Risky sexual behaviors among undergraduates of Pamo University of Medical Sciences: Exploring contributory factors and outcomes

Undergraduates experience overwhelming changes and challenges that expose them to risky sexual behaviors, an act that leads to physical, psychosocial harm and its predictors contribute to lost lecture hours among campus students; hence this study aims at exploring contributory factors and outcomes of risky sexual behaviors among Nursing and Medicine students in PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt Rivers State Nigeria. Descriptive survey was conducted in 2019 and 280 students in their first and second year of study from the participating Departments were selected from study population of 491 using Yaro Yamanes sample size formula. Proportionate sampling technique followed by simple randomization was done. Ethical approval and consent were obtained while confidentiality and anonymity were maintained. WHO-adapted questionnaire was administered to respondents with the help of a research assistant. Data was collected using a 3-point Likert statistically-validated questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.8, analyzed and computed on Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Mean values below 2.0 were judged insignificant. Findings shows that Ignorance (x¯=2.81), lack of sex education (x¯=2.79), were among the factors that significantly influenced participant’s risky sexual behavior, however, reduced fun associated with use of condom (x¯=1.99) and equivalent of unprotected sex with trust (x¯=1.97) had insignificant impact. Interestingly, participants expressed similar outcomes of risky sexual behavior recording- sexually transmitted infection (x¯=2.80), pregnancy (x¯=2.76) abortion (x¯=2.71), out of School due to non-support by family (x¯=2.65); among others. Finally, risky sexual behavior among undergraduates affects the academic pursuit and there is need to continue reproductive health education if Sustainable Development Goals five and six will be achieved.

Bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities of Acalypha indica L. plant leave extracts on bacteria shigella disenteriae type 1 in vitro

This study aimed to analyze the bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of Acalypha indica L. extract against Shigella dysenteriae type 1 bacteria in vitro. This research is a laboratory experimental study consisting of six concentration treatments, namely: (K = 0/ml, P1 = 100/ml, P2 = 200/ml, P3 = 400/ml, P4 = 800/ml, P5 = 1600 mg/ml ), and five replications each. The results showed that the herbal extract of Acalypha indica L. was bacteriostatic (inhibiting) at a concentration of 400 mg/mm, and bactericidal (killing) the bacteria Shigella dysenteriae type 1, which was tested in vitro at a concentration of at least 800 mg/ml. It is necessary to study the effect of Acalypha indica L. herbal extract from Timor in the serum of Rattus norwegicus against bacteria that cause bloody diarrhea (EHEC O157:H7, and Shigella dysenteriae type 1), MRSA bacteria, and other pathogenic bacteria.

Control experiment for health center users to compare the usage of hand sanitizers through nudges during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan

To assess the effectiveness of promoting hand hygiene by nudges, the control experiment was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Hand sanitizers were placed at entrances of health centers A (nudge group) and B (non-nudges/reference group). The users of each group were approximately 40 daily. In the nudge group, during week 1, the conventional notice was displayed. From weeks 2 to 4, sequential nudges based on the framework “MINDSPACE” were implemented: drawing an arrow on the floor towards a hand sanitizer, posting altruism messages, and providing trends in hand sanitizer usage. From weeks 5 to 8, no additional interventions were implemented. Until week 4, usage in the nudge group increased steeply. Although the gap narrowed after week 5, usage in the nudge group (1.7 times of week 1 usage) was higher than that in the reference group (1.4 times of week 1 usage) at week 8. The nudges cost 0.9 USD and were prepared within 3 hours. The series of nudges can be implemented with low cost and minimal efforts, and the effect may last until week 8; these nudges will meet practitioners’ needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.