Examining Elementary School Children’s Knowledge about Food and Nutrition in Southwestern Ontario, Canada

Purpose: Knowledge is fundamental to helping children make nutritional choices that support lifelong healthy behaviours. This study (i) investigates elementary school children’s knowledge about food and nutrition and (ii) identifies sociodemographic factors influencing children’s reported knowledge. Methods: In 2017–2019, a survey was administered to 2443 students (grades 5–8) at 60 schools across southwestern Ontario, Canada, and a parent survey was used to validate self-reported sociodemographics. Multiple regression was used to analyse children’s knowledge scores and related sociodemographic factors. A total knowledge score was calculated by summing correct responses derived from 46 individual questions in the student survey. Results: Mean total knowledge score was 29.2 out of a possible 46 points (63.5% correct). Students demonstrated some knowledge and awareness of strategies to encourage fruit and vegetable consumption, healthy food selection, nutrition, and food preparation skills, although knowledge of food guide recommendations and locally sourced produce were limited. Female sex, family income, and rurality were associated with higher knowledge scores. Conclusions: Results provide insight regarding strengths and gaps in elementary-school children’s food and nutrition knowledge. Poor performance of students on specific food guide-related questions suggests that the general guidance of the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide might be better understood by children and adolescents.

Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude towards ‘Superfood’ Kale and Its Health Benefits among Arab Adults

This cross-sectional online survey aimed to determine the awareness of Arab adults on the benefits of consuming nutrient-dense foods, such as kale. A total of 1200 respondents completed the survey. The questionnaire included questions related to socio-economic information, e.g., whether the participants have consumed kale, if they observed any health effects, and 13 other questions to test their knowledge on this superfood. Only 276 (23%) of the participants had previously consumed kale, with 64.5% reporting favorable health outcomes, the most common of which was weight reduction, and only 17.8% reporting side effects, such as constipation and gastrointestinal irritation. From the 13 kale knowledge questions, the average total knowledge score, scaled from 0 to 10, was 3.5 and 3.7 for males and females, respectively. The regression analysis revealed that age, income, and educational status were significant contributors for predicting better knowledge scores, as older individuals with a higher income and higher education scored higher (odds ratio of 2.96, 2.00 and 4.58, respectively). To summarize, there is a dearth of awareness about kale and its health benefits in Saudi Arabia. Kale should be promoted as a super food in all segments, particularly among the younger, lower-income, and less-educated sections of the population.

Effect of Educational Guideline on Nurses Performance Regarding Postnatal Care of Mothers and Neonates

Background Postnatal periods are very sensitive periods for both the mother and the neonates where morbidity and mortality are high. Post natal care knowledge has significant role in reducing such complications. The research aimed to determine the educational guideline's effect on nurses’ performance regarding mothers and neonates’ postnatal care. Design A quasi-experimental design was decided to fulfil the aim of this study. Setting The study was conducted in the obstetric skill lab of faculty of nursing, Benha university. Sample A purposive sample was used to recruit 140 maternity nurses from Maternal and child health centres at kalioubia governorate. data collection: Two tools were used: Tool (I) Structured Questionnaire sheet. It is composed of these parts: Part I: Socio-demographic characteristics and Part II: nurses’ knowledge about postpartum care. Tool (II) postpartum care observation checklist. Results knowledge and practices about postpartum care showed highly statistically significant differences between pre and post- implementation phases, and total knowledge score regarding post-partum care were improved from 34.52% pre implementation to 45.65% after implementation with (t = 8.11 and p <0.01**) and total practice were improved from 38.52% pre implementation to 54.21% after implementation with highly significant difference (t = 12.75 and p < 0.01**). Conclusion Nurses’ knowledge and practice show a significant improvement post-implementation of health educational guideline regarding the care of postnatal mothers and neonates compared to pre-implementation.

Food allergy knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers working in the five-star hotel kitchens in Turkey

The purpose of this study is to determine the food allergy knowledge, attitudes and practices of food handlers working in five-star hotel kitchens in Turkey and to explore the association between the obtained scores and handlers’ demographic and working characteristics. A cross-sectional survey involving 450 food handlers in the state of Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya, in Turkey, was conducted using a paper-based questionnaire. The total knowledge score of the participants was 11.89 ±2.22 (max 17), attitude score 60.63 ±10.34 (max 75) and practice score 55.60 ±8.01 (max 65). In the comparison based on demographic characteristics; the knowledge (12.10 ±2.15) and practice (56.33 ±5.91) scores of the food handlers who received food allergy training in the hotel they work were found to be significantly higher than those who did not receive food allergy training (p<0.05). Food allergy knowledge of food handlers was evaluated as "average", attitude as "positive", and practice as "low risk practice". The results obtained are expected to contribute to the development of food allergy policies, procedures, and the planning of the necessary trainings for reducing the risks of food allergies and preventing fatal allergic reactions.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Diseases Knowledge and Risk Factors Among Adult Population in the South Region of Saudi Arabia

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality and disability worldwide. This study aimed to assess knowledge of cardiovascular disease and risk factors among the adult population in the south region of Saudi Arabia. A web-based cross-sectional survey of 1,049 participants was completed during August 2021. Data were collected by using 25-item heart disease fact questionnaire. The study population included 526 men (50.1%) and 523 women (49.9%) with a mean age of 36 ± 12 years. The average total knowledge score was 65.7 ± 20.80. The items with the highest knowledge were smoking, overweight, aging, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and family history. Findings revealed that knowledge regarding cardiovascular diseases is inadequate with a high prevalence of risk factors among the Saudi Arabian population. Healthcare professionals and organizations have a crucial role in raising public awareness regarding health promotion, regular screening, and lifestyles modifications. Interventional studies are needed to investigate the actual magnitude of CVDs and counteract them.

A survey of COVID-19 linked experience, knowledge, attitude, and behaviours among orthodontists and orthodontic residents in Nigeria

Background: Orthodontic practitioners have a high exposure risk to cross infection with COVID-19 due to proximity with the patients and frequent exposure to body fluids during procedures. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate COVID-19 related experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among orthodontists and orthodontic residents in Nigeria, and to identify factors related with their self-perceived and actual level of COVID-19 related knowledge. Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to a sample of orthodontists and orthodontic residents in Nigeria to survey demographic characteristics, personal experiences, knowledge, attitude and behaviours related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data collected were analysed using descriptive analysis, chi-square test and regression analysis. Results: A total of 29 (54.7%) respondents were specialist orthodontists while 24(45.3%) were orthodontic residents. Most orthodontists (96.6%) and orthodontic residents (95.8%) had completed COVID-19-related training programs and the Internet (98.1%) was their primary source of knowledge. The mean self-perceived knowledge score was 4.44 ± 0.55 while their total knowledge score was 4.15 ± 0.60. Attitudes towards the use of PPE (P = 0.001) and compliance with the use of pre-procedural mouth rinse with 1% Hydrogen Peroxide or 0.2% povidone Iodine (P = 0.034) was significantly different among the respondents based on their professional status. Conclusions: COVID-19-related training programs as well as provision of essential personal protective equipment are essential for the improvement of knowledge, confidence, and preparedness of orthodontic professionals.

A study on the severity and prevention measures of COVID-19 among dental professionals in clinical practice management

BACKGROUND: Medical professionals, especially dental professionals, have been adversely affected by the pandemic of COVID-19 due to an increased chance of exposure to patients because of close contact during treatments. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate knowledge about the disease and assess ways of precautions to be taken during the pandemic. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed and registered at Google Forms. The study population included dental practitioners, working in hospitals and clinics. A total of 495 dental practitioners from 14 different countries across the world responded. Most dentists were aware of the required modifications in the management of patients. The points allotted for each correct/best answer by participants for a group of questions regarding each component (Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practices) were added/summed to generate an overall score for each of the three components. RESULTS: Both univariate and multivariate analysis employed for the evaluation of results. Moreover, the total practice score was significantly associated with gender and sector of practice. Multivariable analysis model using multiple linear regressions was formulated by including those variables which were significant at the univariate stage. Hence, the practice sector was the only variable found to be significantly associated with the total knowledge score (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: This study, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and infection in dental settings.

Impact of brief educational intervention on knowledge of cancer among community pharmacists

Introduction Community pharmacists may play a vital role in early detection and prevention of cancer. Findings from our pre-assessment studies showed that the Ghanaian community have inadequate knowledge of cancer. We assessed the impact of a brief educational intervention on knowledge level of cancer among Ghanaian community pharmacists. Method The study was a descriptive interventional study. Knowledge of cancer, signs and symptoms, risk factors and cancer screening tests were assessed before in a pre-assessment study and after a brief online education in our current study. A total of 435 community pharmacists were recruited in both studies. Results The mean ± SD total knowledge score of cancer increased from 9.03 ± 2.65 to 12.97 ± 1.43 out of a maximum score of 15 points. The mean ± SD total knowledge score of signs and symptoms of cancer increased from 4.15 ± 2.14 to 6.86 ± 0.76 out of a maximum score of 7 points. For the total knowledge score of causes and risk factors of cancer, the mean ± SD score increased from 8.13 ± 3.31 to 11.59 ± 0.87 out of a maximum score of 12 points. Lastly, the mean ± SD total knowledge score of cancer screening tests increased from 9.04 ± 5.01 to 16.39 ± 0.86 out of a maximum score of 18 points. Conclusion There were overall statistically significant improvements of participants knowledge in all aspects of cancer in this study compared to the pre-assessment study. Our study presents evidence of the effectiveness of a brief educational intervention tailor-made for Ghanaian community pharmacists.

Infants’ Sleep: Israeli Parents’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices

The purpose of the study was to assess Israeli parents’ knowledge of and attitudes towards practices promoting infants’ safe sleep and their compliance with such practices. Researchers visited the homes of 335 parents in 59 different residential locations in Israel and collected their responses to structured questionnaires. SPSS 25 statistical package for data analysis was used. Attitude scales were created after the reliability tests and scaled means of parental attitudes were compared between independent groups differentiated by gender, ethnicity, and parental experience. A logistic regression was run to predict the outcome variable of babies’ sleep positions. The total knowledge score was significantly higher for women (56.3%) than for men (28.6%; p < 0.001). Arabs were more committed to following recommendations (29.3%) than Jews (26.9%; p < 0.001). Consistent with safe sleep recommendations, 92% of the sampled parents reported avoiding bedsharing and 89% reported using a firm mattress and fitted sheets. The risk of not placing a baby to sleep in a supine position was higher among older parents (adjusted odds ratio—AOR = 0.36, 95%CI 0.16–0.82), smoking fathers (AOR = 2.66, 95%CI 1.12–6.33), parents who did not trust recommendations (AOR = 4.03, 95%CI 1.84–8.84), parents not committed to following recommendations (AOR = 2.83, 95%CI 1.21–6.60), and parents whose baby slept in their room (AOR = 0.38, 95%CI 0.17–0.88). Knowledge of safe sleep recommendations was not associated with actual parental practices. Trust of and commitment to recommendations were positively correlated with safe sleep position practices. It is essential to develop ethnic-/gender-focused intervention programs.

Effect of tuberculosis training on community health workers’ knowledge: a cluster randomized control trial in South Nigeria

Background: Intensified efforts to improve tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are needed to meet global EndTB targets. Community health workers’ (CHWs) knowledge with respect to case finding is vital in tuberculosis elimination. This study aimed to determine the effect of tuberculosis training on the knowledge of community health workers in Nigeria. Methods: As part of a larger multicomponent intervention study, a randomised control trial was conducted with CHWs in 18 primary health care (PHC) clusters in Nigeria. The clusters were allocated to three arms: training and cash incentive (A), training only (B), and control (C) arms. Arms (A) and (B) received training on tuberculosis symptoms, prevention, diagnosis and treatment while the control arm (C) did not receive training. Participants’ knowledge on tuberculosis was assessed using questionnaires administered pre- and post-intervention. Data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism. Descriptive data was presented in tables and bivariate data was analyzed using chi square. Statistical significance was set as P<0.05. Results: There was a significant increase in the total knowledge score (25.4%), knowledge of general symptoms (24.4%), prevention (22.6%) and diagnosis and treatment (30.0%) across all study arms post-intervention (p<0.0001). Compared with the control arm, the training arm (A) had a higher proportion of good total knowledge score (94.4%) and arm (B) had a lower proportion of good total knowledge score (83.1%) when compared to the control group (93.1%). These were, however, not statistically significant. Conclusions: An improvement in the CHWs’ knowledge of symptoms, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis was observed after a training intervention was done. Integration of routine tuberculosis training is recommended to improve tuberculosis case finding in high burden communities. Pan African Clinical Trial Registry registration: PACTR202010691865364 (14/01/2020)