ABSTRACT
Background: India has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world. The Indian epidemic is characterized by low levels in the general population and elevated concentrations among high-risk groups. The present study was planned to determine the awareness of HIV among students from Mumbai University.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among students from Mumbai University, India during May–June 2017. Two hundred and fifty students were approached to participate in the study of which 199 agreed to participate (males: 132; females: 67). Pretested questionnaire was distributed and collected data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.Results: Study participants had high knowledge (86%) and attitude score (87%). There was no significant difference between males and female participants for attitude and knowledge, except for one question regarding knowledge about HIV transmission via breastfeeding to child.Conclusions: Present study showed that there are no misconceptions or negative attitudes regarding HIV among students. A longitudinal study with a larger sample size across India is recommended for further investigation.
ABSTRACT
Background: Antimicrobial resistance has become a serious global problem. A potential post-antibiotic era is threatening present and future medical advances. In Pakistan, the usage of antibiotic is unnecessarily high and due to over exposure to these drugs, bacteria are developing resistance against these drugs. It is necessary to improve public awareness about the rational use of antibiotics in order to bring a change in consumer’s behaviour. Therefore, present study was undertaken to assess the existing knowledge, attitude and practices related to antibiotic usage among university students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among university students from Karachi, Pakistan during May-June 2018. 200 students were approached to participate in the study of which 159 agreed to participate (males: 70, females: 89). Pretested questionnaire was distributed to the study subjects and the collected data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.Results: Substantial number of (33% and 50%) participants were unaware about the differences in antibiotic: anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotic: antipyretics respectively. 29% of the participants thought it is right to stop antibiotics only based on symptomatic improvement. Thirty nine percent and eighty three percent participants believed that antibiotics should always be prescribed to treat flu like symptoms and pneumonia respectively.Conclusions: Participants demonstrated average knowledge about antibiotics. Similarly, their attitude and practice toward antibiotic use was associated with misconceptions. An educational intervention is necessary to make them aware about rational use of antibiotics.
ABSTRACT
Background: Oral cancers (OC) are malignant lesions occurring in the oral cavity that include squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), salivary gland and odontogenic neoplasms. Even though it is the eighth most common malignancy globally but in Pakistan it is the second commonest type of cancer. Lack of awareness about ill-effects of preventable risk factors of oral cancer increases the burden of disease due to the associated high cost of treatment, permanent impairment and high mortality. Hence, awareness can be very helpful in prevention, control and early diagnosis of oral cancer.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among university students from Karachi, Pakistan during April to May 2018. Three hundred students were approached to participate in the study of which 277 agreed to participate. Pretested questionnaire was distributed and collected data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 23.Results: There were 125 (45%) males and 152 (55%) females in the study and response rate was 94%. Sixty one percent (154/250) respondents correctly identified smoking, and tobacco chewing as possible causes of oral cancer. Almost one third (74%; 184/250) respondents correctly responded that oral cancer does not spread from person to person through touch or speaking. Sixty six percent (164/250) respondents believed that oral cancer is curable. Mean score of knowledge was higher in females (61%) than males (53%). Significantly higher number of females compared to male participants answered correctly to questions regarding cause of oral cancer, spread of disease and occurrence of oral cancer in AIDS patients.Conclusions: Participants showed poor knowledge about oral cancer. Female participants showed better knowledge compared to male counterparts. Details about oral cancer should be incorporated in the university curriculum and periodic awareness programs should be organized for students.
ABSTRACT
Background: Oral cancer is among the top three types of cancers in India. Severe alcoholism, use of tobacco in the form of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and betel nut chewing are the most common risk factors for oral cancer. Often individuals with pre cancer even notice the alterations, such as reduced mouth opening in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), but they are not aware about the causes and consequences of these changes. Awareness about causes and features of oral cancers can be very helpful in prevention, control and early diagnosis of oral cancer.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among students from Mumbai University, India during May-June 2017. Five hundred students were approached to participate in the study of which 400 agreed to participate. Pretested questionnaire was distributed and collected data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.Results: There were 199 (49%) males and 201 (50%) females in the study and response rate was (80%). Respondents had good knowledge about oral cancer. Seventy four percent (268/362) respondents correctly identified smoking, and tobacco chewing as possible causes of oral cancer. Almost all (96%; 348/362) respondents correctly responded that oral cancer does not spread from person to person through touch or speaking. Seventy two percent (260/362) respondents believed that oral cancer is curable. Significantly higher number of male (98%) compared to female participants answered correctly to questions regarding spread of disease and occurrence of oral cancer in AIDS patients.Conclusions: Participants showed good knowledge about oral cancer. Female participants showed lesser knowledge compared to male counterparts. Details about oral cancer should be incorporated in the undergraduate curriculum and periodic awareness programs should be organized for students.