Knowledge, Health Beliefs and Screening Status of Prostate Cancer among Middle-Aged and Elderly Men

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine and evaluate the level of prostate cancer knowledge and health beliefs among middle-aged and elderly men. Methods: In this descriptive study carried out in December 20, 2015 through January 20, 2016, we enrolled 147 men aged 50 - 70 years old. Data were collected by using three questionnairs including knowledge, health beliefs, and screening status of prostate cancer. Results: Our findings showed that only 20.4% of interviewers had experience of digital rectal examination or prostatic specific antigen test for prostate cancer screening. The prostate cancer knowledge was found to be significantly high in prostate cancer examinees compared to non-examinees. The correct answer rate of prostate cancer knowledge was only 44.7% at average. Despite of good perceived seriousness about prostate cancer, the screening rate was only 20.4% and the examinees indicated significantly high perceived sensitivity compared to non-examinees. The level of the perceived barrier was lower in men who had experience in health examination or prostate cancer examination than without experience. Conclusion: The significant factors including age, educational level, income and cancer insurance status need to be considered in nursing education program in order to deliver accurate knowledge about prostate cancer. Also, the effective interventions are necessary to increase sensitivity and reduce barriers of prostate cancer and screening.

Health beliefs toward lung cancer screening among Chinese American high-risk smokers:Interviews based on Health Belief Model

Objective This study aims to explore health beliefs toward lung cancer screening with low dose computed tomography among Chinese American high-risk smokers.Methods Guided by the Health Belief Model,semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with Chinese American high-risk smokers via phone.Additional questionnaires on demographic information,history of smoking and lung cancer screening were collected via email or phone before the interview,depending on participants’preference.Content analysis was used to extract meaningful and significant themes in the dataset.Constant comparison analysis and process coding were used to categorize and code data.Results Data saturation was reached after interviewing 12 participants.Chinese American high-risk smokers perceived a low susceptibility to lung cancer,since they believed various protective factors of lung cancer(e.g.,doing exercise,healthy diet,etc.)reduced their risk of getting lung cancer.All the participants perceived a high severity of lung cancer.They acknowledged lung cancer would have a huge impact on their life.Perceived benefits of lung cancer screening were accurate in most aspects although minor confusions were still noticed among this population.Perceived barriers varied on participants’,physicians’,and institutional levels.High-risk Chinese American smokers had little confidence to screening for lung cancer.Cues to action for them to screening for lung cancer included recommendations from health care providers,support from family members and friends,and information shared on Chinese-based social media.Conclusions Misconceptions and barriers to screening for lung cancer existed widely among Chinese American high-risk smokers.Intervention programs and targeted health education should be implemented to promote lung cancer screening among this population.

Chinese Immigrants’Health Beliefs and Practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine in British Columbia of Canada

Objective:This study is to address the health beliefs and health behavior of Chinese immigrants residing in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia(BC)Province in Canada.This article discussed Chinese immigrants’traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)use,health beliefs,and health behaviors.Methods:Information used in this study is based on data collected in the Chinese-speaking community in the Greater Vancouver area of BC in 2020–2022.Quantitative and qualitative methods were applied to this study.The first stage recruited 314 participants for the quantitative study to cross-validate an instrument tool,followed by the 2nd stage of 20 stratified random sampling out of the 314 participants for TCM-related in-depth qualitative interviews.This study focuses on the second stage of TCM qualitative interviews.Results:Results indicated that TCM health beliefs have cultural and spiritual meanings tied to the Chinese-speaking participants.There are barriers for the Chinese-speaking population to access the existing healthcare services due to their TCM health beliefs and other health needs,for example,family doctors,integrated medicine for better health outcomes,and mental health services especially during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Conclusion:Integrating TCM health beliefs and behaviors of Chinese-speaking immigrants into existing Canadian mainstream health services are strongly recommended.

A study on the cognitive status of human papillomavirus among adult males in Tianjin based on the health belief model

Background:To understand the health beliefs and knowledge of human papillomavirus among adult males in Tianjin.Methods:An online questionnaire survey was conducted from 18 January 2023 to 6 March 2023 using snowball sampling method.Analyze the health belief scores and human papillomavirus(HPV)and HPV vaccine knowledge scores of adult males in Tianjin,and analyze their influencing factors.Results:A total of 388 adult males in Tianjin were surveyed,with an average total score of 3.23±0.04 for their health beliefs.Among them,the average scores for perceived severity,perceived susceptibility,perceived impairment,perceived benefit,and self-efficacy were 3.41±1.05,2.37±1.20,2.96±1.00,3.51±0.90,and 3.36±1.08,respectively.Multiple linear regression analyses showed education was a factor influencing health beliefs.The average total score of knowledge is 64.09±15.62,with 277 people scoring above 60,and a pass rate of 71.4%.Through multiple linear regression analysis,education level,emotional status,whether disease testing has been done,and whether family and friends have been diagnosed with HPV positive are the main influencing factors.Conclusion:The awareness rate of HPV among adult males in Tianjin is still acceptable,but there are still misconceptions.The overall level of health beliefs is moderate,and the perceived susceptibility level is low.It is necessary to strengthen health education on HPV related knowledge for males and improve their cognitive level.

Evaluation of the effects of health education interventions for hypertensive patients based on the health belief model

BACKGROUND Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke,and its prevalence is increasing worldwide.Health education interventions based on the health belief model(HBM)can improve the knowledge,attitudes,and behaviors of patients with hypertension and help them control their blood pressure.AIM To evaluate the effects of health education interventions based on the HBM in patients with hypertension in China.METHODS Between 2021 and 2023,140 patients with hypertension were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group.The intervention group received health education based on the HBM,including lectures,brochures,videos,and counseling sessions,whereas the control group received routine care.Outcomes were measured at baseline,three months,and six months after the intervention and included blood pressure,medication adherence,self-efficacy,and perceived benefits,barriers,susceptibility,and severity.RESULTS The intervention group had significantly lower systolic blood pressure[mean difference(MD):-8.2 mmHg,P<0.001]and diastolic blood pressure(MD:-5.1 mmHg,P=0.002)compared to the control group at six months.The intervention group also had higher medication adherence(MD:1.8,P<0.001),self-efficacy(MD:12.4,P<0.001),perceived benefits(MD:3.2,P<0.001),lower perceived barriers(MD:-2.6,P=0.001),higher perceived susceptibility(MD:2.8,P=0.002),and higher perceived severity(MD:3.1,P<0.001)than the control group at six months.CONCLUSION Health education interventions based on the HBM effectively improve blood pressure control and health beliefs in patients with hypertension and should be implemented in clinical practice and community settings.

Evaluation of the Application Effect of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Therapy Combined with a Health Belief Education Model in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Objective:To evaluate the application effect of enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy combined with a health belief education model in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Methods:80 patients with inflammatory bowel disease admitted to the Shanghai Zhangjiang Institute of Medical Innovation were chosen.This study was carried out from August 2022 to October 2023.The patients were randomly divided into a study group(40 cases)and a control group(40 cases).The treatment plan for the control group was the conventional treatment model,while the treatment plan for the study group was to provide enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy combined with a health belief education model based on the control group.The efficacy of both groups was compared.Results:In the study group,the therapeutic effect for 31 patients(77.50%)was markedly effective and 7 was effective(17.50%),accounting for 95.0%of the total,which was higher than the control group at 80.0%(P<0.05).The relief time of relevant symptoms in the study group was shorter than that of the control group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there were no differences in the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),interleukin 10(IL-10),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)between both groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the levels of inflammatory factors in the study group(hs-CRP(8.02±1.13)mg/L,IL-10(9.24±1.25)pg/mL,and TNF-α(7.19±1.04)ng/L)were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Enteral and parenteral nutritional therapy combined with a health belief education model showed significant efficacy in inflammatory bowel disease patients.Patient symptoms were relieved and inflammatory reactions were reduced.This method is worthy of popularization.

Effects of sociodemographic characteristics and patients’health beliefs on tuberculosis treatment adherence in Ethiopia:a structural equation modelling approach

Background:Patients’beliefs are a major factor affecting tuberculosis(TB)treatment adherence.However,there has been little use of Health Belief Model(HBM)in determining the pathway effect of patients’sociodemographic characteristics and beliefs on TB treatment adherence.Therefore,this study was aimed at determining the effect of sociodemographic characteristics and patients’health beliefs on TB treatment adherence based on the HBM concept in Ethiopia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia among TB patients undertaking treatment.Thirty health centres were randomly selected and one hospital was purposely chosen.Six hundred and ninety-eight TB patients who had been on treatment for 1-2 month,were aged 18 years or above,and had the mental capability to provide consent were enrolled consecutively with non-probability sampling technique from the TB registration book until required sample size achieved.Structured questionnaires were used to collect data.Structural equation modelling was employed to assess the pathway relationship between sociodemographic characteristics,patients’beliefs,and treatment adherence.Results:Of the 698 enrolled participants,401(57.4%)were male and 490(70.2%)were aged 35 years and below.The mean age of participants was 32(±11.7)and the age range was 18-90 years.Perceived barrier/benefit was shown to be a significant direct negative effect on TB treatment adherence(ß=−0.124,P=0.032).In addition,cue to action(ß=−0.68,P≤0.001)and psychological distress(ß=0.08,P<0.001)were shown significant indirect effects on TB treatment adherence through perceived barrier/benefit.Conclusions:Interventions intended to decrease perceived barriers and maximize perceived benefits should be implemented to enhance TB treatment adherence.In addition,it is crucial that counselling is incorporated with the regular directly observed therapy program.Motivators(cue to actions)such as friends,family,healthcare workers,and the media could be used to promote TB treatment adherence.

Provoking Buying Behaviors Amid Crises:Unfolding the Underlying Mechanisms of Psychological Impairments

Crises in the past have caused devastating,long-lasting impacts on the global economy.The after-effects always bring some dynamic and rigorous challenges for businesses and governments.Such challenges have always been a point of discussion for scholars.The recent COVID-19 pandemic emaciated the global economy,leaving everyone mired in uncertainty,fear,and psychological impairments.One of the headwind features utilized by consumers during pandemic was panic buying(PB),which must be explored in various contexts for policymakers and practitioners.To address this gap,this study deployed a moderated mediation mechanism,integrating the health belief model(HBM)and competitive arousal theory(CAT)to excavate the notions underlying PB with the intrusion of evolved real-time psychological disorders:intolerance of uncertainty(IU)and cyberchondria(CYC).The study was conducted as a natural experiment in a South Asian developing economy using online surveys.It found that health beliefs—perceived severity(PSV)and perceived susceptibility(PSC)—positively impact perceived arousal(PA),which causes PB,and that PA has a sturdy mediator role.Moreover,in the relationship between health beliefs and arousal,the different psychological disorders were found to have significant moderating roles The study findings can help mitigate risk uncertainties and panic situations and thus contribute to consumers’wellbeing.

Development and evaluation of the health belief model scale for exercise

Objectives:This study was aimed to develop a health belief model scale for exercise among Chinese residents to describe the relationships between health beliefs and exercise for promoting residents to adopt or maintain exercise programs.Methods:Participants were from two projects,Project 1 with 3833 participants and Project 2 with 7319 participants.A pool of 21 items was developed based on a small-scale qualitative study about health beliefs of exercise and literature.Internal consistency and construct validity of the scale were evaluated with Cronbach'sαcoefficient,exploratory factor analysis(EFA),confirmatory factor analysis(CFA)and second-order confirmatory factor analysis.Results:A final version of 18 items loaded on six factors which could explain 60.30-%of variance was observed after EFA.The internal consistency of the final version with 18 items performed in Project 1 was acceptable(0.609).The reliability of the six subscales was good with Cronbach'sαcoefficient of 0.628,0.713,0.628,0.801,0.676 and 0.838 for perceived benefits,perceived objective barriers,perceived subjective barriers,self-efficacy,perceived severity and cues to action,respectively.CFA and second-order CFA indicated a good fit to data.Conclusions:The Health Belief Model Scale for Exercise(HBMS-E)is a valid and reliable instrument to assess health beliefs of exercise among residents in China.Understanding the health beliefs of exercise will help health professionals to develop effective interventions for health and evaluate the effectiveness.

Predictors of caring behaviors of mothers of premature infants based on the health belief model

Objective:To investigate predictors of caring behaviors of mothers of premature infants based on the health belief model.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted by using the structural equation modeling on 168 mothers of premature infants,who were selected by convenience sampling method from October 2017 to February 2018 in Iran.Data were collected by using a standard scale.Validity and reliability of all data collection tools were approved.Data were analyzed by using SPSS V.16 and Mplus6 software.Results:The structural equation modeling of the initial health belief model did not have a good fit,but the fitness of model 2 obtaining from the modified initial model was confirmed by changes in locations of constructs.None of constructs of model 2 had a significant positive association with the caring behavior of mothers of premature infants and only 2.8%of variance of caring behaviors in mothers could be predicted by the sum of variables of demographic characteristics and the modified health belief model constructs.Conclusions:Given that the findings do not approve the use of the health belief model in predicting determinants of caring behavior of mothers of premature infants,it is suggested to apply this model to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the health belief model on the caring behavior of mothers.

The Effect of Training and Consultancy on the Knowledge Level and Health Belief regarding the Cervical Cancer Screenings, and Participation in Screenings

Background/Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of training and consultancy on women’s knowledge level and health belief regarding the cervical cancer screenings and their participation in screenings. Materials and Methods: The study is designed as pre-experiment with one group pretest-posttest. The sample group of the study consists of 66 women. The data were collected between March and June 2011. “Personal Information Form”, “Information Form of Cervical Cancer Screenings”, “Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test”, and “Assessment Form Concerning Taking the Pap Smear Test” were used to collect the data. Results: It was determined that at the end of all trainings, 45.5% of women took the relevant test. Among those who participated in the Pap Smear screening, the training and consultancy had an effect of 100%, booklets 100% and telephone calls 25%. The training and consultancy increased the perception of “benefit and motivation” regarding the Pap Smear test and Pap Smear decreased the perception of “barriers”. Regarding the cervical cancer, it decreased the perception of “regard/seriousness”, “susceptibility” and “health motivation”. Conclusions: It was concluded that training and consultancy change the health beliefs regarding cervical cancer screenings, increase the participation in screenings and consequently, contribute to early diagnosis.

Knowledge,attitude,and practices toward osteoporosis among Jordanian nurses

Objective:To identify the level of knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP)toward osteoporosis among Jordanian nurses.Methods:A cross-sectional design was adopted in this study.A convenience sample of 443 Jordanian nurses were recruited from the public and private healthcare settings in Jordan.The assessment tool used in the current study contained 35 items,measuring KAP among Jordanian nurses toward osteoporosis.The correlation Pearson test and regression test were used to analyze data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences,version 21.Results:The total KAP scores were 33.53,37.65,and 22.7,respectively.These results revealed that Jordanian nurses have a moderate level of KAP toward osteoporosis.Conclusions:Jordanian nurses showed a moderate KAP toward osteoporosis,which should be improved as an effective step to reducing the growing incidences of osteoporosis.The lack of KAP holds a serious and growing impact on the Jordanian health sector and patients’health in terms of cost,healthcare resources,and social life.Nurses can play a valuable role in educating patients on bone fracture causes,perceived percentage,risks,and prevention,as well as in helping them with nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.

Assessment of public perspectives and barriers towards dengue preventive practices using the Health Belief Model in Puducherry,India:A cross-sectional study

Objective:To assess the perspectives and barriers towards dengue preventive practices among the residents of Puducherry,India.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 300 households in Puducherry,using a population-proportionate(7:3)distribution from urban and rural areas by grid sampling.One adult interview per household was conducted and the participants were selected using a KISH grid.A semi-structured questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model(HBM)with additional questions on knowledge assessment was used.Knowledge was assessed based on the correctness of answers and the HBM scores were calculated on a 5-point Likert scale.Participants were categorized based on the median score under each domain.Logistic regression was used for adjusted analysis and models were built to predict the performances in each domain.Results:Four percent of the participants lacked basic knowledge regarding dengue transmission.While 208(69.3%)participants did not consider themselves at risk of contracting dengue within the next year,majority perceived dengue as a disease with low severity.Around 49.3%(148)were skeptical about the benefit of time and money spent on dengue prevention.Inadequate government efforts were stated as the major barrier(47.0%)and frequent reminders(142,47.3%)as the major cue to action.Age above 50 years(aOR 1.78,95%CI 1.04-3.06,P=0.037)and rural locality(aOR 2.68,95%CI 1.52-4.71,P=0.001)were found to be significantly associated with poor knowledge scores.Urban participants had a significantly higher chance to perceive low susceptibility as compared to the rural counterparts(aOR 1.74,95%CI 1.05-2.9,P=0.03).Participants with less than a high school education had low perceived benefits(aOR 2.46,95%CI 1.52-3.96,P<0.001)and low self-efficacy scores(aOR 2.66,95%CI 1.61-4.39,P<0.001).Conclusions:This study identifies key gaps in dengue prevention,including low perceived susceptibility,mild disease perception,limited knowledge of breeding sites,and overreliance on government efforts.Tailoring interventions to community needs,stratified to factors influencing the community perspectives can significantly improve dengue prevention efforts.

Relationship between Contraceptive Knowledge,Cognition and Behaviors among Vocational High School Students

Objective To study the relationship between contraceptive knowledge, cognition and behaviors among vocational high school students. Methods A cross-sectional survey was anonymously self-administrated by way of computer to all the 1st graders＇ among three vocational high schools in a district of Shanghai. Four cognition indicators, including perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived risks and self eJficacy were applied according to Health Belief Model. Results The percentage of respondents who reported ever sexual practices and contraceptives use at first sex was 7.01% and 56.64% respectively. Condom （58. 70%） and oral contraceptive pills （27.78%） were used by the majority. Main reasons for non-use were ＂shy to buy it＂ （26.53%） and ＂partner don＇t want to use any＂ （18.37%）. Proportion of respondents who ever had sex regarded withdrawal and rhythm as effective were 68.35% and 68.42% respectively. Proportion of respondents having sex knew ＂If a person was infected with STDs, he/she might not have noticeable symptoms＂ were 22.86%. Proportion of respondents who reported non-use of contraceptives at first sex considered that ＂infrequent intercourse could not cause a girl pregnant even she had experienced her menstruation＂ were 40.63%. Proportion of respondents who had ever used condom got full score of knowledge on ＂how to correctly use condom＂ were 23,26%. Perceived risks were poorest among four cognition indicators. High level of contraceptive knowledge was connected with high rate of contraceptives use at first sex, whereas high level contraceptive cognition was connected with high rate of contraceptive use both at first and recent sex. Conclusions It is important to provide youth-friendly services as well as message on contraceptives among vocational school students.

How knowledge of hepatitis B disease and vaccine influences vaccination practices among parents in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Objective:To assess the influences of the knowledge of parents about hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection and the benefit of HBV vaccination on the practice of HBV vaccination among children.Methods:A prospective cross-sectional study recruited parents whose children,aged 12-24 months,received HBV vaccination at Commune Health Centers(CHCs)in Ho Chi Minh City from Feb.2016 to Jul.2017.Parents were interviewed using a questionnaire that included 11-item binary knowledge questions and checked their children’s vaccination cards.Results:A total of 768 parents had a mean age of(30.8±5.1)years.The mean knowledge score of the 11-item questions was(7.0±2.4).The knowledge score was positively associated with full and timely HBV vaccination.In addition,children who received complete and timely HBV vaccination were significantly more likely to live in rural areas(Adjusted OR 4.02,95%CI 2.79-5.79,P<0.001).Also,children whose parents received vaccination information from health care providers,and had knowledge about HBV risk,had a higher rate of full and timely HBV vaccination(Adjusted OR 1.60,95%CI 1.13-2.29,and Adjusted OR 1.47,95%CI 1.01-2.13,P all<0.05).Conclusions:Parents possessed a great deal of incorrect knowledge about HBV.More health education from health care providers should target parents living in specific locations and focus on the benefits of HBV vaccine.

Socio-ecological determinants of dengue prevention practices:A cross-sectional study among wet market traders in a selected district in Perak, Malaysia

Objective: To determine the level of dengue prevention practices among wet market traders in a Malaysian district and their associated socio-ecological factors including individual, relationships, community and societal factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 246 wet market traders was conducted in a district in Perak state in northwest Malaysia between September 2018 to June 2019. Participants were selected through stratified sampling from four wet markets in Hilir Perak district. Data on dengue prevention practices and associated socioecological characteristics were collected using a validated interviewbased questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify socioecological determinants of dengue prevention practices among wet market traders in Hilir Perak District.Results: From the total number of respondents, 78% had high dengue prevention practices. Higher dengue prevention practices were associated with owners of wet market shoplots compared to employed workers(adjusted OR 4.18, 95% CI 1.78, 9.85), high perceived susceptibility(adjusted OR 6.93, 95% CI 3.02, 15.92), high familial support(adjusted OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.25, 10.64), and high perceived dengue prevention and control laws and regulations(adjusted OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.44, 7.32).Conclusions: Dengue prevention practices were associated not only with individual determinants but also with other determinants from relationships to societal level which must be considered in planning or evaluating current dengue control programs.

Validation of the relationship consciousness of Japanese Patients with type 2 diabetes scale

Objectives:The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus can be improved for individuals by developing relationships with other patients with diabetes.We created the Relationship Consciousness of Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus scale to measure the relationship consciousness of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients for other patients based on the Health Belief Model.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study of Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(n-289).Data were analyzed via exploratory factor analyses,reliability tests,concurrent validity.Results:The final scale obtained for the Relationship Consciousness of Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus scale comprised a six-factor structure with 36 items.All 36 items had a Cronbach'sαcoefficient of 0.893 and explained 59.38%of the total variance.The scale was significantly correlated with a related reciprocity consciousness scale.Conclusions:The Relationship Consciousness of Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus scale may be an important tool for nurses to assess the relationship consciousness of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.In addition,by understanding patients'relationship consciousness for others who share their disease,nurses can begin to recommend ways to establish relationships between patients that suit patients'particular relationship.consciousness levels and to provide better care in their clinical practice.

Raising Awareness about Water Issues:The Role of Water Symbolism and Proverbs

Sustainable water management is one of the global grand challenges of our time. Tackling this challenge through corrective actions would require the participation of the general public, a public with sound awareness of the challenge and commitment. One such awareness raising intervention could be through the use of water symbolism and proverbs, targeted to particular society. Water has the different symbolism and levels of importance to people, depending of their personal characteristics and socio-demographic factors (e.g. gender, age, occupation, residence). Similarly, water proverbs can also demonstrate attitudes towards water among communities, ethnic groups and whole nations. Such meanings and symbolism could help determine attitude and be a powerful tool towards education. In this context, we describe and propose a psychological Health Belief Model (HBM) as a way to explain behaviour and stimulate sustainable water management practice.

Cross-Sectional Survey on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Awareness among Health Care Professionals and Students Using CHBQ Questionnaire in a Balkan Country

Objective： To conduct a study on attitudes, knowledge, and use of complementary and altemative medicine （CAM） therapies in Serbia. Available data about CAM therapies in the region are scarce, opinions lacking from health sector. Balkan region countries had a delay in issuing national policies on CAM therapies. Methods： The questionnaire used was based on previously validated CAM Health Belief Questionnaire （CHBQ）, formulated as 5-item Likert type scale, adjusted for local environment. Health care students and professionals were evaluated. The questionnaire comprehended 10 closed questions on attitudes, knowledge and use of CAM therapies. This survey was conducted in eight cities of Serbia, January 2010-July 2011. A total of 797 participants was included. The second group of participants was 145 healthcare professionals （50 academic staff, 64 clinical staff, 19 pharmacists, 6 other clinical branch specialists and 6 nurses）. Data were collected by an interview. Examinees could acquire maximum of 70 points, 35 representing neutral attitude. Restdts： Students of dentistry （54.65 ± 6.07） were better informed on CAM therapies than medicine students （50.26 ± 7.92）. Pharmacy students （51.16 ± 7.10） accepted low-scientific CAM. Pharmacists scored better than university professors （55.12±6.55 vs. 50.29± 9.50）. Primary health care professionals had better awareness than pharmacists in dispensing pharmacies. Both groups of participants preferred use of vitamins over any other CAM therapy. Conclusion： These pioneering efforts in the region exposed weaknesses in CAM attitudes of current and future health care professionals. Nevertheless, awareness on alternative medicine treatment choices is growing among Balkan prescribers. Supportive legal framework would facilitate dissemination of CAM medical practices.

Assessing preventive health behaviors from COVID-19:a cross sectional study with health belief model in Golestan Province,Northern of Iran

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a new viral disease that has caused a pandemic in the world.Due to the lack of vaccines and definitive treatment,preventive behaviors are the only way to overcome the disease.Therefore,the present study aimed to determine the preventive behaviors from the disease based on constructs of the health belief model.Methods:: In the present cross-sectional study during March 11–16,2020,750 individuals in Golestan Province of Iran were included in the study using the convenience sampling and they completed the questionnaires through cyberspace.Factor scores were calculated using the confirmatory factor analysis.The effects of different factors were separately investigated using the univariate analyses,including students sample t-test,ANOVA,and simple linear regression.Finally,the effective factors were examined by the multiple regression analysis at a significant level of 0.05 and through Mplus 7 and SPSS 16.Results: The participants’mean age was 33.9±9.45 years;and 57.1%of them had associate and bachelor's degrees.Multiple regression indicated that the mean score of preventive behavior from COVID-19 was higher in females than males,and greater in urban dwellers than rural dwellers.Furthermore,one unit increase in the standard deviation of factor scores of self-efficacy and perceived benefits increased the scores of preventive behavior from COVID-19 by 0.22 and 0.17 units respectively.On the contrary,one unit increase in the standard deviation of factor score of perceived barriers and fatalistic beliefs decreased the scores of the preventive behavior from COVID-19 by 0.36 and 0.19 units respectively.Conclusions: Results: of the present study indicated that female gender,perceived barriers,perceived self-efficacy,fatalistic beliefs,perceived interests,and living in city had the greatest preventive behaviors from COVID-19 respectively.Preventive interventions were necessary among males and villagers.