Introduction: Breastfeeding is the best way to provide ideal nutrition for optimal infant growth and development. Objectives: The aim of our work was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers of chil...Introduction: Breastfeeding is the best way to provide ideal nutrition for optimal infant growth and development. Objectives: The aim of our work was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers of children aged 0 - 24 months on exclusive breastfeeding in the Central African Republic. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted from September 15 to October 15, 2024 among mothers of infants aged 0 to 24 months. Sociodemographic, obstetric and breastfeeding-related data were collected through individual interviews conducted during sensitizations on good feeding practices organized by the Tina Touadera Foundation. The chi2 test was used to test for relationships between variables, and the p significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The average age of the mothers surveyed was 27.67 years. 65.69% (n = 247) of mothers lived in urban areas and 55.85% (n = 210) were Muslim. 56.38% (n = 212) were living common-law and 34.04% (n = 128) were poor. Secondary-school mothers (44.42%, n = 167) and housewives (53.72%, n = 202) were in the majority. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was correctly defined by 79.26% (n = 298) of mothers and actually practised in 24.20% (n = 91) of cases. The main source of information was a health professional in 75.36% (n = 304) of cases. Among the 285 mothers who practised mixed breastfeeding, lack of time (33.33%) was the main reason. They acknowledged having given water (100%), corn porridge (75.09%) and/or artificial milk (24.91%) before the first 6 months of life. The average time for introducing water was 2.2 months, and for porridge/formula 2.79 months. More than half the mothers (55.05%) said they did not know their infants’ weaning age. Factors positively influencing the use of EBF were age under 29, residence in an urban area, primiparity, having been informed about AME by a health professional, and being a housewife or shopkeeper (p Conclusion: Mothers’ level of knowledge was heterogeneous but insufficient overall. An effective system of information and education from pregnancy to the first six months of life is needed to promote breastfeeding.展开更多
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and mostly affects school going children. Côte d’Ivoire is one of the most vulnerable countries to schistosomiasis, and its ...Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and mostly affects school going children. Côte d’Ivoire is one of the most vulnerable countries to schistosomiasis, and its prevalence varies by region. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in schools in the Upper Sassandra region to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of school children regarding schistosomiasis. In total, 354 students participated in the survey. Our results showed that, compared to the girls, the boys had a higher level of knowledge about schistosomiasis OR = 1.605 and p = 0.05. Regarding the signs, symptoms, and modes of transmission and prevention of schistosomiasis, the participants reported a low level of knowledge p > 0.05 and OR 1. In conclusion, it is important to target health messages in schools to reach the most vulnerable students effectively. This initiative aims to provide children with basic knowledge and skills in the transmission of schistosomiasis.展开更多
Côte d’Ivoire has been the world’s leading producer of cocoa beans for several decades. Apart from this production performance, the quality of the beans, which are mainly exported to the major chocolate-making ...Côte d’Ivoire has been the world’s leading producer of cocoa beans for several decades. Apart from this production performance, the quality of the beans, which are mainly exported to the major chocolate-making countries, presents a quality problem to the point of suffering a discount on the international market. One of these quality problems is the content of ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin produced by fungi. Finally, to verify the level of contamination in beans produced in Côte d’Ivoire, a study was carried out. It consisted of collecting information on fermentation and drying times (The two major post-harvest operations) and collecting beans, which were analyzed by electrophoresis using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. The results obtained show ochratoxin A contents of between 0.05 µg/kg and 0.17 µg/kg. The general level of contamination is therefore very low and below the tolerable limit which is 2 µg/kg. In addition, the correlative study between the fermentation and drying times of the beans revealed no significant influence (p < 0.01) of the duration of these operations on the level of ochratoxin A contamination. Major contamination can occur after post-harvest activities carried out by producers. This is certainly due to the development of fungi responsible for the production of ochratoxin A during the period of storage and marketing of cocoa beans in conditions of high humidity in storage enclosures. Producers need to be made more aware of the need to ensure that cocoa beans are properly dried and stored in dry areas to avoid moisture build-up, which is a source of mould growth and ochratoxin A production.展开更多
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide,presenting an increasing public health challenge,particularly in lowincome and middle-income countries.However,data on ...BACKGROUND Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide,presenting an increasing public health challenge,particularly in lowincome and middle-income countries.However,data on the knowledge,attitudes,and preventive practices regarding breast cancer and the associated factors among females in Wollo,Ethiopia,remain limited.AIM To assess the impact of family history(FH)of breast disease on knowledge,attitudes,and breast cancer preventive practices among reproductive-age females.METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in May and June 2022 in Northeast Ethiopia and involved 143 reproductive-age females with FH of breast diseases and 209 without such a history.We selected participants using the systematic random sampling technique.We analyzed the data using Statistical Package for Social Science version 25 software,and logistic regression analysis was employed to determine odds ratios for variable associations,with statistical significance set at P<0.05.RESULTS Among participants with FH of breast diseases,the levels of knowledge,attitudes,and preventive practices were found to be 83.9%[95%confidence interval(CI):77.9-89.9],49.0%(95%CI:40.8-57.1),and 74.1%(95%CI:66.9-81.3),respectively.In contrast,among those without FH of breast diseases,these levels were significantly decreased to 10.5%(95%CI:6.4-14.7),32.1%(95%CI:25.7-38.4),and 16.7%(95%CI:11.7-21.8),respectively.This study also indicated that knowledge,attitudes,and preventive practices related to breast cancer are significantly higher among participants with FH of breast diseases compared to those without HF breast diseases.CONCLUSION Educational status,monthly income,and community health insurance were identified as significant factors associated with the levels of knowledge,attitudes,and preventive practices regarding breast cancer among reproductive-age females.展开更多
With the rapid development of software engineering,traditional teaching methods are confronted with the challenges of short knowledge update cycles and the rapid emergence of new technologies.By analyzing the current ...With the rapid development of software engineering,traditional teaching methods are confronted with the challenges of short knowledge update cycles and the rapid emergence of new technologies.By analyzing the current situation of the mismatch between educational practices and industrial change,this study proposes an innovative teaching model—“Micro-practices”.This model integrates new knowledge and new technologies into the teaching process quickly and flexibly through practical teaching projects with“short class time,small capacity,and cloud environment”to meet the different educational needs of students,teachers,and enterprises.The aim is to train innovative software engineering talents who can meet the challenges of the future.展开更多
Objective: The importance of culture in nursing lies in its influence on patients’ health perceptions, behaviors, and responses to care. Despite the challenges posed by the complexity of studying culture, there remai...Objective: The importance of culture in nursing lies in its influence on patients’ health perceptions, behaviors, and responses to care. Despite the challenges posed by the complexity of studying culture, there remains a critical need to develop cultural competence in nursing. This study investigated how nursing students in rural Indonesia enhance their cultural competence through education and practice. Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach. It conducted face-to-face interviews with 32 students across 6 regions, selected purposively. Thematic analysis was employed to evaluate the results. Results: Five themes emerge in this research: perceptions of cultural competence, learning cultural competence in the classroom, practical experience, learning expectations related to cultural competence, and cultural learning barriers. Conclusions: Enhancing cultural competence necessitates enriched curricula, adept clinical mentors, and continual student evaluation. This iterative assessment informs tailored strategies for nurturing cultural proficiency.展开更多
This manuscript critically evaluates the randomized controlled trial(RCT)conducted by Phiri et al,which assessed the effectiveness of virtual reality(VR)training for psychiatric staff in reducing restrictive practices...This manuscript critically evaluates the randomized controlled trial(RCT)conducted by Phiri et al,which assessed the effectiveness of virtual reality(VR)training for psychiatric staff in reducing restrictive practices(RPs).Specifically,this RCT investigated the impact of VR on the handling of aggressive patients by psychiatric staff compared to traditional training methods.Despite significant reductions in perceived discrimination in the VR group,there were no major improvements in self-efficacy or anxiety levels.The system usability scale rated the VR platform highly,but it did not consistently outperform traditional training methods.Indeed,the study shows the potential for VR to reduce RPs,although fluctuations in RP rates suggest that external factors,such as staff turnover,influenced the outcomes.This manuscript evaluates the study’s methodology,results,and broader implications for mental health training.Additionally,it highlights the need for more comprehensive research to establish VR as a standard tool for psychiatric staff education,focusing on patient care outcomes and real-world applicability.Finally,this study explores future research di-rections,technological improvements,and the potential impact of policies that could enhance the integration of VR in clinical training.展开更多
Integrative cultivation practices(ICPs)are essential for enhancing cereal yield and resource use efficiency.However,the effects of ICP on the rhizosphere environment and roots of paddy rice are still poorly understood...Integrative cultivation practices(ICPs)are essential for enhancing cereal yield and resource use efficiency.However,the effects of ICP on the rhizosphere environment and roots of paddy rice are still poorly understood.In this study,four rice varieties were produced in the field.Each variety was treated with six different cultivation techniques,including zero nitrogen application(0 N),local farmers’practice(LFP),nitrogen reduction(NR),and three progressive ICP techniques comprised of enhanced fertilizer N practice and increased plant density(ICP1),a treatment similar to ICP1 but with alternate wetting and moderate drying instead of continuous flooding(ICP2),and the same practices as ICP2 with the application of organic fertilizer(ICP3).The ICPs had greater grain production and nitrogen use efficiency than the other three methods.Root length,dry weight,root diameter,activity of root oxidation,root bleeding rate,zeatin and zeatin riboside compositions,and total organic acids in root exudates were elevated with the introduction of the successive cultivation practices.ICPs enhanced nitrate nitrogen,the activities of urease and invertase,and the diversity of microbes(bacteria)in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil,while reducing the ammonium nitrogen content.The nutrient contents(ammonium nitrogen,total nitrogen,total potassium,total phosphorus,nitrate,and available phosphorus)and urease activity in rhizosphere soil were reduced in all treatments in comparison with the non-rhizosphere soil,but the invertase activity and bacterial diversity were greater.The main root morphology and physiology,and the ammonium nitrogen contents in rhizosphere soil at the primary stages were closely correlated with grain yield and internal nitrogen use efficiency.These findings suggest that the coordinated enhancement of the root system and the environment of the rhizosphere under integrative cultivation approaches may lead to higher rice production.展开更多
This research project investigates the current status of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene practices in Munshiganj District, Bangladesh. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire and a reconnaissance sur...This research project investigates the current status of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene practices in Munshiganj District, Bangladesh. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire and a reconnaissance survey. Findings reveal that 30% of individuals rely on surface water (hand-tube wells, rivers, and ponds), prioritized as canal > river > pond, while 70% depend on groundwater (subterranean electric motor, deep tube-well). Drinking water is generally sufficient, with 95% reporting adequacy throughout the year. About 45% use hand tube-well water, 28% use deep tube-well water, and 11% use supply tap water for various purposes. Bathing trends include underground water through electric motor > pond > hand tube-well water > river, while for cooking, the order is underground water through electric motor > pond > hand tube-well water > river. Toilet water supply ranks as supply tap water > hand tube-well water > deep tube-well water. Although sanitation awareness is high, some lack knowledge of good hygiene practices. After defecating, handwashing methods include soap, ash, soil, or water. Children’s waste disposal varies, with some discarding it in open areas. Approximately 40% suffer from diseases like Diarrhoea due to unsafe water, primarily affecting children and elders. Training exists, but a significant portion lacks sanitation education. Dry skin or exposure to cold water may cause temporary irritation. Local government involvement in sanitation efforts is less active compared to non-governmental organizations. Results emphasize the need to enhance community awareness of safe water supplies and sanitation practices. .展开更多
BACKGROUND Restrictive practices(RPs)are defined by measures linked to physical and chemical restraints to reduce the movement or control behaviours during any emergency.Seclusion is an equal part of RPs intended to i...BACKGROUND Restrictive practices(RPs)are defined by measures linked to physical and chemical restraints to reduce the movement or control behaviours during any emergency.Seclusion is an equal part of RPs intended to isolate and reduce the sensory stimulation to safeguard the patient and those within the vicinity.Using interventions by way of virtual reality(VR)could assist with reducing the need for RPs as it could help reduce anxiety or agitation by way of placing users into realistic and immersive environments.This could also aid staff to and change current RPs.AIM To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using a VR platform to provide reduction in RP training.METHODS A randomised controlled feasibility study,accompanied by evaluations at 1 month and 6 months,was conducted within inpatient psychiatric wards at Southern Health National Health Service Foundation Trust,United Kingdom.Virti VR scenarios were used on VR headsets to provide training on reducing RPs in 3 inpatient psychiatric wards.Outcome measures included general self-efficacy scale,generalised anxiety disorder assessment 7(GAD-7),Burnout Assessment Tool 12,the Everyday Discrimination Scale,and the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scale.RESULTS Findings revealed statistically significant differences between the VR and treatment as usual groups,in the Everyday Discrimination Scale items Q8 and Q9:P=0.023 and P=0.040 respectively,indicating higher levels of perceived discrimination in the VR group.There were no significant differences between groups in terms of general self-efficacy,generalised anxiety disorder assessment 9,and Burnout Assessment Tool 12 scores.A significant difference was observed within the VR group for compassionate engagement from others(P=0.005)over time.Most respondents recorded System Usability Scale scores above 70,with an average score of 71.79.There was a significant reduction in rates of RPs in the VR group vs treatment as usual group with a fluctuating variability observed in the VR group likely due to external factors not captured in the study.CONCLUSION Ongoing advancement of VR technology enables the possibility of creating scenarios and simulations tailored to healthcare environments that empower staff by providing more comprehensive and effective training for handling situations.展开更多
Introduction: Hepatitis B is a public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of students at Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis regarding hepatitis B. Methods: A de...Introduction: Hepatitis B is a public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of students at Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis regarding hepatitis B. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2024 within the university’s social campus among a sample of 800 students. Results: The sex ratio favored men at 1.5, and the average age was 23.3 years with a standard deviation of 2.7 years. Among students, 26.6% had never heard of the term “hepatitis B”, and 60% knew it was a liver disease. Young people and adolescents were identified as the most exposed population group by 52.3% of respondents. According to 53.7% of the sample, hepatitis B would be a curable disease. Furthermore, 95.0% of the surveyed individuals were not vaccinated against hepatitis B, and 36.3% were afraid of living with an infected person. While 63.0% had poor knowledge, 78.8% had negative attitudes, and poor practices were observed in 6.9% of participants. Conclusion: This study highlighted a lack of knowledge and concerning attitudes among students regarding hepatitis B. The results underscore the need to intensify information and awareness campaigns about this disease, as well as the importance of promoting vaccination and encouraging appropriate preventive practices among the student population.展开更多
Introduction: Vaginal practices include washing, altering, cutting, cleaning, enhancing, drying, tightening, lubricating, or loosening of the vagina, labia, clitoris, or hymen. This study aimed to investigate the diff...Introduction: Vaginal practices include washing, altering, cutting, cleaning, enhancing, drying, tightening, lubricating, or loosening of the vagina, labia, clitoris, or hymen. This study aimed to investigate the different vaginal practices of women using non-pharmaceutical products. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical purposes that took place from January 15 to April 23, 2023, in the four largest markets in the municipality of Ouagadougou. This was performed using the data collection sheet in the KoboCollect application. Epi info 7.2.5.0. software was used for data analysis. For the analysis of associated factors, a p-value Results: In total, 977 women were surveyed. Among them, 43.19% underwent vaginal procedures using non-pharmaceutical products. The female practitioners were 34.34 ± 7.44 years old. The products used included plants, mineral substances, ointments, tablets, and solutions. Among the practicing women, 40.99% were looking for vaginal tightening. The main purpose was to maintain their partners (45.97%). Three-point thirty-two percent (3.32%) of the women who underwent vaginal procedures had reported adverse events. Conclusion: Raising awareness of the consequences of vaginal practices and encouraging women to go to a health center for any gynecological problem could significantly reduce the prevalence of vaginal practices.展开更多
Purpose: Needle-stick injury (NSI) is one of the most potential occupational hazards for healthcare workers because of the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. As per recent data, around 30 lakh healthcare workers s...Purpose: Needle-stick injury (NSI) is one of the most potential occupational hazards for healthcare workers because of the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. As per recent data, around 30 lakh healthcare workers sustain Needle stick injuries each year. This study was conducted to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitude and practices regarding needle stick injury. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital over the period of 3 months. The study population consisted of Intern Doctors, Post Graduate resident Doctors, Staff Nurses, laboratory technicians of Government Medical College and New Civil Hospital, Surat (n = 300). The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire via the means of Google Forms. Questionnaire was made with prior review literature. The data obtained were entered and analysed in Microsoft Excel. Results: The prevalence of NSI in our study was 46%, with a higher prevalence among the PG residents (72%). Overall scores regarding knowledge and attitude were better in PG residents (knowledge score > 7 in 71% and Attitude Score > 7 in 68% of PG Residents). Even though the PG residents scored highest in the knowledge category, the majority of them suffered needle stick injuries as a result of poor practice scores. Among those who had NSI (n = 139/300), 70% of study participants had superficial injuries, only 9% reported the incident, 18% got medical attention within 2 hours of the incident, and 7% followed up to recheck their viral markers status. Most incidents of NSI were due to hypodermic needles while recapping needles. Conclusion: Exposure to needle stick injuries and their underreporting remains a common problem. It is imperative that healthcare workers receive regular training on the proper handling of sharp objects. We can also draw the conclusion that preventing NSIs requires putting knowledge into practice.展开更多
Objective:To determine the global level of knowledge,attitudes,and practices towards dengue fever among the general population.Methods:To complete this systematic review and meta-analysis,a thorough search for pertine...Objective:To determine the global level of knowledge,attitudes,and practices towards dengue fever among the general population.Methods:To complete this systematic review and meta-analysis,a thorough search for pertinent English-language literature was undertaken during the study's extension until October 2023.The search used Google Scholar,Scopus,PubMed/MEDLINE,Science Direct,Web of Science,EMBASE,Springer,and ProQuest.A quality assessment checklist developed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for the cross-sectional study was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included papers.Inverse variance and Cochran Q statistics were employed in the STATA software version 14 to assess study heterogeneity.When there was heterogeneity,the Dersimonian and Liard random-effects models were used.Results:59 Studies totaling 87353 participants were included in this meta-analysis.These investigations included 86278 participants in 55 studies on knowledge,20196 in 33 studies on attitudes,and 74881 in 29 studies on practices.The pooled estimates for sufficient knowledge,positive attitudes,and dengue fever preventive behaviors among the general population were determined as 40.1%(95%CI 33.8%-46.5%),46.8%(95%CI 35.8%-58.9%),and 38.3%(95%CI 28.4%-48.2%),respectively.Europe exhibits the highest knowledge level at 63.5%,and Africa shows the lowest at 20.3%.Positive attitudes are most prevalent in the Eastern Mediterranean(54.1%)and Southeast Asia(53.6%),contrasting sharply with the Americas,where attitudes are notably lower at 9.05%.Regarding preventive behaviors,the Americas demonstrate a prevalence of 12.1%,Southeast Asia at 28.1%,Western Pacific at 49.6%,Eastern Mediterranean at 44.8%,and Africa at 47.4%.Conclusions:Regional disparities about the knowledge,attitude and preventive bahaviors are evident with Europe exhibiting the highest knowledge level while Africa has the lowest.These findings emphasize the importance of targeted public health interventions tailored to regional contexts,highlighting the need for region-specific strategies to enhance dengue-related knowledge and encourage positive attitudes and preventive behaviors.展开更多
Objective:To assess pregnant women's knowledge,attitude,and practice regarding nutrition and medication usage,analyse the prescribing pattern,and categorize them based on the Food and Drug Administration(FDA)guide...Objective:To assess pregnant women's knowledge,attitude,and practice regarding nutrition and medication usage,analyse the prescribing pattern,and categorize them based on the Food and Drug Administration(FDA)guidelines.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted with 264 pregnant women in the obstetrics and gynaecology department of a tertiary care hospital from October 2022 to August 2023.A knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP)questionnaire was prepared in English language by the researchers and validated by an expert panel consisting of 12 members.The validated questionnaire was then translated into regional languages,Kannada and Malayalam.The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed with test-retest method with a representative sample population of 30 subjects(10 subjects for each language).The subjects'knowledge,attitude,and practice were evaluated using the validated KAP questionnaire.The safety of the medication was assessed using the FDA drug safety classification for pregnancy.Results:The mean scores for nutritional and medication usage knowledge,attitude,and practice were 4.14±1.15,4.50±1.09,and 3.00±1.47,respectively.Among 30 prescribed medications,3 belong to category A(no risk in human studies),8 belong to category B(no risk in animal studies),18 belong to category C(risk cannot be ruled out)and 1 drug is not classified.A significant association was observed between medication knowledge and practice(r=0.159,P=0.010).Conclusions:Most of the study population knows the need to maintain good dietary and medication practices during pregnancy.Counselling pregnant women regarding diet and medication usage is crucial in maternal care.展开更多
Appropriate feeding practices are important during infancy for good health, growth and development of infants and children. WHO revised its earlier recommendation of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) of infants from 4 to ...Appropriate feeding practices are important during infancy for good health, growth and development of infants and children. WHO revised its earlier recommendation of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) of infants from 4 to 6 months of age to EBF until about 6 months of age, with the addition of complementary foods thereafter. This recommendation confirms that breast milk alone is sufficient to meet infants’ nutritional requirements for the first 6 months of life. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of various feeding practices on the Nutritional status of infants 0 - 12-month-old in the Kumba 1 Sub-Division. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to August 2020. A total of 341 nursing mothers and their infants 0 - 12 months of age were recruited. Socio-demographic factors and the different feeding habits of the children were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. The overall proportion of infants who exclusively breastfed for 6 months was 69.2% and those who were mix-fed were 30.8% in the study area. The overall prevalence of malnutrition in the population was 61.0%. Among the malnourished children, 53.1% were underweight, 19.6% were wasted and 10.0% were stunted. Though not significant, the prevalence of wasting (21.0%) and underweight (58.3%) was higher among Mix-Fed (MF) children when compared to their EBF counterparts. Feeding practices affected the nutritional status of the infants. Underweight and wasting were observed among infants on Complementary Feeding (CF), although some exclusively breast-fed infants were stunted. Hence, nursing mothers should try as much as possible to practice EBF as recommended by WHO and can practice CF when the child is above six months.展开更多
Introduction: The effective sterilization of reusable instruments in dental care is a crucial issue for public health. The aim of this study was to contribute to improving the processing conditions of reusable care in...Introduction: The effective sterilization of reusable instruments in dental care is a crucial issue for public health. The aim of this study was to contribute to improving the processing conditions of reusable care instruments in dental practices in the city of Conakry. Methods: We carried out an observational and cross-sectional study of a descriptive type lasting three months from January to April 2022 in public and private dental practices approved for activities. Results: A total of 48 dental practices were surveyed, including 7 public and 41 private. 91.67% had the trays for instrument sterilization. 77.08% had a sterilization device. The instruments were: cleaned 100%, disinfected 70.83%, sterilized 20.83% and 20.83% reused the instruments without being sterilized. 72.97% sterilized the instruments at the end of the day. 50% of respondents declared that there were six stages of sterilization. According to standard standards, one dental office or 2.70% respected the normal sterilization process and 13.51% respected the duration and temperature. The storage quality was inadequate at 95.83%. 95.83% of dental practices are at high risk of contamination. The difficulties encountered by staff in daily activity during our study were lack of hygienists (87.50%), insufficient material resources (58.33%), and lack of protocol procedure (45.83%). Conclusion: This study allowed us to note shortcomings of dental surgeons in the process of processing reusable care materials.展开更多
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with breast cancer being the most common (2.26 million new cases and 685,000 deaths). In Saudi Arabia, breast cancer ranked the first among females in 2014, accounting for...Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with breast cancer being the most common (2.26 million new cases and 685,000 deaths). In Saudi Arabia, breast cancer ranked the first among females in 2014, accounting for 15.9% of all cancers reported among Saudi nationals and 28.7% of all cancers reported among females of all ages. Early detection of breast cancer could decrease the risks, have a better prognosis, and have better outcomes/more successful treatments. Prevalence of breast cancer reached more than 25% of all diagnosed cancer in the kingdom among women. Aim: This study aims to assess the knowledge and performance of women attending primary care centers about breast self-examination and mammogram screening for prevention and early detection of breast cancer in Abha city primary healthcare centers, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Research Method: cross sectional design was conducted by using questionnaire, which was distributed to primary care center nurses. The collected data was statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 25. Results: The study found that participants had poor awareness and knowledge about breast self-examination, risk factors for breast cancer, and trends and practices in early diagnosis of breast cancer. Conclusion and Recommendations: It recommends increasing awareness campaigns and providing educational programs to improve knowledge and practices.展开更多
Introduction: Rabies is a serious disease, as it is always fatal, but it can be prevented by sero-vaccination. It is a neglected tropical disease endemic in Asia and Africa. The aim of this study was to assess knowled...Introduction: Rabies is a serious disease, as it is always fatal, but it can be prevented by sero-vaccination. It is a neglected tropical disease endemic in Asia and Africa. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding rabies and to determine the factors associated with them among people aged 18 and over in the commune of Niakhène. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical survey of subjects aged 18 and over living in the commune of Niakhène. A sample of 300 individuals was drawn from a two-stage cluster survey stratified by age and sex. Bivariate analysis was performed using association tests. Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.3 ± 16.9 years. It was noted that 67% (201) of respondents had a good knowledge of rabies. The results showed that 7.3% (22) of respondents owned a dog. Of the 278 people who did not own a dog, 78.4% (218) said they would have vaccinated their dog if they had had one. It should be noted that 83.7% (251) of respondents said they would go to a health facility if an animal bit them. None of the dog owners had vaccinated their dogs against rabies. Of the 41 people exposed to rabies, 39% went to a health facility. The age and education of the respondents had statistically significant associations with knowledge of rabies. Respondents’ age and education were statistically significantly related to whether they had vaccinated a domestic dog. The age, education and economic well-being quintile of respondents’ households had statistically significant associations with the use of a health facility in the event of being bitten or scratched by an animal vector. The education of respondents who had been bitten by an animal vector was statistically significantly associated with the use of a health facility. Conclusion: It would be imperative for human and animal health authorities to collaborate in a “One Health” approach in order to increase knowledge and promote the adoption of good practices in rabies prevention.展开更多
Background and Objective: HIV infection is a major global Public Health threat worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa of which Benin. The level of knowledge determines the attitudes and behaviors of the populat...Background and Objective: HIV infection is a major global Public Health threat worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa of which Benin. The level of knowledge determines the attitudes and behaviors of the populations towards this infection. The study objective was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices related to HIV infection among motorbike taxi drivers (MTD) in Parakou in 2021. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study targeting MTD in Parakou in 2021. Participants were selected by cluster sampling. Pretested Digitized questionnaire using KoboCollect<sup>@</sup> applicationserved as a data collection tool. Knowledge, attitudes and practices variable were treated on a score scale. A knowledge score was considered to reflect a good knowledge of HIV if at least two-thirds of the knowledge statements had been correctly answered provided the subject recognized the sexual route as one of modes of HIV transmission, identified at least one preventive measure and meant the incurability of the disease. Quantitative and qualitative variables were appropriately described using the EPI Info 7.1.3.3 software. The participant was classified at positive attitude/practice for HIV prevention, when it has a score of at least 80% and suggests a good preventive measure face a risk of exposure to HIV. Results: A total of 374 subjects were recruited into the study. The mean age was 31.51 ± 7.76 years. Most participants (86.06%) had good knowledge of condom use as an HIV prevention method. The sources of information mentioned were mainly the media (77.07%), relatives or friends (63.38%), and field-workers from non-governmental organizations (37.26%). Routine HIV testing was 50.53%. Among participants, 76.10% reported at least two different sexual partners. Condom use was 59.18 % during the casual sexual intercourse. Within the client-provider relationship with female sex workers, 33.17% had had sexual intercourse with them. The sexual route was the most cited (92.99%), and 90.23% stated that HIV infection can be stabilized by medication in a health structure. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of motorbike taxi drivers in Parakou does not match their behavior with regard to HIV prevention. Appropriate strategies are needed to develop prevention skills in this population. To effectively comb at HIV, it will be necessary to strengthen the targeted HIV preventive interventions at key and bridge populations including motorbike taxi drivers in Benin.展开更多
文摘Introduction: Breastfeeding is the best way to provide ideal nutrition for optimal infant growth and development. Objectives: The aim of our work was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers of children aged 0 - 24 months on exclusive breastfeeding in the Central African Republic. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted from September 15 to October 15, 2024 among mothers of infants aged 0 to 24 months. Sociodemographic, obstetric and breastfeeding-related data were collected through individual interviews conducted during sensitizations on good feeding practices organized by the Tina Touadera Foundation. The chi2 test was used to test for relationships between variables, and the p significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The average age of the mothers surveyed was 27.67 years. 65.69% (n = 247) of mothers lived in urban areas and 55.85% (n = 210) were Muslim. 56.38% (n = 212) were living common-law and 34.04% (n = 128) were poor. Secondary-school mothers (44.42%, n = 167) and housewives (53.72%, n = 202) were in the majority. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was correctly defined by 79.26% (n = 298) of mothers and actually practised in 24.20% (n = 91) of cases. The main source of information was a health professional in 75.36% (n = 304) of cases. Among the 285 mothers who practised mixed breastfeeding, lack of time (33.33%) was the main reason. They acknowledged having given water (100%), corn porridge (75.09%) and/or artificial milk (24.91%) before the first 6 months of life. The average time for introducing water was 2.2 months, and for porridge/formula 2.79 months. More than half the mothers (55.05%) said they did not know their infants’ weaning age. Factors positively influencing the use of EBF were age under 29, residence in an urban area, primiparity, having been informed about AME by a health professional, and being a housewife or shopkeeper (p Conclusion: Mothers’ level of knowledge was heterogeneous but insufficient overall. An effective system of information and education from pregnancy to the first six months of life is needed to promote breastfeeding.
文摘Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and mostly affects school going children. Côte d’Ivoire is one of the most vulnerable countries to schistosomiasis, and its prevalence varies by region. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in schools in the Upper Sassandra region to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of school children regarding schistosomiasis. In total, 354 students participated in the survey. Our results showed that, compared to the girls, the boys had a higher level of knowledge about schistosomiasis OR = 1.605 and p = 0.05. Regarding the signs, symptoms, and modes of transmission and prevention of schistosomiasis, the participants reported a low level of knowledge p > 0.05 and OR 1. In conclusion, it is important to target health messages in schools to reach the most vulnerable students effectively. This initiative aims to provide children with basic knowledge and skills in the transmission of schistosomiasis.
文摘Côte d’Ivoire has been the world’s leading producer of cocoa beans for several decades. Apart from this production performance, the quality of the beans, which are mainly exported to the major chocolate-making countries, presents a quality problem to the point of suffering a discount on the international market. One of these quality problems is the content of ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin produced by fungi. Finally, to verify the level of contamination in beans produced in Côte d’Ivoire, a study was carried out. It consisted of collecting information on fermentation and drying times (The two major post-harvest operations) and collecting beans, which were analyzed by electrophoresis using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. The results obtained show ochratoxin A contents of between 0.05 µg/kg and 0.17 µg/kg. The general level of contamination is therefore very low and below the tolerable limit which is 2 µg/kg. In addition, the correlative study between the fermentation and drying times of the beans revealed no significant influence (p < 0.01) of the duration of these operations on the level of ochratoxin A contamination. Major contamination can occur after post-harvest activities carried out by producers. This is certainly due to the development of fungi responsible for the production of ochratoxin A during the period of storage and marketing of cocoa beans in conditions of high humidity in storage enclosures. Producers need to be made more aware of the need to ensure that cocoa beans are properly dried and stored in dry areas to avoid moisture build-up, which is a source of mould growth and ochratoxin A production.
文摘BACKGROUND Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide,presenting an increasing public health challenge,particularly in lowincome and middle-income countries.However,data on the knowledge,attitudes,and preventive practices regarding breast cancer and the associated factors among females in Wollo,Ethiopia,remain limited.AIM To assess the impact of family history(FH)of breast disease on knowledge,attitudes,and breast cancer preventive practices among reproductive-age females.METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in May and June 2022 in Northeast Ethiopia and involved 143 reproductive-age females with FH of breast diseases and 209 without such a history.We selected participants using the systematic random sampling technique.We analyzed the data using Statistical Package for Social Science version 25 software,and logistic regression analysis was employed to determine odds ratios for variable associations,with statistical significance set at P<0.05.RESULTS Among participants with FH of breast diseases,the levels of knowledge,attitudes,and preventive practices were found to be 83.9%[95%confidence interval(CI):77.9-89.9],49.0%(95%CI:40.8-57.1),and 74.1%(95%CI:66.9-81.3),respectively.In contrast,among those without FH of breast diseases,these levels were significantly decreased to 10.5%(95%CI:6.4-14.7),32.1%(95%CI:25.7-38.4),and 16.7%(95%CI:11.7-21.8),respectively.This study also indicated that knowledge,attitudes,and preventive practices related to breast cancer are significantly higher among participants with FH of breast diseases compared to those without HF breast diseases.CONCLUSION Educational status,monthly income,and community health insurance were identified as significant factors associated with the levels of knowledge,attitudes,and preventive practices regarding breast cancer among reproductive-age females.
基金funded by Universityindustry Collaborative Education Program(No.220605181024725)the Undergraduate Education and Teaching Reform Research Project of Northwestern Polytechnical University(No.22GZ13083)。
文摘With the rapid development of software engineering,traditional teaching methods are confronted with the challenges of short knowledge update cycles and the rapid emergence of new technologies.By analyzing the current situation of the mismatch between educational practices and industrial change,this study proposes an innovative teaching model—“Micro-practices”.This model integrates new knowledge and new technologies into the teaching process quickly and flexibly through practical teaching projects with“short class time,small capacity,and cloud environment”to meet the different educational needs of students,teachers,and enterprises.The aim is to train innovative software engineering talents who can meet the challenges of the future.
基金supported by an internal grant from Universitas Citra Bangsa(Number 6/VI/LP3M/UCB/22).
文摘Objective: The importance of culture in nursing lies in its influence on patients’ health perceptions, behaviors, and responses to care. Despite the challenges posed by the complexity of studying culture, there remains a critical need to develop cultural competence in nursing. This study investigated how nursing students in rural Indonesia enhance their cultural competence through education and practice. Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach. It conducted face-to-face interviews with 32 students across 6 regions, selected purposively. Thematic analysis was employed to evaluate the results. Results: Five themes emerge in this research: perceptions of cultural competence, learning cultural competence in the classroom, practical experience, learning expectations related to cultural competence, and cultural learning barriers. Conclusions: Enhancing cultural competence necessitates enriched curricula, adept clinical mentors, and continual student evaluation. This iterative assessment informs tailored strategies for nurturing cultural proficiency.
基金Supported by Basic Science Research Program Through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)Funded by the Ministry of Education,No.NRF-RS-2023-00237287 and No.NRF-2021S1A5A8062526Local Government-University Cooperation-Based Regional Innovation Projects,No.2021RIS-003.
文摘This manuscript critically evaluates the randomized controlled trial(RCT)conducted by Phiri et al,which assessed the effectiveness of virtual reality(VR)training for psychiatric staff in reducing restrictive practices(RPs).Specifically,this RCT investigated the impact of VR on the handling of aggressive patients by psychiatric staff compared to traditional training methods.Despite significant reductions in perceived discrimination in the VR group,there were no major improvements in self-efficacy or anxiety levels.The system usability scale rated the VR platform highly,but it did not consistently outperform traditional training methods.Indeed,the study shows the potential for VR to reduce RPs,although fluctuations in RP rates suggest that external factors,such as staff turnover,influenced the outcomes.This manuscript evaluates the study’s methodology,results,and broader implications for mental health training.Additionally,it highlights the need for more comprehensive research to establish VR as a standard tool for psychiatric staff education,focusing on patient care outcomes and real-world applicability.Finally,this study explores future research di-rections,technological improvements,and the potential impact of policies that could enhance the integration of VR in clinical training.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFD2300304)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32071944 and 32272197)+2 种基金the Hong Kong Research Grants Council, China (GRF 14177617, 12103219, 12103220, and AoE/M-403/16)the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology (Strategic Collaborative Projects) in The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China, the Six Talent Peaks Project in Jiangsu Province, China (SWYY151)the Project Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, China (PAPD).
文摘Integrative cultivation practices(ICPs)are essential for enhancing cereal yield and resource use efficiency.However,the effects of ICP on the rhizosphere environment and roots of paddy rice are still poorly understood.In this study,four rice varieties were produced in the field.Each variety was treated with six different cultivation techniques,including zero nitrogen application(0 N),local farmers’practice(LFP),nitrogen reduction(NR),and three progressive ICP techniques comprised of enhanced fertilizer N practice and increased plant density(ICP1),a treatment similar to ICP1 but with alternate wetting and moderate drying instead of continuous flooding(ICP2),and the same practices as ICP2 with the application of organic fertilizer(ICP3).The ICPs had greater grain production and nitrogen use efficiency than the other three methods.Root length,dry weight,root diameter,activity of root oxidation,root bleeding rate,zeatin and zeatin riboside compositions,and total organic acids in root exudates were elevated with the introduction of the successive cultivation practices.ICPs enhanced nitrate nitrogen,the activities of urease and invertase,and the diversity of microbes(bacteria)in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil,while reducing the ammonium nitrogen content.The nutrient contents(ammonium nitrogen,total nitrogen,total potassium,total phosphorus,nitrate,and available phosphorus)and urease activity in rhizosphere soil were reduced in all treatments in comparison with the non-rhizosphere soil,but the invertase activity and bacterial diversity were greater.The main root morphology and physiology,and the ammonium nitrogen contents in rhizosphere soil at the primary stages were closely correlated with grain yield and internal nitrogen use efficiency.These findings suggest that the coordinated enhancement of the root system and the environment of the rhizosphere under integrative cultivation approaches may lead to higher rice production.
文摘This research project investigates the current status of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene practices in Munshiganj District, Bangladesh. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire and a reconnaissance survey. Findings reveal that 30% of individuals rely on surface water (hand-tube wells, rivers, and ponds), prioritized as canal > river > pond, while 70% depend on groundwater (subterranean electric motor, deep tube-well). Drinking water is generally sufficient, with 95% reporting adequacy throughout the year. About 45% use hand tube-well water, 28% use deep tube-well water, and 11% use supply tap water for various purposes. Bathing trends include underground water through electric motor > pond > hand tube-well water > river, while for cooking, the order is underground water through electric motor > pond > hand tube-well water > river. Toilet water supply ranks as supply tap water > hand tube-well water > deep tube-well water. Although sanitation awareness is high, some lack knowledge of good hygiene practices. After defecating, handwashing methods include soap, ash, soil, or water. Children’s waste disposal varies, with some discarding it in open areas. Approximately 40% suffer from diseases like Diarrhoea due to unsafe water, primarily affecting children and elders. Training exists, but a significant portion lacks sanitation education. Dry skin or exposure to cold water may cause temporary irritation. Local government involvement in sanitation efforts is less active compared to non-governmental organizations. Results emphasize the need to enhance community awareness of safe water supplies and sanitation practices. .
文摘BACKGROUND Restrictive practices(RPs)are defined by measures linked to physical and chemical restraints to reduce the movement or control behaviours during any emergency.Seclusion is an equal part of RPs intended to isolate and reduce the sensory stimulation to safeguard the patient and those within the vicinity.Using interventions by way of virtual reality(VR)could assist with reducing the need for RPs as it could help reduce anxiety or agitation by way of placing users into realistic and immersive environments.This could also aid staff to and change current RPs.AIM To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using a VR platform to provide reduction in RP training.METHODS A randomised controlled feasibility study,accompanied by evaluations at 1 month and 6 months,was conducted within inpatient psychiatric wards at Southern Health National Health Service Foundation Trust,United Kingdom.Virti VR scenarios were used on VR headsets to provide training on reducing RPs in 3 inpatient psychiatric wards.Outcome measures included general self-efficacy scale,generalised anxiety disorder assessment 7(GAD-7),Burnout Assessment Tool 12,the Everyday Discrimination Scale,and the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scale.RESULTS Findings revealed statistically significant differences between the VR and treatment as usual groups,in the Everyday Discrimination Scale items Q8 and Q9:P=0.023 and P=0.040 respectively,indicating higher levels of perceived discrimination in the VR group.There were no significant differences between groups in terms of general self-efficacy,generalised anxiety disorder assessment 9,and Burnout Assessment Tool 12 scores.A significant difference was observed within the VR group for compassionate engagement from others(P=0.005)over time.Most respondents recorded System Usability Scale scores above 70,with an average score of 71.79.There was a significant reduction in rates of RPs in the VR group vs treatment as usual group with a fluctuating variability observed in the VR group likely due to external factors not captured in the study.CONCLUSION Ongoing advancement of VR technology enables the possibility of creating scenarios and simulations tailored to healthcare environments that empower staff by providing more comprehensive and effective training for handling situations.
文摘Introduction: Hepatitis B is a public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of students at Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis regarding hepatitis B. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2024 within the university’s social campus among a sample of 800 students. Results: The sex ratio favored men at 1.5, and the average age was 23.3 years with a standard deviation of 2.7 years. Among students, 26.6% had never heard of the term “hepatitis B”, and 60% knew it was a liver disease. Young people and adolescents were identified as the most exposed population group by 52.3% of respondents. According to 53.7% of the sample, hepatitis B would be a curable disease. Furthermore, 95.0% of the surveyed individuals were not vaccinated against hepatitis B, and 36.3% were afraid of living with an infected person. While 63.0% had poor knowledge, 78.8% had negative attitudes, and poor practices were observed in 6.9% of participants. Conclusion: This study highlighted a lack of knowledge and concerning attitudes among students regarding hepatitis B. The results underscore the need to intensify information and awareness campaigns about this disease, as well as the importance of promoting vaccination and encouraging appropriate preventive practices among the student population.
文摘Introduction: Vaginal practices include washing, altering, cutting, cleaning, enhancing, drying, tightening, lubricating, or loosening of the vagina, labia, clitoris, or hymen. This study aimed to investigate the different vaginal practices of women using non-pharmaceutical products. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical purposes that took place from January 15 to April 23, 2023, in the four largest markets in the municipality of Ouagadougou. This was performed using the data collection sheet in the KoboCollect application. Epi info 7.2.5.0. software was used for data analysis. For the analysis of associated factors, a p-value Results: In total, 977 women were surveyed. Among them, 43.19% underwent vaginal procedures using non-pharmaceutical products. The female practitioners were 34.34 ± 7.44 years old. The products used included plants, mineral substances, ointments, tablets, and solutions. Among the practicing women, 40.99% were looking for vaginal tightening. The main purpose was to maintain their partners (45.97%). Three-point thirty-two percent (3.32%) of the women who underwent vaginal procedures had reported adverse events. Conclusion: Raising awareness of the consequences of vaginal practices and encouraging women to go to a health center for any gynecological problem could significantly reduce the prevalence of vaginal practices.
文摘Purpose: Needle-stick injury (NSI) is one of the most potential occupational hazards for healthcare workers because of the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. As per recent data, around 30 lakh healthcare workers sustain Needle stick injuries each year. This study was conducted to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitude and practices regarding needle stick injury. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital over the period of 3 months. The study population consisted of Intern Doctors, Post Graduate resident Doctors, Staff Nurses, laboratory technicians of Government Medical College and New Civil Hospital, Surat (n = 300). The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire via the means of Google Forms. Questionnaire was made with prior review literature. The data obtained were entered and analysed in Microsoft Excel. Results: The prevalence of NSI in our study was 46%, with a higher prevalence among the PG residents (72%). Overall scores regarding knowledge and attitude were better in PG residents (knowledge score > 7 in 71% and Attitude Score > 7 in 68% of PG Residents). Even though the PG residents scored highest in the knowledge category, the majority of them suffered needle stick injuries as a result of poor practice scores. Among those who had NSI (n = 139/300), 70% of study participants had superficial injuries, only 9% reported the incident, 18% got medical attention within 2 hours of the incident, and 7% followed up to recheck their viral markers status. Most incidents of NSI were due to hypodermic needles while recapping needles. Conclusion: Exposure to needle stick injuries and their underreporting remains a common problem. It is imperative that healthcare workers receive regular training on the proper handling of sharp objects. We can also draw the conclusion that preventing NSIs requires putting knowledge into practice.
文摘Objective:To determine the global level of knowledge,attitudes,and practices towards dengue fever among the general population.Methods:To complete this systematic review and meta-analysis,a thorough search for pertinent English-language literature was undertaken during the study's extension until October 2023.The search used Google Scholar,Scopus,PubMed/MEDLINE,Science Direct,Web of Science,EMBASE,Springer,and ProQuest.A quality assessment checklist developed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for the cross-sectional study was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included papers.Inverse variance and Cochran Q statistics were employed in the STATA software version 14 to assess study heterogeneity.When there was heterogeneity,the Dersimonian and Liard random-effects models were used.Results:59 Studies totaling 87353 participants were included in this meta-analysis.These investigations included 86278 participants in 55 studies on knowledge,20196 in 33 studies on attitudes,and 74881 in 29 studies on practices.The pooled estimates for sufficient knowledge,positive attitudes,and dengue fever preventive behaviors among the general population were determined as 40.1%(95%CI 33.8%-46.5%),46.8%(95%CI 35.8%-58.9%),and 38.3%(95%CI 28.4%-48.2%),respectively.Europe exhibits the highest knowledge level at 63.5%,and Africa shows the lowest at 20.3%.Positive attitudes are most prevalent in the Eastern Mediterranean(54.1%)and Southeast Asia(53.6%),contrasting sharply with the Americas,where attitudes are notably lower at 9.05%.Regarding preventive behaviors,the Americas demonstrate a prevalence of 12.1%,Southeast Asia at 28.1%,Western Pacific at 49.6%,Eastern Mediterranean at 44.8%,and Africa at 47.4%.Conclusions:Regional disparities about the knowledge,attitude and preventive bahaviors are evident with Europe exhibiting the highest knowledge level while Africa has the lowest.These findings emphasize the importance of targeted public health interventions tailored to regional contexts,highlighting the need for region-specific strategies to enhance dengue-related knowledge and encourage positive attitudes and preventive behaviors.
文摘Objective:To assess pregnant women's knowledge,attitude,and practice regarding nutrition and medication usage,analyse the prescribing pattern,and categorize them based on the Food and Drug Administration(FDA)guidelines.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted with 264 pregnant women in the obstetrics and gynaecology department of a tertiary care hospital from October 2022 to August 2023.A knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP)questionnaire was prepared in English language by the researchers and validated by an expert panel consisting of 12 members.The validated questionnaire was then translated into regional languages,Kannada and Malayalam.The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed with test-retest method with a representative sample population of 30 subjects(10 subjects for each language).The subjects'knowledge,attitude,and practice were evaluated using the validated KAP questionnaire.The safety of the medication was assessed using the FDA drug safety classification for pregnancy.Results:The mean scores for nutritional and medication usage knowledge,attitude,and practice were 4.14±1.15,4.50±1.09,and 3.00±1.47,respectively.Among 30 prescribed medications,3 belong to category A(no risk in human studies),8 belong to category B(no risk in animal studies),18 belong to category C(risk cannot be ruled out)and 1 drug is not classified.A significant association was observed between medication knowledge and practice(r=0.159,P=0.010).Conclusions:Most of the study population knows the need to maintain good dietary and medication practices during pregnancy.Counselling pregnant women regarding diet and medication usage is crucial in maternal care.
文摘Appropriate feeding practices are important during infancy for good health, growth and development of infants and children. WHO revised its earlier recommendation of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) of infants from 4 to 6 months of age to EBF until about 6 months of age, with the addition of complementary foods thereafter. This recommendation confirms that breast milk alone is sufficient to meet infants’ nutritional requirements for the first 6 months of life. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of various feeding practices on the Nutritional status of infants 0 - 12-month-old in the Kumba 1 Sub-Division. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to August 2020. A total of 341 nursing mothers and their infants 0 - 12 months of age were recruited. Socio-demographic factors and the different feeding habits of the children were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. The overall proportion of infants who exclusively breastfed for 6 months was 69.2% and those who were mix-fed were 30.8% in the study area. The overall prevalence of malnutrition in the population was 61.0%. Among the malnourished children, 53.1% were underweight, 19.6% were wasted and 10.0% were stunted. Though not significant, the prevalence of wasting (21.0%) and underweight (58.3%) was higher among Mix-Fed (MF) children when compared to their EBF counterparts. Feeding practices affected the nutritional status of the infants. Underweight and wasting were observed among infants on Complementary Feeding (CF), although some exclusively breast-fed infants were stunted. Hence, nursing mothers should try as much as possible to practice EBF as recommended by WHO and can practice CF when the child is above six months.
文摘Introduction: The effective sterilization of reusable instruments in dental care is a crucial issue for public health. The aim of this study was to contribute to improving the processing conditions of reusable care instruments in dental practices in the city of Conakry. Methods: We carried out an observational and cross-sectional study of a descriptive type lasting three months from January to April 2022 in public and private dental practices approved for activities. Results: A total of 48 dental practices were surveyed, including 7 public and 41 private. 91.67% had the trays for instrument sterilization. 77.08% had a sterilization device. The instruments were: cleaned 100%, disinfected 70.83%, sterilized 20.83% and 20.83% reused the instruments without being sterilized. 72.97% sterilized the instruments at the end of the day. 50% of respondents declared that there were six stages of sterilization. According to standard standards, one dental office or 2.70% respected the normal sterilization process and 13.51% respected the duration and temperature. The storage quality was inadequate at 95.83%. 95.83% of dental practices are at high risk of contamination. The difficulties encountered by staff in daily activity during our study were lack of hygienists (87.50%), insufficient material resources (58.33%), and lack of protocol procedure (45.83%). Conclusion: This study allowed us to note shortcomings of dental surgeons in the process of processing reusable care materials.
文摘Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with breast cancer being the most common (2.26 million new cases and 685,000 deaths). In Saudi Arabia, breast cancer ranked the first among females in 2014, accounting for 15.9% of all cancers reported among Saudi nationals and 28.7% of all cancers reported among females of all ages. Early detection of breast cancer could decrease the risks, have a better prognosis, and have better outcomes/more successful treatments. Prevalence of breast cancer reached more than 25% of all diagnosed cancer in the kingdom among women. Aim: This study aims to assess the knowledge and performance of women attending primary care centers about breast self-examination and mammogram screening for prevention and early detection of breast cancer in Abha city primary healthcare centers, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Research Method: cross sectional design was conducted by using questionnaire, which was distributed to primary care center nurses. The collected data was statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 25. Results: The study found that participants had poor awareness and knowledge about breast self-examination, risk factors for breast cancer, and trends and practices in early diagnosis of breast cancer. Conclusion and Recommendations: It recommends increasing awareness campaigns and providing educational programs to improve knowledge and practices.
文摘Introduction: Rabies is a serious disease, as it is always fatal, but it can be prevented by sero-vaccination. It is a neglected tropical disease endemic in Asia and Africa. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding rabies and to determine the factors associated with them among people aged 18 and over in the commune of Niakhène. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical survey of subjects aged 18 and over living in the commune of Niakhène. A sample of 300 individuals was drawn from a two-stage cluster survey stratified by age and sex. Bivariate analysis was performed using association tests. Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.3 ± 16.9 years. It was noted that 67% (201) of respondents had a good knowledge of rabies. The results showed that 7.3% (22) of respondents owned a dog. Of the 278 people who did not own a dog, 78.4% (218) said they would have vaccinated their dog if they had had one. It should be noted that 83.7% (251) of respondents said they would go to a health facility if an animal bit them. None of the dog owners had vaccinated their dogs against rabies. Of the 41 people exposed to rabies, 39% went to a health facility. The age and education of the respondents had statistically significant associations with knowledge of rabies. Respondents’ age and education were statistically significantly related to whether they had vaccinated a domestic dog. The age, education and economic well-being quintile of respondents’ households had statistically significant associations with the use of a health facility in the event of being bitten or scratched by an animal vector. The education of respondents who had been bitten by an animal vector was statistically significantly associated with the use of a health facility. Conclusion: It would be imperative for human and animal health authorities to collaborate in a “One Health” approach in order to increase knowledge and promote the adoption of good practices in rabies prevention.
文摘Background and Objective: HIV infection is a major global Public Health threat worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa of which Benin. The level of knowledge determines the attitudes and behaviors of the populations towards this infection. The study objective was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices related to HIV infection among motorbike taxi drivers (MTD) in Parakou in 2021. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study targeting MTD in Parakou in 2021. Participants were selected by cluster sampling. Pretested Digitized questionnaire using KoboCollect<sup>@</sup> applicationserved as a data collection tool. Knowledge, attitudes and practices variable were treated on a score scale. A knowledge score was considered to reflect a good knowledge of HIV if at least two-thirds of the knowledge statements had been correctly answered provided the subject recognized the sexual route as one of modes of HIV transmission, identified at least one preventive measure and meant the incurability of the disease. Quantitative and qualitative variables were appropriately described using the EPI Info 7.1.3.3 software. The participant was classified at positive attitude/practice for HIV prevention, when it has a score of at least 80% and suggests a good preventive measure face a risk of exposure to HIV. Results: A total of 374 subjects were recruited into the study. The mean age was 31.51 ± 7.76 years. Most participants (86.06%) had good knowledge of condom use as an HIV prevention method. The sources of information mentioned were mainly the media (77.07%), relatives or friends (63.38%), and field-workers from non-governmental organizations (37.26%). Routine HIV testing was 50.53%. Among participants, 76.10% reported at least two different sexual partners. Condom use was 59.18 % during the casual sexual intercourse. Within the client-provider relationship with female sex workers, 33.17% had had sexual intercourse with them. The sexual route was the most cited (92.99%), and 90.23% stated that HIV infection can be stabilized by medication in a health structure. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of motorbike taxi drivers in Parakou does not match their behavior with regard to HIV prevention. Appropriate strategies are needed to develop prevention skills in this population. To effectively comb at HIV, it will be necessary to strengthen the targeted HIV preventive interventions at key and bridge populations including motorbike taxi drivers in Benin.
