Assessment and upgrading of Alexandria University nursing students' knowledge and attitudes about genetic counseling

The aim of this study was to study the effect of a teaching unit on upgrading university-nursing students' knowledge and attitudes about genetic counseling. The study used pre- test, posttest with no control group design. All nursing students (100) who accepted to participate in the study and enrolled in the Maternity and Gynecological-nursing course, during the second semester of the third academic year 1999-2000, at the Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, were involved in the study. A self-administered questionnaire sheet was used to assess nursing students' knowledge about genetic counseling, while a 3-point Likert-like scale was used to assess their attitudes towards it. The content of six-hours' teaching unit -about genetic counseling was taught to students by the researchers based on their needs. The study revealed a general lack of knowledge among nursing students regarding basic information about genetic counseling, where poor total score of knowledge was obtained by all of them in the pre-test. In addition, the pre-test revealed that negative attitude was found in about half of the nursing students. The teaching unit had an obvious effect on the nursing students' knowledge and attitudes regarding genetic counseling, as the total score of their knowledge and attitudes had improved after implementation of the teaching unit. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between nursing students' knowledge and attitudes towards genetic counseling before and after implementation of the teaching unit. Therefore, a negative attitude was found with poor total score of knowledge in the pre-test and positive attitude was found with good total score of knowledge in the post-test. So, there is a need to improve knowledge and change attitude of nursing students about genetic counseling. As well as genetic counseling should be included in the university-nursing curriculum and should be reviewed periodically to accommodate the relevant fast change in the science and technology of genetics. Moreover, nursing students must be informed about the different community resources, which offer the genetic counseling services.     

HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and behaviors assessment of Chinese students: a questionnaire study

The objective of this study was to assess students' knowledge, attitudes and practices on HIV and AIDS. A questionnaire was administered to a cross section of 259 Chinese undergraduates. Respondents were asked to provide information about knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS. Study results indicated that the majority of undergraduates had a moderate level of HIV and AIDS knowledge, acceptance and attitudes towards people with HIV and AIDS. Boys had more acceptance and positive attitudes towards people with HIV and AIDS than girls. Students majoring in medicine performed better (more knowledgeable and accepting) than non-medical students. Differences between students with various monthly expenditures were found-- 6.2% of students had 3-5 sexual partners which has rarely been found in Chinese students; most students did not know HIV VCT centers and most students did not show their confidence for controlling of HIV and AIDS in China. In conclusion, students' knowledge about HIV/AIDS was uneven. A peer educational program to talk about self esteem, healthy sexual attitudes, being human-accepting and loving should be developed in the near future.     

Evaluation of a HIV/AIDS education program for adolescents

The adolescent population has recently been recognized as one of the groups at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Statistics are beginning to document the extent of this trend. This study is aimed at determining adolescent sexual behaviors and the efficacy of a medical student-run acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) education program. Medical students taught 2,169 high school students in the St. Louis area with a pre- and post-intervention questionnaire administered to record levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual practices. Data revealed that 56.4% of the respondents were sexually active with 70.4% having multiple partners and 61.0% admitting to unprotected sex. These students demonstrated a significant increase in their knowledge about HIV infection after the educational program. The results show that, adolescents are sexually active and more importantly, they are practicing behaviors that put them at risk for HIV/AIDS, a risk which they recognize. Finally, the educational intervention did increase students' knowledge of HIV/AIDS. This may not translate into a change in behaviors, but it is a first step.This project was supported by the AIDS Foundation of St. Louis and the Department of Community and Family Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine.     

Does knowledge about sexually transmitted infections increase the likelihood of consistent condom use?

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the association between knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and consistent condom use among university students controlling for selected socio-demographic factors. METHOD: An anonymous questionnaire survey was carried out among 720 undergraduate students (76% women) at the University of Tirana, Albania, in October-November 2002. The questionnaire included socio-demographic data, 10 multiple-choice test questions on knowledge about STIs, sexual activity and use of condoms. Two hundred seventy-nine students reported having sexual experience and provided data on condom use as well as knowledge about STIs. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the "independent" association between knowledge about STIs and condom use. RESULTS: In multivariable models, there was an overall association of knowledge about STIs with consistent condom use (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.37-2.23, P < 0.001). There was evidence for an interaction between knowledge and parental education (P = 0.04): there was a positive association among students with highly educated parents (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.11-1.99, P = 0.01), and particularly so among students with low-and-middle educated parents (OR = 4.75, 95% CI = 2.03-11.08, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about STIs is an independent predictor of consistent condom use among university students. Augmentation of knowledge per se should be a component of school-based prevention programs along with the intensification of efforts toward improving students' sexual practices.     

An educational program about premarital screening for unmarried female students in King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah

The present study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude of unmarried female students in King Abdul-Aziz University (KAU) towards premarital screening (PMS) program, to determine predictors of high students' knowledge scores and to improve their knowledge about PMS through conduction of an educational campaign. Multi-stage stratified random sample method was used with recruitment of 1563 students from all faculties of KAU, during the educational year 2008-2009. The Pre-test included 30 knowledge items and 14 attitude statements with student's response through a 5-point Likert scale. Health education was conducted using audiovisual aids through pre-designed educational materials. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 16. RESULTS: Students' knowledge about the program was generally low before the educational campaign. The predictors of high knowledge scores were being a health science student (aOR=4.15; 95% CI: 2.97-5.81), age ≥20 years (aOR=2.78; 95% CI: 2.01-3.85), family history of hereditary diseases and income ≥10,000 SR/month. Regarding attitude, almost all students (99.0%) agreed on the importance of PMS. After the educational program, students' knowledge about PMS was markedly improved. The mean students' knowledge score was 9.85 ± 5.36 in Pre-test and improved to 18.45 ± 4.96 in Post-test, with a highly statistical significant difference (paired t=25.40, p<0.000). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The educational program was successful in improving students' knowledge about the PMS. Conduction of similar educational programs and adding PMS in the curriculum of secondary and university education are recommended.     

A program to reduce pesticide spraying in the indoor environment: evaluation of the 'Roach Coach' project.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of a pilot integrated pest management (IPM) program in controlling cockroaches in an apartment complex, without pesticide sprays. METHODS: A brief educational session and booklet were provided to tenants. Non-spray pest control methods were promoted. A telephone questionnaire was administered at pre- and post-test to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of tenants. Cockroach counts were determined at pre- and post-test. The type and frequency of pesticide treatments were monitored prior to and during the 8-month IPM demonstration period. RESULTS: Overall, the knowledge, attitudes and practices of tenants improved after the IPM intervention. There was a significant shift in treatment type away from spraying towards more paste/gel treatments. Cockroach levels tended to be lower after IPM compared with before. CONCLUSION: A brief educational session and booklet can influence building residents to accept and comply with an IPM program. This program can be effective in controlling cockroaches without pesticide sprays.     

Psychosocial and behavioral factors associated to STD/AIDS risk among health students

This study aimed to identify and compare psychosocial and behavioral factors associated to STD/AIDS risk among students enrolled in the first and last years of the Nursing and Medical Undergraduate Programs at State University of Londrina. A convenience sample was selected from 263 enrolled students, and the 183 students who were sexually active (70.4%) had their data assessed. The Aids Risk Reduction Model framework was used to design the questionnaire in which a 5% statistical significance level was considered. Some risk factors were identified such as the perception of invulnerability, multiple sexual partners, consumption of alcoholic beverages before intercourse, and the discontinuous use or no use of condom. The risk factors are common both to the freshman and senior students, with no significant differences related to the passage of time or to the students' higher educational level. Senior students tend to be monogamous which makes them feel safer and decrease the use of condom with their sexual partners.     

Evaluating female nursing students' knowledge and attitudes regarding breast self-examination

The purpose of this study was to evaluate female nursing students' knowledge and attitudes regarding breast self-examination (BSE). The sample consisted of 175 nursing students from a university in Cyprus. We collected data via a questionnaire that included the Greek version of the Champion Health Belief Model scale and questions regarding the participants' demographic characteristics. More than half of the participants (58.3%) said that they were knowledgeable about BSE and 29.1% of them had been taught about it during their studies. Nevertheless, 59.9% reported never having performed BSE, while 40.1% had performed it at least once. Only 10.9% of the students performed BSE every month for more than a year. Self-confidence had a positive and significant correlation (0.86) with BSE frequency. Also, we found quite a low level of BSE knowledge and practice levels, and this highlights the need for establishing breast cancer prevention programs.     

College students' knowledge of human papillomavirus and effectiveness of a brief educational intervention

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the United States and is associated with considerable morbidity and cost. Several surveys of college students have found, however, a paucity of knowledge of HPV. Sexually transmitted disease education focused on human immunodeficiency virus infection has been found to be effective at improving knowledge and safe-sex behaviors, at least in the short term. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief HPV-focused, educational intervention on college students' knowledge of HPV. METHODS: Sixty physician's assistant and psychology students were administered a questionnaire that elicited their knowledge of HPV, including prevalence, symptomatology, and complications. The participants then underwent a brief HPV-focused educational intervention. Three months later, the cohorts were reevaluated with the same questionnaires. RESULTS: Before the intervention, only 45% of the HPV questions were answered correctly, compared with 87% of the non-HPV items. After the intervention, 79% of the HPV questions were answered appropriately. Physician's assistant students performed significantly better than the psychology students on the HPV questions, but not statistically significantly better on the non-HPV related items. Women performed better than men on the non-HPV questions, but scored similarly for the HPV-related items. CONCLUSION: Despite the high prevalence and serious complications associated with HPV infection, most college students know very little about HPV. Brief HPV-focused educational interventions, which could be readily implemented in the family physician's office at a routine visit, were found to be effective at improving HPV knowledge, at least in the short term. More HPV education is needed, particularly for young adults. Further studies should be undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of HPV education on improving safe-sex behaviors.     

北京市小学生及其家长的肥胖相关知识·态度·行为

目的了解北京市小学生的营养状况及肥胖相关知识、态度、行为现状,并研究其与家长相关知识、态度、行为间的关系,为防制青少年学生肥胖健康教育提供依据.方法整群抽取北京市4所小学三、四年级全体学生,采用问卷调查法调查学生及其家长各2 020名.结果北京市小学生肥胖相关知识掌握较好的学生占0.73%,正确态度持有率为56.75%,良好行为形成率为11.27%.家长的态度与学生的态度及行为之间存在一定的关联性.结论通过健康教育,向学生及其家长传授正确的与肥胖相关的知识及控制肥胖的技能,转变他们错误态度和不良行为习惯,以促进学生营养状况的改善.     

重庆市某三峡库区中学生肺结核病相关知识及影响因素分析

目的了解重庆市某库区贫困县中学生肺结核病相关知识掌握情况及其影响因素。方法采用自行设计调查问卷,在重庆市某库区县4所乡镇中学采取随机整群抽样方法抽查1639名初一和高一学生进行肺结核病相关知识调查,并运用χ2检验及多因素logistic逐步回归法分析其影响因素。结果库区中学生肺结核病相关知识总的知晓率为31.1%,平均得分为5.95±3.47。多因素非条件logistic逐步回归分析结果显示:影响知识得分的主要因素为年级、性别、城乡、父亲文化程度、家人是否曾患结核病、家庭经济状况6个因素(P<0.05)。调查对象肺结核病相关知识主要来自广播、电视(69.4%),书刊、报纸(56.9%)和预防结核病教育的宣传单或小册子(44.7%)。结论加强结核病相关知识健康教育、提高父母的文化素养、积极发展当地经济是提高库区学生结核病知识知晓率的关键。     

Measurement of KAP concerning hepatitis B among secondary school students in Alexandria

Hepatitis B infection is a serious health problem throughout the world. Success in the prevention of this disease with its fatal consequences depends to a large extent on the adolescents' level of knowledge and their awareness about it. As well as their attitude and different risk behavior they might practice at this age. The aim of the present study was to assess the secondary school students' level of knowledge about hepatitis B and to record their perceptions, attitudes and practices towards it. Also to identify their health locus of control towards the disease. The studied sample included 643 students of both sexes representing different senior levels in one educational sector in Alexandria. The used technique was self-administered questionnaire. Results revealed that (55.2%) of the studied sample had fair level of knowledge about hepatitis B Girls had more negative attitude towards the disease than boys. About one half of the students (50.4%) were not vaccinated against the disease. Also, the majority of students had internal health locus of control regarding hepatitis B. It is recommended to integrate knowledge about hepatitis B within formal and informal school programs. Community campaigns for vaccinating the adolescents against the disease should be carried out.     

Analysis of attitudes of nurses and nursing students concerning computer use in Paraiba-BR

In this study an attempt was made to analyze the attitudes of both nurses and Nursing students in relation to computer use. Demographic data and attitudinal scaling were used. Three factors were found for nurses: obstacles to computer use; the computer as a work tool; the effectiveness of information to Nursing. As to Nursing students, in addition to these three factors, another one was also found: the need for educational training in computer technology applied to Nursing. Nurses' and students' attitudes were similar. It was, therefore, concluded that both groups have moderate attitudes concerning computer use, although the students showed more familiarity.     

Practice of and attitudes toward breast self-examination (BSE): a cross-cultural comparison between younger women in Scotland and Greece

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a method of early detection of breast cancer. Although BSE is recommended for all women, it is mostly suitable and readily available for younger women. BSE beliefs and practices of women in Scotland, a country with organised health campaigns about BSE, were compared with those of women in Greece, a country without such campaigns. Our sample consisted of 68 university students in Scotland and Greece, aged 18 to 26 years old. All participants completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, health history, knowledge, BSE practice, health beliefs, and health-related personality. BSE practice was found to be associated with different variables across the two cultural groups. Adherence rates were found particularly higher than previous reports and BSE practice did not differ significantly between women in Scotland and Greece. Nevertheless, the two groups differed significantly in their knowledge, attitudes toward BSE, and health-related personality. On the basis of these findings, cultural factors should be considered in organising BSE campaigns. Also the present findings identified BSE-related beliefs and practices specific to younger age groups. These could be considered and addressed in order to organise BSE campaigns in Greece and improve future UK programs especially tailored for this age group.     

Breast cancer awareness,attitude and practices among female university students: A descriptive study from Jordan

The researchers' aim of this study was to assess breast cancer (BC) knowledge, attitude and practices of breast self-examination (BSE) among female university students. Data were collected from 236 participants using self-reported questionnaires. Participants reported inadequate knowledge (45.5%), fairly positive attitude (56.3%) and low BSE practice (37.5%). Analysis revealed significant differences based on participants' demographics. Results are in congruence with international literature, and support worldwide efforts aiming at increasing awareness of BC. In conclusion, raising students' awareness regarding BC and BSE is important for early detection of this increasingly alarming disease. Initiating BC educational programs among university students is highly recommended.     

Effect of educational level on knowledge and use of breast cancer screening practices in Bangladeshi women

The Breast Health Global Initiative 2007 emphasized education and cultural values for promoting breast cancer screening in developing countries. This cross-sectional study investigated if educational level and cultural beliefs affect breast cancer screening practices in 152 women 40 years or older in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Women with a higher (>12 years) educational level were more likely to know about breast self-examination (BSE; OR(adj), 95%CI = 22, 6.39-76.76), to know about mammograms (6, 2.49-15.70), and to practice BSE (3, 1.27-6.83) compared with those with a lower educational level. Breast cancer screening practices or knowledge was not affected by perceiving barriers to having mammograms.     

Exploring perceptions and attitudes of senior medical students and interns to academic integrity

CONTEXT: Academic integrity is fundamental to the role of aspiring doctors. However, little is known about Middle Eastern students' perceptions and experiences of educational dishonesty. PURPOSE: To describe the self-reported attitudes and behaviours of senior medical students and interns regarding educational integrity and to determine whether there are any differences according to gender and year of study. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire to 88 participants. SETTING: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE. RESULTS: A total of 82 (93.2%) respondents considered educational misconduct to be wrong. A total of 78 (88.6%) participants would not engage in such activities. Unethical educational practices such as plagiarism were viewed less seriously than other aspects of educational misconduct such as misuse of power. Female students were significantly less likely than males to report that they would engage in dishonest educational practices (P = 0.04). Interns were more stringent than medical students regarding penalties appropriate for academic misconduct (P = 0.002). Only 13 (15%) subjects stated that they would inform faculty of dishonest behaviour on the part of their peers. CONCLUSION: Most participants, particularly females and interns, consider educational misconduct to be wrong and would not engage in such activities.     

广东药学院学生维生素营养知识、行为及现状

目的 了解广东药学院学生维生素的营养状况及维生素知识水平的差异,为调整大学生的膳食结构提供依据.方法 采用分层整群抽样的方法,对1 434名医学生的营养认识水平、膳食结构、维生素缺乏症状进行调查.结果 大多数被调查的大学生对维生素的重要性有很好的认识,但他们的维生素营养知识普遍缺乏,膳食结构也不尽合理.有7种主要维生素缺乏症的报告率超过15.0%,女生维生素缺乏症的报告率比男生高.结论 应对大学生进行系统正规的营养教育和膳食指导,以提高他们的营养知识水平,改善营养状况.     

PRACTICE OF AND ATTITUDES TOWARD BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION (BSE): A CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISON BETWEEN YOUNGER WOMEN IN SCOTLAND AND GREECE

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a method of early detection of breast cancer. Although BSE is recommended for all women, it is mostly suitable and readily available for younger women. BSE beliefs and practices of women in Scotland, a country with organised health campaigns about BSE, were compared with those of women in Greece, a country without such campaigns. Our sample consisted of 68 university students in Scotland and Greece, aged 18 to 26 years old. All participants completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, health history, knowledge, BSE practice, health beliefs, and health-related personality. BSE practice was found to be associated with different variables across the two cultural groups. Adherence rates were found particularly higher than previous reports and BSE practice did not differ significantly between women in Scotland and Greece. Nevertheless, the two groups differed significantly in their knowledge, attitudes toward BSE, and health-related personality. On the basis of these findings, cultural factors should be considered in organising BSE campaigns. Also the present findings identified BSE-related beliefs and practices specific to younger age groups. These could be considered and addressed in order to organise BSE campaigns in Greece and improve future UK programs especially tailored for this age group.     

中小学生恶性肿瘤防制健康教育长期效果评价

目的评价中小学生恶性肿瘤防制知识健康教育干预的长期效果,为肿瘤防制的有效干预提供依据。方法2004年随机抽取的海安县598名中小学生进行肿瘤防治知识调查,将结果与1998年621名中小学生肿瘤健康教育基线调查中的结果进行比较,分析肿瘤健康教育干预后知-信-行的变化。结果与基线资料相比,干预后的学生对预防恶性肿瘤的知识、信念、行为的正确率有显著改变,且中小学生肿瘤知识知晓率差异有统计学意义。结论对中小学生开展防制恶性肿瘤的健康教育,可增加其预防恶性肿瘤的知识,建立良好的行为习惯。