scholarly journals Knowledge and attitude toward genetic diseases and genetic tests among pre-marriage individuals: A cross-sectional study in northern Iran

Author(s):  
Mohammad Bagher Hashemi-Soteh ◽  
Ali Vali Nejad ◽  
Golamreza Ataei ◽  
Dariush Ghasemi ◽  
Rita Siamy

Background: Genetic testing has been widely introduced for many hereditary disorders. While the attitudes towards these facilities have been evaluated in many countries, there are only a few reports on the knowledge of and the orientation among Iranians. Objective: The current study assesses the attitudes and knowledge of pre-marriage individuals toward the availability and use of genetic tests. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive questionnaire was distributed among 408 marrying individuals. The questions addressed the demographic characteristics along the registration of participant’s knowledge, education, and attitude toward genetic testing. The individuals were divided into three groups based on their knowledge: 1) Scored above 80 to 100 were defined as “good” 2) 60 to 80 as “average” 3) less than 60 as “poor” knowledge. Result: Most participants (86%) believed consanguineous marriages increase the risk of genetic diseases; 82.3% knew that thalassemia is a type of genetic disease, only 33.3% could distinguish prenatal diagnosis (PND) from other laboratory tests. The relationship between the participants’ knowledge and their level of education was significant (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), age (r =–0.16, p < 0.01), and urbanity (p < 0.01). A prominent relationship was observed between the knowledge (r = 0.64, p < 0.001) or education (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) and people’s desire to use the genetic tests before the wedding ceremony. No significant correlations were found between the participant’s attitude and their ages/urbanity. Most of the individuals agreed to arrange a genetic counseling before marriage (0.94%). Conclusion: This study revealed that most individuals were interested in using genetic counseling services and genetic tests before marriage.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeinab Aryanian ◽  
Maedeh Mohammadi ◽  
Arefeh Babazadeh ◽  
Ifa Etesami ◽  
Parvaneh Hatami ◽  
...  

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the well-known causes of cervical cancer and one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Since cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in women, this study was performed to investigate students' knowledge and attitudes in Babol University of Medical Sciences, Northern Iran, towards genital warts. This cross-sectional study assessed the perception and attitudes of 385 students at Babol University of Medical Sciences using a preconceived questionnaire. The data collection tool used in this study was a questionnaire that was confirmed to be valid and reliable. The participants' mean age was 23.70 +- 3.27 years, with a range of 20-50 years. Evaluation of these students' level of general information about HPV showed that 7 (1.8%) students had inadequate general information, 34 (8.8%) had moderate knowledge, and 344 (89.4%) had good general knowledge in this setting. There was also a significant association between students' general knowledge of HPV and their field of study. Based on the present study results, the knowledge of the majority of Babol University of Medical Sciences students about genital warts was in a good range, and their knowledge about HPV routes of transmission was of moderate level. Moreover, the majority had an appropriate attitude to interact with people infected with HPV.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 216
Author(s):  
Azhar T. Rahma ◽  
Mahanna Elsheik ◽  
Bassam R. Ali ◽  
Iffat Elbarazi ◽  
George P. Patrinos ◽  
...  

In order to successfully translate the scientific models of genetic testing and pharmacogenomics into clinical practice, empowering healthcare workers with the right knowledge and functional understanding on the subject is essential. Limited research in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have assessed healthcare worker stances towards genomics. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes on genetic testing. A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers practicing in either public or private hospitals or clinics as pharmacists, nurses, physicians, managers, and allied health. Participants were recruited randomly and via snowball techniques. Surveys were collected between April and September 2019; out of 552 respondents, 63.4% were female, the mean age was 38 (±9.6) years old. The mean knowledge score was 5.2 (±2.3) out of nine, which shows a fair level of knowledge. The scores of respondents of pharmacy were 5.1 (±2.5), medicine 6.0 (±2.0), and nursing 4.8 (±2.1). All participants exhibited a fair knowledge level about genetic testing and pharmacogenomics. Of the respondents, 91.9% showed a positive attitude regarding availability of genetic testing. The top identified barrier to implementation was the cost of testing (62%), followed by lack of training or education and insurance coverage (57.8% and 57.2%, respectively). Building upon the positive attitudes and tackling the barriers and challenges will pave the road for full implementation of genetic testing and pharmacogenomics in the UAE. We recommend empowering healthcare workers by improving needed and tailored competencies related to their area of practice. We strongly urge the stakeholders to streamline and benchmark the workflow, algorithm, and guidelines to standardize the health and electronic system. Lastly, we advocate utilizing technology and electronic decision support as well as the translational report to back up healthcare workers in the UAE.


2021 ◽  
Vol 96 ◽  
pp. 104643
Author(s):  
Vivian F.C. Wilschut ◽  
Birgit Pianosi ◽  
Harmieke van Os-Medendorp ◽  
Henk W. Elzevier ◽  
Jan S. Jukema ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. 247412642198922
Author(s):  
Brittany C. Tsou ◽  
T.Y. Alvin Liu ◽  
Jun Kong ◽  
Susan B. Bressler ◽  
J. Fernando Arevalo ◽  
...  

Purpose: This work evaluated the use and type of dietary supplements and home monitoring for nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as the prevalence of genetic testing among patients with AMD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 129 participants older than 50 years who completed self-administered questionnaires regarding usage and type of dietary supplements and home monitoring, as well as the participants’ use of genetic testing for AMD. Results: Of 91 participants with AMD, 83 (91.2%) took vitamins, including 55 (60.4%) who used an Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) or AREDS2 formulation. Of 38 without AMD, 31 (81.6%) took vitamins (difference from participants with AMD = 9.6% [95% CI, 0%-23.2%]), including 2 on an AREDS formulation. Among 82 participants with AMD who were AREDS candidates (intermediate or advanced AMD in 1 or both eyes), 51 (62.2%; 95% CI, 51.7%-72.7%) took an AREDS or AREDS2 formulation, and 31 (37.8%) did not (5 were unsure). Additionally, 50 (61.0%; 95% CI, 50.4%-71.6%) AREDS candidates did some type of home monitoring. Only 1 (1.2%; 95% CI, 0%-3.6%) underwent genetic testing for AMD. Among 9 with AMD who were not AREDS candidates, 4 (44.4%) used an AREDS formulation, 4 (44.4%) did not, and 1 (11.1%) was unsure; only 1 (11.1%) of these 9 performed home monitoring. Conclusions: Despite similar results from past surveys and AREDS2 data supporting supplement use in 2013 and home monitoring in 2014, these findings suggest about one-third of AREDS candidates do not do so, providing further support for improving education regarding appropriate supplement and home monitoring usage. Genetic testing for AMD also appears infrequent.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maru Mekie ◽  
Dagne Addisu ◽  
Minale Bezie ◽  
Abenezer Melkie ◽  
Dejen Getaneh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Preeclampsia has the greatest impact on maternal mortality which complicates nearly a tenth of pregnancies worldwide. It is one of the top five maternal mortality causes and responsible for 16 % of direct maternal death in Ethiopia. Little is known about the level of knowledge and attitude towards preeclampsia in Ethiopia. This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards preeclampsia and its associated factors in South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A multicenter facility-based cross-sectional study was implemented in four selected hospitals of South Gondar Zone among 423 pregnant women. Multistage random sampling and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the study sites and the study participants respectively. Data were entered in EpiData version 3.1 while cleaned and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Adjusted odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval were used to identify the significance of the association between the level of knowledge on preeclampsia and its predictors. Results In this study, 118 (28.8 %), 120 (29.3 %) of the study participants had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards preeclampsia respectively. The likelihood of having good knowledge on preeclampsia was found to be low among women with no education (AOR = 0.22, 95 % CI (0.06, 0.85)), one antenatal care visit (ANC) (AOR = 0.13, 95 % CI (0.03, 0.59)). Whereas, those who booked for ANC in the first trimester (AOR = 6.59, 95 % CI (1.43, 30.33)), gave the last birth at a health facility (AOR = 2.61, 955 CI (1.03, 6.61)), and experienced a complication during previous births (AOR = 3.67, 95 % CI (1.78, 7.57)) were more likely to be knowledgeable on preeclampsia. Conclusions No formal education and not attending four ANC visits were associated with poor knowledge of preeclampsia. While participants who visited health facilities during the first trimester, who gave birth at health facilities, and those who experienced a complication in previous births were more likely to be knowledgeable on preeclampsia. Improving the numbers of ANC visits and encouraging facility delivery are important measures to improve women’s knowledge on preeclampsia. Health education regarding preeclampsia risk factors, symptoms, and complications shall be emphasized.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-20
Author(s):  
Dr. Padma K Bhat ◽  
Dr. Sushma S G ◽  
Dr. Jayachandra M Y

Background: Tobacco use is so addictive among youth and is one of the global epidemics which require constant monitoring and timely appropriate action to prevent usage. School personnel play one of the main roles in taking appropriate action. Aim: To assess knowledge and attitude of tobacco use pattern among school personnel in Bangalore city. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out for a period of six months from May to October 2017. Stratified cluster sampling was done to include the government and English medium schools in Bangalore south. All the school personnel in the selected schools were eligible to participate. The data collection tool was GSPS questionnaire (WHO FCTC Tobacco Control). Chi-square test and Fisher’s Exact Test was used to demonstrate cross tabulation with confidence intervals. Significance level of 0.05 was considered for statistical analyses Results : Majority of both Kannada and English medium school personnel did not use any forms of tobacco. Both the English and Kannada medium school personnel were aware of the addictive effect of tobacco, but majority of the Kannada medium personnel said second hand smoke is not harmful as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Tobacco use among school personnel was low. Most of the school personnel were informed about the addictive nature of tobacco.


2009 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Cristina Oliveira ◽  
Maria Helena Palucci Marziale ◽  
Maria Henriqueta Rocha Siqueira Paiva ◽  
Aline Cristine Souza Lopes

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of health care professionals regarding their use of universal precaution measures at a public emergency service. The study also aimed to assess the rates of occupational accidents involving biological substances among those workers. This study was performed with 238 workers, from June to November 2006, using univariate and multivariate analysis. The chance of not adopting precaution measures was 20.7 (95% CI: 5.68 - 75.14) times greater among drivers compared to physicians. No significant association was found between adopting universal precaution measures. The occupational accident rate was 20.6% (40.8% involving sharp-edged objects). The risk of physicians having an occupational accident was 2.7(95% CI: 1.05 - 7.09) times higher than that of drivers. The fact that a staff member had adequate knowledge about universal precaution measures was insufficient to foster compatible attitudes towards reducing the risk of transmitting infectious agents and causing occupational accidents.


2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-17
Author(s):  
Sushma Dahal ◽  
Sabina Maharjan ◽  
Raj Kumar Subedi ◽  
Juna Maharjan

Background: Nepal as a signatory to Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2003 has passed a new tobacco control bill entitled “Tobacco product control and regulatory bill, 2010” in 2011. On this background, it is imperative to assess the knowledge and attitude of people towards this new regulation that forbids smoking in public places.Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 students of higher secondary level in three randomly selected colleges of Kathmandu district, Nepal. Information on respondents’ awareness on current ban, source of information, implementation status and their attitude towards the new regulation were collected using self-administered questionnaire. Analysis of quantitative data was done using descriptive statistics whereas qualitative data were analyzed manually.Results: Majority of respondents (79.9%) said that there is ban on smoking in public places in Nepal. The most common source of information was television (72.3%), followed by friends (36.5%) and family members (33.9 %). Most of the respondents (67.4%) had frequently seen people smoking in public places and 48.8% had not seen or heard any penalty given to those people. Overall, 74.1% of the participants stated that the ban on smoking in public places was a ‘very good thing’. Majority of those who viewed that the ban was good, reasoned ‘it will protect people from diseases like cancer’. Those who viewed that the ban was not good, reasoned ‘people cannot be changed by compelling’ and ‘to smoke or not to smoke is people’s own will’.Conclusion: This study shows that majority of adolescents are aware of and have positive attitude towards new regulation on smoking ban in public places in Nepal. There is need of implementing the policy strictly by raising awareness among people and penalizing those who violate it.


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