Awareness of Genitourinary Cancers Risk Factors-A 2024 Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Poland.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the awareness of genitourinary cancers risk factors among adults in Poland and to identify factors associated with public awareness of risk factors for genitourinary cancers. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out between 1 and 4 March 2024 in a nationwide sample of 2,165 adults in Poland. Quota sampling was used. Data were collected using computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method. Results: Regardless of the type of cancer (kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer), a family history of cancer was the most recognized risk factor indicated by over half of respondents. Over one-third were aware that chemical exposure increases the risk for bladder cancer (39.4%) or prostate cancer (34.2%). Smoking was recognized as a risk factor for kidney cancer by 40.6% of respondents. Female gender, having higher education, being occupationally active and the presence of chronic diseases were the most important factors (p < 0.05) associated with a higher level of awareness of genitourinary cancers risk factors. Conclusion: This study revealed gaps in public awareness of genitourinary cancers risk factors among adults in Poland, especially lifestyle-related and workplace-related risk factors.

A deterministic transmission model for analytics-driven optimization of COVID-19 post-pandemic vaccination and quarantine strategies.

This study developed a deterministic transmission model for the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), considering various factors such as vaccination, awareness, quarantine, and treatment resource limitations for infected individuals in quarantine facilities. The proposed model comprised five compartments: susceptible, vaccinated, quarantined, infected, and recovery. It also considered awareness and limited resources by using a saturated function. Dynamic analyses, including equilibrium points, control reproduction numbers, and bifurcation analyses, were conducted in this research, employing analytics to derive insights. Our results indicated the possibility of an endemic equilibrium even if the reproduction number for control was less than one. Using incidence data from West Java, Indonesia, we estimated our model parameter values to calibrate them with the real situation in the field. Elasticity analysis highlighted the crucial role of contact restrictions in reducing the spread of COVID-19, especially when combined with community awareness. This emphasized the analytics-driven nature of our approach. We transformed our model into an optimal control framework due to budget constraints. Leveraging Pontriagin's maximum principle, we meticulously formulated and solved our optimal control problem using the forward-backward sweep method. Our experiments underscored the pivotal role of vaccination in infection containment. Vaccination effectively reduces the risk of infection among vaccinated individuals, leading to a lower overall infection rate. However, combining vaccination and quarantine measures yields even more promising results than vaccination alone. A second crucial finding emphasized the need for early intervention during outbreaks rather than delayed responses. Early interventions significantly reduce the number of preventable infections, underscoring their importance.

Assessment of awareness on consumption of irradiated foods among Saudi population using a validated psychometric scale.

Despite the application of food irradiation for enhancing food safety, many consumers lack an understanding of its fundamental principles, often misinterpreting the information and exhibiting negative perceptions toward foods treated with ionizing radiation. This study focuses on evaluating public awareness regarding the consumption of irradiated food within Saudi Arabia, utilizing the Awareness Scale on Consumption of Irradiated Foods (ASCIF), a developed and validated tool. The ASCIF encompasses four constructs: concepts, awareness, labeling, and safety concerning irradiated foods. The average scores for each subscale and the aggregate ASCIF score were determined, with the analysis incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The study's sample of 712 individuals predominantly consisted of females (53.37%), individuals aged 18-30 years (55.62%), those holding a bachelor's degree or higher (70.79%), participants earning less than SAR 5000 (42.70%), students (37.08%), and singles (66.85%). The overall mean scores for each category were as follows: safety (2.87 ± 0.92), concept (3.18 ± 0.79), label (3.44 ± 1.15), and awareness (2.68 ± 1.03). The overall mean score for the ASCIF was 3.02 ± 0.81, a diverse spectrum of awareness, with the majority of participants (62.92%) exhibiting intermediate awareness, while 17.98% displayed poor awareness, and 19.10% demonstrated high awareness. Logistic regression analysis identified age and educational attainment as significant predictors of awareness levels (p < 0.001). These results highlight a moderate understanding of irradiated foods among the Saudi population, with significant variations based on demographic factors. The study's conclusion emphasizes the necessity for tailored educational initiatives that cater to specific demographic groups to enhance understanding and awareness of irradiated food technologies in Saudi Arabia. This study thereby provides valuable insights for policymakers and health educators in designing effective communication strategies about irradiated foods.

Crowdsourcing Attitudes and Beliefs About Upper Extremity Donation in the United States.

Introduction To date, upper extremity transplantation (UET) is the most frequently performed vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). Perceptions regarding upper extremity donation among Americans, particularly in veterans and service members (VSMs), are largely unknown. Materials and methods We administered a one-time survey to United States (US)-resident Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers aged ≥18 years. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize study data; frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables analyzed by Fischer's exact test and using a two-tailed test assessing the statistical significance of p<0.05. Results A total of 860 respondents completed the study survey. Among these, 529 (61.5%) reported willingness to donate an upper extremity, 152 (17.7%) were undecided, and 179 (20.8%) were unwilling. A significantly higher proportion of those willing to donate were female (66.7%, p=0.009), non-Hispanic (63.9%, p=0.000), White (64.0%, p=0.004), non-religious (71.3%, p=0.001), not a VSM (62.8%, p=0.000), or non-amputees (62.9%, p=0.000). Conclusions Our survey found that being female, non-Hispanic, White, non-religious, non-VSM, or non-amputee was significantly associated with donation willingness. These findings may help guide VCA programs, organ procurement organizations, and researchers in efforts to develop targeted educational materials to broaden the public's knowledge and awareness of VCA donation to further benefit all patients in need of or desiring transplantation.

Crowdsourcing Opinions and Awareness of Upper Extremity Transplantation in the United States.

Introduction As of 2008, the United States had 41,000 people living with upper extremity amputation. This number is projected to reach 300,000 by 2050. Human upper extremity transplantation (HUET) may become a more common treatment option with the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for certain amputees. Awareness and opinions regarding HUET among Americans, particularly in Veterans/Service Members (VSM) affiliates, are largely unknown. Materials and methods We administered a survey on Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers. Eligible participants were US citizens aged ≥18 years; MTurk worker selection targeted workers who self-reported being a VSM. We used descriptive statistics to summarize study findings and Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon's rank-sum tests for between-group comparisons. Results The survey was completed by 764 individuals, 604 (79.1%) of whom reported being aware of HUET. Among those familiar versus unfamiliar, a significantly higher proportion were aged ≤35 years (n=385, 64.0% vs. n=86, 53.7%; p=0.017), employed (n=523, 86.6% vs. n=114, 71.3%; p<0.001), and aware of their religion's stance on organ/tissue donation (n=341, 54.5% vs. n=62, 38.8%; p<0.001). Amputees and/or respondents related to an amputee were more likely to be aware of HUET than individuals who were amputation naive (n=211, 90.6% vs. n=393, 74.0%, respectively; p<0.001), as were individuals with a personal or familial military affiliation (n=286, 85.4% with vs. n=318, 74.1% with no affiliation; p<0.001). The most reported HUET information sources were digital media (n=157, 31.2%) and internet (n=137, 27.2%). Conclusions Our survey of MTurk workers found greater awareness of HUET among individuals with a VSM or amputee connection. Our additional findings that the internet and academic sources, such as journals or reputable medical publications, were respondents' preferred sources of HUET information emphasize the importance of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) centers' involvement in creating accurate and accessible content to help educate the public about this treatment.

Sociodemographic Profile of Blood Donations and Ways to Encourage Them.

INTRODUCTION: Maintaining blood stocks in Brazil faces challenges; hence, it is crucial to develop effective strategies to recruit and retain donors, such as campaigns and social marketing programs to raise awareness, but there is a lack of studies about the donators' profiles, as well as their barriers or incentives. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of donors and the factors that influence their decisions. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out between April and November 2022 using a structured questionnaire sent through a community created on Facebook, addressing common people over 18 years old, containing closed questions, supported by Google Forms. Statistical analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 17 (Released 2008; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) and the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, with p < 0.05. RESULTS: The sample relied on 1019 participants, women (72.8%), age group > 30 years (81.1%), the most represented blood type was O positive (37.5%), and men donated more frequently than women (76.5% vs. 40.6%). The main reasons for not donating are medical conditions (39.7%) and lack of time (33.8%). The main reasons for donating are helping voluntarily (97.6%) and donating to family/friends (96.4%). CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference between the genders of blood donors, with more men donating, especially those over 30 years old, and with income between 1-8 minimum wages. The main barriers to donating are lack of time and information. Based on this, it is possible to target campaigns at women, young people, and people with income above nine minimum wages. The main reasons for donating are altruism, obtaining test results, and financial benefits.

Public Awareness and Practice Regarding Over-the-Counter Medications: A Cross-Sectional Study in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Background Pharmaceuticals classified as over-the-counter (OTC) medications are also known as self-medications, in which drugs are sold directly to customers without a valid prescription. According to the World Health Organization, self-medication refers to taking medication for ailments that one has self-diagnosed. The public viewed OTC medications as safer, more effective, and beneficial, but misuse can lead to other health issues. Therefore, this study aimed to assess awareness and practices regarding OTC medications. Methodology The study employed a cross-sectional design involving the public residing in Al-Ahsa in eastern Saudi Arabia. The study setting was primary health centers (PHCs) in Al-Ahsa. Four PHCs were chosen by the cluster sampling method. One PHC from each of the four health clusters (northern, southern, middle, and eastern) was selected and a total of 326 people were chosen by simple random sampling from those four PHCs. Data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean, standard deviation, chi-square, and correlation analyses were used to analyze the results. Results  The mean age of the participants was 38.26 ± 9.73 years. The overall mean knowledge score regarding OTC medications was 14.21 (SD = 3.3). About 39 (11.96%) of the participants had adequate knowledge, 184 (56.44%) had moderately adequate knowledge, and 103 (31.6%) had inadequate knowledge about the safety of using OTC medications. The overall mean score of practices was 20.7 ± 4.42. The chi-square test results showed a significant (p < 0.01) association between the level of knowledge and age, occupation, nationality, and marital status. Additionally, a positive linear relationship (r=+.386) was found between knowledge and practices regarding OTC medications. Conclusion In conclusion, many people in the present study had moderate knowledge and good practices regarding OTC medications. To protect the public from harm, there is an urgent need for more concrete regulatory control over OTC drugs and self-medication. So, it is recommended to create awareness about the proper use of OTC medications.

Enhancing colorectal cancer prevention: a national assessment of public awareness in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Egyptian population, it still seems that there is a significant lack of awareness regarding the disease. This study aimed to assess the Egyptian population's awareness of CRC regarding its risk factors, the screening procedures, and the appropriate responses to its diagnosis. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Egypt between July 2022 and March 2023 and recruited a convenient sample of adults from seven governorates representing different geographic areas, and socioeconomic and educational backgrounds with the help of the validated Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) version 2.1. The modified Arabic questionnaire was validated through a pilot study including 30 patients. Then it was presented through a Google form before being shared via online methods and face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire provided both numerical and categorical data, which were analyzed accordingly. The Chi-square, the Fisher exact, and the Man-Whitney test were used to compare colorectal cancer poor and good knowledge groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict the factors that affected the awareness level of the study population. RESULTS: Nine hundred forty individuals participated in the survey. Their ages ranged from 18 to 86 years old, with an average of 37.38 ± 12.22 years. The mean Knowledge score was 14.29 ± 7.05 out of 37 with most of our participants (71%) having poor knowledge about CRC. Most of the participants (64.1%) chose colonoscopy as the best screening modality, followed by an abdominal CT (27.8%), and fecal occult blood (15.5%). The study revealed significant differences between participants with good and poor knowledge of colorectal cancer. (78.5%) of participants with good CRC knowledge lived in cities, (85.4%) attained university or higher educational level, and (87.2%) of them were nonsmokers (p < 0.05%). CONCLUSION: In general, there was a lack of awareness about Colorectal cancer among the Egyptian population especially among rural and lower educational levels, and more health education campaigns are required to enhance CRC prevention efforts in Egypt.

Global Trends in Kidney Stone Awareness: A Time Series Analysis from 2004-2023.

BACKGROUND: Despite the prevalence and incidence of kidney stones progressively increasing worldwide, public awareness of this condition remains unclear. Understanding trends of awareness can assist healthcare professionals and policymakers in planning and implementing targeted health interventions. This study investigated online search interest in "kidney stone" by analyzing Google Trends, focusing on stationarity of the trends and predicting future trends. METHODS: We performed time series analysis on worldwide Google monthly search data from January 2004 to November 2023. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test was used to assess the stationarity of the data, with a p-value below 0.05 indicating stationarity. Time series forecasting was performed using the autoregressive integrated moving average to predict future trends. RESULTS: The highest search interest for "kidney stone" (score 100) was in August 2022, while the lowest was in December 2007 (score 36). As of November 2023, search interest remained high, at 92. The ADF test was significant (p = 0.023), confirming data stationarity. The time series forecasting projected continued high public interest, likely reflecting ongoing concern and awareness. Notably, diverse regions such as Iran, the Philippines, Ecuador, the United States, and Nepal showed significant interest, suggesting widespread awareness of nephrolithiasis. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted that "kidney stone" is a consistently relevant health issue globally. The increase and stationarity of search trends, the forecasted sustained interest, and diverse regional interest emphasize the need for collaborative research and educational initiatives. This study's analysis serves as a valuable tool for shaping future healthcare policies and research directions in addressing nephrolithiasis related health challenges.

Delirium Knowledge, Risk Factors, and Attitude Among the General Public in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Delirium is a common and serious neuropsychiatric disorder, of acute onset, present at any age, but more common in older adults, and very common in clinical practice. It combines mental and behavioral symptoms with a fluctuating course, with worsening of the condition in the afternoon and at night, with important repercussions on increased mortality, greater risk of cognitive impairment, and hospitalization costs. Delirium's impact extends to patients, families, and healthcare systems, emphasizing the need for public awareness and education in Saudi Arabia. Methodology It is a cross-sectional conducted in Saudi Arabia that aims to assess knowledge, risk factors, and attitudes regarding delirium among all Saudi and non-Saudi residents aged 18 and older. A 36 self-administered questionnaire, standardized Nordic, was used. Data were cleaned in Microsft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, USA) and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). This study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from May 2023 till March 2024. Results Our study involved 1,470 participants from Saudi Arabia, primarily females (79.1%), Saudi nationals (89.9%), and unmarried individuals (65.4%). Most participants were aged 18-24 (59.5%) and held bachelor's degrees (57.3%). Commonly recognized delirium risk factors included increasing age (63.3%), dementia (58.2%), and longer ICU stays (48.7%). The participants showed moderate knowledge of delirium symptoms and consequences. Attitudes varied, with many agreeing that delirium requires intervention (30.7%) but fewer considering it preventable (17.1%). Sociodemographic factors, including gender and age, significantly influenced knowledge and attitudes, while education levels did not. Conclusion Our study found that gender and age influenced knowledge and attitudes, highlighting the importance of targeted education. Future research should further investigate the effectiveness of such interventions in enhancing knowledge and awareness and promoting preventive actions.

Public awareness and understanding of stem cell treatments available in Saudi Arabia and their trust in hospitals and research centers involved in stem cell research-a cross sectional study.

Introduction: Although stem cell research and therapeutic applications hold great promise for medical advancements, and have rapidly progressed globally, there remains a lack of genuine public awareness of the status of this subject in Saudi Arabia. Successful integration of stem cell therapy into healthcare relies on public awareness, understanding, and trust. Therefore, we aimed in this cross-sectional study to assess the public's knowledge, awareness, trust, support, participation, and confidence in stem cell treatments and centers involved in it. Materials and methods: A voluntary questionnaire of 20 questions was distributed randomly via social media outlets. Results: Three thousand five hundred eighty four individuals participated in the survey, with approximately half of them falling within the age range of 35-50 years (46.71%). Majority of the participants, 90.71%, would like to know more about stem cell therapy and more than half of the participants (56.94%) were unfamiliar with the idea, and a comparable proportion (50.41%) expressed concerns about the safety of stem cell therapy. A lower level of awareness, indicated by a score of 5, was evenly distributed across all age groups and genders. However, regardless of gender, older participants-especially those 50 years of age or older-tended to report higher levels of confidence, trust, and support than participants in other age groups. Moreover, trust, support, participation, and confidence score for those attained high school or less was statistically significantly lower than those attained master's or PhD degree. Of the participants, 33.57% had either received stem cell therapy themselves or known someone who had; about 24.07% of them reported that it was a cosmetic type of treatment. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the persistent need for awareness and educational initiatives to minimize the lack of public awareness and understanding of approved stem cell treatments in Saudi Arabia. It advocates for increased education, transparency, and communication to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance public trust to ensure the understanding of successful treatment.

Public Awareness of Palliative Care: A Nationally Representative Sample of Jordanian Adults.

CONTEXT: Internationally, studies suggest that inadequate comprehension of the concept of palliative care and misconceptions about it hinder the effective use of palliative care, especially in developing nations. OBJECTIVE: To assess the awareness of the adult population in Jordan regarding palliative care. METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional design and an online self-administered questionnaire survey. The recruitment method was convenience snowball sampling of three thousand nine hundred forty-two Jordanian adults covering 12 governorates. Participants were recruited through social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. The process of gathering data commenced in October -December 2023. Descriptive statistics were computed. RESULTS: A study of 3942 respondents in Jordan found that 45% have some knowledge of palliative care, with 31% being pretty knowledgeable. Most respondents (89%) strongly agree that patients with incurable illnesses should receive palliative care, with cancer patients showing the highest level of agreement (96%). The most agreed-upon aspect of palliative care is controlling pain and symptoms at home, while the least agreed-upon aspect is providing information on benefits and financial matters. The study also highlighted the link between palliative care and mortality, suggesting the need for increased awareness and education. CONCLUSION: The demand for palliative care in Jordan is increasing, requiring increased access, a holistic approach, open discussions, and easily accessible information. Challenges include integrating palliative care into non-malignant progressive diseases, ensuring comprehensive end-of-life care, promoting societal receptiveness towards mortality, enhancing information accessibility, and health promotion efforts. The study's results indicate the importance of implementing educational strategies and engaging families and communities in policymaking to change public knowledge and attitudes toward palliative care.

Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Topical Corticosteroids Among Previous Users in the General Population of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Topical corticosteroids are a valuable tool for treating many dermatoses, offering anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. However, preexisting knowledge gaps and safety concerns may hinder treatment compliance. This study aims to evaluate knowledge and attitudes towards topical corticosteroids among former users within the general population of Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized an online survey to collect data. Knowledge was assessed through three dimensions: indications, proper use, and adverse reactions. Attitudes were assessed using the Topical Corticosteroid Phobia (TOPICOP) scale. Results Among the 397 respondents, 80.9% were females, 51.1% had suffered from a dermatological disease, and 76.3% had a bachelor's or higher educational level. When assessing knowledge, female participants (6.22±2.02) displayed significantly higher scores compared to male participants (5.26 ± 2.23) (p<0.001). Participants with dermatological diseases provided more accurate answers compared to those without. In assessing phobia towards topical corticosteroids, participants aged 18-25 years had lower topical corticosteroid phobia scores (31.06 ± 5.91), whereas those aged 56 years or more had higher scores (35.38 ± 6.04), p<0.001. Single participants had significantly lower topical corticosteroid phobia scores (32.27 ± 6.06) compared to those who were married (33.87 ±5.95) (p=0.010). Additionally, participants with dermatological diseases had higher scores in the behaviors subcategory despite having lower Global TOPICOP scores (32.58 ± 5.7) (p=0.033). Conclusion Enhancing knowledge about topical corticosteroids is crucial for mitigating corticophobia and promoting better adherence. To address gaps in knowledge, dermatologists should expand educational initiatives to include vulnerable populations, explicitly targeting males and older individuals.

Asbestos ban policies and mesothelioma mortality in Greece.

BACKGROUND: Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that mostly affects the pleura and has a strong link to asbestos exposure. Greece banned the use of asbestos in 2005, however, the public was already aware of this substance in the 1980s. This research aims to present an overview of Greece's mesothelioma age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) from 1983 to 2019 by age, gender, and geographic region and to determine whether the actions to ban asbestos impacted these rates. METHODS: Data were retrieved by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (HSA) from death certificates that mentioned mesothelioma as the cause of death from 1983 to 2019 with details on the residence, gender, and age. Statistical analysis was performed using PRISM 6.0 software, a two-way ANOVA test, Trend analysis was conducted using Joinpoint Regression Program 5.0 software. The linear and non-linear model was used to calculate the age-standardized rates of annual percentage change (APC) and its 95% confidential interval (95% CI). RESULTS: From 1983 to 2019, 850 total mesothelioma deaths were recorded, the majority of whom were males (634). A rate of 74.6% accounts for males and 25.4% for females, and the ratio of Males: Females was 3:1. Males' ASMR and the whole population's ASMR reached their highest levels in 2011 (0.93/100000person-years and 0.53/100000person-years, respectively). To look for potential changes between the first two decades of the 21st century, we compared the mean ASMR of each geographic region in Greece between two different 10-year subperiods (2000-2009 and 2010-2019). Except for Epirus, all regions of Greece had elevated regional ASMRs, particularly in those with the highest asbestos deposits. Notably, the ASMR in Epirus decreased from 0.54/100000person-years (2000-2009) to 0.31/100000person-years (2010-2019). After 2011, the ASMR for men and the general population stabilized. This stability is important since mesothelioma in men is associated with occupational asbestos exposure. The intriguing discovery of a lower ASMR in Epirus emphasizes the need to raise awareness of the condition and implement effective public health measures. CONCLUSIONS: In Greece, the annual ASMR for males and the whole population reached its highest level in 2011, which is positive and encouraging and may be a sign that the rate will stabilize during the following years. Moreover, this study showed that the actions made in the 1980s regarding public awareness and surveillance directly impacted the decrease in Epirus rates. Future research, continual awareness, information, and recording are needed to monitor the mesothelioma epidemic. The possible benefit of a mesothelioma registry and the epidemiological surveillance of asbestos-related diseases, particularly mesothelioma mortality, need to be addressed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Effectiveness of Online vs. In-Person Periodontal Health Workshops for Public Awareness.

Background: Periodontal health is a critical aspect of overall oral health, yet public awareness and education on this topic remain limited. With the increasing prevalence of online health education platforms, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of online periodontal health workshops compared with traditional in-person workshops on improving public awareness. Materials and Methods: Study Design: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the impact of online and in-person periodontal health workshops on public awareness. Participants (N = 500) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the online workshop group or the in-person workshop group. Online Workshop: Participants in this group accessed an interactive online periodontal health workshop, consisting of video presentations, animations, and quizzes. The workshop covered topics, such as gum disease prevention, oral hygiene, and the importance of regular dental checkups. In-Person Workshop: Participants in this group attended a traditional in-person periodontal health workshop conducted by dental professionals. The content and duration of this workshop mirrored the online version. Pre- and Postworkshop Assessments: Both groups completed pre-workshop and postworkshop assessments, including a knowledge questionnaire and a self-assessment of oral health habits. Arbitrary scores were assigned to quantify knowledge gain (0-100%). Results: Participants in the online workshop group showed a mean knowledge gain of 30% (standard deviation (SD) = 5.2), while those in the in-person workshop group exhibited a mean knowledge gain of 35% (SD = 4.7). The self-assessment of oral health habits indicated an improvement in both groups, with 60% of participants reporting better oral hygiene practices. Conclusion: Both online and in-person periodontal health workshops demonstrated effectiveness in improving public awareness and promoting better oral health habits. Combining both modalities could be an effective strategy for comprehensive public education on periodontal health.

The effect of the 'Swim Reaper' program on water safety awareness, drowning mortality and morbidity among males aged 15-34 years in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To increase water safety awareness among young males New Zealand introduced the Swim Reaper program in 2016. The program ran annually over summer and in 2018/19 an evaluation was conducted. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the 2018/19 Swim Reaper social media-based campaign on self-reported water safety awareness and identify changes in fatal and nonfatal drowning rates for New Zealand resident males aged 15-34 years before and after the 2016 Swim Reaper program. METHODS: Online surveys pre (December-2018) and post (February-March-2019) Swim Reaper campaign were used to estimate water safety awareness post-campaign relative to pre-campaign using negative binomial regression adjusted for potential confounders. Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis, adjusted for seasonality, explored changes in drowning mortality, hospital admissions and Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) claims pre and post program introduction (2016). RESULTS: A total of 518 males responded (50.6% post-campaign). There were significant improvements (post vs. pre-campaign) in self-reported water safety awareness. ITS analysis showed a reduction in drowning related hospital admissions post relative to pre-program (RR = 0.47; [95%CI: 0.24-0.90]; p = 0.02). DISCUSSION: Young males are an at-risk cohort for drowning and creating behavior change among this group can be challenging. Using a unique, humor-based approach the Swim Reaper program appears to be having some impact on self-reported water safety behaviors, as well as unintentional drowning-related hospitalization rates. Further evaluation, more clearly linked to campaign themes, is required to ascertain direct impact of the program. CONCLUSION: The novelty and reach of the campaign within the context of a prevailing downward trend in drownings may provide support for social media-based programs targeting this hard-to-reach demographic.

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein on the Innate Immune System: A Review.

The Spike protein enables the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection by binding to multiple receptors, including the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Scientific studies also indicate that Spike is involved in severe forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), "long-haul COVID diseases" - also known as "long COVID syndromes" or "post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection" (PACS) - or, recently, in adverse reactions to lipid nanoparticle-messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines or other anti-COVID19 products. Numerous mutations, notably within the subunit 1 of Spike (S1), prevent neutralization by antibodies, but more generally, the virus has developed numerous strategies to avoid immune system surveillance, especially type-I interferons (IFN-I). Meanwhile, a "hyperinflammatory" state, named "cytokine storm," sets in. However, what role does the Spike protein play in the immune escape mechanisms? Can its inflammatory activities affect IFN-I? Does Spike block IFN-I or hijack them for the virus benefits? What are the other potential consequences? This article was written to provide an up-to-date and more general overview of the impact of the Spike protein on the innate immune system and its effectors at the molecular level.

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases. Method: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. Results: Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor's degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms.

Investigation of Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices of Glaucoma in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

Background Glaucoma is a group of conditions characterized by progressive irreversible optic neuropathy, intraocular pressure as a modifiable risk factor, and, in many patients, visual field defects. Glaucoma has recently been classified as a neurodegenerative disorder of the optic nerve that results in the loss of retinal ganglion cells. This study evaluated levels of awareness of glaucoma in the general population of Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A pre-designed, pre-validated online questionnaire from previous studies was distributed to respondents via online social media platforms. Factors associated with awareness of glaucoma were analyzed statistically. Results Responses were received from 585 participants aged ≥18 years, including 309 (52.8%) men and 276 (47.2%) women. Gender, a diagnosis of glaucoma, a positive family history of glaucoma, and undergoing glaucoma screening were significantly associated with the level of glaucoma knowledge (p < 0.05 each). Age group (p = 0.587) and level of education (p = 0.136) were not significantly associated with the level of glaucoma knowledge. Conclusions The population of Riyadh City exhibited a low level of glaucoma awareness, indicating an urgent need for comprehensive ophthalmic health education initiatives aimed at enhancing public consciousness and awareness of glaucoma risks and complications.

Co-design and evaluation of a digital serious game to promote public awareness about pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer, ranking seventh in global cancer-related deaths, poses a significant public health challenge with increasing incidence and mortality. Most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in low survival rates. Early diagnosis significantly impacts prognosis, making symptom awareness crucial. Symptoms are often subtle, leading to delayed help-seeking behaviour. Patients and their carers prioritise increased public awareness, indicating a need for innovative approaches to promote awareness of the disease. METHODS: This study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design to assess the relationship between a serious game and pancreatic cancer awareness. Members of the public (N = 727) were recruited internationally, via social media and with signposting by relevant organisations. Participants completed measures of symptom awareness and help-seeking intentions before and after playing the game. The serious game, co-designed with experts by lived experience, patient advocates and healthcare professionals, presented participants with a human anatomy diagram, with each section linked to a question about pancreatic cancer. RESULTS: The serious game demonstrated a statistically significant improvement on pancreatic cancer awareness based on matched paired t-tests. Due to missing data, paired comparisons were only possible for 489 cases. Symptom awareness scores exhibited a statistically significant increase from pre-test to post-test, with a large effect size (p < 0.001, d = 1.43). Help-seeking intentions also markedly improved, showing a significant increase from pre-test to post-test, with a large effect size (p < 0.001, d = 1.10). Independent-samples t-tests were also conducted to determine if there were any group differences on pre- to post-test changes based on age, gender, and previous knowledge and/or experience of pancreatic cancer. Participants overwhelmingly endorsed the game's usability and educational value, suggesting its potential as an effective tool for enhancing public awareness and proactive health-seeking behaviour. DISCUSSION: This study is the first to explore a serious game's utility in pancreatic cancer awareness. Results suggest that such interventions can effectively increase public awareness and influence help-seeking intentions. The co-design process ensured content relevance, and participant satisfaction was high. Findings highlight the game's potential as an accessible and convenient tool for diverse populations.