Knowledge towards Cervical and Breast Cancers among Industrial Workers: Results from a Multisite Study in Northern Vietnam.

Breast and cervical cancer cases are rising among service and industrial women workers in Vietnam. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 287 workers in three factories in Hanoi and Bac Ninh from July to September 2018 to describe the knowledge of these cancers among industrial workers in Northern Vietnam using a structured questionnaire. Factors associated with knowledge of breast and cervical cancer were identified using generalized linear models (GLM). In our study, approximately one-third of participants believed breast cancer was caused by the lack of breastfeeding, exposure to pollution, and chemicals. Less than 50% knew about sexually transmitted infections that can cause cervical cancer or were aware of a vaccine for cervical cancer. Having one sexual partner within the last year was positively associated with having a higher score of knowledge for both diseases. Receiving a medical checkup within the last 12 months and seeking health information via the internet were related to greater breast cancer knowledge. Targeted education campaigns are needed to ensure proper knowledge and improve awareness of breast cancer and cervical cancer among industrial workers.

Factors Associated with Improved HIV/AIDS Treatment Outcomes: Comparing two Major ART Service Delivery Models in Vietnam.

A mixed design approach was performed to assess the CD4 count levels over time and their associated factors among 362 HIV patients on ART from clinics with HIV testing and counseling (ART-HTC) services and those with general healthcare (ART-GH) services. Longitudinal CD4 count data were retrospectively collected from medical records. Sociodemographic, clinical, alcohol use and smoking characteristics were obtained via face-to-face interviews. Multivariate mixed effect linear regression was utilized to determine the association. We found that HIV patients at ART-GH clinics were more likely to achieve higher CD4 counts over time compared to patients at ART-HTC clinics. Additionally, having an increase in CD4 counts was found to be associated with having longer duration of ART and higher baseline CD4 levels. Cigarette smoking and hazardous alcohol use, however, were not associated with CD4 count improvement. Our findings suggest that combining HTC and GH services might provide a synergistic benefit in ART treatment outcomes through an improved access to comprehensive HIV healthcare services for HIV patients on therapy.

Correlated Factors with Quitting Attempts Among Male Smokers in Vietnam: A QUITLINE-Based Survey.

Despite its decreasing prevalence, cigarette smoking remains the second leading cause of preventable death worldwide. In Vietnam, despite recent smoking cessation efforts, the prevalence of tobacco consumption remains high, particularly among males. In this study, we aim to evaluate the self-efficacy in quitting smoking (i.e., quitting confidence), intention to quit, and identifying associated factors among both rural and urban Vietnamese male populations. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 321 patients (52.7% urban and 47.4% rural inhabitants) who utilized QUITLINE services of Bach Mai Hospital (Hanoi, Vietnam). Socio-economic status, smoking history, cigarette usage data, and intent to quit were assessed. Baseline data were correlated with quitting confidence, to identify significant associated factors. The majority (75.9%) of participants were in the planning phase of cessation, yet 90.8% lacked complete confidence in their quitting ability. Older age, fewer cigarettes per day and previous quitting attempts were associated with quitting confidence (p < 0.05) and plans to quit (p < 0.05). Older smokers and previous quitters were more confident in their ability to quit in the near future and more likely to have made plans to quit. Future smoking cessation efforts should focus on improving self-efficacy, particularly among younger and newer smokers.