Health Science University Students Research Articles

HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge and Willingness to Participate in Voluntary Counseling and Testing among Health Sciences University Students

Introduction: Health sciences university students (HSUS) are susceptible to HIV infection due to frequent contact with patients whose HIV status is unknown. This study aimed to compare the HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and the willingness to participate in VCT among HSUS, analyzing the differences between groups, and correlation and effect between variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 357 HSUS from the faculty of nursing, pharmacy, psychology and medicine at an accredited university. Samples were selected using simple random sampling. Data analysis used descriptive statistic, Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA test, and linear regression test (α<0.05).Results: Most respondents were 20-21 years old single female who still live with parents, exposed to HIV/AIDS material twice/more via academic activities; lack of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge (51.5%), highest mean found in medical students (73.1%); willing enough to participate in VCT (83.5%), highest mean found in nursing students (86.4%). No correlation found between variables (p=0.101), and the regression model was not significant (p=0.101). HIV/AIDS-related knowledge contributed only 0.8% influence on the willingness to participate in VCT among HSUS (R2=0.008), other unidentified factors possibly play a more important role.Conclusion: Besides knowledge, other factors like demographic factors, social determinants, close person, health education, fear, and HIV-related stigma may affect the willingness to participate in VCT among HSUS. HSUS's knowledge about HIV/AIDS was low but their willingness to participate in VCT was quite high. HIV/AIDS-related knowledge has a slight contribution in determining HSUS's willingness to participate in VCT. Further analysis of other potential factors is needed to determine stronger predictors.

Tolerance of intimate partner violence and sexist attitudes among health sciences students from three Spanish universities

ObjectiveTo explore university health science students’ intimate partner violence tolerance and sexist attitudes and to examine their trend throughout the academic years. MethodsCross-sectional study of students of both sexes of the degrees of medicine, nursing, and psychology from three selected Spanish universities (n = 1,322). Data were collected anonymously using two validated scales: the Dating Violence Questionnaire (DVQ-R) and the Gender Role Attitudes Scale (GRAS). Logistic regressions were used to compare tolerance toward violence and sexist attitudes across the degrees. The evolution of these variables throughout different academic courses was assessed. ResultsOf the sample, 62.8% were tolerant towards intimate partner violence. The percentage of tolerant students was significantly higher in Psychology (75.9%) than in Nursing (57.7%) and Medicine Degrees (60.3%). A higher percentage of sexist students was also found in psychology students (80.8%) than in nursing (62.2%) and medicine students (62.7%). Compared to the first-year students, female medicine students of the last courses were less tolerant to intimate partner violence (p-trend <0.001), and male medicine students had less sexist attitudes (p-trend = 0.002). ConclusionsTolerance of intimate partner violence and sexist attitudes were very high, especially among psychology students. These indicators were significantly better among medicine students of higher courses, suggesting a positive effect of medical training. Intimate partner violence in the university education of the future health professionals should be addressed..

Basic Life Support Training Methods for Health Science Students: A Systematic Review.

The acquisition of competencies in basic life support (BLS) among university students of health sciences requires specific and updated training; therefore, the aim of this review was to identify, evaluate, and synthesise the available scientific knowledge on the effect of training in cardiorespiratory resuscitation in this population. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, CUIDEN, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, CINAHL, and Cochrane, including all randomised clinical trials published in the last ten years that evaluated basic life support training methods among these students. We selected a total of 11 randomissed clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria. Participants were nursing and medicine students who received theoretical and practical training in basic life support. The studies showed a great heterogeneity in training methods and evaluators, as did the feedback devices used in the practical evaluations and in the measurement of quality of cardiorespiratory resuscitation. In spite of the variety of information resulting from the training methods in basic life support, we conclude that mannequins with voice-guided feedback proved to be more effective than the other resources analysed for learning.

Predictors of LGBT Recognition by Health Sciences University Students in Japan

Background: This study aimed to identify the predictors of LGBT recognition by health sciences university students in Japan. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that used quantitative data collected from 481 returned self-report questionnaires distributed to 866 health sciences undergraduate and graduate students. The following survey item and scales were used for measuring the main outcomes: Thoughts about sexual identity, Empathy scale, Objectivity scale, and LGBT recognition scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple regression analyses. SPSS ver. 23.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data analysis at a 5% significance level. Results: The number of returned questionnaires was 481 (55.5%). There was no significant difference in the LGBT recognition and the participant’s characteristics (e.g., age and medical history). The 5 significant predictors of LGBT recognition were: 1) Empathy (β = 0.19, p LGBT learning experience (β = 0.18, p Objectivity (β = 0.15, p Sexual problem with a close person (β = 0.13, p Suffering from gender identity (β = 0.09, p Empathy, LGBT learning experience, Objectivity, Sexual problem with a close person, and Suffering from gender identity. Careful development and implementation of LGBT educational programs are needed to better understand the situations and ideas of LGBT parties to enhance their recognition.

Awareness and practice of testicular self-examination among regular undergraduate male health sciences university students, Debre Tabor, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common cancer among 15–35-year-old males and the incidence is increasing. This form of cancer is easily diagnosable by testicular self-examination (TSE) and is 96% curable if detected early. Objective: To assess awareness and practice of testicular self-examination among regular undergraduate Male Health Sciences University students, Debre Tabor, North West Ethiopia. Patients and Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. The study participants were stratified based on their year of study and selected by simple random sampling method. Pretested and structured self-administered questionnaire were used. The data were entered to EpiData version 3.1 statistical software and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0 for analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify associated factors. P Conclusion: knowledge and practice of TSE among respondents were poor. The reason not to perform TSE, as revealed in the study was not caring the examination and lack of knowledge toward TSE. They are unaware of their risk for TC, which is the most common neoplasm in this age group. Providing regular health education toward TSE is important to improve the knowledge of.

Evaluation of Knowledge, Perception, and Risk Awareness About Breast Cancer and Its Treatment Outcome Among University of Gondar Students, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Breast cancer is among the most common life-threatening public health problems of global concern including Ethiopia. Knowledge and awareness about the disease will help to reduce the number of cases who present at late stages of the disease. The objective of this survey was to assess the knowledge, perception and risk awareness about breast cancer among female medical and health science students of University of Gondar, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted from May 03 to June 01, 2017 at University of Gondar, Ethiopia. Three hundred students were proportionally selected from nine departments using simple random sampling method. Using a structured questionnaire data on risk factors, symptoms and perception about breast cancer and its management approach was collected. Data were entered to and analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results: A total of 300 students had fully completed the survey making the response rate 95.24. The participants' mean age was 21.4 years with the standard deviation (SD) of 2.13 years. The overall level of knowledge on breast cancer was low. Majority of the participants were unaware for complex risk factors such as first child after the age of 30 years (51%), early onset of menses (55.3%), and menopause after the age of 55 years (47.7%) are liked with breast cancer even though they acknowledged old age, family history, and smoking as possible risk factors for breast cancer. Pain in the breast region, change in the shape of the breast, and nipple discharge were the most frequently correctly identified symptoms of breast cancer. Majority of the study participants had also correct beliefs about breast cancer management and its outcomes. however, they had negative perception of breast cancer treatment by considering it to be a long-term and painful process. In binary logistic regression analysis department (p = 0.000) and year of study (p = 0.008) were found to be an independent predicting factors for knowledge among the study participants.Conclusions: The overall level of knowledge on breast cancer and clinical breast examination guidelines was found to be low even though majority had positive perception toward the treatment and its outcomes. Hence, intensive breast health awareness campaign, which should also stress on the importance of early detection and reporting, is necessary to improve the knowledge about breast cancer.

Knowledge attitude and practice on dengue among university students

Background: Knowledge, awareness, and practice regarding dengue are important to be cultivated especially among the young generation. This study was commenced to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of dengue fever among undergraduate health science students of University of Science Malaysia, beside to determine the relationship between knowledge regarding dengue and practice of dengue prevention.Methods: Cross sectional survey among 250 undergraduate students was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward dengue using a standardized questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS through a few statistical analyses.Results: Majority of the students had moderate level of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward dengue fever. There was a significant, positive, weak correlation between knowledge and practice regarding dengue fever (p&lt;0.05).Conclusions: Level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dengue fever among the students could be increased. Social media could be used as an important medium in delivering information on dengue especially among the youths. Effort must be put to translate the components of knowledge into good practice of dengue prevention.

Health anxiety and cyberchondria among Ege University health science students

It is common among health science students to incorrectly believe that they have contracted certain diseases they have recently studied. This can also be seen in the form of health anxiety and investigating health-related information via the internet.Health anxiety, cyberchondria and affecting factors are determined among health science students.The study was conducted at the faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing in 2016–2017 with the participation of 874 students. The data were gathered using a questionnaire as well as health anxiety and cyberchondria severity scales.In the presence of a health problem, 14.2% of students seek health information via the internet. 83.7% use mobile phone to access the internet, ¼ of students conduct health scanning once a week or more. To 65.4%, internet information is correct at medium and above level.No statistically significant difference was found with respect to students' gender, high school, places they lived before, parents' education and scales' scores. The cyberchondria scores of students with health problems are higher in the whole scale and in “distress and mistrust of medical professional” subscales.As the frequency of scanning on the internet increases, the scores of cyberchondria also increase significantly. Medical students had significantly higher scores in “distress, excessiveness and reassurance” subscales. Male students' “mistrust of medical professional and compulsion” subscales scores were also higher.It was determined that the presence of the health problem was effective on the cyberchondria. Identification of somatoform problems like health anxiety and cyberchondria may help to regulate the education program.

Factorial structure of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 as a depression screening instrument for university students in Cartagena, Colombia

Previous studies on the factorial structure of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) have yielded divergent results, and there is no consensus on which factorial structure provides a more adequate fit. In Colombia, no precise method to estimate the factorial structure of the PHQ-9 has been used. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the factorial structure of the PHQ-9 as a depression screening tool in university students of Colombia from a model of two factors previously studied. The PHQ-9 was applied to 550 health science university students. A factorial confirmatory analysis was carried out using a structural equations model and invariance analysis. The model with one somatic factor and one non-somatic factor, achieved a better fit with invariance by gender. The PHQ-9 used as a depression screening tool used in university students in Cartagena revealed two factors, one somatic and one non-somatic with measurement invariance by gender.

Disposición para la donación de sangre y órganos en estudiantes de medicina de Villavicencio, Colombia

IntroductionDespite scientific advances in transplantation to improve survival and quality of life, donors are scarce in Colombia, and no data is available from Villavicencio. Materials and methodA pilot study was conducted to establish blood and organ donation propensity in students of medicine from Villavicencio, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was designed in 2014. Medicine, dentistry, nurse, veterinary, and nurse assistant students were included, using a non-probabilistic sampling method, as well as general population. Results and statistical analysisA total of 732 students were surveyed, with the majority female (66.1%), and ages ranging from 16 to 75 years old. Willingness to donate blood was 88.7% and organs after death was 76%. ConclusionsThere is a general willingness to donate blood and organs in Villavicencio, especially in young university students of health sciences, as well as students of medicine. The main concern for donation was fear of organ trafficking and some beliefs.

Assessment of dietary intake in Spanish university students of health sciences

IntroductionNutritional intake during early ages has been associated to disease onset later in life. This study aimed to assess dietary intake in Spanish university students of health sciences as compared to national recommended dietary intakes (DRIs). MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted including 585 university students of health sciences aged 18–25 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a 72-h diet recall. A control group was selected from Spanish National Dietary Intake Survey (ENIDE) data. ResultsIntake of energy, protein, fat, fatty acids, and cholesterol was significantly lower (p<0.001) in university students compared to controls, while fiber intake showed the opposite trend (p<0.001). Total fat and carbohydrate intake was consistent with recommendations, but protein intake was lower than recommended. Intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) was markedly higher than nutrition goals, while intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) was lower. Both students and the reference control group did not reach the optimal dietary intake of iodine and vitamins D and E, while sodium intake was excessive in both groups. ConclusionsDietary habits of university students were mainly characterized by low intakes of energy, protein, fats, fatty acids, and cholesterol, and high intake of fiber as compared to the general population. Intake of iodine and vitamins D and E was low, while sodium intake was excessive in both university students and the general population. Dietary interventions should be considered to prevent nutritional deficiencies and to ensure a balanced diet.

Knowledge And Attitude Towards Ageing Among Health Science University Students

BACKGROUND: Health Science graduates are increasingly in demand for improving and providing life services among the ageing population. Having substantial knowledge and positive attitude towards ageing will be a key step towards better care giving. However, to date there is limited published literature regarding knowledge and attitude towards ageing among health science students in Malaysia. The objective of our study was to assess knowledge and attitudes towards ageing among health science students. METHODOLOGY: A total of 786 (120 male, 666 female) health science undergraduates participated in this study. This cross-sectional study was conducted using Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz I (FAQ I) and Kogan’s Attitudes towards Older People (KAOP) to assess knowledge of ageing and attitudes towardsolder adults respectively. RESULTS: Majority of students in clinical (69.6%) and non-clinical programmes (65.6%) showed moderate knowledge towards ageing. More than two-third of students in clinical (77.2%) and non-clinical programs (75.8%) demonstrated a slightly positive attitude towards ageing. A significant moderate positive correlation (r=.308, p< 0.05) was found between knowledge of ageing and attitudes towards older adults. Clinical type of programme (t = -1.97, p <0 .05) and Malay ethnicity (t = 2.37, p < 0.001) were significant factors that influenced both knowledge and attitudes towards ageing.CONCLUSION: Health science students demonstrated a moderate knowledge and positive attitude towards ageing. Refining the current geriatric care curriculum with integration of experiential learning may further enhance knowledge and attitude towards ageing in health science students.

Assessment of dietary intake in Spanish university students of health sciences

IntroductionNutritional intake during early ages has been associated to disease onset later in life. This study aimed to assess dietary intake in Spanish university students of health sciences as compared to national recommended dietary intakes (DRIs). MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted including 585 university students of health sciences aged 18–25 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a 72-h diet recall. A control group was selected from Spanish National Dietary Intake Survey (ENIDE) data. ResultsIntake of energy, protein, fat, fatty acids, and cholesterol was significantly lower (p<0.001) in university students compared to controls, while fiber intake showed the opposite trend (p<0.001). Total fat and carbohydrate intake was consistent with recommendations, but protein intake was lower than recommended. Intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) was markedly higher than nutrition goals, while intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) was lower. Both students and the reference control group did not reach the optimal dietary intake of iodine and vitamins D and E, while sodium intake was excessive in both groups. ConclusionsDietary habits of university students were mainly characterized by low intakes of energy, protein, fats, fatty acids, and cholesterol, and high intake of fiber as compared to the general population. Intake of iodine and vitamins D and E was low, while sodium intake was excessive in both university students and the general population. Dietary interventions should be considered to prevent nutritional deficiencies and to ensure a balanced diet.

Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude of First Aid Among Health Sciences University Students

Objective: As the incidence of emergencies has steadily increased in recent years, it is important to en-sure that individuals, including university students, are adequately trained to deal with such events. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of, and attitudes towards, first aid among IIUM Kuantan campus students. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey with stratified random sam-pling study was conducted among 348 students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire which was adapted from Hong Kong Red Cross. The questionnaire was available in both English and the Malay language. Results: A total of 42.8% participants had a moderate level of first aid knowledge. However, 90.8% participants had aware-ness of and a positive attitude towards first aid knowledge. On the other hand, 55.4% of study participants had not experienced taking first aid courses and they had little knowledge of this. There were significant associations between gender, Kulliyyah or faculty, year of study, and first aid training experience, and the level of first aid knowledge based on a one-way ANOVA test with p-values of &lt; 0.05 representing statistical significance. Conclusion: The findings indicate that most health sciences university students have good awareness and attitudes towards first aid. Nevertheless, implementation of regular educational programs with structured modules may be able to improve their knowledge of first aid practices and skills.

Dysmenorrhea among University Health Science Students, Northern Ethiopia: Impact and Associated Factors.

Background It is estimated that more than half of all women in adolescence age suffer from dysmenorrhea and it often interferes with their daily physical and emotional aspects. It is the leading cause of short-term school absenteeism and is associated with a negative impact on academic and daily activities. Objectives To investigate impacts of dysmenorrhea, factors associated with it, and its self-management strategies used by health science students. Methods A cross-sectional institution based study was conducted among 246 Mekelle University health science students selected by stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using self-administered semistructured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16. Results The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 71.8%. Participants who had long menstrual cycle interval, long menses flows, and positive family history and who were alcohol users were more likely to had dysmenorrhea. Participants reported that 28.6% feel depressed, 16.2% are absent from class, and 22.9% had poor personal relationship due to dysmenorrhea and 78.2% of them practiced self-medication. Conclusion Dysmenorrhea is common among Mekelle University health science students and it is major problem representing the cause of feeling depressed, poor personal relationship, and class absenteeism. Majority of the study participants used self-medication to treat dysmenorrhea.

Self-medication with Antibiotics in Health Science and non-Health Science University Students

Self-medication is a very common practice in the Spanish university cohort due to the easy access to medicine both with and without a medical prescription, which can cause numerous health problems due to irresponsible use of pharmaceutical drugs and the masking of symptoms that could be indicative of major diseases. The therapeutic breach or the abuse of antibiotics in this group can produce bacterial resistance and generate a great cost to health services. This descriptive study utilizes 135 students from the University of Extremadura (Spain) divided by Health Science and non-Health Science programs for which a survey was provided online to gather information on the population and the most common habits of self-medication in order to determine the need for programs on health education and to determine the information that students possess on the rational use of these medicines. The results showed high percentages of self-medication with antibiotics in students who lived in their family’s home and took courses in non-Health Science studies due to disinformation concerning basic pharmacology. In addition, antibiotic treatment was abandoned in 89% of cases when symptoms disappeared. In conclusion, non-health sciences students demonstrate misperceptions and limited knowledge about the correct use of medicines. Students who self-medicate with antibiotics are more likely to live in their family home and have non-health sciences areas of study. They are also more likely to stop antibiotic treatment early once the symptoms for which they took the medication resolve. This could be related to the lack of information about the correct use of medicines. Programs in health education in schools and a greater presence of nursing in the education of children could cause a shift in behavior in future generations.

Self-medication with Antibiotics in Health Science and non-Health Science University Students

Self-medication with Antibiotics in Health Science and non-Health Science University Students

Attracting the interprofessional collaboration between physical therapy, speech therapy and ABSN nursing students working with patients diagnosed with stroke during simulation

The purpose of this mixed methods interprofessional simulation was to assess health science university students in physical therapy, speech therapy, and nursing to the positive role of interprofessional collaboration by means of a live actor stroke simulation. The interprofessional simulation was divided into two segments which was comprised of: 1) the application of various teaching methods and orientation to the simulation lab, and 2) taking part in the organized simulated interprofessional care plan and subsequently participating in the debriefing and self-reflective exercises learning experiences. Logistic regression was used to measure quantitative outcomes including the Simulation Evaluation Survey questionnaire. The results were statistically significant. Qualitative data was obtained during simulation debriefing sessions, and was coded and analyzed. Incorporating the importance of inter-professional collaboration in professional program students helps promote team work, leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, and communication. The authors recommend incorporating interprofessional simulation in the curriculum for health care educational programs.

E-Health literacy of medical and health sciences university students in Mashhad, Iran in 2016: a pilot study.

BackgroundIn order to provide a better healthcare education to the society, health care students should have an acceptable electronic health (E-Health) literacy.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the level of E-Health literacy of Medicine and Health Sciences university students in Mashhad, Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on 192 students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences using a validated Persian translate of the E-Health literacy scale (P-EHEALS) questionnaire in 2016. Demographic data including age, monthly income, level of education, preference of website for obtaining health related information and minutes of Internet use per day were obtained from the subjects. Independent-samples t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for comparison between groups, and Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression were used to assess the correlation between study parameters and EHEALS score using SPSS version 21.ResultsA total of 192 (67.2% female and 32.8% male) subjects with mean age of 24.71±5.30 years participated in the study. Mean P-EHEALS score of the subjects was 28.21±6.95. There was a significant difference in P-EHEALS score between genders (p<0.001), department (p=0.001), education level (p<0.001) and health status (p=0.003) as well as monthly income (p=0.03), website preference categories (p=0.02). Male students were significantly more likely to gain higher P-EHEALS scores.ConclusionThe level of E-Health literacy was low in Medical and Health Sciences university students in Mashhad. More studies are needed to assess the contributors to E-Health literacy.

The Mental Representation of the Emotional Universe and that Related to Bonding among University Students of Health Sciences

Abstract Stress and the emotional responses of anxiety, fear and anger, the prevelance of a psychiatric and or psychological symptomatology and a huge emotional exhaustion affect the relationship between the health professional and the patient as regards bonding. This symptomatology may even appear in university students of Health Sciences. Concious of the need to train the management of emotions and bonding in university students, we organised a theoretical-practical workshop in the Department of Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Nursing at the University of Castilla-La Mancha. A total of 77 students participated, all of whom responded to a series of questions. The qualitative analsis of these questions reflects that the most difficult emotions to train are admiration and security. The emotions that most habitually appear are happiness and sadness, while those of anger, fear, disgust and curiosity appear to a lesser extent. With regard to the results of the variables related to bonding, it was shown that the students know which elements make the therapeutic bond easier or more difficult. Finally, the majority of the experiences that the students recounted were related to the spheres of health, education and their relationships with partners.