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PubMed1999

Does parental breastfeeding knowledge increase breastfeeding rates?

OBJECTIVE: Although improving mothers' knowledge about breastfeeding can increase rates and duration of breastfeeding, little is known about the influence of fathers' knowledge. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of mothers and fathers about breastfeeding before and after receiving postpartum advice and its relationship to the frequency of breastfeeding. METHODS: A clinical trial was performed with mothers and fathers of normal children born at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil, between July 1994 and March 1995. The study intervention consisted of postpartum advice supplied by means of a video film discussing basic topics of breastfeeding, an explanatory leaflet, and open discussion after viewing the video. The first 208 couples comprised the control group, the next 197 comprised experimental group 1, and the remaining 196 comprised experimental group 2. Immediately after delivery, mothers and fathers in the three groups answered a test on breastfeeding knowledge; they completed the same test at the end of the first month. All families received home visits at the end of the first, second, fourth, and sixth months, or until breastfeeding ceased. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the mothers' and fathers' knowledge and frequency of breastfeeding. RESULTS: Postpartum advice increased the breastfeeding knowledge of mothers and fathers. The mothers with the highest level of knowledge had a 6.5 times higher chance of exclusively breastfeeding at the end of the third month, and 1.97 times higher chance of continuing breastfeeding to the end of the sixth month compared with other mothers. The fathers' knowledge also significantly influenced breastfeeding rates. The children whose fathers knew more had a 1.76 higher chance of being exclusively breastfed at the end of the first month, and 1.91 higher chance of receiving maternal milk at the end of the third month. CONCLUSION: A simple, inexpensive strategy can increase the level of breastfeeding knowledge of mothers and fathers and, consequently, have a positive impact on the frequency of breastfeeding.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Knowledge in health visiting practice.

Health visiting is a practical discipline, hence knowledge in health visiting practice cannot be thought of as inert, that is merely as items of information merely; rather, it must be thought of in terms of a dynamic interplay among the individuality of the knower (the practitioner), the sources whereby knowledge may be acquired, and the contexts in which it must be applied. This discussion is an exploration of that interplay. Thus, in the discussion, the distinctive demands on the practitioner (and the kinds of personal qualities these entail) in acquiring and applying knowledge are highlighted, as are the sources of knowledge and the constraints of context. Three sources of knowledge are noted: authority, personal experience, and intuition. Context is conceived both in terms of the macro, sociopolitical, level and in terms of the micro level, i.e. the individual homes and interpersonal relationships in and through which health visiting is typically practised. Conclusions are drawn relating to the education of health visitors. The discussion draws on a distinction between three kinds of knowledge: factual or propositional knowledge, knowledge by acquaintance, and practical knowledge, or know-how.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1995

A measure of knowledge and confidence in relation to HIV and AIDS: reliability and validity.

Knowledge of HIV and AIDS is widely seen as an important determinant of anxiety about such infection in health care workers. However, existing measures of this knowledge suffer from a number of methodological problems and few demonstrate adequate reliability and validity. This paper documents the development of a new measure detailing its reliability and validity. Knowledge, and also confidence in knowledge, were assessed across seven domains of relevant information (e.g. epidemiology, personal risk, symptomatology) in one non-expert group (non-medical undergraduate psychologist) and in three groups with greater expertise (nursing students and third year and final year medical students). The measure was shown to be reliable and to discriminate between the four groups in a manner consistent with the level of education received by each group and in terms of both the scale scores for the seven domains and the individual items. In general, final year medical students were shown to be more knowledgeable, and more confident in their knowledge, than the other groups. The non-medical undergraduates showed the lowest level of knowledge. In general, the groups appeared under-confident in their knowledge about HIV/AIDS. This was interpreted in terms of members of these groups exhibiting caution and the perceived fluctuating nature of the HIV knowledge base. Implications for the training of health care workers in relation to HIV/AIDS are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Carer knowledge of dysphagia management strategies.

Dysphagia can have many negative health consequences for people with learning disabilities, including dehydration, aspiration and asphyxiation. Few studies have investigated dysphagia management among adults with learning disabilities. This study aims to contribute to the existing knowledge by investigating carer knowledge of speech and language therapists' (SLTs) recommendations regarding dysphagia management, and by comparing carer knowledge with their behavioural adherence to SLT recommendations. An exploratory study was undertaken investigating carer knowledge of dysphagia management strategies, along with a within-participants' study comparing carer knowledge and adherence. Structured interviews were conducted with carers supporting adults with learning disabilities and dysphagia to explore and ascertain their knowledge of dysphagia management. These data were then compared with observational data gathered in naturalistic contexts, assessing the behavioural adherence of these same carers. Recommendations pertaining to altering consistency and using specialized equipment and utensils were recalled significantly more readily than those concerning support and prompting for the dysphagic persons. Moreover, carers adhered to management strategies to a significantly greater degree than they could recall the details of the written guidelines containing the dysphagia management strategies. The findings suggest that tangible and routinely used management strategies, e.g. food and drink consistency, and use of specialized utensils, are easier for carers to adhere to and remember than support-based strategies such as verbal prompting and pacing. The discrepancy between compliance and knowledge can be explained by calling upon cognitive theories of memory and skill acquisition. This has implications for the selection of relevant outcomes of dysphagia training of direct care staff. Knowledge does not necessarily predict actual behavioural adherence and, though desirable, does not appear to be an adequate outcome indicator if the goal is behavioural adherence. Practice implications for SLTs training carers in dysphagia management strategies include combating fossilization of incorrect knowledge; encouraging carers to refamiliarize themselves with management strategies and their rationales periodically following initial training; and providing more specific contingency information for support and prompting in the guideline documentation.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

How does beneficiary knowledge of the Medicare program vary by type of insurance?

BACKGROUND: Prior research found that Medicare beneficiaries' knowledge of the Medicare program varied by the type of supplemental insurance they had. However, none of these studies used both multivariate methods and nationally representative data to examine the issue. OBJECTIVES To measure beneficiary knowledge of the Medicare program and to evaluate how knowledge varies by type of supplemental insurance. RESEARCH DESIGN: A mail survey with telephone follow-up to a nationally representative random sample of Medicare beneficiaries, which had a 76% response rate. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of providing the Medicare & You handbook on beneficiary knowledge, information needs, and health plan decision making. SUBJECTS: A total of 3738 Medicare beneficiaries who completed the survey. MEASURES: A psychometrically validated 22-item index that reflects Medicare-related knowledge in seven different content areas. RESULTS Overall, beneficiaries with a Medicare HMO or non-employer-sponsored supplemental insurance were more knowledgeable about Medicare than those who had Medicare only. In general, beneficiaries tended to be more knowledgeable about issues related to the type of insurance they had (fee-for-service or managed care) than other types of insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of knowledge about one's own type of insurance may suggest that beneficiaries learn by experience or they learn more about that type of insurance before enrollment. Further research is needed to better understand how and when beneficiaries learn about insurance and what educational strategies are more effective at increasing knowledge.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Rural youth: HIV/STD knowledge levels and sources of information.

Though it is recognised that a sound knowledge of HIV/STD transmission is insufficient on its own to ensure that young people practise safer sex, knowledge of this sort is a necessary prerequisite to safe sex behaviours. Research on the HIV/STD knowledge levels of young people has shown that, while they have high levels of HIV knowledge, they generally have little idea about the transmission of other STDs. Moreover, most of this research has been conducted with more accessible youth in large urban centres. The research reported in this paper focused on HIV/STD knowledge levels, awareness of safe and unsafe sexual practices, and the information sources accessed by 1168 young people living in small rural towns in Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria. As with mainstream youth, the participants in this study had high levels of HIV knowledge and very low levels of knowledge about the transmission of other STDs, their names and symptoms. Practical knowledge of the safety of sexual practices was good, although a number of students confused high risk practices with high risk groups. Students mainly accessed informal information sources such as parents, peers and magazines and took little advantage of more formal sources even when they were available in their towns. There were few gender differences in levels of knowledge; however, girls accessed more information sources and knew more names of STDs. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to young people developing critical attitudes towards more informal sources, and the better use of more formal sources.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Validation of an asthma knowledge questionnaire.

Asthma is responsible for much morbidity and mortality, which might be decreased by increasing parental and patient knowledge about asthma. This report describes the development and validation of an asthma knowledge questionnaire for use in the assessment of asthma knowledge. Two groups of respondents were examined. One group was designated 'high knowledge' and the other 'low knowledge'. The questionnaire had a maximum possible score of 31. The mean score of 69 'high' knowledge parents was 25.3 (median 25, range 18-31). By contrast, the mean score of 69 'low' knowledge parents was 13.0 (median 13, range 0-21). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P less than 0.0001). The questionnaire results were reproducible (tau = 0.94, P less than 0.01). Demographic characteristics such as education and socio-economic status were not important confounding variables. Face and content validity of the questionnaire were based on reference to published experience. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by the ability of the questionnaire to distinguish low from high knowledge parents. The questionnaire should prove to be a valuable research tool for the assessment of asthma knowledge either as part of an educational intervention or in a clinical situation.

Asthma↗
PubMed1997

Knowledge and beliefs about common eye diseases.

PURPOSE: To ascertain the level of knowledge of common causes of blindness in an adult Australian population and to relate this to use of eye care services. METHODS: A population-based study of common eye diseases in an urban population aged 49 years or older was conducted. The questions were concerned with the awareness and knowledge of and the ability to describe three common eye diseases, namely cataract, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). RESULTS: Awareness of cataract (98%) and glaucoma (93%) were high in this population, but awareness of AMD was low (20%). Among people who were aware of the target eye disease, only 29% showed some knowledge of glaucoma, 26% showed some knowledge of AMD and 20% showed some knowledge of cataract; this was also low in people who had previous eye treatment, such as cataract surgery. Knowledge was related to education level, occupational prestige and knowledge of other eye diseases. After excluding people with a previous eye disease diagnosis, those people who were aware and had some knowledge of eye disease accessed eyecare services more frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of common eye diseases is generally lacking. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia, yet only 20% of the present study population had heard of it. As there are often no early symptoms for glaucoma, community awareness of this disease and the need for screening of people at risk may allow timely diagnosis and more effective therapy before advanced visual field loss has occurred. An informed public is more likely to present earlier with visual symptoms before irreversible visual loss has occurred and is more likely to comply better with recommended therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Labelling and patient knowledge of dispensed drugs as quality indicators in primary care in Botswana.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the quality of dispensing and patient knowledge of drugs dispensed in primary care in Botswana. SETTING: Thirty randomly assigned primary healthcare facilities in three districts of Botswana. PARTICIPANTS: Patients visiting clinics and health posts. DESIGN: Analysis of data from prospective participative observations of the drug dispensing process and interview of patients about their knowledge of drugs received immediately after dispensing. The quality of drug labelling was assessed by calculating mean labelling scores composed of five dispensing attributes: name of patient, and name, strength, dosage, and volume of the drug (incorrect or no labelling=0, 1 point for each correct labelling attribute; maximum score=5). Mean knowledge scores were obtained immediately after dispensing from patient recall of name and dosage of drug, duration of treatment, and reason for prescription (incorrect recall=0, 1 point for each correct recall attribute; maximum score=4). RESULTS: 2994 consecutive patient consultations were analysed. The mean labelling score was 2.75. Family welfare educators and pharmacy technicians scored highest (3.15 and 2.98, respectively) and untrained staff lowest (2.60). Factors independently associated with the labelling score were analgesics v other drugs, district, health posts v clinics, education of prescriber (nurse best), and years of experience of prescriber (4-11 years best). The mean patient knowledge score was 2.50. The reason for prescription of the drug(s), dosage, duration of treatment, and name of the drug(s) was recalled by 92%, 83%, 44%, and 31% of patients, respectively. The qualification level of the dispenser was the strongest factor independently associated with the knowledge score. Antibiotics had the second lowest score, both for labelling (2.39) and patient knowledge (2.39). CONCLUSION: Only trained dispensing staff provided satisfactory quality of labelling. Patients had a fair knowledge of the drugs dispensed. The knowledge of drugs dispensed by family welfare educators was less than satisfactory. The labelling score is a useful indicator of the quality of dispensing, and the knowledge score of both the quality of prescribing and of dispensing. These indicators should be added to the WHO list of patient care indicators.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

The correlation between nutrition knowledge and eating behavior in an American school: the role of ethnicity.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nutrition knowledge and eating behavior of a sample of middle school children. The participants were 532 students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades from Shawnee Middle School in Lima, Ohio. The students were asked to a complete a questionnaire (CANKAP--Comprehensive Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices), which measured nutrition knowledge and eating behavior, and is reproduced here. The data were coded and computer-analyzed using the SAS statistical program for analysis by frequency distribution, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson Correlation Coefficients. Data analysis provided the following results: Mean nutrition knowledge scores of sixth grade students (68.4) were higher than mean nutrition knowledge scores of seventh and eighth grade students (58.5 per cent). The relationship between nutrition knowledge and eating behavior was insignificant for sixth grade students, but significant for seventh and eighth grade students. Also, "Caucasians" had higher mean knowledge scores than "Other" ethnic groups combined. The students demonstrated knowledge about the cultural and psychological aspects of nutrition. However, they were not able to identify the food sources of nutrients or nutrient functions, and they did not use a daily food guide to choose foods, although they were aware of the importance of milk and vegetable consumption. Knowledge about nutrition and healthy eating behavior appears to be weak within this group, and it would be beneficial to promote a nutrition curriculum for students in middle schools.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2026

Knowledge on the Haemophilia Care Among Healthcare Providers in Tanzania: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Haemophilia is a rare inherited bleeding disorder associated with recurrent bleeding, disability, and mortality when diagnosis and management are delayed. In low- and middle-income countries, limited diagnostic capacity, access to treatment and gaps in Healthcare Providers' (HCPs') knowledge are major contributors to morbidity and mortality. In Tanzania, the recent improvement in haemophilia services highlights the need for systematic evaluation of HCPs' knowledge and clinical practices. OBJECTIVE: The study assessed the knowledge of haemophilia care among healthcare providers in Tanzania. METHODS: A multicenter hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs in tertiary and regional hospitals in Tanzania. A structured self-administered questionnaire assessed knowledge on haemophilia, including the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and complications. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics version 27. RESULTS: Among 799 HCPs assessed (50.9%) aged 20-29 and (59.2%) males. Nurses were the majority (31.8%), and 75.2% had &#x2264;5 years' experience. Overall haemophilia knowledge was high (median 83.3%, IQR: 75.9-88.9), strongest performance in general knowledge and weakest in treatment (68.2%, IQR: 54.5-77.3). Most respondents identified haemophilia as inherited (95.6%), non-infectious (93.7%), and recognized prolonged bleeding after injury or circumcision as key-symptoms (>90%). Knowledge varied by cadre, department, and experience (p<0.05); physicians and specialists scored higher than nurses, while health attendants scored lower. CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers demonstrated fairly adequate general knowledge of haemophilia. However, gaps remain in understanding genetic inheritance, acquired haemophilia, and modern treatment strategies, with knowledge variation by cadre, department, and experience, highlighting the need for targeted education across all HCPs groups.

Tanzania↗
PubMed1991

University students and AIDS: knowledge, attitudes and behavioral adjustment.

This study addresses the relations between AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavior change among university students. A questionnaire covering such issues and personal background variables was administered to 750 students at the University of Zagreb. Over-all, 62.7% of the knowledge items were answered correctly, while functional, self-protective aspects of knowledge proved to be much better than general knowledge. On the average, attitudinal responses were moderately liberal. Both self-reported change in risk-reduction behavior and personal concern due to the appearance of AIDS were very small. Correlations of risk-reducing behavior with permissive (.15) and restrictive (.14) attitude orientations and with general and functional knowledge (.08) were modest. The level of personal concern correlated neither with permissive attitudes nor with functional knowledge, while it correlated negatively with restrictive attitudes (-.20) and with general knowledge (-.08). Substantial association was only established between functional knowledge and permissive (.51) and restrictive attitude orientations (-.23). It is concluded that, in addition to knowledge and attitudes, a number of factors which restrain desired behavioral adjustment should be considered in anti-AIDS campaigns, such as perceived level of exposure to HIV in a particular environment, young age-specific illusion of invulnerability, peer norms, and others.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2003

[Pitfalls in 'orthodox knowledge'].

Within contemporary society both 'pseudoscience' and 'pseudomedicine' can be found. Such knowledge is seen as incorrect, wrong or irrational. I call them 'unorthodox (uncertain) knowledge'. Conversely, 'orthodox knowledge'--for example, science, medicine, etc.--is seen as correct, right or rational. Some people believe 'unorthodox (uncertain) knowledge'. Experts castigate such people from the standpoint that they lack the basic understanding of 'orthodox knowledge'. That is, experts see the ordinary lay person as subjective, ignorant or irrational (whereas they see themselves as objective, analytical, prudent or rational). But are people ignorant or irrational? The aim of this paper is to examine this question in terms of analyzing the interplay among the characteristics of 'orthodox knowledge', 'unorthodox (uncertain) knowledge' and the nature of people's concerns. Thus, this paper explains that people develop certain situated understandings of 'orthodox knowledge' and/or 'unorthodox (uncertain) knowledge' through their intensive experiences. Also, this paper suggests that people need to rethink or reflect on the good institutions which mediate between people and experts.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Knowledge of hypoglycemia by primary health care centers registered diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge of diabetic patients about symptoms of Hypoglycemia, and the variables that may be associated with that knowledge. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 1039 diabetic subjects, registered in the urban and rural primary health care centers of Makkah. The tool of data collection was a structured questionnaire. The parameters of the study were lack of knowledge about hypoglycemia measured as knowledge of individual symptoms; and the proportions of patients with poor knowledge score. RESULTS: The frequency of lack of knowledge of symptoms of hypoglycemia was around 50% of subjects. Two-third of subjects had a poor knowledge score. Main variables significantly associated with poor knowledge score were male gender (P < 0.001), low education (P < 0.0001), non-compliance with treatment (P < 0.02), and lack of knowledge about hypoglycemia (P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: There is a need for health education of diabetic subjects about symptoms of hypoglycaemia, in order to deal with it in an effective way.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening amongst public health nurses in Singapore.

AIM OF STUDY: The study aimed to examine the knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening amongst Public Health nurses who are patient educators. METHOD: A self-administered questionnaire was sent to all 447 nurses in the Public Health Service to assess their knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening. Response rate was 96.4%. Knowledge scores ranged from 0-17 with one point given to a correct knowledge question, zero for wrong answer. RESULTS: Median knowledge score was nine and 58.3% of nurses scored > or = 9. Statistically significant factors influencing knowledge scores were related to the nursing profession, namely nursing qualifications, current nursing post and current workplace. 76.2% of Nursing Officers/Higher Nursing Officers and 74.5% of midwives had knowledge scores > or = 9 compared with 57.3% of staff nurses and 40.8% of assistant nurses (p < 0.01). 60.1% of nurses who were taught breast-self examination scored > or = 9 (p < 0.05). As for practice, 93.7% of nurses did breast-self-examination, 54.1% had clinical breast examination in the past one year and 50.2% had mammogram done. On multivariate analysis, significant factors affecting practice of clinical breast examination were marital status (Prevalence Rate Ratio 1.94, 95% Confidence Interval 1.20-3.15), doctor's gender (PRR 1.35, CI 1.04-1.75) and those affecting mammogram were age group (PRR 1.78, CI 1.27-2.48), marital status (PRR 1.63, CI 1.03-2.59), history of breast disease (PRR 1.51, CI 1.06-2.16). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of nurses had certain misconceptions in the knowledge of breast cancer and breast cancer screening. A higher proportion of nurses in the Family Health Service had higher knowledge scores than other nurses in the Public Health Service. Most of the nurses did breast-self-examination. Having ever married and the availability of a female doctor influenced the nurses attending clinical breast examination. Nurses who were > or = 50 years old, ever married and those with a positive history of breast disease were more likely to have mammography done.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Knowledge and practice of eye-care among leprosy patients.

In one hundred and thirty leprosy patients attending the Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Center, Karigiri, Tamil Nadu, India, the knowledge, attitude and practice of eye-care were ascertained using a questionnaire developed by Mathews & Mangalam. 74.6% the patients surveyed were aware of the disease, 60% knew about the early signs of leprosy, 74.6% considered leprosy curable and 36.9% knew the duration of treatment with MDT. Less than half of the patients (40.8%) knew that blindness occurred in leprosy and was preventable. More males had this knowledge (46.5%) than females (22.6%) (P = 0.001). Knowledge on how to take care of the eyes (26.9%), that eyes become anaesthetic due to leprosy (27.7%), and that precautions should be taken if sensation is lost (27. 7%) was very poor. Knowledge on prevention of damage in eyes (57.7%) and the fact that rubbing eyes could cause damage (55.4%) was found in more than half the patients. More males (64.6%) had knowledge on the prevention of damage in eyes than females (35.5%) (P = 0.008). Only 25.4% of the patients tried some measures to prevent eye injury, 21.5% used home remedies and all had the help of family members in their eye-care. More males (26.3%) used home remedies than females (6.5%). The older age group had better knowledge on taking care of the eyes than those aged 40 and below (P = 0.026). Although more patients with existing complications knew to take care of their eyes than those who did not have complications, the knowledge and practice of eye-care in both these groups were poor. Knowledge of leprosy in illiterate patients was not different from those who had some formal schooling, but the practice of eye-care differed significantly (P = 0.02). Health education must be undertaken to increase the knowledge of eye-care among leprosy patients, especially among illiterate persons, women and younger patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Parental asthma knowledge.

UNLABELLED: Asthma knowledge an important components of asthma education. OBJECTIVE: To determine the levels of asthma knowledge in parents of asthmatic children and factors that may influence it. METHODS: This is a prospective study done between March 1998 and July 1998. Sixty-seven parents were interviewed using the 31 item asthma knowledge questionnaire that had been validated and translated. The children' asthma severity was classified. The questionnaire includes bio-data of children and parents, types of medication and dosages duration of asthma, exposure to cigarette smoke, acute asthma admissions, and parent's economic status. RESULTS: The mean score for asthma knowledge was 15.5. The total score was 31. Asthma knowledge was significantly higher in parents whose children were using steroids [p = 0.03, CI (-3.58, -0.02)]. It correlated significantly with steroid dosage (r = 0.29, p = 0.02), and was significantly higher in parents of higher economic status. Parent's asthma knowledge had no association with children's asthma status, age of the child or parents, exposure to cigarette smoke, frequency of admission or asthma duration. CONCLUSION: The low asthma knowledge level indicates the need to increase the effort in educating parents. The main indicator for higher knowledge was steroid usage and dosage. Higher asthma knowledge in the high-income group was probably related to levels of education.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Pregnant women's knowledge about HIV and AIDS].

This investigation is based upon information from 820 pregnant women who replied to a questionnaire about AIDS during the period 17.4.1989-14.7.1989. The questions included sources of information, knowledge about routes of infection and risk groups and the extent of spread of infection and disease in the population. 95% agreed to participate. Knowledge had been obtained primarily via the electronic media, while the health services had limited significance. The employment of sources of information depended on age and occupation. Apart from knowledge about the risk involved in breast feeding, the women were, in general, well informed about routes of infection. Knowledge about risk groups and the current extent of spread of infection was, on the the other hand, deficient. Defective knowledge was concentrated in groups which may be characterized by age (less than 24 years) and occupation (trained and untrained workers and the group of "other occupations"). Information obtained from health staff was connected with better knowledge about the extent of spread of infection. The majority of women desired routine information about AIDS in connection with antenatal control. Prophylactic measures should be based, among other things, on knowledge about development in the knowledge in the population and its employment of sources of information, so that specific information may be directed to certain groups of the population by using the most frequently employed and most effective routes of information. The knowledge of population groups, the attitudes and behaviour should be followed continuously.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗