Sexually transmitted diseases knowledge assessment and associated factors among university students in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study

Background

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDIs) remain a serious public health menace with over 350 million cases each year. Poor knowledge of STDIs has been identified as one of the bottlenecks in their control and prevention. Hence, assessment of knowledge, both general and domain-specific, is key to the prevention and control of these diseases. This study assessed the knowledge of STDIs and identified factors associated with STDI knowledge among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study among 778 UAE University students across all colleges. An online data collection tool was used to collect data regarding the participants' demographics and their level of knowledge of STDIs across different domains including general STDI pathogens knowledge (8 items), signs and symptoms (9 items), mode of transmission (5 items), and prevention (5 items). Knowledge was presented both as absolute and percentage scores. Differences in STDI knowledge were statistically assessed using Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests. Logistic regression models were further used to identify factors associated with STDI knowledge.

Results

A total of 778 students participated in the study with a median age of 21 years (IQR = 19, 23). The overall median STDI knowledge score of the participants was 7 (out of 27), with some differences within STDI domains-signs & symptoms (1 out of 9), modes of transmission (2 out of 5), general STDI pathogens (2 out of 8), and prevention (1 out of 5). Higher STDI knowledge was significantly associated with being non-Emirati (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.24-2.75), being married (OR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.50-5.56), residing in emirates other than Abu Dhabi (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.16-2.25), and being a student of health sciences (OR = 4.45, 95% CI = 3.07-6.45).

Conclusion

In general, STDI knowledge was low among the students. Having good knowledge of STDIs is essential for their prevention and control. Therefore, there is a need for informed interventions to address the knowledge gap among students, youths, and the general population at large.

Value of positron emission tomography in diagnosing synchronous penile metastasis from urothelial bladder cancer

Metastases to the penis are extremely rare events. Most frequently, penile metastases come from the urogenital system (bladder, prostate) or the rectum-sigmoid colon. Usually painful, penile lesions may be asymptomatic, making diagnosis more challenging. Hence, we report the adding value of ¹⁸F-fludeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) in the detection of penile metastases originating from urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Arguably, penile metastases must be considered as an advanced disease requiring essentially palliative care. Therefore, accurate staging of clinically localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer is crucial to avoid useless curative intent radical surgery.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATING PEDIATRICIANS ABOUT PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY DISORDERS: A TERTIARY HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE

Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs) are several genetic disorders that alter the essential components of the immune system leading to errors in differentiation, function or both of these components.There are more than 200 reported different PID diseases with more than 140 identified gene mutations, affecting almost six million individuals globally, but only 27,000-60,000 have being diagnosed.Early diagnosis of PIDs can markedly reduce morbidity and mortality via proper intervention The aim of the study was to estimate the knowledge and attitude of pediatric residents of PIDs.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that targets resident physicians in the field of PIDs. A prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation, the only tertiary care, academic and teaching hospital in the state of Qatar. The study took place between January, 2014 and April 30, 2014. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 68 pediatric residents (post-graduate year 1-4). In all, 68 eligible resident physicians were included in the study. Out of the 68 questionnaires distributed, 59 (86.7%) were returned by the end of the study. Among the participants, 18 (30.5%) were post-graduate year-1 (PGY-1), 18 (30.5%) PGY-2, 11 (18.6%) PGY-3, and 12 (20.3%) PGY-4.The mean overall score was 58.5 %. The mean score in the clinical presentation was 67.5%, in associated syndromes and diseases was 59%, in screening laboratory work up 55.3%, and in the section of laboratory investigations that suggest PIDs 52%. There is a significant lack of knowledge of PIDs among pediatric residents. In addition, a large number of pediatric physicians in training do not feel comfortable in diagnosing and managing young children with PIDs. Pediatric residency working hours rule restrict the luxury of having an allergy/immunology rotation during residency. A mutual effort in sharing diagnosis and management of patients with PIDs between pediatric residents and attending immunologists can ameliorate the lack of knowledge and improve the trainee's confidence when facing such cases.