Knowledge and awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) among young adults – a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Nurses and midwives play important roles in educating the public on cervical cancer prevention strategies. Aim This study sought to assess nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of, attitudes towards, and acceptance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in relation to their background characteristics. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study using questionnaires was conducted with a convenience sample of 318 female nurses and midwives, ages 20 to 59, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. The data were summarised using frequencies, percentages, chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact tests. Results The results indicated that 41.5% (n = 132) of the participants had high levels of knowledge about cervical cancer risk factors, and 17.6% (n = 56) of the respondents had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Reasons for receiving the HPV vaccination included advice from a colleague (12.9%, n = 41) and perceived threat of cervical cancer (11.7%, n = 37). Of the 262 respondents who had not been vaccinated, 24.45% (n = 78) strongly agreed and 28.0% (n = 89) agreed with the statement that there was limited information on HPV vaccination. Also, there were statistically significant associations between age (X2 = 23.746, p = 0.001), marital status (X2 = 14.758, p = 0.005), completed level of education (X2 = 21.692, p = 0.001), and duration of working at the hospital (X2 = 8.424, p = 0.038) and acceptance of HPV vaccination. Conclusions This study demonstrated gaps in knowledge about cervical cancer risk factors and attitudes towards HPV vaccination, indicating the need for targeted measures to improve knowledge and attitudes. Also, measures to increase acceptance of HPV vaccination among nurses and midwives should consider their sociodemographic characteristics.

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Eating Disorders in Top Elite Beach Handball Players: Cross Sectional Study

Children ◽

10.3390/children8030245 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 245

Author(s):

Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez ◽

Manuel Vicente-Martínez ◽

Javier Sánchez-Sánchez ◽

Laura Miralles-Amorós ◽

María Martínez-Olcina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Eating Disorders ◽

Young Adults ◽

Body Composition ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Eating Attitudes ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Eat 26

(1) Background: The preoccupation with the increasing appearance of eating disorders (ED) in athletes continues to grow, especially in athletes who practice team sports. ED severely affects the eating habits of the athletes, who tend to use unhealthy approaches to control their body weight. The development of nutritional education and early interventions by training staff is essential, and these factors are widely perceived as beneficial in sports medicine. This study evaluates the frequency at which beach handball (BH) players develop ED, also comparing the differences by sex and age (junior: adolescents vs. senior: young adults). In addition, the relation between body composition variables and ED was studied. (2) Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 69 top elite handball players (36 males and 33 females) from the Spanish National BH Team; who were separated by age (junior: adolescents and senior: young adults). The athletes completed the Eating Attitudes Test in its 26 item version (EAT-26). (3) Results: The prevalence of ED indicated that 11% of females had a high possibility of developing an ED, and 3% of males. Regarding the EAT-26 total score and subscales, no significant differences were found between female and male participants, or between the junior and senior categories. The correlations showed an association between body composition, in terms of body mass index, and the EAT-26 total score in both males and females. In the case of males, the correlation was negative. (4) Conclusions: Although there are no significant differences between sex or categories, it has been found that elite athletes are a population that is at high risk of developing ED.

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Effects of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking on the Spirometric Profile of University Students in Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study

Canadian Respiratory Journal ◽

10.1155/2020/5949834 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Zaher Nazzal ◽

Deema Odeh ◽

Fatima Azahraa Haddad ◽

Mohammad Berawi ◽

Belal Rahhal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

University Students ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Waterpipe Smoking ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lung Functions ◽

Expiratory Flow

Background. Waterpipe smoking in young individuals is increasing with limited studies addressing its respiratory health effects. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of waterpipe smoking on young adults’ lung functions. Spirometric parameters were compared between waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers. Methods. A comparative cross-sectional study of university students, including males and females, was conducted. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to record students’ characteristics. The spirometry test was performed to assess students’ lung functions; we recorded the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of FVC (FEF25–75%). Results. A total of 300 apparently healthy students (150 waterpipe smokers and 150 nonsmokers) were included in the study. Waterpipe smokers showed significantly lower values in FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF, and FEF25–75% compared to the nonsmoker group (P<0.05 to P<0.001). The subgroup analysis on female students (50 WP smokers and 50 nonsmokers) showed a significant decrease in FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF, and FEF25–75% parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion. Waterpipe smoking is associated with reduced spirometric parameters in healthy young adults with relatively limited smoking years.

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