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Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a worldwide challenge to the well‐being of animals and humans. The emergence of AMR is largely attributed to the improper utilization and overuse of antimicrobials. In order to combat this issue and promote responsible antimicrobial use (AMU), it is imperative for veterinary professionals and graduating students to possess extensive knowledge, maintain positive attitudes, and adhere to good practices regarding AMU and AMR. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) of veterinary professionals and senior animal health students' towards veterinary AMU and AMR. Methods: A cross‐sectional study design was conducted on purposefully selected 200 participants (60 of them were veterinary professionals from the districts and towns, and the remaining 140 were senior animal health university students). A self‐administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect the necessary data, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Results: The study revealed that, overall, study participants' KAP were not satisfactory. From veterinary professionals, about 56.7% of respondents scored average knowledge, whereas 66.7% and 61.66% of them had negative attitudes and poor practices, respectively, on AMU and AMR. The study found that 56% of the participants' think the previous knowledge they acquired regarding AMU and AMR was not sufficient, and the internet was used as a source of drug information by the majority of participants. The majority (72%) of them were not taking special training on AMU and AMR. Regarding senior animal health students, this study indicated that 52% and 69.2% of the respondents had poor knowledge and a negative attitude, respectively, towards AMU and AMR. Conclusion: Overall, veterinary professionals in the central Gondar zone have average knowledge, a negative attitude and poor practices. Poor knowledge and a negative attitude were also observed among senior animal health students towards AMU and AMR. Therefore, to fill the observed gaps, activities that enhance the skills of veterinary professionals and students should be implemented. Ingreted measures with animicrobial stewardship program and Nationwide studies are highly suggested to evaluate the overall status of veterinary professionals towards AMU and AMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractEgypt is experiencing an increasing drug problem (cannabis, heroin, amphetamines, pharmaceutical opioids, synthetic cannabinoids). Whilst harm reduction and addiction treatment are provided by government and non-governmental organizations in Egypt, very little is known about physicians experience of handling patient substance use and substance use disorder (SUD) in primary care. A cross-sectional national study of 392 Egyptian Family Physicians (FPs) & General Practitioners (GPs) explored their knowledge, attitude and professional practice regarding management of SUD in primary care, as a first step toward identifying professional development support needs and informing general practice. Findings underscore the need for greater depth of addiction training during undergraduate medical education and in continuing professional development, so that Egyptian FPs/GPs can better prevent harmful substance use, detect patients with SUD, intervene and support those in treatment. This study provides unique information which will inform further development and scale of evidence based SUD brief intervention and treatment within Egyptian primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is a major public health concern, with India bearing the highest global burden of SBE-related deaths. SBE is concentrated in rural and tribal regions of India, where the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of the dwelling communities largely influence mortality and morbidity. Understanding these factors is crucial to designing effective SBE prevention and management strategies. The present study's objective was to document the perspectives of community members and practices in selected blocks of Maharashtra and Odisha States regarding SBE prevention, first aid and health-seeking behaviour. Methods Between March and April 2022, 28 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Study sites included Shahapur block in Thane district, Aheri block in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, and Khordha block in Khordha district, Kasipur block in Rayagada district of Odisha. Separate FGDs were held for males (n=14) and females (n=14), involving about 8-16 participants above 18 yr. All discussions were audio recorded, and a grounded theory approach was employed to identify key themes from the translated transcripts. Results The findings of this study revealed a variety of perspectives and practices determining the SBE burden at the study sites. The findings included insufficient knowledge about snake species and their nature of toxicity, use of non-scientific first aid techniques, inaccessible health care and reliance on traditional healers, non-utilization of prevention methods, varied cultural beliefs and practices, and differential treatments based on gender. The findings have been collated in two simplistic frameworks; barriers to effective prevention and barriers to effective management. Interpretation & conclusions SBE burden results from a complex interplay between socioeconomic, cultural, and demographic factors, necessitating a collaborative inter-sectoral effort for adequate control. Through crucial regional inputs and the barriers to prevention and management models, this study provides critical insights and priority intervention areas to strengthen India's upcoming National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) in all high-burden States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the status of nurses′ knowledge, attitude and practices regarding insulin pump treatment, and their association and influencing factors. Methods　This study was a cross-sectional study. It was based on the stratified sampling method with registered clinical nurses from Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology as research subject from June to July 2021. The research tools consisted of 19-item, independently created questionnaires that assess nurses′ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the use of insulin pumps. The results ranged from 9 to 55 points. The variance analysis or independent sample t test was used to compare the difference in scores between different nurses for their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding insulin pump treatment. At the same time, the total score of insulin pump treatment was taken as the dependent variable, and the statistically significant variables in the single-factor analysis results were included. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the mediating role of attitude towards insulin pump treatment between knowledge and behavior. Results　One thousand eight hundred and forty-four valid questionnaires were collected. The nurses had a low awareness rate of the complete identification standard of insulin pump treatment (10.57%), drug characteristics in insulin pump (51.19%), methods to handle the alarm of insulin pump low battery/low volume (52.60%), and the time to disconnect the insulin pump from the body (59.44%). There were statistically significant differences between single-item scores and total scores for job title, manager′s cognition of insulin pumps, different specialties, and annual time spent attending insulin pump training and operation (P<0.05). The total score was (45.8±7.6), of which the total scores of knowledges, belief, and behavior were (6.7±1.6), (19.5±1.5) and (19.6±6.0), respectively. The score rate of knowledge, belief, and behavior was 67.0%, 97.5% and 78.4%, respectively. The independent factors influencing the total score of nurses′ knowledge, attitudes and practices related to insulin pump treatment were time spent attending insulin pump training, time spent using an insulin pump operation, pediatric department and emergency critical care department (with regression coefficients of 1.945, 1.782, -8.207, and -5.444, respectively, and mean P<0.001). Nurses′ knowledge of insulin pump treatment can indirectly and positively influence their practice through their attitudes, but direct and positive influenc was the main way. Conclusions　Nurses′ knowledge and practices of insulin pump treatment need to be improved. There is a positive relationship between their knowledge, attitude and practice of the insulin pump treatment. Furthermore, their knowledge of insulin pump treatment can influence their practices through their attitudes, with direct and positive influence being the most important way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An open label prospective interventional study was conducted on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients to assess the influence of pharmacist provided education on inhaler usage technique and its impact on therapeutic outcomes in patients with Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee and conducted in the pulmonology department of Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpalli, Telangana. Written informed consent was obtained from the recruited study patients. A suitably designed data collection form was designed to capture disease and lab details i.e. forced expiratory volume in the 1st second. A newly constructed and validated knowledge, attitude and practices questionnaire was administered to assess the knowledge about the disease and its management. An inhaler checklist was applied to every patient to assess the inhaler usage technique and provided suitable guidance to use the inhaler effectively and assessed the impact of education on the patient's therapeutic outcomes. Among the 20 patients, 11 (55 %) were females and 9 (45 %) were males. The mean age of the study patients was 54±3 y. A significant improvement in knowledge, attitude and practices scores was observed in the post-counselling stage (p<0.001) and inhaler usage technique (p<0.001) among the patient after providing the counselling. Correct education about disease and inhaler usage techniques had shown an improvement in patient's therapeutic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presented as an emergent threat to global health. It was necessary to identify level of public awareness on disease prevention to mitigate the pandemic. Until then, no vaccine or effective drug were available for the control, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19. Preventive measures were the only way out. Objectives: a) To study knowledge of people regarding COVID-19. b) To study attitude of people towards lockdown. c) To assess practices of people in taking preventive measures for COVID-19. Method: A cross sectional study was carried out among general population. Sample size was calculated using the formula 4pq/l2 where, p= proportion of people having knowledge regarding COVID-19 THAT IS 50%. Minimum calculated sample size was 205. Data was collected using pre- tested, structured questionnaire through online portal. Study was approved by Institutional Ethics committee. Results: The present study included a total of 249 subjects in which subjects’ age varies from 18-65+ years. Maximum number of subjects held a graduate degree 214 (86%). More than 80% study subjects were aware about contagious nature of COVID- 19, practice of social distancing, usage of sanitizer and vaccination. 66.7% subjects were using N95 marks and more than 60% were vaccinated. 69% opined that strict lockdown should be enforced. Conclusion: Present study had some shortfall in knowledge among subjects regarding some aspects of COVID-19. Therefore, there was an obligation for awareness that can be directed via health education and training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of study: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of health care professionals working in Abha primary health care (PHC) centers regarding standard precautions of infection control. Subjects and Methods: This cross sectional study included 212 health care professionals in Abha PHC centers. An electronic questionnaire was constructed by the researchers and was used for data collection. It consisted of five parts, i.e., socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge questions about infection control and standard precautions, statements about attitude of participants, practice of health care providers regarding infection control and perceived obstacles against adequate application of standard precautions. Results: Most participants were physicians with Bachelor degree (68.9%, and 45.3%, respectively), while 51.9% had an experience less than five years in PHC. About two thirds of PHC centers (60.8%) had a special and separate room for medical waste. Only 55.7% attended training programs on infection control and 72.6% viewed a memo about coronavirus. About one third of participants (31.6%) had poor knowledge about infection control, 88.2% had positive attitude toward infection control policy and procedures, while 49.5% had poor practice level. There were no significant differences in participants' knowledge or attitude according to their socio-demographic characteristics, while their practices were significantly better among those who got a training program about infection control and those who had an experience <5 years in primary care (p = 0.040, and P = 0.032, respectively). Conclusions: Health professionals have suboptimal knowledge and practice levels regarding standard precautions of infection control, while most of them have positive attitude. Therefore, it is recommended to enforce their training and to increase the supervision in PHC settings regarding infection control policy and procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Young Child Feeding Practices (IYCF) includes breast feedind and complementary feeding. Proper feeding practices are essential for proper nutrition, growth, development and survival of infant and young children.Maternal knowledge and feeding attitude has been shown to be a stronger predictor of breast feeding initiation and complementary feeding practice. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers regarding infant and young child feeding. Material and Methods: This cross sectional study was done in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from June 2017 to November 2017.A total number of 218 mothers having children between 0-23 months were included.Modified Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) and 5 point Likert scale was applied to assess maternal attitude towards infant and young children feeding. The relationship between infant feeding knowledge, attitude and practices and socio-demographic variables was tested by using Chi-square test. Relationship among mothers knowledge, attitude and practices regarding IYCF was showed by Spearman's correlation. Results: The study result showed that, 83.5% mothers had good knowledge about IYCF but only half of them had good practice. Almost everyone (99.1%) agreed that breast milk is best for new born baby. Most of the mother (94%) knew that exclusive breast feeding should be given for six months but only half of them (51.1%) practiced EBF.Though 72.5 % mothers had positive attitude towards breast feeding but about two third (63.6%) of them gave formula milk within 6 completed months. About two third of mothers (60.2%) used bottle for feeding their child. Most of the mother (94%) had knowledge about complementary feeding but only 55.7% mother provide complementary feeding accurately with atleast four different types of food. This study showed that educational background has significant relationship with KAP of mothers regarding IYCF. Conclusion: The study concluded that, majority of the mothers had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards breastfeeding and complementary feeding but they did not practice this properly.There is a strong association between mother's educational background and KAP (Knowledge, attitude & practice) regarding IYCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breastfeeding is a critical first step on a child’s path to a healthy future. Despite its benefits, breastfeeding is no longer a norm in many communities. Inadequate support and lack of information by healthcare professionals were risk factors affecting breastfeeding failure. Although many studies identified knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding among mothers, little is known about knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding among medical and nursing students in Egypt. Aim: This study is aiming to assess knowledge, attitude and anticipated practices of medical and nursing female students at Al-Azhar University to provide breastfeeding support. Participants and methods: A cross sectional study, conducted at Al-Azhar University in Cairo during the academic year (2018-2019) on a sample of 440 female students from faculty of medicine and faculty of nursing. Results: Regarding knowledge, the finding of the study revealed very good level of knowledge (mean percent score of knowledge was 75.23%±7.37) and most of studied groups had neutral attitude (78.4%). Mean score of anticipated practices among them was 63.97±6.64 indicating average level. Conclusion and recommendation: This study reflects very good level of knowledge, neutral attitude and average anticipated practices level among undergraduate female students in medical and nursing faculties at Al-Azhar University. So, it is crucial to focus on students’ education and training as a fundamental aspect in improving future health care providers’ knowledge, skills and experience needed in clinical practice. This will affect students’ attitudes towards breastfeeding and will reflect on their anticipated practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Telepharmacy has emerged as a crucial component of healthcare worldwide during Covid-19 pandemic, yet there is scarce literature on the acceptability of telepharmacy services in Malaysia. This study aimed to evaluate the public's knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) towards telepharmacy services in Malaysia during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional survey included 385 participants in Malaysia who responded via an online structured, self-administered questionnaire. The authors utilised a convenience sampling methodology. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: Section A was comprised of socio-demographic profiles, while Section B, C, and D assessed respondents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards telepharmacy services respectively. The statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: The results showed that respondents possessed moderate knowledge, a positive attitude, and poor practices concerning telepharmacy services during the Covid-19 pandemic. The mean knowledge score was 3.02±1.640, while the mean attitude score, out of a maximum possible score of 30, was 25.46±3.404. The mean practice score was 2.75±0.655. A significant association was found between gender (p=0.045), level of education (p=0.004), district of residence (p<0.001), occupation (p=0.013), and the total score of practice towards telepharmacy services. This study also found a significant relationship between respondents' knowledge and attitude, knowledge and practice, and attitude and practice towards telepharmacy services during Covid-19. Conclusions: Telepharmacy services have been observed to have a direct correlation with a positive attitude and effective practice among the public in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inappropriate complementary feeding is an important challenge to proper child nutrition in post‐conflict rural areas in many sub‐Saharan African countries. While in protected areas during conflict situation and soon after during recovery, communities normally receive nutrition education as part of capacity building to improve knowledge, attitude, and practices to enable them manage maternal and child nutrition issues during the post‐conflict development phase. It is largely unknown whether capacity in nutrition provided is maintained and adequately applied in the post‐conflict development situation. Using Acholi sub‐region of Uganda, an area that experienced violent armed conflict for 20 years (mid‐80s–early 2000), as a case study, we examined the status of nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practices associated with complementary feeding among caregivers of 6‐ to 23‐month‐old children in a post‐conflict development phase following return to normalcy nearly 10 years post‐conflict emergency situation. The results showed that a high proportion of caregivers had good knowledge (88%) and attitude (90.1%) toward complementary feeding. However, only a half (50%) of them practiced correct nutrition behavior. Education status of the household head and sex of the child significantly predicted caregiver knowledge on complementary feeding (p ≤ 0.05). Education status of the household head also predicted caregiver attitude toward complementary feeding (p ≤ 0.05). Poverty, food insecurity, and maternal ill health were the major factors that hindered caregivers from practicing good complementary feeding behavior. These results demonstrate that nutrition education on complementary feeding provided to the community during conflict emergency and recovery situation is largely retained in terms of knowledge and attitude but poorly translated into good child feeding practices due to poverty, food insecurity, and maternal ill health. Maternal health, food security, and poverty reduction should be prioritized if adequate complementary feeding is to be achieved among conflict‐affected communities in the post‐conflict development phase. The study examined the status of nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practices associated with complementary feeding among caregivers of 6‐ to 23‐month‐old children in a post‐conflict development setting following return to normalcy nearly 10 years of post‐conflict emergency using Acholi sub‐region of Uganda as a case study. The results demonstrated that nutrition education on complementary feeding provided to the community during conflict emergency and recovery situation is largely retained in terms of knowledge and attitude but poorly translated into good child feeding practices due to poverty, food insecurity, and maternal ill health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is not avertable; however, the adverse effects of CH are preventable with early detection and treatment. It is a common congenital endocrine disorder that affects 1 in 2000-4000 newborns globally. The true incidence in Pakistan is unknown. Data from hospital studies quote an incidence of 1 in 1600-2000. The aim of this study was to uncover existing knowledge of CH and screening for the condition and to assess the impact of health education on mothers' knowledge and attitudes towards having their newborns screened. Methods: The study was conducted from January 2012 to August 2013 at a local hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. This was a prospective, interventional cohort study implemented through a pre- and post-crosssectional knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) survey. Interviews were conducted using structured questionnaires on CH. Results: At baseline (pre-intervention survey), 400 participants consented and 355 (88.9%) completed the study. There was a significant increase in awareness among participating women following the intervention (20% to approximately 98%). Similarly, 78.9% agreed to opt for a screening test for their newborns following delivery as compared with 57.7% in the pre-intervention KAP survey (relative risk 1.38, p-value <0.0001). Conclusion: Unfortunately, the majority of mothers were unaware of CH and its implications, leading to less screening and fewer diagnoses. This study underlines the importance of education in screening programmes to create awareness and maximize uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In South Africa malaria is endemic in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the north-eastern areas of KwaZulu-Natal provinces. South Africa has set targets to eliminate malaria by 2018 and research into complementary vector control tools such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is ongoing. It is important to understand community perceptions regarding malaria transmission and control interventions to enable development of community awareness campaign messages appropriate to the needs of the community. We aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malaria transmission to inform a public awareness campaign for SIT in Jozini Local Municipality, Mamfene in KwaZulu-Natal province.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in three communities in Mamfene, KwaZulu-Natal during 2015. A structured field piloted questionnaire was administered to 400 randomly selected heads of households. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data.Results: Of the 400 participants interviewed, 99% had heard about malaria and correctly associated it with mosquito bites. The sources of malaria information were the local health facility (53%), radio (16%) and community meetings (7%). Approximately 63% of the participants were able to identify three or four symptoms of malaria. The majority (76%) were confident that indoor residual spraying (IRS) kills mosquitoes and prevents infection. Bed nets were used by 2% of the participants. SIT knowledge was poor (9%), however 63% of the participants were supportive of mosquito releases for research purposes. The remaining 37% raised concerns and fears, including fear of the unknown and lack of information on the SIT.Conclusion: Appropriate knowledge, positive attitude and acceptable treatment-seeking behaviour for malaria were demonstrated by members of the community. Community involvement will be crucial in achieving success of the SIT and future studies should further investigate concerns raised by the community. The existing communication channels used by the malaria control program can be used; however additional channels should be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Several occupations in developing countries lag behind in ensuring the safety of their workers in occupational settings. Lack of implementation of safety guidelines at workplaces can expose workers to health risks. In Pakistan, barbers are one of the un-regulated occupational groups. Low literacy, increased frequency of direct skin contact and blade/razors use can expose barbers to body fluids including blood of the customers. We conducted this study in order to determine hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence among barbers and their knowledge, attitude and practices in a peri-urban district of Sindh. Material and Methods: Three hundred eighty-five barbers from the Sukkur district were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and tested for HBsAg. A scale was built to determine the proportions of responses to knowledge, attitude and practice items. Results: The prevalence of HBV among barbers was 2.1%. The barbers' knowledge on HBV and its transmission routes was poor. The response to attitude items was good, except that only 35.1% of the participants agreed to have vaccination against HBV. The overall performance on the knowledge and practice scales was poor compared to the attitude scale on which 80% of the barbers performed well. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV among barbers was lower compared to the available national figures for the prevalence among the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers regarding immunization of one year old child at Mawatch Goth, Kemari town, Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among mothers having one year old child at Mawatch Goth, Kemari town, Karachi in February 2007. All mothers having less than one year old child were interviewed through a semi structured uestionnaire regarding immunization knowledge attitude and practices. The data collected through a questionnaire entered and analyzed by using SPSS program version 15. Results: Majority of the mothers were illiterate, belonging to low-income group and not aware about the name of diseases in EPI Program. Majority (70%) of women started routine immunization of the child. The reasons for missing vaccination schedule were lack of understanding of next appointment, non availability of health staff, mild flu and others reasons like household work. About thirty one percent mothers quit immunization after missing one dose. Health care staff was the main source of information. A positive attitude was reflected from both the parents towards immunization. A significant number stated that vaccination is contraindicated in mild illness of child. Conclusion: The knowledge of our mothers about vaccination was found inadequate with strong positive attitude and limited practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to assess the influence of pharmacist provided patient counseling on patients' perception about the disease management and quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The present study was a randomized, prospective controlled study conducted over a period of six months in two community pharmacies in Calicut, Kerala, India. A total of seventy (48 male and 22 female) type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were enrolled and randomized into test and control groups. Patients in the test group received patient counseling and patient information leaflets from the pharmacist, where as the control group patients received the counseling and patient information leaflets only at the end of the study. After the baseline, two follow-ups were made with sixty days interval between the follow-ups. During each visit patient's random capillary blood glucose was measured by using a standard Glucometer. Suitably designed and validated knowledge, attitude and practices questionnaire was administered at baseline and final follow up for both test and control group patients to assess the disease management awareness. Audit of diabetes-dependent quality of life questionnaire was administered to measure the quality of life in both control and test group patients at each follow up. At the end of the study, knowledge, attitude and practices scores found markedly improved in test group patients. Mean capillary blood glucose levels were decreased in test group (P<0.05) and an improvement in mean quality of life scores (P<0.05) was observed. Where as a reduction of quality of life score (P<0.05) and a non-significant increase of capillary blood glucose levels (P>0.05) was observed in the control group patients. The correlation between the capillary blood glucose levels and quality of life scores were also found to be highly significant in the test group (r= 0.955). The results of the study suggests that, pharmacist provided patient counseling has an impact in improving the perception about disease, diet and life style changes and in turn on glycemic control and overall quality of life in diabetic patients. Pharmacist provided patient counseling might be considered as an important element in implementing the disease management program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]