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Knowledge and perception of risk for HIV and condom use among male injecting drug users in Cebu City, Philippines

Amadora-Nolasco F, Alburo RE, Aguilar EJ, Trevathan WR

Drug Alcohol Rev, 2002 Jun;21(2):137-43.
PMID: 12188992

Injecting drug users (IDU) represent a small fraction of the HIV and AIDS cases in the Philippines. To determine if these people are engaging in behaviors that put them at risk for HIV, interviews were conducted with 360 male IDUs in Cebu City, Philippines, from 1997 to 1999, as part of a national surveillance system. The interviews assessed knowledge about HIV transmission, sources of information about HIV/AIDS, perceived risks of contracting HIV, needle-sharing practices, condom use, self-reported signs and symptoms of STDs and number of sex partners. Although most of the men were able to recognize behaviors accurately that put them at risk for HIV, more than two-thirds claimed that they shared needles and almost two-thirds of those who were sexually active claimed that they never used condoms. Intervention strategies must be developed for this population if the nation is to avoid the dramatic increase in HIV infection among IDUs that has been witnessed in neighboring Southeast Asian nations such as Malaysia and Vietnam.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Fulltext Take a fresh look at IUDs. Things have changed

Mazza D

Aust Fam Physician, 2002 Oct;31(10):903-7.
PMID: 12404827

Over the past few years, the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) has overcome many of the problems that had initially made it unpopular. Today it is probably the most cost effective reversible form of contraception available.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Knowledge and practices of a control authority: impact on the environment and food safety

Toh PS

Int J Environ Health Res, 2002 Dec;12(4):311-6.
PMID: 12596745 DOI: 10.1080/0960312021000056447

This study investigates the practices and knowledge of a Control Authority dealing with the environment and the safety and control of hawker foods. Experience and background education are used as likely determinants of food safety practices and knowledge of the control authority. A total of 60 questionnaires were distributed to the Health Inspectors (HIs) in the Hawkers' and Health Departments, City Hall, Kuala Lumpur. The return rate was 93%. The structured questionnaire contained 14 main food safety practices and knowledge constructs. Significance was found pertaining to knowledge of HIs with different experience backgrounds but experience was not demonstrated to impact on practices of HIs. However, education was noted to have significantly but inconsistently influenced certain Practices and Knowledge scores of HIs. A Pearson bivariate coefficient characterised an association between food safety practices and knowledge of the control authority. The findings: (1) highlight the actual shortcomings in the staff resources relating to environmental health, food safety, foodborne illnesses and their control, and (2) provide information on the control aspect within the hawker micro-industry with the view of protecting the public from health hazards arising from the hawkers' practices and consumption of hawker foods.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Parental asthma knowledge

Fadzil A, Norzila MZ

Med J Malaysia, 2002 Dec;57(4):474-81.
PMID: 12733173

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 biodata of children and parents, types of medication and dosage duration of asthma, exposure to cigarette smoke, acute asthma admission and patient’s economic status.
Results: This 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 (-3.85, -0.02)]. It correlated significantly with steroid dosage (r=0.29, p=0.02), and was significantly higher in parents of higher economic status. Patient’s asthma knowledge had no association with children’s asthma status, age of the child or parents, exposure to cigarette smoke, frequency of admission of 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.
Keywords: parent, asthma, knowledge, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Study site: Respiratory clinic, Institut Pediatrik, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Stigma in mental illness: attitudes of medical students towards mental illness

Mas A, Hatim A

Med J Malaysia, 2002 Dec;57(4):433-44.
PMID: 12733168

Negative attitudes towards people with mental illness can be attributed to stigma. The objective of this study was to determine the attitudes of medical students towards mental illness by comparing those who have had contact with mental patients and those who have not. This study also assesses to what extent knowledge about mental illness can affect the students' attitude.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Malaysian cultural differences in knowledge, attitudes and practices related to erectile dysfunction: focus group discussions

Low WY, Wong YL, Zulkifli SN, Tan HM

Int J Impot Res, 2002 Dec;14(6):440-5.
PMID: 12494275

This qualitative study aimed to examine cultural differences in knowledge, attitudes and practices related to erectile dysfunction (ED) utilizing focus group discussion. Six focus groups consisting of 66 men, 45-70-y-old were conducted-two Malay groups (n=18), two Chinese groups (n=25) and two Indian groups (n=23). Participants were purposely recruited from the general public on a voluntary basis with informed consent. Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative data analysis software ATLASti. The Malay and Chinese traditional remedies for preventing or treating ED are commonly recognized among all races. Many have a negative perception of someone with ED. Malay and Chinese men tended to blame their wife for their problem and thought that the problem might lead to extra-marital affairs, unlike the Indian men who attributed their condition to fate. Malays would prefer traditional medicine for the problem. The Chinese felt they would be more comfortable with a male doctor whilst this is not so with the Malays or Indians. Almost all prefer the doctor to initiate discussion on sexual issues related to their medical condition. There is a need for doctors to consider cultural perspectives in a multicultural society as a lack of understanding of this often contributes to an inadequate consultation.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Hiv infection among fishermen in Terengganu

Fauziah, M.N., Anita, S., Shaari, N., Ahamad, J., Senan, Pratap, Muhammad Amir, K.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2002;2(1):21-25.
MyJurnal

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of HI V iryfection, risk factors and to measure the knowledge on AIDS among fishermen in Terengganu. In this survey fishermen registered with the Malaysian Fishery Development Board in Terengganu were studied. There were 600 eligible fishermen based on a list provided by the Malaysian Fishery Development Board (MFDB). Study sites were at 6 loading centres where health personnel awaited returning fishermen between 4. 00pm —7. 00 pm during a period of one month, A total of 542 registeredfshermen were studied and this corresponded to a response rate of 90.3 %. The majority of the fishermen were Malays (98.6%}, Nine fishermen were tested positive to HIV antibody and this corresponds to a
g prevalence of I. 7%. Prevalence of HIV is higher among those with a positive history of drug use, single marital status and also among the unskilled workers who represented the socio-economically poorer group of fishermen. Almost 89% of respondents have heard about HIV/AIDS and among these, 93% received information through TV and radio. The mean knowledge score was significantly higher among fishermen admitting to drug taking, sex with prostitutes, and those who have had at least a secondary school education. The Prevalence of HIV infection among fishermen is higher than in the general population. Risk characterisation of HI V injection was statistically signyicant onlv among fishermen who gave positive history of drug used. Findings also suggest that poorer fishermen based on multiple indicators to socioeconomic status had a higher risk of being HIV positive as well as being less knowledgeable about AIDS, Health promotion strategies should focus on the use of TV and radio as an interactive medium to reach out to risk groups among fishermen as its popularity has been determined by this study.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Sexual Health Problems: Attitudes and Practices of Malaysian General Practitioners

Low WY, Khoo EM, Tan HM

ISBN: 0-86471-096-8

Citation: Low WY, Khoo EM, Tan HM. Sexual Health Problems: Attitudes and Practices of Malaysian General Practitioners. Auckland: Adis International Ltd, 2002

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Sexually transmitted infections in Singapore teenagers

Chan RK, Tan HH

Ann Acad Med Singap, 2003 Jan;32(1):25-8.
PMID: 12625094

INTRODUCTION: This is a review of sexual knowledge, behaviour and the extent of sexually transmitted infections (STI), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, in Singapore adolescents.
METHODS: Data were retrieved from relevant studies, reports and statistics concerning STI and HIV in Singapore.
RESULTS: For many reasons, adolescents are at a higher risk of acquiring STI and HIV infections. Adolescents in Singapore are still relatively conservative in their sexual attitudes and behaviour. Most of those who had sex never used condoms. Fortunately, the incidence of STI and HIV infections among adolescents is relatively low. However, this may be changing, and there is a proportion of individuals who exhibit higher risk behaviours.
CONCLUSIONS: In this age of rapidly changing morals and values, accurate information and skills need to be provided to young people to ensure that they are adequately prepared to protect themselves from acquiring STI/HIV infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Fulltext A knowledge of asthma in school children: a survey among primary school teachers

Bahari MB, Nur NM, Rahman AF

Singapore Med J, 2003 Mar;44(3):131-5.
PMID: 12953726

A survey was carried out among primary school teachers in the district of Kota Bharu, Malaysia to assess the level of knowledge on asthma and its management. Our findings revealed that primary school teachers were less informed about the management and treatment of asthma. They were relatively more knowledgeable about the causes and symptomatology of asthma. The majority of respondents had misunderstanding regarding the effect of rain, smoking and cold weather on asthma. It is important that teachers should be able to recognise symptoms of an asthmatic attack or take the necessary precautions to avoid such an attack. Many teachers agreed on the need to have an asthma education programme in their teaching curriculum.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Study on incidence of needle stick injury and factors associated with this problem among medical students

Norsayani MY, Noor Hassim I

J Occup Health, 2003 May;45(3):172-8.
PMID: 14646293

Medical students face the threat of needle stick injury with the consequent risk of acquiring blood-borne infection by pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C while performing their clinical activities in the hospitals. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 417 final year medical students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), University Malaya (UM) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The aims of the study were to determine the incidence of cases and episodes of needle stick injury among them in the past year. This study was also done to find out the factors that might be associated with the occurrence of this problem. The factors were sociodemographic factors, duration of exposure, level of knowledge of blood-borne diseases and Universal Precaution, perception of risk of blood-borne diseases and level of practice of Universal Precaution. The incidence of needle stick injury among medical students was 14.1% (59 cases). The total number of episodes of needle stick injury was 87 and the incidence of episodes among respondents was high i.e. 20.9%. The highest incidence of episodes of needle stick injury occurred in Obstetric & Gynaecology postings, followed by Medicine and Surgery. For clinical procedures, venepuncture had the highest incidence followed by setting up drips and giving parenteral injections. The results showed the students who had needle stick injury (cases) had lower scores in the practice of Universal Precautions than non-cases (p<0.05). There was a significant association between the level of practice of Universal Precautions and the number of episodes of needle stick injury, i.e. the higher the score for the practice of Universal Precautions, the lower the number of episodes (beta=-2.03 x 10(-2), p<0.05). This study showed that medical students are at risk of needle stick injury and blood-borne infections during their clinical activities while performing procedures on patients especially for those who were poor at practising Universal Precautions. Therefore some preventive measures should be taken by the management of the universities and medical students to avoid the occurrence of these problems.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Truck driver fatigue risk assessment and management: a multinational survey

Adams-Guppy J, Guppy A

Ergonomics, 2003 Jun 20;46(8):763-79.
PMID: 12745978 DOI: 10.1080/0014013021000056980

As part of an organizational review of safety, interviews and questionnaire surveys were performed on over 700 commercial goods drivers and their managers within a series of related companies operating across 17 countries. The results examine the reported incidence of fatigue-related problems in drivers and their associations with near miss and accident experience as well as work and organizational factors. Experience of fatigue problems while driving was linked to time of day and rotation of shifts, though most associations were small. There were significant associations found between fatigue experiences and driver and management systems of break taking and route scheduling. The quantitative combined with qualitative information suggested that, where feasible, more flexible approaches to managing the scheduling and sequencing of deliveries assisted drivers in managing their own fatigue problems through appropriate break-taking. The results are interpreted within the overarching principles of risk assessment and risk control.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Fulltext Knowledge and practice of breast self examination and Pap smear screening among a group of electronics women workers

Chee HL, Rashidah S, Shamsuddin K, Sharifah Zainiyah SY

Med J Malaysia, 2003 Aug;58(3):320-9.
PMID: 14750370

A total of 486 Malaysian women electronics workers participated in a study of reproductive health knowledge and cancer screening. The practice of Breast Self Examination (BSE) was found to be related to educational attainment; while ever having had a Pap smear was found to be related to being older than 30 years old, being ever married, living with family or relatives, and not staying in hostels. Knowledge on reproductive health was found to be higher for older women, married women, living with family or relatives, not staying in hostels, ever having done BSE and ever having had a Pap smear.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
A knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) study on dengue among selected rural communities in the Kuala Kangsar district

Hairi F, Ong CH, Suhaimi A, Tsung TW, bin Anis Ahmad MA, Sundaraj C, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2003;15(1):37-43.
PMID: 14620496

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practices concerning dengue and its vector Aedes mosquito among selected rural communities in the Kuala Kangsar district from 16-25th June, 2002. It was found that the knowledge of the community was good. Out of the 200 respondents, 82.0% cited that their main source of information on dengue was from television/radio. The respondents' attitude was found to be good and most of them were supportive of Aedes control measures. There is a significant association found between knowledge of dengue and attitude towards Aedes control (p = 0.047). It was also found that good knowledge does not necessarily lead to good practice. This is most likely due to certain practices like water storage for domestic use, which is deeply ingrained in the community. Mass media is an important means of conveying health messages to the public even among the rural population, thus research and development of educational strategies designed to improve behaviour and practice of effective control measures among the villagers are recommended.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext A knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) study of diabetes mellitus among patients attending Klinik Kesihatan Seri Manjung

Ambigapathy R, Ambigapathy S, Ling HM

NCD Malaysia, 2003;2(2):6-16.

This cross sectional study describes the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among 100 patients attending the diabetic clinic at Klinik Kesihatan Seri Manjung from December 2002 until January 2003. A face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire was carried out for data collection. The results revealed that 87% of the respondents were able to answer 50% or more questions on knowledge correclty, while 98% of them had 50% or more score for the attitude questions. Ninety-nine percent of them reported 50% or more score for the questions on practice. However, only 56% of them practice all 4 of the practices that were asked - regular exercise, healthy diet, monitoring blood glucose level, and monitoring body weight. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitude (r=0.536, p<0.01), but there was no significant correlation found between attitude and practice. The results indicate that an increase in knowledge will increase the attitude, however this is not necessarily the same between attitude and practice. A better structured educational programme on diabetes and preventive measures should be conducted for all especially those with diabetes to improve their practice towards diabetes. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP)

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Fulltext Palliative care in Malaysia: a decade of progress and going strong

Lim RBL

J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother, 2003;17(3-4):77-85; discussion 87-9.
PMID: 15022953 DOI: 10.1080/j354v17n03_11

Palliative care first began in Malaysia in 1991, and since then there has been a growing interest in the field and its development both from the government and nongovernmental organizations. It is important to recognize the potential advantages and disadvantages of palliative care provided by both government and private programs to maximize development for the greater benefit of patients. A close relationship between these two bodies must be created so that there is smooth continuity of service and no overlapping of roles. This article highlights some thoughts on how palliative care has developed over the years from the perspective of a clinician who is currently working in the government sector and cooperating with nongovernmental organizations to develop a palliative care network in the region.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Fulltext Lay beliefs about smoking in Kelantan, Malaysia

Jackson AA, Manan WA, Gani AS, Carter YH

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2004 Sep;35(3):756-63.
PMID: 15689100

Studies have shown that smokers rationalize smoking by self-exempting beliefs. This study explored lay beliefs about smoking in Kelantan, Malaysia, using focus groups among outpatients, medical students and staff, and a questionnaire survey of 193 male smokers. In focus groups, patients said they could do something to make smoking safe. When asked, 'Do you think there are any safe ways to smoke?' 132/193 (68%) male smokers described at least one way. The commonest were 'drink water' (69/193, 36%), 'use a filter' (60/193, 31%), 'smoke after food' (27/193, 14%), and 'take sour fruit' (21/193, 11%). At three- or six-month follow-up, numbers agreeing with these beliefs were: for 'drink water' 67/115 (58%), for 'take sour fruit' 61/115 (53%), and for 'smoke after food' 38/115 (33%), with 88/115 (77%) supporting at least one. The main explanations for water were that it cleaned or moistened the lungs or throat. Sour fruit was described as cleaning, and sometimes as 'sharp', able to scrape out the essence of cigarettes. The conclusion is that self-exempting false beliefs about smoking are widespread, and here they probably represent an extension of the traditional humoral system. Anti-smoking campaigns and health workers in smoking cessation services should address these beliefs.
Study site: outpatients clinic (Klinik Perubatan Masyarakat, KPM), Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Beliefs and behavior of deceivers in a randomized, controlled trial of anti-smoking advice at a primary care clinic in Kelantan, Malaysia

Jackson AA, Manan WA, Gani AS, Eldridge S, Carter YH

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2004 Sep;35(3):748-55.
PMID: 15689099

Smoking deception is often ignored, but is important in health care. In this trial it was assessed at both study entry and outcome. At study entry, 1,044 males at a primary care clinic were asked smoking status and tested for breath carbon monoxide (CO). Of self-reported non-smokers, 57/402 (14%) were actually smokers, as were 59/251 (24%) of self-reported ex-smokers. The self-reported smokers (n=387) entered a randomized, controlled trial where the intervention comprised four questions on knowledge and beliefs about smoking, standardized verbal advice against smoking, and a leaflet. At follow-up, subjects were also questioned about beliefs. Follow-up was difficult, but 191/387 (49%) attended at three or six months. Of 27 who claimed to have quit, 6 (22%) were deceivers and 21 were confirmed quitters. Cessation did not differ between intervention and control groups. Overall confirmed cessation at six months was 16/387 (4.1 %). Confirmed quitters were significantly lighter smokers than deceivers and still smokers. There were non-significant trends between the outcome groups whereby deceivers had least knowledge and most lay beliefs, and quitters had most knowledge and fewest lay beliefs. The lay beliefs may prevent some smokers from quitting.

Study site: open-access outpatients
clinic (KPM) attached to the teaching hospital
(HUSM) of Universiti Sains Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Impact of sexual health course on Malaysian university students

Low WY

Med J Malaysia, 2004 Oct;59(4):443-9.
PMID: 15779575 MyJurnal

A sexual health course was offered and taught by academic staff from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya during semester II of every year as a university elective course to other university students apart from medical students. The course covered a wide range of topics: adolescent sexuality, family planning and pregnancy, violence against women, alternative sexual behavior, physiology of sex, sex and the disabled, gender bias in sexuality, relationship and marriage, sexual dysfunctions, clarification of sexual attitudes and STDs and AIDS. The Sexual Knowledge and Attitude Test (SKAT-II) was used to measure students' pre- and post-course scores on sexual knowledge and attitudes. Fifty-four students who completed both the pre- and post-course tests showed a significant change in sexual knowledge and their attitudes towards sexual myths and autoeroticism. Sexual knowledge was also positively correlated with age, heterosexual relations, autoeroticism and sexual myths scores. However, sexual knowledge is negatively related to religiosity and the influence of religious beliefs on one's attitudes towards sexual matters. This study showed that the sexual health course offered does have a positive impact in increasing one's knowledge and changing one's attitudes towards sexual issues.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Fulltext Knowledge and attitudes towards tuberculosis among the people living in Kudat District, Sabah

Koay TK

Med J Malaysia, 2004 Oct;59(4):502-11.
PMID: 15779583 MyJurnal

A multistage random sampling method was used to select the community sample in the district of Kudat, Sabah. A total of 205 respondents from 210 selected houses were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire to ascertain their knowledge and attitude towards tuberculosis. Generally the knowledge about tuberculosis was poor. The well known symptoms that the respondents knew were coughing blood (46.2%), cough (37.1%), loss of weight (34.5%), and loss of appetite (32.0%). Only 51% thought that the disease was caused by germs and it was transmitted by air. TB sufferers were thought to be dirty (22%) and the majority (51%) were not keen to mix with TB patients. Although more than 90% of the respondents considered TB as socially acceptable within their family and community, a large proportion (41%) expressed that getting TB was embarrassing, 4% said it was a disgrace to the family, and 16% said that it was too sensitive to discuss about it. These behaviours suggest that at the private level, the respondents were still perceived negative social attitudes towards tuberculosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*

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