Ergonomics and health risk awareness of workers involved in manual material handling at Sabon Gari Market in Zaria, Nigeria.

This study assessed the manual handling of materials in a local market environment and evaluated workers' awareness of ergonomics and health risks. Of 315 workers surveyed, 308 responded. The findings revealed a high prevalence rate of 96.4% for injuries and musculoskeletal discomfort, attributed to a low ergonomics and health risk awareness rate of only 6.8%. Consequently, 75% of workers resorted to self-medication or drug abuse for relief. The study also explored barriers to using engineering equipment, finding that 26.3% of respondents cited cost as a barrier, while 51% believed that the introduction of engineering equipment would lead to job loss. This research is valuable for practitioners and researchers as it highlights the current state of ergonomics and health risk awareness among workers who handle heavy loads. The study also highlights the need for improved ergonomic practices and health risk awareness to reduce injury rates and promote safer work environments.

Living with peripartum cardiomyopathy: A statement from the Heart Failure Association and the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions of the European Society of Cardiology.

This statement focuses on the fact that women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) have a substantial mortality and morbidity rate. Less than 50% of patients have full recovery of their cardiac function within 6 months of diagnosis. Also, patients with recovered cardiac function often suffer from comorbidities, such as hypertension or arrhythmias, which require long-term treatment. This has major implications which extend beyond the life of the patient, as it may also substantially impact her family. Women with a new diagnosis of PPCM should be involved in the decision-making processes regarding therapies, e.g. the recommendation to abstain from breastfeeding, or the use of cardiac implantable electronic devices. Women living with PPCM face the uncertainty of not knowing for some time whether their cardiac function will recover to allow them a near-to-normal life expectancy. This not only impacts their ability to work, which may have financial implications, but may also affect mental health and quality of life for the extended family. Women living with PPCM must be informed that a future pregnancy always carries a substantial risk and, in case of poor cardiac recovery, is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Patients with PPCM are best managed by an interdisciplinary and multiprofessional approach including e.g. a cardiologist, a gynaecologist, nurses, a psychologist, and social workers. The scope of this document encompasses contemporary challenges and approaches for the management of women diagnosed with PPCM.

Evaluating English-language morphological awareness assessments.

Many studies have shown that morphological knowledge has effects on reading comprehension separate from other aspects of language knowledge. This has implications for reading instruction and assessment: it suggests that children could have reading comprehension difficulties that are due to a lack of morphological knowledge, and thus, that explicit instruction of morphology might be helpful for them, indeed for all children. To find children who might especially benefit from specific instruction in morphology, we would need good tests of morphological knowledge. We evaluated a set of morphological awareness assessments to determine whether they conclusively tapped into morphological knowledge, and found that it was not possible to be certain that they were accurately targeting morphological knowledge.

Public Awareness, Knowledge of Presbyopia and Compliance to Eye Examination in Jordan.

Purpose: To assess public awareness and knowledge about presbyopia and their compliance to ocular examination in Jordan. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was designed to interview people in different provinces of Jordan. Socio-demographic data such as age, gender and level of education and region was reported. The first part of the questionnaire assessed awareness of presbyopia in terms of the need for spectacles with age, age of onset, possible causes of presbyopia and methods of presbyopia management. The second part of the questionnaire evaluated compliance of the participants with ocular examination in terms of frequency and motive to do general eye check, intraocular pressure (IOP), fundus exam and visual acuity. Results: A total of 802 participants (232 males, 570 females) with an average age of 28 (±11.6) completed the questionnaire. Most participants (84.2%) knew that glasses are needed for near vision as age increases, and 62.8% estimated the age at which spectacles are required (40 years or older). Over half understood that presbyopia is correctable and progressive. Age significantly influenced knowledge about the need for near vision spectacles, and whether presbyopia is preventable and progressive (both p < 0.05). Females were more knowledgeable about these aspects. The frequency of eye examinations, particularly fundus exams and IOP tests, was significantly influenced by age but not by education. Gender only significantly affected the frequency of vision checks (p = 0.01), with females being more likely to adhere to them. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a good level of awareness and knowledge about presbyopia among Jordanians, especially those over 40 and females. Regular eye check-ups were more common among young participants and females. Addressing misconceptions about presbyopia's preventability and promoting regular eye exams are crucial for early diagnosis and management of presbyopia and other serious eye conditions.

Phonological awareness and reading outcomes in children with a history of otitis media: a review.

OBJECTIVE: A review was conducted to investigate the current evidence for effects of otitis media (OM) on phonological awareness and reading skills in children under 12 years old. DESIGN: A review conducted in 2024 to identify articles between 1978 and 2024 related to OM and its impact on (pre-)reading skills. STUDY SAMPLE: An initial search across six databases provided 6808 research outputs. After screening, 27 articles were retained. Screening of the references on the selected articles provided an additional 6, giving 33 articles in the final review. RESULTS: The selected research papers did not all evaluate the same phonological awareness or reading skills. Of the studies, 20 identified that a history of OM impacted reading outcomes. Twelve studies found no significant impact while one study showed an impact which resolved with time. CONCLUSION: The findings do not show a consistent association between a history of OM and phonological processing or reading skills. This is likely due to the wide range of methodologies employed and variability in the focus of the respective studies. Future research, including longitudinal studies, would be beneficial to infer the potential impacts of OM on phonological processing or reading skills.

Awareness level of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus among health-care providers.

Background: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a disease that primarily affects the geriatric population. It was first introduced by Adams et al. in 1965. A gradual decline in cognitive function, urinary incontinence, and gait disturbances characterizes the disease. This condition is believed to be underdiagnosed, and awareness of such pathology is vital, as the treatment is very effective and can reverse the symptoms. Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study aimed to assess awareness levels regarding iNPH among non-neuroscience healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia. Results: A total of 269 healthcare providers participated in this study, with data collected through an online questionnaire. About 80.6% of the participants had heard of the disease, while 56.5% were aware of the disease symptomology. About 50% of physicians did not encounter iNPH patients in clinical practice. Previous clinical exposure to iNPH patients correlates significantly with an awareness of disease symptoms, investigation, treatment modalities, and outcome. Clinical experience positively impacts physicians' awareness as it correlates with a better understanding of diagnostic methods and disease outcomes. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for targeted educational interventions, especially among family physicians and general practitioners with no previous experience with iNPH patients, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration to address gaps in awareness and enhance early diagnosis of iNPH patients.

Do teachers think on their feet? The awareness and practice of reflective approach among secondary school teachers in Ethiopia.

The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness and practice of Secondary School teachers about employing reflective approach. It was a qualitative study involving two government secondary schools, namely, Biftu Secondary School and Shashemene Secondary School which were selected purposively. Likewise, a total of 12 teachers were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The primary data was gathered using interviews and focus group discussions, whereas secondary data was obtained from different documents like classroom reflection reports and instructional lesson plans. The findings showed that the teachers have some awareness about reflective practices. However, they have not successfully implemented it as they lacked practice based in-depth understanding of the approach. In addition, it was disclosed that some teachers even do not have awareness about reflective practice at all. Similarly, it was discovered that reflection-in-action is the common type of reflection being practiced. And, reflection-for-action is hardly applied in the teaching learning process. This entails that the failure to employ reflective practice in a balanced way has been affecting the quality of education in the schools. Therefore, concerned stakeholders should work on enhancing teachers' awareness and practice skills in employing reflective approach.

Assessing Stroke Awareness and Behavioural Response Following the National 'Act Fast' Stroke Awareness Campaign - Insights from a Cross-Sectional Survey in Qatar.

Evaluating stroke campaigns and associated behavioural changes is crucial to assess intervention effectiveness and inform future strategies. We aimed to evaluate patient's and bystanders' foreknowledge of stroke signs and symptoms and their response at stroke onset. We interviewed stroke patients using a validated questionnaire or their bystanders if the stroke patient had disabling stroke. The questionnaire was administered to 165 participants, 142 (86.1%) stroke patients and 23 (13.9%) bystanders. The mean age was 52.6 (SD = 11.7), and male-female ratio was 7:1. Among the participants, 33 (20.1%) had foreknowledge of stroke signs, and of these, 27 (16.5%) were aware of the stroke campaign in Qatar. The behavioural responses at stroke onset included; activating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) (n = 55, 33.3%), calling friends/relatives (n = 69, 41.8%), driving to hospital (n = 33, 20%), waiting for improvement in condition (n = 21, 12.7%). There was no association of ethnicity, marital status, or campaign awareness with EMS activation. Despite limited community awareness of stroke signs and campaign, help-seeking behaviour through EMS activation was generally high, underscoring the need for focused educational efforts and public health interventions.

General Public Awareness Toward Vitamin D Deficiency in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Vitamin D, essential for various bodily functions, exists as D2 and D3, synthesized from plant and animal sources. Deficiency, linked to reduced intake, sun exposure, or metabolic disorders, poses health risks like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Management includes fortification, supplements, and individual assessment to avoid toxicity. Our study aimed to assess the public awareness of vitamin D deficiency in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, examining its relationship with sociodemographic factors. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia, employing convenient non-probability sampling among a population of 375 individuals. Data collection was facilitated through a validated questionnaire, and subsequent coding, data entry, and analysis were executed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0 (Released 2020; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Our study included 375 adults in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, revealing varying vitamin D deficiency awareness levels. Most were women (n = 204, 54.4%) residing in urban areas (n = 293, 78.1%). At the same time, 77.6% (n = 291) had prior knowledge of vitamin D and fewer practiced habits conducive to its synthesis, with 47.7% (n = 179) including vitamin D-rich foods and 39.2% (n = 147) exposing themselves to sunlight. Family/friends (n = 99, 26.4%) were the primary information source. Participants scored (n = 183, 48.8%) good or high on vitamin D awareness. Education level (p = 0.028), urban residence (p = 0.001), employment status (p = 0.032), and income (p = 0.001) significantly influenced awareness, and gender, age, and marital status showed no significant associations with vitamin D awareness. Conclusion Our study shows that the majority have prior knowledge of vitamin D, yet significant gaps exist in awareness of vitamin D deficiency among adults in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Education, urban residence, employment, and income were critical determinants of awareness, underscoring the need for targeted educational interventions. There is a need to provide information about vitamin D and its other aspects through various media, such as television and social platforms.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of medical university students towards vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is a serious health problem that is associated with many health consequences. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, regarding vitamin D deficiency. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among students of Unaizah Colleges of Pharmacy (UCP) and Medicine (UCM) at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, over a period of 3 months. A well-structured self-administered questionnaire was used for the data collection. Statistical analysis was applied by using SPSS version 22. A 0/1 scoring process was employed to assess the KAP of the participants. The midpoint is considered the cutoff point. Results: A total of 337 complete responses were received. The majority of participants (62.3%) were female. 291 (86.3%) were considered to have good knowledge, with a mean score of 6.326 out of 9. Moreover, 220 (65.2%) of participants had positive attitudes, with a mean score of 4.077 out of 7. Unfortunately, only 9 (2.6%) participants demonstrated satisfactory practices, with a mean score a 0.911 out of 6. Female participants were significantly better than male participants in terms of knowledge and attitudes, but worse in terms of practices. Sun exposure during safe daytime hours is considered the main cause of vitamin D deficiency. Nearly 60% confirmed that KSA indoor activities and the COVID-19 lockdown might maximise vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: The study reveals a gap in vitamin D knowledge among participants influenced by gender and study year. It suggests educational initiatives for male students to enhance their knowledge regarding vitamin D, while female students are encouraged to prioritise safe sun exposure, minimising the use of umbrellas and sunscreen. It also highlights the role of educational institutions as reliable sources of information and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on participants' attitudes and practices towards vitamin D.

Evaluating Pregnancy Rates in Fertility Awareness-Based Methods for Family Planning: Simulated Comparison of Correct Use to Avoid, Method-Related, and Total Pregnancy Rates.

Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs), also known as natural family planning (NFP), enable couples to identify the days of the menstrual cycle when intercourse may result in pregnancy ("fertile days"), and to avoid intercourse on fertile days if they wish to avoid pregnancy. Thus, these methods are fully dependent on user behavior for effectiveness to avoid pregnancy. For couples and clinicians considering the use of an FABM, one important metric to consider is the highest expected effectiveness (lowest possible pregnancy rate) during the correct use of the method to avoid pregnancy. To assess this, most studies of FABMs have reported a method-related pregnancy rate (a cumulative proportion), which is calculated based on all cycles (or months) in the study. In contrast, the correct use to avoid pregnancy rate (also a cumulative proportion) has the denominator of cycles with the correct use of the FABM to avoid pregnancy. The relationship between these measures has not been evaluated quantitatively. We conducted a series of simulations demonstrating that the method-related pregnancy rate is artificially decreased in direct proportion to the proportion of cycles with intermediate use (any use other than correct use to avoid or targeted use to conceive), which also increases the total pregnancy rate. Thus, as the total pregnancy rate rises (related to intermediate use), the method-related pregnancy rate falls artificially while the correct use pregnancy rate remains constant. For practical application, we propose the core elements needed to assess correct use cycles in FABM studies. Summary: Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) can be used by couples to avoid pregnancy, by avoiding intercourse on fertile days. Users want to know what the highest effectiveness (lowest pregnancy rate) would be if they use an FABM correctly and consistently to avoid pregnancy. In this simulation study, we compare two different measures: (1) the method-related pregnancy rate; and (2) the correct use pregnancy rate. We show that the method-related pregnancy rate is biased too low if some users in the study are not using the method consistently to avoid pregnancy, while the correct use pregnancy rate obtains an accurate estimate. Short Summary: In FABM studies, the method-related pregnancy rate is biased too low, but the correct use pregnancy rate is unbiased.

Mind-brain identity theory confirmed?

Presented here is a novel graphical, structural, and functional model of the embodied mind. Despite strictly adhering to a physicalistic and reductionist approach, this model successfully resolves the apparent contradiction between the thesis regarding the causal closure of the physical realm and the widely held common-sense belief that the mental realm can influence physical behavior. Furthermore, it substantiates the theory of mind-brain identity while shedding light on its neural foundation. Consciousness, viewed as an epiphenomenon in certain respects, simultaneously possesses causal potency. These two aspects operate concurrently through distinct brain processes. Within the paper, particular emphasis is placed on the significance of qualia and emotions, accompanied by an explanation of their phenomenal nature grounded in the perceptual theory of emotions. The proposed model elucidates how autonomous agents can deliberate on various action scenarios and consciously select the most optimal ones for themselves, considering their knowledge of the world, motivations, preferences, and emotions.

Dynamic assessment of phonological awareness in monolingual and bilingual French-speaking children.

Dynamic assessment (DA) is a tool used to assess children's learning potential. Research on English-speaking children indicates that DA effectively diagnoses language disorders in monolingual and bilingual children. However, few DAs have been developed for French-speaking children. This study aimed to examine the validity of a dynamic phonological awareness task for differentiating French-speaking monolingual and bilingual children with and without developmental language disorder (DLD). Thirty-eight monolingual and bilingual children, aged 4-8 years, 23 with typical development (TD) and 15 with DLD, participated in the study. They performed a dynamic phoneme segmentation task, in which graduated cues were provided. Children were also administered a nonword repetition (NWR) task, and a modifiability scale, in which the examiner rated the child's responsivity during the task. Statistical analyses examined what factors influenced dynamic task performance, and calculated the sensitivity and specificity of the tests. Results indicated that four factors emerged as significant in a mixed-effects logistic regression model: age, diagnostic group (TD vs. DLD), modifiability, and the number of phonemes in the target word. Older children who had TD and higher modifiability scores had better segmentation skills than other children. Words with fewer phonemes were also easier to segment than words with greater numbers of phonemes. The dynamic task had good sensitivity in the identification of DLD but less good specificity. Our findings indicate that a dynamic task of phonological awareness has the potential to be used as a diagnostic tool to differentiate TD and DLD.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of medication use among pregnant women in Riyadh City: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Medication use during pregnancy is limited by the scarcity of safety data for many drugs. The use of certain drugs during pregnancy can be teratogenic. Overestimating teratogenic medication risk could have serious consequences from drug non-adherence. Assessing and understanding the knowledge, attitude, and practice of medication use among pregnant women is crucial to optimizing the health of pregnant women and their fetuses. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study used convenience and snowball sampling with a self-administered online questionnaire in 562 pregnant women from Riyadh City. The questionnaire used was adapted from previously published surveys. The survey included sections on sociodemographic background, awareness of medication risks, medication use during pregnancy, sources of drug information, and statements from the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), both general and pregnancy-specific. Results: Medication use during pregnancy was reported by 44.7%. The primary source for medication information for the majority was the physician. Over 58% indicated inadequate or inconsistent information about medication from physicians. Additionally, 65.7% confirmed not receiving sufficient or inconsistent information from pharmacists during medication dispensing. The responses to the questionnaire reveal a commendable level of knowledge and positive attitude and practice. However, variations could be found in these responses. Overall, no evident relationships were observed between predictors and responses, except in specific statements that indicated a positive association between beliefs and higher levels of education and youth. Conclusion: The results suggest a positive knowledge, attitude, and practice level. However, there was hesitancy and a restrictive attitude towards medication during pregnancy. The study identified inadequate education provided by healthcare professionals, thus presenting an area for improvement to enhance the safety and efficacy of medication use during pregnancy.

From perception to action: Waste management challenges in Kassena Nankana East Municipality.

This study examines the perceptions and behaviours related to waste management (WM) among residents of the Kassena Nankana East Municipality in Ghana. A mixed-method approach was used to garner data from 394 household respondents, and the data was analysed using SPSS software. The findings reveal a weak correlation between educational attainment and effective waste management practices and a mildly positive correlation between waste awareness and the effectiveness of policies and legislation. Notably, a significant proportion of respondents preferred open burning (42.1 %) and dumping (18.8 %) as disposal methods, indicating critical areas for intervention. The study introduces a novel comprehensive analysis by integrating attitude formation, collective action, and institutional and rational choice theories to understand WM behaviours. This theoretical integration significantly contributes to the field, providing a heterogeneous understanding of the factors influencing WM practices. Furthermore, the research identifies key gaps in WM infrastructure and public engagement, offering innovative recommendations to address these challenges. This study's significant outputs include identifying specific community behaviours towards waste disposal and evaluating the effectiveness of existing WM policies. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop targeted interventions that promote sustainable WM practices. The study's contributions and recommendations are crucial for advancing environmental sustainability efforts in similar contexts, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Invisible threats: An investigation of electrical hazards and safety practices among residential electricity consumers.

Understanding electrical hazards and implementing safety measures is paramount to protecting lives and property. Therefore, this research investigates electrical hazards in households and safety measures taken by residents in Sokode-Etoe, Ghana. The primary objective is to identify gaps in knowledge regarding electrical hazards among domestic electricity consumers and offer recommendations to enhance safety and mitigate the risks. The data were systematically collected from 200 participants, including both homeowners and tenants, using a structured questionnaire. The results were presented using Likert scale analysis, sample t-test, binary logistic regression analysis, involving statistical hypothesis testing of predictor variable coefficients, Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA). Participants showed a high awareness of electrical hazards, yet demonstrated a weaker grasp of safety practices, correct emergency procedures, and infrequent testing of wiring systems by homeowners. The predominant electrical accident that emerged was electrical shock. Most homeowners have not engaged certified electrical inspectors for a decade, reflecting uncertainty about the safety protocols in place. Furthermore, respondents expressed a degree of uncertainty regarding the safety measures implemented in their households concerning electricity usage. This study underscores the pressing need to raise awareness and promote safe electrical practices in residential environments. Such an educational initiative could utilize a variety of communication channels, social media influencers, renowned personalities, customised mobile applications and other platforms. This research stands out as the inaugural investigation offering a comprehensive examination of the hazards related to energy consumption and safety precautions in Ghana. It focuses on an often-overlooked demographic of electricity users in Ghana, shedding light on domestic electrical safety issues and the growing hazards.

Exploring nurses' awareness and attitudes toward artificial intelligence: Implications for nursing practice.

Introduction: Worldwide, healthcare systems aim to achieve the best possible quality of care at an affordable cost while ensuring broad access for all populations. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare holds promise to address these challenges through the integration of real-world data-driven insights into patient care processes. This study aims to assess nurses' awareness and attitudes toward AI-integrated tools used in clinical practice. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design captured nurses' responses at three governmental hospitals in Saudi Arabia by using an online questionnaire administered over 4 months. The study involved 220 registered nurses with a minimum of one year of clinical experience, selected through a convenience sampling method. The online survey consisted of three sections: demographic information, an assessment of nurses' AI knowledge, and the general attitudes toward the AI scale. Results: Nurses displayed "moderate" levels of awareness toward AI technology, with 70.9% having basic information about AI and only 58.2% (128 nurses) were considered "aware" of AI as they dealt with one of its healthcare applications. Nurses expressed openness to AI integration (M = 3.51) on one side, but also had some concerns about AI. Nurses expressed conservative attitudes toward AI, with significant differences observed based on gender (χ² = 4.67, p < 0.05). Female nurses exhibited a higher proportion of negative attitudes compared to male nurses. Significant differences were also found based on age (χ² = 9.31, p < 0.05), with younger nurses demonstrating more positive attitudes toward AI compared to their older counterparts. Educational background yields significant differences (χ² = 6.70, p < 0.05), with nurses holding undergraduate degrees exhibiting the highest positive attitudes. However, years of nursing experience did not reveal significant variations in attitudes. Conclusion: Healthcare and nursing administrators need to work on increasing the nurses' awareness of AI applications and emphasize the importance of integrating such technology into the systems in use. Moreover, addressing nurses' concerns about AI's control and discomfort is crucial, especially considering generational differences, with younger nurses often having more positive attitudes toward technology. Change management strategies may help overcome any hindrances.

Literacy and Attitude Toward Suicide Among Doctors and Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.

Introduction Globally, suicide remains a major public health problem and is the second most common cause of death in the 15-45 years age group. Awareness about suicide and the attitude of healthcare professionals regarding suicide are crucial factors determining the care for suicidal behaviors. The present study aimed to compare suicide literacy and attitude toward suicide between doctors and nurses and to explore the association between suicide literacy and attitude toward suicide. Methods A cross-sectional comparison study was conducted between doctors and nurses in a tertiary healthcare center in southern India. The demographic characteristics and work and suicide care experience were recorded using a semi-structured proforma. Literacy of Suicide Scale - Short Form (LOSS-SF) and Attitude Toward Suicide Questionnaire (ATTS) were used to assess the awareness about suicidal behaviors and attitudes toward suicide, respectively. Appropriate statistical tests were used to compare the outcome measures between doctors and nurses with the statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results A total of 600 healthcare professionals (doctors (n=300) and nurses (n=300)) were included. The doctors were older, had longer work experience, and demonstrated better suicide literacy, yet harbored more negative attitudes toward suicide than nurses. Among doctors, increasing levels of suicide literacy were negatively correlated with positive attitudes toward suicide. Among nurses, increasing age was negatively correlated with healthy attitudes toward suicide. Conclusion Doctors had better awareness of suicidal behaviors yet displayed negative attitudes toward people with suicidal behaviors. Despite having less suicide awareness, nurses exhibited positive attitudes toward suicide. Suicide literacy and attitudes toward suicide can have complex relationships mediated by multiple factors.

Path analysis of the awareness status and influencing factors of sarcopenia in older adults in the community: based on structural equation modeling.

Background: Sarcopenia is a progressive geriatric syndrome that impacts older adults' quality of life. Insufficient focus has been given to sarcopenia among Chinese residents, resulting in low level of sarcopenia awareness. This study aims to investigate awareness of sarcopenia and its influencing factors and the influencing pathways among older adults in Hangzhou. Methods: A stratified random sample of 942 community-dwelling older adults was evaluated using the SARC-CalF screening tool, along with a questionnaire based on health ecology theory to assess awareness of sarcopenia and its influencing factors and the influencing pathways. Descriptive statistics, linear regression analysis, and path analysis were conducted using SPSS 25.0 and Amos 23.0 to analyze the data. Results: The mean awareness score for sarcopenia was 60.26 ± 7.31. Self-rated physical health, daily intake of high-quality protein, exercise frequency, smoking status, self-efficacy, religious beliefs, social support, education level, occupation, participation in community free medical examinations, and awareness of nutrition policy were all factors affecting scores for sarcopenia awareness (p < 0.05). Except for negative effects observed in social support, smoking status, and self-rated physical health, all others exhibit positive effects. Conclusion: Community healthcare institutions should target populations with low awareness of sarcopenia and focus on these key factors. Diverse health education programs and multi-channel screening activities can promote awareness, guide healthy lifestyles and prevent or delay the onset of sarcopenia in the older.

Knowledge, Awareness, and Perceived Threat Toward Alzheimer's Disease Among the Family Caregivers of Individuals with Chronic Physical Conditions in Bangladesh.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing public health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide. This disease burden is exacerbated in countries like Bangladesh, where public awareness and knowledge about the condition remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of AD knowledge, awareness, and perceived threat among family caregivers of individuals with chronic physical conditions of Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the caregivers of patients selected via convenience sampling in six public hospitals between October 2022 and March 2023. The data was collected via face-to-face interviews employing a semi-structured questionnaire that contained information about socio-demographic characteristics, personal experiences with AD, knowledge of AD, level of awareness regarding AD, and perceived threat toward AD. Results: The findings revealed a poor knowledge of AD among the study participants. Regarding AD awareness, 52.5% considered memory loss in older individuals abnormal, 26.2% attributed AD to causes like black magic, psychological distress, or bad eyes. Regarding perceived threat, 60.2% wanted to assess their AD risk, while 68.2% disagreed with the likelihood of developing the disease. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, place of residence, education, and employment status significantly contribute to AD knowledge scores. Conclusions: This study highlights the urgent need for public education and awareness campaigns to address the knowledge gap and reduce stigmatization associated with AD in Bangladesh. Targeted efforts, particularly among older age groups and rural communities, can enhance understanding and improve the quality of care and support for AD patients and their caregivers.