Australian beef industry worker’s knowledge,attitudes and practices regarding Q fever: A pilot study

BackgroundQ fever is a vaccine-preventable zoonotic infection with potentially severe health outcomes and high economic costs that affects agricultural workers, including beef and cattle industry workers, however this population historically have sub-optimal vaccine uptake.ObjectiveTo gather quantitative and qualitative pilot data from Australian beef industry workers on their knowledge, attitudes and practices around Q fever and Q fever vaccination.MethodsA mixed methods approach was used to ascertain the Q fever disease risk perception and vaccination behavior of a purposive convenience sample of beef industry workers attending an industry expo in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia between May 7th and 9th, 2018.ResultsThe quantitative survey response rate was 83% (n = 86). More than 70% of respondents reported exposure to known Q fever risk factors. Eighty six percent were aware of Q fever, the self-reported uptake of Q fever vaccine was 27% and 9% reported undertaking testing which showed evidence of previous infection. Five main themes emerged from the qualitative data: “Finding the time” among other life priorities to attend a doctor for a vaccine; “Employer responsibility” to provide the vaccine; “My doctor knows me” and could suggest Q fever vaccination; “Assigning Risk” across a range of attitudes, including thinking it would not happen to them, ‘fatalism’, and knowing the danger but taking the risk anyway; and “The Need for Outreach” vaccine delivery services in their communities.SignificanceThese data suggest that a coordinated public health approach to testing and vaccine provision, coupled with an awareness campaign among regional doctors to prompt them to routinely ask patients about their Q fever risk and vaccination history, should form part of a broad approach to Q fever control and prevention.     

Health workers’ attitudes,perceptions and knowledge of influenza immunization in Lima,Peru: A mixed methods study

BackgroundVaccination against seasonal influenza in health workers is recommended but coverage is variable. This study aimed to determine coverage of influenza vaccination among health workers in Lima, Peru in 2010; explore barriers and enabling elements for vaccination; and suggest strategies to improve coverage.MethodsQualitative interviews informed the development of a survey instrument that consisted of open and close-ended questions. Sub-analyses were done by occupational group and results were calculated as percentages for each possible response with confidence intervals of 95%.ResultsCoverage of the influenza vaccination was 77.2%. Vaccinated staff were less likely to have permanent contracts (p = 0.0150) and vaccination coverage was lower in physicians (p = 0.0001). Over 90% cited protection of themselves, families and patients as reasons for vaccination and 48% mentioned peer encouragement. Fear of adverse events (47%) and organizational barriers (>30%) were reasons for non-vaccination. To improve coverage, highest priority was given to strategies providing more information.ConclusionsKey factors in driving health worker vaccination include desire for protection and peer encouragement. Perceptual barriers based on a misunderstanding of the epidemiology of influenza and vaccination could be overcome by targeted education and information. Organizational barriers require attention to how vaccination is implemented within health facilities.     

Nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding nutrition in the elderly

Background-aims  Nurses in the community are in contact with the elderly at different levels of care. The aim of this study was to assess nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding nutritional-care for the elderly, and the impact of their attitude on the quality of assessment-care they provide to this growing population in need of nutritional-care. Methods  A structured questionnaire was distributed by mail to 600 nurses working in Maccabi-Health-Care-Services (MHS). The questionnaire assessed different aspects of elderly nutrition. Results  The vast majority (91%) of the participants reported treating elderly in their practice. Religious nurses and the nurses with an individual orientation specialty reported more positive attitudes about nutritional-care for the elderly than others did (p=0.05). Nurses with a bachelor’s degree had better attitudes than registered nurses about the importance of nutrition for the elderly (p< 0.01). Younger nurses were found to be more knowledgeable than older ones (p< 0.04). The nurses perceived nutrition as influencing different health conditions, and 85% pointed to the importance of feeding at the end of life. Conclusions  Nurses working in the community recognize the impact of proper nutrition on elderly patients’ health, but need more training in screening for nutritional problems in the elderly.     

Self-perception of weight status and its association with weight-related knowledge,attitudes, and behaviors among Chinese children in Guangzhou

Background

How weight perception influences weight-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in Chinese children is unknown. We investigated self-perception of body weight and its correlates, and analyzed the relationship between weight perception and weight-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in children in Guangzhou, China.

Men’s knowledge and attitudes about cervical cancer screening in Kenya

Background

A number of studies have identified male involvement as an important factor affecting reproductive health outcomes, particularly in the areas of family planning, antenatal care, and HIV care. As access to cervical cancer screening programs improves in resource-poor settings, particularly through the integration of HIV and cervical cancer services, it is important to understand the role of male partner support in women’s utilization of screening and treatment.

Methods

We administered an oral survey to 110 men in Western Kenya about their knowledge and attitudes regarding cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening. Men who had female partners eligible for cervical cancer screening were recruited from government health facilities where screening was offered free of charge.

Results

Specific knowledge about cervical cancer risk factors, prevention, and treatment was low. Only half of the men perceived their partners to be at risk for cervical cancer, and many reported that a positive screen would be emotionally upsetting. Nevertheless, all participants said they would encourage their partners to get screened.

Conclusions

Future interventions should tailor cervical cancer educational opportunities towards men. Further research is needed among both men and couples to better understand barriers to male support for screening and treatment and to determine how to best involve men in cervical cancer prevention efforts.

     

Self-medication behaviors among Japanese consumers: sex,age, and SES differences and caregivers’ attitudes toward their children’s health management

Insomnia is a common public health problem and the prevalence and impact of insomnia in primary care attendees is not well documented in the Asian population. To determine the prevalence of self-reported insomnia symptoms amongst adult primary care attendees and the association with socio-demographic factors; to ascertain the impact of insomnia on daily functioning and to describe the psychological profile of patients with insomnia. In this cross-sectional survey, 2049 adult patients (≥18 year old) attending seven primary care clinics in Peninsular Malaysia, completed the questionnaire asking about symptoms of insomnia (defined according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and DSM IV criteria) daytime impairment and psychological symptoms (assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). The response rate was 86.2%. A total of 60% reported insomnia symptoms, 38.9% had frequent insomnia symptoms (>3 times per week), 30.7% had chronic insomnia without daytime consequences and 28.6% had chronic insomnia with daytime dysfunction. Indian ethnicity (OR 1.79; 95%CI, 1.28-2.49), age ≥ 50 or older (OR 1.82; 95%CI, 1.10-3.01), anxiety symptoms (OR 1.65; 95%CI, 1.21-2.22) and depression symptoms (OR 1.65; 95%CI, 1.21-2.26) were risk factors for chronic insomnia with daytime dysfunction. Amongst those with chronic insomnia with daytime dysfunction, 47.8% had anxiety symptoms (OR, 2.01; 95%CI, 1.57-2.59) and 36.5% had depression symptoms (OR, 2.74; 95%CI, 2.04-3.68) based on HADs score. They also had tendency to doze off while driving and to be involved in road traffic accidents. A third of primary care attendees have insomnia symptoms and chronic insomnia, associated with significant daytime dysfunction and psychological morbidity. By identifying those at risk of having chronic insomnia, appropriate interventions can be commenced.     

Assessment of vaccine wastage rates,missed opportunities,and related knowledge,attitudes and practices during introduction of a second dose of measles-containing vaccine into Cambodia’s national immunization program

IntroductionMissed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) can result in inadequate protection against disease. Although healthcare provider reluctance to open multi-dose, lyophilized vaccine vials (particularly the measles-containing vaccine [MCV]) for every eligible child due to concerns about wasting vaccine is a known reason for MOV, little is known about providers’ related attitudes and practices.MethodsIn 100 randomly selected health facilities and 24 districts of Cambodia, we surveyed healthcare providers and their district supervisors regarding routine vaccine administration and wastage knowledge and practices, and child caregivers (five per facility) regarding MOV. Vaccine stock management data covering six months were reviewed to calculate facility and district level wastage rates and vaccine usage patterns for six vaccines, including a recently introduced second dose of MCV (MCV2).ResultsResponse rates were 100/100 (100%) among facility staff, 48/48 (100%) among district staff, and 436/500 (87%) among caregivers. Mean facility-level wastage rates varied from 4% for single-dose diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-hepatitis B-Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine to 60% for 10-dose MCV; district-level wastage rates for all vaccines were 0%. Some vaccines had lower wastage rates in large facilities compared to small facilities. The mean MCV wastage rate was the same before and immediately after MCV2 introduction. Providers reported waiting for a mean of two children prior to opening an MCV vial, and 71% of providers reported offering MCV vaccination less frequently during scheduled vaccination sessions than other vaccines. Less than 5% of caregivers reported that their child had been turned away for vaccination, most frequently (65%) for MCV.DiscussionAlthough the MCV wastage rate in our study was in line with national targets, providers reported waiting for more than one child before opening an MCV vial, contrary to vaccine management guidelines. Future research should explore the causal links between provider practices related to vaccine wastage and their impact on vaccination coverage.     

General practitioners’ attitudes and behaviors toward HPV vaccination: A French national survey

ObjectiveGeneral practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptance in France. We sought to study: (1) GPs’ perceptions of its risks and efficacy and their recommendation behavior; (2) the relative importance of factors associated with the frequency of their recommendations.MethodsCross-sectional observational study in 2014 nested in a national panel of 1712 randomly selected GPs in private practice in France (response rate: 92.4%). We used model averaging to analyze the associations of self-reported frequency of GPs’ HPV vaccine recommendations with their perception of its risk-benefit balance and their opinions about the utility of vaccines in general.ResultsOverall, 72% of participants reported frequently recommending HPV vaccination; 60% considered that not enough is known about its risks. The model averaging showed that the factors most associated with infrequent recommendation of this vaccine by GPs were: unfavorable perceptions of its risk-benefit balance (OR = 0.13; 95%CI = 0.09–0.21; partial R² = 0.10), a decision not to vaccinate one's own daughter(s) with this vaccine (OR = 0.13; 95%CI = 0.07–0.24; partial R² = 0.05), and doubts about vaccine utility in general (OR = 0.78; 95%CI = 0.71–0.86; partial R² = 0.03).ConclusionAlthough nearly three-quarters of French GPs frequently recommended the HPV vaccine, our findings indicate that a substantial percentage of them are hesitant about it. Doubts about its risks and efficacy strongly influence their recommendation behavior. More research is warranted to help design and evaluate tailored tools and multicomponent intervention strategies to address physician's hesitancy about this vaccine.     

Midwives’ knowledge,attitudes and confidence in discussing maternal and childhood immunisation with parents: A national study

IntroductionDespite the enormous benefits of childhood and maternal immunisation to individual and population health, the uptake of maternal vaccines during pregnancy remains suboptimal. Midwives are a trusted information source for parents and play an important role in the provision of immunisation information. Understanding midwives’ attitudes and vaccine knowledge, along with their confidence to discuss maternal and childhood immunisation with parents, is key to reducing parental decisional conflict and achieving immunisation goals.MethodsAn online study was conducted to investigate midwives’ knowledge and attitudes towards maternal and childhood vaccination along with their confidence to answer parents' vaccine-related questions. Midwives were recruited by email via the midwifery peek body, the Australian College of Midwives.ResultsA total of 359 midwives completed the online survey. The majority of midwives supported maternal (influenza 83%, pertussis 90.5%) and childhood immunisation (85.8%); however, 69.4% of respondents wanted further training about immunisation. Midwives who felt their midwifery education adequately covered immunisation were more confident advising parents about maternal (p = 0.007) and childhood immunisation (p < 0.001). Similarly, Midwives were significantly more likely to confidently advise parents about maternal (p < 0.001) and childhood immunisations (p < 0.001) if they had completed a specific immunisation training course outside of their midwifery course.ConclusionMost midwives working in Australia support vaccination. However, access to contemporary, culturally appropriate education that enables midwives to engage confidently with parents about immunisation is lacking. Education based on a women-centred approach within the pre-registration curriculum along with continuing professional development programs could enable midwives to reduce the evidence to practice gap by increasing vaccine uptake.     

Dreaming of toilets: Using photovoice to explore knowledge,attitudes and practices around water–health linkages in rural Kenya

As part of a knowledge, attitudes, practices and empowerment (KAPE) project implemented by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) in the Lake Victoria Basin, this paper reports findings from a photovoice study with women in Usoma, a lakeshore community in Western Kenya. Drawing on ecosocial and political ecology theory, findings reveal that access to water, perceptions and practices were shaped by ecological and broader structural factors. Further, collective actions to improve access were constrained by institutional and economic structures, thus (re)enforcing inequalities.     

Do smoking and health education influence student nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and professional behavior?

BACKGROUND: Student nurses are an important target group for smoking prevention. This study analyzes (a) the relation between student nurses' smoking behavior and their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward smoking prevention and (b) the effect of targeted health education in improving student nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behavior. METHODS: A controlled trial was performed with school classes as the randomization unit. One hundred fifty-five first-year students from a school in nursing in Copenhagen, Denmark, participated in a baseline study and a follow-up study 7 weeks later. The intervention included eight lectures on the health consequences of smoking. RESULTS: About 40% of student nurses in both the intervention and the control groups were smokers, and this percentage did not change during follow-up. Compared with nonsmokers, smokers had less favorable attitudes and behavior toward smoking prevention. Student nurses' knowledge about the health consequences of smoking improved during the study period in both groups, but the change was larger in the intervention group. This difference was not present in multivariate analyses that controlled for age and smoking status. During follow-up the attitude improved in the intervention classes, while it deteriorated in the controls, revealing a significant difference, which persisted after multivariate adjustment. The amount of education had no effect on student nurse's preventive behavior. CONCLUSION: Targeted health education improves knowledge and attitudes toward smoking prevention in first-year student nurses.     

Control of workers’ exposure to xylene in a pesticide production factory

Background:

Acute and chronic exposure to xylene can result in a range of negative health effects. However, xylene is widely used and emitted in the air of workplaces.

Objectives:

To evaluate xylene vapor concentrations to guide the design and evaluation of a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system to reduce exposure in a pesticide production factory.

Method:

A real time volatile organic compound (VOC) monitor was used to determine the workers’ time-weighted average (TWA) exposure. A LEV system was designed, and then, workers’ exposure to xylene vapor was evaluated.

Results:

We found that worker’s exposure to xylene (4.7±5.5 ppm) was lower than the standards recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the Occupational safety and health administration (OSHA). Despite the low TWA exposures, the short-term exposures for some workers were higher than STEL levels. Three canopy hoods were designed and installed with capture velocities of 0.508 m second⁻¹ and duct velocity of 10.16 m second⁻¹.

Conclusion:

We found that an exhaust ventilation system had a significantly reduced occupational exposure to xylene vapor.     

Female genital mutilation and cutting: a systematic literature review of health professionals’ knowledge,attitudes and clinical practice

Background

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 100–140 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C). FGM/C is an ancient cultural practice prevalent in 26 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. With increased immigration, health professionals in high income countries including UK, Europe, North America and Australia care for women and girls with FGM/C. FGM/C is relevant to paediatric practice as it is usually performed in children, however, health professionals’ knowledge, clinical practice, and attitudes to FGM/C have not been systematically described. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature to address this gap.

Methods

The review was conducted according to guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and registered with the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42015015540, http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/). Articles published in English 2000–2014 which used quantitative methods were reviewed.

Results

Of 159 unique articles, 18 met inclusion criteria. The methodological quality was poor - six studies met seven of the eight quality criteria. Study participants included mainly obstetricians, gynaecologists and midwives (15 studies). We found no papers that studied paediatricians specifically, but two papers reported on subgroups of paediatricians within a mixed sample of health professionals. The 18 articles covered 13 different countries: eight from Africa and 10 from high income countries. Most health professionals were aware of the practice of FGM/C, but few correctly identified the four FGM/C categories defined by WHO. Knowledge about FGM/C legislation varied: 25 % of professionals in a Sudanese study, 46 % of Belgian labour ward staff and 94 % of health professionals from the UK knew that FGM/C was illegal in their country. Health professionals from high income countries had cared for women or girls with FGM/C. The need to report children with FGM/C, or at risk of FGM/C, to child protection authorities was mentioned by only two studies.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to determine health professionals’ attitudes, knowledge and practice to support the development of educational materials and policy to raise awareness and to prevent this harmful practice.

     

Changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of Italian university students regarding contraceptive methods and STDs (1998–2008): a cross-sectional study

Aim

The aim of the study is to evaluate changes in opinions and behaviors of university students about sexual attitudes, use and effectiveness of contraceptive methods and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Subjects and methods

The study was carried out through three surveys in 1998, 2003 and 2008. A self-completion questionnaire, divided into three major sections, was administered. The groups were analyzed with the Chi-square test and the multiple logistic regression analysis; the significance level was set at p?<?0.05.

Results

Contraceptive methods were not used by 12.0, 12.5, and 16.2 % of the sample in 1998, in 2003 and 2008 respectively. The condom was the most common method used by responders, followed by the pill; both methods of birth control are also considered the most effective. In 2008, students demonstrated to have a good knowledge about STDs transmission through sexual intercourse and contraceptive use was higher among responders with multiple partners (p?=?0.028), lower in smokers (p=?0.003) and female gender (p?=?0.001).

Conclusion

The results highlight the necessity to activate programs on sex education, on the use of contraceptives and STD prevention. Peer education should also be considered.     

HIV-related high risk sexual behaviors and practices among women in Bogotá, Colombia

Determinants associated with high-risk sexual behaviors were investigated in 1,133 sexually active women in Bogotá, Colombia. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by two groups of women: 721 representing the general population (GP), and 412 commercial sex workers (CSWs). High-risk sexual behaviors for HIV/AIDS were evident in both groups. Nevertheless, consistent condom use was reported by only 6% of the GP group, as compared to 67% of the CSWs. Failure to recognize high-risk routes for HIV infection was indicated in 69% of the GP women for anal sex, and by the majority of both groups for intercourse during menses (56% GP women and 54% CSWs). Multivariate analysis revealed that education level, actual age, and age of first sex experience were significant predictors of high-risk sexual practices. The necessity for educational programs regarding high-risk sexual practices and risk of HIV/ AIDS is evident for HIV/AIDS prevention.     

Knowledge,attitudes and practices related to influenza illness and vaccination in children: Role of awareness campaigns in changing parents’ attitudes toward influenza vaccination in Jordan

BackgroundInfluenza infection is associated with a significant health burden in children, especially in developing countries. The influenza vaccine is an important preventive strategy for flu illness. Aim of this study to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to influenza illness and vaccination in children in the Jordanian population and to study the effect of awareness campaigns on changing the attitudes of parents toward vaccinating their children against influenza.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among families visiting shopping malls and parks in November 2016. A questionnaire was administered via in-person interviews. Answers to KAP questions regarding influenza illness and vaccination were summed, with a total KAP score of 30. Facts about influenza illness and vaccination were explained to parents and provided in printed pamphlets.ResultsThere were 1241 respondents. 10.9% of participants had vaccinated their children during the last season 2015/2016. The mean KAP score (standard deviation) was 16.21 (4.61). People living in urban areas, with high monthly income >600 JD and healthcare workers had higher KAP scores than their counterparts. Compared to other sources of information about the influenza vaccine, health resources correlated most with vaccinating children. Awareness and educational pamphlets changed attitudes positively in 29% of parents who refused the influenza vaccine for their children.ConclusionsAwareness about influenza illness and vaccination is insufficient, and the coverage rate of influenza vaccination in children is low in the Jordanian population. Implementing public health policies is necessary to spread knowledge about influenza illness and vaccination and to promote the practice of receiving the influenza vaccine in children. Educational campaigns are helpful in changing the attitudes of parents toward vaccinating their children against the flu.