Evaluating the effectiveness of artificial intelligence-based tools in detecting and understanding sleep health misinformation: Comparative analysis using Google Bard and OpenAI ChatGPT-4.

This study evaluates the performance of two major artificial intelligence-based tools (ChatGPT-4 and Google Bard) in debunking sleep-related myths. More in detail, the present research assessed 20 sleep misconceptions using a 5-point Likert scale for falseness and public health significance, comparing responses of artificial intelligence tools with expert opinions. The results indicated that Google Bard correctly identified 19 out of 20 statements as false (95.0% accuracy), not differing from ChatGPT-4 (85.0% accuracy, Fisher's exact test p = 0.615). Google Bard's ratings of the falseness of the sleep misconceptions averaged 4.25 ± 0.70, showing a moderately negative skewness (-0.42) and kurtosis (-0.83), and suggesting a distribution with fewer extreme values compared with ChatGPT-4. In assessing public health significance, Google Bard's mean score was 2.4 ± 0.80, with skewness and kurtosis of 0.36 and -0.07, respectively, indicating a more normal distribution compared with ChatGPT-4. The inter-rater agreement between Google Bard and sleep experts had an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.58 for falseness and 0.69 for public health significance, showing moderate alignment (p = 0.065 and p = 0.014, respectively). Text-mining analysis revealed Google Bard's focus on practical advice, while ChatGPT-4 concentrated on theoretical aspects of sleep. The readability analysis suggested Google Bard's responses were more accessible, aligning with 8th-grade level material, versus ChatGPT-4's 12th-grade level complexity. The study demonstrates the potential of artificial intelligence in public health education, especially in sleep health, and underscores the importance of accurate, reliable artificial intelligence-generated information, calling for further collaboration between artificial intelligence developers, sleep health professionals and educators to enhance the effectiveness of sleep health promotion.

Effects of Sexual Myths and Intimate Partner Violence on Women's Sexual Self-Schemas.

Sexual self-schemas (SSSs) are cognitive generalizations about one's sexual aspects. The aim of this study was to explore the possible effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) and the sexual myths about sexual behavior or roles on women's sexual self-schemas. The research had a cross-sectional and observational design. Fifty women from a psychiatry outpatient clinic between the ages of 18-50 were given the Sexual Self-Schema Scale, sexual myths questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction, and Domestic Violence Against Women Scale. A significant relationship was found between the duration of marriage (years) and "Direct/Outspoken" schema (p = .020, r = 0.29). This schema was also correlated with emotional (p = .037, r = - 0.29), total violence score (p = .028, r = - 0.27), and sexual myth score (p = .033, r = 0.26). After the regression analysis, it was observed that the effect of emotional violence and sexual myth score on the "Direct/Outspoken" schema remained significant. Correcting sexual myths through sexual education can make women's SSSs into positive way. In addition, interventions can be made to increase SSSs positively in women exposed to IPV. It is recommended that clinicians take a holistic approach by questioning the sexual functions and schemas of women in addition to IPV in women who experience it and have depression or anxiety disorders. As a policy implication, education about women's rights and sexuality should also be given. Adequate psychological support should be provided to reduce the impact of IPV on SSS.

Myths and common misbeliefs about cervical cancer causation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) myths and beliefs can negatively impact women's preventive behaviors, including vaccination against human papillomavirus and having regular screening tests. This study aimed to examine awareness of Palestinian women about myths related to CC causation and investigated factors associated with good awareness. METHODS: A national cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit adult Palestinian women from hospitals, primary healthcare facilities, and public areas in 11 Palestinian governorates. A translated-into-Arabic version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale was used to collect data. Awareness level was determined based on the number of CC myths around CC causation recognized to be incorrect: poor (0-4), fair (5-9), and good (10-13). RESULTS: A total of 7058 questionnaires were included. Myths unrelated to food were more commonly recognized as incorrect compared to those related to food. The most recognized food-unrelated myth was 'having a physical trauma' (n = 3714, 52.6%), whereas the least recognized was 'using mobile phones' (n = 2238, 31.7%). The most recognized food-related myth was 'drinking from plastic bottles' (n = 2708, 38.4%), whereas the least recognized was 'eating food containing additives' (n = 1118, 15.8%). Only 575 participants (8.1%) displayed good awareness and promptly recognized at least 10 out of 13 myths around CC causation as incorrect. Factors associated with lower likelihood of displaying good awareness of myths around CC causation included living in the West Bank and Jerusalem, being married, widowed or divorced, knowing someone with cancer, and visiting hospitals or primary healthcare centers. CONCLUSIONS: A very small proportion of Palestinian women recognized 10 or more myths around CC causes as incorrect. Initiatives addressing CC myths are needed in the Palestinian community.

Common misconceptions and myths about ovarian cancer causation: a national cross-sectional study from palestine.

BACKGROUND: Women's inability to recognize ovarian cancer (OC) causation myths to be incorrect may lead to behavioral changes that could distract them from actual risk factors and impact their treatment decision making. This study examined Palestinian women's recognition of OC mythical causes, and explored factors associated with good recognition. METHODS: A national cross-sectional study was conducted. Adult Palestinian women were recruited from hospitals, primary healthcare facilities, and public areas in 11 governorates. The Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale was modified and utilized for data collection. Awareness level was determined based on the number of myths around OC causation recognized to be incorrect: poor (0-4), fair (5-9), and good (10-13). RESULTS: A total of 5618 participants agreed and completed the questionnaire out of 6095 approached (response rate = 92.1%), and 5411 questionnaires were included in the final analysis. The most recognized food-related myth was 'drinking from plastic bottles' (n = 1370, 25.3%) followed by 'eating burnt food' (n = 1298, 24.0%). The least recognized food-related myth was 'eating food containing additives' (n = 611, 11.3%). The most recognized food-unrelated myth was 'having a physical trauma' (n = 2899, 53.6%), whereas the least recognized was 'using mobile phones' (n = 1347, 24.9%). Only 273 participants (5.1%) had good awareness of OC causation myths as incorrect. Earning higher monthly incomes as well as visiting governmental healthcare facilities were associated with a decrease in the likelihood of exhibiting good awareness. CONCLUSION: The overall recognition of OC causation myths was low. Addressing mythical beliefs should be included in OC prevention strategies and public health interventions to improve women's understanding of OC risk factors versus mythical causes.

Canadians' knowledge of cancer risk factors and belief in cancer myths.

BACKGROUND: Many untrue statements about cancer prevention and risks are circulating. The objective of this study was to assess Canadians' awareness of known cancer risk factors and cancer myths (untruths or statements that are not completely true), and to explore how awareness may vary by sociodemographic and cognitive factors. METHODS: Cancer myths were identified by conducting scans of published, grey literature, and social media. Intuitive-analytic thinking disposition scores included were actively open- and close-minded thinking, as well as preference for intuitive and effortful thinking. A survey was administered online to participants aged 18 years and older through Prolific. Results were summarized descriptively and analyzed using chi-square tests, as well as Spearman rank and Pearson correlations. RESULTS: Responses from 734 Canadians were received. Participants were better at identifying known cancer risk factors (70% of known risks) compared to cancer myths (49%). Bivariate analyses showed differential awareness of known cancer risk factors (p < 0.05) by population density and income, cancer myths by province, and for both by ethnicity, age, and all thinking disposition scores. Active open-minded thinking and preference for effortful thinking were associated with greater discernment. Tobacco-related risk factors were well-identified (> 90% correctly identified), but recognition of other known risk factors was poor (as low as 23% for low vegetable and fruit intake). Mythical cancer risk factors with high support were consuming additives (61%), feeling stressed (52%), and consuming artificial sweeteners (49%). High uncertainty of causation was observed for glyphosate (66% neither agreed or disagreed). For factors that reduce cancer risk, reasonable awareness was observed for HPV vaccination (60%), but there was a high prevalence in cancer myths, particularly that consuming antioxidants (65%) and organic foods (45%) are protective, and some uncertainty whether drinking red wine (41%), consuming vitamins (32%), and smoking cannabis (30%) reduces cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS: While Canadians were able to identify tobacco-related cancer risk factors, many myths were believed and numerous risk factors were not recognized. Cancer myths can be harmful in themselves and can detract the public's attention from and action on established risk factors.

Characterizing myths of sexual aggression in the young population in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Myths of sexual aggression have a negative influence in aggressive behavior against women, in the institutional approaches to sexual violence and in how women cope with it. The objective of this study is to describe acceptance of myths of sexual aggression in young women and men residing in Spain. METHOD: Cross-sectional study carried out online with 2,515 women (50.2%) and men (49.8%) ages 18-35 in Spain in 2020. Information on myths was collected using the Acceptance of Modern Myths About Sexual Aggression Scale (AMMSA). We described the myths most prevalent among women and men. The variables associated with myths were identified using multiple regression. The regression models were adjusted by sociodemographic and sexual orientation variables. RESULTS: The average AMMSA values were higher among men [mean: 3.11; standard deviation (sd):1.23] than among women (mean 2.49 sd:1.11). In both sexes, the myths with greater acceptance showed the presence of patriarchal gender roles in sexual contacts. Men were more likely than women to accept myths that question allegations and severity of violence. Having a higher level of educational studies (ß -0.350 sd: 0.046) was associated with lower average AMMSA values. Being born in Latin America (ß 0.047 sd: 0.063) was associated with higher average AMMSA values. Among heterosexual men, AMMSA values were greater than among gay and bisexual men. Among women, there was no difference in average AMMSA values based on sexual orientation. CONCLUSIONS: Myths persist during youth that question and trivialize sexual violence against women. It is necessary to implement strategies that reduce these myths, particularly in heterosexual men, in those of foreign-born origin and among those with low levels of education.

Adaptation of the Child sexual abuse myth scale to Turkish culture: A reliability and validity study.

This study aims to analyze the reliability and validity of the Child Sexual Abuse Myth Scale (CSAMS) in Turkish society. This methodological and cross-sectional study was conducted with 334 individuals between the ages 19 to 65. Data were collected through the Personal Information Form and the Child Sexual Abuse Myth Scale. Content Validity Ratio values of the scale items in the study ranged between 0.500 and 1.00, and the Content Validity Index was found to be 0.68. Exploratory Factor Analysis was appropriate based on Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO = 0.809) and Barlett's Test of Sphericity (X2 = 1269, p < 0.001). Factor Analysis resulted in 4 sub-scales (Accusation, Causality, Normalization, and Sexist Approach). Item factor loads of the scale were found to range between 0.501 and 0.839, and the total explained variance was 59.4 %. Pearson correlation coefficients of all the items ranged between 0.32 and 0.60, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.81. Accusation, Normalization, and Sexist Approach sub-scale scores were found to increase with age. Sub-scale scores were found to demonstrate significant differences by gender, marital status, education level, working or not, income level, family type, number of siblings, and number of children (p < 0.05). The findings of this study show that the CSAMS is valid and reliable for Turkish culture in its 14-item and 4 sub-scale form.

Exploring the Underlying Constructs of Rape-Related Cognition Scales and Their Relationships With Sexual Aggression.

Rape-related cognitions (typically defined as encompassing any number of cognitive constructs) are thought to play a role in sexual aggression. However, rape-related cognition scales often assess these cognitive constructs as one. The purpose of this study is to explore the factor structure of these measures using a sample of 191 community men. We found that items from the Rape Myth Acceptance, RAPE, and Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance (IRMA) scales formed one factor, which was significantly related to sexual aggression. We further found that four and six IRMA subscales were significantly related to past and likelihood of sexual aggression, respectively. Additionally, one IRMA subscale was independently related to past and likelihood of sexual aggression. The results are discussed in terms of implications and direction for future research.

[The historical aspects of development of concept of endometriosis: publications review].

The endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease, etiology and pathogenesis of which are not fully clear to science. Its consequences are hardest burden for health care, society and every female patient and her family. The presented review tries to answer in historical aspect the question of interest to all scientists - why endometriosis, known to science for more than 300 years, still remains "disease of riddles and assumptions"? The search of publications was implemented in such databases as Web of Science, eLibrary, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE. The search was based on keywords "history", "endometriosis", "review", "myths", "authorship", "infertility", "reproductive dysfunction". The study covered full-text sources and publications reviews related to subject under study. The articles having no direct relation to the topic of endometriosis were excluded from the review. The review demonstrated that as before pathogenesis of endometriosis remains enigmatic and complex. The more and more evidences appear that endometriosis is part of syndrome of uterus reproductive dysfunction. Hence necessity in further research and experimental designs in this area. Perhaps in nearest future scientists nevertheless will find the clue to single etiopathogenetic mechanism of development of endometriosis which at a later date will be successfully applied by physicians in diagnostic and treatment of this disease.

What does gender has to do with math? Complex questions require complex answers.

Whether mathematics is a gendered domain or not is a long-lasting issue bringing along major social and educational implications. The females' underrepresentation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has been considered one of the key signs of the math gender gap, although the current view largely attributes the origin of this phenomenon to sociocultural factors. Indeed, recent approaches to math gender differences reached the universal conclusion that nature and nurture exert reciprocal effects on each other, establishing the need for approaching the study of the math gender issue only once its intrinsic complexity has been accepted. Building upon a flourishing literature, this review provides an updated synthesis of the evidence for math gender equality at the start, and for math gender inequality on the go, challenging the role of biological factors. In particular, by combining recent findings from different research areas, the paper discusses the persistence of the "math male myth" and the associated "female are not good at math myth," drawing attention to the complex interplay of social and cultural forces that support such stereotypes. The suggestion is made that longevity of these myths results from the additive effects of two independent cognitive biases associated with gender stereotypes and with math stereotypes, respectively. Scholars' responsibility in amplifying these myths by pursuing some catching lines of research is also discussed.

Common myths and misconceptions about breast cancer causation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The discussion about breast cancer (BC) causation continues to be surrounded by a number of myths and misbeliefs. If efforts are misdirected towards reducing risk from false mythical causes, individuals might be less likely to consider and adopt risk-reducing behaviors for evidence-based BC causes. This national study aimed to assess the awareness of BC causation myths and misbeliefs among Palestinian women, and examine the factors associated with having good awareness. METHODS: This national cross-sectional study recruited adult women from government hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces in 11 governorates in Palestine. A modified version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale was used to collect data. The level of awareness of BC causation myths was determined based on the number of myths recognized to be incorrect: poor (0-5), fair (6-10), or good (11-15). RESULTS: A total of 5,257 questionnaires were included. Only 269 participants (5.1%) demonstrated good awareness (i.e., recognizing more than 10 out of 15 BC mythical causes). There were no notable differences in displaying good awareness between the main areas of Palestine, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and Jerusalem (5.1% vs. 5.1%). Having chronic disease as well as visiting hospitals and primary healthcare centers were associated with a decrease in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. Myths related to food were less frequently recognized as incorrect than food-unrelated myths. 'Eating burnt food' was the most recognized food-related myth (n = 1414, 26.9%), while 'eating food containing additives' was the least recognized (n = 599, 11.4%). 'Having a physical trauma' was the most recognized food-unrelated myth (n = 2795, 53.2%), whereas the least recognized was 'wearing tight bra' (n = 1018, 19.4%). CONCLUSIONS: A very small proportion of Palestinian women could recognize 10 or more myths around BC causation. There is a substantial need to include clear information about BC causation in future educational interventions besides focusing on BC screening, signs and symptoms, and risk factors.

A Qualitative Investigation of Service Providers' Experiences Supporting Raped and Sexually Abused Men.

Substantial gaps remain in our understanding of the risks and barriers that exist for men affected by rape and sexual abuse. The present research utilized semi-structured interviews with 12 service providers from specialist organizations in the United Kingdom. An interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed three superordinate themes: (a) survivors' needs for agency, safety, and control as functions of their masculinity; (b) the impact of rape myths and their challenge to therapeutic intervention; and (c) survivors' expectations around reporting and the police. The role of masculinity and social stigma permeated participants' accounts, with negative stereotypes and male rape myths influencing reporting, access to services, and survivors' coping mechanisms. Results are discussed in relation to current service provision within the United Kingdom, and avenues for improvement are suggested.

Analysis of Parents' Attitudes and Knowledge toward Immunization and How These Factors Influence Their Decisions to Vaccinate Their Children against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Background and objectives: Vaccination hesitancy is a growing problem associated with decreasing chances for the elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases through immunization. This research was conducted to learn about parents' attitudes toward vaccination, particularly against HPV, in the context of their beliefs and fears regarding immunization and the impact of these views on their children's vaccination decisions. An additional goal was to determine what views or convictions most often lead to the phenomenon of delaying or refusing vaccinations, especially HPV vaccines, in the surveyed community. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire was conducted in which parents marked how they vaccinated their children with mandatory vaccinations and whether they took the opportunity to protect their children with additional vaccinations, including HPV and COVID-19. Respondents also marked the extent to which they agreed with the statements, regarding the safety of vaccinations, doubts about them, as well as popular anti-vaccine myths. Results: A total of 250 questionnaires were collected with data on the immunization of 425 children. Associations between specific beliefs and vaccine abstention were established. The most motivating factor for vaccination against HPV was the parent's awareness that the virus HP is the cause of cancer. The most inhibiting factor was respondent's compliance with the opinion that HPV vaccines can affect the child's sexual activity. Conclusions: The results indicate that information campaigns are needed, especially focusing on vaccine safety and the regularity and transparency of monitoring adverse effects. The obtained results will be used to create educational interventions against vaccination hesitancy more adapted to local conditions.

Interpretation about Death Rite of the Nias Ethnic and its Relation to Social Order.

This study reports on the description and analysis of death rituals that are a tradition of the Nias tribe in Indonesia. Descriptive discussion of rites and rituals of death using the perspective of cultural anthropology and the sociology of religion. In Nias belief, the spirits of the dead can be transferred into statues and become objects of worship, which are highly respected but also feared. Although Christianity has replaced tribal religion, the strength of tradition in the old beliefs persists to this day, so syncretism is unavoidable. The research findings show that death rituals become religious tools that maintain traditional values on the one hand and become legitimate tools to increase social status and cohesion in society. The rituals of death are integrated into social interactions where people carry out symbols and form social order. This finding proves that modern society's social cohesion is inseparable from tradition's role.

Dispelling myths and misconceptions about the treatment of acute hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia represents a widespread and potentially lethal condition that affects millions of people across their lives. Despite the prevalence and severity of the condition, there are no consensus guidelines on the treatment of hyperkalemia or even a standard definition. Herein, we provide a succinct review of what we believe to be the most significant misconceptions encountered in the emergency care of hyperkalemia, examine current available literature, and discuss practical points on several modalities of hyperkalemia treatment. Additionally, we review the pathophysiology of the electrocardiographic effects of hyperkalemia and how intravenous calcium preparations can antagonize these effects. We conclude each section with recommendations to aid emergency physicians in making safe and efficacious choices for the treatment of acute hyperkalemia.

Myths and misconception of COVID-19 among hospital sanitary workers in Pakistan: Efficacy of a training program intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Hospital sanitary workers are among the prime source to disseminate information at a massive level, however they received least attention during the pandemic COVID-19. The study was designed to investigate the prevailing myths and misconceptions of the coronavirus pandemic among the sanitary workers of health care system. Further, a systematic training program is devised and tested to demystify the false myths with discerning truth and awareness-raising in hospital sanitary workers. METHOD: A pre-post face-to-face intervention design was opted and the intervention was conducted at five locations by the project team. The intervention consisted a 3 days training program to target myths and misconceptions of hospital sanitary workers. The study was completed in 8 months starting from August, 2019 to March, 2020. Participants were recruited from local hospitals having a specialized indoor COVID treatment facility. The sample consisted of 82 participants (n = 25, 30.09% females) with age ranging from 18 to 60 years (M ± SD = 37.41 ± 10.09). FINDINGS: The results indicated that 86.4% of the participants never heard the name of the coronavirus before the pandemic in Pakistan. A majority of the participants (> 50%) believed on a very alarming but unrealistic rate of mortality i.e., 30-60%. The pre-testing showed a high prevalence of myths in all four domains (i.e., popular treatments = 24.44, conspiracy myths = 7.93, home remedies = 16.46, and COVID-reliance = 7.82). The pre and post comparison of individual myths showed significant improvement on 24 of the 26 myths with a decline ranging from 0.18 to 1.63. Overall, the intervention significantly decreased scores on all four domains of coronavirus myths. CONCLUSION: The training intervention appeared to effectively reduce myths and misconceptions of sanitary staff workers and is advised to be included as a standard training program for sanitary workers of health care system.

The effect of a reproductive health course on sexual myths, sexual attitudes and gender perceptions among university students.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a reproductive health course on sexual myths, sexual attitudes and gender perceptions of university students. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study with a pre-test/post-test design was conducted among 222 undergraduate students. Data were collected using a questionnaire form, the Sexual Myths Scale, the Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale and the Perception of Gender Scale. RESULTS: Comparison of pre-test with post-test results showed that the course achieved an improvement in sexual attitudes (p < 0.001), a positive effect on gender perceptions (p < 0.05) and a decrease in sexual myth beliefs (p < 0.001) among participants. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the importance of educating young people about reproductive health. Courses on reproductive and sexual health should be integrated into the curriculum of first year undergraduate education.

Health behaviors of the Sierra de Cádiz. Myths and beliefs?

INTRODUCTION: Throughout history, the practice and persistence of health behaviours and attitudes based on traditional medicine have been observed. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there are health myths and beliefs in the study population, to describe these myths and beliefs, to determine whether they have persisted over time and to compile the most common myths and beliefs in Sierra de Cádiz. METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study. Our data collection tool was a questionnaire completed by 45 health care professionals in the study area. RESULTS: A total of 73.3% of the population had health-related myths or beliefs, of which 70% resorted to healers and the use of a herpes remedy. CONCLUSIONS: This study opens and motivates new research lines and highlights the need to develop educational campaigns and implement health-education programmes in which traditional medicine is involved.

Hospital-Based Suicides: Challenging Existing Myths.

Myths are widely held and often based on false beliefs. To improve patient safety and speed the translation of research to clinical practice, we highlight and then debunk 10 common myths regarding the assessment, treatment, and management of hospitalized patients at risk for suicide. Myths regarding hospital-based suicides are examined and empirical evidence that counters each myth is offered. Ten common myths regarding hospital-based suicides are found to be untrue or unsupported based on existing empirical evidence. Rethinking common beliefs and practices that lack empirical support and seeking alternatives based on research evidence is consistent with an emphasis on evidence-based practices leading to improved patient care and protection.

Myths and Misconceptions About University Student Volunteering: Development and Perpetuation.

This paper examines myths and misconceptions about university student volunteering. Our study explored the experiences of students, host organisations and universities participating in volunteering in Australia, identify good practice, and discover barriers to success. A qualitative approach involved 60 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. Students were often seen as being energetic, having flexible time and having skills associated with their studies. Some organisations, however, viewed students as unreliable, hard to manage and requiring specific programs. Some hosts were viewed as not valuing student volunteers, or not having the capacity to supervise. These perceptions were found to be nuanced. Erroneous myths were seen to develop from a single event, later confirmed by a 'related' event; in scenarios with multiple players, motivations, and complexities. The potential for misconceptions to undermine the true value of student volunteering for all stakeholders is ameliorated when there is common understanding, clear expectation setting, and ongoing dialogue.