Literacia em saúde da pessoa internada em serviço de cirurgia oncológica / Health literacy of patients admitted to a surgical oncology unit / Alfabetización en salud de las personas ingresadas en un servicio de cirugía oncológica

Resumo Enquadramento: A literacia em saúde (LS) é a capacidade da pessoa obter e traduzir informações a fim de manter e melhorar a saúde. Objetivo: Caracterizar o nível de LS da pessoa internada num hospital oncológico; avaliar a fiabilidade do instrumento European Health Literacy Survey in Portuguese (HLS-EU-PT). Metodologia: Estudo transversal, quantitativo, descritivo e metodológico. Amostra de 188 pessoas internados num serviço de cirurgia oncológica entre maio e setembro de 2020, os dados foram colhidos através de formulário de caracterização sociodemográfica, de saúde e instrumento de avaliação da LS. Resultados: O HLS-EU-PT apresentou elevado nível de consistência interna. Todos os domínios e níveis de processamento do instrumento se correlacionam positivamente entre si. Os participantes apresentam em média um nível problemático de LS. Conclusão: Os resultados indiciam a necessidade de um maior investimento na capacitação da LS. São necessários mais estudos nesta e noutras populações e contextos de prestação de cuidados de saúde, de forma a direcionar a prática de cuidados na resposta eficaz aos problemas de saúde.

Abstract Background: Health literacy (HL) is the ability of an individual to obtain and translate information in order to maintain and improve their health. Objective: To characterize the level of HL of patients admitted to an oncology hospital and assess the reliability of the Portuguese version of the European Health Literacy Survey (HLS-EU-PT). Methodology: Cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive, and methodological study. Sample of 188 patients admitted to a surgical oncology unit between May and September 2020. Data were collected through a sociodemographic and health characterization form and a HL assessment tool. Results: The HLS-EU-PT had a high level of internal consistency. All domains and information-processing levels correlated positively with each other. Participants had on average a problematic level of HL. Conclusion: The results indicate the need for greater investment in HL training. Further studies are needed in this population and in other populations and healthcare settings to provide an effective response to health problems.

Resumen Marco contextual: La alfabetización en salud (AS) es la capacidad de una persona para obtener y traducir información con el fin de mantener y mejorar su salud. Objetivo: Caracterizar el nivel de AS de las personas ingresadas en un hospital oncológico; evaluar la fiabilidad del instrumento European Health Literacy Survey in Portuguese (HLS-EU-PT). Metodología: Estudio transversal, cuantitativo, descriptivo y metodológico. Muestra de 188 personas ingresadas en un servicio de cirugía oncológica entre mayo y septiembre de 2020, se recogieron datos mediante un formulario de caracterización sociodemográfica y de salud, y una herramienta de evaluación de AS. Resultados: El HLS-EU-PT mostró un alto nivel de consistencia interna. Todos los dominios y niveles de procesamiento del instrumento correlacionaron positivamente entre sí. Por término medio, los participantes tienen un nivel problemático de AS. Conclusión: Los resultados indican la necesidad de una mayor inversión en formación en AS. Son necesarios más estudios en esta y otras poblaciones, y en entornos sanitarios para orientar la práctica asistencial hacia una respuesta eficaz a los problemas de salud.

Actitudes ante la muerte en profesionales de enfermería latinoamericanos: una revisión integrativa

Introducción: La muerte es parte de los tabúes sociales existentes y puede fomentar actitudes que distan de su abordaje explícito en relación con los cuidados. Objetivo: Analizar las actitudes ante la muerte en profesionales de enfermería de acuerdo con las publicaciones científicas en el contexto latinoamericano en el período 2018 a 2022. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión de literatura integrativa de las publicaciones científicas latinoamericanas respecto de las actitudes ante la muerte en el contexto de la enfermería, empleando los siguientes términos estandarizados: actitud, muerte, enfermería y cuidados de enfermería. Se incluyeron 8 artículos publicados en el período definido, en idioma español y portugués, en los que se abordó explícitamente la temática de la revisión. La información de los artículos fue analizada tomando como referencia los conceptos de la teoría de las transiciones. Resultados: Se encontraron diseños tanto cuantitativos (50 %) como cualitativos (50 %), elaborados en su totalidad en el ámbito hospitalario. Los principales resultados dan cuenta del predominio de la indiferencia ante la muerte en el contexto de los cuidados. En relación con la teoría de las transiciones, la mayoría de los artículos abordan las condiciones en que estas se dan, además de los conceptos de terapéutica de enfermería y patrones de respuesta. Conclusiones: La producción de investigaciones sobre la actitud ante la muerte en profesionales de enfermería es escasa en Latinoamérica. Las experiencias de pérdidas cercanas, la capacitación y el soporte institucional son la base para contribuir a una mejor actitud hacia la muerte

Introdução: A morte faz parte dos tabus sociais existentes e pode fomentar atitudes que se distanciam de sua abordagem explícita em relação aos cuidados. Objetivo: analisar as atitudes diante da morte em profissionais de enfermagem de acordo com as publicações científicas no contexto latino-americano no período de 2018 a 2022. Metodologia: Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura integrativa de publicações científicas latino-americanas sobre atitudes diante da morte no contexto da enfermagem, utilizando os seguintes termos padronizados: atitude, morte, enfermagem e cuidados de enfermagem. Foram incluídos 8 artigos publicados no período definido, em espanhol e português, nos quais o tema da revisão foi abordado explicitamente. As informações dos artigos foram analisadas tendo como referência os conceitos da teoria das transições. Resultados: Foram identificados desenhos quantitativos (50 %) e qualitativos (50 %), elaborados totalmente no âmbito hospitalar. Os principais resultados mostram a predominância da indiferença diante da morte no contexto do cuidado. Em relação à teoria das transições, a maioria dos artigos aborda as condições em que as transições ocorrem, além dos conceitos de terapêutica de enfermagem e padrões de resposta. Conclusões: A produção de pesquisas sobre atitudes diante da morte em profissionais de enfermagem é escassa na América Latina. As experiências de perdas próximas, a capacitação e o apoio institucional são a base para contribuir para uma melhor atitude em relação à morte

Introduction: Death is part of the existing social taboos and can foster attitudes that are far from its explicit approach in relation to care. Objective: To analyze attitudes towards death in nursing professionals according to scientific publications in the Latin American context in the period 2018 to 2022. Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted of Latin American scientific publications regarding attitudes towards death in the context of Nursing, using the following standardized terms: attitude, death, nursing and nursing care. Eight articles published in the defined period were included, in Spanish and Portuguese, in which the subject of the review was explicitly addressed. The information in the articles was analyzed using the concepts of the theory of transitions as a reference. Results: Both quantitative (50 %) and qualitative (50 %) designs were found, all of them elaborated in the hospital setting. The main results show the predominance of indifference to death in the context of care. In relation to the theory of transitions, most of the articles address the conditions under which these occur, in addition to the concepts of nursing therapeutics and response patterns. Conclusions: The production of research on the attitude towards death in nursing professionals is scarce in Latin America. Experiences of close losses, training and institutional support are the basis for contributing to a better attitude towards death

Plastic pollution in Harari region, Ethiopia: practices and impacts on health and environment.

Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the environment and human health on a global level. This study aimed to investigate plastic pollution in the Harari region of Ethiopia. The result indicated that 62% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge about plastic waste, and 59% of them perceived plastic waste as harmful. Polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polycarbonates were the types of plastic waste identified. Being female (AOR = 1.82), aged 15-45 (AOR = 1.82), married (AOR = 1.83), and having families >3 (AOR = 2.15) were significantly positively associated with good plastic waste management practice. Being illiterate (AOR = 0.52), and having poor knowledge about plastic waste (AOR = 0.54) were significantly negatively associated with poor management practice. The findings indicated that the Harari region is prone to adverse health and environmental effects from plastic pollution. Policies restricting plastic use, training municipal waste collectors and health extension workers, and improving public awareness are indispensable.

Eating attitudes, physical activity, and sleep quality levels of adolescents during the pandemic process.

PURPOSE: The present study was conducted to determine the eating attitude, physical activity, and sleep quality levels of adolescents during the pandemic process. METHOD: This descriptive study was completed by 987 adolescents. Data were collected by using the Adolescent Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), the International Physical Activity Evaluation Questionnaire (IPAQ-Short Form), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: It was found that the mean age of the adolescents who participated in the study was 16.30 ± 1.30 and 23.1 % of them were male. During the pandemic process, adolescents consumed pastries, sugary foods and beverages, french fries, chips, etc. consumption was found to increase (41.7 %, 42.2 %, 45.2 %, respectively). It was also found that the mean DEBQ score of the adolescents was 75.13 ± 19.65 and the mean PSQI score was 10.99 ± 4.22. In the IPAQ, 29.9 % of the adolescents were found to be inactive, 44.7 % minimally active, and 25.4 % very active. It was determined that BMI, PSQI, gender, pastry, and sugary food consumption were important predictors of eating behavior. When the increase in consumption of pastries and sugary foods was added, it was seen that BMI, PSQI, and gender explained 7 % of the change in DEBQ and when the increase in pastry and sugary foods was added, it explained 11 % of the change in DEBQ. It was found that BMI, PSQI (p < 0.001), and gender (p = 0.001) had significant effects on students' eating behavior scores. CONCLUSION: Adolescents' eating out, emotional eating, and restrictive eating scores were found to be high during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescents were also found to have inadequate physical activity levels and poor sleep quality. It is recommended that projects and intervention studies be performed to help adolescents with these matters.

Bridging The Gap: Essential Role of Parents and Caregivers In Their Child's Management in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

The importance of parental involvement in the care and management decisions made for children hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is examined in this editorial. Initial days and weeks in a PICU can be challenging for the child and family due to the emotional intensity and medical complexity of the therapy a child receives. Regardless of the result, families may feel uncertain and anxious that their child may die or have a terrible outcome. The majority of pediatric patient deaths in hospitals happen in the PICU. Recognizing and supporting the crucial role of parents or caretakers in informed decision-making and management of their child's condition is essential for advancing prevention, detection, and treatment efforts.

Understanding public perspectives on genetically engineered Brinjal and the adoption of modern biotechnology in Bangladesh.

The agricultural sector in Bangladesh is currently facing numerous challenges. The country is currently endeavoring to adopt modern biotechnological tools, such as genetic engineering, to modify crops with the aim of ensuring food security. Notably, Bt Brinjal represents a significant milestone as the first genetically engineered (GE) food crop commercially cultivated in South Asia. Public perception and awareness are crucial steps forward for accepting and commercializing GE crops within society. The study discussed here aims to assess public perception and awareness regarding modern biotechnology and GE crops, focusing mainly on Bt Brinjal in Bangladesh. A random survey considered demographic factors such as age, gender, hometown, educational qualification, and occupation to explore the public attitudes towards Bt Brinjal and modern biotechnology. Approximately one-third of those surveyed considered Bt Brinjal safe for consumption, and a third expressed a willingness to buy Bt Brinjal, while nearly two-thirds believed it would gain popularity in the market alongside other crops. Most respondents recognized the necessity of utilizing modern biotechnology for crop improvement beyond Bt Brinjal, and respondents with science backgrounds displayed higher awareness and a more positive attitude than those with limited education or non-science backgrounds. This study explores the public perceptions of Bt Brinjal and the adoption of modern biotechnology in Bangladesh by examining factors such as knowledge dissemination, acceptance levels, and concerns related to GE crops, and offers a meaningful perspective that can shape decision-making processes to promote agricultural sustainability and achieve relevant sustainable development goals in Bangladesh.

Exploring research engagement among nurses in a Magnet®-recognized cancer center: An analysis of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and influencing factors.

Objective: Despite the significance of research in nursing practice and its role in enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients, nurses report limited opportunities to engage with research. Known barriers include limited organizational support, a lack of time, resources, and knowledgeable colleagues/mentors. The study aims to determine research knowledge, attitudes, and practices among cancer nurses and understand factors influencing nurses' involvement in research. Methods: Registered nurses responded to a cross-sectional questionnaire. Data were collected using a modified version of the Nursing Research Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices survey and the Barriers to Nurses' Participation in Research Questionnaire. Results: Three hundred and sixty-six nurses responded, of whom 15% had previously been involved in research. Nurses reported moderate to high research knowledge ( µ = 1.72), attitudes ( µ = 1.92), and practice ( µ = 1.79) scores. The most common barriers to engagement with research included a lack of time (78.0%), lack of incentive or reward (61.4%), lack of knowledge or skills (54.2%), lack of training opportunities (51.4%), and lack of experienced nursing research mentors (44.8%). Holding a specialist, advanced practice, or administrative role, and a postgraduate qualification were associated with higher scores on the knowledge, attitudes and practice subscales. Previous experience of conducting research was associated with higher knowledge and attitudes scores. Previous experience of authoring a paper and submitting a grant were associated with higher knowledge scores. Conclusions: The study reveals a moderate-to-high level of knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding research among nurses, but low engagement. Barriers include lack of time, incentive, knowledge, training, and mentorship. Nevertheless, attitude scores, reflecting nurses' willingness to engage in research were high on average. The findings highlight the potentially modifiable nature of barriers to research engagement. Increasing capacity for nursing research may be achieved through investment in research support and training to overcome barriers to research, which may discourage nurses engagement.

Identifying Population Segments by Differing Levels of COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence and Evaluating Subsequent Uptake of COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors: Web-Based, Longitudinal, Probability-Based Panel Survey.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the launch of the US Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 Public Education Campaign to boost vaccine confidence and uptake among adults, as vaccines are key to preventing severe illness and death. OBJECTIVE: Past segmentation research relevant to COVID-19 behavior has found important differences in attitudes, sociodemographics, and subsequent COVID-19 prevention behaviors across population segments. This study extends prior work by incorporating a more comprehensive set of attitudes, behaviors, and sociodemographic variables to identify population segments by differing levels of COVID-19 vaccine confidence and evaluate differences in their subsequent uptake of COVID-19 prevention behaviors. METHODS: Data were obtained from 5 waves (January 2021 to June 2022) of a web-based longitudinal, probability-based panel survey of US adults (N=4398) administered in English and in Spanish. Participants were recruited from NORC at the University of Chicago's national AmeriSpeak panel and were invited to participate across multiple waves. Latent class cluster analysis estimated segments of respondents based on over 40 COVID-19 attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and sociodemographics as reported in wave 1. Survey-weighted cross-tabulations and bivariate regression analyses assessed differences in COVID-19 vaccine uptake, booster uptake, mask use, and social distancing in all segments across all 5 survey waves. RESULTS: A total of 6 segments (hardline nonintenders, prevention-compliant nonintenders, burned-out waiters, anxious waiters, skeptical confidents, and ready confidents) were identified, which differed by their COVID-19 vaccine confidence, prevention-related attitudes and behaviors, and sociodemographics. Cross-tabulations and regression results indicated significant segment membership differences in COVID-19 vaccine and booster timing, mask use, and social distancing. Results from survey-weighted cross-tabulations comparing COVID-19 vaccine and booster uptake across segments indicate statistically significant differences in these outcomes across the 6 segments (P<.001). Results were statistically significant for each segment (P<.01 for booster uptake among burned-out waiters; P<.001 for all other coefficients), indicating that, on average, respondents in segments with lower intentions to vaccinate reported later receipt of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters relative to the timing of vaccine and booster uptake among ready confidents. CONCLUSIONS: Results extend previous research by showing that initial beliefs and behaviors relevant to COVID-19 vaccination, mask use, and social distancing are important for understanding differences in subsequent compliance with recommended COVID-19 prevention measures. Specifically, we found that across respondent segments, the probability of vaccine and booster uptake corresponded with both COVID-19 vaccine confidence and mask use and social distancing compliance; more compliant segments were more likely to get vaccinated or boosted than less compliant segments given similar levels of vaccine confidence. These findings help identify appropriate audiences for campaigns. Results highlight the use of a comprehensive list of attitudes, behaviors, and other individual-level characteristics that can serve as a basis for future segmentation efforts relevant to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Giving a voice to "the silent killer": a knowledge, attitude and practice study of diabetes among French Guiana's Parikweneh people.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the French overseas department of French Guiana, South America, nearly doubles that in its European counterpart, Metropolitan France. This region is demographically diverse and includes several populations of Indigenous Peoples. Although such populations are at particular risk of developing T2D across the Americas, very little is known about their health status in French Guiana, and accurate numbers of diabetic patients do not exist. METHODS: In light of a potential public health crisis, an ethnomedicinal study of diabetes experienced by Indigenous Parikweneh was conducted to provide better insight into the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to this quickly emerging disease in French Guiana. Altogether, 75 interviews were conducted with community members and Elders, as well as healthcare professionals and administrators providing services to the Parikweneh population of Macouria and Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock. RESULTS: Interviews suggest a high incidence of T2D in this population, with cases that have risen quickly since the mid-twentieth century. Parikweneh participants linked the development of the illness to dietary changes, notably through the introduction of new and sweet foods. Recognizing the complexity of diabetes and its symptoms, diabetic patients highlighted the importance of biomedical treatments and follow-ups, though they frequently alternated or used them concomitantly with Parikweneh medicines. With the help of biomedical tools (i.e. glucometer), local medicinal practices mirrored biomedical approaches through dietary adaptation and the use of medicinal animals and plants for glycaemic control and the treatment of complications from the disease. CONCLUSION: Parikweneh are appropriating T2D into their knowledge system and adapting their health system in response to this relatively new health concern. A greater understanding of local practices and perceptions relating to T2D among medical staff may therefore be beneficial for meeting patients' needs, providing greater autonomy in their health path, and improving treatment outcomes.

Social determinants of health on attitudes toward childbearing among women with multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy and motherhood are very valuable but challenging for women with multiple sclerosis (MS). Given that there are limited studies in this field, this study aimed to determine the social determinants of health on attitudes toward childbearing among women with MS. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 206 women with MS in Alborz province, Iran, from February to June 2023 using convenience sampling. The data were collected using the questionnaire, and a linear regression analysis was applied. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 36.80 ± 6.50 years. Participants' Attitudes toward Fertility and Childbearing (PAFC) had a positive significant association with social support (B = .10, SE = .04, p = .023) and a significant negative association with the total score of depression, anxiety, and stress scale (B = -.13, SE = .06, p = .047) and depression (B = -.40, SE = .18, p = .023). However, the association between anxiety (B = -.25, SE = .20, p = .211), stress (B = -.36, SE = .18, p = .050), MS severity (B = .04, SE = .30, p = .890), and socioeconomic status scale (SES) (B = -.08, SE = .32, p = .806) was nonsignificant with PAFC. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that factors, including social support and mental health especially depression, can affect PAFC in women with MS. Therefore, it is necessary to determine specific strategies for policymakers to help MS patients manage pregnancy and motherhood.

Assessing Medical Students' Understanding of Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Orders.

OBJECTIVE: The evolution of medical directives surrounding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has led to the prominence of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders. These orders aim to respect patient autonomy and ensure dignified end-of-life care. While regulations in the United States emphasize patient choice and comprehensive discussions, Saudi Arabia's approach to DNR orders integrates Islamic principles alongside expert medical judgment. This study aimed to assess the awareness and comprehension of DNR orders among medical students at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS:  This study employed a cross-sectional design at Umm Al-Qura University in 2023. Convenience sampling yielded a sample of 145 participants, encompassing medical students from all years (first-sixth) and medical interns. A self-administered online questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes regarding DNR orders. The questionnaire specifically addressed their familiarity with DNR orders, their understanding of the Islamic perspective on DNR, and the factors influencing their attitudes toward DNR.  Results: The majority of respondents (62%) were familiar with the term "DNR," but only 52% correctly defined it. Social media was the primary source of information about DNR for most respondents (56%). A significant portion of respondents (60.7%) agreed with the concept of DNR, and 54% had personal experience with the term. Patient dignity (54%), religious concerns (66.7%), and legal concerns (60.7%) were identified as important factors in DNR decisions. A majority of respondents (67%) agreed that it is acceptable to discontinue life support for DNR patients, and 49.3% believed that organ donation should be encouraged among patient families. The study found that as medical students progressed through their training (from pre-clinical to clinical years and internship), their acceptance and understanding of DNR orders generally increased. CONCLUSION: The study found that medical students possess some basic familiarity with DNR orders, but there is considerable room for advancement in their comprehension and acceptance of the topic. Addressing these knowledge gaps may lead to improved patient outcomes. The findings also underscore the need to equip future physicians with a comprehensive understanding of DNR orders, their ethical ramifications, and effective communication strategies for engaging with patients and their families.

The Effectiveness of Leadership Interventions on Cardiologists' Performance Using Benchmarking as a Tool.

BACKGROUND: Aligned with the Health Sector Transformation Strategy of Saudi Vision 2030, the study analyzed the attitudes and behaviors of cardiologists toward change and identified factors that could either facilitate or hinder the success of leadership interventions. At our cardiac center, the cath lab department is at the forefront of operations, accounting for 80% of the procedures. Our team members may not be fully equipped with the necessary attitudes and behaviors to drive successful improvement projects. Therefore, our top priority is ensuring they remain productive and engaged throughout the process. This is especially crucial because 60% of our budget is allocated to the cath lab department. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a leadership intervention on cardiologists' performance in terms of safety, speed, and cost. The research analyzed the behavior and attitude of cardiologists towards change and encouraged progress and collaborative learning between doctors, using benchmarking as a tool. Besides, the study sought to determine the contribution of the interventions used to overall efficiency in performing interventions. This case study focuses on four main aspects of the program. First, it aims to explore an innovative approach to improving the PSCCQ cath lab for patients. Second, it assesses the collective effort of all participants involved in the program. Third, it analyzes the program results and compares them with those of international experiences. And finally, it examines the program's potential benefits for our patients. METHODS: The study's objectives were evaluated through qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews and quantitative data analysis of three variables in the cath lab: radiation dose, time, and inventory. The reason for using mixed methods was to comprehensively understand the same concept from different angles. RESULTS: According to the study, participants improved the safety and effectiveness of our cath lab by reducing the radiation dose and its cost. The study revealed a 52% decrease in the radiation dose for diagnostic cases and an 11% decrease for interventional cases. Similarly, the cost of the radiation dose decreased by 28% for diagnostic cases and 11% for interventional cases. During the observation, it was noted that the participants were highly engaged and willing to adapt to the situation. Some even viewed it as an opportunity for personal growth and improvement in the cath lab. However, they stressed the significance of awareness as a crucial element in improving their behavior and reinforcing it as the foundation for maintaining progress. Furthermore, the study revealed that collaborative work among the participants could have been more optimal. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that implementing innovative improvements to the cath lab was a necessary yet complex undertaking. Participants were more inclined to embrace the changes when they were easily understandable and motivating. The study recommends the appointment of a change agent, the establishment of benchmarks, and the creation of a collaborative working environment between leaders and staff. Above all, the leader should support and sponsor the change to facilitate the transition at various levels.

Attitude and level of satisfaction on objective structured practical examination and traditional practical examination among undergraduate nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Objective structured practical examination (OSPE) and traditional practical examination (TPE) are two different methods used to evaluate the theoretical and practical skills among students. The present study assessed the attitude and level of satisfaction of undergraduate nursing students toward OSPE and TPE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative research design study was conducted at Yenepoya Nursing College in 2022. The samples were 4th year B.Sc nursing students who have experienced both types of examination system and are selected by using the non-probability purposive sampling technique. The selected 102 students are further divided into two groups (51 students in each group) by the chit method: one group for assessing the attitude and level of satisfaction toward OSPE and the other group for assessing the attitude and level of satisfaction toward TPE. The tools used were demographic proforma, structured attitude, and satisfaction scale. The collected categorical data were represented as frequency and percentage, and quantitative data are represented in terms of mean and standard deviation. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the attitude and level of satisfaction between the two groups. RESULTS: The majority [32 (65.7%)] of the participants had positive attitude toward the OSPE, and the majority [30 (61.5%)] of the samples had neutral attitude toward TPE. Most of the students [27 (55.3%)] had a good level of satisfaction toward the OSPE. The majority [28 (56.3%)] of the samples had an average level of satisfaction toward TPE. The median of attitude score was 48.32 with 3.35 inter-quartile range (IQR) on OSPE and 44.40 with 3.35 IQR on TPE. The median of level of satisfaction was 50.95 with 1.69 IQR on OSPE and 46.05 with 1.69 IQR on TPE. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that the students have positive attitude and a good level of satisfaction toward OSPE and neutral attitude and an average level of satisfaction toward TPE. The results provide important implications for choosing a different examination strategy and increasing the standard for the educational and evaluation systems.

Healthcare providers' knowledge, attitude, and practice towards cervical cancer screening in Sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a prevalent cancer among women in low and middle-income countries, but it can be largely prevented through screening programs and HPV vaccination. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among healthcare providers in Sub-Saharan African countries. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Relevant databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, AJOL, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases were used to retrieve and search articles. The study included published and unpublished research written in English between January 2013 and May 16, 2024 for studies reporting knowledge, attitude, and practice towards cervical cancer screening among healthcare providers in Sub-Saharan Africa. This review has been registered on PROSPERO. The heterogeneity of the data was evaluated using the I2 statistic. A meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 17 software, with a 95% confidence interval. The researchers also conducted publication bias and sensitivity analysis. Results: The review included 30 studies involving 7542 healthcare providers. The pooled magnitude of good knowledge status towards cervical cancer was 67.93% (95% CI: 53.36-82.50) whereas the pooled magnitude of positive attitude towards cervical cancer was 55.26% (95% CI: 34.28- 76.23). The results also showed that about 49.68% (95% CI: 33.18-66.17) of healthcare providers had good knowledge status about cervical cancer screening, 66.63%(95% CI: 50.36- 82.89) had a positive attitude towards it, and only 17.23% (95% CI; 6.08-28.37) had ever screened for cervical cancer. Conclusion: The overall magnitude of knowledge and attitude of healthcare providers in Sub-Saharan Africa towards cervical cancer and its screening was suboptimal. Furthermore, a low percentage of female healthcare providers in the region had undergone screening for cervical cancer. As a result, policymakers and program administrators should focus on improving the knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare providers to meet the global health goal of cervical cancer screening and effectively eliminating cervical cancer. Healthcare providers must serve as role models for other women who should also undergo screening. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023495241.

Development of a Scale to Assess Cancer Attitude in the Community.

AIM: The aim of this study was to develop the Cancer Attitude Scale (CAS) and to evaluate its psychometric properties. METHODS: The study was conducted in a mixed-methods study. The preliminary version of the CAS was created by developing an item pool, and qualitative interviews. The items' content validity ratio was calculated to assess content validity. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency and test-retest methods were used to determine the reliability of the scale. The Cancer Information Burden Scale was used to evaluate the convergent validity of the scale. Three hundred twenty-five healthy individuals selected by convenience sampling method were included in this study. RESULTS: The CAS sub-dimensions were determined as cancer diagnosis, cancer prevention, stigmatization of individuals with cancer, and personal empowerment after cancer. The content validity of the 22-item scale was 0.94 and four factors explaining 56% of the variance. The model fit indices were χ2/df = 1.968, RMSEA = 0.055, SRMR = 0.085, and GFI = 0.904. . Cronbach's α and test-retest reliability coefficients of the total scale are 0.76 and 0.936, respectively. The CAS and Cancer Information Overload Scale showed acceptable convergent validity (r = 0.435, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The Cancer Attitude Scale is a valid and reliable tool that can be applied to assess the attitudes of individuals in the community toward cancer in a multidimensional way. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses play crucial roles in society, including enhancing cancer awareness, delivering counseling services, and providing health education. Cancer nursing should plan cancer awareness training in line with individuals' attitudes toward cancer and encourage positive attitudes that increase participation in screening programs.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception Regarding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Among Parents at Al-Madinah Al-Munawwar: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND:  Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer in reproductive-age Saudi women. Parents' understanding and attitude regarding HPV vaccination in young girls are vital to preventing cervical cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of parents in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwara towards the HPV vaccine and identify factors influencing their decision to vaccinate their children. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 parents in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwara. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine, attitudes towards vaccination, and perceptions of vaccine safety and efficacy. Data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 21; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: Parents have 57.6% knowledge about HPV, 69.2% perceive it as dangerous, and 29.8% know its link to cervical cancer. Physicians are the primary source, and 81.2% believe the vaccine protects HPV. Key predictors of vaccine acceptance included higher educational levels, awareness of HPV-related health risks, and recommendations from healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION: The study reveals a lack of knowledge about HPV infection and vaccines among Saudi Arabian parents, with only 7.2% having vaccinated their children, emphasizing the need for education and screening programs.

Knowledge, attitude and practices on intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women with malaria: a mixed method facility-based study in Western Kenya.

Introduction: intermittent preventive treatment remains a core strategy for malaria prevention in pregnancy. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is recommended for all pregnant women in malaria-prone zones. It is scheduled monthly at each antenatal care visit for up to 36 weeks. Here, we sought to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of intermittent preventive treatment among pregnant women with malaria in Webuye Hospital. Methods: a total of 140 participants aged between 18 and 49 years and at approximately 16 weeks of gestation were enrolled in this study, which utilized a mixed qualitative-quantitative method. Before enrollment, malaria testing was conducted using microscopy, and participants were divided into two cohorts: malaria-positive and malaria-negative. Close-ended and open-ended questionnaires were used. Qualitative-quantitative data analyses were performed. Results: our analysis revealed a significant difference between the proportion of mothers in the negative and positive groups in terms of their knowledge about side effects (p ≤ 0.001) and different doses (p ≤ 0.012) of intermittent preventive treatment. The proportion of mothers who knew side effects and different doses was higher among the malaria-positive group as compared to malaria-negative group with 37(52.9%, n=70) versus 18(25.7%, n=70) and 14(20.0%, n=70) versus 4(5.7%, n=70) respectively. Additionally, there was also a significant difference in knowledge about intermittent preventive treatment before administration (p ≤ 0.003) between the two groups. Conclusion: good knowledge, attitude and practices on intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) benefits, side effects, safety, doses and other prior information should be leveraged to empower pregnant women in malaria-endemic zones.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Cervical Cancer Prevention among Female University Students in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Cervical Cancer (CC) is the fourth most frequent malignancy worldwide among females with significant death rates. It ranks as the 8th most frequent cancer in Saudi female. CC is preventable, with likelihood of full treatment by early detection, because of its long pre-invasive period. Lack of awareness and practice on CC prevention and screening increase the risk of disease. Objective: to examine knowledge, attitude, and practice on CC prevention among Saudi female university students. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study with a convenience sample included 594 female university students studying at health and non-health colleges of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Al-Kharj City, Saudi Arabia. All female students were asked to complete an online questionnaire on knowledge, attitude, and practice on CC prevention. Results: A total of 594 respondents to the questionnaire, 88.7% of them had unsatisfactory knowledge about CC. Out of a total of 27 points, students' knowledge mean score was 9.3 ± 6.4. Conversely the majority of students (94.4%) had positive attitude toward CC; the mean attitude score was 34.52 ± 5.04 out of 45. Regarding students practice, less than 7% of students were vaccinated against HPV and only 3.7% were screened for cancer cervix. Married females, health colleges students, and high attitude score were significant predictors for the students' knowledge about cancer cervix (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Majority of the respondents displayed lack of knowledge; however, they had a positive attitude toward CC. Very alarmingly, almost all of students had inadequate practice regarding CC prevention. So, the study recommends developing and implementing educational programs and strategies for female university students to improve their knowledge and practice related to cervix cancer. Results of this study provide evidence that can help in formulating effective awareness strategies and educational programs for women that would help in CC prevention.