Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward herpes zoster (HZ) and HZ vaccination: Concept elicitation findings from a multi-country study in the Asia Pacific

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a prevalent disease characterized by a painful rash. A multi‑country study was conducted to elicit public and physician knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward HZ disease and vaccination for the assessment of local factors influencing HZ vaccine perceptions in four Asian-Pacific countries/territories One-to-one qualitative interviews were conducted in 2022, among the public (people aged ≥ 50 years, adults with parents aged ≥ 50 years, zoster vaccine live-vaccinated individuals aged ≥ 50 years in Republic of Korea, and HZ patients; n = 78) and physicians (general practitioners and specialists; n = 24). Themes surrounding KAP toward HZ and HZ vaccination were summarized using a thematic analysis. A substantial knowledge gap related to HZ was observed among the public, including its causes, long-term impacts, and the at-risk population. There was a low perceived risk of HZ and low general awareness of HZ vaccine availability, although country/territory-specific differences existed. Fear of HZ-associated pain contributed toward vaccination intent among HZ patients and adults with parents aged ≥ 50 years. HZ-naïve adults who were encouraged to receive the vaccine by others were not motivated to do so due to optimism bias. Physicians were perceived to be a reliable source of information. However, physicians did not always proactively discuss HZ vaccination due to time constraints and a perceived need to prioritize other vaccinations including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Initiatives are needed to improve public awareness of HZ and its complications, in terms of overall impact on individuals and society, and highlight the important role of physicians in recommending vaccination.

Perception of clinical teachers about their roles and current practice at affiliated hospitals of medical universities in China

Phenomenon: The increase in clinical and teaching workload has brought enormous pressure to clinical teachers. Clinical teachers play an extremely important role in the quality of higher medical education and the cultivation of medical talents. However, few studies have examined the attitudes and practices of clinical teachers regarding the role of teachers in China. This study aimed to investigate clinical teachers' perceptions about their roles and current practices at affiliated hospitals of medical universities in China. Approach: Responses from 312 Chinese clinical teachers were included in the analyses. The data were collected using the questionnaires of perception and practice regarding the role of teachers which consisted of 12 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), and scored by calculating the mean. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22.0 (IBM SPSS Corp). Findings: The mean score of perception of clinical teachers regarding the role of teachers was 4.51 (SD = 0.72), and the mean score of practice was 3.69 (SD = 1.17). Multivariable binary logistic regression model showed that undertaking very few/few clinical teaching workload, 'thinking it is my obligation to carry out teaching work seriously' and 'thinking it is my duty to train medical talents' were not only significant determinants of good perception but also good practice. Additionally, 'thinking hospital attached great importance to clinical teaching' was the significant determinant of good perception. Insights: Chinese clinical teachers demonstrate less positive perception and practice regarding the roles of teacher than clinical teachers in developed countries. Affiliated hospitals of medical universities should hold training sessions regularly and take targeted intervention measures to enhance clinical teachers' perception and practice regarding the roles of teacher.

Interventions focusing on learning pre-transfer wheelchair manipulation in a patient with severe Alzheimer's disease: a case report

BACKGROUND

Independence of transfer is important for the daily activities of wheelchair users. A critical step in performing this transfer includes a pre-transfer wheelchair manipulation, and patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) experience difficulties in learning these tasks. In this report, we present the results of a treatment focused on learning pre-transfer wheelchair manipulation and its learning course in a patient with severe AD.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The patient was a 92-year-old woman with severe AD during hospitalization in a long-term care ward. Since her cognitive function was highly compromised, she required assistance for pre-transfer wheelchair manipulation. Physiotherapists implemented a treatment plan that incorporated post-behavioral praise into a practice combining errorless learning and spaced retrieval training for pre-transfer wheelchair manipulation.

OUTCOMES

The patient was able to accurately perform pre-transfer wheelchair manipulation in the seventh treatment session and achieved transfer independence after 12 physiotherapy sessions.

CONCLUSION

This case report suggests that practicing combined errorless learning, spaced retrieval training, and post-behavioral praise was helpful as a treatment modality for an individual with severe AD for wheelchair manipulation learning before transfer.

Encounters with public and professional understandings of Down syndrome: A qualitative study of parents' experiences

BACKGROUND

The meanings of neurodevelopmental conditions are socially and culturally defined. We explored how parents of a child with Down syndrome experienced public and professional understandings of Down syndrome.

METHOD

Qualitative interviews with 25 parents of a child with Down syndrome living in Denmark. From a reflexive thematic analysis, we developed themes describing understandings (i.e., attitudes or perceptions) of Down syndrome.

RESULTS

The parents experienced that the Down syndrome diagnosis acted as a 'label'; this had perceived positive and negative consequences for the child. The parents felt others understood Down syndrome as severe and undesirable. This attitude was tied to the existence of prenatal screening. Finally, to the parents, professional support for their child expressed an understanding of children with Down syndrome as valued individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents encountered ambiguous understandings of Down syndrome. This should be recognised by professionals who may shape such understandings.

Reliability of the 2020 School Health Profiles Principal and Lead Health Education Teacher Questionnaires

BACKGROUND

School Health Profiles assesses school health policies and practices among US secondary schools.

METHODS

The 2020 School Health Profiles principal and teacher questionnaires were used for a test-retest reliability study. Cohen's kappa coefficients tested the agreement in dichotomous responses to each questionnaire variable at 2 time points. The aggregate prevalence estimates between time 1 and time 2 were compared for each questionnaire item via overlapping 95% confidence intervals. Chi-square tests examined whether the prevalence at time 2 differed between paper and web administration for both questionnaires.

RESULTS

For the principal (N = 50) and teacher (N = 34) data, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of any items between time 1 and time 2. For the principal survey, the mean kappa for 191 variables was 0.49. For the teacher survey, the mean kappa for 260 variables was 0.65. Overall, 60.7% of principal and 91.1% of teacher questionnaire items had at least "moderate" reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

School Health Profiles offers education and health agencies a reliable tool to monitor school policies and practices.

Assessing preconception health in Australia to support better outcomes in the first 2000 days - A critical need for building a core indicator framework

In 2021, the Preconception Health Network Australia co-developed preconception health core indicators identified as critical to ensuring optimal maternal and child outcomes following conception. We conducted an audit of perinatal databases across each state and territory to identify whether preconception core indicator data were available. Seven health domains co-developed by the Preconception Health Network were mapped against the data collected in the perinatal databases. Indicator data were lacking across all seven health domains, with data missing for social determinants of health indicators. Better data linkage and developing a national evidence-based framework would allow ongoing monitoring of women's preconception health nationally.

Knowledge and Public Perception of Palliative Care in Germany

Background: Literature reviews reveal poor knowledge and awareness of palliative care in the public. Health literacy deficits impact access to palliative care. Objectives: The aim of this manuscript is to explore the public perception of palliative care in Germany. Design: Triangulated qualitative research design: a snowball-spread online survey and a random pedestrian survey. Setting/Subjects: Citizens in Germany. Results: The pedestrian survey (n = 100) revealed 34% of the participants being not familiar with palliative care. The online survey (n = 994) 5.7% of participants reported to not know what palliative care was. The public's perception of palliative care is mainly medicine oriented, referring to inpatient care for the immediately dying; however, further significant misperceptions were scarce. Conclusions: The public perception shows an indistinct picture of palliative care, and some misconceptions about the objectives and areas of responsibility of the subject, meanwhile, palliative care is known to a majority of people. Understanding partly incomplete pictures of patients and relatives may help to react appropriately in staff-patient interactions and improve public relations.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Toward Physical Literacy Among the College Students During COVID-19 School Closure

Purpose

To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among college students toward physical literacy during COVID-19 school closure.

Patients and Methods

This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between December 9th, 2022 and December 24th, 2022 among college students during COVID-19 school closure. A self-designed questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information of the college students, and assess their KAP toward physical literacy.

Results

A total of 969 students were recruited, with mean age of 18.73±0.97 years. The majority were male (54.70%), urban residents (78.02%), majoring in engineering (58.00%), and having exercise habits (61.09%). The mean KAP scores were 6.57±0.95, 32.63±4.07, and 27.06±7.23, respectively. Positive associations were identified between knowledge and attitude (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.52-2.66, P < 0.001), and between attitude and practice (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.12-1.22, P < 0.001). A bachelor's degree and being in the sophomore year were positively associated with knowledge (OR = 1.51-4.05, all P < 0.05). Urban residence and being in the sophomore year were negatively associated with attitude (OR = 0.43-0.59, all P < 0.05), while having daily exercise habits showed the opposite trend (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.33-2.57, P < 0.001). Father's education level of high school and technical secondary school (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.93, P = 0.023) and having daily exercise habits (OR = 3.88, 95% CI: 2.72-5.55, P < 0.001) were associated with practice.

Conclusion

College students had sufficient knowledge, moderate attitudes and negative practices towards physical literacy during COVID-19 school closure. The findings hold significant potential for developing educational programs, fostering healthier lifestyles and promoting mental well-being among college students during public health outbreaks.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of psoriasis patients toward their diseases: a web-based, cross-sectional study

Objective

To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of psoriasis patients toward the disease.

Methods

A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among psoriasis patients who were diagnosed at the outpatient of Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital in March 2023. A self-designed questionnaire was administered for data collection and KAP assessment.

Results

A total of 526 valid questionnaires were included, including 257 males (48.86%) psoriasis patients. Their mean KAP scores were 8.09 ± 3.60 (possible range: 0-12), 31.94 ± 4.61 (possible range: 10-50), and 51.92 ± 8.83 (possible range: 15-75), respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.186, p < 0.001), a positive correlation between knowledge and practice (r = 0.313, p < 0.001), and a negative correlation between attitude and practice (r = -0.181, p < 0.001). Moreover, structural equation model showed that medication (β = 2.74, 95% CI: 2.17, 3.32, p < 0.001) has significantly positive effect on knowledge. Education (β = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.81, p < 0.001) and duration of psoriasis (β = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.54, 1.49, p < 0.001) have significantly positive effect on attitude. Knowledge (β = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.26, p < 0.001) and medication (β = 4.59, 95% CI: 2.78, 6.40, p < 0.001) has significantly positive effect on practice, while attitude (β = -0.41, 95% CI: -0.57, -0.26, p < 0.001) and duration of psoriasis (β = -2.53, 95% CI: -3.49, -1.57, p < 0.001) exhibit significantly negative effect on practice.

Conclusion

Psoriasis patients have good knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice toward the disease. Education, medication, duration of psoriasis might have effect on their KAP.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of atrial fibrillation in high altitude areas

Background

To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of atrial fibrillation (AF) among the general population in high-altitude areas.

Methodology

A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population in high-altitude areas.

Results

A total of 786 valid questionnaires were enrolled, with a mean age of 34.75 ± 14.16 years. The mean score of knowledge, attitude and practice were 8.22 ± 6.50 (possible range: 0-10), 28.90 ± 5.63 (possible range: 8-40), 34.34 ± 6.44 (possible range: 9-45), respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that knowledge scores (OR = 1.108, 95% CI = 1.075-1.142, p < 0.001), attitude scores (OR = 1.118, 95% CI = 1.081-1.156, p < 0.001), and never smoking (OR = 2.438, 95% CI = 1.426-4.167, p = 0.001) were independently associated with proactive practice. The structural equation modeling (SEM) showed direct effect of knowledge on practice (p = 0.014), and attitude on practice (p = 0.004), while no effect of knowledge on attitude (p = 0.190).

Conclusion

The general population in high-altitude regions had adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice towards AF. The SEM was suitable for explaining general population' KAP regarding AF, revealing that knowledge directly and positively affected attitude and practice.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Toward Artificial Intelligence Among Healthcare Workers in Private Polyclinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Purpose

The objective of our study was to assess awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding artificial intelligence (AI) among healthcare workers in private polyclinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

We conducted cross-sectional study among healthcare workers in private clinics in Jeddah. Data was collected using a structured, validated questionnaire in Arabic and English on awareness, attitudes, and behaviors regarding AI. Cronbach's alpha for the questionnaire ranged from 0.6 to 0.8. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was done to assess the scores and their association of various sociodemographic variables with awareness, attitudes, and behaviors regarding AI. Multiple linear regression was performed to predict the scores of awareness, attitudes, and behaviors based on the sociodemographic variables.

Results

We recruited 361 participants for this study. Approximately, 62% of the healthcare workers were female. The majority (36%) of healthcare workers were nurses, while 25% were physicians. The median awareness, attitude, and behavioral scores were 5/6 (IQR 3-6), 5/8 (IQR 4-7), and 0/3 (IQR 0), respectively. Approximately three-fourths (74%) of the healthcare workers believed that they understood the basic computational principles of AI. Only half of the participants were willing to use AI when making future medical decisions. We found that male healthcare workers had better knowledge scores regarding AI as compared to female healthcare workers (Beta = 0.555, 95%, p value = 0.010), while for attitude scores, being administrative employee as compared to other employees was found to have negative attitude towards AI (Beta = 0.049, 95%, p value = 0.03).

Conclusion

We found that healthcare workers had an overall good awareness and optimistic attitude toward AI. Despite this, the majority is worried about the potential consequences of replacing their jobs with AI in the future. There is a dire need to educate and sensitize healthcare workers regarding the potential impact of AI on healthcare.

Effects of a Serious Smartphone Game on Nursing Students' Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Skills in Adult Basic Life Support: Randomized Wait List-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Retention of adult basic life support (BLS) knowledge and skills after professional training declines over time. To combat this, the European Resuscitation Council and the American Heart Association recommend shorter, more frequent BLS sessions. Emphasizing technology-enhanced learning, such as mobile learning, aims to increase out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival and is becoming more integral in nursing education.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether playing a serious smartphone game called MOBICPR at home can improve and retain nursing students' theoretical knowledge of and practical skills in adult BLS.

METHODS

This study used a randomized wait list-controlled design. Nursing students were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a MOBICPR intervention group (MOBICPR-IG) or a wait-list control group (WL-CG), where the latter received the MOBICPR game 2 weeks after the MOBICPR-IG. The aim of the MOBICPR game is to engage participants in using smartphone gestures (eg, tapping) and actions (eg, talking) to perform evidence-based adult BLS on a virtual patient with OHCA. The participants' theoretical knowledge of adult BLS was assessed using a questionnaire, while their practical skills were evaluated on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality parameters using a manikin and a checklist.

RESULTS

In total, 43 nursing students participated in the study, 22 (51%) in MOBICPR-IG and 21 (49%) in WL-CG. There were differences between the MOBICPR-IG and the WL-CG in theoretical knowledge (P=.04) but not in practical skills (P=.45) after MOBICPR game playing at home. No difference was noted in the retention of participants' theoretical knowledge and practical skills of adult BLS after a 2-week break from playing the MOBICPR game (P=.13). Key observations included challenges in response checks with a face-down manikin and a general neglect of safety protocols when using an automated external defibrillator.

CONCLUSIONS

Playing the MOBICPR game at home has the greatest impact on improving the theoretical knowledge of adult BLS in nursing students but not their practical skills. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating diverse scenarios into adult BLS training.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05784675); https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05784675.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the prevention of occupational exposure in public health emergencies among nurses in Wuhan

Background and objective

Nurses have an essential role in dealing with public health emergencies (PHE). This study explored the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards preventing occupational exposure in PHE among nurses in Wuhan.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2023 to assess the KAP of nurses in Wuhan, China. Questionnaires were created and distributed to evaluate the KAP of nurses and explore the factors associated with KAP. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between baseline demographic characteristics and KAP, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore complex relationships and causal pathways among relevant factors.

Results

A total of 440 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 11.84 ± 2.37, 39.87 ± 3.10, and 44.05 ± 3.76, respectively. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that age >50 years old (p = 0.039), working experience of 1-3 years (p = 0.060) and 4-6 years (p = 0.024), participation in PHE training, and scene rescue (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge score. In addition, the attitude of the nurses was significantly related to knowledge scores (p = 0.002). Moreover, practice was significantly associated with knowledge scores (p = 0.005) and attitude scores (p < 0.001). The correlation analysis showed that the practice was significantly associated with knowledge (r = 0.336, p < 0.001) and attitude (r = 0.449, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Nurses exhibited moderate knowledge, relatively positive attitude, and practice, which needed to be improved regarding occupational exposure in PHE. The practice of the nurses could be promoted by paying more attention to the working experience, participation in training and scene rescue in PHE, and their knowledge and attitude.

Evaluating the Knowledge, Practice, and Regulatory Situation of Veterinary Experts Regarding Counterfeit Veterinary Medications in the Selected Districts of Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

Background

The intentional and illegal misrepresentation of fake medications involves falsely indicating their source. These fraudulent medications can include products that contain either accurate or incorrect ingredients, lack proper labeling, have insufficient quantities of ingredients, and are packaged with counterfeit packaging. This unlawful activity has led to treatment failures, the development of antibiotic resistance, adverse effects, and even deaths. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, practice, and regulatory status of veterinary drug experts in the central Gondar zone of Ethiopia regarding counterfeit veterinary medications.

Methods

From January 2023 to July 2023, a self-administered structured questionnaire was utilized to conduct a cross-sectional study in Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. The analysis of the data involved the application of descriptive and chi-square tests.

Results

The study revealed that the majority of professionals possessed a work experience ranging from 5 to 9 years (23; 56.1%). Additionally, a total of 25 individuals (61.0%) who participated in the research had not undergone any kind of training. It was observed that a significant proportion of participants (82.9%) possessed knowledge about counterfeit veterinary drugs. Only about 63% and 36% of respondents had high knowledge and good practice concerning veterinary counterfeit drugs, respectively. Only 29.3% of participants have reported practices. Furthermore, a poor regulatory level of coordination was detected (85.4%). The study revealed a significant (χ2 =7.6165; p = 0.022) disparity between the respondents' practice levels and training. Respondents' regulatory levels were also significantly associated (p < 0.05) with their sex (χ2 = 13.34; p = 0.001) and work experience (χ2 = 13.64; p = 0.033). The research findings also revealed a noteworthy correlation between practice and regulatory activity (χ2 = 15.0463; p = 0.005).

Conclusion

The study outlines the necessity of awareness initiatives, with a focus on the significance of veterinary experts' knowledge, practice, and regulatory efforts in addressing the issue of counterfeit veterinary medications.

Position and ranking influence in padel: somatic anxiety and self-confidence increase in competition for left-side and higher-ranked players when compared to pressure training

This study aimed to analyze the differences in the precompetitive anxiety and self-confidence according to the side of play, the ranking and the match outcome, under different competitive scenarios, in high level men's padel players from Finland who trained under pressure prior to the competition. 10 men's padel players (28.60 (4.17) years old) from the highest category participated in the research. The CSAI-2R (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 Revised) and STAI-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State) questionnaires were used and descriptive and inferential analyzes were performed, including Mann-Whitney's U tests. The findings illuminate that, across the player spectrum, somatic anxiety and self-confidence levels are higher before competition compared to training matches. This trend holds true for left-side, higher-ranked and match winning players. Even lower-ranked players exhibit heightened self-confidence preceding competitions. These insights offer valuable considerations for players, coaches, and sports psychologists, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between pressure training, competition, and the athlete's psychological landscape.

Disinfection and hand hygiene knowledge, attitude, and practices among childcare facilities staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui, China: a cross-sectional study

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding disinfection and hand hygiene, along with associated influencing factors among childcare facilities staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui, and to provide information for developing disinfection and hand hygiene strategies for childcare facilities.

Methods

A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Anhui Province residents in China in September 2020. In this study, 60 childcare facilities in two cities of Anhui Province were selected using the convenient sampling method for questionnaires. The questionnaires were distributed through a web-based platform. The disinfection and hand hygiene KAP scores among childcare facilities staff were calculated, and their influencing factors were analyzed. The accuracy rates of knowledge, attitude, and practice of behavior were calculated and analyzed.

Results

A total of 1,029 participants were included in the study. The disinfection and hand hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice ranged from approximately 5 to 23, 1 to 5, 3 to 13, respectively. The score of urban areas was higher than that of rural areas. Higher education levels and more years of working were associated with higher scores. Additionally, staff who received training or supervision had higher scores than those without. The categories with the lowest knowledge accuracy rate (46.3%), lowest attitude accuracy rate (4.2%), and "always" practice rate (5.3%) among childcare facility staff were all related to the question categories concerning the appropriate range of disinfectants for use. The accuracy rates of hand hygiene knowledge and attitude among the childcare facility staff were high (83.7%-99.6%), but the "always" practice rate was in the middle range (63.0%).

Conclusion

The disinfection and hand hygiene knowledge among childcare facilities staff was inadequate during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui. Continuous implementation of education and training, particularly in rural areas, is essential. Establishing a monitoring system to assess usage effectiveness and adverse reactions in China is critical. Interventions should focus on increasing compliance with hand hygiene practices. Further research should explore the training and intervention of disinfection and hand hygiene, the safety of disinfection measures, and more operational hand hygiene methods in childcare facilities.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards Psoriasis Among Patients and Their Family Members

Purpose

KAP studies serve to enhance health consciousness and furnish foundational data for appraising, strategizing, and enacting disease management and prejudice eradication initiatives. There remains a dearth of published studies elucidating the dimensions of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among psoriasis patients in China. To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards psoriasis among patients and their family members in Northern China.

Methods

This web-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among psoriasis patients and their family members through a self-administered questionnaire.

Results

Among patients (n=260), their mean KAP scores were 9.76±5.69 (range: 0-19), 35.64±11.48 (range: 14-70), and 56.73±10.98 (range: 16-80), respectively. Among family members (n=237), their mean KAP scores were 11.93±5.34 (range: 0-19), 35.80±4.34 (range: 8-40), and 37.04±4.38 (range: 8-40), respectively. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis for patients indicated significant and negative path relations between knowledge and attitudes (β=-2.271, P<0.001), and between knowledge and practice (β=-0.398, P<0.001). Extended SEM analysis, which divides knowledge into K1, K2, and K3 parts, showed negative path relations between K3 and attitude (β=-1.300, P=0.002), between attitude and practice (β=-0.634, P<0.001). Moreover, SEM for family members showed positive path relations between knowledge and attitude (β=1.536, P<0.001), between attitude and practice (β=0.682, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Patients in Northern China demonstrated insufficient knowledge, negative attitude, and proactive practice, while their family members had insufficient knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice toward psoriasis. It is recommended to implement educational interventions addressing knowledge gaps among patients and families.

Effectiveness of health education in improving knowledge, attitude and practice related to foodborne zoonotic trematodes in Vietnam, with a particular focus on Clonorchis sinensis

OBJECTIVE

Foodborne zoonotic trematodes (FZT), which infect the liver, lungs and intestines of humans, are an emerging public health concern in tropical countries including Vietnam. In northern Vietnam, Clonorchis sinensis is recognised as the most important species of the FZT. Up to now, small-scale studies conducted in the country have indicated that health education could improve participants' knowledge and practices related to clonorchiasis, however strong evidence is still lacking. We conducted an intervention trial between 2020 and 2021 in four communes in Yen Bai and Thanh Hoa province, aiming to evaluate the impact of an extended educational package on knowledge, attitude and practices related to clonorchiasis, as well as on knowledge on the large liver fluke and minute intestinal flukes.

METHODS

To this end, baseline and post-intervention questionnaires were conducted. Generalised estimating equations models were run to analyse the impact of the intervention on knowledge, attitudes and practices over time in the intervention versus control group. Finally, 172 people in the intervention group and 162 in the control group were included for analysis.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that the intervention significantly improved clonorchiasis knowledge, attitudes and practices, with higher odds for a correct knowledge response (odds ratio (OR) = 2.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.84-4.27, p-value < 0.001), increased average mean attitude score (mean = 0.363, 95%CI = 0.182-0.544, p-value < 0.001), and a reduced odds of consuming raw fish (OR = 0.15, 95%CI = 0.06-0.40, p = 0.002) in the intervention group compared to the control group post-intervention versus baseline. Additionally, participants in the intervention group exhibited enhanced basic knowledge of the large liver fluke and minute intestinal flukes post-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate the potential of health education programs in preventing clonorchiasis in endemic areas, emphasising the importance of continued health education as a critical component of integrated control programs for clonorchiasis.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of critical care nurses and their influence on acute skin failure patients in China: A multicenter cross-sectional study

AIM

Acute skin failure (ASF) can happen in critically ill patients. Therefore, adequate knowledge and skills regarding ASF are essential to manage this disorder. The aim of this work was to investigate the nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding ASF patients and to analyze its influencing factors in the intensive care unit.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed in 10 tertiary hospitals in March 2022. Eligible nurses received a survey with a self-designed questionnaire about their KAP regarding ASF, which included three dimensions and a maximum score of 120. A higher score corresponded to better KAP.

RESULTS

A total of 255 nurses participated in this study. The mean KAP score was 75.6 ± 16.9. The mean scores of the knowledge, attitude, and practice dimensions were 26.2 ± 10.6, 38.2 ± 6.1, and 11.3 ± 4.3, respectively. The dimensions were ranked according to score (from low to high) as follows: knowledge (2.6 ± 1.1), practice (2.8 ± 1.1), and attitude (3.8 ± 0.6). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that more training sessions and an advanced professional title were associated with higher KAP scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall KAP score on ASF was low in nurses. Nurses had a positive attitude towards ASF, but their knowledge and practice required significant improvement. Those who had received more training and held a more advanced professional title exhibited higher KAP scores regarding ASF. Therefore, nurse managers should establish a relevant knowledge training system, strengthen relevant training, and improve nursing practices for ASF in order to achieve a high level of KAP in nurses who treat ASF patients.

Public Perception in Saudi Arabia Toward Herpes Zoster and Its Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Herpes zoster (HZ) or shingles, arises from the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), mainly affecting older and immunocompromised individuals. Despite the efficacy of vaccines, vaccination rates in Saudi Arabia are low. Thus, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the Saudi Arabian population toward HZ and its vaccination. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the public perception in Saudi Arabia toward HZ and its vaccination, during the period from January to March 2024. Participants were selected using a non-probability, convenience sampling method, with recruitment facilitated through WhatsApp, a messaging app. Data has been analyzed using the statistical software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). A p-value of <0.05 has been used to report the statistical significance. Results The study's demographic profile included 1237 participants, predominantly younger than 30 years (65.5%), with a female majority (65.7%). Public knowledge about HZ was limited, only 29.6% of participants recognized the risk of HZ post-chickenpox. More than half of the participants were not aware that the vaccine is provided by the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) for certain groups. However, over 75% are willing to receive the HZ vaccine upon physician recommendation. Conclusion This study shows a general lack of awareness about HZ and its vaccination in Saudi Arabia, including misconceptions about vaccination availability, recommendations, and the disease's complications. Gender differences in attitude and interest highlight the potential for tailored educational campaigns. Addressing these issues is essential for improving vaccination rates and mitigating HZ's impact.

The discourse of delivering person-centred nursing care before, and during, the COVID-19 pandemic: Care as collateral damage

The global COVID-19 pandemic challenged the world-how it functions, how people move in the social worlds and how government/government services and people interact. Health services, operating under the principles of new public management, have undertaken rapid changes to service delivery and models of care. What has become apparent is the mechanisms within which contemporary health services operate and how services are not prioritising the person at the centre of care. Person-centred care (PCC) is the philosophical premise upon which models of health care are developed and implemented. Given the strain that COVID-19 has placed on the health services and the people who deliver the care, it is essential to explore the tensions that exist in this space. This article suggests that before the pandemic, PCC was largely rhetoric, and rendered invisible during the pandemic. The paper presents an investigation into the role of PCC in these challenging times, adopting a Foucauldian lens, specifically governmentality and biopolitics, to examine the policies, priorities and practical implications as health services pivoted and adapted to changing and acute demands. Specifically, this paper draws on the Australian experience, including shifting nursing workforce priorities and additional challenges resulting from public health directives such as lockdowns and limitations. The findings from this exploration open a space for discussion around the rhetoric of PCC, the status of nurses and that which has been lost to the pandemic.

Knowledge, perception and practice towards blue-blocking lenses among optometrists

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

There is a lack of clinical guidelines in India for the prescription of blue-blocking lenses. Therefore, the practice trends will depend on practitioners' knowledge, attitude, and perception.

BACKGROUND

Exposure to blue light with increased use of light-emitting diode (LED) lights and digital devices along with the commercial availability of blue blocking lenses has warranted the need to understand the factors that influence the prescription of blue blocking lenses among eye care practitioners. Hence, we aim to assess knowledge, perception, and practice pattern of blue blocking lenses among Indian optometrists.

METHODS

This cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Indian Optometrists. The survey was distributed through various social groups of optometrists and state associations. The questionnaire had four main domains with 29 items in total. The four major domains were knowledge, practice, perception and demographic details on education. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were performed to study the impact of these domains on the prescription of blue block lenses.

RESULTS

Out of 341 responses, 247 were included for analysis as per study criteria. About 50% (n = 123) of the participants had appropriate knowledge about blue light. Blue-blocking lenses were prescribed always or most of the time by 52% (n = 130) of the participants. The odds of prescribing blue blocking lenses were higher among practitioners who considered blue light as an important factor in causing computer vision syndrome (OR 3.77, 95% CI: 1.33-10.69, P = 0.01) or if they considered there is adequate published evidence (OR 3.95, 95% CI: 1.58-9.87, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The source of evidence for prescribing blue-blocking lenses for our participants was mainly from advertisements rather than from scientific studies. Factors such as awareness, knowledge, education, and nature of practice did not play a significant role in prescribing blue-blocking lenses. This raises the need for evidence-based practice and the development of practice guidelines for prescribing blue-blocking lenses.

Traditional eye medicine practice and its determinant factors among ophthalmic patients in the West Bank

Background

Traditional eye medicine (TEM) is becoming more widely used across the world. Depending on the drugs used, TEM usage can be considered harmful or innocuous. The therapy may induce infection or irreparable blindness in the already injured eye.The aim of the study was to determine the proportion of traditional eye medicine practices and associated factors among adult ophthalmic patients attending ophthalmic clinics in the governmental hospitals in the West Bank.

Design and methods

A cross-sectional study conducted on 300 patients. The data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire.

Results

The results of the study revealed that 65.7% of people use TEM. The most common symptoms that necessitated the use of traditional eye practice were inflammatory symptoms of the eye (49.2%), blurred vision (15.7%), and allergic conjunctivitis (10.7%). The most common TEM used was tea (34.0%), followed by herbal products (25.4%) and vegetable slices (potato, cucumber, and onion) (14.7%). The most traditional eye treatment was the topical route (92.9%). The majority of prescribers of traditional eye practice were traditional healers (48.7%). Furthermore, the current study found that occupation and the income were predictors of using traditional eye practice among ophthalmic patients attending ophthalmic clinics in selected West Bank hospitals.

Conclusion

The proportion of traditional eye medicine practice was high among ophthalmic patients in the West Bank. The predictors of using traditional eye treatment were occupation and the income. The most common TEM used was tea, followed by herbal products and vegetable slices (potato, cucumber, and onion).

Knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward tuberculosis in high school students in Qingdao, China

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to assess the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to TB, and to analyze the differences among various demographic groups.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 621 students enrolled in Qingdao High School, coming from high TB burden settings. The cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July of 2022. Participants completed an online questionnaire. Differences in knowledge and practice based on participant characteristics were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank test and Kruskal-Wallis rank test. Group differences were assessed using a rank-based analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The mean percentage of correct answers for TB knowledge and practice was 82.09% and 83.25%, respectively. Grade Three students showed higher knowledge and practice scores than Grade One or Grade Two students (t = -3.9935, p = 0.0002, t = 3.4537, p = 0.0018. 8.58 vs 7.94, 8.58 vs 8.23. t = 3.4562, p = 0.0018, t = -2.8688, p = 0.0128. 1.78 vs 1.61, 1.78 vs 1.64). A significant majority (78.42%) of students expressed fear of being affected by TB. 49.28% of the students would support and help TB patients. 88.08% of participants had heard of TB, with 72.94% learning about it at school, mainly through visual aids like posters. Information was predominantly obtained from online sources (websites, microblogs, WeChat, etc.).

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended to develop a TB curriculum for lower-grade students to enhance awareness of TB prevention through various means, including the internet and social media.

Experiences for Geriatric Care from Nursing Students' Knowledge: A Qualitative Approach

(1) Background: Studies have shown that clinical experience has an impact on how students perceive geriatric care. The vulnerability of older people particularly allows students to reflect on and evaluate their learning. In this context, communication between tutors and students is important to guiding a contextualized view of the complexity of clinical situations. The principal objective was to explore the feelings, perceptions, and experiences of nursing students in geriatric care units during their practices. (2) Methods: This is a qualitative study using content analysis where the data collected were analyzed deductively. An intentional sample of 81 nursing degree students enrolled in the subject of clinical practices. During these sessions, a dynamic discussion forum was incorporated. (3) Results: There were 6 forums with a total of 591 participants, with an average of 98.5 per forum. Four categories emerged: humanization, geriatric nurse, aging, and learning. (4) Conclusions: A change of management oriented to the person-centered model would improve the quality in the residences and as well as in the expectations of the students towards geriatric nursing. Changing perspectives could be a way to confront and become aware of the fallacies of care that have been evidenced. This study was not registered.

Mapping health promotion practices across key sectors and its intersectoral approach at the local level: Study protocol

AIMS

This study outlines a protocol aimed at identifying and mapping health promotion practices in need of development from the perspectives of key sectors responsible for it at the local level and from an intersectoral perspective across four Spanish regions.

DESIGN

A complementary multi-method study combining survey methods and qualitative interviews will be adopted.

METHODS

Purposive snowball sampling will be employed to select potentially rich informants from city councils, primary care centres, primary and secondary schools, and public health and civil society organizations in 12 municipalities sensitive to local health. Data on the degree of execution of health promotion activities, the level of intersectorality in their implementation, and their origins will be collected using PromoACTIVA questionnaires, an intersectoral typology model and an interview protocol. A parallel mixed analysis encompassing descriptive statistics and a 'framework analysis' will be performed.

DISCUSSION

This study is expected to yield thorough and reliable insights into health promotion practices and omissions at the local level by focusing on key stakeholders, both individually and collaboratively. This information can enhance health promotion planning and improve its effectiveness, efficiency and contextual relevance. The development and testing of a methodology for the integration and interpretation of these data will ensure sustainable capacity building.

IMPACT

Managers and practitioners interested in health promotion planning in the researched settings can benefit from a comprehensive map of the current state of their practices and insights into the starting points of collaboration. In addition, planners from other local settings will gain access to tools and methodologies to replicate and expand these maps to their own contexts.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Engaging key stakeholders with experience working in or with primary care centres, public health organizations, primary and secondary schools, civil society organizations, and city councils was vital to ensure the study's relevance and feasibility.

Prevalence of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial resistance in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

One of the main threats to public health today is antibiotic resistance. This resistance leads to the persistence of infections in the body. It poses an increased risk of transmission to humans and animals through various routes, such as food, water, and the environment.

Objectives

This study aimed to ascertain the overall prevalence of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial resistance in Africa.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished studies was conducted in Africa according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were conducted using appropriate search terms in PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and the Cochrane Library. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and STATA version 14 was used for analysis. Publication bias was checked by funnel plot, Egger, and Begg regression tests. A p-value of 0.05 was regarded to indicate potential publication bias. Using I2 statistics, the heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated. Using forest plots, the random effect model was used to present the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of meta-analysis.

Results

This review included 39 studies, with 18,769 study participants. Among these 39 studies, 38 were on knowledge assessment, 28 on attitude assessment, and 25 on good practice assessment towards antimicrobial resistances. The overall pooled prevalence level of knowledge regarding antimicrobial resistance in Africa was 55.33% (95% CI: 47.48, 63.18). The overall pooled prevalence of positive attitudes toward antimicrobial resistance in Africa was 46.93% (95% CI: 35.10, 58.76), and the overall pooled prevalence of good practice of antimicrobial resistance in Africa was 51.05% (95% CI: 45.24, 56.87). In addition, sub-group statistical analysis was performed in this meta-analysis, stratified by population sub-region and study design types.

Conclusion

In Africa, the pooled prevalence of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial drug resistance among different groups, including the general population, patients, tertiary school students, healthcare workers, and animal owners was found to be low level. Therefore, it is imperative to enhance the education and training programs regarding antibiotic resistance for various groups including the general public, patients, students, healthcare workers, and individuals responsible for the well-being of animals.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice About Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance Among Nursing Students in China: A Cross Sectional Study

Purpose

The knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) concerning antibiotics by healthcare students have the potential impact on controlling antibiotic abuse and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) growth. This study aims to evaluate the levels and explore the associated factors with KAP on antibiotic use and AMR in Chinese nursing students.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of demographics and selected features and KAP on antibiotic use and AMR was conducted to measure KAP levels among nursing students at various universities in Hubei Province, China. The logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the potential factors associated with the KAP.

Results

The survey eventually included a total of 1959 nursing students. The mean scores for KAP were 57.89 ±26.32, 55.00 ±12.50, and 71.88 ±15.63, respectively. Regarding knowledge, 54.3% of participants were unaware that antibiotic was ineffective against viral infections. Regarding attitude, 36% of participants agreed that current antibiotic abuse existed; 96.2% of participants thought it necessary to set up a special course on antibiotics. Regarding practice, only 48.4% of participants usually purchased antibiotics with a prescription. Multivariable analyses indicated that lack of discussion on AMR in school courses was an independent risk factor against KAP, respectively. The main knowledge sources of antibiotic being outside the classroom was an independent risk factor related to knowledge and practice. The average score >80 points was an independent protective factor related to knowledge and practice.

Conclusion

The KAP level on antibiotic use and AMR among Hubei nursing students was general and required further strengthening. Nursing students with risk factors should be prioritized in educational interventions. The findings of our study pointed out some directions for tailored interventions to improve the training on antibiotics.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of general practitioners on peripheral neuropathies in Benin in 2021

PURPOSE

First healthcare actors in neurological diseases management, General Practitioners (GPs) still limited in the assessment of Peripheral Neuropathies (PN). This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) of GPs on PN in Benin in 2021 and identifying associated factors to low KAP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It was a cross-sectional study conducted from 20 November 2020 to 30 June 2021 which included GPs registered in the National Order of Physicians in Benin and interns in last year of medical studies (MS). An overall KAP score of 24 points was derived. KAP levels were low (score < 17), medium (17 to 19) and high (score ≥ 20). Multivariable regression models were performed to identify factors associated with low KAP.

RESULTS

645/1,066 participants (60.5%) were included in the study with median age 28 years [Interquartile range IQR: 26-30 years], and 442 (68.5%) were male. The KAP level was low in 70.1%. 16.7% had a low knowledge of polyneuropathy manifestations, 35% perceived PN as an incurable disease. Lack of knowledge on PN before MS (adjusted Odds-ratio aOR = 1.6 [95% confidence interval CI: 1.1-2.3]), and no postgraduate training on PN (aOR = 1.8 [95% CI: 1.--3.0]) were associated with low overall KAP level. Working in rural area (aOR = 0.4 [95%CI: 0.2-0.7]), and being an intern (aOR = 0.6 [95%CI: 0.4-0.9]) were associated with better overall KAP level.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the need for better training with strong emphasis on PN during the MS and the organization of postgraduate training for GPs; the cornerstone for improving the management of PN in Benin.

Dermatologists' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Pattern Toward Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in Hair Loss in Saudi Arabia

Background

The utilization of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) has emerged as a relatively new treatment option for hair loss, gaining recognition among dermatologists worldwide.

Objective

To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice patterns among dermatologists in Saudi Arabia regarding the use of LDOM in the management of hair loss.

Methods

An online survey, which was distributed to dermatologists practicing in Saudi Arabia through email and mobile messages. Both univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to investigate the factors that may be associated with enhanced knowledge and practice patterns concerning the utilization of LDOM for the management of hair loss.

Results

A total of 84 dermatologists was included in this study, with 50 (60%) being male. It was found that 83 (99%) of the participants identified patterned hair loss as the most common indication for LDOM usage. Additionally, 77 (92%) recognized hypertrichosis as a well-known side effect. 48 (82%) of the dermatologists had never prescribed LDOM due to its unavailability in local pharmacies.

Conclusion

The usage of LDOM for hair disorders is increasing. Nonetheless, many dermatologists abstain from prescribing this medication due to its limited availability in local pharmacies.

The Effect of an Education Program on School Children Oral Health in Khartoum, Sudan

Background

Oral health education programs have long been considered an essential part of oral health policies. This is important for reducing the risk of oral diseases through health enhancement and voluntary behavioral changes due to learning opportunities. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of school-based oral health education program on oral health in school children in Sudan.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted at four governmental schools in Khartoum, Sudan, between August 2018, and March 2022. A total of 423 school children were randomly allocated into the control (n = 211) and study (n = 212) groups. An adapted questionnaire was administered to students before and after the intervention to assess their knowledge and practice of oral health. The study group participated in oral health education activities. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21.

Results

The findings revealed that the mean knowledge at the pre-educational program was 9.3066 (SD = 3.91078) and the mean knowledge after the educational program was 21.2736 (SD = 2.13982). The scores indicated that the school children had significantly higher knowledge and practice scores after the oral health education program.

Conclusion

The study concluded that education program on oral health improved students' oral health knowledge and practices. Imposing theoretical and practical lessons on oral and dental health in school curricula can motivate students to maintain oral health care, and this improves oral health status.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward tuberculosis prevention and management among household contacts in Suzhou Hospital, Jiangsu province, China

Background

China is among the 10 high-burden tuberculosis (TB) countries in the world; thus, investigation and management of household contacts is an essential part of TB prevention strategy.

Objective

To explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward TB prevention and management among household contacts of TB patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled household contacts in Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine between September 2022 and January 2023; KAP and demographic characteristics were assessed with the self-designed questionnaire and analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 503 participants were included; of them, 280 (55.78%) were female, and 303, (60.36%) aged ≥45 years. The KAP scores were 6.24 ± 2.20 (possible range: 0-12), 18.69 ± 2.80 (possible range: 0-36), and 20.37 ± 5.15 (possible range: 0-36), respectively. Suburban (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.04-0.79, p = 0.023) and rural (OR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03-0.57, p = 0.008) were independently associated with knowledge. Positive attitude (OR = 7.03, 95% CI: 2.92-16.96, p < 0.001), education (high school or technical secondary school, OR = 4.91, 95% CI: 1.63-14.73, p = 0.005; college and above, OR = 14.94, 95% CI: 3.51-63.58, p < 0.001), and shorter disease duration (3-6 months, OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18-0.90, p = 0.026) were independently associated with better practice scores.

Conclusion

Household contacts of TB patients demonstrated insufficient knowledge, unfavorable attitude, and suboptimal practice toward TB prevention and management. Tailored interventions are needed to ensure information accessibility, especially for individuals living in suburban and rural areas.

The knowledge, attitude, and practice of the public regarding household pharmaceutical waste disposal: a systematic review (2013-2023)

OBJECTIVE

The improper disposal of household pharmaceutical waste (HPW) is an emerging cause of environmental pollution. Behavioural practices are intricately linked to individuals' knowledge levels and attitudes. Thus, this systematic review aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of HPW disposal among the public and to examine the interconnectedness of these KAP components.

METHODS

A literature review for articles published from 2013 to 2023 was carried out in scientific databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, identifying quantitative studies involving the assessment of KAP of the public concerning HPW disposal.

RESULTS

This review incorporated 12 studies conducted in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Nine studies highlighted a consistent trend of limited to inadequate knowledge regarding safe medication disposal. Notwithstanding, respondents largely exhibited a positive attitude towards proper medication disposal. This encouraging disposition, unfortunately, stands in stark contrast to the reported practices, which appeared to be inadequate. This dissonance might be due to a deficit in accessible disposal facilities and information, compounded with insufficient guidance from healthcare professionals. Interestingly, the majority expressed support for take-back programs aimed at managing unused and expired medications.

CONCLUSION

This review identified a need for a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected dynamics among KAP components regarding safe medication disposal. The exploration of theoretical behavioural frameworks could help predict public intentions to adopt safe medication disposal practices. Ultimately, a multi-faceted approach that addresses knowledge gaps, reinforces positive attitudes, and promotes accessible safe medication disposal services can collectively safeguard the environment and public health.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis among nurses

BACKGROUND

The effective management of vascular access (VA) is pivotal in hemodialysis (HD) care, with nurses assuming a key role in this crucial process. Nonetheless, there is a noticeable gap in our understanding of the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of nurses concerning arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) for HD. This study aimed to investigate the KAP of nurses in this domain.

METHODS

This multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted in 42 hospitals from April 11, 2023, to June 11, 2023. Participating nurses completed a self-administered questionnaire providing demographic and KAP information. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to assess the interrelationship between KAP.

RESULTS

A total of 450 valid questionnaires were included in the analysis. The knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 12.70 ± 1.42 (84.6%, possible score: 0-15), 44.37 ± 2.76 (88.7%, possible score: 10-50), and 56.73 ± 6.61 (87.3%, possible score: 13-65), indicating that adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice. Knowledge had a direct influence on both attitude (β = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.24-0.59, p < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.20-0.96, p = 0.003), and it also indirectly influenced practice through attitude (β = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.24-0.65, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed that HD nurses exhibited adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice concerning AVF for HD. Notably, their level of knowledge directly influenced both their attitudes and practices, while also exerting an indirect influence on the latter.

Meta-analysis of KAP toward COVID-19 in Chinese residents

Background

During the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been many studies on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward prevention of COVID-19 infection in China. Except for symptomatic treatment and vaccination, KAP toward COVID-19 plays an important role in the prevention of COVID-19. There is no systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of KAP toward COVID-19 in China. This study is the earliest meta-analysis of KAP toward COVID-19 in China's general population. Hence, this systematic review aimed to summarize the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Chinese residents toward COVID-19 during the pandemic.

Methodology

Following the PRISMA guidelines, articles relevant to COVID-19 KAP that were conducted among the Chinese population were found in databases such as Scopus, ProQuest, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, CQVIP, Wanfang and Google Scholar. A random-effect meta-analysis is used to summarize studies on knowledge, attitudes, and practice levels toward COVID-19 infection in China's general population.

Results

Fifty-seven articles published between August 2020 and November 2022 were included in this review. Overall, 75% (95% CI: 72-79%) of Chinese residents had good knowledge about COVID-19, 80% (95% CI: 73-87%) of Chinese residents had a positive attitude toward COVID-19 pandemic control and prevention (they believe that Chinese people will win the battle against the epidemic), and the aggregated proportion of residents with a correct practice toward COVID-19 was 84% (95% CI: 82-87%, I2 = 99.7%).In the gender subgroup analysis, there is no significant difference between Chinese men and Chinese women in terms of their understanding of COVID-19. However, Chinese women tend to have slightly higher levels of knowledge and a more positive attitude toward the virus compared to Chinese men. When considering the urban and rural subgroup analysis, it was found that Chinese urban residents have a better understanding of COVID-19 compared to Chinese rural residents. Interestingly, the rural population displayed higher rates of correct behavior and positive attitudes toward COVID-19 compared to the urban population. Furthermore, in the subgroup analysis based on different regions in China, the eastern, central, and southwestern regions exhibited higher levels of knowledge awareness compared to other regions. It is worth noting that all regions in China demonstrated good rates of correct behavior and positive attitudes toward COVID-19.

Conclusion

This study reviews the level of KAP toward COVID-19 during the pandemic period in China. The results show that the KAP toward COVID-19 in Chinese residents was above a favorable level, but the lack of translation of knowledge into practice should be further reflected on and improved. A subgroup analysis suggests that certain groups need more attention, such as males and people living in rural areas. Policy makers should pay attention to the results of this study and use them as a reference for the development of prevention and control strategies for major public health events that may occur in the future.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=348246, CRD42022348246.

Prospective Patient Preferences for Humor in Urologists Treating Erectile Dysfunction: A Survey Study

INTRODUCTION

Men seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction can experience embarrassment as a result of stigma. This research manuscript presents the findings of a survey conducted to investigate the influence of humor on prospective patients' preferences when selecting a specialist to address erectile dysfunction (ED).

METHODS

The respondents were presented with five pairs of mock urology business cards: one professional and one humorous. A questionnaire was designed and distributed via an online survey platform. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 29 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY) to evaluate age and race associations with card preference.

RESULTS

Among the 997 participants, an average of 66.1% (a median of 71.2%) preferred professional cards. Humorous card selection rates ranged from 5.2% to 38.4% compared to 54.0% to 78.1% for professional cards. A statistically significant relationship between age and professional card choice existed in all except the fifth set of cards (p = 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, and 0.054). The relationship between race or ethnicity and business card preference was not reported due to an imbalance in demographics, with most participants identifying as Caucasian.

DISCUSSION

A humor-centric approach may not resonate with all individuals seeking treatment for sensitive conditions such as ED. Limitations include the subjectivity of humor, the use of an online survey platform, and the hypothetical nature of this study. Real patients experiencing ED may face stigma and respond to humor differently.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insights into patient preference for professionalism over humor from their urologist but leaves room for the exploration of humor in medical contexts. Future studies could examine the impacts of humor on patient choices in real-world healthcare settings.

Oncology nursing specialty across Latin America: struggle and achievements past and present

BACKGROUND

Latin America (LATAM) is a large region from Mexico to southern Patagonia in Chile and includes most islands in the Caribbean where Spanish is an official language. Efforts to address nursing specialization in the care of patients with cancer throughout the cancer continuum are described in narratives of oncology nursing struggles and achievements from eight Latin American countries.

METHODS

Contributions by authors from Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Brazil and Chile are complemented by interview data (in Spanish by a bilingual medical anthropologist) to share the history and present status in the Dominican Republic, Peru and Argentina.

RESULTS

We present stories of the pioneers of oncology nursing and a brief description of health systems in several of the included countries to show the disparate approaches towards cancer control and the context in which the oncology nurses work. We include key demographics and cancer data from the highlighted countries. We follow with descriptions of the formation and importance of oncology nursing associations/societies and share the history of oncology nursing education efforts, scopes of practice and recommendations for improvement in oncology nursing.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the challenges, oncology nurse leaders across LATAM are determined to raise the standards of care with structured specialization education/training, and to create advanced practice oncology nursing roles. It is critical that the achievements of oncology nurses are nationally acknowledged and appropriately compensated by governments and national and local authorities. The future is now for oncology nursing to be recognized as a critical specialized healthcare workforce to effectively address the growing threat of cancer and to ensure optimal control of this public health crisis across the region.

Survey of knowledge, practice, and associated factors toward home management of childhood fever among parents visiting Gondar health facilities in 2022

Background

Fever is a typical symptom of many sicknesses, but for children under the age of five, fever can have devastating consequences and represents a source of worry for parents. To the best of our knowledge, no research on home management of fever in children has been conducted in Ethiopia. We aimed to assess knowledge, practices, and associated factors towards home management of childhood fever among parents visiting Gondar Town health facilities in 2022.

Method

This multicenter institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gondar public health facilities from June 1st-June 30th, 2022. Participants were fathers and mothers of children aged 0-5 years. A stratified random sampling technique was used. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested structured questionnaire.

Results

Approximately, 40.2% (95% CI: 35.5%, 45.2%) of parents had good knowledge and only 12.8% (95% CI: 9.7-15.8) of parents practiced home fever management. Being married [Adjusted odds ratio [(AOR) = 2.1 (1.2, 3.2)], having a primary or higher level of education [AOR = 2.4 (1.17, 4.9)] [AOR = 2.0 (1.02-4.6)], respectively, and number of children [AOR = 1.8 (1.63, 2.03)] were factors associated with parental knowledge. Likewise, being married [AOR = 3.05 (2.27.50-3.83)], receiving counseling from health care providers [AOR = 2.12 (1.53-3.32)], and being male [AOR = 2.03 (1.50-3.00)] were significant predictors of practice.

Conclusion

Inadequate levels of knowledge and numerous irrational practices related to home fever management were predominant among parents, which needs to be addressed. Evidence-based health education is essential for parents to enhance their level of knowledge and practice to effectively treat fever at home.

The myth of translational bioethics

In recent years, the case has been made for special attention to be paid to a branch of research in the field of bioethics called 'translational bioethics'. In this paper, we start by considering some of the assumptions that those advancing translational approaches to bioethics make about bioethics and compare them to the reality of bioethics as an academic field. We move on to explain how those who make this case, implicitly or explicitly, for translational bioethics go awry because of how they understand the 'gap' between bioethical inquiry and practical settings that requires bridging. We consider three interpretations of this 'translation gap' in bioethics: (i) the gap between theory and practice, (ii) the gap between the force of normative claims and practical contextual realities and (iii) the gap between relevance or applicability to practice and actual application or implementation in practice. In each case, we show how a proper understanding of the nature of the academic field of bioethics undermines how these gaps have been formulated, and how any need for talk of 'translational bioethics' is removed.

Nurses' Knowledge and Practice of Appropriate Techniques of Body Mechanics and Non-specific Back Pain

Background Nursing is a compassionate profession that carries occupational hazards, including work-related injuries. Back pain is a common concern due to the physically demanding tasks performed by nurses. Utilizing proper techniques of body mechanics is vital to prevent work-related back pain and enhance overall well-being. Aim To assess the knowledge and practice of the nurses working in Jordanian hospitals about the appropriate techniques of body mechanics and their relation to non-specific back pain. Methods A cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 280 participants was randomly selected from hospitals. The tool included the use of a paper questionnaire or scanning the barcode at nursing stations; a reliable, adopted tool was used in this study. Results Out of 280 participants, six (2.1%) had poor knowledge, 96 (34.3%) had average knowledge, and 178 (63.6%) had good knowledge, with a mean score of 3.72±0.58. For practice, seven (2.5%) had poor, 225 (80.4%) had average, and 48 (17.1%) had good practice, with a mean score of 3.30±0.49. Both knowledge and practice scores were negatively correlated with non-specific back pain (rpb = -.393 and rpb = -.306, p < .001), respectively. Furthermore, sociodemographic characteristics did not significantly affect body mechanics knowledge and practice scores (p > 0.05) for all variables. Conclusion Nurses working in Jordanian hospitals had good knowledge of body mechanics but average practice. Higher knowledge and practice levels were correlated with less experience of non-specific back pain. Additionally, there was no significant difference in sociodemographic data between nurses with knowledge and practice scores.

Access to Lung Cancer Screening Among American Indian and Alaska Native Adults: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. American Indian and Alaska Native people use commercial tobacco products at higher rates compared with all other races and ethnicities. Moreover, they show lower adherence to cancer screening guidelines.

RESEARCH QUESTION

How do American Indian and Alaska Native adults perceive and use lung cancer screening?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a study in which we recorded and transcribed data from three focus groups consisting of American Indian and Alaska Native adults. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling at a national health conference. Transcripts were analyzed by inductive coding.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 58) of 28 tribes included tribal Elders, tribal leaders, and non-Native volunteers who worked with tribal communities. Limited community awareness of lung cancer screening, barriers to lung cancer screening at health care facilities, and health information-seeking behaviors emerged as key themes in discussions. Screening knowledge was limited except among people with direct experiences of lung cancer. Cancer risk factors such as multigenerational smoking were considered important priorities to address in communities. Limited educational and diagnostic resources are significant barriers to lung cancer screening uptake in addition to limited discussions with health care providers about cancer risk.

INTERPRETATION

Limited access to and awareness of lung cancer screening must be addressed. American Indian and Alaska Native adults use several health information sources unique to tribal communities, and these should be leveraged in designing screening programs. Equitable partnerships between clinicians and tribes are essential in improving knowledge and use of lung cancer screening.

The Effect of Nursing Students' Liking of Children and Attitudes Toward Clinical Practice on Their Comfort and Worry Levels in the Pediatric Clinic

This research was conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional study to determine the effects of nursing students' liking of children and attitudes toward clinical practice on their comfort and worry levels in the pediatric clinic. The research was carried out with 270 nursing students who had already taken or were taking the child health and diseases nursing course. Data were collected using a Nursing Student Information Form, the Barnett Liking of Children Scale, the Nursing Students' Attitudes toward Clinical Practices Scale, and the Pediatric Nursing Student Clinical Comfort and Worry Assessment Tool. Mean values, percentage calculations, and linear regression analysis were used for the analysis of the research data. Participants' mean scores were 52.30 ± 6.16 on the Barnett Liking of Children Scale, 103.72 ± 19.35 on the Nursing Students' Attitudes toward Clinical Practices Scale, 15.61 ± 3.74 on the comfort sub-dimension, and 11.63 ± 4.32 on the worry sub-dimension of the Pediatric Nursing Student Clinical Comfort and Worry Assessment Tool. It was determined that the liking of children and attitudes toward clinical practice explained 43.6% of the clinical comfort level of pediatric nursing students in Model 1 and 45.2% of their clinical worry level in Model 2. It was determined that the liking of children and attitudes toward clinical practice significantly affected the comfort and worry levels of nursing students in the pediatric clinic.

Lebanese nursing students' perceptions of barriers to the implementation of person-centered care in clinical settings: A qualitative study

AIM

This study aims to investigate how Lebanese nursing students perceive the challenges of implementing person-centered care in clinical settings.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive design was adopted for this study.

METHODS

At one of Lebanon's top universities, a qualitative descriptive study design was used with 18 nursing students from various academic levels. Content analysis was used to generate the results after three focus group discussions. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research were used to report this study.

RESULTS

The content analysis gave rise to four main themes, namely, "overload", "challenges with education", "unawareness", "establishing connection", and "lack of initiatives related to policy". The results showed a number of obstacles that Lebanese nursing students believed were in the path of providing person-centered care. These obstacles included organisational issues like time restraints and an intense workload, as well as interaction difficulties with patients and healthcare teams, and educational issues like insufficient instruction in person-centered care concepts during nursing programs.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of lung cancer screening and associated factors among high-risk population in Lanzhou, China: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of high-risk populations toward lung cancer screening in Lanzhou, China. Using convenience sampling, this cross-sectional study enrolled outpatients at high-risk for lung cancer at Lanzhou University Second Hospital between November 2022 and March 2023. An anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire was distributed to each participant via the Sojump website (https://www.wjx.cn/), comprising 40 items to collect demographic information and evaluate KAP toward lung cancer screening. The analyses were descriptive. A total of 577 participants (average age of 61.8 ± 7.1 years; 306 males) were included in the study. The participants' scores for KAP were 4.9 ± 2.2, 27.4 ± 3.0, and 7.0 ± 2.1, respectively. Participants with occupational exposure had significantly lower knowledge score (3.3 ± 2.4 vs 5.2 ± 2.1, P < .001), and practice score (5.6 ± 2.4 vs 7.3 ± 1.9, P < .001) than those without occupational exposure. Participants with smoking or passive smoking history had significantly higher attitude scores (27.6 ± 2.9 vs 25.8 ± 3.2, P < .001) and practice scores (7.1 ± 2.0 vs 6.5 ± 2.5, P = .014) than those without smoking history. A total of 360 (62.4%) participants endorsed the doctors' counseling on lung cancer screening, and 355 (61.5%) participants were willing to have screening for lung cancer as doctors advised. The study revealed that 390 (67.6%) participants identified low-dose computed tomography as the appropriate method for lung cancer screening, while 356 (61.7%) participants believed that X-rays were a reliable screening method for lung cancer. However, 365 (63.3%) participants thought that the treatment outcomes for early and late-diagnosed lung cancer were the same. Additionally, 416 (72.10%) participants believed that annual lung cancer CT scanning is unnecessary. On the other hand, 339 (58.8%) participants expressed concerns about exposure to radiation from CT scans, while 349 (60.5%) participants were worried about the cost of lung cancer screening. Only 142 (24.6%) participants reported having undergone annual lung cancer screening. The high-risk population had limited knowledge and insufficient attitude and practice toward lung cancer screening in Lanzhou, China.

Changing Roles and Responsibilities of Dietitians from Diverse Settings During the First Three Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nova Scotia

Purpose: To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nova Scotian dietitian's roles, responsibilities, and professional development needs.Methods: We conducted a province-wide, online, exploratory survey with registered dietitians during the initial waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Differences were explored with descriptive statistics by work sector (hospital/acute care; primary health/community or public health (PH); long-term care [LTC]; other [e.g., private practice, retail]).Results: Dietitians (n = 122) reported being most frequently challenged by stress and anxiety, changing work expectations, and rapidly evolving safety protocols during the pandemic. Those working in PH, primary health, and LTC reported experiencing more work responsibilities, more change, and perceived less employer support than dietitians in other sectors. Despite the identified challenges, most participants (70.7%) felt their education and training were sufficient to take on these new work roles. Primary and PH dietitians, however, more frequently perceived their skill sets to be under-utilized than other sectors. Key learnings from practice identified as being important for dietetic education included qualities such as resilience, problem-solving, flexibility, and self-care.Conclusion: These findings will be of interest to health administrators, professional bodies, and academic institutions to inform strategies for strengthening dietetic practice, building resilience, and preparing for future emergencies.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Towards Osteoporosis Among Adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2023

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis, the silent epidemic, is defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low mineral bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue. Osteoporosis is considered a burden to global economic, social, and health development. Osteoporosis exerts a substantial global influence, markedly influencing rates of illness and death on a broad scale. Clinical features of osteoporosis can include chronic back pain, loss of height, and a stooped posture, as well as an increased risk of fractures in the spine, hip, and wrist. Accurate identification and monitoring of these clinical features are essential for effective management and treatment of osteoporosis. This study aims to identify the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of adults (over 18 years) about osteoporosis and identify relations between knowledge, attitudes, and practices with demographic data. Furthermore, to assess the risk factors and preventive measures for osteoporosis.

METHODOLOGY

Data from 446 responders were collected using a Google Forms questionnaire, including questions to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice levels among adults 18 years and above in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The collected data and statistical analysis were done through the IBM® SPSS® Statistics. Chi-Square was used in SPSS Statistics; the chi-square test was used for the relation between categorical variables, and P less than 0.05 was the cut-off level of significance.

RESULTS

The research revealed that 41.9% of the participants had good knowledge, 38.8% had a positive attitude, and 45.3% had poor practices. The results also showed that there is a statistically significant correlation between gender and knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

CONCLUSION

Our research demonstrates that there's a statistically significant correlation between gender variables with knowledge, attitudes, and practices. These findings have important implications in assessing the correlation between variables in our research that could be used to prevent osteoporosis further, target the specific demographic group, and provide the required education. Overall, our research contributes to a better understanding of the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards Osteoporosis among adults in the UAE and underscores the importance of further awareness in this area.

Perseverance with home-based upper limb practice after stroke: perspectives of stroke survivors and their significant others

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to explore factors that influence stroke survivors' ability to persevere with home-based upper limb practice.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive study embedded within a theoretical framework was conducted. Data were collected through semi-structured focus group, dyadic, and individual interviews. The Theoretical Domains Framework and Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behaviour (COM-B) model guided data collection and directed content analysis.

FINDINGS

Participants were 31 adult stroke survivors with upper limb impairment, with 13 significant other/s, who were living at home in Queensland, Australia. Three central tenants aligned with the COM-B and six themes were identified. Stroke survivors' capability to persevere was influenced by being physically able to practice and being able to understand, monitor and modify practice, their opportunity to persevere was influenced by accessing therapy and equipment required for practice and fitting practice into everyday life, and their motivation to persevere was influenced by having goals and experiencing meaningful outcomes and having support and being accountable.

CONCLUSION

Persevering with practice is multifaceted for stroke survivors. All facets need to be addressed in the design of strategies to enhance stroke survivors' ability to persevere and in turn, enhance their potential for continued upper limb recovery.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMany stroke survivors do not persevere with long-term home-based upper limb practice despite the belief that high dose practice will promote continued recovery.Therapists need to support stroke survivors to setup individualised goal-based home programs that they can complete independently, or with support, within their everyday life.Stroke survivors need coaching to monitor and modify their practice and map their progress, so that they can recognise and experience meaningful recovery.To optimise upper limb recovery after stroke, strategies to enhance stroke survivors' capability, opportunity, and motivation to persevere across the continuum of recovery, need to be co-designed by stroke survivors, therapists and researchers.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Foot Care and the Risk of Foot Ulcers in Diabetic Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia are often underinformed about proper diabetic foot care. This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the risk factors of diabetic foot ulcers among diabetic patients in the Jeddah region of Saudi Arabia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was done on 210 diabetic patients attending the international diabetic center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the study period. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data about participants' demographics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices of diabetic foot care.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 77 (36.7%) were aged 51-60 years; 161 (76.7%) were male; 153 (72.9%) had a university education; and approximately 138 (65%) had type 2 DM. A majority, 190 (90.5%), acknowledged that DM patients might have reduced foot sensation; 204 (97.1%) agreed that diabetics could develop gangrene; 188 (89.5%) concurred that poor foot sensation increases the risk of foot ulcers; and 193 (91.9%) agreed that poor blood flow to the feet heightens this risk. Among them, 152 (72.4%) demonstrated good knowledge about foot care and the risk of foot ulcers; eight (3.8%) exhibited a positive attitude; and 95 (45.2%) showed a good level of practice. Good knowledge was significantly higher among married patients, and good practice was notably higher among older patients (>50 years). A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge scores and both attitude and practice scores.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed adequate knowledge and practice of foot care and the risk of foot ulcers among diabetic patients. However, a high percentage of negative attitudes toward these issues were observed.

Knowledge and Practice Regarding Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Among Adolescent Females in Riyadh City: An Observational Study

Introduction Vaginal discharge (VD) is a common condition that affects women during their childbearing years and often requires medical attention. It results from the physiological secretion of cervical and Bartholin's glands, as well as the shedding of vaginal epithelial cells caused by bacterial action in the vagina, which alters the acidic environment of the vagina. Experiencing vaginal symptoms is a common reason for seeking medical attention, especially among women during their reproductive years. This often leads to a visit to an obstetrician or a gynecologist. Accordingly, addressing such issues becomes even more crucial. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice regarding abnormal VD (AVD) among adolescent females in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Methods The present study utilized a correlational cross-sectional survey methodology conducted in Riyadh City. The questionnaire was employed as the data collection instrument from November 2022 to November 2023. Eligibility for inclusion was limited to adolescent females and students living in Riyadh City, aged from 14 to 20 years. Electronic consent was obtained from participants aged 18 years and above, while consent from guardians was sought for those below 18 years. This sample size was determined with a minimum requirement of 500 participants, and 824 were involved. The questionnaire encompassed several sections, including demographic characteristics (gender, age, education, and menstruation history), history of AVD, knowledge regarding VD, and students' practices and behaviors related to VD. Cronbach's alpha values for all the sections were more than 0.7. Data analysis was performed using statistical software, employing descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and t-tests. Results A total of 824 girls were included, and their ages ranged from 14 to 20 years, with a mean age of (16 years ± 5) years old. Exactly 697 (84.6%) were high school students. Most of the study students (85.1%; 701) complained of an AVD at any point in their lives. Only 97 (11.8%) of the study students had a good knowledge level of VD. Higher age, marriage, late menarche, and seeking medical care for complaints of VD were the factors associated with a high knowledge level about VD (P<0.05). Additionally, 44.2% of school-age females sought medical care when experiencing AVD, with reasons including worsening symptoms over time and fear of serious diseases. However, a significant portion of participants opted for self-treatment using herbal remedies, medication from pharmacies, or leaving VD untreated, citing reasons such as perceiving it as a simple condition or fearing examination and disclosure. Conclusion In summary, the current study revealed that adolescent females demonstrate a sub-optimal level of knowledge regarding AVD. These findings are primarily observed among adolescent girls and individuals who exhibit a reluctance to seek appropriate medical intervention when having AVD.