The environmental awareness of nurses as environmentally sustainable health care leaders: a mixed method analysis.

BACKGROUND: People worldwide are concerned with the possibility of climate change, microplastics, air pollution, and extreme weather affecting human health. Countries are implementing measures to reduce environmental impacts. Nurses play a vital role, primarily through Green Teams, in the process of promoting sustainable practices and minimizing the environmental footprint of health care facilities. Despite existing knowledge on this topic, assessing nurses' environmental awareness and behavior, including the barriers they face, is crucial with regard to improving sustainable health care practices. AIM: To analyze the environmental awareness and behavior of nurses, especially nurse leaders, as members of the Green Team and to identify areas for improvement with regard to the creation of a sustainable environment. METHODS: A sequential mixed-method study was conducted to investigate Spanish nurses. The study utilized an online survey and interviews, including participant observation. An online survey was administered to collect quantitative data regarding environmental awareness and behavior. Qualitative interviews were conducted with environmental nurses in specific regions, with a focus on Andalusia, Spain. RESULTS: Most of the surveyed nurses (N = 314) exhibited moderate environmental awareness (70.4%), but their environmental behavior and activities in the workplace were limited (52.23% of participants rarely performed relevant actions, and 35.03% indicated that doing so was difficult). Nurses who exhibited higher levels of environmental awareness were more likely to engage in sustainable behaviors such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and environmentally conscious purchasing decisions (p < 0.05). Additionally, the adjusted model indicated that nurses' environmental behavior and activities in the workplace depend on the frequency of their environmental behaviors outside work as well as their sustainable knowledge (p < 0.01). The results of the qualitative study (N = 10) highlighted certain limitations in their daily practices related to environmental sustainability, including a lack of time, a lack of bins and the pandemic. Additionally, sustainable environmental behavior on the part of nursing leadership and the Green Team must be improved. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that most nurses have adequate knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to environmental sustainability both inside and outside the workplace. Limitations were associated with their knowledge and behaviors outside of work. This study also highlighted the barriers and difficulties that nurses face in their attempts to engage in adequate environmental behaviors in the workplace. Based on these findings, interventions led by nurses and the Green Team should be developed to promote sustainable behaviors among nurses and address the barriers and limitations identified in this research.

Knowledge and Attitudes about Mother-to-Child Transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a Context of Social Vulnerability: The Case of the Province of Essaouira, Morocco.

Background: Despite health education efforts, pregnant women still face major health problems.The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women on measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus in a context of social vulnerability. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey of 384 pregnant women randomly selected from the 20 health districts in the province of Essaouira. This study was carried out from January 2022 to June 2022. A questionnaire was used, and bivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women about mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus. Results: Low knowledge (75.8%) and negative attitudes (72.7%) about preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV were observed in study participants. The knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women about the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV varied by education level, number of children, and source of information. There was a very significant correlation between knowledge and attitude (p=0.000). Conclusion: A significant number of pregnant women have incomplete knowledge and attitudes about preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Actions to increase the knowledge of pregnant women are essential. The capacity of healthcare providers should also be strengthened to improve the quality of care.

Conhecimento, atitude e prática de universitários intercambistas africanos acerca das Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis / Conocimiento, actitud y práctica de estudiantes africanos de intercambio sobre las infecciones de transmisión sexual / Knowledge, attitude and practice of African university exchange students about Sexually Transmitted Infections

RESUMO Objetivo avaliar o conhecimento, a atitude e a prática de universitários intercambistas provenientes do continente africano acerca das Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis. Método estudo transversal, realizado de dezembro de 2019 a março de 2020, em universidade pública internacional brasileira localizada no Ceará. A amostra foi constituída por 150 estudantes africanos de diferentes cursos de graduação. Utilizou-se do inquérito de Conhecimento, Atitude e Prática. Resultados os universitários apresentaram conhecimento satisfatório acerca da forma de transmissão das Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, porém, com deficiências a respeito das hepatites virais. Identificou-se associação entre sexo e atitude acerca do uso de preservativo em relação sexual com parceria fixa (p=0,042). No que se refere às práticas, houve associação entre sexo e uso do preservativo na primeira relação sexual (p=0,001), ter mais que um parceiro (p=0,001) e mais que dez parceiros em toda a vida (0,007). No que se relaciona às práticas sexuais nos últimos 12 meses, observou-se associação estatística entre ter relações sexuais com mais de um parceiro sexual e sexo do participante (p=0,001). Conclusão e implicações para a prática enfatiza-se a importância de a universidade pesquisada realizar atividades de educação em saúde que abordem Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, bem como de extensão universitária, que envolvam alunos imigrantes africanos.

RESUMEN Objetivo evaluar el conocimiento, la actitud y la práctica de estudiantes de intercambio del continente africano sobre las Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual. Método estudio transversal, realizado de diciembre de 2019 a marzo de 2020, en una universidad pública internacional brasileña ubicada en Ceará. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 150 estudiantes africanos de diferentes cursos de pregrado. Se utilizó la encuesta de Conocimiento, Actitud y Práctica. Resultados los universitarios mostraron conocimientos satisfactorios sobre la transmisión de Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, sin embargo, con deficiencias sobre las hepatitis virales. Se identificó asociación entre el sexo y la actitud sobre el uso del preservativo en las relaciones sexuales con pareja estable (p=0,042). En cuanto a las prácticas, hubo asociación entre sexo y uso de preservativo en la primera relación sexual (p=0,001), tener más de una pareja (p=0,001) y tener más de diez parejas en la vida (0,007). En cuanto a las prácticas sexuales en los últimos 12 meses, hubo asociación estadística entre tener sexo con más de una pareja sexual y el género del participante (p=0,001). Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica se destaca la importancia de que la universidad investigada realice actividades de educación en salud que aborden las Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, así como actividades de extensión universitaria, involucrando estudiantes inmigrantes africanos.

ABSTRACT Objective to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of university exchange students from the African continent about Sexually Transmitted Infections. Method a cross-sectional study, conducted from December 2019 to March 2020, in a public international Brazilian university located in Ceará. The sample consisted of 150 African students from different undergraduate courses. It was used the survey of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice. Results the students showed satisfactory knowledge about the form of transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections, however, with deficiencies regarding viral hepatitis. An association between sex and attitude about condom use in sexual intercourse with a fixed partner was identified (p=0.042). Regarding the practices, there was an association between sex and condom use in the first sexual relation (p=0.001), having more than one partner (p=0.001) and more than ten partners in the whole life (0.007). Regarding sexual practices in the last 12 months, there was a statistical association between having sex with more than one sexual partner and the participant's sex (p=0.001). Conclusion and implications for practice the importance of the university researched carrying out health education activities that address Sexually Transmitted Infections, as well as university extension activities that involve African immigrant students, is emphasized.

Conhecimento e atitudes de profissionais de enfermagem sobre higiene bucal em pacientes críticos / Conocimientos y actitudes de los profesionales de enfermería sobre la higiene bucal en pacientes críticos / Knowledge and attitudes of nursing professionals regarding oral hygiene in critically ill patients

Objetivo: comparar conhecimentos e atitudes dos profissionais de enfermagem atuantes em hospital público e privado sobre higiene bucal em pacientes críticos. Método: estudo transversal, realizado em duas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Adulto, uma pública e outra privada no período entre dezembro de 2018 e janeiro de 2019 por meio de um questionário estruturado e autoaplicável. Resultados: a taxa de conhecimento dos profissionais do hospital público foi de 76,6% e a atitude foi de 62,7%, enquanto no hospital privado essas taxas foram de 81,8% e 67,1%, respectivamente. Houve diferença significativa quanto à existência de protocolo (p< 0,006), participação em treinamento (p< 0,004), uso de escova de dentes com cerdas macias e sucção (p< 0,001) no hospital privado. Conclusão: o nível de conhecimento foi mais elevado e as atitudes sobre higiene bucal foram mais positivas entre os profissionais de enfermagem do hospital privado em comparação com os profissionais do hospital público.

Objective: to compare the knowledge and attitudes of nursing professionals working in public and private hospitals on oral hygiene in critically ill patients. Method: a cross-sectional study carried out in two adult Intensive Care Units, one public and the other one private, between the period of December 2018 and January 2019, using a structured and self-administered questionnaire. Results: the knowledge rate of professionals in the public hospital was 76.6% and the attitude was 62.7%, while in the private hospital, these rates were 81.8% and 67.1%, respectively. There were significant differences regarding the existence of a protocol (p <0.006), participation in training (p <0.004), and the use of a toothbrush with soft bristles and suction (p <0.001) in the private hospital. Conclusion: the knowledge level was higher, and the attitudes toward oral hygiene were more positive among nursing professionals at the private hospital compared to the professionals at the public hospital.

Objetivo: comparar los conocimientos y actitudes de los profesionales de enfermería que laboran en un hospital público y privado sobre higiene bucal en pacientes críticos. Método: estudio transversal, realizado en dos Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos de Adultos, una pública y otra privada, entre diciembre de 2018 y enero de 2019, mediante un cuestionario estructurado y autoadministrado. Resultados: la tasa de conocimiento de los profesionales del hospital público fue del 76,6% y la actitud del 62,7%, mientras que en el hospital privado estas tasas fueron del 81,8% y 67,1%, respectivamente. Hubo diferencia significativa con respecto a la existencia de protocolo (p <0,006), participación en entrenamiento (p <0,004), uso de cepillo de dientes con cerdas blandas y succión (p <0,001) en el hospital privado. Conclusión: el nivel de conocimiento fue mayor y las actitudes sobre higiene bucal más positivas entre los profesionales de enfermería del hospital privado en comparación con los profesionales del hospital público.

Avaliação das boas práticas de atenção ao parto por profissionais dos hospitais públicos do Distrito Federal, Brasil / Assessment of adherence to best practices in labor and childbirth care by care providers working in public hospitals in the Federal District of Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a adesão às boas práticas de atenção ao parto e nascimento, entre médicos, enfermeiros e residentes dos programas de residência em obstetrícia, dos hospitais públicos do Distrito Federal (DF). Estudo transversal do tipo inquérito aplicado a profissionais em 11 hospitais públicos do DF de janeiro a março de 2015. Instrumento com 20 questões sociodemográficas e 39 itens do tipo escala Likert. Para análise estatística, os profissionais foram separados em 4 grupos (enfermeiros, enfermeiro residentes, médicos e médicos residentes). Foram também avaliados os escores de cada hospital estudado. A dimensão processo de trabalho apresentou os maiores escores em relação as demais dimensões. Na comparação entre os grupos e entre os hospitais não foram observadas diferenças significativas em nenhuma das dimensões. A maioria dos profissionais estimula o parto natural. É necessário reforçar as ações para maior adesão às boas práticas de atenção ao parto, tanto na organização da rede de serviços quanto nas atitudes e valores da formação dos novos profissionais de saúde.

Abstract Objective To assess adherence to best practices in labor and childbirth care by doctors, nurses, obstetric nursing residents, and obstetric medical residents working in public hospitals in the Federal District of Brazil. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with care providers working in 11 public hospitals in the Federal District of Brazil between January and March 2015. A questionnaire containing 20 sociodemographic questions and 50 five-point Likert items was administered. The average scores of each group and each hospital were analyzed. Results Nurses obtained the highest scores for the use of evidence-based practices (57.8 ± 12.9), while doctors achieved the highest scores for the work process dimension (72 ± 8.5). Medical residents obtained the highest scores for organization of labor and childbirth care (56.5 ± 8.5). No statistically significant differences were found between groups. Hospital scores ranged from 55 to 64. No statistically significant differences were found between hospitals. Most professionals encourage natural childbirth. Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen actions to promote greater adherence to best care practices, both in relation to organization of labor and childbirth care and to the attitudes and values of health professionals.

Tuberculosis Knowledge, Awareness, and Stigma Among African-Americans in Three Southeastern Counties in the USA: a Qualitative Study of Community Perspectives.

To inform strategies to address the tuberculosis (TB) excess among US-born African-Americans, we sought to understand the TB experience in the most highly affected southeastern communities. We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups in three communities with a TB excess-urban (Georgia and Tennessee) and rural (North Carolina). Participants from five groups provided diverse perspectives-African-Americans: patients with TB disease or latent TB infection (LTBI), or at high risk of contracting TB; and local community leaders and TB program staff. Few differences emerged between sites. Many participants demonstrated low levels of knowledge and awareness and held many misconceptions about TB. Patients expressed a preference for verbal communication of medical information. Patients reported fear of stigmatization and shunning, but few experienced discrimination. Patient trust for TB program staff was high, though community leaders often assumed the opposite. The findings will help guide interventions to improve knowledge and awareness regarding TB, including specific attention to the role of public and private health care providers in dispelling persistent misinformation about TB. The insight from these communities will help build the scientific foundation required to effectively eliminate health inequities.

A integralidade das práticas dos profissionais do Programa Mais Médicos na Atenção Básica: um estudo de caso no município do Rio de Janeiro / The integrality of the practices of the professionals of the Program More Doctors in Basic Care: a case study in the city of Rio de Janeiro

A oferta de profissionais médicos para o cuidado de populações em áreas remotas e desfavorecidas é um dos maiores entraves ao acesso universal à saúde e à adequada atuação das equipes de Saúde da Família. O Programa Mais Médicos (PMM), iniciado em 2013, incluiu 18 mil médicos na Atenção Básica do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) até 2015, dentre os quais mais de 11 mil cubanos. A polêmica corporativa sobre a participação de médicos estrangeiros no PMM, especialmente os cubanos, envolveu aspectos do mercado de trabalho e da abrangência das práticas profissionais. Considerando que a integralidade é uma diretriz do SUS e um atributo essencial da Atenção Primária à Saúde, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar a integralidade das práticas no PMM, na Atenção Básica no município do Rio de Janeiro. Foi realizado estudo qualitativo na Área Programática 3.1 do município do Rio de Janeiro, no período de 2013 a 2016. A análise da integralidade das práticas foi operacionalizada através de uma matriz composta por duas dimensões: abordagem biopsicossocial do cuidado, com orientação comunitária e elenco ampliado e integrado de ações de promoção, prevenção e assistência. Para cada dimensão foram definidos componentes, categorias e indicadores. As fontes de informação foram: entrevistas semiestruturadas com médicos (24), grupo focal com supervisoras PMM (4) e relatórios da Organização Social de Saúde Viva Rio e de supervisão prática do webportfólio do PMM. Os resultados identificam a presença, em diferentes graus, de todos os atributos da integralidade das práticas operacionalizados na matriz, tanto na dimensão da abordagem biopsicossocial do cuidado, com orientação comunitária quanto do elenco ampliado e integrado de ações de promoção, prevenção e assistência à saúde. Os médicos cubanos, com maciça participação no PMM, apresentam perfil compatível para a atuação na Atenção Básica, pois executam um leque amplo de ações e serviços e são atentos às demandas sociais e epidemiológicas do território. Os profissionais possuem marcada capacidade de inserção comunitária, enfoque preventivo, planejamento de ações e bom relacionamento interpessoal, identificando-se posturas e técnicas de acolhimento, vínculo, responsabilização e qualidade da atenção. A pesquisa contribui para a compreensão sobre as práticas no Programa Mais Médicos, percebendo-se um impacto positivo sobre a integralidade. Apontam-se fortes indícios de que o PMM, além do acesso às consultas médicas, tem possibilitado a oferta de cuidados integrais em saúde e o fortalecimento do Sistema Único de Saúde.(AU)

The supply of medical professionals in remote and disadvantaged areas is one of the major barriers to universal access to healthcare and to the proper development of Family Health teams. The More Doctors Programme (PMM), created in 2013, added 18.000 doctors to the Primary Care of the Unified Health System (SUS), among whom more than 11.000 Cubans. The controversies over the participation of foreign doctors in PMM, especially Cubans, involved aspects of the labor market and the scope of practices. Taking into consideration that comprehensiveness is a principle of SUS and an essential attribute of the Primary Health Care, this research aims to analyze the comprehensiveness of the professional practice in PMM, in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. A qualitative study was carried out in the 3.1 Programme Area of the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, between 2013 and 2016. The comprehensiveness of the professional practice analysis was conducted through a matrix composed of two dimensions: 1) bio-psychosocial and community orientation approach; 2) wide and integrated range of health promotion, disease's prevention and care actions. For each dimension, components, categories and indicators were defined. The information sources were: interviews with participant doctors (24), focus group with supervisors (4), Social Health Organization provider reports and national web-portfolio of PMM. The results identified the presence, in varying degrees, of all the attributes of comprehensiveness of practices in both dimensions. Cuban physicians present a compatible profile for the perfomance in Primary Care, since they executed a wide range of actions and services and are attentive to the social and epidemiological demands of the territory. The professionals present strong ability for community orientation, preventive focus, planning of actions and good interpersonal relationship, identifying "user embracement", bonding, accountability and quality of care. The research has contributed towards a better understanding of the More Doctors Programme practices, noting a positive impact of the effects of comprehensiveness. There are evidences that the Programme has gone beyond guarantying access to medical appointments, enabling the supply of comprehensive health care and the strengthening of the Unified Health System (SUS).(AU)