudes and experiences of women in Western Australia (WA) regarding prenatal procedures. A self-administered mail survey. The survey was sent to all women who gave birth during July 2001 (n = 1801). The participants were 633 women aged 15-45. The mean total knowledge score was 16 out of a possible 26 (62%). The average score for all three attitude factors was four, 'agree', on a Likert scale of five. Women who reported they had private health insurance and women in the metropolitan area had significantly higher knowledge levels and had significantly more positive attitudes towards the adequacy of information. Those who did not have a screening test had less positive attitudes towards the value of the tests and had less confidence in results. Those with higher educational attainments had higher knowledge and less positive attitudes towards the value of the tests. Women felt positive towards the value of the tests, were confident in their results and felt positive towards the adequacy of information; however, their understanding of this information seems to be poor. It seems that the choice to undergo testing is not well informed. It was clear women need more support, information, explanations, and more time to absorb the information.

Self-care behaviors among patients with heart failure

Background: One way to prevent frequent hospitalizations and promote positive health outcomes among patients with heart failure (HF) is to ensure that the amount and quality of self-care used is appropriate to the patient's situation. Objectives: The following are the purposes of this study: (a) examine the frequency of performance of self-care behaviors, (b) describe personal and environmental factors (basic conditioning factors [BCFs]) that affect self-care behaviors, and (c) describe the relationship between the level of knowledge patients have to empower their performance of self-care and the actual performance of self-care behaviors. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was guided by Orem's theory of self-care. One hundred ten participants, predominantly African Americans, who were outpatients or inpatients ready for hospital discharge, 18 years or older, and diagnosed with HF that was confirmed by an ejection fraction of 40% or less were conveniently selected from 1 of 2 sites. Data were collected with 2 investigator-developed instruments: the Revised Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale and the Heart Failure Knowledge Test. Descriptive statistics, correlational analyses, and t tests for independent samples were used to analyze the data. Results: Three of the top 5 most frequently performed self-care behaviors were related to taking prescribed medications, and the 5 least frequently performed self-care behaviors were concerned with symptom monitoring or management. There were no significant relationships between the total self-care behavior score and any of the BCFs; however, a number of significant relationships between BCFs and individual self-care behaviors were observed. There was a significant relationship between the mean total knowledge score and the total mean self-care score (r = 0.21, P =.026). Conclusion: Detailed information about the influence of BCFs on the performance of specific HF self-care behaviors can help nurses tailor interventions to the patient's situation. (Heart Lung® 2002;31:161-72.)

Effect of Antenatal Education on Pregnant Women

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and educational need of pregnant women relating to antepartum, delivery, puerperium period and to identify the variables which influenced their knowledge and educational need. The study subjects were 77 antepartum women who had antenatal educations and 106 antepartum women who did not have antenatal education. Number of total antepartum women were 183. Data were collected from women who visited for antenatal care at general hospitals and public health centers in Pusan and Kyungnam area using qestionnaires from Feb. 1. 1998 to Apr. 20. 1998. SAS/PC program was used for data analysis. ; Chi-square test, t-test, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, ANOVA(Duncan procedure) and MANOVA. The results of this study were as follows: 1. Relating to the antepartum period between two groups, the knowledge about the number of antenatal care was low, relating to labor the knowledge about the time fix the fetal position and relating to postpartum, the knowledge about the change of blood pressure and body temperature was low. 2. The comparision means of knowledge were adjusted by social demographic characteristics related to knowledge. There were statistically significant differences in total mean score of knowledge about pregnancy, delivery and postpartum between two groups. In full marks 19, the mean scores of the educational group and non-educational group were 13.08 and 11.74 respectively (P=.000). In resultly, there are statistically significant differences between two groups. The effectiveness of antenatal education group was very high and showed its importance. 3. The comparision means of educational need were adjusted by social demographic characteristics related to educational need. The mean scores of educational need were statistically significantly different in pregnancy, delivery and puerperium period. 4. There were positive correlations between the knowledge and educational level, duration of marriage and total numbers of pregnancy. There were negative correlation between the educational need and age, educational level, duration of marriage and total number of pregnancy. The above results showed the effects of antenatal education.

The practice of pediatric sleep medicine: results of a community survey.

To assess knowledge, screening, evaluation, treatment practices, and attitudes regarding sleep disorders in children and adolescents in a large sample of community-based and academic pediatricians. Cross-sectional survey. Six hundred twenty-six pediatricians in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. INTRUMENT: The Pediatric Sleep Survey, a 42-item questionnaire assessing general and specific sleep knowledge categories; clinical screening, diagnostic, and treatment practices for common pediatric sleep disorders; and practitioner attitudes regarding the impact of sleep disorders in the clinical setting and as a public health issue. On the knowledge section, the mean Total Knowledge score for the respondents was 18.1 +/- 3.5 out of 30 items, with 23.5% of the sample responding correctly on half or less of the items. Pediatricians scored highest on items relating to developmental and behavioral aspects of sleep and parasomnias, whereas the mean percentage of correct responses was <50% for items relating to sleep disordered breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep movement disorders. Although only 16.5% and 18.2% of the sample reported not screening routinely for sleep disorders in infants and toddlers, this percentage rose to 43.9% in adolescents. Furthermore, only 38.3% regularly question the adolescents themselves about their sleep. Only about one quarter of the respondents screen toddlers and school-aged children for snoring. In evaluating and treating pediatric sleep problems, 53.2% of the sample never or rarely order overnight sleep studies to assess for obstructive sleep apnea and few use alternative treatment strategies, such as continuous positive airway pressure. A quarter of the sample at least occasionally recommends diphenhydramine and almost half suggests a psychological evaluation for children with night terrors. Finally, the percent of pediatricians rating the impact on children of sleep problems in a variety of domains as important or very important ranged from 49.7% (nonintentional injuries) to 92.6% (academic performance). However, only 46% of the sample felt confident or very confident about their own ability to screen for sleep problems, whereas 34.2% and 25.3% similarly rated their ability to evaluate and treat sleep problems in children. The results of this survey suggest that there are still significant gaps among practicing pediatricians both in basic knowledge about pediatric sleep disorders, and in the translation of that knowledge into clinical practice. Despite their acknowledgment of the importance of sleep problems, many pediatricians fail to screen adequately for them, especially in older children and adolescents. Additional educational efforts regarding pediatric sleep issues are warranted, and should be targeted at the medical school, postgraduate training, and continuing medical education levels.

A Comparison of Body Image, Attitudes Toward and Knowledge of Nutrition and Exercise with Dietary Intake and Activity Levels of Professional Firefighters

Study participants were 104 professional firefighters from a large Midwestern city. Questionnaires were administered at the fire stations during a work day and body composition data was collected during annual physical assessments. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.6 ± 3.5kg/meter2. Knowledge, attitude, and body image scores were based on a Likert-type scale with 75% or better indicating a strong understanding or positive attitude. Mean body image score of 49.0 ± 7.1 (75% = 56.3) and mean total attitude score of 39.6 ± 5.3 (75% = 41.3) indicate slightly negative body image and attitude. Mean total knowledge score of 62.6 ±6.5 (75% = 60.0) reflects a strong understanding of nutrition and physical activity. Mean physical activity score (8.5 ± 0.89) was measured using the Baecke Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity. Dietary intake was assessed using the Block Screening Questionnaire for Fat and Fruit/Vegetable/ Fiber Intake. Mean fat score (19.0 ± 7.7) indicates some low-fat food choices are being made, but more low-fat foods could be included in the diet. Mean fruit/vegetable/ fiber score (16.3 ± 4.6) indicates diets are low in important nutrients and fruit, vegetable, and fiber consumption need to improve. Total knowledge score was positively associated with physical activity (r=0.243. p<0.05) and fiber score (r=0.323, p<0.01), and negatively associated with fat score (r=−0.161, p<0.05). Total opinion score was positively associated with physical activity (r=0.434 p<0.01) and fiber score (r=0.113, p<0.05), and negatively associated with fat score (r=-0.212, p<0.05). Body image score was negatively associated with BMI (r=-0.40, p<0.01). Substantial relationships exist between knowledge and attitude, and actual physical activity and dietary intake. This data will be useful for providing future education and intervention programs about nutrition and physical activity for professional firefighters.

Drug information for the mentally ill: A randomized controlled trial

Drugs play a significant role in maintaining the health of the mentally ill Lack of information is known to be one of the chief reasons for patients' failure to adhere to prescribed regimens. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of drug information leaflets for mentally ill patients on knowledge and satisfaction concerning psychotropic drug therapy. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 249 adult general psychiatry patients (124 inpatients and 125 community patients), half assigned to the invervention (i.e., patient information leaflets; these patients also received the usual information) (n = 120) and half receiving the usual information only (n = 129). The assessments were made using a semi-structured questionnaire. The mean total knowledge score was significantly higher with intervention in both acute and community patients. Analysis of individual aspects of knowledge showed a marked lack of knowledge in the areas of side-effects and precautions, which improved significantly with intervention. Patients in the community showed a greater awareness of their drug therapy than did inpatients. Improvement in knowledge was evident in all diagnostic groups. There was no significant relationship with age, sex, level of education and number of drugs. Overall, 60% of controls and 79% of leaflet patients were satisfied with their drug information. Patient information leaflets provided a useful source of reference for the patients and the carers.