Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards hepatitis B and C viruses among the population of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Background Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infection remains significant public health problem worldwide. Unfortunately, the Democratic Republic of Congo is in an area of high endemicity, and its population remains poorly informed about these viral infections. Therefore, this study aims to determine Lubumbashi's knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward HBV and HCV. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study from March to August 2022 in Lubumbashi. A total of 704 participants were enrolled. We targeted all people of both sexes and ages. The participants' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was assessed using online and printed or paper questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. Results Of the 704 participants, 70.9% had poor knowledge of viral hepatitis B and C, whereas 28.6% had terrible attitudes towards these infections and preferred to consult traditional healers instead of going to the hospital. A minority of the participants (12.2%) had good practices, those as being screened regularly to exclude any possible infection and being willing to be vaccinated depending on the availability of the HBV vaccine. Most participants (69.2%) needed to be aware of drugs that could effectively treat these infections. Conclusion Knowledge and practice about HBV and HCV in the Congolese population living in Lubumbashi have proven wrong. Similarly, the attitudes of the people towards these infections were negative. Therefore, an extensive health education program should be given to increase the awareness of this part of the Congolese population about HBV and HCV infection to provide better care.

Prophylaxis of Venous Thromboembolic Disease: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Health Care Personnel in a Hospital Setting in Parakou in 2017

Aims: To describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care personnel regarding venous thromboembolic disease prophylaxis (VTE) in the hospital setting to Parakou in 2017. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection. Place and Duration of Study: Departments of medicine and medical specialties, Departments of surgery and surgical specialties, Departments of gyneco-obstetrics and intensive care at the Hospital University of Parakou (CHUD-B), in northern Benin, between February 2017 and May 2017. Methodology: We included all health professionals working in these services who consented to participate. The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines for the management of VTE were used as the reference for the assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices. The evaluation form consisted of two parts, one addressed to physicians and the other to paramedics. The data were analyzed with SPSS 21 software with a significance level of 5% for comparisons. Results: A total of 223 health workers participated in the study. The knowledge level of the health workers was good in 52.47%, attitudes were correct in 37.67% and practices were adequate in 4.32%. Overall, health professionals had a good knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) score in 5.83% of the cases. Factors significantly associated with a good overall KAP score were practice on medical departments, continuing education of staff, status of doctors, knowledge of VTE guidelines and existence of VTE prevention protocols. Conclusion: Venous thromboembolic disease prophylaxis is moderately known by the health care personnel in Parakou, but attitudes and practices are not satisfactory. This highlights the need for continuous training.

Prática do uso de máscaras no contexto da pandemia da COVID-19: um estudo transversal / Face mask use in the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

OBJETIVO: Investigar o uso de máscaras entre a população do estado do Rio de Janeiro, durante a pandemia da COVID-19. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo transversal online. A coleta de dados ocorreu via redes sociais e utilizou-se um formulário de informações gerais e a versão para o Português do Brasil da Face Mask Use Scale. Os testes Mann-Whitney e Kruskal Wallis foram utilizados para comparação dos escores. Os aspectos éticos foram contemplados. RESULTADOS: Participaram 1.783 (100%) indivíduos. O escore obtido foi de 18,2 (DP=8,2), com itens variando entre 6,0 e 30 evidenciando que a prática do uso de máscaras foi de 60,6%. Ao avaliar a autoproteção, obteve-se 9,5 (DP=4,0) e a proteção do outro 8,7 (DP=4,6), variando entre 3,0 e 15,0. CONCLUSÃO: A prática do uso das máscaras foi negligenciada por parte da população deste estudo, sendo melhor sua utilização para a autoproteção do que para a proteção do outro.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate face mask use among the population of the state of Rio de Janeiro during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: This was an online cross-sectional study. Data were collected via social media using an online form to gather general information about the participants and administering the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Face Mask Use Scale. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare the scores. All ethical aspects were considered. RESULTS: 1,783 (100%) individuals participated. The mean score was 18.2 (SD=8.2), with items ranging between 6.0 and 30, placing the practice of mask use at 60.6%. When evaluating self-protection, the mean score was 9.5 (SD=4.0), and protection of others, 8.7 (SD=4.6), ranging between 3.0 and 15.0. CONCLUSION: The practice of wearing face masks was neglected by the population of this study, and their use was geared more at self-protection than at the protection of others.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards drug-food interactions among patients at public hospitals in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Background: Drug-food interactions can lead to adverse drug reactions and therapy failure which can potentially impact patient safety and therapy outcome. Objectives: This study assessed patients' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding drug-food interactions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients at three public hospitals in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS® version 25. The association between demographic variables and patients' knowledge, attitudes and practices were assessed. Results: Of the 342 patients, 70.5% were female, and the mean age was 42.87±0.89 years. Almost 50% of patients had secondary level education, and 64% were unemployed. About 52% of patients had high knowledge of drug-food interactions; however, only 30-50% of the patients could identify potential drug-food interactions of their drugs. More than half of the patients (51.5%) answered that they took multivitamin pills with medications and 61.7% responded they consulted healthcare professionals for drug-food interactions' information before taking new medications. Few patients (15.2%) had experienced drug-food interactions. Conclusions: Overall, patients had gaps in their knowledge and practices, and positive attitudes towards drug-food interactions. Many patients could not identify food items that can potentially interact with their drugs. It is important that education and medication counselling are provided to patients to prevent drug-food interactions, ensure optimal drug therapy and patient safety

Conocimientos y prácticas sobre foto protección en bañistas de ocho playas de Lima / Knowledge and practices of photoprotection in bathers of eight beaches of Lima

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN : La radiación ultravioleta solar puede resultar perjudicial para la salud y provocar desde quemaduras hasta enfermedades como el cáncer, por ello, el cuidado frente a la alta radiación solar es importante. OBJETIVOS : El objetivo general del presente estudio fue determinar si existe asociación entre los conocimientos y las prácticas sobre foto protecciónen los bañistas peruanos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS : Se realizó un estudio trasversal analítico con 380 bañistas peruanos en ocho playas de Lima. Los participantes respondieron un cuestionario donde se recopiló información de los conocimientos y las prácticas de foto protección. Los conocimientos se categorizaron en altos y bajos, y las prácticas en adecuadas e inadecuadas. Para el análisis se empleó la prueba de Chi cuadrado de Pearson y el modelo de regresión de Poisson ajustado por la edad, sexo, nivel educativo y estado civil. RESULTADOS : Se encontró que la práctica de protección adecuada más frecuente fue el uso de foto protector(63%) y la menos frecuente fue el uso adecuado de manga larga y pantalón largo (9,7%). También se evidenció una relación entre los conocimientos altos y tres prácticas fundamentales: uso de foto protector, sombrilla y lentes de sol. CONCLUSIONES : En la muestra de bañistas peruanos, los participantes reportaronde manera general prácticas de foto proteccióndeficientes; además, el poseer conocimientos acerca de la protección solar no aseguró una práctica adecuada de todas las medidas de foto protección.

Abstract INTRODUCTION : Ultraviolet rays can have damaging health effects and cause from sunburn all the way up to diseases such as cancer. Thus, precautionary measures against intense solar radiation are important. OBJECTIVES: The overall objective of this study was to determine whether there is an association between photoprotection knowledge and practices in Peruvianbeach-goers. MATERIALS AND METHODS : An analytical cross-sectional study comparing survey and observational data obtained from 380 Peruvians at eight beaches in Lima was conducted. The participants answered a questionnaire where knowledge was categorized into high and low, and reported practices were dichotomized as appropriate and inappropriate. For variable analysis, Chi square test of Pearson and Poisson regression model adjusted for age, sex, education level and marital status were used. RESULTS : It was found that the most common reported appropriate practice of photoprotection was the use of sunscreen (63%) and the least frequent was the appropriate use of a long sleeve t-shirt and long pants (9.7%). It was also evident that there is a significant relationship between high knowledge and three core practices, including use of sunscreen, beach umbrellas and sunglasses. CONCLUSIONS : In this sample of Peruvian beach-goers, participants generally reported poor photoprotection practices; furthermore, knowledge about sun protection did not assure the practice of all photoprotection measures.

Effectiveness of an intervention focusing on diet and walking during pregnancy in the primary health care service / A efetividade de uma intervenção na atenção primária voltada para a dieta e caminhadas durante a gravidez / Efectividad de una intervención centrada en la dieta y paseos durante la gestación en el servicio de atención primaria en salud

Abstract: Interventions during prenatal care can mitigate negative outcomes of a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet during pregnancy. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention that promoted healthy diet and leisure-time walking during antenatal care in a pragmatic, controlled, non-randomized intervention study. Physicians and nurses from all health care units of the Family Health Strategy model of health assistance participated in educational training to promote leisure-time walking and healthy diet during antenatal care visits. Pregnant women who received health care from these professionals constituted the intervention group (n = 181). The control group (n = 172) included pregnant women who received routine antenatal care, in health care units of the traditional model of health assistance. Data were collected in each trimester of pregnancy. Diet was investigated using a food frequency questionnaire adapted from Risk and Protective Factors Surveillance System for Chronic Non-Comunicable Diseases Through Telephone Interview (Vigitel). Leisure-time walking in a typical week was assessed using questions from the Physical Activity in Pregnancy Questionnaire. There were positive effects on leisure-time walking during the second trimester and the third trimester of pregnancy and on the women who achieved 150 minutes per week of walking during the third trimester. The intervention reduced the risk of pregnant women consuming soft drinks and/or commercially prepared cookies in the third trimester. This lifestyle intervention was partially effective, tripling the proportion of pregnant women who achieved the recommended walking time and reducing by half the proportion of women who had a high weekly consumption of soft drinks and industrially processed cookies.

Resumo: As intervenções durante o acompanhamento pré-natal podem mitigar os desfechos negativos do sedentarismo e da dieta não saudável durante a gravidez. Os autores buscaram avaliar a efetividade de uma intervenção de promoção de dieta saudável e caminhadas no lazer durante o acompanhamento pré-natal, através de um estudo de intervenção pragmático, controlado, não-randomizado. Médicos e enfermeiros de todas as unidades da Estratégia Saúde da Família participaram da capacitação na promoção de caminhadas e diet saudável, como parte do acompanhamento pré-natal. O grupo da intervenção consistia em gestantes que receberam cuidados desses profissionais (n = 181). O grupo controle (n = 172) incluía as gestantes que recebiam os cuidados pré-natais usuais, nas unidades do modelo assistencial tradicional. Os dados eram coletados em cada trimestre da gestação. A dieta era investigada com um questionário de frequência alimentar, adaptado do Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (Vigitel). As caminhadas no lazer em uma semana típica eram avaliadas com perguntas do Physical Activity in Pregnancy Questionnaire. Houve efeitos positivos sobre o tempo de caminhada no segundo e terceiro trimestres da gestação e nas mulheres que atingiam 150 minutos semanais de caminhadas no terceiro trimestre. A intervenção reduziu o risco de gestantes consumirem refrigerantes e/ou biscoitos industrializados no terceiro trimestre. A intervenção no estilo de vida foi parcialmente efetiva, triplicando a proporção de gestantes que atingiam o tempo recomendado de caminhada e reduzindo pela metade a proporção de mulheres com alto consumo semanal de refrigerantes e biscoitos industrializados.

Resumen: Las intervenciones durante el cuidado prenatal pueden mitigar los resultados negativos de un estilo de vida sedentario y una dieta insana durante el embarazo. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la efectividad de una intervención que promovió una dieta saludable y los paseos en el tiempo de ocio, durante el cuidado prenatal, en un estudio pragmático, controlado y de intervención no aleatoria. Médicos y enfermeras de todas las unidades de cuidado de la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia, modelo de asistencia a la salud, participaron en la formación educacional para promover los paseos durante el tiempo de ocio, así como una dieta saludable durante las visitas de cuidado prenatal. Las mujeres embarazadas que recibieron asistencia de estos profesionales constituyeron el grupo de intervención (n = 181). El grupo de control (n = 172) incluyó a mujeres embarazadas, con una rutina de cuidados prenatales, en unidades de atención del modelo tradicional de asistencia en salud. Los datos fueron recabados en cada trimestre de embarazo. La dieta fue investigada usando el cuestionario de frecuencia de comidas adaptado del Vigilancia de Factores de Riesgo y Protección para Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles por Entrevista Telefónica (Vigitel). Los paseos en el tiempo de ocio en una semana típica se evaluaron usando preguntas del Physical Activity in Pregnancy Questionnaire. Hubo efectos positivos por los paseos durante el tiempo de ocio en el segundo y tercer trimestre de embarazo, así como en las mujeres que alcanzaron 150 minutos por semana de paseos durante el tercer trimestre. La intervención redujo el riesgo de mujeres embarazadas que consumían refrescos y/o galletas empaquetadas en el tercer trimestre. La intervención en el estilo de vida fue parcialmente efectiva, triplicando la proporción de mujeres embarazadas que lograron el tiempo de paseos recomendados y redujeron a la mitad la proporción de mujeres que tuvieron una alta frecuencia semanal de consumo de refrescos y galletas procesadas industrialmente.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Vegetables Intake among Adolescents in Rural Terengganu, Malaysia

@#Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adolescent’s vegetable intake in rural Terengganu, Malaysia. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted at selected secondary schools in the districts of Marang and Hulu Terengganu from January 2019 until May 2019. By using multistage random sampling in schools and based on inclusion criteria, a total of 160 students was recruited. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of demographic information, knowledge, attitude and practice of vegetable intake was developed by the researchers. The reliability test showed that the validity and internal consistency of the questionnaire were acceptable with a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.701, 0.702 and 0.708 for knowledge, attitudes and practices, respectively. Results: The findings showed that respondents had ‘good’ knowledge (41%), ‘good’ attitudes (41%) and ‘fair’ practices (52%) towards the vegetable intake. There were a significant difference in the mean knowledge scores between male and female respondents (p=0.041) based on the Independent T-test. A positive correlation was observed between attitude and knowledge (r=0.38), attitude and practices (r=0.25) (p<0.05). The result also showed that respondent’s intake of vegetables was significantly correlated with knowledge (p=0.014) and attitudes (p=0.006). Conclusion: The findings showed that only 9% adolescents achieved adequate intake of vegetables per day based on recommendation by Malaysian Dietary Guideline. Therefore, if these population did not change their food behavioural intake, the incidence of chronic diseases was expected to rise during their adulthood.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of dental patients presenting at a secondary health care facility in southern Nigeria towards covid-19

With the emergence of the COVID-19 disease, ascertaining the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients will lead to effective patient education, creation of gaps in the life cycle of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and a decrease in the spread of the infection. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental patients presenting at a secondary healthcare facility in Southern Nigeria towards COVID-19.Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of dental patients presenting at the Dental department, Central Hospital Benin, Edo State, Nigeria between August 2020 and February 2021. Data on knowledge, attitude and practices were collected using a researcher-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was done using the IBM®SPSS® Statistics version 25 software. Data on categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Mean percentage knowledge, attitude and practices was expressed as poor: < 50%, fair: 50% ­ 69.99%, good: ≥ 70%. Results: In this study, 244 questionnaires were analysed. The respondents' age ranged from 18 ­ 93, with a mean and median age of 34.93 ± 13.15 years and 32.00 years, respectively. The mean percentage knowledge (74.81%), attitudes (68.93%), and practices (63.99%) among patients concerning COVID-19 were good, fair, and fair, respectively. Conclusion: The respondents' knowledge concerning COVID-19 was good; meanwhile, attitudes and practices were fair. There is a need for a more robust health education and promotion programme on COVID-19, due to gaps in relevant sensitisation pathways

Apreensões de trabalhadores hospitalares sobre orientações para o cuidado de pessoas em nutrição enteral domiciliar / The apprehensions of hospital workers regarding guidance in the care of people experiencing home enteral nutrition

Objetivo: Analisar apreensões de trabalhadores hospitalares sobre orientações para o cuidado de pessoas adultas e idosas em nutrição enteral domiciliar. Métodos: Abordagem qualitativa por intervenção hermenêutico-dialética, orientada pela Teoria da Difusão de Inovações. Realizou-se encontro único, mediado por grupo focal em uma oficina de trabalho, em agosto de 2018, junto à equipe multiprofissional de um hospital público de ensino (n=14 participantes). Registros textuais resultantes da oficina foram analisados por categorias semânticas. Resultados: Participantes reportaram tempo médio de atuação de 11 anos no hospital de ensino; 50% apresentavam pós-graduação.Aspectos condicionantes para orientações qualificadas na alta hospitalar e no cuidado doméstico permearam dificuldades relacionadas à rotina e ao trabalho em equipe, como a interação e a comunicação entre as diferentes categorias; dificuldades relacionadas ao cuidado continuado em rede de serviços de saúde devido à fragmentação dos pontos de atenção. A integração ensino-serviço foi apontada como potencialidade para a superação dessas limitações. Conclusão: A abordagem permitiu reconhecer condições contextualizadas para orientação ao cuidado domiciliar de pessoas com sonda e nutrição enteral, a partir das equipes hospitalares, que podem coincidir com cenários similares e também incrementar a produção científica nacional sobre o tema, ainda escassa. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the understanding of hospital workers with regards to the guidance for the care of adult and elderly people in home enteral nutrition. Methods: qualitative approach through hermeneutic-dialectic intervention, guided by the Theory of the Diffusion of Innovations. A single meeting, mediated by a focus group in a workshop, was held in August 2018, together with the interdisciplinary team of a public teaching hospital (n = 14 participants). Textual records resulting from the workshop were analyzed in semantic categories. Results: Participants had an average time of 11 years in the teaching hospital. 50% had a postgraduate degree. Conditioning factors for qualified hospital discharge guidelines were related to routine and teamwork difficulties, such as interaction and communication between the different categories, and to difficulties regarding the continued care in the network of health services, due to the fragmentation of the attention services. The teaching-service integration was pointed out as a potential for overcoming these limitations. Conclusion: The approach allowed the recognition of contextual conditions for hospital teams to guide the home care of people with tubes and enteral nutrition, conditions which may coincide with those in similar settings and increase the scarce national scientific production on the subject. (AU)

Review of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Among Laboratory Workers Towards Occupational Safety and Health

@#Laboratory workers exposed to diverse occupational exposures to accidents. Evidently, extant, yet very limited empirical underpinnings suggest that knowledge, practices and awareness of safety precautions are uncharacteristically poor among laboratory workers. As such, their demonstration of safety-related attitudes and practices have remained questionable. This paper, thus presents a systematic search of the literature on laboratory workers’ safety-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Specifically, literature published between 2007 and 2017 that characteristically attempted to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices among laboratory workers on Occupational Safety and Health were reviewed. Evidently, results from the review indicate poor knowledge, attitude and practice among the laboratory workers. It is critical that strategies be put in place by the management of the health facilities to institute and undertake activities in the form of training, improved safety management practices, organizational commitment and improved safety culture.

Autoexamen de seno: conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en mujeres de una institución de educación superior / Self-examination of breast: Knowledge, attitudes and practices in women of a higher education institution / Autoexame das mamas: conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas em mulheres de uma instituição de ensino superior

Introducción. Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, el cáncer de seno es el segundo más común en el mundo, con un estimado de 1,67 millones de casos nuevos diagnosticados en 2012, lo que equivale al 25 % de todos los cánceres.Objetivo. Identificar los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas frente al autoexamen de seno en mujeres de una institución de educación superior, durante el segundo semestre de 2017. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo descriptivo y transversal en una población 1125 estudiantes de sexo femenino. Su duración fue de un año y se contó con una muestra de 287 participantes de una institución de educación superior. La información se recolectó mediante una encuesta para evaluar los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas del autoexa-men de seno. Resultados. El 40,7 % de la población estudiada sí se practica el autoexamen de seno, 72,03 % con una frecuencia adecuada y 38,13 % en la etapa sugerida del ciclo menstrual. Conclusión. La mayor parte de la población no se practica el autoexamen, además, existe poca clari-dad sobre la frecuencia y el momento en que se debe hacer

Introduction. According to World Health Organization, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world with an estimated 1.67 million new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2012, equivalent to 25% of all cancers. Objective. Identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices facing breast self-examination in women of a higher education institution during the second semester of 2017Materials and methods. Quantitative, descriptive and transversal was carried out in a population 1,125 students of female gender; the study elapsed one year, on a sample of 287 participants of a higher education institution. Information collection was conducted using a survey to evaluate knowle-dge, attitudes and practices of breast self-examination.Results. 40.7% of the studied population does practice breast self-examination, being 72.03% with an adequate frequency and 38.13% in the suggested stage of the menstrual cycle.Conclusion. The major part of the population does not practice self-examination, and there is poor clarity about frequency and time in which it should be performed

Introdução. Segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde, o câncer de mama é o segundo de neoplasia mais frequente no mundo, com um número estimado de 1,67 milhões de novos casos diagnosticados em 2012, o equivalente a 25% de todos os tipos de câncer.Objetivo. Identificar conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas sobre o auto-exame das mamas em mulheres de uma instituição de ensino superior, durante o segundo semestre de 2017.Materiais e métodos. Foi realizado um estudo de abordagem quantitativa, descritiva e transversal em uma população de 1125 estudantes do sexo feminino. Sua duração foi de um ano e uma amostra de 287 participantes de uma instituição de ensino superior. As informações foram coletadas por meio de uma pesquisa para avaliar os conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas do auto-exame das mamas.Resultados. 40,7% da população estudada realiza auto-exame das mamas, 72,03% com frequência adequada e 38,13% na fase sugerida do ciclo menstrual.Conclusão. A maior parte da população não pratica o auto-exame; além disso, há pouca clareza sobre a frequência e o momento em que deve ser feito

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre aborto en una muestra de médicos gineco-obstetras de Ecuador / Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding abortion in a sample of obstetrician-gynecologists from Ecuador

Objetivos: Determinar el nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en una muestra intencionada de médicos gineco-obstetras líderes provinciales de la Federación de Sociedades de Ginecología y Obstetricia del Ecuador (FESGO) sobre el aborto inducido. Diseño: Estudio transversal, correlacional, de corte prospectivo y analítico. Institución: Federación de Sociedades de Ginecología y Obstetricia del Ecuador (FESGO). Participantes: Médicos gineco-obstetras líderes provinciales de FESGO. Metodología: En una muestra intencionada de 33 médicos gineco-obstetras se aplicó una encuesta estructurada validada y basada en experiencias de la región, acerca de datos generales y sociodemográficos del encuestado, conocimientos teóricos sobre la epidemiología del aborto y la muerte materna, actitudes con relación del manejo del aborto inseguro, y la práctica de prescripción de misoprostol y tratamiento quirúrgico por aspiración. Principales medidas de resultados: Nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas. Resultados: La población encuestada tenía promedio de edad de 49 años, 16 años de práctica, con relación estable, hijos y religión declarada. Consideraron de alta prioridad la muerte materna por aborto, pues atendían pacientes públicas y privadas con intención de aborto inducido frecuente y uso de misoprostol previo. Consideraron la ampliación de motivos para aborto con la proyección de reducción de mortalidad, aunque los casos aumentaran. En su mayoría consideraron suficientes sus conocimientos de derechos reproductivos, se sentían solventes respecto a la consejería en misoprostol, aunque la satisfacción alta respecto a consejería de aborto inducido fue apenas en 51%. Conclusiones: Los líderes provinciales de esta muestra intencionada conocían la temática del aborto y su atención integral. Los conocimientos fueron altos, aunque las actitudes y prácticas resultaron diversas, con respuestas que sugieren mayor sensibilización y capacitación. Nuevos estudios necesitan ser realizados en una población más amplia de gineco-obstetras federados, así como intervenciones educativas y de sensibilización para mejorar la calidad de atención del aborto.

Objectives: To determine knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding abortion in an intentioned sample of obstetrician/gynecologists who are provincial leaders of the Federación de Sociedades de Ginecología y Obstetricia del Ecuador (FESGO). Design: Prospective, correlational, cross-sectional, and analytical survey. Setting: Federación de Sociedades de Ginecología y Obstetricia del Ecuador (FESGO). Participants: FESGO obstetrician/gynecologists provincial leaders. Methods: A structured and validated survey was applied to an intentional sample of 33 obstetrician/gynecologists. The survey was based on experiences in the region, general and demographic information of the respondent, theoretical knowledge about the epidemiology of abortion and maternal death, attitudes about the management of unsafe abortion, and practice on misoprostol prescription and surgical aspiration. Main outcome measures: Knowledge, attitude and practices. Results: The survey respondents were 49 years old average, had 16 years of medical practice, and stable family relations, with declared children and religion. They considered maternal death due to abortion of high priority be-cause they attended public and private patients with frequent history of induced abortion and use of misoprostol. They also considered the expansion of reasons for abortion in the light of a potential reduction in mortality, even if the number of cases increased. Most considered sufficient their knowledge on reproductive rights and felt proficient with respect to counseling on misoprostol, although high satisfaction on induced abortion counseling was just 51%. Conclusions: Provincial leaders of this sample knew about abortion and its comprehensive care. Knowledge was high, but attitude and practices were diverse and require more awareness and training. Further studies are needed in a b broader federated population of obstetrician/ gynecologists. Educational and sensitizing interventions are needed to improve the quality of abortion care.

Comparative evaluation of Ziehl Neelsen staining and knowledge, attitudes and practices of laboratory personnel in relation to Ziehl Nielsen / Evaluación comparativa de la tinción de Ziehl Neelsen y los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas (CAP) del personal de laboratorio en relación con Ziehl Nielsen

OBJECTIVE: To describe laboratory personnel's attitude and practices toward phenol exposure during Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) acid fast staining method and to evaluate the feasibility of an alternate modified Kinyoun cold (MKC) stain. METHOD: A total of 187 sputum samples were collected from suspected tuberculosis cases and stained by the MKC method and ZN stain and were read by an experienced microscopist and a researcher. A crosssectional questionnaire survey of 35 laboratory personnel was also conducted. RESULTS: Modified Kinyoun cold stain gave sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 100%, 99.4%, 94.1% and 100%, respectively. Both stains corresponded with an agreement rate of 99.5%. Almost 94.7%of respondents reported that they worked in a closed area when staining and 57.1% did the staining method without ventilation. Material safety data sheet (MSDS) of phenol was not known to 77.1% of laboratory personnel. All of the participants (100%) in this study welcomed a similar, non heating method for acid-fast bacillus (AFB). There was significant association between those not comfortable with phenol exposure (77.1%) and complaints of irritation (48.6%) and headache (2.9%) [χ² = 10.98, r = 0.55, p = 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: The MKC is suitable for use as a substitute for the ZN method for the demonstration of AFB in the primary diagnosis and treatment assessment of pulmonary tuberculosis. Focus should be given on educating laboratory staff on the hazards, risks and precautions associated with the phenol/ZN method.

OBJETIVO: Describir las actitudes y prácticas del personal del laboratorio hacia la exposición al fenol durante la aplicación del método de tinción ácido-rápida de Ziehl Neelsen (ZN), y la viabilidad de la alternativa de una tinción de Kinyoun en frío modificada (MKC). MÉTODO: Un total de 187 muestras de esputo fueron recogidas de casos con sospecha de tuberculosis, y teñidas por el método MKC y la tinción de ZN, tras lo cual fueron leídas por un microscopista y un investigador con experiencia. También se realizó una encuesta transversal a manera de cuestionario, entre las 35 personas que conformaban el personal del laboratorio. RESULTADOS: La tinción de Kinyoun en frío modificada arrojó sensibilidad, especificidad, y valores predictivos positivos y negativos de 100%, 99.4%, 94.1% y 100%, respectivamente. Ambas tinciones se correspondieron con una tasa de acuerdo de 99.5%. Casi el 94.7% de los encuestados informó que trabajaban en un área cerrada en el momento de la tinción, y 57.1% tuvo el método de la tinción sin ventilación. La ficha de datos de seguridad (FDS) de fenol era desconocida para el 77.1% del personal de laboratorio. Todos los participantes (100%) en este estudio dieron la bienvenida a un método similar, sin calentamiento, para los bacilos acidoresistentes (BAR). Hubo una asociación significativa entre aquellos para quienes la exposición al fenol les era inconfortable (77.1%) y las quejas de irritación (48.6%) y dolor de cabeza (2.9%) [χ² = 10.98, r = 0.55, p = 0.001]. CONCLUSIONES: El MKC es adecuado para uso como sustituto del método de ZN para la demostración de BAR en el diagnóstico primario y la evaluación del tratamiento de la tuberculosis pulmonar. Debe centrarse la atención en educar al personal de laboratorio en los peligros, los riesgos, y la precaución asociados con el método de fenol/ZN.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of caregivers of patients with Schizophrenia in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of adult caregivers of schizophrenia patients in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the required data from consented caregivers accompanying the schizophrenia patients attending the consultation clinic at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). Focus Group Discussion was held with consented caregivers of schizophrenia patients admitted in the Psychiatric ward of PMGH. A convenient sample of 79 caregivers with patients was selected for this study. Consents were obtained from 40 caregivers, which give a response rate of 50.6%. Most of the caregivers (75.0%) had no prior knowledge about schizophrenia; they became aware about schizophrenia from experience with their patients. The fathers (35.0%) and mothers (22.5%) were the major caregivers for the patients. Most of the caregivers indicated that the health workers did not give them adequate education about schizophrenia. Marijuana (47.5%) and psychosocial problems (45.0%) were the two major causes of schizophrenia indicated by the caregivers. Caregivers considered medical intervention to be the most important, but they also advocated supportive interventions such as church activities and family support. Most of the caregivers accepted their patients as part of the family and considered it their responsibility (52.5%) to care for them, and preferably to administer treatment at home (52.5%); the exception being during severely aggressive episodes. Financial problem was one of the factors that impacted negatively on follow-up of patients. Increased access to services and health education is recommended to further enhance the care of schizophrenia patients in Port Moresby, PNG.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices about sun exposure and photoprotection in outpatients attending dermatology clinics at four hospitals in Lima, Peru / Exposição solar e conhecimento, atitudes e práticas de fotoproteção em pacientes de unidades ambulatoriais de dermatologia em quatro hospitais de Lima, Peru

BACKGROUND: To establish the knowledge, about sun exposure and photoprotection in outpatients treated at the dermatology clinics in four hospitals in Lima, Peru. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample of 364 patients selected using a systematic random sampling process in the four participating hospitals. The selected patients were interviewed to determine their knowledge, behavior and practices in relation to sun exposure and photoprotection. The chi-square test was used to identify any significant differences between knowledge and practices. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in this sample was 45.1 ± 21.4 years. Of the 364 patients, 55.9 percent were women and 54.8 percent had skin phototype IV. The principal risks related to sun exposure were skin cancer (80.5 percent) and sunburn (77.8 percent). Knowledge regarding sun protection was more evident in individuals with university/college education (p<0.001). In addition, 78.9 percent of the individuals reported that they knew about photo-protectors and 52.3 percent stated that they used them regularly. In general, women were more knowledgeable regarding sun protection (p=0.001). Of the total number of users of photoprotection, 38.4 percent used these products daily, while 61.6 percent used them only occasionally. The use of photo-protectors differed significantly in accordance with the individual's education level (p<0.001). In the majority of cases there was a statistically significant difference between knowledge and practice with respect to solar protection. CONCLUSIONS: The level of awareness of the outpatients treated at the dermatology clinics in these four hospitals in Lima, Peru about the risks of sun exposure is acceptable; however, a large proportion fail to incorporate regular solar protection as a practice in their daily life.

FUNDAMENTOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o conhecimento, sobre a exposição solar e fotoproteção em pacientes ambulatoriais tratados nas unidades de dermatologia de quatro hospitais em Lima, Peru. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal. A amostra foi formada por 364 pacientes originários dos quatro hospitais participantes. Os pacientes foram selecionados através de um processo de amostragem aleatória sistemática. Uma vez selecionados, os pacientes foram entrevistados para determinação do conhecimento, atitudes e práticas em relação à exposição ao sol e à fotoproteção. O teste do qui-quadrado foi usado para determinar diferenças significativas entre conhecimento e práticas. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes tinham em média 45,1±21,4 anos de idade, 55,9 por cento eram mulheres e 54,8 por cento tinham pele fototipo IV. Os principais riscos relacionados à exposição solar foram câncer de pele (80,5 por cento) e queimaduras solares (77,8 por cento). Participantes com nível universitário apresentaram maior conhecimento sobre proteção solar (p <0,001). O conhecimento de fotoprotetores foi relatado por 78,9 por cento dos participantes enquanto o uso periódico dos fotoprotetores foi relatado por 52,3 por cento. As mulheres tinham conhecimento amplamente maior sobre proteção solar (p = 0,001). Do total de usuários de fotoprotetores, 38,4 por cento usavam o produto diariamente e 61,6 por cento usavam somente ocasionalmente. O uso de fotoprotetores variou significantemente com o nível de escolaridade (p <0,001). Na maioria dos casos se encontrou diferença estatisticamente significante entre o conhecimento sobre fotoproteção e práticas de fotoproteção. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes ambulatoriais tratados nas unidades de dermatologia desses quatro hospitais em Lima têm um nível aceitável de conhecimento mas um grande número deles não haviam incorporado práticas de fotoproteção nas rotinas pessoais.