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PubMed2006

[Knowledge of contraceptive methods among adolescent students].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the knowledge of contraceptive methods as well as to identify factors associated with adequate knowledge among public and private school adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study comprising 1,594 adolescents aged between 12 and 19 years old from 13 public and five private schools in the city of São Paulo city, Brazil, was carried out from June to December 2003. Schools were randomly selected and students filled out a questionnaire about sociodemographic, reproductive and contraceptive methods. The prevalence ratios were estimated with a 95% confidence interval for each question on their knowledge of contraceptive methods and by school group. Each question correctly answered received a half score, and the cut-off value was 50% of correct answers. Statistical tests utilized were Chi-square and Wilcoxon-Gehan tests and Poisson multiple regression model. RESULTS: Of all respondents, 61% were of females in both school groups. Most students had low socioeconomic condition in public schools while they had mostly high socioeconomic condition in private schools (p<0.001). Nearly 18.6% private and 28.6% public school students were sexually active (p<0.002). In regard to their knowledge, 25.7% of public and 40.8% of private school students had a score equal to or above five. Factors associated with higher knowledge were: being female, at high school of a private school, having high socioeconomic condition, having had sexual intercourse and being older. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of contraceptive methods was low in both public and private school students. The study results show that both underprivileged as well as high socioeconomic adolescents need to have adequate information about family planning to improve their knowledge and change their behavior.

Access to Information↗
PubMed2000

[Knowledge about Chagas' disease and risk factors in Argentina communities with different epidemiological trends].

Currently, Chagas' disease control consists mainly of chemical warfare against the insect vector. However, a number of risk factors, such as poor hygiene and clutter, can facilitate the persistence of triatomine breeding sites. Relying on the premise that communities at risk of Chagas have little knowledge about the disease, the authors defined the extent of knowledge that is considered optimal and determined how much is known, on average, by the inhabitants of two areas in Argentina showing different epidemiologic trends. Risk factors in both areas were identified. The optimal extent of knowledge was defined in accordance with 25 "basic concepts" surrounding the disease, and from these questionnaires were constructed for evaluating average knowledge about the disease. Results obtained showed that risk factors were linked primarily with the type of dwelling construction and with clutter, as well as with limited knowledge about the disease. There was little basic knowledge about Chagas, with an inability, for example, to identify the vector and describe the mode of transmission. Increasing people's knowledge about the disease would be an important step in the fight against Chagas and would give the inhabitants of endemic areas a better understanding of their situation as well as the chance to develop behaviors that would allow them to assume responsibility for their own welfare.

Argentina↗
PubMed2004

Knowledge of aging and life satisfaction among older adults.

Four hundred young-, middle-, and old-old adults responded to a battery of quizzes dealing with life satisfaction and objective aging knowledge in the physical, psychological, and social domains. Analyses incorporated domains of aging knowledge, life satisfaction, age, gender, and demographic variables. Both means difference and regression analyses were computed. Significant age group, gender, and life satisfaction differences were found for the three aging knowledge domains. For successive age groups, knowledge of aging decreased, with females knowing less than males. The greater knowledge of aging, the higher the life satisfaction. The demographic variables education, financial status, health, living arrangement, and volunteerism were significant covariates for knowledge of aging. Results from this study indicate that knowledge of aging in specific domains varies among older adult age groups and is associated with life satisfaction.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Knowledge of nutrition and nutritional behavior of schoolchildren and their parents in Vojvodina].

INTRODUCTION: Unbalanced diet, as a risk factor, has an important influence on health, not only of adults but even more of children and adolescents. Therefore, it is very important to assess knowledge, habits and behavior considering nutrition among youth. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and behavior regarding nutrition among schoolchildren and their parents, as well as to establish how much knowledge and behavior are related to age and other socio-demographic characteristics, and how they are connected with knowledge and behavior of parents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed in a random sample of 210 children in 4 elementary schools and their parents in Vojvodina using specially designed questionnaires. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Results showed that knowledge about healthy food, as an important factor of healthy behavior, is quite good, and increases with age. There is a significant discrepancy between knowledge and behavior. Although children know which food is healthier, they often consume less healthy food. This discrepancy is present in all offered pairs of food, but particularly expressed when it is about consuming bread: about 80% of pupils know that dark breads are healthier than white breads, but only 13.5% among them actually eat dark breads. CONCLUSION: This study showed that children's and parents' level of knowledge about healthy food is satisfactory, but it is not enough for healthy behavior, so there is a need for additional effort in health education and health promotion in youth population.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Knowledge of laws regulating issues related to HIV and AIDS: development of the HIV/AIDS and the law scale.

42 middle-aged and older adults, ranging in age from 51 to 85 years, completed 10 items dealing with the assessment of knowledge regarding laws regulating issues related to HIV and AIDS. Participants also completed 40 items involving knowledge of risks for HIV infection. The Cronbach coefficient alpha and test-retest reliability coefficient on the HIV/AIDS and the Law Scale were .74 and .83, respectively. Over-all, the grand mean for correct answers was 46.9%, whereas the grand means for incorrect answers and "don't know" responses were 13.6% and 39.5%, suggesting substantial lack of knowledge of laws regulating issues related to HIV and AIDS. Women (50%) and younger participants (51 to 66 years old; 48.2%) showed more of this knowledge (50%) than men (43.0%) and older participants (46.2%). The sample reported a substantial amount of knowledge regarding HIV transmission assessed with factual (92.2% correct) and misconception (87.5% correct) items. The correlation between this knowledge and knowledge of laws regulating issues related to HIV and AIDS was .42 (p < .01). Research with this scale using adolescents and young adults as well as the utility of the scale in areas of clinical, legal, and policy development are discussed.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed2003

A long-term study of knowledge, risk, and ethics for students enrolled in an introductory biotechnology course.

Since 1989, an undergraduate course addressing issues concerning biotechnology in agriculture has been taught annually. To determine the extent to which students were engaged in classroom instruction and assimilated knowledge from the course, students were asked to complete an "Attitudes About Biotechnology" questionnaire. Students were queried about their knowledge of biotechnology, perceptions of risks associated with biotechnology, and ethics and attitudes toward the use of biotechnology in agriculture. Responses to the survey questions were evaluated both pre-and postcourse. Data were collected from 13 classes over a 10-yr period. Inspection of the precourse grade point average and the course grades for these students revealed no trends up or down over the period of this study. Similarly, inspection of the data revealed no effect from problem-based learning, student-facilitated group work, or technology on student attainment of knowledge, perception of risk, or ethical views. For each of the five knowledge questions, the average score increased as a result of taking the course. On two of the knowledge questions, the average score increase for females from pre- to postcourse was greater than for males. Based on our measurements using the postcourse questionnaire, the correlation between perceived and actual knowledge was not significantly different from zero. In two of the four risk questions, there was no change in average score as a result of the course; however, student perception of risk associated with genetic engineering of plants increased. Although average scores for student perception of risk due to the perceived impact of genetically engineered products on people or the environment decreased from pre- to postcourse assessment, the average score was higher (P < 0.01) for females than for males. Males were more accepting of genetic manipulation of cells in a laboratory than were females both pre- and postcourse. Although student knowledge of biotechnology was increased and the perceived risk due to biotechnology was altered, there was no evidence that students altered their ethical position on biotechnology as a result of this course.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Knowledge and learning needs related to cancer treatment in gynecological cancer patients].

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the knowledge and learning needs of chemotherapy in gynecological cancer patients. METHOD: The subjects consisted of 103 gynecological cancer patients receiving chemotherapy from April 2005 to August 2005. Data was collected using a questionnaire about knowledge and learning needs of chemotherapy. The data was analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient using SAS. RESULT: Average scores of knowledge and learning needs of general treatment and care were 2.74, and 3.30 respectively. Average score of knowledge and learning needs of chemotherapy were 2.54, and 3.23 respectively. Learning needs of general treatment and care and of chemotherapy were significantly different in relation to marital status, educational level, family support, the operation, and the amount of chemotherapy received. Items with the highest level of learning needs were the symptoms of recurring illness of general treatment, and minimizing side effects of chemotherapy. There were a negative correlation between knowledge and learning needs on general treatment and a positive correlation between knowledge and learning needs on chemotherapy but there were not significant statistically. CONCLUSION: The level of learning needs related to cancer treatment was high, whereas, that of knowledge was low. Therefore, when designing an educational program for gynecological cancer patients, understanding of learning needs is necessary. Also, consideration of a patient's characteristics, and a systematic and detailed educational program should be provided.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The relative contributions of psychiatric symptoms and AIDS knowledge to HIV risk behaviors among people with severe mental illness.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine whether psychiatric symptoms and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) knowledge predict human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behavior among people with severe mental illness. METHOD: We interviewed 178 psychiatric patients to determine Axis I diagnosis, level of functioning, severity of psychiatric symptoms, knowledge about AIDS, sexual risk behaviors in the previous 6 months, and drug injection since 1978. Severity of psychiatric symptoms was rated on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale within the classification of positive, negative, cognitive, excited, and depressed/anxious symptoms. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients (51.7%) reported being sexually active in the previous 6 months. Of sexually active patients for whom data were available, 44 (47.8%) of 92 had multiple sex partners; 32 (35.2%) of 91 used drugs during sex; 27 (29.7%) of 91 traded sex for drugs, money, or other goods; and 50 (58.1%) of 86 never used condoms. Thirty-one patients (17.5%) had drug-injection histories. The median AIDS knowledge score was 23 (82.1%) of 28. Although AIDS knowledge was negatively correlated with cognitive and negative symptoms and positively correlated with excitement, knowledge alone did not predict any risk behavior. However, when AIDS knowledge was taken together with age and excited symptoms, the odds of being sexually active versus abstinent were three times higher among patients with better AIDS knowledge and twice higher among patients with greater excited symptoms. Having multiple sex partners was nearly three times as likely among patients with greater positive symptoms. Trading sex was more than three times as likely among patients with schizophrenia than among those with other diagnoses and more than five times as likely among those with more excitement symptoms. CONCLUSION: Patients, particularly those who were sexually active, were well informed about AIDS. Specific psychiatric conditions, including the presence of positive and excited symptoms and a diagnosis of schizophrenia, predicted certain sexual risk behaviors and must be the focus of innovative prevention efforts.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2001

The knowledge and practices of primary care givers regarding home-based care of HIV/AIDS children in Blantyre (Malawi).

Knowledge is one of the major factors that promotes adherence to treatment regimens. With the current trends worldwide of home and community-based services for the management of HIV/AIDS patients, knowledge of care givers about the home care of these patients will determine the success of the programs. The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the knowledge and practices of primary care givers of HIV/AIDS children in the provision of home care services. In this study an attempt was made to describe the factors which are associated with knowledge. Thirty-six primary care givers were randomly selected from three major home based care centres in Blantyre City, Malawi. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Data were analysed manually and by computer, using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The findings revealed a gap in knowledge since in many instances taking a child to the hospital for the management of minor ailments was the action of choice, thus perpetuating the problem of overburdening hospital resources. Lack of prior preparation for home based care was found to be the major factor contributing to the lack of knowledge. Recommendations proposed include the need to put into place mechanisms that will ensure that all the primary care givers are adequately prepared in good time for home care service. Ensuring regular home visits was also thought to be helpful for efficient and effective supervision and reinforcement of information given to fill the gaps in knowledge wherever necessary.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hispanic women's breast and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes, and screening behaviors.

PURPOSE: This study examined breast and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes, and screening behaviors among different Hispanic populations in the United States. DESIGN: Data were collected from a random digit dial telephone survey of 8903 Hispanic adults from eight U.S. sites. Across sites, the average response rate was 83%. SETTING: Data were collected as part of the baseline assessment in a national Hispanic cancer control and prevention intervention study. SUBJECTS: Analysis was restricted to 2239 Hispanic women age 40 and older who were self-identified as either Central American (n = 174), Cuban (n = 279), Mexican American (n = 1550), or Puerto Rican (n = 236). MEASURES: A bilingual survey instrument was used to solicit information on age, education, income, health insurance coverage, language use, U.S.-born status, knowledge of screening guidelines, attitudes toward cancer, and screening participation. Differences in knowledge and attitudes across Hispanic groups were assessed by either chi-square tests or analysis of variance. Logistic regression models assessed the influence of knowledge and attitudes on screening participation. RESULTS: The level of knowledge of guidelines ranged from 58.3% (Mexican Americans) to 71.8% (Cubans) for mammography, and from 41.1% (Puerto Ricans) to 55.6% (Cubans) for Pap smear among the different Hispanic populations. Attitudes also varied, with Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans having more negative or fatalistic views of cancer than Cuban or Central Americans. Knowledge was significantly related to age, education, income, language preference, and recent screening history. Overall, attitudes were not predictive of mammography and Pap smear behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Factors related to mammography and Pap smear screening vary among the different Hispanic populations. Limitations include the cross-sectional nature of the study, self-reported measures of screening, and the limited assessment of attitudes. The data and diversity of Hispanic groups reinforce the position that ethno-regional characteristics should be clarified and addressed in cancer screening promotion efforts. The practical relationships among knowledge, attitudes, and cancer screening are not altogether clear and require further research.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The knowledge and practice on malaria among community members in Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge of the cause, preventive measures and symptoms of malaria, treatment seeking behaviour on malaria and source of information about malaria among community members for the planning of effective malaria intervention. DESIGN: A cross sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire, which was administered by health workers from rural health centres. SETTING: Households in rural areas from five districts namely Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP), Hurungwe, Mount Darwin, Bulilimamangwe and Chipinge in Zimbabwe. SUBJECTS: 2,531 community members who were in charge of households sampled systematically in the area. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of knowledge of transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention methods such as residual house spraying and personal protection, and treatment seeking practice on malaria. RESULTS: Knowledge of malaria transmission was generally high ranging from 57.9% to 95.9%, although there were some misconceptions such as drinking dirty water and poor hygiene. Knowledge of malaria preventive methods was varied among districts ranging from 19.4% to 93.0% about residual house spraying, and low (0.2% to 22.7%), (8.1% to 24.5%) about mosquito nets and repellents, respectively. Knowledge of malaria signs was generally high although this also varied among districts. Treatment seeking practice on malaria shows that the majority of respondents (85.4%) visit the clinic first when seeking treatment although there are other options such as shops and traditional healers. Other sources of information about malaria mentioned were, health workers (72.9%), radio (44.0%), television (37.5%), teachers (25.0%) and village community workers (10.0%). CONCLUSION: Despite widespread knowledge about the cause of malaria and symptoms, and the fairly extensive sources of health information, understanding of the preventive measures was relatively low. Appropriate health education is essential to stimulate changes in both knowledge and behaviour in malaria control activities. Schools can be effective health education tools as well as health facilities.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Men's knowledge of and attitude with respect to family planning in a suburban Nigerian community.

BACKGROUND: Men's Knowledge of and attitudes to family planning (FP) in suburban and rural Nigeria is still poor despite a global move to increase the involvement of men in reproductive health matters. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine men's knowledge of and attitude to family planning at Ganmo, a sub-urban community on the outskirts of Ilorin, Nigeria. METHOD: The study employed an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire to elicit information from 360 men in the households. Only males above the age of 15 years resident in the community were selected for interview A proportionate sampling procedure was employed in selecting the required numberof men from each of the 32 compounds that make up the community. RESULTS: Nearly all men (96.5%) were aware of family planning and a majority of them were aware of some common methods of family planning e.g. Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) (72.5%), Injectables (69.2%), Condoms (86.6%) and Traditional methods (70.6%). Knowledge of other alternative female methods was low e.g. Norplant (17.5%), IUCD (26.3%), Diaphragm (39.8%), Vaginal cream (30.2%), Vaginal tablet (37.8%) and Vaginal sponge (16.8%), and Tubal Ligation (51.3%). Knowledge of male controlled FP methods like Withdrawal (49.6%), Rhythm or periodic abstinence (54.6%) and Vasectomy (28.6%) was also poor. The Respondents had low knowledge of common side effects of FP methods e.g. nausea (9.8%), vomiting (13.1%), abnormal menstruation (34.4%), pain (23.2%) and unwanted weight gain (17.0%); some 25.3%% of respondents had no knowledge of any side effects. The attitude of respondents to family planning was also relatively poor as only a moderate proportion of men supported the FP concept (52.7%) and the Nigerian Population Policy (54.8%) of "four children to a woman". Some 54.8% of respondents were in support of men discussing about FP with their spouses. The major reasons for non-approval of FP by men were the fear of side-effects (70.4%) and perception of FP as being against religion (52.1%). The predictors of poor FP attitude were not having formal education, practice of polygyny and to a lesser extent being a Muslim. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that, men at Ganmo have limited knowledge of, and poor attitude to FP An intensive drive at a community based adult reproductive health education was advocated among other recommendations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Attitudes and knowledge of newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients regarding the disease, and factors affecting treatment compliance.

SETTING: An urban university teaching hospital. OBJECTIVES: To determine patients' attitudes to tuberculosis and their knowledge of the disease, and factors associated with treatment compliance. DESIGN: All adult patients commenced on treatment for tuberculosis from September 1994 to February 1996 were interviewed on initiation of treatment. To assess patient compliance with treatment, hospital clinical records were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients with a mean age (+/-SD) of 41.9 (+/-17.4) years (range 15-84 years) were interviewed. The patients had limited understanding and knowledge about tuberculosis. There was a negative correlation between patient age and tuberculosis knowledge score (r = -0.18, P = 0.038). Patients with tertiary education had better knowledge than the others. Of 118 patients who were followed-up in our chest clinic, 80 (67.8%) completed the prescribed treatment. Compliance with treatment and follow-up was not affected by age, sex, ethnic group, educational level, occupation, extent of knowledge, tuberculosis symptoms, hospitalisation for tuberculosis or duration of the prescribed treatment regimen. There was a trend toward poorer compliance among patients who equated disappearance of tuberculosis symptoms with cure of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Malaysian patients with newly diagnosed tuberculosis attending a university teaching hospital had misconceptions and limited knowledge about the disease and its treatment. Educational background was an important determinant of a patient's level of knowledge about tuberculosis. Compliance was not affected by patient characteristics. Adequate counselling and education of patients and close relatives on tuberculosis and the necessity for prolonged treatment may help to improve treatment compliance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Evaluation of mothers' knowledge in pre- and postnatal preventive care in the Tunisian Sahel].

Maternal and child health is one of the major concerns of public health throughout the world. Health education and increased knowledge of mothers in relation to their health is a strategy of choice adopted in many countries for improving maternal and child health. It is within this framework that this action is being carried out, which aims to evaluate the knowledge of mothers in the area of preventive care for women. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 915 parturient women from the Monastir region (coastal region of Tunisia) at the time of delivery, between May 1 and July 26, 1996. The survey was based on a questionnaire that explores, in addition to the socio-demographic characteristics of parents, the level of surveillance during pregnancy and mothers' knowledge in relation to preventive care of women. The majority of women (95%) are aware of the importance of prenatal surveillance, yet 12% don't have any knowledge of the recommended number of prenatal visits. Concerning contraception, the tetanus vaccination and the post-natal consultation, knowledge concerning their importance is high, but practice in these areas is not. Roughly only 1/3 of mothers used contraception before their current pregnancies, and only 70% had both doses of the tetanus vaccination. Health education on preventive care received by the mothers helps increase knowledge and probably practices as well. The increase in mothers' knowledge happens with appropriate initial and continued training in health education, provided by health professionals and with the reinforcement of educational activities during each contact with the mother both during her pregnancy and in periods where she isn't pregnant.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Information technology and knowledge exchange in health-care organizations.

Despite the increasing global interest in information technology among health care institutions, little has been discussed about its importance for the effectiveness of knowledge management. In this study, economic theories are used to analyze and describe a theoretical framework for the use of information technology in the exchange of knowledge. The analyses show that health care institutions would benefit from developing global problem-solving collaboration, which allows practitioners to exchange knowledge unrestricted by time and geographical barriers. The use of information technology for vertical integration of health-care institutions would reduce knowledge transaction costs, i.e. decrease costs for negotiating and creating communication channels, and facilitating the determination of what, when, and how to produce knowledge. A global network would allow organizations to increase existing knowledge, and thus total productivity, while also supporting an environment where the generation of new ideas is unrestricted. Using all the intellectual potential of market actors and thereby releasing economic resources can reduce today's global budget conflicts in the public sector, i.e. the necessity to choose between health care services and, for instance, schools and support for the elderly. In conclusion, global collaboration and coordination would reduce the transaction costs inherent in knowledge administration and allow a more effective total use of scarce health-care resources.

Health Care Sector↗
PubMed1999

The knowledge and attitudes of nonanesthesia nurses regarding postoperative epidural analgesia.

The provision of epidural analgesia for postoperative pain control offers many patient benefits and has become commonplace on many nursing units. Since nurses are responsible for the day-to-day management of patients receiving epidural analgesia, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding this technique are pivotal to its success. Therefore, the purpose of the present descriptive study was to examine the knowledge base, attitudes, and clinical practice of registered nurses (N = 85) regarding postoperative epidural analgesia as managed by an acute pain service (APS). Information was obtained from a survey distributed via a convenience sample to all nurses working on 6 units in a large military teaching facility. We developed the "Epidural Knowledge and Attitude Survey" using the nursing literature on epidural analgesia. The survey consisted of a demographics section, true/false (T/F) questions, multiple choice (M/C) questions, an attitude section, and a comment section. These sections addressed the nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in regard to epidural pharmacology, management, and adverse effects, as well as their general satisfaction with the APS of their facility. Data were analyzed statistically using means, standard deviations, percentages, forward step-wise linear regression, the Fisher-Irwin (exact) test, the chi 2 test, and analysis of variance with Bonferroni multiple comparisons. A P value of < .05 was considered statistically significant. Results of the study demonstrated that the respondents attained a 78% overall correct score on T/F questions and 38% on M/C questions. The attitude section illustrated that 73% of nurses had "positive" attitudes toward epidural analgesia. Correct management of patients receiving epidural analgesia was being practiced by 77% of nurses. The satisfaction with the APS at this facility was 32% "very satisfied" and 62% "somewhat satisfied." The demographic characteristics that best predicted a higher score on the knowledge portion of the survey were greater years of practice as a nurse and receipt of pain education in nursing training. Nurses who had received inservice education about epidural analgesia rated a "good" self-knowledge of epidurals more often (40%) than those who did not (10%) and scored significantly higher on the knowledge portion of the survey.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Computer knowledge, attitudes, and skills of nurses in People's Hospital of Beijing Medical University.

The first Chinese Hospital Information Systems (HIS) was used as a pilot project at People's Hospital, of Beijing Medical University (BMU). To assess the computer knowledge, attitudes, and skills of nurses working in the hospital, and to examine the relationships among these factors, 169 staff nurses working on clinical units were surveyed by proportionate stratified random sampling. Computer knowledge, attitudes, and skills were measured, by a nurses' computer knowledge questionnaire (NCKQ), nurses' computer attitude scale (NCAS), and nurses' computer skill scale (NCSS), respectively, developed by the investigators. Data analysis showed that the overall computer knowledge and skills of nurses were at moderate levels and the computer attitudes were neutral. Nurses' computer skills were significantly and positively correlated with both computer knowledge and computer attitudes; however, no significant correlation was found between computer knowledge and computer attitudes. Strategies to enhance nurses' computer knowledge, attitudes, and skills were proposed.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Knowledge of and attitudes towards infertility held by members of two county councils in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: To investigate Swedish county council members knowledge of the laws regulating infertility treatment, their understanding of the suggestions put forward in the report 'Priorities in Health Care' and their attitudes towards infertility. METHODS: All members (n=182) of the 1998 county councils of Linköping and Jönköping were asked to participate in the study. In total, 153 answered the questionnaire. RESULTS: Different age groups did not show different levels of knowledge. Similarly, there was no significant difference between men and women concerning their knowledge of infertility laws. Furthermore, those committee members who were very positive towards infertility treatment did not have any better knowledge of such treatment than those who were less positive. The men and women who themselves had previously had or were dealing with infertility problems at the time of the survey (12 per cent) displayed the same level of knowledge as the other council members. They also expressed similar attitudes. The members showed very little familiarity with the priority groups suggested in the report from the Health Care Priority Committee. For example, only 18 per cent knew that this committee in priority group III placed infertility treatment and investigation. 31.3 per cent answered that infertility was placed in group V, a group that does not exist. The majority stated that they had a positive attitude towards the treatment of infertility. This is indicated, for example, by their rejection of the statement 'it's [infertility is] a luxury problem'. CONCLUSIONS: The relative lack of knowledge of Swedish law and of the report from the Health Care Priority Committee might lead to a lower level of commitment to dealing with the problems that infertile couples face than if the members were better informed. In other words, this lack of knowledge might influence the decisions of the county council members.

Adult↗