Complementary medicine in Germany: a multi-centre cross-sectional survey on the usage by and the needs of patients hospitalized in university medical centers

Abstract Background The results of recent surveys indicate that more than 50% of the German population has experience with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) or uses CAM regularly. This study investigated the CAM usage and CAM-related needs of hospitalized patients at university medical centres in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Methods A multi-centre, paper-based, pseudonymous survey was carried out by the members of the Academic Centre for Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Patients of all ages, regardless of sex, diagnosis and treatment, who were hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Oncology, Gynaecology or Surgery at the university medical centres in Freiburg, Heidelberg, Tübingen and Ulm were eligible for inclusion. Results Of the 1275 eligible patients, 67% (n = 854) consented to participate in the survey. Forty-eight percent of the study participants stated that they were currently using CAM. The most frequently used therapies were exercise (63%), herbal medicine (54%) and dietary supplements (53%). Only 16% of the patients discussed CAM usage with their attending physician. Half of the patients (48%) were interested in CAM consultations. More than 80% of the patients desired reliable CAM information and stated that physicians should be better informed about CAM. Conclusions The frequency of CAM usage and the need for CAM counselling among hospitalized patients at university medical centres in Baden-Württemberg are high. To better meet patients’ needs, CAM research and physician education should be intensified. Trial registration German Clinical Trial register (DRKS00015445).

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Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Undergraduate Midwifery Students of the University for Development Studies, Ghana

Advances in Research ◽

10.9734/air/2021/v22i430308 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 26-37

Author(s):

Ruth Nimota Nukpezah ◽

Rita Lariba Alenyorige ◽

Inusah Abdul-Wahab ◽

Felicia Maltiba Asaana ◽

Grace Adinga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Undergraduate Students ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Development Studies ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Breast Self Examination ◽

Knowledge And Practice ◽

The University ◽

Study Participants ◽

Self Examination

Background: Against the background of the worldwide harm caused by breast cancer, as well as the benefits of early detection through simple techniques such as breast self-examination, this study investigated the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among, midwifery undergraduate students of the University for Development Studies, Tamale-Ghana. Methods: The study is an institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted among second-year female students at the Midwifery Department of the University for Development Studies. The data was collected through a pre-tested structured paper based-questionnaire. The data were analyzed descriptively and presented in frequencies, percentages, tables and figure. Results: The study recruited 100 participants with an age range between 20 and 39 years with the majority within 20-24 years. The overall knowledge score was 73.0%, a majority of the participants indicated practising breast self-examination (81.0%), but with a low practice score of (49.0%). The study found significant associations between practices of breast self-examination, age (p= 0.022) and marital status (p=0.001) of study participants. Conclusion: The study found high knowledge of breast self-examination with the majority of study participants saying that they practise breast self-examination. However, the overall practices score of breast-self-examination was relatively low. Additional efforts by the directorate of health services at universities including our study setting are needed to increase knowledge and practices of breast self-examination among students, irrespective of their programme of study.

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Infectious Diseases Training in Canada: One Size Does Not Fit All

Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1155/2001/938156 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 98-100 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

B Craig Lee

Keyword(s):

Infectious Diseases ◽

Training Program ◽

Career Counselling ◽

Health Administration ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

University Of Calgary ◽

Academic Settings ◽

Outpatient Settings ◽

The University

PURPOSE:To evaluate training in infectious diseases, determining which components of the training program best prepare residents for their career choices and where improvements are needed.METHOD:A cross-sectional survey was mailed to all 14 physicians who had graduated from both the Adult and Paediatric Infectious Diseases Training Program at the University of Calgary from 1985 to 1998. Responses about the adequacy of training were measured using a Likert-type scale and a qualitative questionnaire.RESULTS:Of 14 mailed questionnaires, nine responses were received (64%). Two-thirds of respondents were in an academic setting, and seven (78%) graduates obtained postfellowship training. The specialists in academic settings were all engaged in multiple nonclinical activities. The clinical and diagnostic microbiological components of training received the highest scores in terms of adequacy of training.CONCLUSION:Graduates of the University of Calgary training program indicated an overall satisfaction with their training. However, improvements are needed in career counselling, health administration, antibiotic utilization, infection prevention and specialized outpatient clinics. Potential strategies for addressing these issues include didactic lectures, enhanced exposure to clinical outpatient settings and provision of designated faculty mentors.

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Prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity among Tibetan adolescents aged 12-17 years

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021000215 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-17

Author(s):

Yunfei Zhang ◽

Jiahong Sun ◽

Min Zhao ◽

Costan G. Magnussen ◽

Xi Bo

Keyword(s):

Sampling Method ◽

Total Sample ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Clear Trend ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity among Tibetan adolescents aged 12-17 years. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Shigatse city of Tibet municipality, with an average altitude of more than 4000 m. Subjects: Study participants included 2,642 adolescents aged 12-17 years selected from 6 schools using a convenient cluster sampling method. Results: The prevalence of thinness/overweight/obesity among Tibetan adolescents was 9.4%/5.4%/1.4% (China definition), 14.7%/4.4%/0.7% (IOTF definition), and 2.8%/5.7%/0.9% (WHO definition). The prevalence of thinness and overweight was significantly different between both sexes based on each of three BMI classification criteria (P <0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of obesity between both sexes according to each of three BMI criteria. There was no clear trend in the prevalence of thinness across ages according to the China or IOTF definition (both P >0.05), whereas an upward trend was observed for thinness in boys according to the IOTF definition (P for trend <0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of thinness tended to decrease with increasing age in girls according to the IOTF definition, and in total sample according to the WHO definition (P for trend <0.05). Conclusions: Among Tibetan adolescents, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is relatively low, while the prevalence of thinness is high, especially in boys. These data suggest urgent attention is needed to control adolescent thinness in Tibet.

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Pharmacological neuroenhancement and the ability to recover from stress – a representative cross-sectional survey among the German population

Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy ◽

10.1186/s13011-018-0174-1 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Christiana Bagusat ◽

Angela Kunzler ◽

Jennifer Schlecht ◽

Andreas G. Franke ◽

Andrea Chmitorz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

German Population ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

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The knowledge, perceptions and relationship behaviour of rugby and football players towards HIV infection at the University of Limpopo

Curationis ◽

10.4102/curationis.v41i1.1899 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Indiran Govender ◽

Kathryn Nel ◽

Nhlanhla Banyini

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Survey Design ◽

Physical Contact ◽

Hiv Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Contact Sports ◽

Quota Sampling ◽

Immunodeficiency Syndrome ◽

The University

Background: Sport has the capability to unite a country. To achieve winning teams, athletes have to rely on each other and often have close physical contact. Disclosure of a positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status may be problematic for athletes in contact sports as they may suffer discrimination and stigmatisation which may impact their relationship behaviours. This may impact frontline nursing and medical staff dealing with on-field ‘blood’ injuries.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine if individuals who participate in football and rugby are aware of the risk of HIV infection in contact sports and their perceptions and reported behaviour towards HIV-positive athletes.Method: A cross-sectional survey design with a qualitative element. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while thematic content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.Non-proportional quota sampling was used for male rugby (n = 23) and football (30) players registered at the University of Limpopo (Turfloop campus).Results: The results supported previous research in that there are gaps in HIV knowledge. For instance, not knowing that anal sex may cause HIV infection and believing that saliva can transmit HIV and that blood transfusions are unsafe.Conclusion: Problematic findings were that a portion of the sample believed that having sex with a virgin could cure HIV and the majority of the sample believed that being ‘bewitched’ could cause HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

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Factors Associated with Physical Activity among Medical Students of Jazan University: A Cross-Sectional Study

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v9n4p266 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 266 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Husam Eldin Elsawi Khalafalla ◽

Mohamed Salih Mahfouz ◽

Muath Hassan Ibrahim Najmi ◽

Sayyaf Abdullah Mohammad Najmi ◽

Qasem Ali Yahya Arishi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

High Prevalence ◽

The University ◽

Study Participants

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is one of the most important factors that affect human health; it reduces the chances of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, and depression.OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to measure prevalence of physical activity and to determine the factors affecting the level of physical activity among medical student in Jazan University.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of medical colleges of Jazan University. A random sample of 419 was determined using most recent physical activity prevalence. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.RESULTS: There is a high prevalence of inactivity among study participants (88.1%). Females (91.7%) were more significantly (p value=0.013) inactive than males (83.8%). The most influential barrier perceived by participants is (heavy) academic work as well as lack of places for physical activity; the latter factor being more effective in hindering female students' physical activity.CONCLUSION: Results revealed that the inactivity rate was very high among medical students. The results of this study call for a well-planned intervention at the university level for improving the level of physical activity among university students.

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An Exploratory Study of Students’ Indiscipline at Islamic University in Uganda

East African Journal of Education Studies ◽

10.37284/eajes.3.1.326 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 87-95

Author(s):

Amina Hassan

Keyword(s):

Survey Design ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Law Faculty ◽

The Status ◽

School Rules ◽

The Common ◽

Faculty Of Education ◽

The University ◽

Academic Year

The study explored the common students’ indiscipline at Islamic University in Uganda. The study was quantitative and a cross-sectional survey design was used. The population of the study was 3,486 registered students in the academic year 2019/2020. They were selected from the Faculty of Education, Faculty of Management Studies, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science. A sample of 265 respondents was selected for the study using proportionate and random sampling. The mean score was computed to analyse the data. To conclude, the point range of the arithmetic mean was considered. The study found that the common indiscipline among learners in IUIU included disrespect to teachers and school rules and regulations, theft, and irregular attendance. The study recommended IUIU administration improves staff remuneration to change the status of the teachers. Furthermore, the administration needs to tighten security in the university and residents need to take care of their property to avoid theft. The researcher also recommended that a study should be carried out to find out the cause of students’ irregular attendance

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Community-based study on the knowledge, awareness, and practices of females towards breast cancer in Buraimi, Oman

South Asian Journal of Cancer ◽

10.4103/sajc.sajc_71_18 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 07 (04) ◽

pp. 215-218 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Vijay Kumar Chattu ◽

Soosanna Kumary ◽

Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Negative Influence ◽

Cancer Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Comprehensive Information ◽

Study Participants ◽

Self Examination

Abstract Background: In Oman, a higher proportion of patients presented with breast cancer are relatively young age and with an advanced stage. This could be due to lack of awareness and knowledge about breast cancer among young women. Aim: To assess the breast cancer knowledge, awareness and factors associated with the practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among females in Buraimi, Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among females attending the two days health exhibition event at a polyclinc, in Al-Buraimi, governorate. A pretested questionnaire to assess their knowledge, awareness and practices concerned to breast cancer was used. The collected data was categorized, analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. All the statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 version. Results: Out of the total of one hundred and eighty nine (189) participants, 80% had information of breast cancer. Participants had better knowledge of symptoms but less knowledge about risk factors. When probed about BSE, only 43% performed it and only 21% of them do it monthly on regular basis. The main reasons for regular monthly BSE is mainly because of fear of breast cancer (9%), doctor's advice (6%) and awareness through media (5%). Conclusion: Our study participants showed insufficient knowledge in some areas related to sign and symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer and identified a negative influence of low knowledge on the practice of BSE. Thus, educational interventions need to be emphasized to provide comprehensive information of breast cancer.

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Healthcare personnel knowledge, motivations, concerns and intentions regarding COVID-19 vaccines: a cross-sectional survey

10.1101/2021.02.19.21251993 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Vivek Jain ◽

Sarah B. Doernberg ◽

Marisa Holubar ◽

Beatrice Huang ◽

Carina Marquez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

San Francisco ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Healthcare Personnel ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adult Age ◽

Raising Awareness ◽

Few Data ◽

The University

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare personnel (HCP) are prioritized for earliest SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administration, yet relatively few data exist on HCP’s knowledge, motivations, concerns, and intentions regarding COVID-19 vaccines.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey Nov.16-Dec.8, 2020 among HCP enrolled in a cohort study at three Northern California medical centers serving diverse roles including COVID-19 patient care. Eligible HCP were adult (age≥18) on-site employees of the University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital, and Stanford Healthcare. A one-time electronically-administered survey was sent to cohort HCP on November 16, 2020 and responses analyzed.ResultsOverall, among 2,448 HCP invited, 2,135 completed the COVID-19 vaccine survey (87.2% response rate). HCPs had mean age 41 years, were 73% female, and had diverse jobs including COVID-19 patient contact. Enthusiasm for vaccination was overall strong, and more HCP (1,453, 69%) said they would definitely/likely receive vaccine if formally FDA-approved versus if approved via emergency use authorization only (785, 35%). While 541 (25%) respondents wanted to be among the earliest to receive vaccine, more desired vaccination after the first round (777, 36%) or >2 months after vaccinations began (389, 18%). Top factors increasing motivation for vaccination included perceiving risk from COVID-19 to self (1,382, 65%) or to family/friends (1355, 63%). Top concerns were vaccine side effects, cited by 596 (28%), and concerns about political involvement in FDA’s approval process (249, 12%).ConclusionsHCP were enthusiastic about COVID-19 vaccination for individual protection and protecting others, but harbored concerns about vaccine side effects. Our data may inform emerging vaccine education campaigns.Key PointsAmong 2,135 healthcare personnel surveyed, we found enthusiasm for COVID-19 vaccination both for individual benefit and protecting others. However, healthcare personnel rated their knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines as only moderate and harbored concerns about vaccine side effects. Education raising awareness of vaccine efficacy and side effects may help maximize vaccine uptake.

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A cross-sectional study among healthcare and non-healthcare students in slovenia and croatia about do-not resuscitate decision-making

Slovenian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.2478/sjph-2019-0018 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 58 (3) ◽

pp. 139-147

Author(s):

Jure PUC ◽

Petra Obadić ◽

Vanja Erčulj ◽

Ana Borovečki ◽

Štefan Grosek

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Do Not Resuscitate ◽

Best Interest ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Respect For Autonomy ◽

Final Study ◽

Case Vignettes ◽

The University

Abstract Objective To survey university students on their views concerning the respect for autonomy of patients and the best interest of patients in relation to the withholding of resuscitation. Methods A cross-sectional survey among university students of medicine, nursing, philosophy, law and theology of the first and the final study years at the University of Ljubljana and the University of Zagreb was conducted during the academic year of 2016/2017. A questionnaire constructed by Janiver et al. presenting clinical case vignettes was used. Results The survey response rates for students in Ljubljana and Zagreb were 45.4% (512 students) and 37.9% (812 students), respectively. The results of our research show statistically significant differences in do-not resuscitate decisions in different cases between medical and non-medical students in both countries. Male and religious students in both countries have lower odds of respecting relatives’ wishes for the withholding of resuscitation (odds ratio 0.49–0.54; 95% confidence interval). All students agreed that they would first resuscitate children if they had to prioritize among patients. Conclusions Our study clearly shows that gender, religious beliefs, and type of study are important factors associated with the decisions pertaining to the respect for autonomy, patient’s best interest, and initiation or withholding of resuscitation.

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