Awareness, availment, and satisfaction on various health services among residents of a rural community in Samar, Philippines: A mixed methods study

Objectives@#This study sought to investigate citizens' awareness, availment, satisfaction, and perceived need for action with health services offered by a rural municipality in Samar, Philippines.@*Methods@#This study utilized an explanatory-sequential research design, involving 150 participants selected through the Kish Grid Method via a multi-stage sampling approach within the community. The Citizen Satisfaction Index System was employed to assess the levels of awareness, utilization, and satisfaction with health services in the municipality.@*Results@#Among the assessed health services, the cohort had low awareness and low availment on services for communicable diseases, basic dental/oral hygiene, and reproductive health. While high awareness was observed for childbirth services, there was low availment on these. The participants showed high awareness and availment for only two services namely, free general consultation and the free medicine program. While high satisfaction was seen among all services that were assessed, the participants also expressed a high perceived need for action to improve their delivery. @*Conclusion@#This study presents a comprehensive view of rural healthcare in Samar, Philippines. Despite high satisfaction rates, gaps persist in the citizen’s awareness and availment due to accessibility, costs, fear, misinformation, and cultural differences. The findings of this study can guide policymakers in identifying gaps in healthcare in rural areas.

Knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B amongst students of Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Globally, 296 million people were infected by hepatitis B in 2019, with 1.1 million deaths. Africa is one of the endemic regions. Good knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B remain pivotal to the biosafety of medical students. This study sought to determine the levels of knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B among students of Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and the predicting factors associated with this knowledge and awareness. The is with the aim of providing recommendations for improving and sustaining biosafety levels for medical and other health-related students of the University. Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional design conducted amongst 528 randomly selected medical students of PUMS, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were interviewer-administered to collect socio-demographic information and participants' responses to questions on knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0 and relationships of socio-demographic characteristics and predictive factors with knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B were tested using binary logistic regression analysis with p value for statistical significance set at <0.05. Results: A total of 528 students participated in the study, 202 (38.3%) males and 326 (61.7%) females. Most participants (296, 56.1%) were between 15-19 years of age with mean age of 19 ±2.43 years. The mean (±SD) of participants responses with good knowledge of hepatitis B was 249±121.5 while for good awareness, it was 181±88.3. The percentage average for good knowledge and good awareness was 47.2% and 34.2% respectively, with positive correlation between knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B (r=0.720, p<0.0001). Age was significantly associated with participants percentage average knowledge (OR=0.77, 95% CI 0.70-0.84, p<0.0001) and awareness of hepatitis B (OR=0.84, 95%CI 0.78-0.90, p=0.004). No other factor was significantly associated with knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B except Ijaw tribe (OR=0.4, 95%CI 0.24-0.66, p=0.034) and attendance of Federal Government College (OR=0.4, 95% CI 0.24-0.68, p=0.046). Conclusion: The percentage average good knowledge of 47.2% and awareness of 34.2% for hepatitis B in this study are low, although most participants in the study were between the ages of 15-19 years and in their first and second year of study. This gives room for improvement in knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B with progression in age and year of training. Good knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B are central to the biosafety of medical students. It is recommended that the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) review the current medical school curriculum to increase the teaching of medical and health-related students that will impact more on knowledge and awareness of infectious diseases and infection prevention and control.

Effect of various educational methods on increasing parents' awareness of their children's preventive orthodontic treatments

Aim: Like other fields of health, the main focus in dentistry has shifted from treatment to prevention of diseases. Parents have a vital role in deciding about their children's oral health issues. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of four educational methods (including printed pamphlets, digital pamphlets, faceto-face education, and educational films) in increasing the awareness of parents about preventive orthodontic treatments. Methods: The study samples were selected from patients who were referred to the Pediatric Dentistry Department. 150 parents of children between 4-12 years old participated in the study. They filled out a questionnaire including demographic data and knowledge about orthodontic problems and their early treatments. Then they were divided into five groups (control, printed pamphlet, digital pamphlet, face-to-face, educational films) and after one month they repeated the test. Results: A total of 102 fathers and 48 mothers were evaluated. There was no statistical difference between different ages, sex, or income in terms of their awareness, but the awareness score between educational groups was different. There has been observed a significant increase in the awareness level of all four groups (except the control group) (P < 0.05). The highest score was seen in the video group. The difference between printed pamphlets and digital pamphlets was not significant. Conclusions: The results indicate that educational films are the most effective way of increasing awareness about preventive orthodontic treatments

Significados atribuídos por mulheres com câncer de mama ao grupo de apoio / Meanings attributed by women with breast cancer to a support group / Significados atribuidos por las mujeres con cáncer de mama al grupo de apoyo

A sobrevivência ao câncer de mama é um problema de saúde pública que demanda serviços especializados com foco na reabilitação psicossocial. Entre as necessidades identificadas nesse contexto está o incentivo à adoção de estratégias de promoção de autocuidados pelas mulheres. Uma das estratégias adotadas consiste no grupo de apoio psicológico, que auxilia as pacientes a enfrentar a longa jornada do tratamento. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é compreender os significados produzidos por mulheres com câncer de mama sobre sua participação em um grupo de apoio. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório realizado com dez mulheres com câncer de mama usuárias de um serviço de reabilitação para mastectomizadas. Como referencial metodológico foi utilizada a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista aberta em profundidade e os conteúdos foram transcritos e codificados. A análise indutiva e o método de comparação constante foram aplicados nos processos de codificação aberta, axial e seletiva, que permitiram identificar três categorias nucleares: percepção das atividades realizadas no grupo, identificação de benefícios e barreiras do convívio no grupo e transformações decorrentes da participação. As participantes significaram sua presença no grupo como fonte de acolhimento, apoio, desenvolvimento de recursos pessoais e amizades, contribuindo para promover sua qualidade de sobrevida. Além dos potenciais benefícios, também foram identificadas barreiras que podem dificultar a adesão e continuidade da participação no grupo, o que sugere a necessidade de incorporar no cuidado um olhar para as dimensões subjetivas da saúde da mulher.(AU)

Surviving breast cancer is a public health problem and depends on services focused on psychosocial rehabilitation. Healthcare providers must encourage women to adopt strategies to promote their self-care. The psychological support group is a resource that helps women to face the long journey of treatment. This study aimed to understand the meanings women with breast cancer produced about their participation in a support group. This exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out with 10 women with breast cancer who use a rehabilitation service for mastectomized patients. Grounded Theory was used as a methodological reference. An open in-depth interview was applied for data collection. The contents were transcribed and coded. Inductive analysis and the constant comparison method were applied in the open, axial, and selective coding processes, which enabled the identification of three core categories: perception of the activities carried out in the group, identification of benefits and barriers of living in the group, and transformations resulting from participation. Participants denote their involvement with the group as a source of shelter, support, development of personal resources and friendships that helps promoting quality of life. Besides these potential benefits, participants also evinced barriers that can hinder adherence and continuity of participation in the group, suggesting the importance of incorporating a look at the subjective dimensions of women's health into care.(AU)

Sobrevivir al cáncer de mama es un problema de salud pública que depende de los servicios centrados en la rehabilitación psicosocial. Entre las necesidades identificadas en esta materia se encuentra el uso de estrategias para promover el autocuidado. Uno de los recursos que ayuda a afrontar el largo camino del tratamiento es el grupo de apoyo psicológico. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer los significados que producen las mujeres con cáncer de mama sobre su participación en un grupo de apoyo. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio, realizado con diez mujeres con cáncer de mama usuarias de un servicio de rehabilitación para mastectomizadas. Como referencia metodológica se utilizó la teoría fundamentada en los datos. Se aplicó una entrevista abierta en profundidad para la recogida de datos, cuyos contenidos fueron transcritos y codificados. El análisis inductivo y el método de comparación constante se aplicaron en los procesos de codificación abierta, axial y selectiva, lo que permitió identificar tres categorías centrales: percepción de las actividades realizadas en el grupo, identificación de los beneficios y las barreras de vivir en el grupo y transformaciones resultantes de la participación. Las mujeres denotan su participación en el grupo como una fuente de acogida, apoyo, desarrollo de recursos personales y amistades, que ayuda a promover la calidad de vida. Además de los beneficios potenciales, también se identificaron barreras que pueden dificultar la adherencia y continuidad de la participación en el grupo, lo que sugiere la necesidad de incorporar en la atención una mirada centrada en las dimensiones subjetivas de la salud de las mujeres.(AU)

La odontología verde / Green dentistry

El propósito del presente trabajo está orientado a generar una reflexión entre el gremio odontológico profesional y los estudiantes de las licenciaturas en Odontología respecto a la contaminación global que estamos generando y a la crítica situación del planeta, así como sus consecuencias ambientales y climatológicas, sobre lo importante que es educar bajo la perspectiva de una Odontología Verde y Sostenible a través de la ambientalización curricular en las escuelas y facultades de Odontología para generar un tipo de cultura y conciencia proambiental. De igual forma para señalar lo sencillo que es ambientalizar agradable y relajantemente nuestro entorno educativo y laboral, así como realizar algunas prácticas odontológicas ecológicas y ambientales en la práctica privada que cuestan poco o nada y que, por el contrario, el gran efecto positivo que éstas tendrán en el medio ambiente y la reducción de los niveles de contaminación actuales. Si realmente logramos generar una nueva cultura y conciencia que se preocupe por el medio ambiente en el campo de la Odontología, los resultados para todos se verán reflejados en un mejor ambiente social, educativo de trabajo y de salud (AU)

The purpose of this work is aimed at generating a reflection between the professional dental guild and the students of the Bachelor's Degrees in Dentistry regarding the global pollution that we are generating and the critical situation of the planet and its environmental and climatological consequences, on how important it is educate under the perspective of a Green and Sustainable Dentistry through the greening of the curriculum in the Schools and Faculties of Dentistry to generate a type of culture and pro-environmental awareness. Likewise, point out how simple it is to pleasantly and relaxingly green our educational and work environment, as well as perform some ecological and environment, as well perform some ecological and environment, dental practices in private practice that cost little or nothing and that, on the contrary, the great positive effect that these will have on the environment and the reduction of current pollution levels. If we truly manage to generate a new culture and awareness that cares about the environment in the field of Dentistry, the results for all will be reflected in a better social, educational, work and health environment (AU)

Feminicídio seguido de suicídio: a organização da mídia na prestação de serviço para evitar casos das violências correlacionadas / Femicide followed by suicide: the organization of the media in providing service in order to prevent cases of the correlated violence / Feminicidio seguido de suicidio: la organización de los medios de comunicación en la prestación de servicios para evitar casos de las violencias correlacionadas

O presente artigo tem como objetivo estudar as reportagens jornalísticas que noticiam casos de feminicídio seguido de suicídio, e analisar qual o papel da mídia na conscientização do público sobre as violências correlacionadas. Com muitos estigmas, o tema ainda é pouco abordado pelo jornalismo de forma esclarecedora e em formato de prestação de serviço, uma vez que ambos os assuntos ainda são tabus para a sociedade. Dessa forma, este estudo se propõe a ampliar o debate, a partir dos autores Durkheim, Blázquez e Christofoletti. A pesquisa também é pautada com dois manuais para jornalistas, o da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), sobre como falar do suicídio; e o da plataforma Universa UOL, sobre como abordar o feminicídio. Ao longo do trabalho, percebe-se que o jornalismo precisa refletir sobre seu papel na prevenção de casos como esses e a respeito de como exercê-lo

This article aims to study the journalistic reports that report cases of femicide followed by suicide, and to analyze the role of the media in raising the public awareness of correlated violence. With many stigmas, the subject is still little addressed by journalism in an enlightening way and in order to provide service, since both subjects are still taboo subjects for society. Thus, this study proposes to broaden the debate, based on the authors Durkheim, Blázquez and Christofoletti. The research is also guided by two manuals for journalists: that elaborated by the World Health Organization (WHO), on how to talk about suicide; and that presented by the Universa UOL platform, on how to approach femicide. Throughout the work, it is clear that journalism needs to reflect on its role in preventing cases like these and how to exercise it

Este artículo tiene como objetivo estudiar los reportajes periodísticos que divulgan casos de feminicidio seguido de suicidio, y analizar el papel de los medios de comunicación en la sensibilización de la población sobre la violencia correlacionada. Con muchos estigmas, el tema es aún poco abordado por el periodismo de manera esclarecedora y con el fin de prestar un servicio, ya que los dos temas siguen siendo tabúes para la sociedad. Así, este estudio propone ampliar el debate, apoyándose en los autores Durkheim, Blázquez y Christofoletti. La investigación también se guía por dos manuales para periodistas: el elaborado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), sobre cómo hablar sobre el suicidio; y el presentado en la plataforma Universa UOL, sobre cómo abordar el feminicidio. A lo largo del trabajo, queda claro que el periodismo necesita reflexionar sobre su papel en la prevención de casos como estos y sobre cómo ejercerlo

Situational analysis of syphilis cases taking place between 2015 and 2021 in the state of Rio Grande do Norte - Brazil / Análise situacional da sífilis entre os anos de 2015 e 2021 no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that represents a severe public health problem worldwide and in Brazil it has not been different. The national compulsory notifications regarding syphilis cases are significantly increasing, and therefore, this fact alone justifies the study of such a relevant subject. Objective: This work presents a situational analysis of syphilis cases in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, between 2015 and 2021, aiming primarily at assisting public healthcare authorities in decision-making processes to cope with the disease. Concomitantly, this research aims to build knowledge as well as to provide awareness to the population. Methods: This study analyzed data from compulsory notifications reports from 2015 to 2021, available in the database of the Brazilian Unified Health System's Informatics Department, in the Brazilian Information System of Notifiable Diseases and in the Brazilian Health Surveillance Secretariat. Results: In the state, 70% of patients with syphilis are aged 15 to 39 years. The rate of patients affected with acquired syphilis that have low education is 48%, and for pregnant women, this value rises to 77%. The declared mixed-race patients represent 48% of notifications for acquired syphilis, and for mixed-race pregnant women, this value increases to 60%. In congenital syphilis, 98% of compulsory notifications occurred for children aged up to 7 days of birth. Conclusion: Syphilis in Rio Grande do Norte is a public health problem that mainly affects the vulnerable population, predominantly the groups at risk with low education, mixed race, and young-adult people, being of paramount importance to combat the disease through population awareness, as well as through constant and adequate compulsory notification.

Introdução: A sífilis é uma infecção sexualmente transmissível que representa um grave problema de saúde pública para o mundo, bem como para o Brasil. As notificações compulsórias nacionais de casos de sífilis estão crescendo significativamente, portanto esse fato por si só justifica o estudo centrado nesta temática de primordial importância. Objetivo: Este trabalho apresenta uma análise situacional da sífilis entre os anos de 2015 e 2021 no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, visando principalmente auxiliar as autoridades públicas de saúde nos processos decisórios em resposta à sífilis, mas também construir conhecimento e embasar a conscientização da população. Métodos: Foram analisados dados das notificações de 2015 a 2021 disponíveis na base de dados do Sistema Único de Saúde, no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação e na Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Resultados: No estado, mais de 70% dos pacientes afetados por sífilis têm entre 15 e 39 anos de idade. A taxa de pacientes com baixa escolaridade e que foram notificados com sífilis adquirida é de 48% e, para as gestantes, esse valor sobe para 77%. Pacientes declarados pardos representam 48% das notificações para sífilis adquirida e, para gestantes pardas, esse valor amplia-se para 60%. Na sífilis congênita, 98% das notificações ocorreram para crianças com idade de até sete dias de nascidos. Conclusão: A sífilis no Rio Grande do Norte é um problema de saúde pública que atinge principalmente a população vulnerável, com predominância dos grupos de baixa escolaridade, raça parda e jovens adultos, sendo de suma importância o combate à doença por meio da conscientização da população, como também a constante e adequada notificação compulsória.

Relationship of awareness, knowledge, attitude and skills in telemedicine among resident physicians in a tertiary government hospital in Las Piñas City: A cross sectional study

Background@#During the COVID-19 pandemic, the advent of telemedicine was significantly utilized in providing continuous healthcare. Various studies showed that it is an effective way of health care delivery in any specialty cases such as in Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medicine and Surgery. Recently, there’s an increase in utilization of the Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude & Skills (AKAS) Surveys in health care research but there’s paucity of data regarding its use in telemedicine. @*Objective@#The main objective of this study was to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude and skills regarding telemedicine and correlate it to the various demographics among the resident physicians. @*Methods@#This is an analytical cross-sectional study utilizing an adopted, validated and self-administered questionnaire. A total of 37 resident physicians from different specialties were included in the study. @*Results@#This study showed that the resident physicians have high awareness, knowledge and attitude but with average skills regarding telemedicine. This study also found out that there is a significant association between their awareness and year level, knowledge and computer & internet skills, attitude and residency specialty & formal training regarding telemedicine, skills and computer & internet skills and time of exposure to telemedicine. Lastly, there’s an association between the total AKAS scores and time of exposure to telemedicine. All of which have moderate degrees of association. @*Conclusions@#Telemedicine, although novel, is very important specially this time of pandemic. After knowing that there’s significant association between the AKAS scores of resident physicians, the conduct of telemedicine should be guided by these especially in terms of policy making. It is recommended to have formal skills training in conducting telemedicine to all the resident physicians. It is also recommended to have a better internet connection and updated computer specifications in line with the current guidelines to be able to effectively deliver health care through telemedicine.

Obesity awareness and its relationship to sociodemographic characteristics of Filipino adults / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

Objective@#Awareness and substantial understanding of obesity are essential components in its prevention and treatment. This study aimed to determine the degree of obesity awareness and its relationship to various sociodemographic characteristics among Filipino adults working from home (WFH).@*Methodology@#This is a cross-sectional survey conducted in Metro Cebu, Philippines. Included were non-healthcare WFH professionals aged 18-64. Researcher-made Obesity Awareness Questionnaire (OAC-20) was used.@*Results@#A total of 458 employees participated in the study; mean age was 30.33 years (SD=6.96), mostly female (71.40%) and majority single (77.07%). The mean obesity awareness score was 79.18% (SD=9.02). Age (p=0.198), BMI (p=0.397), work hours/day (p=0.101), and hours of physical activity/day (p=0.458) were not associated with obesity awareness. Similarly, male vs. female (p=0.515), and single vs. married respondents (p=0.629) did not differ significantly in terms of average scores. However, higher educational attainment (p=0.044) and higher socio-economic status (p=0.002) were significantly associated with higher obesity awareness scores.@*Conclusion@#The surveyed WFH adults were aware of the majority of the important concepts on obesity. Educational attainment and socio-economic status were significant determinants of obesity awareness.

Assessment of Knowledge Among the Physicians Regarding Dental Screening Prior to Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the physicians' knowledge regarding the referral for dental screening prior to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using simple random sampling among 468 physicians from various specialties with diverse experience levels from different regions in Saudi Arabia. A self-reporting questionnaire was distributed among the physicians, which consisted of questions assessing the physicians' knowledge about oral health and complications in patients prior to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Statistical analysis was done after the data was collected employing SPSS, and p<0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Residents were more as expected (39.3%), followed by specialists (2.31%). The majority had a practice experience for more than five years (67.8%).The scores for the knowledge assessment showed that 51.3%, nearly half of the participants, had lower scores. The scores were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: General physicians and specialists should be aware of the dental complications and associated diseases in patients with malignancies and those undergoing chemo and radiotherapy. It is proposed that more awareness should be raised among physicians to rectify this lapse.

Gender-based violence in a rural Nigerian community during the COVID-19 era: a call for policy action

Introduction: gender-based violence (GBV) is a global pandemic which is deeply rooted in culture, hence the need to contextually understand its occurrence and patterns in rural settings. The objective of this study assessed respondents´ attitude, prevalence, the perceived risk factors, patterns and predictors of GBV in Ife-Odan, Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: cross-sectional study design was used and multi-stage sampling method employed to recruit 450 consenting adults. A pretested interviewer-administered, semistructured questionnaire was used for data collection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out. Results: mean age (±SD) of the respondents was 30.73±7.0, 58.7% of them were females and 88.0% had negative attitude to GBV. Prevalence of any form of GBV was 16.2%. Predominant GBV types included intimate partner violence (IPV) (58.3%), female genital mutilation (FGM) (31.1%), Sexual violence (6.9%) and incest (3.4%). Perceived risk factors of GBV included cultural acceptance, substance abuse, lack of punishments for GBV offenders, indecent female dressing styles, social media influences, effects of COVID-19 lockdown and male dominance. However, gender (AOR=7.82; 95%CI=2.35-8.17), marital status (AOR=3.23;95%CI=1.82-3.78), religion (AOR=5.02;95%CI=1.78-9.63) and attitude (AOR=4.23; 95%CI=2.267-5.82) were the significant predictors of past GBV experiences in the study setting. Conclusion: gender-based violence (GBV) is prevalent in the study setting, with IPV being the most common. There is need for policymakers to focus on cultural transformation by designing a robust awareness campaign against GBV in rural Nigerian communities. Traditional and religious leaders should be sensitized and involved in the campaign programs using all available channels of communication. Laws prohibiting perpetration of GBV need to be fully implemented.

Perception and willingness to the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine among household-heads in a rural community of South-Western Nigeria

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic and its vaccine have been met with varying perceptions that may have both negative and positive effects on the willingness to uptake the COVID-19 vaccine. The study is set to determine the perception and willingness of the household heads to the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine in a rural community in Southwestern, Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out among 409 household heads selected through a multistage sampling technique. The instrument of data collection was a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaireusing the Health Belief model constructs. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 21.0 and Pearson's Chi-square test was used to determine the association between perception and willingness to uptake vaccine. P<0.05 was taken as significant at 95% confidence interval.Results:The majority of the unvaccinated respondents in the study were not willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine (60.1%). There was a poor perception of the susceptibility/severity of unvaccinated respondents to COVID-19 infection and a poor perception of the benefit/barrier to the uptake of the COVID-19vaccine. Perception of susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infection were statistically related to the willingness to uptake the COVID-19vaccine.Conclusion:There should be an increase in awareness campaigns to change the perception of people positively to COVID-19 infection and uptake of the COVID-19vaccine.

Awareness of and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection among female sex workers in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective preventive measures against HIV infection but its success is strongly based on adherence, which in turn depends on willingness to use. This study is aimed at assessing the level of awareness and willingness to use PrEP to prevent HIV infection among female sex workers (FSWs) in Anambra State, Nigeria, and to identify factors that influence willingness to use PrEP. Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional survey involving 265 brothel-based FSWs recruited through snowballing technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant information on demographic characteristics, awareness of HIV/AIDS and transmission route, attitudes/behavior related to HIV/AIDS, and awareness of and willingness to use PrEP. Univariate and bivariate analyses with Chi square test (with Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval) was used to determine association of socio-demographic and predictive factors with willingness to use PrEP. Statistical significance was considered when p value was less than 0.05. Results: Of 265 FSW respondents, only 81 (31.2%) have heard of PrEP, 10 (3.9%) indicated they have previously used PrEP while 91.0% indicated willingness to use PrEP. Univariate analysis showed that FSWs in Onitsha had a significantly higher odds (OR=28.6, 95% CI=1.718-476.82, p=0.0006) while those from Awka had a significantly lower odds (OR=0.184, 95% CI=0.0704-0.1812, p=0.0004) of willingness to use PrEP. Also, FSWs with monthly income less than 18,000 Naira had a lower odd of willingness to use PrEP (OR=0.3980, 95% CI=0.1593-0.9945, p=0.08). Bivariate analysis shows that FSWs who wish to have more knowledge of HIV/AIDS had higher odd of willingness to use PrEP than those who did not wish to have more knowledge (OR=4.235, 95% CI=1.577­11.374, p=0.0066). Similarly, FSWs who are worried of being discriminated against have a lower odd of willingness to use PrEP than those who are not worried of being discriminated against (OR=0.3921, 95% CI=0.1582-0.9718, p=0.0439). Conclusion: Our study showed low awareness but high willingness to use PrEP among FSWs in Anambra State,Nigeria. Cost, HIV/AIDS knowledge and fear of discrimination are significant predicting factors of willingness to use HIV PrEP and should be considered when formulating PrEP policy. Adequate enlightenment on PrEP should be emphasized among FSWs.

Knowledge, acceptability and utilization of epidural analgesia in antenatal clinic attendees at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital (UTH), Osogbo, Osun State

Labour pain is perceived as the most harrowing and agonizing event of a woman's life. Efforts at reducing the pain and making the event less stressful have predated modern obstetric practice. Epidural analgesia has provided effective pain relief in labour for over three decades. Delivery with epidural analgesia is routine for willing parturients in the developing world, however ignorance, cost as well as lack of qualified personnel has made this to be out of reach of the average Nigerian mother. The aim of this study was to assess level of awareness, acceptability, previous utilization and willingness to utilize epidural analgesia in labour following health education.Subjects/Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the antenatal clinic of UTH, Osogbo. Health education on events of labour and methods of analgesia available was provided to all antenatal clinic attendees between September 2021and March 2022, following which a semi­structured purpose designed, and self- administered questionnaire was administered to 415 of these women who consented to participate in this study. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 32.57± 4.42 years and mean parity of 1.73± 0.96. 70.8% reported that labour pain was severe. 41.7% were aware of epidural analgesia before the health talk. 3.6% of our subjects had utilized epidural in their last confinement. However, only 47.7% expressed a wish to utilize epidural analgesia in labour. Conclusion: Awareness of epidural analgesia in study population was passable at 40% however willingness to utilize it was less than average despite health talk and reassurance by their attending obstetric team.

A survey on brazilian dentists' awareness, perception, and knowledge of bisphosphonates

Aim: The purpose of the study was to analyze the knowledge of dentists in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, about bisphosphonates and their clinical implications. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted with a convenience sample of dentists in Belo Horizonte, in a period of 8 weeks. The questionnaire was self-applied and was structured with 10 items about the dentists' demographic characteristics, professional profile, and knowledge about bisphosphonates. Associations in the data were analyzed by with the Fischer's exact test with a significance level of 5%. Results: Of the 214 participating dentists, 163 (76.17%) were women, and 51 (23.83%) were men, with age ranged for 21 to 73 years (mean of 30 years) and mean of 6 years of professional activity. Nearly half (106/49.53%) reported having knowledge about bisphosphonates, and undergraduate courses were the primary source of such information (73/34.11%). Osteoporosis was the most identified indication for use (75/35.04%), although no participants correctly identified all indications. Regarding the drugs' side effects, only three dentists (1.40%) could correctly identify all responses, with bone necrosis being recognized by the majority (88/41.12%). Sodium alendronate (54/25.23%) and sodium ibandronate (15/7.01%) were the most identified examples of bisphosphonates. Last, only nine dentists (4.20%) could identify all examples of the drugs, and their capacity was associated with self-reported knowledge (p<0.05). Conclusions: More information about bisphosphonates should be disseminated in Belo Horizonte, ideally via better approaches in local undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Until then, knowledge of the basic aspects of bisphosphonates will remain limited

The Impact of Cultural Factors, The Level of Health Education Received by the Caregivers, and Stigma on Asthma Treatment among Children in Southern Jordan

Abstract For asthma treatment in children, caregivers need good knowledge and attitudes regarding the disease and its treatment. This study aimed to determine the impact of cultural factors, the level of health education provided to patients and their families, as well as the impact of stigmatization on the treatment awareness of children with asthma in southern Jordan. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of ninety-seven caregivers selected from three hospitals in southern Jordan. Open ended questions were answered after demonstrating the inhaler technique in and evaluated according to the instructions of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP, 2013). The result revealed moderate knowledge of asthma with a mean score of (22.36/32), as well as moderate knowledge of asthma treatment (24.26/40). A high mean was found for the impact of cultural and environmental factors (22.93/28), whereas low impact was found for stigma with a mean value of (4.73/12). Therefore, to improve future asthma management, additional efforts are required to educate caregivers and improve their asthma awareness and rectify any falsehoods regarding asthma medications by health care providers.

Reações de mães de meninos vítimas de violência sexual diante da revelação / Reacciones de madres de niños víctimas de violencia sexual frente a revelación / Mother's reactions towards their sons' disclosure of sexual violence victimization

RESUMO Os estudos existentes acerca da revelação da violência sexual são, em sua maioria, baseados em casos de meninas. À vista disso, objetivou-se conhecer as reações protetivas e não protetivas de mães e pais diante da revelação de meninos vítimas de violência sexual. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo qualitativo, por meio de entrevistas, com nove mães. Em seguida, efetuou-se a análise temática dos dados, que resultou em seis temas: momento da revelação; confiança e desconfiança; acolhimento; busca de ajuda; emoções; e proteção. Tomados em conjunto, os resultados indicam que as mães apresentaram, no geral, reações protetivas diante da revelação, evidentes em todos os temas identificados. A partir do momento da revelação, as mães confiaram nos seus filhos e buscaram acolhê-los por meio de uma escuta atenta, também, cabe dizer, algumas entraram em estado de paralisia e entristecimento. Esse acolhimento foi seguido de busca de informações e de atendimento especializado. A proteção ocorreu, ainda, por meio do afastamento dos agressores e monitoramento da rotina dos filhos. Nesse sentido, é fundamental que haja investimento em ações de conscientização sobre os serviços disponíveis para que cuidadores possam proteger crianças e adolescentes em risco. Além disso, são necessárias intervenções que visem auxiliá-los no manejo de seus sentimentos diante da revelação, bem como em relação às consequências da violência para crianças e adolescentes.

RESUMEN. Los estudios existentes sobre divulgación de violencia sexual se basan principalmente en casos de niñas. El objetivo era conocer las reacciones protectoras y no protectoras de madres y padres ante la revelación de niños que son víctimas de violencia sexual. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo, a través de entrevistas con nueve madres. Se llevó a cabo un análisis temático de datos, que resultó en seis temas: momento de revelación, confianza y desconfianza, acogida, búsqueda de ayuda, emociones y protección. Los resultados indican que las madres mostraron reacciones protectoras a la revelación, evidente en todos los temas. Desde el momento de la revelación, las madres confiaron en sus hijos y trataron de recibirlos escuchando atentamente, algunos de los cuales entraron en un estado de parálisis y tristeza. Siguió la búsqueda de información y asistencia especializada. La protección también se produjo mediante la eliminación de agresores y el monitoreo de la rutina de los niños. Es necesario invertir en acciones de concientización sobre los servicios disponibles. Además, se necesitan intervenciones para ayudarlos a manejar sus sentimientos ante la divulgación.

ABSTRACT. Studies on the disclosure of sexual violence are majorly based on cases involving girls. The objective was to investigate protective and non-protective reactions of mothers and fathers of boys towards the disclosure of sexual violence victimization. In this qualitative research, we interviewed nine mothers and analyzed the data using thematic analysis, which resulted in six themes: moment of disclosure, trust and distrust, welcoming, help seeking, emotions, and protection. Altogether, results showed that mothers, in general, presented protective reactions towards the disclosure, which was evident in all identified themes. After disclosure, mothers trusted their sons and sought to protect them by attentive listening, although some of them entered a state of paralysis and sadness. This welcoming of their sons' disclosure was followed by seeking information and specialized treatment. Protection was also identified by withdrawing from aggressors and monitoring the boys' routines. Thus, it is necessary to invest in actions to raise awareness of the available services so that caretakers can protect children and adolescents at risk. In addition, interventions are required to assist them to manage their feelings towards disclosure, as well as the consequences of violence for children and adolescents.

Awareness of the diagnosis, treatment, and control of diabetes mellitus in Brazil / Conhecimento do diagnóstico, tratamento e controle do diabetes mellitus no Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the proportions of awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the Brazilian adult population. METHOD This is a cross-sectional study, with data from a representative sample of the Brazilian population, taken from the National Health Survey(PNS 2014/2015). Outcomes were defined based on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements, self-reported DM diagnosis, and use of hypoglycemic agents or insulin. The proportion of DM awareness, treatment, and control was estimated according to sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and access to health services, and their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS DM prevalence in the Brazilian population was of 8.6% (95%CI: 7.8-9.3): 68.2% (95%CI: 63.9-72.3) were aware of their diagnosis, 92.2% (95%CI: 88.6-94.7) of those who were aware were undergoing drug treatments, and, of these, 35.8% (95%CI: 30.5-41.6) had controlled HbA1c levels. The proportions of DM awareness, control, and treatment were lower in men aged 18 to 39 years, individuals with low education, without health insurance, and beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família program. CONCLUSION Approximately one in ten Brazilians has DM. A little more than half of this population is aware of their diagnosis, a condition measured by HbA1c dosage and clinical diagnosis. Among those who know, the vast majority are undergoing drug treatments. However, less than half of these have their HbA1c levels controlled. Worse scenarios were found in subgroups with high social vulnerability.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar as proporções dos indivíduos que têm conhecimento do diagnóstico, tratamento e controle do diabetes mellitus (DM) na população adulta brasileira. MÉTODO Este é um estudo transversal, com dados de amostra representativa da população brasileira, provenientes da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS 2014/2015). Os desfechos foram definidos com base na medida de hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c), no diagnóstico autorreferido de DM e no uso de hipoglicemiantes ou de insulina. Estimou-se a proporção do conhecimento, tratamento e controle do DM de acordo com as características sociodemográficas, condição de saúde e de acesso aos serviços de saúde, e seus respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). RESULTADOS A prevalência de DM na população brasileira foi 8,6% (IC95% 7,8-9,3), 68,2% (IC95% 63,9-72,3) tinham conhecimento do seu diagnóstico, 92,2% (IC95% 88,6-94,7) dos que tinham conhecimento realizam tratamento medicamentoso, e desses, 35,8% (IC95% 30,5-41,6) tinham os níveis de HbA1c controlados. As proporções de conhecimento, controle e tratamento foram menores nos homens, com idade de 18 a 39 anos, indivíduos que possuem baixa escolaridade, sem plano de saúde e beneficiários do Programa Bolsa Família. CONCLUSÃO Aproximadamente um em cada dez brasileiros apresenta DM. Um pouco mais da metade desta população tem conhecimento do seu diagnóstico, condição aferida por dosagem de HbA1c e diagnóstico clínico. Entre os que sabem, a grande maioria está sob tratamento medicamentoso. Porém, menos da metade destes tem seus níveis de HbA1c controlados. Cenários piores foram encontrados em subgrupos com alta vulnerabilidade social.

Percepções de psicólogos organizacionais sobre inclusão de pessoas com deficiência em empresas / Organizational psychologists' perceptions on the inclusion of people with disabilities in organizations / Percepciones de los psicólogos organizacionales sobre la inclusión de personas con discapacidad en las empresas

As dificuldades e barreiras enfrentadas no processo de inclusão de pessoas com deficiência (PcD) nas organizações incitam o desenvolvimento de pesquisas. Este estudo compreendeu a percepção de psicólogos organizacionais sobre a inclusão de PcD em empresas. Dezoito psicólogos atuantes na área de gestão de pessoas de empresas das sete regiões do estado do Rio Grande do Sul responderam a uma entrevista individual. A média de idade dos participantes foi de 33,17 anos, atuavam em empresas de diferentes segmentos, eram predominantemente do sexo feminino e possuíam pós-graduação em áreas relacionadas. Os relatos dos psicólogos alertaram para o fato de que, em suas graduações, o conteúdo sobre deficiência humana e, especificamente, inclusão no mercado de trabalho foi escasso ou inexistente. Essa lacuna na formação, de egressos de diferentes instituições de ensino superior, é relatada desde os anos de 1990. Para esses psicólogos, barreiras atitudinais e organizacionais são frequentemente enfrentadas no processo de inclusão, tais como o despreparo das empresas, gestores e colaboradores para receber as PcD, os poucos programas voltados a uma prática efetiva de inclusão e não somente ao cumprimento da legislação, além das dificuldades dos próprios profissionais em identificar os potenciais e as limitações que a PcD apresenta e de adaptá-la de maneira correta ao trabalho. O psicólogo organizacional pode contribuir para um processo adequado de inclusão por meio de práticas, tais como treinamentos e sensibilizações, que fomentem a informação e diminuam a discriminação e as dificuldades.(AU)

Difficulties and barriers to including people with disabilities (PwDs) in organizations drives research development. This study sought to understand how organizational psychologists perceived the inclusion of PwDs in organizations. Eighteen organizational psychologists who work in people management for companies in the seven regions of the state of Rio Grande do Sul participated in an individual interview. Most interviewees were female, with average age of 33.17 years, had a postgraduate degree in the field, and worked in companies from different segments. During the interviews, the psychologists called attention to the little or nonexistent content on human disability and, specifically, inclusion in the labor market covered in the graduate course. This gap has been reported by graduates from different higher education institutions since the 1990s. According to the respondents, attitudinal and organizational barriers are often faced in the inclusion process, such as the unpreparedness of companies, managers, and employees to welcome PwD, the few programs aimed at an effective inclusion and not only to comply with the law, as well as the difficulties of the professionals themselves to identify the potentials and limitations that PwD present and to adapt them correctly to the work. Organizational psychologists can contribute to an adequate inclusion process by developing training and sensibilization activities that foster information and reduce discrimination and difficulties.(AU)

Las dificultades y barreras enfrentadas en el proceso de inclusión de personas con discapacidad (PcD) en las organizaciones fortalecen el desarrollo de la investigación. Este estudio entendió la percepción de los psicólogos organizacionales acerca de la inclusión de las PcD en las empresas. Dieciocho psicólogos que trabajan en el área de gestión de personas en empresas de las siete regiones del estado de Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil) respondieron a una entrevista individual. Los participantes tenían una edad promedio de 33,17 años, trabajaban en empresas de diferentes segmentos, eran predominantemente mujeres y tenían un posgrado en el área. Los informes de los psicólogos alertaron sobre el hecho de que el contenido sobre discapacidad humana y, específicamente, su inclusión en el mercado laboral era escaso o inexistente durante su formación académica. Esta brecha en la formación de los egresados de diferentes instituciones de educación superior se reporta desde los 1990. Para estos psicólogos, a menudo ocurren barreras organizacionales y de actitud en el proceso de inclusión de las PcD, como la falta de preparación de las empresas, gerentes y empleados para recibirlas, pocos programas destinados a una práctica efectiva de la inclusión, no solo al cumplimiento de la ley, y las dificultades de los profesionales para identificar las potencialidades y limitaciones y adecuarlas correctamente al trabajo. El psicólogo organizacional puede contribuir a un proceso de inclusión adecuado, con prácticas de capacitación y sensibilización que brindan información y reducen la discriminación y dificultades.(AU)