Promotion of healthy lifestyle: knowledge and attitudes of primary care physicians

This study was conducted in Riyadh city to determine the knowledge and attitudes of primary health care physicians regarding promotion of certain healthy lifestyles. Using a stratification technique, 50% of the male physicians were selected at random. A validated self-administered questionnaire was distributed to (and recollected from) the participants. One physician refused to participate resulting in a response rate approaching 99%. Most of the physicians (77.5%) were shown to have satisfactory knowledge, while only 20% possessed reasonably positive attitudes. Physicians above 40 years of age were more knowledgeable than younger age group (P<0.0001). There was a general pessimism about compliance of patients to lifestyle advice. The relatively acceptable knowledge possessed by physicians was not properly translated into positive attitudes towards promotion of healthy lifestyle. To improve the situation, a greater emphasis should be placed on health promotion during undergraduate and postgraduate training of physicians.     

The influence of an Africentric worldview and demographic variables on drug knowledge,attitudes, and use among African American youth

Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use are major problems in the inner cities, especially for African American youth. Africentric values may be a protective factor for negative drug outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Africentric values, spirituality, and demographic variables on drug knowledge, attitudes, and use. Participants were 189 4th- and 5th-graders attending public schools in Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland. Measures of Africentric values (i.e., Collective Work/Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, and Self-Determination), spirituality, age, and whether or not the child resided in a two- or one-parent household were obtained. The results of regression analyses indicated that Collective Work/Responsibility and Cooperative Economics were significant predictors of attitudes toward drugs. Collective Work/Responsibility and spirituality were significant predictors of perceived drug harmfulness. Age and spirituality were significant predictors of drug usage. Age was the only significant predictor of drug knowledge. The Collective Work/Responsibility subscale was the strongest predictor of drug outcomes. The implications for using Africentric prevention approaches for decreasing risk factors and increasing protective factors for drug use among African American youth are discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Breast self-examination: knowledge, attitudes, and performance among black women

This survey assessed the reported frequency of breast self-examination (BSE): the knowledge of the technique and attitudes regarding the self-exam of 180 black women. Most respondents indicated having practiced the exam during the previous year, and 50% reported practicing it monthly or more often. Less than half of the sample indicated performing the exam according to American Cancer Society guidelines, although 92% reported being either very confident or somewhat confident of their performance ability. Attitudinal and demographic variables were tested for significant relationships with BSE practice. Compared with nonperformers, BSE performers were older, had higher annual incomes, and were more likely to believe in the benefits of BSE, to perceive social approval for BSE practice, to have been taught to perform BSE, to have had a Pap smear, a clinical breast exam, and a general physical exam within one year, and to visit a physician in a private office or clinic (as opposed to a hospital emergency room). Frequency of self-examination was significantly associated with the performer's competency level, age, belief in the benefits of performing BSE, perceived social approval for practice, having been taught to perform the exam, and level of confidence in ability to perform it.     

Priapism in sickle cell anaemia in Senegal: prevalence, attitudes and knowledge

We interviewed 108 sickle cell anaemia patients aged 5 years older on priapism, and 113 healthy subjects in a control group. They were recruited in the out-patient consultation of the two sickle cell anemia care units of the Fann teaching hospital in Dakar. Ten cases of priapism were identified, all in the group of sickle cell patients (the difference is significant, p = 0.004). Prevalence of priapism was 9.3%. Actuarial probability of having priapism was 8.3% by 10 years of age, and 38.9% +/- 5.7 by 20 years of age. Before the interview, only 10.2% of the sickle cell patients and 8% in the control group knew about priapism, and most of them were unaware of its association with sickle cell disease (75% of sickle cell anaemia patients and 80% of control subjects). This lack of information should be improved by an educational program.     

Diabetes mellitus: attitudes, knowledge and glycaemic control in a cross-sectional population

A questionnaire to households in Oxfordshire identified 431 diabetic patients living in the area and 272 of them completed a questionnaire about their attitudes to and knowledge of diabetes, and were subsequently interviewed. Most did not regard diabetes as a serious disease and had little knowledge of possible complications. Patients found dietary compliance the most difficult part of their treatment. Among non-insulin treated patients there was a significant association between difficulty with diet and body mass index and glycosylated haemoglobin values. The results suggest that there is a need for more effective advice on diet and for better education of patients about the nature of diabetes and its complications.     

Psychiatrists' attitudes,knowledge, and experience regarding genetics: a preliminary study

PurposeThis study is the first survey of a random national sample of US psychiatrists to assess attitudes, knowledge, and clinical experience regarding genetics. We hypothesized that clinicians with more recent genetics training would demonstrate more positive attitudes and greater genetics knowledge and experience than those with less recent training.MethodsA probability sample of US psychiatrists (n = 93) was invited to participate in a mail survey regarding genetic medicine.ResultsForty-five psychiatrists completed the survey (response rate = 48%). All believed that genetics strongly or moderately influenced a person's mental health. Respondents expressed positive attitudes toward incorporating genetics into psychiatric practice, but most did not have recent genetics training or experience in referring patients to genetic counselors or ordering genetic tests. Psychiatrists who had genetics training within the previous 5 years had more experience in providing genetic services.ConclusionsThis survey identified areas of strength (positive attitudes about providing genetic services, belief in the heritability of mental illness) and future targets for educational intervention (general genetics, information about testing and counseling resources). The association between recent training and a greater level of clinical genetics experience suggests that educational efforts may be successful in preparing psychiatrists to provide genetic services in the future.     

Hormone replacement therapy: knowledge,attitudes, and weil-being among middle-aged australian women

Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is increasing, yet little is known of women's perceptions of HRT. A telephone survey examined relevant knowledge and attitudes, and psychological well-being, in 258 women aged 51 to 60 (111 HRT users, 47 previous users, and 100 never-users). Although HRT users were better informed than nonusers, knowledge was generally low. Half the HRT users could not name any hormone used in HRT, and one third could not give any reason for using HRT. Current users, however, had more positive attitudes to HRT. Groups defined by HRT usage did not differ on well-being or current symptomatology, although current and previous HRT users reported having previously experienced a higher level of symptomatology than never-users, suggesting that HRT may have provided symptom relief for those women who chose to use it. In contrast to previous research, women with a history of hysterectomy did not show more emotional distress than others. Results suggest that Australian women frequently make choices concerning HRT without adequate knowledge, and that HRT may reduce symptoms but may have little impact on psychological well-being. Optimal usage of HRT by middle-aged women will rely on a clearer understanding, both of its effects and of women's attitudes toward its use.     

Emergency service nursing staff: a survey of knowledge, attitudes, and concerns

A survey of the nursing staff in an emergency service was completed by anonymous questionnaire. The results of the survey indicate satisfaction and confidence in the triaging group, a wish for more staff and specific inservice course content, good perception of emergency situations, misperception about restraint policy and the life-threatening nature of opiate withdrawal, and the need to focus on a clearer definition of those patients who do not require acute care.     

Informed consent in Dutch dental practice: knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy of dentists

The introduction of the 'Medical Treatment Contract Act' in the Netherlands 5 years ago, established some major rights and duties of both patients and members of the medical profession. The aim of this study was to assess Dutch dentists' knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy with regard to several topics of this act. A questionnaire was sent to 806 dental practitioners; 41.6% of them responded. Results show that dentists are well informed about some of the most important topics of this law, such as the requirement to obtain the patient's consent to major dental treatments. The results concerning their attitude and self-efficacy, however, are less positive. A majority of the respondents believe that the principle of informed consent will lead to a commercialization of the dentist-patient relation. Also, fear for legal procedures and difficulty with what patients must be informed about appears present. It is concluded that improvement of the implementation of the requirements of this legislation in dental practice requires both a change in attitude and an enhancement of the communicative skills of dentists.     

Evidence-based practice: beliefs,attitudes, knowledge,and skills among Colombian physical therapists

Objective:

The main purpose of this study was to describe a group of Colombian physical therapists'' beliefs and attitudes towards Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), their education, knowledge and skills for implementing EBP, the use of relevant literature in clinical practice, access to and availability of scientific information and perceived barriers to including EBP in practice.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study which involved 1,064 Colombian physical therapists. The study used a 50-item screening questionnaire EBP developed to estimate attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and skills regarding. This instrument has been adapted and was validated previously in Colombia by Flórez-López et al.

Results:

The population mostly consisted of young females (77.2%) aged 22 to 29 years old (79.4%). Most respondents had an undergraduate degree (87.7%). The physical therapists stated that they had positive attitudes and beliefs regarding EBP, most of them answering that they agreed or strongly agreed that EBP is necessary (71.6%), the relevant literature is useful for practice (61.3%), EBP improves the quality of patient care (64.1%) and evidence helps in decision-making (44.5%). Forty-one percent of the respondents indicated that a lack of research skills was the most important barrier to the use of evidence in practice.

Conclusion:

The physical therapists reported that they had a positive attitude to EBP and were interested in learning about or improving the skills necessary to adopt EBP in their clinical practice.     

AIDS: knowledge and attitudes among different ethnic groups

To study the ethnic differences in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about AIDS, we surveyed 161 US residents from 31 different countries. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was developed to compile these data. The results of this survey suggest that AIDS-related knowledge is generally incomplete and there are still misconceptions about AIDS regardless of ethnicity or national origin. However, Americans and Europeans were more aware of some of the modes of contracting AIDS than were people from Asia, the Middle East, or Africa. We conclude that some ethnic and national groups are more likely to have misconceptions about AIDS than others. Therefore, additional public educational programs and activities with special outreach programs for ethnic groups in the United States must be accomplished through methods that are culturally sensitive if they are to be effective.     

Loss of international medical experiences: knowledge,attitudes and skills at risk

Background  

Despite the great influence International Medical Experiences (IMs) can have on young physicians and their impact on patients and communities, they are not offered in all training programs and are at risk of being reduced in some due to stringent guidelines for funding of graduate medical education.     

Women's knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about Down syndrome: a qualitative research study

Women who are or may become pregnant need up-to-date information about Down syndrome (DS). Asking women about their knowledge, opinions, resources, and information needs on the topic of DS is an important precursor to develop effective strategies for education. We conducted 24 focus groups (N = 111) in two US cities with women who were recently pregnant (who had a child ≤ 3 years old without DS) and women who planned to have a child in the next year. Groups were further segmented by age and race-ethnicity. Questions explored women's knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about DS; resources used to obtain information about health and DS; and information needs on the topic of DS. All participants reported having some knowledge of DS: facial features, chromosomal condition, and maternal age as a risk factor. Many participants had misconceptions, including the life expectancy for persons with DS, other maternal and paternal risk factors, and the idea that having a child with DS would disrupt their lives. Participants requested stories to help illustrate what life is like for families with DS. Many Hispanic and African American participants said they only saw or knew of Caucasian persons with DS and requested culturally diverse educational materials about DS. Participants said they would seek information on DS from the Internet and from their health care providers. Results suggest that women need tailored materials that contain clinical information about DS as well as information about living with a child with DS. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.     

AIDS: knowledge, skills and attitudes among vocational trainees and their trainers.

In order to assess the adequacy of learning about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in vocational training for general practice, a postal questionnaire survey was carried out among trainers and their trainees in seven health regions of England and Scotland. A total of 616 trainers (62%) and 538 trainees (58%) responded to the questionnaire asking about their knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding HIV and AIDS. Trainees' principal difficulties with HIV and AIDS resembled those of general practitioners currently in practice. More than 60% of trainees lacked knowledge about HIV and AIDS in babies, 50% would not accept intravenous drug misusers onto their list, only 12% found it easy to discuss sex with homosexual male patients, and only 37% felt able to offer counselling about HIV and AIDS. Trainees who had had a tutorial on HIV and AIDS as part of vocational training were significantly more knowledgeable than the remainder (P less than 0.01). In addition, trainees who found workshops on HIV and AIDS useful were more willing than others to take on drug misusers (P less than 0.05) and more confident in their ability to counsel patients with HIV infection (P less than 0.01). No significant associations were found between the trainers' own knowledge, attitudes and skills regarding HIV and AIDS and those of their trainees. It is concluded that there is a need to improve teaching about HIV and AIDS in vocational training for general practice. All general practitioner trainees should receive a tutorial to update their knowledge about HIV and AIDS, and attend a suitable workshop to challenge unfavourable attitudes and improve confidence in counselling.     

Dutch dental patients on informed consent: knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and behaviour.

In The Netherlands, the legal doctrine of informed consent is established in the 'Medical Treatment Contract Act', which was introduced in 1995. This study assessed dental patients' knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy, as well as their self-reported behaviour concerning informed consent. One hundred and twenty-eight patients (response rate: 91.4%) filled out a questionnaire on these topics, right after their treatment or consultation. Results show that only a minority of the patients is acquainted with the 'Medical Treatment Contract Act'. However, their specific rights concerning informed consent are better known. On the other hand, patients' attitudes and self-efficacy were less positive. Dental patients' self-reported behaviour, did not reflect their attitudes and self-efficacy though. Contrary to social-psychological theory, almost no significant relations were found between the four measured variables, and self-reported behaviour could hardly be predicted by patients' knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy. In light of these findings, it is concluded that other factors, which take into account more of a consumerist perspective on the dentist-patient relationship, probably play a more important role in predicting to what extent patients assert their rights in dental practice.     

Adult polycystic kidney disease: knowledge, experience, and attitudes to prenatal diagnosis.

One hundred and ninety subjects from 100 adult polycystic kidney disease (APKD) families on the North Western Regional Genetic Register were interviewed to determine the likely demand for prenatal diagnosis. A detailed questionnaire was used to assess understanding and experience of clinical, therapeutic, and genetic aspects of APKD. Major features of the disease (presence of renal cysts which can lead to renal failure) and forms of therapy (dialysis and transplantation) were known; knowledge of less common features was related to experience. The cohort had had genetic counselling and the majority knew the risk to their own offspring, although the mechanics of the mode of inheritance was often misunderstood. Uptake of presymptomatic ultrasound testing was high, and some implications of early diagnosis are noted. A minority changed their reproductive behaviour as a result of APKD, and although the majority felt a prenatal test should be available, only 23% at high risk of passing on the disease and contemplating children felt they would be interested, and so far only one request for prenatal diagnosis has been received. Thus, demand appears to be low and to be related to perception of the seriousness of APKD.     

Evaluation of an educational,theater-based intervention on attitudes toward organ donation in Risaralda,Colombia

Introduction:

The shortage of organs for transplantation is a worldwide problem and the main cause is the refusal of family members to donate. Consent to donate is influenced by many factors and educational interventions are strongly recommended.

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of an educational, theaterbased strategy on the attitudes toward organ donation.

Methods:

This study employed an intervention using theater as the central tool. The impact of this intervention on the intention to donate was assessed through a controlled, prospective, nonrandomized designed study. The sample consisted of 1,038 people. All the participants answered a survey that asked about sex, age and intent to donate. Afterward, one portion of the sample was exposed to the play, The Gift of Life, and a subsequent discussion forum that was guided by experts. The same survey was administered again after the intervention.

Results:

Before the intervention, donation attitudes were positive in 68.3% of the responses, negative in 6.8% and uncertain in 24.9%. Females showed a greater intent to donate while age had no apparent influence on the donation decision. Those exposed to the intervention were found to be more likely to donate and show a favorable change in attitude toward donation than those who were not exposed to the intervention.

Conclusion:

An educational intervention using theater is an effective tool to generate a short-term change in the intent to donate. Educational strategies should be employed to increase the rates of organ donation.