Background:Risk behaviours have been linked to the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)epidemic in both urban and rural areas.Despite the progress made in the fight against HIV,it remains a public health co...Background:Risk behaviours have been linked to the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)epidemic in both urban and rural areas.Despite the progress made in the fight against HIV,it remains a public health concern worldwide.Risk behaviours such as not using condoms,having multiple sexual partners,and engaging in early sexual activity increase the risk of HIV infection.Therefore,it is important to assess these risk behaviours and understand the relationship between different factors and HIV,specifically among couples,in order to better understand the dynamics of the epidemic.The main objective of this study was to assess risk behaviours for HIV and AIDS among couples in Rwamiko sector,Gicumbi District,and suggest appropriate interventions for this group.Methods:This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess associated HIV and AIDS risk behaviours among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District,in order to determine the dynamics of the epidemic in this group and suggest appropriate interventions.Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and a multistage cluster random sampling technique.The collected data was then computed,analyzed,and presented in the form of tables and figures.Descriptive statistics were used to analyze all variables.Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95%confidence intervals(CI)to investigate the relationship between the assessed factors,such as independent and dependent variables.The association between the studied factors was described using odds ratios with 95%CIs.Results:The majority of respondents were in the age group of 30-39 years.All respondents were married,and approximately 45%had completed primary education.The majority of respondents were unemployed.Respondents reported receiving HIV information from multiple sources,including radio,TV,films,school,church,health workers,parents,and friends.The findings of this study showed that some participants had knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention,while others did not.The proportion of respondents with a high level of HIV and AIDS knowledge was 30.61%(n=60),while moderate knowledge accounted for 53.57%(n=105).Furthermore,the proportion of respondents with a low level of knowledge on HIV and AIDS was 15.81%(n=31).The attitude towards HIV and AIDS was positive for 58.16%(n=114)of respondents,while 41.83%(n=82)had a negative attitude.None of the respondents reported using injection drugs.Significant associations were found between age(P-value=0.002,odds ratio(OR)=3.4,95%CI=1.59-7.67),gender(p=0.001,OR=2.6,95%CI=1.44-4.68),and alcohol consumption.There was also an association between age(P=0.001,OR=5.13,95%CI=2.04-12.91)and having multiple sexual partners.Conclusion:The majority of couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District have a moderate level of knowledge and a positive attitude towards HIV and AIDS.However,the proportions of respondents with a low level of knowledge and a negative attitude should not be overlooked.The results of this study suggest the need to improve communication messages related to HIV,its transmission risks,and safer sexual behavior,particularly among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District.展开更多
Background: The prevalence and global trend of risky sexual behaviours are of concern due to its attendant health implications. Apparently, the social activities of teens and young adults predispose them to risky sexu...Background: The prevalence and global trend of risky sexual behaviours are of concern due to its attendant health implications. Apparently, the social activities of teens and young adults predispose them to risky sexual behaviour than adults, as a result of peer pressure or influence. The prevalence and global trend of risky sexual behaviours are of concern due to its attendant health implications. The study was conducted in two tertiary institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria among sixteen (16) medical and nursing students of 100 and 200 levels within the ages of 16 and 22 years;eight (8) from each institution in September 2019. The two institutions are PAMO University of Medical Sciences and University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Aim: The study is aimed at eliciting information on awareness, knowledge, attitude and involvement in risky sexual behaviours amongst the students in tertiary institutions, South of Nigeria. Information is needed for a goal and result oriented intervention programme to curb the menace of risky sexual bebaviour. This motivated the researchers to adopt a qualitative study through which in-depth information on the matter could be harvested for an effective intervention. Materials and method: A Focus Group Discussion design was adopted for the study and consists of thirteen (13) open ended questions that guided the discussion. This was designed by the chief investigator and reviewed by experts in the field for the purpose of extracting relevant information from the participants. Purposeful sampling method was adopted to make sure age criteria and both sexes were equally represented. In-depth interview method was adopted to extract information from participants over two days. Information gathered was transcribed daily and summarized in themes based on objectives of the study. Result: The study revealed that the participants have good knowledge of what risky sexual behaviours mean as well as its consequences. Majority, especially the females condemned the act even though there was carefree attitude towards risky sexual behavior as deduced from the study as participants affirm that the “pleasure in sexual relationship whether risky or not overrides the consequences”. Majority of the participants affirmed to have been involved in a risky sexual behavior at one time or the other. Conclusion: Participants expressed thirst for information and remedies to reduce the incidence of risky sexual behaviours among young adults. The information gathered would guide an intervention programme to prevent and control risky sexual behavior which is considered of a public health importance.展开更多
This review shows that relatively simple changes to diet and lifestyle can significantly,and rapidly,reduce the risks associated with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in terms of infection risk,severity of disease,an...This review shows that relatively simple changes to diet and lifestyle can significantly,and rapidly,reduce the risks associated with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in terms of infection risk,severity of disease,and even disease-related mortality.A wide range of interventions including regular exercise,adequate sleep,plant-based diets,maintenance of healthy weight,dietary supplementation,and time in nature have each been shown to have beneficial effects for supporting more positive health outcomes with COVID-19,in addition to promoting better overall health.This paper brings together literature from these areas and presents the argument that non-pharmaceutical approaches should not be overlooked in our response to COVID-19.It is noted that,in several cases,interventions discussed result in risk reductions equivalent to,or even greater than,those associated with currently available vaccines.Where the balance of evidence suggests benefits,and the risk is minimal to none,it is suggested that communicating the power of individual actions to the public becomes morally imperative.Further,many lives could be saved,and many harms from the vaccine mandates avoided,if we were willing to embrace this lifestyle-centred approach in our efforts to deal with COVID-19.展开更多
Objective: To assess knowledge and behaviour related to toxoplasmosis which remains a neglected disease in Morocco.Methods: Observational investigations were conducted among 600 pregnant women from Essaouira Province....Objective: To assess knowledge and behaviour related to toxoplasmosis which remains a neglected disease in Morocco.Methods: Observational investigations were conducted among 600 pregnant women from Essaouira Province.The interview items covered respondents' knowledge of the disease, its preventive practices and risk behaviours.Results: A total of 22/600 women had already carried out the anti-toxoplasmosis test, while, 96% have never done any screening of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies.Only 16/600 women have good information about the disease, its mode of transmission and its complications in both the fetus and his mother.Although most women adopt a healthy diet, the consumption of raw or undercooked meat is far to be considered as a risk factor, along with other potential factors that may foster the acquisition of the disease, such as possessing a domestic cat, educational status and knowledge of the disease.However, in this study, contact with soil was revealed the most important risk factor(P = 0.045), followed by the hygiene conditions after handling raw meat(P = 0.048).Conclusion: The underestimation of the Toxoplasma gondii sero-prevalence in Essaouira Province can be explained by the absence of toxoplasmosis serology in health institutions, as well as the gap of knowledge about the disease by local population.展开更多
A new travel time reliability-based traffic assignment model is proposed to investigate the effects of an advanced transportation information system (ATIS) on drivers' risk-taking path choice behaviours in transpo...A new travel time reliability-based traffic assignment model is proposed to investigate the effects of an advanced transportation information system (ATIS) on drivers' risk-taking path choice behaviours in transportation networks with demand uncertainty. In the model, drivers are divided into two classes. The first class is not equipped with ATIS, while the second class is equipped with ATIS. Different risk-taking path choice behaviours of the two classes are studied, respectively. A corresponding mixed equilibrium traffic assignment model is formulated as a variational inequality problem in terms of path flows, which is solved by a heuristic solution algorithm. Numerical results indicate that the ATIS can influence the drivers' risk-taking path choice behaviours and the total system travel time in transportation networks with demand uncertainty. It is also found that under higher demand levels, the benefits of ATIS for network performance enhancement may be more obvious.展开更多
Background: Aggressive tendencies from psychiatric inpatients are increasingly becoming problematic at a national referral psychiatric hospital in Zimbabwe. No research has been done in this context to determine the d...Background: Aggressive tendencies from psychiatric inpatients are increasingly becoming problematic at a national referral psychiatric hospital in Zimbabwe. No research has been done in this context to determine the dynamics around this disturbing phenomenon. Objectives: To determine the level of knowledge on anger control, to determine the occurrence of real assaultive behaviour and to examine the relationship between level of knowledge on anger control and occurrence of real assaultive behaviour in patients aged 20 - 45 years admitted at a national referral psychiatric hospital in Zimbabwe. Method: A descriptive correlational design was used. Seventy-six respondents aged between 20 and 45 years were selected using simple random sampling. A structured interview was used to collect data. The occurrence of real assaultive behaviour was adapted from the Staff Observation and Aggression Scale completed by observing patients during the assaultive behaviour occurrence. Patient observation was done by the psychiatric trained nurses who were specifically trained for this study to fill the part of the data collection instrument that needed observation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation Coefficient test and simple regression analysis. Results: Results showed a Pearson coefficient test of (r = -3.47, p Conclusions: Results call for collaboration of mental health practitioners to empower patients with anger control skills.展开更多
目的:提高全社会对中老年人健康的关注度,从源头上减少健康危险行为的发生,为中老年人的健康管理工作提供参考依据。方法:基于健康生态学模型,利用最新的中国健康和营养调查(China Health and Nutrtion;Survey,CHNS)数据库,对我国≥45...目的:提高全社会对中老年人健康的关注度,从源头上减少健康危险行为的发生,为中老年人的健康管理工作提供参考依据。方法:基于健康生态学模型,利用最新的中国健康和营养调查(China Health and Nutrtion;Survey,CHNS)数据库,对我国≥45岁中老年人的人口学特征与健康危险行为关系进行分析。结果:中老年人健康危险行为共存指数均值为3.5,从个人特质、行为特点、人际关系网络、工作环境,社会政策5个层面建立5个模型。研究结果显示,个人特质、个人行为特点、人际关系网络、工作环境、社会政策均是中老年人群健康危险行为的影响因素,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:中老年人自身认知水平有待加强,政府需要优化底层政策逻辑,从源头上提高中老年人自我健康管理意识和健康素养水平。展开更多
文摘Background:Risk behaviours have been linked to the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)epidemic in both urban and rural areas.Despite the progress made in the fight against HIV,it remains a public health concern worldwide.Risk behaviours such as not using condoms,having multiple sexual partners,and engaging in early sexual activity increase the risk of HIV infection.Therefore,it is important to assess these risk behaviours and understand the relationship between different factors and HIV,specifically among couples,in order to better understand the dynamics of the epidemic.The main objective of this study was to assess risk behaviours for HIV and AIDS among couples in Rwamiko sector,Gicumbi District,and suggest appropriate interventions for this group.Methods:This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess associated HIV and AIDS risk behaviours among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District,in order to determine the dynamics of the epidemic in this group and suggest appropriate interventions.Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and a multistage cluster random sampling technique.The collected data was then computed,analyzed,and presented in the form of tables and figures.Descriptive statistics were used to analyze all variables.Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95%confidence intervals(CI)to investigate the relationship between the assessed factors,such as independent and dependent variables.The association between the studied factors was described using odds ratios with 95%CIs.Results:The majority of respondents were in the age group of 30-39 years.All respondents were married,and approximately 45%had completed primary education.The majority of respondents were unemployed.Respondents reported receiving HIV information from multiple sources,including radio,TV,films,school,church,health workers,parents,and friends.The findings of this study showed that some participants had knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention,while others did not.The proportion of respondents with a high level of HIV and AIDS knowledge was 30.61%(n=60),while moderate knowledge accounted for 53.57%(n=105).Furthermore,the proportion of respondents with a low level of knowledge on HIV and AIDS was 15.81%(n=31).The attitude towards HIV and AIDS was positive for 58.16%(n=114)of respondents,while 41.83%(n=82)had a negative attitude.None of the respondents reported using injection drugs.Significant associations were found between age(P-value=0.002,odds ratio(OR)=3.4,95%CI=1.59-7.67),gender(p=0.001,OR=2.6,95%CI=1.44-4.68),and alcohol consumption.There was also an association between age(P=0.001,OR=5.13,95%CI=2.04-12.91)and having multiple sexual partners.Conclusion:The majority of couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District have a moderate level of knowledge and a positive attitude towards HIV and AIDS.However,the proportions of respondents with a low level of knowledge and a negative attitude should not be overlooked.The results of this study suggest the need to improve communication messages related to HIV,its transmission risks,and safer sexual behavior,particularly among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District.
文摘Background: The prevalence and global trend of risky sexual behaviours are of concern due to its attendant health implications. Apparently, the social activities of teens and young adults predispose them to risky sexual behaviour than adults, as a result of peer pressure or influence. The prevalence and global trend of risky sexual behaviours are of concern due to its attendant health implications. The study was conducted in two tertiary institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria among sixteen (16) medical and nursing students of 100 and 200 levels within the ages of 16 and 22 years;eight (8) from each institution in September 2019. The two institutions are PAMO University of Medical Sciences and University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Aim: The study is aimed at eliciting information on awareness, knowledge, attitude and involvement in risky sexual behaviours amongst the students in tertiary institutions, South of Nigeria. Information is needed for a goal and result oriented intervention programme to curb the menace of risky sexual bebaviour. This motivated the researchers to adopt a qualitative study through which in-depth information on the matter could be harvested for an effective intervention. Materials and method: A Focus Group Discussion design was adopted for the study and consists of thirteen (13) open ended questions that guided the discussion. This was designed by the chief investigator and reviewed by experts in the field for the purpose of extracting relevant information from the participants. Purposeful sampling method was adopted to make sure age criteria and both sexes were equally represented. In-depth interview method was adopted to extract information from participants over two days. Information gathered was transcribed daily and summarized in themes based on objectives of the study. Result: The study revealed that the participants have good knowledge of what risky sexual behaviours mean as well as its consequences. Majority, especially the females condemned the act even though there was carefree attitude towards risky sexual behavior as deduced from the study as participants affirm that the “pleasure in sexual relationship whether risky or not overrides the consequences”. Majority of the participants affirmed to have been involved in a risky sexual behavior at one time or the other. Conclusion: Participants expressed thirst for information and remedies to reduce the incidence of risky sexual behaviours among young adults. The information gathered would guide an intervention programme to prevent and control risky sexual behavior which is considered of a public health importance.
文摘This review shows that relatively simple changes to diet and lifestyle can significantly,and rapidly,reduce the risks associated with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in terms of infection risk,severity of disease,and even disease-related mortality.A wide range of interventions including regular exercise,adequate sleep,plant-based diets,maintenance of healthy weight,dietary supplementation,and time in nature have each been shown to have beneficial effects for supporting more positive health outcomes with COVID-19,in addition to promoting better overall health.This paper brings together literature from these areas and presents the argument that non-pharmaceutical approaches should not be overlooked in our response to COVID-19.It is noted that,in several cases,interventions discussed result in risk reductions equivalent to,or even greater than,those associated with currently available vaccines.Where the balance of evidence suggests benefits,and the risk is minimal to none,it is suggested that communicating the power of individual actions to the public becomes morally imperative.Further,many lives could be saved,and many harms from the vaccine mandates avoided,if we were willing to embrace this lifestyle-centred approach in our efforts to deal with COVID-19.
文摘Objective: To assess knowledge and behaviour related to toxoplasmosis which remains a neglected disease in Morocco.Methods: Observational investigations were conducted among 600 pregnant women from Essaouira Province.The interview items covered respondents' knowledge of the disease, its preventive practices and risk behaviours.Results: A total of 22/600 women had already carried out the anti-toxoplasmosis test, while, 96% have never done any screening of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies.Only 16/600 women have good information about the disease, its mode of transmission and its complications in both the fetus and his mother.Although most women adopt a healthy diet, the consumption of raw or undercooked meat is far to be considered as a risk factor, along with other potential factors that may foster the acquisition of the disease, such as possessing a domestic cat, educational status and knowledge of the disease.However, in this study, contact with soil was revealed the most important risk factor(P = 0.045), followed by the hygiene conditions after handling raw meat(P = 0.048).Conclusion: The underestimation of the Toxoplasma gondii sero-prevalence in Essaouira Province can be explained by the absence of toxoplasmosis serology in health institutions, as well as the gap of knowledge about the disease by local population.
基金The National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program) (No.2006AA11Z209)Youth Science and Technology Foundation of China University of Mining and Technology (No.2007A028)Natural Science Foundation of Beijing (No.9073018)
文摘A new travel time reliability-based traffic assignment model is proposed to investigate the effects of an advanced transportation information system (ATIS) on drivers' risk-taking path choice behaviours in transportation networks with demand uncertainty. In the model, drivers are divided into two classes. The first class is not equipped with ATIS, while the second class is equipped with ATIS. Different risk-taking path choice behaviours of the two classes are studied, respectively. A corresponding mixed equilibrium traffic assignment model is formulated as a variational inequality problem in terms of path flows, which is solved by a heuristic solution algorithm. Numerical results indicate that the ATIS can influence the drivers' risk-taking path choice behaviours and the total system travel time in transportation networks with demand uncertainty. It is also found that under higher demand levels, the benefits of ATIS for network performance enhancement may be more obvious.
文摘Background: Aggressive tendencies from psychiatric inpatients are increasingly becoming problematic at a national referral psychiatric hospital in Zimbabwe. No research has been done in this context to determine the dynamics around this disturbing phenomenon. Objectives: To determine the level of knowledge on anger control, to determine the occurrence of real assaultive behaviour and to examine the relationship between level of knowledge on anger control and occurrence of real assaultive behaviour in patients aged 20 - 45 years admitted at a national referral psychiatric hospital in Zimbabwe. Method: A descriptive correlational design was used. Seventy-six respondents aged between 20 and 45 years were selected using simple random sampling. A structured interview was used to collect data. The occurrence of real assaultive behaviour was adapted from the Staff Observation and Aggression Scale completed by observing patients during the assaultive behaviour occurrence. Patient observation was done by the psychiatric trained nurses who were specifically trained for this study to fill the part of the data collection instrument that needed observation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation Coefficient test and simple regression analysis. Results: Results showed a Pearson coefficient test of (r = -3.47, p Conclusions: Results call for collaboration of mental health practitioners to empower patients with anger control skills.
文摘目的:提高全社会对中老年人健康的关注度,从源头上减少健康危险行为的发生,为中老年人的健康管理工作提供参考依据。方法:基于健康生态学模型,利用最新的中国健康和营养调查(China Health and Nutrtion;Survey,CHNS)数据库,对我国≥45岁中老年人的人口学特征与健康危险行为关系进行分析。结果:中老年人健康危险行为共存指数均值为3.5,从个人特质、行为特点、人际关系网络、工作环境,社会政策5个层面建立5个模型。研究结果显示,个人特质、个人行为特点、人际关系网络、工作环境、社会政策均是中老年人群健康危险行为的影响因素,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:中老年人自身认知水平有待加强,政府需要优化底层政策逻辑,从源头上提高中老年人自我健康管理意识和健康素养水平。
