Predicting intention to treat HIV-infected patients among Tanzanian and Sudanese medical and dental students using the theory of planned behaviour--a cross sectional study

Predicting intention of Norwegian dental health-care workers to use nanomaterials: An application of the augmented theory of planned behavior

Due to the rapid development of nanotechnology and its integration into dentistry, there is a need for information on the factors influencing the decision of dental health-care workers to use nanomaterials. Based on a national survey among Norwegian dentists and dental hygienists, this study applied the theory of planned behavior (TPB), augmented with past behavior and perceived risk, to predict the intention to use dental nanomaterials in the future and to assess whether an augmented TPB model operates equivalently across professional groups. Structural equation modelling was used to assess whether the hypothesized model fits the data. Of 1792 eligible participants, 851 responded to an electronic survey. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control had the strongest effect on intention, followed by past behavior and subjective norms. Risk perceptions had an indirect effect on intention. Multigroup comparison confirmed invariance of the model across professional groups. This study supports the validity of the augmented TPB model to explain the intention of Norwegian dentists and dental hygienists to use nanomaterials. The strongest influence on intention is given by the attitudes toward nanomaterials and perceived confidence in their use. The findings of the study have implications for management of the use of nanomaterials in dentistry by policy makers.

Intention to Use and Its Predictors Towards Preconception Care Use Among Reproductive Age Women in Southwest Ethiopia, 2020: Application of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)

Background

Preconception care should be given in universal manner worldwide by manifesto of WHO. The government of Ethiopia gives the emphasis to maternal and child health but the progress of its improvement is too slow. Maternal health services especially before pregnancy is the unreached agenda in Ethiopia. Therefore, there is limited evidence on the intention to preconception care and its determinants in southwest Ethiopia. So, the aim of this study to determine the intention to use and its predictors of preconception care use among reproductive age women.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in southwest Ethiopia. Systematically selected 427 reproductive age women were involved in this study. Face-to-face interview was used to collect the data by trained data collectors. The collected data was entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 25 for further analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors to intention to use preconception care. P-value less than 5% was considered to indicate significant association. The standardized β-coefficient was presented as measure of association following a multivariable linear regression analysis.

Results

The response rate of the study was 98.13%. The mean age of respondents in the study was 34.21[±6.21] years. Nearly twenty (19.8%) respondents had used preconception care previously. The attitude (β =0.320, p=0.0418), subjective norm (β =0.344, p<0.001), perceived behavioral control (β=0.512, p<0.001), indirect subjective norm (β =−0.108, p=0.002) and age of respondents (β =0.046, p=0.020) were predictors of intention to use preconception care.

Conclusion

Intention to use preconception care is a multiplicative effect of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and indirect subjective norm. Age is the only socio-demographic variables associated to intention.

Determinants of Motivation among Healthcare Workers in the East African Community between 2009-2019: A Systematic Review

Healthcare workers are an essential element in the functionality of the health system. However, the health workforce impact on health systems tends to be overlooked. Countries within the Sub-Saharan region such as the six in the East African Community (EAC) have weak and sub-optimally functioning health systems. As countries globally aim to attain Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goal 3, it is crucial that the significant role of the health workforce in this achievement is recognized. In this systematic review, we aimed to synthesise the determinants of motivation as reported by healthcare workers in the EAC between 2009 and 2019. A systematic search was performed using four databases, namely Cochrane library, EBSCOhost, ProQuest and PubMed. The eligible articles were selected and reviewed based on the authors' selection criteria. A total of 30 studies were eligible for review. All six countries that are part of the EAC were represented in this systematic review. Determinants as reported by healthcare workers in six countries were synthesised. Individual-level-, organizational/structural- and societal-level determinants were reported, thus revealing the roles of the healthcare worker, health facilities and the government in terms of health systems and the community or society at large in promoting healthcare workers' motivation. Monetary and non-monetary determinants of healthcare workers' motivation reported are crucial for informing healthcare worker motivation policy and health workforce strengthening in East Africa.

Dentists' intentions to manage drug users: Role of theory of planned behaviour and continuing education

OBJECTIVES

To assess dentists' intention to manage drug users (DUs) and to evaluate the role of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and continuing education (CE) in explaining this intention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017, including dentists from three major Saudi cities. A questionnaire assessed personal and professional background and components of TPB: attitude, perceived social norms, perceived control and intention to manage DUs. Respondents expressed their agreement on a scale from 1 (disagree) to 7 (agree). Receiving CE to manage DUs was also assessed. Adjusted linear regression was used to assess the impact of the TPB constructs and receiving CE on dentists' intention.

RESULTS

Response rate = 72% (255/354), mean (SD) age = 35.2 (11.9). The mean (SD) for positive intention to manage DUs = 5.34 (1.37), negative attitude = 4.03 (1.10), positively perceived norms = 5.78 (1.06) and perception of no control = 4.45 (1.08). Only 9% received CE to manage DUs. Positive intention was associated with perception of positive norms (B = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.59, 0.87) and perception of no control (B = -0.47, 95% CI = -0.63, -0.32) but not with receiving CE (P = 0.58).

CONCLUSION

In major Saudi cities, dentists' intention to manage DUs was positive and was explained by TPB components: perception of norms and perception of control. Modified and targeted CE is needed to address this problem.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards HIV Patients among Dentists

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Discrimination by some health care workers, including dentists, against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected persons has been noted. The main aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards HIV patients among the dentists of Trichur district, Kerala.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 206 dentists practicing in Trichur district of Kerala. Data was collected using a pretested, self-administered 26-item questionnaire and was statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 20.

RESULTS

Out of 206 participants, 39.3% were unwilling to treat HIV patients. A statistical significance was found between willingness to treat HIV infected patients and age groups (P = 0.0001) as well as between the willingness to treat HIV infected patients and ethical responsibility (P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Staff fears and increased personal risk are found to be the most frequently reported concerns in treating HIV patients among dentists of Trichur district, Kerala. Senior dentists showed more reluctance to treat HIV positive individuals.

Nursing Students' Willingness to Care for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients in the Future

Recent studies in various countries have shown controversy regarding students' willingness to care for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients as well as factors associated with students' decisions about this issue. This survey, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, explored factors associated with Israeli nursing students' willingness to care for HIV-infected patients in the future. The results suggest that appropriate education and experience in caring for HIV-infected patients are critical for improving students' willingness to care for these patients.

Chinese dental students' knowledge and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS

Background/purpose

Oral care is vital to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. As future dentists, it is pertinent that dental students have sufficient knowledge and a positive approach toward this disease. The purpose of this study was to assess HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes among clinical dental students in central China.

Materials and methods

This survey was conducted on 103 dental students in the final year of a 5-year program. A structured questionnaire with 50 questions examining their knowledge under various categories and 17 questions examining their attitudes toward the disease was employed.

Results

The survey was completed by 92.2% (95/103) of the students. The results revealed that more than half of the respondents demonstrated a good level of knowledge, although few exhibited an excellent level. The mean scores on knowledge was 79.41 ± 6.3 out of a maximum possible score of 100, and there was no significant difference regarding sex. Despite their good level of knowledge, the majority (93.68%) displayed a negative attitude (nonprofessional attitude) toward HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion

These findings might help to define strategies to improve the quality of education among Chinese dental students and suggests that there is a need to address student misconceptions and attitudes toward the disease.

Understanding the intention to undergo regular HIV testing among female sex workers in Benin: a key issue for entry into HIV care

BACKGROUND

HIV testing constitutes an entry point for HIV prevention and access to care. Although access to tests has increased in most low- and middle-income countries in recent years, regular HIV testing among high-risk populations remains a challenge. Understanding the determinants of regular HIV testing is the key to improving treatment-as-prevention programs and access to care. This study aimed to identify psychosocial factors associated with the intention to be HIV tested every 3 months among female sex workers (FSWs) in Benin.

METHODS

We developed an interview questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and other theoretical variables. We interviewed 450 FSWs in their work place. Using Amos software, we applied structural equation modeling to identify the determinants of intention.

RESULTS

Previous testing was reported by 87% of FSWs, 40% of whom reported having been tested in the last 3 months. More than half of the FSWs (69%) showed a strong intention to be HIV tested during the next 3 months. The structural model indicates that 55% of the variance in intention is explained in descending order of importance (standardized coefficient weight, β) by perceived control, descriptive norms, control beliefs, habits, attitude, risk perception, and normative beliefs.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first theoretically based study identifying determinants of intention to undergo regular HIV testing among FSWs in sub-Saharan Africa. The results can inform development of interventions to maintain and increase regular HIV testing among FSWs, thus reinforcing primary prevention and supporting early access to care.

HIV/AIDS-related attitudes and oral impacts on daily performances: a cross-sectional study of Sudanese adult dental patients

Background

Few studies have investigated the relationships between HIV-related knowledge, fear of contagion in dental environments and Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) among dental patients. Our objectives were to investigate the associations between HIV-related knowledge and fear of contagion in dental environments and OIDP among dental patients, and to evaluate whether those associations were modified by the frequency of dental service attendance.

Methods

A total of 1262 patients (mean age 30.7 years, 56.5% females) were recruited from the Khartoum Dental Teaching Hospital and the University of Science and Technology during March–July 2008. The participants underwent a full-mouth oral clinical examination and completed an interview in a face-to-face setting.

Results

Of the study participants, 41.4% had visited a dentist at least twice during the last 2 years, 96.2% had caries experience (DT > 0) and 79.1% reported oral impacts (OIDP > 0). The most frequently reported oral impacts were problems eating, sleeping and cleaning teeth. In total, 26.3% of the participants had HIV transmission knowledge, 75.6% knew people with HIV/AIDS and 58.7% perceived a high risk of cross-infection in dental environments. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of dental service attendance and caries experience, patients who had high HIV-related information exposure, a positive attitude toward people with HIV/AIDS and a high perceived risk of cross-infection were more likely to report oral impacts, whereas patients who knew people with HIV/AIDS were less likely to report oral impacts. The association between OIDP and HIV transmission knowledge was modified by frequency of dental service attendance.

Conclusions

Dental patients who were informed about HIV and had a high HIV/AIDS risk perception were more likely to report impaired oral health-related quality of life than their less informed counterparts and those who perceived a low risk of contagion. The effect of HIV transmission knowledge on oral impacts was influenced by frequency of dental service attendance.

Executive functioning as a mediator of the relationship between premorbid verbal intelligence and health risk behaviors in a rural-dwelling cohort: a Project FRONTIER study

Limited research is available regarding the impact of neuropsychological functioning on health risk behaviors in rural-dwelling elderly populations. This cross-sectional study examined the relationships between estimated premorbid verbal IQ (AMNART), executive functioning impairment (EXIT25), and health risk behaviors including alcohol use (AUDIT), smoking, compliance with recommended cancer screenings, and obesity (BMI). The total sample included 456 English-speaking adults and older adults of non-Hispanic White and Hispanic origin seen as part of an ongoing study of rural cognitive aging, Project FRONTIER. Regression analyses revealed significant independent effects of AMNART and EXIT25 on most health risk behaviors, and supported the hypothesized mediating role of EXIT25 on the relationships between AMNART and smoking, cancer screenings, and BMI in both cognitively impaired and healthy subgroups. This study clarifies the relationships between executive functioning, premorbid IQ, and health risk behaviors in diverse groups, and confirms that premorbid IQ represents an important determinant of health behaviors and neurocognitive outcomes.

Applying the theory of planned behaviour to explain HIV testing in antenatal settings in Addis Ababa - a cohort study

Background

To facilitate access to the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) services, HIV counselling and testing are offered routinely in antenatal care settings. Focusing a cohort of pregnant women attending public and private antenatal care facilities, this study applied an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to explain intended- and actual HIV testing.

Methods

A sequential exploratory mixed methods study was conducted in Addis Ababa in 2009. The study involved first time antenatal attendees from public- and private health care facilities. Three Focus Group Discussions were conducted to inform the TPB questionnaire. A total of 3033 women completed the baseline TPB interviews, including attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intention with respect to HIV testing, whereas 2928 completed actual HIV testing at follow up. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Fisher's Exact tests, Internal consistency reliability, Pearson's correlation, Linear regression, Logistic regression and using Epidemiological indices. P-values < 0.05 was considered significant and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used for the odds ratio.

Results

The TPB explained 9.2% and 16.4% of the variance in intention among public- and private health facility attendees. Intention and perceived barriers explained 2.4% and external variables explained 7% of the total variance in HIV testing. Positive and negative predictive values of intention were 96% and 6% respectively. Across both groups, subjective norm explained a substantial amount of variance in intention, followed by attitudes. Women intended to test for HIV if they perceived social support and anticipated positive consequences following test performance. Type of counselling did not modify the link between intended and actual HIV testing.

Conclusion

The TPB explained substantial amount of variance in intention to test but was less sufficient in explaining actual HIV testing. This low explanatory power of TPB was mainly due to the large proportion of low intenders that ended up being tested contrary to their intention before entering the antenatal clinic. PMTCT programs should strengthen women's intention through social approval and information that testing will provide positive consequences for them. However, women's rights to opt-out should be emphasized in any attempt to improve the PMTCT programs.