Psychometric Properties of the Knowledge of Hydration among Foreign Students of Óbuda University, Hungary.

It is known that the quantity, makeup, and distribution of bodily fluids have a significant impact on the cognitive health, physiological health, and cell activity of human beings. This narrative could be influenced by the level of knowledge about hydration, dehydration, and the practice of Adequate Water Intake (AWI) of an individual based on the recommended daily Total Water Intake (TWI) by either the World Health Organization (WHO) or the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In this study, we have developed and validated a scale to adequately measure knowledge of the recommended daily Total Water Intake (TWI) practices among foreign students at Óbuda University, Hungary. Hence, we implemented an 11-item scale to measure the Knowledge of Hydration (KH-11) and evaluate its psychometric properties among students. This study is an online cross-sectional study assessing water intake knowledge with the use of the KH-11 tool among 323 students with ages ranging from 18 to 35 years, who have enrolled for at least two semesters at the University. The statistical analysis performed was reliability (using Cronbach alpha ≥ 70%) and factor analysis. Knowledge levels were categorized as poor (<50%), intermediate (50-70%), or adequate (71-100%). The intraclass correlation, chi-square, and rotated component matrix were also estimated and reported. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Cronbach's alpha analysis revealed that the KH-11 had an overall good reliability with a value of 0.80, where the survey items had an acceptable level of consistency ranging from 0.75 to 0.81 and demonstrated sufficient independence from each other as Pearson's R within factors was positive and ranged from 0.02 to 0.74. In evaluating the participants' knowledge of hydration, the total possible score for the scale is 72, while the mean score for the KH-11 was 55.2 ± 11.61 SD, and the factor analysis model yielded an acceptable fit (χ2 = 3259.4, p = 0.000). We recorded a high-level positive concordance of 0.770 with an average intraclass correlation of 0.80 at a 95% CI, where p-value = 0.000. Our findings show that the majority (66.3%) of the students have a good knowledge of hydration. However, the skewed distribution of the knowledge scores suggests that some may have lower levels of knowledge, which may warrant further study to improve knowledge in those students.

Factors Associated with HPV Genital Warts: A Self-Reported Cross-Sectional Study among Students and Staff of a Northern University in Nigeria.

The menace of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections among low- and middle-income countries with no access to a free HPV vaccine is a public health concern. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Nigeria, while the most known types of HPV genotypes being transmitted are the high-risk HPV-16 and 18 genotypes. In this study, we explored the predictors of self-reported HPV infections and HPV genital warts infection among a population of students, non-academic staff, and academic staff of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University located in Lapai, Nigeria. We also assessed their knowledge about HPV infections and genotypes, and sexual behaviors. An online cross-sectional study was conducted by setting up a structured questionnaire on Google Forms and it was distributed to the university community via Facebook and other social media platforms of the university. The form captured questions on HPV infection, and knowledge about HPV infection and genotypes, as well as the sexual health of the participants. All variables were described using frequencies and percentage distribution; chi-squared test statistics were used to explore the association between HPV infection (medical records of HPV infection) and the participants' profile, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors associated with HPV genital warts infection among the population. This study reveals those participants between the ages of 26-40 years (81.3%) and those currently not in a sexually active relationship-single/divorced (26.4%)-who have self-reported having the HPV-16 and -18 genotypes. Moreover, participants between 26-40 years of age (OR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.22-0.89) reported themselves to be carriers of HPV genital warts. Therefore, this study reveals the factors associated with HPV infection and genital warts peculiar to IBB university students and staff. Hence, we suggest the need for HPV awareness programs and free HPV vaccine availability at IBB university.

Prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Lautech teaching hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria.

Background: We assessed the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients attending Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State Nigeria. Methods and materials: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted among 143 type-2 DM patients in LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥140 and or diastolic BP ≥90. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and binary logistic regression. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 56.2 ±15.79 years. Hypertension was common (32.1%) among type-2 DM participants. Respondents aged 45-64 years (OR= 5.96, 95%CI= 1.60 - 19.12) had the likelihood of being hypertensive. Type-2 DM patients who were not in union (AOR=6.64, 95%CI=1.79 - 24.52) were more likely to be hypertensive. The likelihood of hypertension was lower (AOR= 0.28, 95%CI=0.11 - 0.66) among participants who engaged in moderate physical activity compared to those who engaged in low physical activity. Conclusion: This study identified the age group 45-64 years, not being in a union and engagement in low physical activity as associated factors for hypertension among Diabetes Mellitus participants. Hypertension prevention/treatment should be considered in type-2 Diabetes Mellitus routine treatment.

Perceptions of COVID-19 transmission risk and testing readiness in rural Southwest Nigeria.

Although community screening and testing have been recommended by the World Health Organization, the extent of readiness and the associated factors among rural populations remain unknown. We investigated the factors associated with perception of the COVID-19 transmission risk and readiness for testing in rural areas of Southwest Nigeria. Using a multistage cluster sampling technique, cross-sectional data was collected from 922 adults aged 18 years and above who were resident in rural communities selected across three States in the Southwest region between June and August 2020. Descriptive statistics and binary logit models with robust standard errors were utilized for analysis. Mean age of respondents was 37.0 (SD = 15.8) years; 58.6% female; 46.5% had secondary education; and most were traders (33.2%) and artisans (29.9%). Only 149 respondents (16.2%) had a accurate perception of COVID-19 transmission risk. Adjusted logit models showed that independent factors associated with accurate perception of COVID-19 transmission risk include: age 18&19 years (OR = 0.50, CI: 0.34-0.73); exposure to electronic media (OR = 1.84, CI: 1.07-3.18); and being an in-migrant (OR = 3.38, CI: 2.44-4.68). Less than one-third (28.8%) were willing to test for COVID-19. Severe fear of COVID-19 (OR = 3.99, CI: 1.36-11.74) was associated with willingness to undergo COVID-19 testing. Socio-demographic predictors of testing readiness included: male sex (OR = 1.51, CI: 1.36-1.68); traditional religion (OR = 2.81, CI: 1.05-7.53); and exposure to electronic media (OR = 1.31, CI: 1.06-1.62). Awareness campaigns need to be scaled up to improve perception and preparedness to test for COVID-19.