Knowledge of Health Students Regarding Nutritional Deficiencies in Patients With Celiac Disease in Jazan Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of celiac disease (CeD) was 2.7% greater than the global pooled prevalence of 1.4%. Patients who strictly adhere to a lifetime gluten-free diet (GFD) may develop nutritional deficiencies potentially contributing to obesity, increased cardiovascular risk, and lower bone density. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge of health students in the Jazan region regarding nutritional deficiencies in patients with CeD who are on a GFD and to determine the associated socio-demographic factors. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among health college students of Jazan University, including students from the College of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Public Health and Health Informatics, and Allied Health Sciences, aged 18 and above, excluding internship students, students who did not complete the survey, and those who refused to participate. The minimum calculated sample size was 368. The questionnaire was adopted from the literature and translated into Arabic. It contained a socio-demographic section and a knowledge section that included 12 questions focusing on the content of macro- and micronutrients in a GFD and the impact of the diet on the health of patients with CeD. RESULTS: The study included 369 participants, with 235 (64%) aged 17-22, 280 (76%) being females, and 341 (92%) being single. The College of Medicine and the College of Applied Medical Sciences had the highest representation, and the College of Dentistry was the lowest. Most participants were in the fourth year (30%) and sixth year (24%). The grade point average (GPA) had a median of 4.3. Approximately 59.1% were aware of nutritional deficiencies among CeD patients. None of the sociodemographic factors were associated with health students' knowledge regarding CeD. Participants from the College of Pharmacy had a lower knowledge of CeD nutrient deficiencies than those from the College of Medicine. (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.90). Most students stated that CeD patients should be advised to take multivitamin drugs and vitamin D supplements. Most acknowledged vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies in CeD patients. Similarly, most were aware of iron and calcium deficiencies, with a small percentage aware of zinc and copper. CONCLUSION: Approximately 59.1% had an acceptable level of knowledge, which is considered a low knowledge level among students who will be future physicians and healthcare workers to whom CeD will represent the first-line disease exposed to. Rising knowledge and awareness among those students will guarantee correct diagnosis, treatment, and better outcomes among CeD patients, thus decreasing the disease burden and increasing the quality of those patients.

Failing professional practice placements in allied health: What do we understand about the student experience? A scoping review.

Professional practice placements are an essential component of allied health and nursing programs. Whilst most students pass these placements, a small percentage of students will fail or be at risk of failing. Supporting students undergoing a failing experience is a time critical, time consuming, emotional and resource-heavy task which is often undertaken by key university staff and impacts all stakeholders. Whilst several studies have provided insight into this experience from the educator and/or university perspective, this scoping review aimed to identify the students' experience of failing or nearly failing a professional practice experience. Following Arskey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews, 24 papers were included in this review. This review generated six themes including the reasons for failure, how failure looks and feels, how supports, service and strategies influence the student experience of failure, the importance of communication, relationships and organisational culture, the impact infrastructure and policies have, and the consequences of failure. The outcomes of this scoping review highlighted three key characteristics of the research to date: (a) the student voice is still largely missing; (b) the student perspective is distinctly different to that of other stakeholders; and (c) the interventions used appear not to be student-informed or student-led. Better understanding this experience from the student's perspective could create a more sustainable practice education environment by designing and implementing more effective supports, services or strategies that reduce the overall impact a failing experience has on students and key stakeholders.

Applied improvisation and transdisciplinary simulation: a necessity for any health curriculum?

From practising a procedure, such as a lumbar puncture, to explaining the aim and method and listening to concerns, the practice of health professionals requires a range of skills, often classified into technical and non-technical skills. Just as gestures and procedures can be taught, so can empathy and communication skills. This article introduces an innovative approach that unites both necessary types of skills. The specific framework of improvisational theatre ("improv") has widespread application, including the training of health professionals (health training improv). By sharing close contexts and skills, health training improv provides a valuable, safe, and effective learning environment that allows practitioners to practice exercises and situations that align with particular objectives. We created a transdisciplinary team to develop a programme of Health Professional Training Improv (HPTI), bringing together the fields of health, psychology, simulation, and arts. Since 2019, various health student groups (nurses, midwives, medical doctors, and speech therapists) have participated in a 16-h applied improv training workshop under the supervision of a professional improv facilitator. Additionally, drama students completed applied improv for health courses, which trained them to act as simulated patients, with a view to the implementation of transdisciplinary improv simulation sessions at SimUSanté (a multidisciplinary health simulation facility located in France). Students' feedback emphasized their interest in HPTI, the realism of the simulation sessions, and the skills they felt had improved. This feedback needs to be supplemented with quantitative data from standardised assessments. The development of this rich pedagogical and research framework, based on a transdisciplinary approach, has brought different fields together to prepare students for real patient encounters. It is essential to continue this training and conduct research to evaluate the curricula developed.

[Alcohol consumption by health students: Ifsi protected?] / Consommation d'alcool des étudiants en santé : Ifsi protégé ?

A study of health students at the Université de Bretagne Occidentale showed that nursing students smoked more than those in other fields. The present study of health students in the same city shows that, conversely, students in nursing training institutes (Ifsi) consumed less alcohol.

Supporting the needs of pre- and primary school children in rural Victoria: Multidisciplinary views and experiences.

PROBLEM: Predicted effects on children from the COVID-19 pandemic include poorer mental health and increased behavioural and developmental concerns. Rural children are at higher risk due to socio-economic factors, isolation and reduced access to services. Investigation by health services into the physical, social and emotional needs of children in rural areas is critical to inform local health promotion planning, service delivery priorities and workforce capacity building. SETTING: Located in a Modified Monash Model category 5, our northern Victorian health service undertook a child-focused needs assessment in order to be strategically responsive to community issues. KEY MEASURES: The project utilised a quantitative community profiling approach and qualitative interviews with a purposive sample (n = 17) of multidisciplinary professionals. STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE: Three main themes emerged: (1) Perpetual navigation of rural access limitations highlighted professionals' exhaustion in working in environments with ongoing unmet needs. (2) Cycles of disadvantage and early intervention gaps identified flow-on negative effects, with concerning trends in poorer child outcomes. (3) Solutions through collaboration grouped ideas to improve support for children. EFFECTS OF CHANGE: Community-level enablement strategies could increase contact with allied health professionals for rural children and reduce reliance on individualised treatment approaches. LESSONS LEARNT: One collaborative action is to pilot and evaluate allied health student placement models to deliver group programs for rural children.

[Using simulation for assessment: the example of OSCE in medical students]. / La simulation pour les évaluations : l'exemple des Ecos chez les étudiants en médecine.

Training of health sciences students is based on the acquisition of clinical skills. Tools assessing the application of theoretical knowledge through written examinations or the tools evaluating student's performance at patient bedsides are characterized by a low reliability. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was developed to address the lack of reliability and standardization of traditional forms of the assessment of clinical performance.

Comparison of the psychological health of students at the higher institutes of nursing and health techniques: A Moroccan multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Mental health is essential to students' academic success as well as their ability to participate fully and meaningfully throughout all aspects of their lives and throughout their lifespan. AIMS: This study aims to determine the psychological health status of Moroccan nursing and technique health students. In doing so, it also seeks to compare differences based on sociodemographic factors. METHOD: A multicenter cross-sectional study with a convenience sample was conducted with 2,054 participants in the academic year of 2018/2019. A set of socio-demographic information were collected, and The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) was used. RESULTS: The mean GHQ-12 score was 4.33 ± 2.61, and 58.7% respondents scored 4 and above in the GHQ-12 scores and thus were considered to be in psychological distress. Students' psychological distress was associated with female gender (60.4% for female compared to 52.4% for men, p = .003); living in parental residence (61.6% compared to 54.7% living away parental residence; p = .02 ), the second and the third training level year respectively (64.6%; 59.2%) compared to first-year (55.2%, p = .001), and midwifery and nursing students (61.6%; 60.3%) as compared to technique health students (43.6%, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that a substantial number of students have psychological distress and this is likely to have negative effects on students' educational attainment and wider wellbeing.

Undergraduate paramedicine students' experiences of feedback during clinical placement on-road: A scoping review.

Feedback on performance enhances student confidence and clinical skills and promotes safe clinical practice. Experiences of feedback are well documented across many health disciplines; however, less is known about paramedicine students' experiences of feedback on-road in an emergency ambulance. The aim of this scoping review was to identify what is known about paramedicine students' experiences of feedback during clinical placement on-road in an emergency ambulance. A review of studies between 2000 and 2021 was undertaken, guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews. Databases included CINAHL, EMBASE, EBSCO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, ERIC (ProQuest), ProQuest (Nursing and Allied Health), Trove, and Open Accessd Theses and Dissertations. Three studies were identified. Feedback is valued by paramedicine students; however, it can be personal and destructive in nature. Paramedics are enthusiastic and supportive and provide clear feedback. Paramedics face challenges supervising students and may lack preparation to provide feedback. There is limited evidence on paramedicine students' experiences of feedback during clinical placement. Further exploration is needed to gain further understanding.

Attitudes of health science students towards death in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Health science students in Spain should be trained to manage the process of death and dying. AIM: To compare the perceptions, attitudes and fears of death from a sample of these students. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional and multi-centre study comprised 411 students studying degrees in medicine, nursing and physiotherapy. The variables used were the hospice-related death self-efficacy scale by Robbins and the Collet-Lester fear of death scale. FINDINGS: The total score obtained on the death self-efficacy scale was 74.43/110, which is considered moderate to high self-efficacy for facing death. Facing the death of a friend at a young age obtained the lowest score (3.85±2.809). Regarding the Collet-Lester scale, the lowest score was 'fear of one's own death' (3.58±0.983) with a value of p=0.81. CONCLUSION: The health science students who participated in this study displayed high levels of fear and anxiety towards death.

Distance learning in the COVID-19 pandemic: acceptance and attitudes of physical therapy and rehabilitation students in Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: To reduce the rate of spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey, distance education was initiated in all universities on 23 March 2020. Distance learning had not been experienced in physical therapy and rehabilitation education before the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aimed to (a) determine the acceptance and attitudes of Pamukkale University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation undergraduate students towards distance learning during the COVID-19 outbreak and (b) compare the results among years. METHODS: This study was conducted from May 2020 to June 2020 at the Pamukkale University School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Turkey. A total of 381 students (271 female, 110 male) participated. The Distance Learning Systems Acceptance Scale (ease of use, benefit), the Community Feeling Scale (affective and actional dimension), and the Distance Learning Attitude Scale (general acceptance, individual awareness, perceived usefulness, effective participation) were used to measure students' acceptance and attitudes towards distance education. RESULTS: Students had partly positive attitudes towards distance learning but were undecided about individual awareness, usefulness, and effective participation. The sense of community among students was moderate in the distance learning environment. Distance learning acceptance and attitude, and the sense of community levels, were highest in fourth-year students (last year of the school), followed by first-, third-, and then second-year students. The distance learning and sense of community scores of first- and fourth-year students were significantly higher than those of second- and third-year students (p≤0.01). CONCLUSION: Physical therapy and rehabilitation undergraduate students' attitudes towards distance learning during the COVID-19 outbreak were positive. However, when comparing between years, students in the second and third academic years had less positive attitudes. This may be because most of their curricula consisted of practical courses and summer field internships, and there were no opportunities to practise on mannequins, peers, and patients in distance education. In this study, the sense of community among students in the distance learning environment was also moderate. This may be because students were not enthusiastic about attending course lectures online, and because they did not have to view the lectures at a set time.

[The balance of healthcare students in jeopardy]. / Les étudiants en santé, leur équilibre en péril.

Healthcare students have experienced this first year of the COVID-19 pandemic differently. Some have volunteered to support services in tension. They were concerned about whether their training would be provided, especially for technical skills.

[Paramedical students mobilized]. / Les étudiants paramédicaux mobilisés.

Health students mobilized during the first two epidemic waves of COVID-19. They demonstrated their capacity for autonomy and initiative. They were able to adapt to the reorganization of their training and maintain a strong professional identity. Two senior health managers pay tribute to their commitment, their courage and their professional conscience.

Dental and oral health students' perceptions of loupes.

Objectives. The dental industry has embraced the usage of loupes, with recent literature identifying numerous clinical and ergonomic benefits. Despite the growing usage of loupes among Australian dental professionals and dental students, few data regarding the perceived benefits and limitations of their use in clinical practice are available. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences and opinions of loupe usage among Australian dental and oral health students. Methods. A self-reporting questionnaire was distributed to all dental and oral health students across Australia during 2016. Results. A total of 223 students responded to the questionnaire. Of these responses, 45.7% reported they wear loupes during their clinical training, with the majority (32%) purchasing them due to recommendation by a demonstrator. Primary benefits reported included ergonomics/posture (89%), restoration evaluation/detection (72%) and quality of care/improved patient care (63%). Primary limitations reported included infection control (53%), decreased awareness of patients' non-verbal communications (44%) and vision dependency (30%). Conclusions. Overall, the students in this study identified both benefits and limitations to wearing loupes in clinical practice. Despite this, an overwhelming majority (96%) of those who used loupes would recommend them to other dental and/or oral health students.

Interprofessional education clinical placement program: a qualitative case study approach.

The goal of health professional education programs is to produce competent graduates, with an ability to work collaboratively as effective healthcare team members. We explored the reflections of students and clinical facilitators, in response to participation in a structured interprofessional education (IPE) clinical placement program. In our qualitative study we used an exploratory case study design. In our analysis, we highlight the benefits of interprofessional practice. Key themes identified by students included: limited opportunities to engage in IPE across their course; lack of clarity around IPE; value of IPE for students, practitioners, and patient outcomes; and need for IPE opportunities to be integrated into placements. Key themes identified by the clinical facilitators included: being reminded of the value of IPE for students and patients; preparation for IPE placements need to be embedded in curricula; coordination and communication of IPE learning activities need to be clear for staff and students; and IPE should continue as part of the broader clinical education agenda. Our findings reinforce the notion that students and clinical facilitators value the importance of IPE for student learning within the clinical placement setting. The outcomes offer valuable insights for universities and hospital and health care contexts for setting up and implementing IPE activities, and we provide recommendations for improving ongoing IPE efforts within clinical placement setting.

Self-regulated learning microanalysis for the study of the performance of clinical examinations by physiotherapy students.

BACKGROUND: Students require feedback on their self-regulated learning (SRL) processes to improve the performance of clinical examinations. The key SRL processes used by students can be identified by SRL-micro-analysis but, this method has not been previously applied to physiotherapy students. The aim of this pilot study was to test a research design that might allow the evaluation of the potential usefulness of SRL microanalysis for the identification of key SRL processes used by physiotherapy students during the performance of a clinical examination skill. The objectives of the pilot study were: 1) to evaluate whether SRL-microanalysis could identify differences in the use of SRL processes between successful and unsuccessful students; 2) to evaluate the reliability of SRL microanalysis ratings produced by different assessors. METHODS: SRL-microanalysis was used with second year physiotherapy students of a Spanish university (n = 26) as they performed a goniometric task. The task required students to obtain a goniometric measurement of the shoulder joint of a peer. Two assessors evaluated student performance and conducted the SRL- microanalysis with all students. An analysis of inter-rater reliability was performed to evaluate the degree of agreement between assessors. RESULTS: The SRL-microanalysis revealed differences in the use of key SRL processes between successful (n = 15: 57.0%) and unsuccessful performers (n = 11: 43.0%): The differences were particularly evident in strategic planning and self-monitoring skills. There was good inter-rater reliability for scoring of strategic planning (k = 0.792), self-monitoring (k = 0.946) and self-evaluation (k = 0.846). CONCLUSION: The use of SRL microanalysis characterized the key SRL processes of physiotherapy students performing a clinical skill with reliability between the assessors. This pilot study supports the potential usefulness of SRL-microanalysis for the identification of key SRL processes in physiotherapy education. Therefore, this study paves the way to the development of a full study, with a larger number of students and more diverse clinical tasks, to evaluate the SRL processes in successful and unsuccessful students.

Factors associated with levels of empathy among students and professionals in the health field: a systematic review

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate factors associated with empathy and identify instruments used to measure this ability in professionals and students in the health field. Method A systematic review was performed. Searches were conducted on the PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using the keywords "empathy" and "health professional". We selected 29 articles published in English, with no restriction imposed regarding the year of publication. Results Based on the findings of the articles selected, sociodemographic factors (female gender, being married, being older, having siblings, and having children) are associated with higher levels of empathy. Professional experience (years of practice) and being on the final years of the course also contributed to higher levels of empathy. Different versions of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy were the most prevalent assessment tools employed in the different studies. Conclusion The articles analyzed describe several factors that influence the level of empathy among health professionals and students. Thus, future studies should take sociodemographic factors into account when evaluating levels of empathy in this population.

"I found it daunting": An exploration of educational needs and experiences of mental health student nurses working with children and adolescents with eating disorders.

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE SUBJECT?: A therapeutic relationship with a professional who displays an informed approach has a positive effect on outcomes for young people presenting with an eating disorder. There is a dearth of research available on the student mental health nurse experience of working with young people with an eating disorder both internationally and from the Republic of Ireland. Within this limited literature, nursing students were found to hold more negative perceptions towards this group than more experienced clinicians. The causes of eating disorders are complex, which make education and support to understand the individual with an eating disorder essential. Within the Republic of Ireland, child and adolescent mental health historically has received very little attention in the undergraduate mental health nursing curriculum. WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Findings from this study recommend that a set of guidelines are made available for students to feel more confident in their role. It is suggested that this resource would include the therapeutic skills to engage the young person with an eating disorder. A specialist clinical placement has been identified as the most appropriate time to consider the development of a study day or days to facilitate learning of the skills and therapeutic techniques to work with adolescents. Application of these skills would occur within the clinical learning environment under supervision and guidance of the clinical preceptor. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Specialized training for student mental health nurses working with this group will enhance confidence and competence levels in forming therapeutic relationships, thereby improving outcomes for those attending the services. Better student experience may also enhance future nursing recruitment into this area. Students need additional support in managing these often complex and ambivalent presentations and their own fears or stigma around people with an eating disorder. This is recommended as taking the form of reflective practice during the placement. There is a need for nursing management to support nurses in their role as preceptor. This would involve protected time for preceptors to engage the student nurse in clinical education and reflective practice. ABSTRACT: Introduction There is limited attention given to child and adolescent mental health in the undergraduate mental health nursing curriculum within the Republic of Ireland. There is a dearth of research available on specifically the student mental health nurse experience both internationally and from the Republic of Ireland. Aim To explore factors that impact on the experience of mental health student nurses working with adolescents who present with eating disorders. Method This qualitative descriptive study was conducted through individual semi-structured interviews with n = 4 mental health student nurses. Data were then subjected to a schematic content analysis. Results The participants experienced developing therapeutic relationships with this group as a challenging process. They believed that the theoretical component of the undergraduate programme facilitated them in their understanding but did not prepare them to engage therapeutically with these adolescents. Discussion Preceptors are identified as the main source of support but improvements to the clinical learning environment would enhance the learning experience. Implications for practice Support for the role of the preceptor in the specialist clinical setting in the form of training and protected time to engage students in clinical education and reflection was suggested as a method to enhance the clinical learning environment.

Quality of life, depressive and minor psychiatrics symptoms in nursing students / Calidad de vida, síntomas depresivos y psiquiátricos menores en estudiantes de enfermería / Qualidade de vida, sintomas depressivos e psiquiátricos menores em estudantes de enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess quality of life, prevalence of depressive and minor psychiatric symptoms in Nursing students. Methods: Cross-sectional study, conducted from March to April 2018, at a federal university. Sample composed of 242 Nursing students, from the 1st to the 8th semester. Data was collected using the quality of life instruments, Beck Depression Inventory and Self-Report Questionnaire. A significance level of 0.05 was considered. Results: The mean age was 22.9 ± 5.1 years. It was found that 25% of the students had severe depressive symptoms and 54% of the students had minor psychiatric disorders, with a higher prevalence in the first semesters. An inverse relationship was observed between the frequency of depressive symptoms and quality of life scores (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Nursing students showed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms, indicating the importance of implementing actions to promote and prevent mental health.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar calidad de vida, prevalencia de síntomas depresivos y psiquiátricos menores en estudiantes de Enfermería. Métodos: Estudio transversal, realizado de marzo a abril de 2018, en una universidad federal. Muestra compuesta por 242 académicos de Enfermería, del 1º al 8º semestre. Los datos han sido recogidos por medio de los instrumentos de calidad de vida, Inventario de Depresión de Beck y Self-Report Questionnaire. Se ha considerado nivel de acepción de 0,05. Resultados: La media de edad ha sido 22,9±5,1 años. Se ha verificado que 25% de los alumnos presentaron síntomas depresivos graves y 54% de los alumnos presentaron trastornos psiquiátricos menores, con mayor prevalencia en los primeros semestres. Se ha observado relación inversa entre frecuencia de síntomas depresivos y escores de la calidad de vida (p = 0,05). Conclusión: Los académicos de Enfermería presentaron elevada prevalencia de síntomas depresivos, indicando la importancia de la implantación de acciones para promoción y prevención de la salud mental.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar qualidade de vida, prevalência de sintomas depressivos e psiquiátricos menores em estudantes de Enfermagem. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado de março a abril de 2018, em uma universidade federal. Amostra composta por 242 acadêmicos de Enfermagem, do 1º ao 8º semestre. Os dados foram coletados por meio dos instrumentos de qualidade de vida, Inventário de Depressão de Beck e Self-Report Questionnaire. Considerou-se nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 22,9±5,1 anos. Verificou-se que 25% dos alunos apresentaram sintomas depressivos graves e 54% dos alunos apresentaram transtornos psiquiátricos menores, com maior prevalência nos primeiros semestres. Observou-se relação inversa entre frequência de sintomas depressivos e escores da qualidade de vida (p = 0,05). Conclusão: Os acadêmicos de Enfermagem apresentaram elevada prevalência de sintomas depressivos, indicando a importância da implantação de ações para promoção e prevenção da saúde mental.

Implicit attitudes toward the elderly among health professionals and undergraduate students in the health field: a systematic review / Atitude implícita em relação ao idoso em profissionais de saúde e estudantes de cursos de graduação da área da saúde: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Objective To perform a systematic review of articles evaluating implicit attitudes of health professionals and undergraduate students in the health field toward the elderly. Methods The PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and LILACS databases were searched for relevant articles published in English, Portuguese and Spanish using the following search terms: implicit attitude AND (elderly OR aged OR older people). Seven articles were selected. Results The majority of studies were conducted in developed countries and found negative attitudes toward the elderly, with males exhibiting more negative attitudes than females. Conclusion The articles analyzed in this review demonstrate an implicitly negative attitude among professionals and students in the field of health toward the elderly.

Resumo Objetivo Realizar uma revisão sistemática de artigos publicados que avaliam atitudes implícitas em relação ao idoso de profissionais de saúde e estudantes de cursos de graduação da área da saúde. Método A pesquisa foi realizada nos bancos de dados PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus e LILACS, buscando artigos relevantes publicados em inglês, português e espanhol. Foram utilizados os seguintes operadores booleanos: implicit attitude AND (elderly OR aged OR older people). Foram selecionados 7 artigos. Resultado A maioria dos estudos selecionados foi realizada em países desenvolvidos e relatou uma atitude negativa em relação aos idosos. Indivíduos do sexo masculino apresentaram mais atitude negativa que os do sexo feminino. Conclusão Os artigos analisados nesta revisão mostram que a atitude negativa em relação ao público idoso está implicitamente presente entre os profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the "Germ-Free Hands" intervention for improving the hand hygiene practices of public health students.

PURPOSE: This quasi-experimental study sought to assess the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention called "Germ-Free Hands" to improve the hand hygiene practices of students attending Thailand's Sirindhorn College of Public Health (SCPH). METHODS: The intervention was developed and implemented at SCPH and incorporated education, training, a workshop, and performance feedback. The intervention targeted behavioral antecedents specified by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Handwashing determinants (knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions) and hand hygiene behaviors were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention for the intervention group at (n=60) at the Suphanburi campus of SCPH and a matched control group (n=60) of students at the Ubonratchathani campus. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, two-way measures of analysis of variance, and a generalized estimating equation to compare handwashing practices by self-reports between two groups. RESULTS: The "Germ-Free Hands" intervention produced significant improvements in the intervention group's handwashing knowledge, behavioral and control beliefs, subjective norm scores, intentions, and behaviors, as compared to the control group. However, the intervention had no significant impact on normative beliefs, attitudes, or perceived behavioral control. Reported improvements also decreased 3 months post-intervention, and the number of bacterial colonies on students' hands increased over the course of the study. CONCLUSION: This study adds to the evidence that multidisciplinary interventions can be effective at improving handwashing rates. However, education and training must be continuous, rather than delivered as a one-time program, in order to have sustained results. Participants may also require more in-depth instruction in correct handwashing and drying techniques to remove bacteria effectively and prevent recolonization.