Culturally adapted training for community volunteers to improve their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding non-communicable diseases in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: The burden of non-communicable diseases is becoming unmanageable by primary healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries. Community-based approaches are promising for supporting healthcare facilities. In Vietnam, community health volunteers are trained in providing health promotion and screening in a culturally adapted training. This study aims to assess the change in knowledge, attitude and practice regarding NCD prevention and management after a culturally adapted training, and the potential mechanisms leading to this change. METHODS: The Knowledge Attitude and Practice survey was assessed before and after an initial training, and before and after a refresher training (n = 37). We used a focus group discussion with community health volunteers (n = 8) to map potential mechanisms of the training and applying learned knowledge in practice. Data were collected in the districts Le Chan and An Duong of Hai Phong, Vietnam, in November 2021 and May 2022. RESULTS: We found that knowledge increased after training (mean = 5.54, 95%-confidence interval = 4.35 to 6.74), whereas attitude and practice did not improve. Next, knowledge decreased over time (m=-12.27;-14.40 to -10.11) and did not fully recover after a refresher training (m=-1.78;-3.22 to -0.35). As potential mechanisms for change, we identified the use of varying learning methods, enough breaks, efficient coordination of time located for theory and practice, handout materials, large group size and difficulty in applying a digital application for screening results. CONCLUSION: Culturally adapted trainings can improve knowledge among community health volunteers which is important for the support of primary healthcare in low- and middle-income countries. Using a digital screening application can be a barrier for the improvement of knowledge, attitude and practice and we suggest using an intergenerational or age-friendly approach, with the supervision of primary healthcare professionals. Future research on behavioral change should include additional components such as self-efficacy and interrelationships between individuals.

Assessment of healthcare workers' knowledge and attitude on Ebola virus disease in Somalia: a multicenter nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: In September 2022, a new Ebola outbreak was reported in Uganda, East Africa, and 142 confirmed cases, including 19 Healthcare workers (HCWs) reported. Ebola is not endemic in Somalia, but the country is at a reasonable risk of the virus being introduced due to the direct connection with daily flights from Uganda without border health control and prevention activities. Therefore, evaluating HCWs' Knowledge and attitude is crucial since this is the first time being evaluated in Somalia. The study's objective is to evaluate the HCWs' Knowledge and attitude toward the Ebola virus disease in Somalia. METHOD: An online self-administrated cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCWs (n = 1103) in all six federal member states of Somalia using a validated, reliable, well-structured questionnaire. Data we analyzed using descriptive statistics and Logistic regression were used to determine sociodemographic characteristics associated with poor Knowledge and negative attitude. RESULT: Over one-third (37.3%) of HCWs had poor Knowledge; the mean knowledge score was 7.97 SD ± 2.15. Almost 40.1% of the HCWs had a negative attitude; the mean attitude was 27.81 SD ± 8.06. Low-income HCWs (AOR = 2.06, 95%CI:1.01-4.19), Married HCWs (AOR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.110-1.963), Midwives (AOR = 2.76, 95%CI: 1.74-4.39), Lab technicians (AOR = 2.43, 95%CI: 1.43-4.14), HCWs work in Jubaland state of Somalia (AOR = 3.69, 95%CI: 2.39-5.70), Galmudug state (AOR = 8.50, 95%CI: 4.59-15.77), Hirshabelle state (AOR = 3.18, 95%CI: 2.15-4.71) were more likely to have poor Knowledge compared to their counterparts. HCWs who work in Hirshabelle state (AOR = 5.44,95%CI: 3.58-8.27), Jubaland state (AOR = 8.47, 95%CI: 4.69-15.29), and Galmudug state (AOR = 4.43, 95%CI: 3.03-6.48) was more likely to have a negative attitude than those working in the Banadir region administration. CONCLUSION: Most Somali healthcare workers showed good Knowledge and a positive attitude toward the Ebola virus. The implementation to enhance Knowledge and attitude must specifically focus on low-income HCWs, Midwives, Lab technicalities, and those who work in Hirshabelle, Jubaland, and Galmudug states of Somalia.

Multicentric evaluation of conventional dosimetry vs bio-dosimetry over a period of two years for a three-point contact.

Background: Dental radiology represents the best model for evaluating the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation. Therefore, this study evaluated the awareness on radiation hygiene among dental ancillary personnel through a questionnaire and their absorbed doses by physical and biologic dosimetry. Methods: The multicentric study included two groups. Group I (N = 30) consisted of dental staff involved in dental radiology. An equal number of personnel who were not related to radiology formed the control group. Knowledge (K), attitude (A), and practice (P) of participants were assessed using a KAP questionnaire. Radiation exposure was evaluated by physical dosimetry at 3 time periods: at the beginning of the study (T1), after 10 months (T2), and at the end after 20 months (T3). Similarly, biologic dosimetry was also carried out at 3 time points by dicentric chromosome aberration assay. The data were compared using percentage analysis, analysis of variance (one-way analysis of variance), and Student's t- test. Results: The KAP survey demonstrated enhanced understanding of radiation protection measures and its sound practice by the participants. Physical dosimetry showed a significant increase in absorbed dose at 3 time points: T1, T2, and T3. However, no chromosomal aberrations were observed in blood lymphocytes for any of the participants in the optimized 4-day biodosimetry protocol. Conclusion: Good radiation protection protocols-safe distance from the radiation source and wear of lead aprons and thyroid collars-ensured low absorbed doses. The 4-day protocol is an important step toward developing biodosimetry laboratories in the Armed Forces Medical Services for clinical and national radiation countermeasure strategies.

A malaria knowledge, attitudes and practice survey in a rural community in Guinea.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is the top public health problem in the Republic of Guinea, with more than 4 million cases and 10,000 deaths in 2021 among a population of approximately 13 million. It is also the second highest cause of death there. The purpose of this quantitative survey in a rural area of Guinea was to understand knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) about malaria and to assess water and sanitation practices among community members. METHODS: In 2016, the authors conducted a cross-sectional household survey in Timbi-Touni, Guinea using community workers. The survey included respondent demographic characteristics, malaria knowledge, child health, water and sanitation, and health services access. Malaria knowledge and sleeping under bed nets were the primary outcome variables and multiple logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios. RESULTS: Majority of the respondents were women (89.41%) and had never been to school (71.18%). Slightly more than half the children were reported to have ever had malaria and 45% reported to have ever had diarrhoea. There was no statistically significant association between gender or level of education and malaria knowledge. Eighty six percent of respondents had received a free bed net during national campaigns and 61% slept under a bed net the night before the survey. Knowing mosquitoes to be the cause of malaria and receiving free bed net were significantly associated with sleeping under a bed net. There was no statistically significant association between drinking water source and malaria or diarrhoea. CONCLUSIONS: Both malaria and diarrhoea were considered to be serious illnesses for adults and children by nearly all respondents. Receiving free bed nets and having correct knowledge about malaria were the greatest predictors of sleeping under a bed net. Insights from this detailed KAP survey-such as focusing on radio to transmit malaria prevention information and reinforcing free malaria treatments-can guide policy makers and practitioners who design and implement malaria control and prevention measures in Guinea.

Effects of tick surveillance education on knowledge, attitudes, and practices of local health department employees.

BACKGROUND: The number of cases of tick-borne diseases in humans is increasing rapidly within Illinois. The responsibility for increased surveillance of tick-borne disease cases and tick vectors is being placed on local health departments throughout the United States, but they often lack the funding, time, and/or training needed to perform said surveillance. The aims of this study were to develop, deliver, and determine the effectiveness of tick surveillance training workshops for local health department employees within Illinois. METHODS: We developed and delivered in-person training at local health department offices in each of six Illinois Department of Public Health Environmental Health Regions between April-May of 2019. Pre-, post-, and six-month follow-up questionnaires on knowledge, attitudes, and practices with regards to tick surveillance were administered to training participants. Paired student's t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores between questionnaires with Cohen's d being used to calculate effect sizes associated with t-tests. McNemar's and McNemar-Bowker tests were used to evaluate individual questions. Spearman's rank correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices at pre-, post-, and six-month follow-up. RESULTS: Seventy-six employees from 40 local health departments that represent 44% (45/102) of Illinois counties attended at least one training workshop. Of these attendees, 81.5% (62/76) participated in at least one survey, 79% (60/76) in the in-person pre-training survey, 74% (56/76) in the in-person post-training survey, and 22% (17/76) in the online six-month follow-up survey. The average knowledge score was significantly increased by 8.21 (95% CI:7.28-9.14) points from pre-training to post-training. The average overall attitude score significantly increased by 5.29 (95% CI: 3.91-6.66) points from pre- to post-training. There were no significant differences in practice scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found the training was effective in increasing the knowledge of ticks, tick-borne diseases, and surveillance as well as promoting positive attitudes related to surveillance. While the training, by itself, was not associated with increases in surveillance practices, we were able to empower local public health officials with the knowledge and positive attitudes needed to enact change.

Feasibility of and barriers to thalassemia screening in migrant populations: a cross-sectional study of Myanmar and Cambodian migrants in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Thalassemia, an inherited hemoglobin disorder, has become a global public health problem due to population migration. Evidence-based strategies for thalassemia prevention in migrants are lacking. We characterized barriers to thalassemia screening and the burden of thalassemia in migrant workers in Thailand. METHODS: Multilingual demographic and KAP surveys were completed by 197 Thai, 119 Myanmar, and 176 Cambodian adults residing in Thailand. Thalassemia awareness, socio-demographic predictors, and knowledge and attitude scores were compared between migrant and Thai subjects. Comprehensive thalassemia testing was performed for migrants. RESULTS: Migrants had extremely poor thalassemia awareness (4.1%) compared to Thai subjects (79.6%) and had lower thalassemia knowledge scores but similar attitude scores. Surveys identified differing sociodemographic factors predicting awareness in Thai and migrant subjects, as well as key misconceptions likely to hinder thalassemia screening uptake. Nearly all migrants consented to thalassemia testing. We identified abnormal hemoglobin profiles in 52.7% of migrants and a higher projected rate of severe thalassemia births in migrants. CONCLUSIONS: The high burden of thalassemia and tremendous knowledge gap in migrants needs urgent attention. Thalassemia screening was feasible and acceptable in our migrant population. Sociocultural and structural barriers merit further attention when designing thalassemia screening and prevention policies for migrants in Thailand and globally.

Development and validation of a questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) to healthy eating and activity patterns in school children (HEAPS).

BACKGROUND: Development of culturally appropriate and psychometrically sound instruments that measure knowledge and health behaviors of children will help to inform appropriate interventions. AIM: To develop and test the validity and reliability of a questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes, and practices to healthy eating and activity patterns in school children in India. METHODS: Review of literature, focus-group discussions, and theoretical constructs of the Health Belief Model guided the development of an item pool. Face and content validity were assessed by children and a panel of experts and the item content validity, item difficulty, and discrimination indices were calculated. Construct validity was determined using the principal axis method of exploratory factor analysis among a cross-sectional sample of children (n=252). Internal consistency (Cronbach α values >0.7) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient values >0.75) were estimated. RESULTS: Item content validity index for clarity and relevance were satisfactory (>0.80) and internal consistency for knowledge (Kuder-Richardson 20 = 0.832), attitude (Cronbach's α = 0.912), and practice items (Cronbach's α = 0.769) were good. Four factors (children's eating habits, family dietary practices, and consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods) and two factors (moderate to vigorous activities and sedentary activities) explained 67.7% and 48.2% of the total variance in practice items. Intraclass correlation coefficient estimates ranged from good to excellent (0.72-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the validity and reliability of the 84-item knowledge, attitudes, and practices to healthy eating and activity patterns in schoolchildren questionnaire were promising. The detailed description of the methodology employed may prove useful to researchers conducting similar studies in children.

Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) survey of canine rabies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab Province of Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the extent of knowledge and understanding of rabies disease in rural and urban communities of Pakistan. It also identified malpractices after suspected dog bite that might pose a risk for humans contracting rabies. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted (n = 1466) on people having different age groups and educational levels in four different geographic regions of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in Pakistan. Knowledge, attitude, and practices of people were assessed using a structured questionnaire. We used a bivariate and multivariate analysis to study the association between rabies related mortalities in near or extended family members and different risk behaviors. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that the majority of the juvenile population (less than 18 years of age) were not aware of the clinical signs of rabies in animals. 75% of the total respondents were not vaccinated against rabies, 60% did not seek a doctor's advice after a suspected animal bite, and 55% had inadequate health care facilities for rabies patients in local hospitals. Respondents that had pets at home had not vaccinated (38%; p < 0.05; odds ratio 1.58) themselves against rabies due to lack of knowledge and awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis for rabies (51%; p < 0.05; odds ratio 1.25). They also tend to not visit doctor after suspected bite (52%; p < 0.05; odds ratio 1.97), which may had resulted in more deaths (65%; p < 0.05; odds ratio 1.73) of someone in their near or extended family due to rabies. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of knowledge about the nature of rabies disease and prophylaxis has contributed to increase of rabies related deaths. Inadequate health care facilities and poor attitude of not seeking medical attention after suspected dog bite are the major reasons of rabies related deaths. These findings could help in devising a targeted management strategy and awareness program to control and reduce the incidence of human rabies related deaths in Pakistan.

Tickborne disease awareness and protective practices among U.S. Forest Service employees from the upper Midwest, USA.

BACKGROUND: People with occupations that require them to spend time working outdoors in suitable tick habitats are predicted to be at an increased risk for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). However, few studies have assessed the risks of outdoor employees in the United States. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to collect data on exposure to ticks and TBD infections among U.S. Forest Service employees in a high TBD incidence region of northern Wisconsin, and to examine employee knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding TBDs to help guide future education and prevention programs. Chi-square contingency tables, calculations of odds ratios, and logistic regression models were used to identify associations among self-reported employee factors, the proportion of correctly answered knowledge questions, their ranked concern for TBDs, adherence to practicing preventive behaviors, and willingness to pay for protective measures. RESULTS: Ninety-five employees completed the survey. Nearly all respondents (97%) reported recent tick exposure, with 27% reporting encountering 10 or more ticks per week during peak tick season. Employee knowledge of TBD was high (median score: 80% correct). Fifty-nine percent of respondents had high concern for TBDs, and there was high adherence to conducting body checks for ticks (83% reported always doing them), but only moderate use of tick repellents (24% reported always and 60% reported occasionally using). High concern for TBD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 6.32 [95% confidence intervals, 1.97-20.28]), a history of TBD diagnosis (aOR = 5.88 [1.41-24.55]), and older age (≥ 46 years) (aOR = 3.29 [1.00-10.84]) were positively associated with high practice adherence. Respondents suggested they would be willing to pay for personal protective methods and get a hypothetical vaccine for Lyme disease, but not community-wide efforts to control ticks. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence that U.S. Forest Service employees in Wisconsin represent a high risk group for TBD, and despite relatively high TBD knowledge and engagement in tick protection activities, efforts are needed to reduce their risks for tick bites. More generally, our findings suggest that studies to better understand the factors related to the adoption and effectiveness of public health interventions are needed.

Perceptions and practices of mosquito-borne diseases in Alabama - is concern where it should be?

BACKGROUND: The Gulf Coast of the United States is home to mosquito vectors that may spread disease causing pathogens, and environmental conditions that are ideal for the sustained transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens. Understanding public perceptions of mosquito-borne diseases and mosquito prevention strategies is critical for the development of effective vector control strategies and public health interventions. Here, we present a survey conducted in Mobile, Alabama along the Gulf Coast to better understand public perceptions of mosquito-borne diseases, mosquito control activities, and potential risk factors. METHODS: Using Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAPs) assessments, we surveyed populations living in 12 zip codes in Mobile, Alabama using a 7-point Likert scale and frequency assessments. Survey participants were asked about vector control efforts, knowledge of mosquito-borne diseases, and understanding of mosquito ecology and breeding habitats. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-six surveys were completed in Mobile, Alabama, revealing that 73% of participants reported being bitten by a mosquito in the last 30 days and mosquitoes were frequently seen in their homes. Ninety-four percent of respondents had heard of Zika Virus at the time of the survey, and respondents reported being least familiar with dengue virus and chikungunya virus. CONCLUSIONS: Chikungunya virus, dengue virus, malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika virus have been documented in the Gulf Coast of the United States. The mosquitoes which vector all of these diseases are presently in the Gulf Coast meaning all five diseases pose a potential risk to human health. The results of this survey emphasize knowledge gaps that public health officials can address to empower the population to reduce their risk of these mosquito-borne diseases. Each species of mosquito has specific preferences for breeding and feeding and there is no one size fits all prevention approach, educating people on the need for a variety of approaches in order to address all species will further empower them to control mosquitoes where they live and further reduce their risk of disease.

Assessing the impact of public education on a preventable zoonotic disease: rabies.

Effective methods to increase awareness of preventable infectious diseases are key components of successful control programmes. Rabies is an example of a disease with significant impact, where public awareness is variable. A recent awareness campaign in a rabies endemic region of Azerbaijan provided a unique opportunity to assess the efficacy of such campaigns. A cluster cross-sectional survey concerning rabies was undertaken following the awareness campaign in 600 households in 38 randomly selected towns, in districts covered by the campaign and matched control regions. This survey demonstrated that the relatively simple awareness campaign was effective at improving knowledge of rabies symptoms and vaccination schedules. Crucially, those in the awareness campaign group were also 1·4 times more likely to report that they had vaccinated their pets, an essential component of human rabies prevention. In addition, low knowledge of appropriate post-exposure treatment and animal sources of rabies provide information useful for future public awareness campaigns in the region and other similar areas.

Deficits in knowledge, attitude, and practice towards blood culture sampling: results of a nationwide mixed-methods study among inpatient care physicians in Germany.

PURPOSE: Blood culture (BC) sampling rates in Germany are considerably lower than recommended. Aim of our study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice of physicians in Germany regarding BC diagnostics. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional mixed-methods study among physicians working in inpatient care in Germany. Based on the results of qualitative focus groups, a questionnaire-based quantitative study was conducted in 2015-2016. In total, 706 medical doctors and final-year medical students from 11 out of 16 federal states in Germany participated. RESULTS: BC sampling was considered an important diagnostic tool by 95% of the participants. However, only 23% of them would collect BCs in three scenarios for which BC ordering is recommended by present guidelines in Germany; almost one out of ten physicians would not have taken blood cultures in any of the three scenarios. The majority of participants (74%) reported not to adhere to the guideline recommendation that blood culture sampling should include at least two blood culture sets from two different injection sites. High routine in blood culture sampling, perceived importance of blood culture diagnostics, the availability of an in-house microbiological lab, and the department the physician worked in were identified as predictors for good blood culture practice. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that there are substantial deficits in BC ordering and the application of guidelines for good BC practice in Germany. Based on these findings, multimodal interventions appear necessary for improving BC diagnostics.

Tangible skill building and HIV youth prevention intervention in rural South Africa.

There have been countless youth programmes throughout Africa resulting in increased knowledge of HIV, but all too often there is a discrepancy between knowledge and behaviour change. According to available literature, successful projects need to consider the context in which young people live, be consistent with community values, and be family inclusive and youth centred. This, however, requires active involvement of communities, families and youth, which in turn implies a more local response to the epidemic in small projects. This paper presents results from a survey in a rural community of South Africa which investigated the contextual factors associated with HIV knowledge, attitudes and practice in such a setting. The community was of particular interest as it had developed a local youth literacy and family support programme which included HIV-prevention messages. All school aged children of the two settlements were approached (N = 100), some of whom regularly participated in the literacy classes. The survey investigated the association between contextual factors such as caregivers, peers and exposure to the literacy classes in regards to HIV-knowledge, attitudes and practice. The results suggest that contextual factors have an impact on sexual behaviour and self-efficacy as well as on attitudes towards condom use. This indicates that peers and caregivers influence the perceived agency to practise safe sex and the likelihood that adolescents practise 'deviant' behaviour such as drinking, getting involved in drugs or becoming sexually active. However, the results suggest that exposure to community projects such as literacy classes have the potential to positively influence reading scores, attitudes towards condom use and delay of sexual debut while it has little effect on HIV knowledge.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Ticks, Tick-Borne Diseases, and Ethnomedicine Among an at-Risk Population in Kerala.

Tick and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are increasing annually, and the study of ticks has gained importance after the outbreak of Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) in the South Western Ghats of India. Wayanad district of Kerala, with the highest tribal population in South India, is a KFD endemic state, owing to the lack of knowledge, attitude, and practice studies on TBDs and ethnomedicines against ticks. This study was carried out to assess their baseline knowledge, attitude, and ethnomedicinal practice against ticks. A structured questionnaire was used to conduct a survey of 499 tribal members living in forest fringe areas. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors that influence the knowledge, attitude, and practice of tribes on TBDs. More than 70% of the population visit the forests on a regular basis, with 65.7% of the population regularly exposed to tick bites; however, only 47.7% were aware of TBDs. About 47.4% of the respondents took precautions like therapeutics and natural remedies to avoid tick bites. Ten species of medicinal plant belonging to eight different families have been identified from the survey. The tribal population use these plants to repel ticks as well as treat tick bites. From the study, we concluded that the limited in-depth knowledge displayed by the tribes can be strengthened by conducting community programs such as awareness classes on TBD and its control measures. The ethnobotanicals identified can be used to formulate novel tick repellents in the future.

Knowledge, attitude, practices and treatment-seeking behaviour concerning cutaneous leishmaniasis among rural hyperendemic communities in western Yemen.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is a major public health problem in Yemen with widespread distribution in rural areas. Evaluating the knowledge and understanding of people's beliefs towards the disease is essential to the implementation of effective control measures. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) and treatment-seeking behaviour concerning CL among rural populations in the western highlands of Yemen. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 289 household heads in four rural areas of the Utmah District. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. All the participants had heard about the disease; however, only 9.3% attributed it to sandflies. Nearly half (48.1%) of the participants could not mention any preventive measures for CL, and nearly two-thirds (65.4%) could not do so for sandflies. The overall 'good' knowledge about CL was found to be 51.2%, and it was 33.9% for sandflies. The participants' attitude and prevention practices towards CL were not satisfactory, as only 38.1% and 16.3% had a positive attitude and good CL-related prevention practices, respectively. Moreover, 45.7% believed CL to be a stigmatising disease, and 50% had used traditional remedies to treat suspected CL lesions. Multivariate analyses showed that age, sex, presence of CL-confirmed cases in the same household, residency, occupation and monthly household income were the significant predictors associated with KAP concerning CL among the participants. The findings support an urgent need for integrated health education and community mobilisation interventions to improve awareness of these vulnerable populations about this devastating disease.

Zoonoses-specific resources, collaborative networks, and enhanced communication can help US veterinarians tackle zoonotic diseases: results from a national survey.

Increased incidence of zoonoses, coupled with veterinarians' occupational exposure, led to this study examining the knowledge of licensed US veterinarians on zoonoses and their disease prevention practices. This online survey supported by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians received 466 responses from 36 US states; 67% of the respondents were female, and 72.5% were small animal medicine practitioners. The One Health concept was familiar among 82% of respondents, 51.3% knew of continuing education training on zoonoses, and 68% had attended such a training in the last 5 years. Respondents were unaware of which zoonoses to report to public health departments. For 3 out of 8 questions on standard operating procedures, statistically significant differences in protocols followed among small, large, and mixed animal medicine practitioners were observed. Most respondents believed they play a critical role in zoonoses prevention but would like more information on zoonotic diseases. Results indicate that assisting veterinarians with regularly updated information on zoonoses, providing targeted education and training to adhere to standardized infection control measures, and increasing communication with public health agencies and physicians may help prevent and reduce incidence of zoonoses.

Relationships among health-related social media use, knowledge, worry, and cervical cancer screening: A cross-sectional study of US females.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between health-related social media use and HPV-related health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). METHOD: Data were derived from a subset of the national cohort from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6), including only women aged 21 to 65 years old (n = 2013). Ordinary least squares regression and structural equation modeling were used to answer the research question and test hypotheses. RESULTS: Participants with a family history of cancer, higher education, and White showed more HPV knowledge. Older females were associated with lower HPV knowledge, less worry and fewer timely cervical cancer screening. Additionally, HPV knowledge positively predicted worry and cervical cancer screening. Health-related social media use positively predicted HPV knowledge, worry, and cervical cancer screening. CONCLUSION: This study identified populations with HPV knowledge and hesitated cervical cancer screening and tested hypothesized models that combine social media use with the KAP survey. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Future health interventions should strategically leverage the role of social media to enhance public awareness of HPV knowledge and cancer concerns. By promoting HPV knowledge and awareness, such interventions can subsequently encourage timely cervical cancer screening.

What Does a KAP Survey Reveal about the Awareness Regarding Leishmaniasis among the Community of an Endemic Area in Sri Lanka?

Leishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases. Studies show that the poor knowledge about epidemiological aspects of leishmaniasis within communities causes the collapse of existing disease control programs. Therefore, the present study focuses on a detailed survey of the existing awareness among the threatened population in the Medawachchiya Public Health Inspector's (PHI) Area in the Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka, aiming to assist the health staff to organize community-based vector control programs effectively in the future. Assessment of the awareness of residents of two hundred and seventy households (n = 270) from 10 Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs) was carried out by using a structured questionnaire. Among 143 females and 134 males, only 75.1% had knowledge about the disease, 5.8% (n = 16) of the participants knew only about the vector, and 28.9% (n = 80) knew about control methods. The study showed a considerable lack of awareness about the disease among the studied population. The study found that age and education levels had significant impacts on knowledge, attitudes, and practices. However, factors like gender, marital status, occupation, income, and expenses did not show significant correlations. The present study suggests huge scope for greater achievements in community-related vector control methods by implementing a continuous educational program.

Assessment of Smartphone Medical Applications as a Self-Directed Learning Tool for Medical Students and Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship-A KAP Survey.

OBJECTIVES: Smartphones have become a powerful instrument in academic life for medical professions worldwide. Global lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic culminated in the closure of educational institutions and resulted in shifting to online teaching. In our newly implemented competency-based medical education curriculum (CBME) for medical graduates, self-directed learning (SDL) is one of the teachings-learning methods. Smartphones are an essential tool for SDL in medical school. This main objective of the study is to determine the usage of health apps in a tertiary care teaching hospital to encourage the medical students and compulsory rotatory residential internship (CRRI) to continue SDL process. METHODS: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted for the period of 30 days for medical students and CRRI's at a tertiary care teaching hospital. The population was selected using convenient sampling method. This anonymous questionnaire was validated by the experts and the questions encompassing knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP Survey) of the students toward smartphone medical apps was utilized for this survey. RESULTS: Out of 582 participants, only 250 students (43%) have participated in the survey. Our study shows that 95% of students were handling android smartphones, and 84% of them were using various medical applications on them and it leads to SDL. CONCLUSION: The impact of the lockdown has increased SDL. Majority of the students (51.8-69.8%) have agreed that medical apps enhanced their SDL and helped them to study independently.

Survey of public knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding personal protection against COVID-19 in the post-pandemic era.

In the emerging post-pandemic era (the 'wavelet' era), humans must coexist with viruses for the foreseeable future, and personal protective behaviors will largely replace national-level preventive measures. In this new normal, encouraging the public to implement proper personal protective behaviors against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is vital to the sustainable development of cities and communities. This knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) survey conducted in Chengdu (N = 900) narrowed the knowledge gap regarding post-pandemic public practices of protective behavior. Findings show that:(1) approximately 1/3 of the respondents are currently not concerned about COVID-19 at all; (2) respondents with different demographics and individual COVID-19-related factors showed significant differences in practice behaviors indoors and outdoors; (3) vulnerable groups performed better in practice behavior indoors/outdoors; (4) because the public may relax their vigilance outdoors, public places may become a transmission threat in the next outbreak; (5) attitudes are important, but limited incentives for practice; and (6) when knowledge increases beyond a threshold (68.75-75% in this study), protective behaviors decrease. Our results suggest that authorities must continue to educate and motivate the public, extending measures to cover personal protective practices, and have targeted policies for specific demographics to ensure equity in healthcare in the event of another pandemic (COVID-19 and alike crisis). Besides, comparing the results of the current study with similar studies conducted in other parts of the world can provide insights into how different populations respond to and adopt COVID-19 protective behaviors. The epidemiologists can use the data collected by this and other KAP surveys to refine epidemiologic models, which can help predict the spread of the virus and the impact of interventions in different settings.