The Analysis of questionares used in outpatient general practice clinics in Japan / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

<b>Objective</b> : To analyze and reveal the contents of medical questionnaires distributed to nationwide general practice outpatients prior to their initial medical consultations.<br><b>Method</b> : An observational study was conducted, based on questionnaire format. Sample questionnaires were collected from 85 hospitals registered with the Japan Primary Care Association.<br><b>Results</b> : No standard format was found among the samples. A4 size forms (210 mm×297 mm) averaging 19.7 questions were in the majority, accounting for 68%. The distribution frequency of questionnaires reported by research cooperation centers listed 28 items (31.8%) concerning medical history, 19 items (21.6%) related to lifestyle, and 7 items (8.0%) referring to social and reproductive status.<br><b>Conclusion</b> : This research assessed the qualitative value of medical questionnaires used in General Practice Clinics in Japan. The results indicate the nature of the medical information required by physicians prior to medical consultation.

The Youth Reproductive Health Survey in Granada, Nicaragua: Promoting Partnership between the Health and Education Sectors / 国際保健医療

Objective: We facilitated a behavior survey on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health related issues among the youth in Granada, Nicaragua, and attempted to increase awareness among various stakeholders and promote partnership between the health and education sectors.<br>Methods: A behavioral survey was conducted among high teen students in Granada. Schools were sampled in collaboration with the educational sector.<br>Results: A total of 689 students participated. At the age of 16 years old, 33.3% of males and 7.2% of females had sexual experience, while 48.1% and 18.5%, respectively, at 18 years old. Only 28.2% of males and 13.3% of females reported condom use at the last non-commerical sex. <br>Discussion: The behavioral survey showed the risky situation among the youth in Granada and their needs.The results were discussed with various stakeholders, including the health and education sectors and students themselves. Behavioral survey can be an effective tool to gain support from the community and stakeholders across the administrative sectors. It is now perceived essential to promote the partnership between the health and education sectors to meet the needs of the youths and to build the capacity among the peer groups for effective response.

Postgraduate Education Through Evidence-Based Medicine: Short-Term Effects on Knowledge and Behavior / 医学教育

Objective: To investigate whether postgraduate education through evidence-based medicine can affect the knowledge and behavior of residents.<BR>Design: Self-controlled and externally controlled trial.<BR>Setting: University hospital.<BR>Participants: Fifteen residents specializing in family medicine.<BR>Intervention: Four 2-hour seminars and weekly evidence-based medicine-style journal club meetings.<BR>Main outcome measures: Scores from a test of knowledge of evidence-based medicine and the number of MEDLINE searches conducted each month.<BR>Results: All residents improved their knowledge of evidence-based medicine and conducted more MEDLINE searches each month than did other medical residents or residents of our department last year.<BR>Conclusion: Postgraduate education through evidence-based medicine is effective in improving residents' knowledge and behavior.