Awareness and Knowledge of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Medical Students at the University of Aleppo: A Cross-Sectional Study
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Zayegh O
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9272450 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:BACKGROUND:This study aims to identify gender differences in specialty preference and career choice among Syrian medical students. METHOD:A cross-sectional study comprising currently enrolled second, fourth and sixth year medical students at Aleppo University was conducted. Demographics, specialty preferences and factors influencing this decision were collected and analyzed. RESULTS:A total of 561 students (44% males, 56% females) responded to our survey (87% response rate). Surgical specialties (40%) and internal medicine (16%) comprised the two most common specialties chosen by males. In contrast, the majority of females preferred other specialties (17%), internal medicine (16%) and surgical specialties (15%). The most common factor affecting the choice of a specialty by both genders (74% females and 71% males) was 'A specialty that I like and find interesting'. Work/life balance and anticipated income were the second most common influencing factors by females (62%), males (67%), respectively. The majority of both genders supported the idea that medical students should be able to pursue any medical specialty they want, regardless of their gender. However, females more often believed that they had decreased opportunities for professional advancement based on their gender compared to males (33% vs. 4% respectively, p?<?0.001). CONCLUSIONS:We illustrated significant gender differences in specialty preferences and factors influencing this decision. While the majority of participants agreed that medical students should be able to pursue any medical specialty they desire regardless of gender, more women believed they had decreased opportunities for professional advancement based on gender. Policy makers should advocate for a culture of gender equity and develop educational programs to insure gender balance of physicians into different specialties.
| S-EPMC7275529 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Worldwide, cervical cancer is a real health issue, however, gaps exist in the public's awareness of the causal role of Human papillomavirus (HPV) in the development of this disease. This study aims to determine the level of awareness, knowledge and the associated factors on HPV among university students in Morocco. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a descriptive and analytical aim, among students attending Ibn Zohr University, in Agadir, Morocco. An interview questionnaire was used to collect information about the participants: demographic data, awareness and level of knowledge on HPV infection, and awareness of cervical cancer. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the associated factors with awareness and level of knowledge on HPV. A total of 479 students participated in this study (mean age 21.82 ± 2.091). Most participants n = 391 (81.6%) were aware of cervical cancer, while only n = 7 (1.5%) identified HPV as a sexually transmitted infection. Among students, 10.0% (n = 48) were aware of HPV but only half of them n = 23 (47.9%) confirmed that HPV is associated with cervical cancer, and n = 29 (60.4%) showed low knowledge on HPV. Multivariate analysis revealed that HPV awareness has a strong association with a higher level of education (OR 4.04; 95% CI: 1.92-8.52), and with being a biology student (OR 5.20; 95% CI: 2.12-12.73), while high HPV knowledge was only associated with the female gender (OR 3.76; 95% CI: 1.01-13.92). The data suggest that university students in Morocco did not show sufficient knowledge of HPV infection and its consequences. This supports that earlier incorporation of sexual health education programs, especially related to HPV and cervical cancer, must be implemented in the university to reduce the burden of HPV-associated diseases among the population at risk.
| S-EPMC9269923 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesAntibiotic resistance is a global public health concern, especially in developing countries, where antibiotic misuse is widespread. However, studies investigating relevant factors, particularly in youth, are limited. This study examined the levels of health literacy (HL) and their association with antibiotic use, knowledge of antibiotics and awareness of antibiotic resistance among university students in Egypt.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires during 2018. The Health Literacy Survey (HLS-EU-Q16) and the WHO Antibiotic resistance: Multi-Country Public Awareness Survey were used. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to compare responses on use and knowledge of antibiotics, and awareness of antibiotic resistance between the three levels of students' HL.SettingUniversity, Cairo, Egypt.Participants508 non-medical university students.OutcomesStudents' HL scores were categorised into sufficient, problematic and inadequate. Students' knowledge of antibiotics was categorised into good and poor. Students' awareness of antibiotic resistance was categorised into high, average and poor.Results35.1% of students had sufficient HL. 79.7% of students had poor knowledge of antibiotics. 39.9% of students reported having used antibiotics in the past month without a prescription. 92.2% had limited awareness of antibiotic resistance and 30.6% of students heard about the term 'antimicrobial resistance'. Background characteristics did not significantly differ by HL levels or knowledge scores, except for students' year of study. Sufficient HL was independently associated with students' high awareness of antibiotic resistance (adjusted OR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.3 to 5.9).ConclusionsHL was insufficient in this sample of non-medical Egyptian university students. Across all levels of HL, knowledge of antibiotics and awareness of antibiotic resistance were limited, reflecting deficiency in relevant education programmes. Findings suggest that sufficient HL supports high awareness of antibiotic resistance. Incorporating HL and rational antibiotic use awareness raising programmes in university curricula is an urgent necessity to curb antibiotic resistance.
| S-EPMC8098941 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundBreast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer death globally. Since early diagnosis is crucial to reducing mortality, high levels of knowledge regarding general information, risk factors, and symptoms are required among healthcare professionals to deliver breast cancer care. This study aimed to determine Syrian medical students' knowledge about breast cancer in the fields of general knowledge, common clinical features, and risk factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at the Syrian Private University in October 2019 (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), Damascus, during the Syrian war crisis. Data were collected through self-administered surveys and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 (SPSS Inc., United States). The chi-square test was applied to assess the relationship between the level of knowledge and gender. One way analysis of variance was performed to assess the overall differences in mean knowledge score by study year, GPA, mother's education, and source of information. Unpaired Student's T-test was used to analyze the differences in mean knowledge scores (continuous variable) based on smoking status and alcohol consumption.ResultsOf 320 students, 301 completed the questionnaire (response rate = 94.0%), of which 179(59.5%) were males. The study revealed above-average knowledge scores (total mean = 68.4%) regarding breast cancer, general information (71.9%), common clinical features (71.6%), and risk factors (71.6%). Clinical students (4th, 5th, and 6th years) scored higher compared with pre-clinical students (1st, 2nd, and 3rd years).ConclusionThis study showed above-average knowledge scores regarding breast cancer. More efforts to correct misinformation, through reassessing the university curriculum and promoting awareness about breast cancer are required.
| S-EPMC8088684 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Objectives:To evaluate the self-reported oral health awareness, knowledge and attitude among international dental and medical students at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Kaunas, Lithuania). Material and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among international medical and dental students at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in 2016 - 2017. The students were invited to participate in the survey before the beginning of a lecture, and they were informed that participation was voluntary and anonymous. In total, 282 students participated in the study, with a response rate of 92.1%. A self-administered English questionnaire consisting of 25 items with options on a Likert scale (agree, neither agree nor disagree and disagree) about oral health problems and their relation to general health status was used to assess a student's oral health awareness, attitude and knowledge. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results:Overall good, fair and poor oral health awareness was reported by 71.3%, 24.1% and 4.6%, respectively, of the international dental and medical students (P < 0.05). The mean score of oral health awareness was 18.2 (standard deviation [SD 3.27]), showing overall good oral health awareness. Moreover, the international dental students reported higher oral health awareness than medical students (19.14 [SD 3.25] vs 17.44 [SD 3.1]) (P < 0.001). Comparing this mean score by gender, no statistically significant difference was found (18.33 [SD 3.39] vs 18.05 [SD 3.16]) (P = 0.371). Conclusions:Overall oral health awareness among international dental and medical students was high. Meanwhile, international dental students reported higher oral health awareness than international medical students.
| S-EPMC7012614 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:Gender is an important social determinant, that influences healthcare. The lack of awareness on how gender influences health might lead to gender bias and can contribute to substandard patient care. Our objectives were to assess gender sensitivity and the presence of gender stereotypes among swiss medical students. METHODS:A validated scale (N-GAMS - Nijmegen Gender Awareness in Medicine Scale), with 3 subscores assessing gender sensitivity (GS) and gender stereotypes toward patients (GRIP) and doctors (GRID) (ranging from 1 to 5), was translated into French and was distributed to all medical students registered at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland in April-May 2017. Reliability of the three subscales was assessed calculating the alpha Cronbach coefficient. Mean subscales were calculated for male and female students and compared using two sample t-tests. A linear model was built with each subscale as a dependent variable and students' sex and age as covariables. RESULTS:In total, 396 students answered the N-GAMS questionnaire, their mean age was 22?years old, 62.6% of them were women. GS and GRID sub-scores were not significantly different between female and male students (GS 3.62 for women, 3.70 for men, p =?0.27, GRID 2.10 for women, 2.13 for men, p =?0.76). A statistically significant difference was found in the GRIP subscale, with a mean score of 1.83 for women and 2.07 for men (p <?0.001), which suggests a more gender stereotyped opinion toward patients among male students. A trend was observed with age, gender sensibility increased (p?<?0.001) and stereotypes decreased (GRIP p =?0.04, GRID p =?0.02) with students getting older. CONCLUSION:Medical students' gender sensitivity seems to improve throughout the medical curriculum, and women students have less stereotypes towards patients than men do. The implementation of a gender-sensitive teaching in the medical curriculum could improve students' knowledge, limit gender bias and improve patients' care.
| S-EPMC7268694 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundSpontaneous miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy, occurring in up to 20% of pregnancies. Despite the prevalence of miscarriage, little is known regarding peoples' awareness and understanding of causes of pregnancy loss. The aim of this study was to explore university students' understanding of rates, causes and risk factors of miscarriage.MethodsA cross-sectional study including university students. An online questionnaire was circulated to all students at the University College Cork using their university email accounts in April and May 2016. Main outcomes included identification of prevalence, weeks of gestation at which miscarriage occurs and causative risk factors for miscarriage.ResultsA sample of 746 students were included in the analysis. Only 20% (n?=?149) of students correctly identified the prevalence of miscarriage, and almost 30% (n?=?207) incorrectly believed that miscarriage occurs in less than 10% of pregnancies. Female were more likely to correctly identify the rate of miscarriage than men (21.8% versus 14.5%). However, men tended to underestimate the rate and females overestimate it. Students who did not know someone who had a miscarriage underestimated the rate of miscarriage, and those who were aware of some celebrities who had a miscarriage overestimated the rate. Almost 43% (n?=?316) of students correctly identified fetal chromosomal abnormalities as the main cause of miscarriage. Females, older students, those from Medical and Health disciplines and those who were aware of a celebrity who had a miscarriage were more likely to identify chromosomal abnormalities as a main cause. However, more than 90% of the students believed that having a fall, consuming drugs or the medical condition of the mother was a causative risk factor for miscarriage. Finally, stress was identified as a risk factor more frequently than advanced maternal age or smoking.ConclusionAlthough almost half of the participants identified chromosomal abnormalities as the main cause of miscarriage, there is still a lack of understanding about the prevalence and most important risk factors among university students. University represents an ideal opportunity for health promotion strategies to increase awareness of potential adverse outcomes in pregnancy.
| S-EPMC6245715 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Surgery is an alternative treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. Positive attitude of medical personnel towards epilepsy surgery is essential. This study assessed general knowledge of and attitude towards epilepsy surgery among medical students. The aim of this study was to assess general knowledge of and attitude towards epilepsy surgery among medical students.Questionnaire was distributed to medical students. Questionnaire consisted of two questions of general knowledge of drug-resistant epilepsy, questions of students' attitude towards epilepsy surgery and questions of referral of patients. The Chi-square test was utilized.The terms "drug-resistant epilepsy" and "mesial temporal sclerosis" were known in 72.3 and 14.2 percent, respectively. Awareness and support of epilepsy surgery were recorded in 74.5 and 48.9 percent, respectively. A drug resistant patient would have been referred to a qualified centre in 19.4 percent. General knowledge and awareness of epilepsy surgery were better in higher levels of study (p < 0.001).Medical students have a positive attitude towards epilepsy surgery. Students are aware of drug resistance in epilepsy. Knowledge and awareness are better among students in higher levels, after neurology is introduced to the curriculum. We conclude that highlighting the importance of epilepsy surgery should be continued. Moreover, additional educational effort should be invested in expressing the importance of efficient referral of a patient to a qualified centre.
| S-EPMC5540691 | biostudies-other
Project description:Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of chronic diseases affecting 1.2 billion people worldwide, with more burden in the developing communities. Improving awareness about NTDs is a powerful affordable long-term intervention for infection control. In literature, there is a limited number of studies in the developing countries assessing the awareness of healthcare providers regarding these diseases. The present study aimed at assessing the awareness of a sample of Cairo University medical and nursing students regarding NTDs. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 184 medical and nursing students in Cairo University. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire in English language with an estimated completion time of 15 minutes was used for evaluation. It included question categories which cover the knowledge about NTDs and control measures as well as the willingness to participate in NTDs control activities. Content analysis was performed on the materials and specifications of the epidemiology course given to medical and nursing students. Out of the study participants, 26% knew the meaning of NTDs. The main source of their knowledge was social media followed by the epidemiology course. A percentage of 33% of the students agreed that NTDs are of public health importance in Egypt. Thirty four percent of the participants expressed their willingness to participate in control activities for NTDs. Comparing medical and nursing students, a higher percentage of the nursing students stated that NTDs are causing a public health problem in Egypt with a statistically significant difference (P value < 0.001), while a statistically significant higher percentage of medical students believed that the awareness level regarding NTDs in Egypt is low (P value = 0.002). Cairo University medical and nursing students in this study showed a gap in the level of knowledge regarding NTDs and their control activities which represents a great threat to the control of these diseases.
| S-EPMC7673504 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Gender medicine is crucial to reduce health inequalities. Knowledge about students' attitudes and beliefs regarding men, women and gender is important to improve gender medicine courses. The aim of this study is to evaluate gender stereotypes and its predictors in Italian medical students. We performed an online cross-sectional study among students from the University of Turin. We used the validated Nijmegen Gender Awareness Scale in Medicine scale to explore gender sensitivity and stereotypes. Multivariable logistic regression model was performed to explore potential predictors of gender awareness. We enrolled 430 students. Female sex, a better knowledge on gender medicine and having had a tutor aware of gender issues are associated with higher gender sensitivity. Older age, a better knowledge on gender medicine and having had a tutor sensitive to gender issues were predictors of more stereotyped opinions towards patients. Having had a tutor aware of gender medicine, male sex and older age were associated with more stereotypes towards doctors. Italian students have high gender sensitivity and low gender stereotypes. Age, higher knowledge of gender medicine and having had a tutor that considered gender were associated with higher gender stereotypes. Focusing on gender awareness in medical schools can contribute to a better care.
| S-EPMC8735594 | biostudies-literature