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PubMed2005

"Safety for agricultural educators": evaluation of an intervention to enhance awareness of agricultural hazards.

Safety for Agricultural Educators (SAGE) is a two-sided fact sheet on agricultural hazards that has been distributed by the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) to Northeastern high school agriculture educators over the past six years. It was intended to supplement and stimulate the teaching of safety principles in agricultural education classes and thus enhance the awareness and knowledge of young people working on farms. This paper describes an evaluation of SAGE's success at achieving these goals. Postal surveys from 29 teachers who had not previously received SAGE gathered data on class demographics and the amount of class time devoted to a variety of agricultural topics including tractor operation and agricultural health and safety. Teachers were asked to assess their students' awareness of safety and health issues and also to estimate the number of students working in the farm environment. Following a year of SAGE mailings, the same information was gathered from the 24/29 post-SAGE responders. Comparison of pre-post responses from the 24 matched responding educators showed: limited increase in the teachers' knowledge of basic agricultural safety information; a decline in the amount of class time devoted to health and safety; a marginal increase in estimated student awareness of health and safety and very little evidence of teacher awareness of SAGE as a safety resource. Most notable was the fact that only 8% of all students were currently working on a farm and teachers estimated that only 6% would be working on farms in five years.

Accident Prevention↗
PubMed2004

HIV testing and awareness of care-related services among a group of HIV-positive Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States: findings from a supplemental HIV/AIDS surveillance project.

Compared with other racial/ethnic groups in the United States, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are more likely to be at an advanced stage of AIDS disease and have opportunistic infections at the time of diagnosis. However, it is not clear how these two findings are related to issues such as HIV testing and access to HIV care-related services. We examined HIV testing and awareness of care-related services among a group of HIV-positive AAPIs in the United States. Data are from a multisite supplemental surveillance project, 1990-1999. Compared with Whites, a higher percentage of AAPIs cited "illness" as the main reason for HIV testing and had their tests done as a hospital inpatients--although these differences were not statistically significant. A significantly lower percentage of AAPIs than Whites were aware of their current CD4 count; AAPIs also had significantly lower awareness about a number of care-related services. Among AAPIs, educational level was positively associated with awareness of these services. Efforts are needed to promote service availability among HIV-positive AAPIs.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed2001

The effect of a community intervention trial on parental knowledge and awareness of antibiotic resistance and appropriate antibiotic use in children.

BACKGROUND: Overuse of antibiotics for children's upper respiratory infections is widespread and contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in knowledge and awareness regarding antibiotic resistance and appropriate antibiotic use after community-wide educational interventions to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use. DESIGN: Baseline survey conducted during June through July 1997 and postintervention survey of baseline participants during June through August 1998. SETTING: Communities in northern Wisconsin. PARTICIPANTS: Parents of 729 randomly selected children <4 years of age were called until 215 in each of the intervention and control areas were reached. Of the 430 baseline participants, 365 (85%) participated in the postintervention survey. INTERVENTION: Parent-oriented activities included distribution of materials and presentations. Physician-oriented activities included formal presentations and small group meetings. OUTCOME MEASURE: Change in awareness about antibiotic resistance and knowledge about antibiotic indications. RESULTS: A higher proportion of parents in the intervention area (53%) were exposed to 2 or more local educational messages, compared with the control area (23%). From the baseline to the postintervention survey, the percentage of parents with a high degree of antibiotic resistance awareness increased more in the intervention area (58% to 73%) than in the control area (60% to 65%). In the intervention area, there was also a larger increase in knowledge regarding appropriate indications for antibiotic use, compared with the control area. The proportion of parents who expected an antibiotic for their child and did not receive one declined in the intervention area (14% to 9%), while it increased in the control area (7% to 10%). In addition, the percentage of parents in the intervention area who brought their child to another physician because they did not receive an antibiotic decreased (5% to 2%), while it increased in the control area (2% to 4%). CONCLUSION: Parental knowledge and awareness about antibiotic indications and antibiotic resistance can be changed with educational interventions directed at parents and clinicians.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Lack of awareness of community-acquired adverse drug reactions upon hospital admission : dimensions and consequences of a dilemma.

OBJECTIVE: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a well-known cause of hospital admission. Nevertheless a quantitative estimate of the preventability of and physicians' awareness of these reactions is lacking. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Using intensive bedside and computer-assisted drug surveillance methods a 13-month prospective pharmacoepidemiological survey was carried out on patients admitted to two medical wards of the Erlangen-Nuremberg University Hospital in Erlangen, Germany. This study aimed to define the incidence of preventable and unavoidable ADRs. In addition we investigated the awareness of the physicians to ADRs at the time of admission and the rate of contraindicated pre-admission prescriptions. RESULTS: In 78 (8.5%) of 915 (10.9%) admissions a total of 102 (42 preventable) community-acquired ADRs were detected on admission. In 45 (3.8%) of the admissions ADRs led directly to hospitalisation. 56.9% of the ADRs were not recognised by the attending physician on admission. Marked correlation was found between the awareness of ADRs and their probability and severity scores (r = 0.85 and r = 0.94, respectively; p < 0.05). The most frequently detected ADRs were due to direct toxicity and secondary pharmacological effects. Idiosyncratic reactions were often missed and 18.6% of all drugs prescribed prior to admission were contraindicated. Leading the list were diuretics, analgesics/NSAIDs and antipsychotics/sedatives. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of existing ADRs on hospital admission and appropriate prescribing prior to hospital admission require attention. Early detection of ADRs on hospital admission can be achieved by the use of computer support systems. Many ADRs could be prevented by adhering to indications and contraindications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

The need for disability awareness training among rurally based Australian general medical practitioners.

This project followed a needs analysis of people with disabilities living in rural and remote areas of New South Wales, Australia, in which consumers (people with disabilities and their carers or closest person) argued that there was an urgent need for disability awareness training for rurally based general medical practitioners (GPs). The project reported here explored the perceptions of rurally based GPs to determine whether they also perceived a need for disability awareness training. It also explored GPs' awareness and use of referral services available within their communities. Information gathered through questionnaires was used by a discussion group to develop recommendations. These support the need for disability awareness training for GPs at both undergraduate and in-service levels, and include strategies for providing information to rurally based professionals on an ongoing and regular basis in order to address the difficulties they experience in keeping up to date on issues associated with disability.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

AIDS awareness in an Indian metropolitan slum dweller: a KAP (knowledge, attitude, practice) study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the awareness and attitude towards AIDS and PLHA in slum dwellers of Chennai, an Indian metropolis by KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice) study. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of 650 subjects (400 females and 250 females), aged 15-45 years, by means of a questionnaire in the local dialect Tamil. RESULTS: The overall literacy rate was 64%, with males being 70% and females being 60% literate. 20% of males and 11% of females do not know about a disease called AIDS. Only 67% of males and 55% of females are aware of the sexual mode of transmission. 34% of males and 50% females opine that AIDS is also a hereditary disease. Also 45% of males and 62% of females feel that AIDS also spreads by air, fomites, or mosquito-bite. Only 30% of males and 22% females know about the possible symptoms of AIDS. 30% of males and 45% of females never ask for a new syringe if not provided, as they are totally unaware of its significance. 43% of males and 78% of females do not know about the risk of a barber's blade. 56% of males and 71% of females feel that AIDS can be treated at least by a traditional medicine. Lastly, 48% of males and 60% females prefer outcasting an AIDS patient from the slum. CONCLUSIONS: AIDS awareness in the slum dwellers of Chennai is very poor. Corresponding awareness in suburbs and rural areas will be much worse. Conventional IEC methods targeting general population via mass media are not reaching the slum dwellers, even in a metropolitan city. A specially designed targeted intervention is needed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Awareness and attitude of antenatal clients towards HIV voluntary counselling and testing in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Mother to child transmission accounts for the majority of HIV infections in children in the developing countries. This study assessed pregnant women's knowledge of HIV/AIDS, awareness and attitudes towards Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) in a teaching hospital in northern Nigeria. METHODS: A pre-tested structured interview questionnaire was administered on a cross-section of 210 antenatal clients in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. RESULTS: All respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS. Fifty seven percent had good knowledge, 32% had fair knowledge and the remaining 11% had poor knowledge of the infection. Most respondents were aware of VCT through health workers, mass media and friends. Similarly, most respondents (81.0%) approved of VCT, 13.0% disapproved of it and the remaining (6%) was undecided. The main reasons for disapproval were; fear of stigmatisation, isolation and effect on marriage security. Those that had tertiary level of education were three times more likely to accept VCT compared to those with lower levels of education (O.R=3.2, 95% confidence interval =1.3-8.0). CONCLUSIONS: Although the awareness of VCT for HIV was quite high with most antenatal clients harbouring positive attitudes towards it, there is a need to intensify health education to convince the remaining minority who are still sceptical or ignorant of the benefits of VCT.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed2001

[Gender stereotypes arising in a state of gender awareness].

This study examined the structure of gender stereotypes which might arise in the state of gender awareness that was triggered by social situations where people perceived their gender differences strongly. Out of 1,500 residents in Tokyo aged between 20-60, 342 females and 313 males were randomly chosen and answered the questions about gender consciousness in the state of gender awareness. A factor analysis revealed that "maternity" and "trustworthiness" were the dominant dimensions of gender stereotypes in the state of gender awareness, and that trustworthiness particularly formed the basis of gender stereotypes. Generation differences in gender stereotypes were also revealed between women in their 40 s and 50 s, and between men in their 30 s and 40 s. Generally, power for men and nurture for women were more likely to be perceived in a state of gender awareness.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Avoidance of hypoglycemia restores hypoglycemia awareness by increasing beta-adrenergic sensitivity in type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Lack of awareness of hypoglycemia is a major limiting factor in the management of type 1 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether reduction in the number of episodes of hypoglycemia restores hypoglycemia awareness by influencing beta-adrenergic sensitivity in patients with type 1 diabetes. DESIGN: Controlled interventional study. SETTING: Research unit and outpatient diabetes clinic of a university hospital. PATIENTS: 10 men with type 1 diabetes and hypoglycemia unawareness (mean age [+/-SD], 46 +/- 16 years; mean duration of diabetes, 20 +/- 10 years). INTERVENTION: Strict avoidance of hypoglycemia. MEASUREMENTS: beta-Adrenergic sensitivity was measured by isoproterenol testing before and at 2 and 4 months after strict avoidance of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia awareness and catecholamine response were measured by performing hypoglycemic clamp (glucose level, 3 mmol/L [54 mg/dL]) before and after 4 months of avoidance of hypoglycemia. RESULTS: After 4 months, the mean (+/-SE) number of episodes of hypoglycemia (glucose level < 3.9 mmol/L [70 mg/dL]) decreased from 8.4 +/- 0.9 to 1.4 +/- 0.3 per week (P < 0.001). Hemoglobin A(1c) values increased from 0.068 +/- 0.003 (6.8% +/- 0.3%) to 0.077 +/- 0.003 (7.7% +/- 0.3%) (P < 0.001). Autonomic symptom scores during hypoglycemic clamp increased from 1.8 +/- 0.6 to 3.3 +/- 0.7 (P = 0.004) and did not significantly differ from those of normal participants (4.7 +/- 0.8) (P > 0.2). Although catecholamine responses to hypoglycemia were unchanged, the dose of isoproterenol necessary to increase heart rate by 25 beats/min (IC(25)) decreased from 1.96 +/- 0.43 microgram before treatment to 1.09 +/- 0.17 microgram after 4 months of treatment (P = 0.01), a value similar to that in normal participants (0.85 +/- 0.20 microgram) (P > 0.2). Improvements in beta-adrenergic sensitivity (change in IC(25)(-1)) were correlated with improvements in autonomic symptoms (r = 0.65; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Avoidance of hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes who have hypoglycemia unawareness seems to restore hypoglycemia awareness, primarily by increasing beta-adrenergic sensitivity.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Lifestyle, mental health, and awareness of health among Japanese bus drivers].

To examine lifestyle, mental health and awareness of health, a self-administered questionnaire survey was performed among 751 employees of a bus company in a rural city of Japan. From 597 (79.5%) respondents, we analyzed 130 male bus drivers and age-matched 130 male clerks. The questionnaire included eleven questions about lifestyle and mental health, three questions about awareness of health, and questions on personal concern about specific parts of the body or diseases, and health information they needed. Answers for lifestyle and mental health were classified into the categories of "good" or "not good" practices recommended by Breslow and Morimoto. The results were as follows; 1) Over 80 percent of subjects of both groups had good awareness of health, but bus drivers had significantly worse lifestyle with regard to nutritional intake (p < 0.05), daily walking (p < 0.001), sports (p < 0.05), and sleeping hours (p < 0.001). 2) Bus drivers had significantly greater prevalence of concern about their cardiovascular system, esophagus and gastrointestinal system, and joints and bones than clerks (p < 0.05). 3) Bus drivers had a significantly greater need for information about nutritional intake (p < 0.001), and methods for prevention of diseases (p < 0.01). From these results, the discrepancy between awareness of health and lifestyle seen in this study, especially in food intake, walking time, sports participation, and sleep, may have resulted from the bus driver's characteristics of job, for example, long and irregular working hours. Therefore, effective guidance on health and lifestyle changes to restore balance and improve their lifestyle.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

The role of phonological awareness and visual-orthographic skills in Chinese reading acquisition.

This study examined the role of phonological awareness and visual-orthographic skills in Chinese reading acquisition. The subjects were 154 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th graders in Beijing who had learned an alphabetic script known as Hanyu Pinyin to help read Chinese characters. Children's performance on tests of various cognitive skills, reading ability, and pinyin knowledge were examined. Results of hierarchical regression analyses showed that (a) visual skills predicted reading success at lower grades; (b) pinyin knowledge and the ability to discriminate homophonic characters predicted reading success in Grades 2, 3, and 5; and (c) onset-rime awareness, but not phonemic awareness, predicted Chinese reading. This suggests that learning to read Chinese progresses from a logographic phase to an orthographic-phonological phase and that the nature of phonological awareness predicting reading success is contingent on the characteristics of the writing system.

Child↗
PubMed2001

State-specific trends in high blood cholesterol awareness among persons screened--United States, 1991-1999.

High blood cholesterol (HBC) is a major risk factor for heart disease. One of the national health objectives for 2010 is to reduce the percentage of adults aged > or = 20 years with total blood cholesterol levels of > or = 240 mg/dL (objective 12-14). One strategy for achieving this objective is to increase awareness of HBC. State-specific data allow state health departments to monitor progress in educating the public about awareness of cholesterol levels and the need for persons to maintain low levels of blood cholesterol. To examine state-specific trends in the proportion of screened adults who reported that they were told that they had HBC, CDC analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for 1991 through 1999. This report summarizes the results of that analysis and indicates that approximately one fourth of screened survey participants were aware that they had HBC; this proportion increased slightly from 1991 through 1999. Awareness of HBC is a necessary step to help persons take action to lower their cholesterol level and their risk for coronary heart disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

'Imi Hale: establishing an inheritance for Native Hawaiians on cancer awareness, research and training.

Native Hawaiians experience disproportionate rates of cancer incidence and mortality both nationally and in their homeland, Hawai'i. 'Imi Hale--the Native Hawaiian Cancer Awareness, Research, and Training Project, a five-year project funded by the National Cancer Institute, is aimed at reducing the burden of cancer among Native Hawaiians. The project's overall goal is to reduce cancer incidence and mortality among Native Hawaiians through the establishment of a sustainable infrastructure to 1) promote cancer awareness within Native Hawaiian communities, and 2) initiate cancer research, training, and control activities. A community-based project, 'Imi Hale emphasizes community participation, respect for cultural values, and the sharing of information, as we believe that a commitment to involve Native Hawaiians in all activities of the project will help assure that the community's awareness, training, and research priorities are addressed. In the first year of operation, cancer awareness activities included the development of culturally sensitive booklets on breast cancer and the provision of cancer education and screening for members of the Association of the Hawaiian Civic Clubs. Research and training activities included focus groups to explore the perceptions and experiences of cancer survivors, surveys to assess research priorities, the identification of Native Hawaiian researchers and the development of pilot research projects. The work of 'Imi Hale is guided by the hope that Native Hawaiians can reverse the negative effects of cancer and leave a powerful legacy and inheritance for future generations based on good health and well-being. 'Imi Hale means "to establish, as a dynasty; to acquire authority, power; to seek and establish an inheritance for one's children; and to form a friendship so close that one feels welcome in the house of the other." "By using our language for a name, we are invoking and honoring our ancestors, our culture, language and restoration as a nation."

Community Participation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hepatitis B vaccination awareness and biological risk.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus is a possible risk in persons exposed to biological risk at work. Vaccination is the only prevention against infection. OBJECTIVES: A population of 1,408 employees of the University of Padua was investigated to define the immunological status for HBV and degree of awareness to hepatitis B vaccination. METHODS: The subjects were subdivided according to sex, age (< or = 40 or > 40 years old), level of education (college graduates or lower), and the extent of biological risk (no risk, low or high risk). Clinical history questionnaires were used and measurement of hepatitis B markers was carried out. RESULTS: The results showed that only 30.5% of the subjects had been vaccinated; among these, 90.2% showed a measurable level of anti-HBs antibodies, 8.2% showed anti-HBs antibodies lower than 10 IU/L, and 1.6% showed positive markers of previous infection. However, among non-vaccinated subjects 13.4% were positive for previous infection; in all subjects, prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was 9.8%. The awareness to hepatitis B vaccination was altogether very low (30.5%), but females (44.2%), subjects less than 40 years of age (43.5%), college graduates (34.1%), and high risk exposed personnel (57.7%) were more likely to comply compared to male subjects (odds ratio 2.53), subjects more than 40 years of age (odds ratio 3.57), non-college graduates (odds ratio 1.65), or low risk exposed (odds ratio 13.42). CONCLUSIONS: The variables considered appeared to influence awareness to vaccination. Owing to low awareness, an information campaign was started and 90% of the invited subjects were immunized.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Fertility awareness / natural family planning for adolescents and their families: report of multisite pilot project.

Fertility awareness is experiential learning about cyclic fertility. This awareness, used as a family planning method, differs from contraception because it does not isolate the procreative capacity of either partner. The acceptability and effect of teaching fertility awareness on teen sexual activity and decision making was tested in a multisite pilot program which taught fertility awareness via the prospective marker of the cervical mucus (ovulation method of natural family planning). 200 US and 35 Guatemalan volunteer women ages 15-17 in a structured 1 year curriculum, monitored cycle charting and explored the implications of experiencing one's signs of fertility. Control subjects were recruited from the general population and from family planning clinics. 9% of the US study group were sexually active prior to entry. By cycle 12, 1/2 had discontinued activity. Conception rate was 0.0044. The continuation rate dropped from 90% at cycle 7 to 71% at cycle 8 due to scheduling constraints for 2 classes and to 57% at cycle 12. Postprogram follow-up of early leavers showed only 1/3 the expected rate of onset of sexual activity and pregnancy. Parent involvement correlated positively with postponement and/or discontinuation of sexual activity. Reported movement away from peer group pressure appeared 3 months after entry.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Reflective self-awareness and conscious states: PET evidence for a common midline parietofrontal core.

A recent meta-analysis has shown precuneus, angular gyri, anterior cingulate gyri, and adjacent structures to be highly metabolically active in support of resting consciousness. We hypothesize that these regions constitute a functional network of reflective self-awareness thought to be a core function of consciousness. Seven normal volunteers were asked to think intensely on how they would describe the personality traits and physical appearance of themselves and a neutral reference person known to all the subjects (the Danish Queen). During each of the four conditions cerebral blood flow distribution was measured by the intravenous H(2)(15)O PET scanning technique. During scanning, no sensory or motor activity was intended. After each scan, the subjects reported the contents of their thoughts during the scan to ascertain that the instructions had been followed. The results confirmed our hypothesis: Statistical parametric mapping showed differential activity in precuneus and angular gyri during reflection on own personality traits and in anterior cingulate gyri during reflection on own physical traits. Connectivity analysis of synchrony showed these regions to be functionally connected during reflective self-awareness. The commonality between the neural networks of the resting conscious state and self-awareness reflects the phenomenological concept of a fundamental contribution of reflective self-awareness to the contents and coherence of the conscious state.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Awareness of hormonal replacement therapy among females attending primary health care centers in Western Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the awareness and the associations between knowledge, personal characteristics, decision making and intention to use hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) among women attending the Primary Health Care (PHC) Centers, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among females attending the PHC centers. Three hundred females were enrolled in the study via multistage random sampling. This study was carried out during November 2001. The first stage was a simple random sampling wherein they choose one PHC center from each of the 6 PHC sectors, and in the second stage, a simple random sampling wherein they choose every third female above 35-year-old attending the selected PHC center for any reason during one month. All those females were interviewed by a questionnaire which include questions from Rabin's menopausal health questionnaire. RESULTS: The awareness of HRT among females was 27%, and the higher awareness was among educated (P<0.001), and younger working women (P<0.001). The prevalence of using HRT among postmenopausal women was only 5%. The women obtained information of HRT from media 28.8%, from doctors 27.5% and from friends 13.8%. Forty-six percent of females are willing to use HRT, but 39% are unwilling to use. The major factors for women to decide to use or refuse HRT were lack of knowledge and physician's recommendation. CONCLUSION: The awareness of HRT among the female general population was low (26.7%), and using HRT even lower (5%), but a high portion (46%) were willing to use HRT. Providing knowledge concerning benefits of risk of HRT will help women in making decisions relating to HRT.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Awareness of brain death and organ transplantation among select Indian population.

BACKGROUND: With the improvement in transplant technology major organ transplantation is gradually becoming the treatment of choice in many conditions. The present study assesses the awareness of the concepts of brain death and organ transplantation among public. METHODS: Six hundred thirty six select populations, which included office-goers of Delhi, class 12th school children of a reputed public school and villagers, were interviewed to assess their knowledge in various aspects of brain death and organ transplantation. RESULTS: There was widespread acceptance of organ transplantation among this population. The most alarming feature was that the awareness of the concept of brain death and its importance for organ donation was extremely low. Only small number of individuals were aware that brain death is legal in India. Awareness about brain death was especially low among villagers. CONCLUSIONS: Education about various aspects of brain deaths, its immense importance for organ donation and legality of brain death in India needs to be highlighted.

Adolescent↗