scholarly journals Estimation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Tuberculosis Patients in Penang: A Prospective Study

Author(s):  
Zohra Bhatti ◽  
Amer Hayat Khan ◽  
Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman ◽  
Madeeha Laghari ◽  
Irfhan Ali Bin Hyder Ali

Background: A clear understanding of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of tuberculosis (TB) patients is important to encourage patients' contribution to TB prevention and control. Appropriate knowledge, positive attitude, preventing transmission and early diagnosis of TB are key factors in improving patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices about TB and determine related influencing factors among TB patients. Methodology:  A cross-sectional prospective study by using a validated structured tool was conducted among TB patients more than 18 years of age. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize socio-demographic characteristics and TB knowledge, attitude, and practices level. To compare scores of each domain with various demographic factors, the Kruskal Wallis H test was applied. Results: Total participants in the study were 337. Of these, 231(68.5%) were male and 106(31.5%) were females with a mean age of 46.5±17.1 years. A significant difference was observed between males and females TB knowledge and practices concerning age. Patients with ³ 12 years of educational background profoundly have better knowledge. Conclusion: Overall, TB patients have shown encouraging results of the study, but poor attitudes and practicing behaviors are observed among TB patients. More extensive strategies should be developed to enhance the campaign of awareness programs among TB patients to improve preventing behavior towards disease. 

Author(s):  
Patience B. Tetteh-Quarcoo ◽  
Nicholas T. K. D. Dayie ◽  
Kevin Kofi Adutwum-Ofosu ◽  
John Ahenkorah ◽  
Emmanuel Afutu ◽  
...  

Background: Malaria is still endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with a high disease burden. Misconceptions about malaria contribute to poor attitudes and practices, further increasing the burden in endemic countries. Studies have examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of malaria among different populations. However, there seems to be no available literature reporting on the perspectives of day and night market traders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on malaria KAP with a focus on day and night market traders. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving day and night market traders in 10 selected markets within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was carried out. Data were collected from consenting respondents using a structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 760 respondents (33.3% (n = 253) night and 66.7% (n = 507) day traders) interviewed, there was no significant difference between the day and night market traders in terms of malaria KAP. Although the market traders had an overall moderate knowledge (54.0% of the day traders and 56.5% of the night traders), misconceptions about malaria (especially that it could be caused by exposure to the sun) still existed among the traders. Moreover, the majority of the traders who demonstrated high knowledge (43.98%, n = 250) did not always take laboratory tests to confirm their suspicion, indicating poor attitude. Furthermore, the market traders’ choice of drug for malaria treatment (p = 0.001) and preferred malaria treatment type (orthodox or herbal) (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with their knowledge level. Conclusions: Despite the observation that no significant difference in KAP exists between day and night market traders, appropriate health education programs and interventions still need to be directed at misconceptions, poor attitudes, and poor practices revealed by this study. This will ultimately help in the prevention and control of malaria in Ghana, and globally.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2509
Author(s):  
Masahiro Fukada ◽  
Nobuhisa Matsuhashi ◽  
Takao Takahashi ◽  
Nobuhiko Sugito ◽  
Kazuki Heishima ◽  
...  

Cancer-related microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as non-invasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the levels of tissue and plasma miRNAs and clinicopathological characteristics and surgical resection. This study was a prospective study of CRC patients who underwent surgery. Forty-four sample pairs of tissue and plasma were analyzed. The miRNA levels were evaluated by RT-qPCR. The level of tumor tissue MIR92a showed a significant difference in CRC with lymph node metastasis, stage ≥ III, and high lymphatic invasion. In preoperative plasma, there were significant differences in CRC with stage ≥ III (MIR29a) and perineural invasion (MIR21). In multivariate analysis of lymphatic invasion, the levels of both preoperative plasma MIR29a and tumor tissue MIR92a showed significant differences. Furthermore, in cases with higher plasma miRNA level, the levels of plasma MIRs21 and 29a were significantly decreased after the operation. In this study, there were significant differences in miRNAs levels with respect to the sample type, clinicopathological features, and surgical resection. The levels of tumor tissue MIR92a and preoperative plasma MIR29a may have the potential as a biomarker for prognosis. The plasma MIRs21 and 29a level has the potential to be a predictive biomarker for treatment efficacy.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026565902198940
Author(s):  
Jessica Dean ◽  
Michelle Pascoe ◽  
Jane le Roux

Information and communication technology (ICT)-based reading interventions have potential to help children with reading difficulties, especially those in resource-constrained environments who otherwise might not have access to support. This pilot study aimed to describe the impact of an online, partner-supported reading intervention designed for South African children with reading difficulties. Objectives were to qualitatively describe participants’ experience of the intervention, and quantitatively evaluate changes in reading accuracy, rate, comprehension and receptive vocabulary after intervention. Two studies were conducted: (1) A retrospective analysis using data from intervention in mainstream Cape Town schools with peers as reading partners; (2) A prospective study in a Cape Town school with special needs educational provision where speech-language therapists served as reading partners. Both studies used matched participant, pre/post intervention designs. A total of 40 children in grades 3 to 6 participated. In each study the intervention group ( n = 20) received intervention 3 times per week (30 minutes per session) for 10 weeks, while the control group ( n = 20) continued with regular school activities. Participants enjoyed the ICT-based intervention, valued the role of the reading partners, believed they had made literacy gains, and reported positive attitudinal and behavioural changes related to reading. Retrospective analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups. The prospective study found a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups’ gains on one measure of reading rate, but no significant difference in reading accuracy, vocabulary or reading comprehension gains. The study provides a preliminary description of one ICT-based reading intervention. Although an intervention effect could not be demonstrated, the changes noted in reading rate together with qualitative findings suggest a need for further research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Dahadhah ◽  
M. Sale Jaweesh ◽  
M. Sali. A Zoubi ◽  
M Issa. Ab. Alarjah ◽  
M Ei Hammadeh ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question Is there any association between male infertility and the polymorphic variants of Mitochondrial Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Hydride dehydrogenase (NADH) Subunit 4 (MT-ND4)? Summary answer Our findings suggested that male infertility was correlated to rs2853495 and rs869096886 SNPs in MTND4. What is known already The rate of mutations in the mtDNA, the powerhouse of the cell, is high due to the lack of histones and DNA repair mechanisms. Therefore, mutations that occur in the mitochondrial genome, play a major role in some human genetic disorders. 15 - 30% of male infertility are related to genetic predisposition. Sperm containing defective mitochondria cannot effectively produce ATP and more likely to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals, thereby causing a defect in mtDNA, make trouble energy, and deteriorate motility and fertility. Study design, size, duration: A prospective study carried out between 2018 and 2019. 112 semen samples were collected in this study. Participants/materials, setting, methods The present study was carried out at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Saarland, Germany. Samples were divided into 68 subfertile and 44 fertile men. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted using a QIAamp DNA Mini Kit, after that the mtDNA was amplified by using REPLI-g Mitochondrial DNA Kit. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify MT-ND4 gene. Then, samples were purified and sequenced using the Sanger method in the Microsynth Seq lab, Germany. Main results and the role of chance The genotypes frequencies of the study population showed a statistically significant association between rs2853495 G>A (Gly320Gly) and male infertility (P = 0.0351). Similarly, the allele frequency test showed that rs2853495 G>A (Gly320Gly) and rs869096886 A>G (Leu164Leu) were significantly associated with male infertility (adjusted OR = 2.616, 95% CI = 1.374 - 4.983, P = 0.0028; adjusted OR = 2.237, 95% CI = 1.245 - 4.017, P = 0.0073, respectively). On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was observed between the asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia, oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, oligoteratozoospermia subgroups of subfertile males and the fertile ones. Limitations, reasons for caution The size number of the study samples. Wider implications of the findings: A larger prospective study will be required to confirm these associations of mitochondrial gene polymorphisms rs2853495 and rs869096886 in MT-ND4 and male infertility and to clarify the definite effect of the mitochondrial genetic variations on male infertility. Trial registration number Not applicable


Medicina ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Fahim ◽  
Peter Dettmar ◽  
Alyn Morice ◽  
Simon Hart

Background and Objective. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. There is evidence of the increased prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with IPF. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate reflux in patients with IPF by analyzing the scores of the reflux cough questionnaire, measurement of pepsin in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) to detect extraesophageal reflux, and Helicobacter pylori serology to evaluate the prevalence of this stomach bacterium in patients with IPF. Material and Methods. The Hull airway reflux questionnaire (HARQ) was completed by 40 patients with IPF and 50 controls in order to evaluate reflux symptoms. EBC was collected from 23 patients (17 patients with IPF and 6 controls) for measurement of pepsin by the lateral flow technique. A prospective study of 57 subjects (34 patients with IPF and 23 controls) for H. pylori antibody detection by ELISA was performed. Results. Significantly higher HARQ scores (maximum score, 70) were recorded in patients with IPF compared with controls (19.6 [SD, 12.4] vs. 3 [SD, 2.9], P<0.001). There was no significant difference in EBC pepsin positivity between patients with IPF and controls (2 of the 17 patients vs. none of the 6 controls, P=0.38). There was no significant difference in H. pylori serology between patients with IPF and controls (17 of the 34 patients vs. 14 of the 23 controls, P=0.42). Conclusion. Patients with IPF had significantly increased scores of airway reflux symptoms. However, no objective evidence of extraesophageal reflux or H. pylori infection in patients with IPF was obtained in this study. The role of gastroesophageal and extraesophageal reflux in pathogenesis of IPF should be evaluated in a larger prospective study.


2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 106-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raimundo Francisco de Amorim Júnior ◽  
Suerda Emiliana Cavalcanti Dantas ◽  
Rodrigo de Holanda Mendonça ◽  
Abdiel de Lira Rolim ◽  
Maria Luiza de Carvalho Jales ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVES: To assess the occurrence of epileptic seizures (ES) in children and adolescents with hydrocephalus and their relationship with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) treatment. METHODS: Retrospective study of 45 patients from both genders, aged 0 to 18 years, with hydrocephalus and presenting with ES or not. The following variables were analyzed: gender, hydrocephalus etiology, age at diagnosis, age at initial VPS treatment, age at first ES and types of ES. RESULTS: Data analysis showed the following: 20 (44.4%) presented with ES, 13 (65%) of the girls and seven (35%) of the boys. There was a predominance of ES in the girls, but with no statistically significant difference. In total, 13 (65%) patients used VPS. Of the 13 patients with VPS and ES, it was observed that the onset of ES was after VPS in 10 (76.9%) individuals, whereas it occurred before VPS in two (15.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed no association between VPS treatment and ES (ρ=0.832); however, most of the patients presented with their first ES episode after VPS, suggesting a possible relationship between this treatment and the occurrence of ES. A larger sample and a prospective study might answer this question.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Pratik Gahalaut ◽  
Nitin Mishra ◽  
Sandhya Chauhan ◽  
Mir Mubashir Ali ◽  
Madhur Kant Rastogi ◽  
...  

Lunula is the white, half-moon shaped area seen in proximal ends of some nails. Though a few studies have described the nail changes that can occur in association with HIV infection, none of these paid much attention to lunula. Aims and Objectives. To study the lunula in fingernails among HIV infected patients. Materials and Methods. An observational, cross-sectional study to record presence of lunula in 168 HIV-positive patients and compare it with age and sex matched 168 healthy HIV-negative control. Anolunula (absence of lunula) in HIV-positive patients was correlated with CD4 counts, stages of HIV infection, time since patient was diagnosed as HIV-positive, and status of antiretroviral therapy. Results. Anolunula was present in significantly more fingernails in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative controls. There was a highly significant difference for total anolunula (anolunula in all fingernails) in study and control group. Incidence of total anolunula was directly proportional to the stage of HIV infection, increasing progressively as the HIV infection advances from stage 1 to stage 4. Conclusion. Absence of lunula is related to not only HIV infection per se but also the stages of HIV infection.


2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-142
Author(s):  
Elis Janaina Lira dos Santos ◽  
Alana Moura Xavier Dantas ◽  
Raíssa Marçal Vilela ◽  
Karina Jerônimo Rodrigues Santiago de Lima ◽  
Rejane Targino Soares Beltrão

Objective: To evaluate patient perception of the smile focused on analysis of the upper incisors. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Clinical and Social Dentistry at Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil. Participants: The sample consisted of 135 individuals (73 women and 62 men). Methods: Images with different characteristics associated with the incisal edges were shown at random and analysed using a Likert scale. Data were analysed using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test with a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05). Results: Smile I (difference of 1.5 mm in relation to the central incisor and lateral) was considered the most aesthetic, while Smile III (no difference in height between the central and lateral incisors) was the least aesthetic. A significant difference was found between perception of smile II (difference of 1 mm in relation to the central incisor and lateral) and age groups ( P < 0.005), with 31% (n = 13) of individuals aged 45–64 years considering smile II as not pleasant, 4.4% (n = 2) aged 15–24 years and 8.3% (n=4) aged 25–44 years and 4.4% (n = 2) aged 15–24 years considering the same. A significant difference was also found in relation to educational background of the assessor and smile perception, with smile III ( P = 0.0441) and smile IV ( P = 0.0053) considered the most aesthetic ( P = 0.0116). Conclusion: The smile considered most attractive among the sample was that with 1.5 mm steepness between the central and lateral incisors, while a flat smile arc was considered least attractive.


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 555-578
Author(s):  
Rajeshkrishna Bhandary ◽  
Podila Satya Sharma ◽  
Hema Tharoor

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 308
Author(s):  
Yaser Adnan Abo Jeesh ◽  
Magda El-hadi Ahmad Yousif ◽  
Moauya Al-Balal Al-Haboub

Background: Thalassemia is the most common autosomal abnormality in Syria. Its complications have an important effect on education; time off school; sport; difference from friends/ siblings; social interactions; and stigmatization. Knowledge of factors associated with quality of life in thalassemia patients is necessary for forming appropriate clinical programs, social support, and improving treatment outcomes. Purpose: The study was to assess the effects of Patients' and Care-givers' Knowledge, Attitude, & Practice (KAP) with Quality of Life among Thalassemia Major Patients' in Syria. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive analytical design was conducted at the national thalassemia center in Damascus. WHOQOL-BREF and a questionnaire developed by the researcher were used to measure the participants’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of thalassemia. Results: Total of 238 thalassemia patients participated in the study. A statistical significance was found regarding improvement of skill and knowledge scores among caregivers and thalassemia patients before and after receiving the teaching guide from 12.52±1.77 to 14.07±1.01, t=11.447, p=0.000 and from 34.12±4.50 to 37.43±4.61, t=-8.58, p= .000 respectively. Stigmatization was significantly noticed among families caring for thalassemic patients. There were a significant differences in the mean score regarding nutritional status before and after teaching guide paired t test= 12.11, p= 0.000. A statistical significance was found in females regarding social domain p=0.04. However, mean scores for overall quality of life were better in females rather than males, but these mean scores were statistically insignificant p>0.05. A statistical significant difference in ferritin levels and patient’s age was found. Results also revealed that no statistical significant differences was observed between overall quality of life of the four domains in relation to the two treatment groups (subcutaneous vs oral) and age groups. Conclusion: Thalassemia is a socio-economic problem. The most efficient way to reduce risks of having affected patients is by increasing the knowledge through training of parents regarding the disease. Our findings highlighted that there was lack in patients’ knowledge and skills regarding the disease, but a remarkable improvement in both knowledge and performance was found after patients received the teaching guide, which lead to an increase in overall patient's quality of life.


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