A Public Health Model and Framework to Mitigate the Impact of Orphans and Vulnerable Children Due to HIV/AIDS in Cameroon

UNICEF, UNAIDS and USAID developed a global strategic framework to guide responses to care and protect orphans and other vulnerable children in the context of HIV/AIDS. In the developing world, about 132 million people have lost one or both parents due to the AIDS pandemic and 25 million children have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS in 2010. The HIV prevalence in Cameroon is estimated at 5.1%. As of 2010, there were 304,000 deaths due to AIDS in Cameroon. Out of 1,200,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Cameroon in 2010, 300,000 were AIDS orphans. The HIV/AIDS burden impacts child survival, growth and development in the traditional African setting. With so many orphans in the population, along with many vulnerable children, strategies must be developed to respond more effectively to their critical needs. This study provides a model for OVC care and support in Cameroon. The model was developed out of extensive work using a participatory approach involving traditional, administrative and health stakeholders on OVC in Yaounde I and Yaounde VI Councils, Nanga Eboko Health District, Isangelle, Ekondo Titi, and Bafaka-Balue communities in Cameroon. Consultancy services with PLAN Cameroon, the Pan African Institute for Development-West Africa coupled with facilitation of many training workshops on OVC with Save the orphans Foundation, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Public Health and working with the National AIDS Control Committee. The essential components of a holistic framework for the care of OVC have been identified. A public health model for the care of OVC and a mechanism for their identification and a referral system for testing OVC for HIV are proposed. Through this model, a mechanism for the effective holistic care of OVC and collaboration is enhanced.

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.

Effects of health concept model-based detailed behavioral care on mood and quality of life in elderly patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND With the intensification of social aging,the susceptibility of the elderly population to diseases has attracted increasing attention,especially chronic heart failure(CHF)that accounts for a large proportion of the elderly.AIM To evaluate the application value of health concept model-based detailed behavioral care in elderly patients with CHF.METHODS This study recruited 116 elderly CHF patients admitted from October 2018 to October 2020 and grouped them according to the nursing care that they received.The elderly patients who underwent health concept model-based detailed behavioral care were included in a study group(SG;n=62),and those who underwent routine detailed behavioral nursing intervention were included as a control group(CG;n=54).Patients’negative emotions(NEs),quality of life(QoL),and nutritional status were assessed using the self-rating anxiety/depression scale(SAS/SDS),the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire(MLHFQ),and the Modified Quantitative Subjective Global Assessment(MQSGA)of nutrition,respectively.Differences in rehabilitation efficiency,NEs,cardiac function(CF)indexes,nutritional status,QoL,and nursing satisfaction were comparatively analyzed.RESULTS A higher response rate was recorded in the SG vs the CG after intervention(P<0.05).After care,the left ventricular ejection fraction was higher while the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and left ventricular end systolic diameter were lower in the SG compared with the CG(P<0.05).The post-intervention SAS and SDS scores,as well as MQSGA and MLHFQ scores,were also lower in the SG(P<0.05).The SG was also superior to the CG in the overall nursing satisfaction rate(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Health concept model-based detailed behavioral care has high application value in the nursing care of elderly CHF patients,and it can not only effectively enhance rehabilitation efficiency,but also mitigate patients’NEs and improve their CF and QoL.

Research on the Intervention of Internet+ Health Education Model on Hemodialysis Patients with Psychological Distress

Objective:To observe the status quo of patients’psychological distress,and to explore the effect of Internet+health education model(IHEM)on patients who experienced psychological distress during their first hemodialysis treatment,with the goal of reducing their psychological distress and improving their quality of life.Methods:IHEM was conducted on 120 first-time hemodialysis patients for 3 months while a distress thermometer and a list of questionnaires were used to screen patients and provide corresponding psychological intervention.The incidence rate of psychological distress was analyzed statistically to explore the difference in psychological distress at various periods.Results:The incidence rate(score≥4)of psychological distress in first-time hemodialysis patients was 46.67%,and their distress was mainly rooted in physical,emotional,practical problems(economy,time,and energy),etc.Through IHEM,the psychological distress scores of the patients decreased to 3.29±1.02 at one month after their discharge,and the incidence rate was 32.14%;the psychological distress scores of the patients were 2.29±1.02 at 3 months after their discharge,and the incidence rate was 21.14%.The difference before and after the intervention was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:A psychological distress thermometer can timely detect the degree and causes of psychological distress among first-time hemodialysis patients,and the use of IHEM may significantly alleviate the psychological distress among hemodialysis patients.

An Empirical Study on the Coupling and Coordination of Health Investment, Resident Health and Economic Growth in Sichuan Province —Based on a Modified Coupling Model

We should calculate the coupling degree of medical investment, resident health and economic growth in Sichuan Province, and make clear the coordinated development of the aforementioned three factors. In that, the government was able to formulate policies that feature the positive interaction and coordinated development of regional medical investment, health and economy. Methods on index system for the evaluation of health investment, resident health and economic growth were constructed, and the coupling and coordination degree of the three systems were empirically studied based on the entropy weight method, the coupling coordination model and the gray correlation method. From the perspective of time series, the overall coupling and coordination level of Sichuan Province is relatively low, and the comprehensive development level of health investment and economic growth system has lagged behind the resident health system;from the perspective of spatial distribution characteristics, in 2019, the coordinated development level of health investment resident health and economic growth coupling in western Sichuan, southern Sichuan, northern Sichuan, eastern Sichuan and northern Sichuan is in the primary coordination stage, but there is a lag in the development of the health investment system between western Sichuan and southern Sichuan, and there is a lag in the development of the economic growth system between northern Sichuan and eastern Sichuan. From the analysis of gray correlation degree, the main correlation factors are diverse. All in all, the overall coordination level of health investment, resident health and economic growth in Sichuan Province is relatively low, and in order to achieve its coordinated development, it is necessary to narrow regional differences, formulate coordinated development strategies according to local conditions, and improve the overall coordination level.

Technology and Health持续质量改进模式在医院卫生管理中的应用价值研究

探讨持续质量改进模式在医院卫生管理中的应用价值。选取2020年1月—2022年7月收治的100例住院患者为研究对象,以2021年1月为时间节点,此前实施常规院内卫生管理(对照组),参与患者50例;2021年1月后医院卫生管理中实施持续质量改进模式(观察组),参与患者50例,均由50名专科医护人员进行卫生管理,随即针对不同卫生管理模式下医务人员的综合能力、院内不良事件发生概率、患者对院内管理满意度、卫生管理质量进行对比评估。经数据对比,观察组医护人员综合能力中,其卫生知识考评积分、卫生质量评分、监督评估积分均较对照组高(P<0.05);同时观察组院内感染、手卫生不合格、废料处理不及时、自我防护不到位等不良事件发生率低于对照组(P<0.05);观察组患者对其所处模式的满意度显著高于对照组(P<0.05);观察组卫生管理质量评估积分中,其安全管控、作业实操、手卫生/消杀、多重耐药菌处理、废料处置等专项积分均较对照组高(P<0.05)。研究发现,通过在医院卫生管理中为患者实施持续质量改进模式,可显著提高院内医护人员个人能力,强化对院内卫生管理重视程度,增加患者对卫生常识的认知,提高患者治疗满意度,降低医护人员错误操作、不当行为的发生率,有着较高临床应用价值。

Osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs, and calcium intake of college students: Utilization of the health belief model

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs and calcium intake among college students. This study also examined perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers and self-efficacy related to osteoporosis prevention. Participants: Seven hundred and ninety two (n = 792) men and women ages 17 - 31 of all ethnicities at a mid-western regional university in the US participated in the study. Methods: The Osteoporosis Knowledge Test, Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale, and Osteoporosis Preventing Behaviors Survey were utilized. Each of these tools were previously validated and found reliable. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were completed. Results: Participants did not perceive themselves as susceptible to osteoporosis and perceived minimal barriers to calcium intake. Their knowledge was minimal concerning alternate sources of calcium. Conclusions: Prevention programs should aim to increase osteoporosis knowledge of risk factors and osteoprotective behaviors and to decrease high-risk behaviors during college years when behavior changes can have the strongest impact on bone health.

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.

The Criticism and Amendment for the Dual-Factor Model of Mental Health: From Chinese Psychological Suzhi Research Perspectives

Aiming at the limitations of psychopathology (PTH), the dual-factor model of mental health (DFM) was proposed as a new mental health concept and methodology under the background of positive psychology trend. In this paper we propose giving an overview of DFM, and doubt, criticize, and modify DFM from the perspective of Chinese psychological suzhi research. The available literature from 1983 to 2012 that is related to DFM and concerning psychological suzhi research in the past 20 years has been reviewed. In addition, we also absorbed the idea of positive psychology and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Constitution theory to develop theoretically the relationship model between psychological suzhi and mental health. The relationship model between psychological suzhi and mental health modifies and transcends PTH and DFM. It will be the new research area of mental health research.

The Effect of an Educational Program Based on the Health Belief Model on Self-Efficacy among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Referred to the Iranian Diabetes Association in 2014

Background: Patient self-efficacy is one of the most important factors in treating and overcoming disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an educational program based on the health belief model on self-efficacy among patients with type 2 diabetes referred to the Iranian Diabetes Association in 2014. Method: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. Eighty patients with type 2 diabetes were selected randomly by the double block sample method. They were then divided into two groups of intervention and control (40 patients in each group) by random allocation. Data were collected by a questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model and self-efficacy. The data were gathered two months after the educational program was held. The educational program was designed on the basis of data collected in the pre-test phase. Then, the educational program was executed for the intervention group in 8 sessions (each 30 minutes) using lectures and an educational booklet. Data analysis was done with Chi-square Test, Pearson’s correlation, Independent samples T-test and paired T-test. The significance level was considered at 0.05. Results: Before intervention, no significant difference was detected between the two groups. However, after intervention all variables were significantly different except for perceived threat. Moreover, there were significant linear relationships between Self-efficacy and all Health Belief Model components after the educational intervention in both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The educational program based on the health belief model increased self-efficacy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

The Clinical Study of a New Management Model Using Mobile Health for Senile Hypertension

Objective: To evaluate a new management model using mobile health for senile hypertension. Methods: This medical service combined traditional medical treatment with Mobile Health. We use it to explore a new and effective model of elderly hypertension management and the most effective and lowest cost management crowd. According to the randomized controlled design of trial, 105 old hypertensive patients participated in the study voluntarily in the Qingdao Municipal Hospital were randomly divided into the experimental group (75 cases) and control group (30 cases). Experimental group is divided into geriatric specialist group (25 cases), general practitioner group (25 cases) and nurse group (25 cases). Blood pressure was administered in experimental (with the new model) and control groups (with the traditional model) for 2 months to compare their blood pressure and the decrease of them. Results: Blood pressure was compared between the two groups before and after administration. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) of experimental group is 162.44 ± 13.970 mmHg before administration. SBP of experimental group is 147.69 ± 13.509 mmHg after administration, the difference is statistically significant (P = 0.000). The diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of experimental group is 91.58 ± 10.822 mmHg before administration. DBP of experimental group is 84.64 ± 10.412 mmHg after administration, P = 0.003. SBP of control group is 159.93 ± 15.238 mmHg before administration. The systolic blood pressure of control group is 152.33 ± 14.115 (mmHg) after administration. P is 0.167 (P > 0.05). The difference was not statistically significant. DBP of control group is 94.73 ± 12.401 (mmHg) before administration. DBP of control group is 90.60 ± 11.115 (mmHg) after administration. P is 0.345 (P > 0.05). The difference was not statistically significant. The decrease of SBP of geriatric specialist group, general practitioner group and nurse group is 18.40 ± 11.764 mmHg, 14.47 ± 9.44 mmHg, 10.80 ± 6.026 mmHg. The difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The decrease of DBP of geriatric specialist group, general practitioner group and nurse group is 9.33 ± 7.451 mmHg vs. 5.33 ± 6.287 mmHg vs. 6.13 ± 5.069 mmHg (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The new model is effective and it works well for controlling blood pressure of elderly hypertensive patients. Especially with the doctors and patients’ families, the management effect has been obviously improved. Medical interventions make the new model more scientific. The management of geriatric specialists, general practitioners and nurses is equally valid.

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.

Human Health Risk Assessment Model of Organic Pollution in Groundwater:Shijiazhuang Industrial Zone

In this study, a risk-based management model is developed and applied to an industrial zone. The models proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Han Bing have been improved by adding a residual ratio of volatile organic compounds （VOC） after boiling and deleting the related parameters in half-life. Using this improved model, an integrated process was used to assess human health risk level in the study area. Compared with water quality analysis, the results highlight the importance of applying an integrated approach for decision making on risk levels and water protection. The results of this study demonstrated that： （1） Compared with these permissible level standards in China （GB 3838-2002） and National Primary Drinking Water Regulations of the United States, the residents＇ daily life had not been affected by the groundwater in this area （except for relative bad water quality of HB3-4 and HB3-6）; （2） The typical detected organic contaminants of all groundwater samples were chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethene, and the pollution sources were mainly industrial sources by preliminary investigations; （3） As for groundwater, the non-carcinogenic risk values of all samples do not exceed the permissible level of 1.0 and the carcinogenic risk values are relatively lower than the permissible level of 1.00E-06 to 1.00E-04; （4） Drinking water pathway of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene mainly contribute to increasing the health risk of residents＇ in study areas; （5） In terms of non-carcinogenic risk and carcinogenic risk, the health risk order for drinking water pathway and dermal contact pathway was： drinking water pathway 〉 dermal contact pathway.

Concept and evaluation of bay health:the role of numerical model in the Yueqing Bay,China

To better evaluate the three-dimensional bay health and predict the dynamic bay health conditions, a concept of numerical bay health was introduced and a method of numerical bay health evaluation（NBHE） was developed.To support the NBHE method, a numerical bay health index（NBHI） system was constructed, which assess the natural and socio-economic effects on the entire bay. Five index groups are combined to formulate the NBHI,including geometry, hydrodynamics and sediment dynamics, bio-ecology, water quality and socio-economy.Each group has different number of indices selected and weighted using AHP method according to their importance. Data were mainly synthesized from a variety of numerical models together with monitoring programs, which provide superior to other approaches in discriminating data integrity and predicting data in future. The NBHE method using NBHI system was applied in the Yueqing Bay during spring tide in April 2007.According to the NBHE results, Sta. A, at the surface level of the estuarine mouth, has a healthy geometry condition, sub-healthy hydrodynamic and sediment dynamic condition, and unhealthy water quality and bioecology conditions. The integrated healthy score at Sta. A indicates its sub-healthy condition.

Finite element model updating of existing steel bridge based on structural health monitoring

Based on the physical meaning of sensitivity,a new finite element(FE) model updating method was proposed. In this method,a three-dimensional FE model of the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge(NYRB) with ANSYS program was established and updated by modifying some design parameters. To further validate the updated FE model,the analytical stress-time histories responses of main members induced by a moving train were compared with the measured ones. The results show that the relative error of maximum stress is 2.49% and the minimum relative coefficient of analytical stress-time histories responses is 0.793. The updated model has a good agreement between the calculated data and the tested data,and provides a current baseline FE model for long-term health monitoring and condition assessment of the NYRB. At the same time,the model is validated by stress-time histories responses to be feasible and practical for railway steel bridge model updating.

Development and Evaluation of Innovative Recycling Intervention Program Using the Health Belief Model (HBM)

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of interventions based on health promotion theories in changing the recycling behavior of the targeted population. The study focused on the development and evaluation of innovative recycling education programs that address energy recovery, recycling, and waste management. The study applied Health Belief Model-(HBM) as an approach to motivate recycling behaviors and to evaluate the impact of the applied approaches on recycling set-out rates and participation. A total of 102 households from a Midwestern city participated in this study. The study was conducted over a period of six months. A Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data on recycling and environmental knowledge, skills, behavior, and attitudes. The other set of data was the weight of recyclables that was obtained at each participant’s curb four times over the six months period of interventions. Results indicated a significant increase in average set out rates of recyclables among HBM participants (21.34 lbs. pre-test to 59.3 lbs. post-test). It was concluded that HBM educational approaches can be effective in motivating recycling. This study signifies the need for renewed effort in motivating individuals, households or businesses to recycle. Not every community or city significantly participates in recycling. Innovative strategies as well the application of approaches in the theories of behavioral change can positively influence recycling and overall waste reduction behaviors.

Factors associated with intention to undergo specific health guidance among Japanese workers using health belief model

Objectives: To examine the factors associated with the intention to undergo “specific health guidance”. Methods: Self-reported questionnaire data were collected from 4861 health insurance union members of a company in Japan from August to September 2010. The information gathered included the intention to undergo “specific health guidance,” the Health Belief Model (HBM) subcomponents (perceived severity, susceptibility, benefit, and barriers), other factors related to undergoing specific health guidance, sex, and age. Perceived threat and net benefit were the main HBM components. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations between intention and the main HBM components, i.e., perceived threat and net benefit. We used two models with intention as the dependent variable;Model 1 used four HBM subcomponents, and Model 2 used perceived threat and net benefit as independent variables. Results: A total of 3457 individuals answered all variables (response rate;71.1%). Perceived severity (OR: 1.83, 95%CI: 1.59 - 2.10), benefit (OR: 6.91, 95%CI: 5.94 - 8.04), barriers (OR: 0.11, 95%CI: 0.09 - 0.13), perceived threat (OR: 1.52, 95%CI: 1.31 - 1.76), and net benefit (OR: 11.28, 95%CI: 9.60 - 13.25) were related to intention (all p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that net benefit (OR: 11.23, 95%CI: 9.55 - 13.20) had a stronger correlation with intention than did perceived benefit (OR: 4.67, 95%CI: 3.95 - 5.51) and barriers (OR: 0.15, 95%CI: 0.13 - 0.18) (all p < 0.01). Conclusions: The results suggested that the main HBM components may predict health behavior better than the subcomponents. These results may effectively promote the benefits of, and reduce barriers to, programs aiming to increase participation in specific health guidance.

Health Promotion Model: An Integrative Literature Review

Background: The Health Promotion Model (HPM) indicates that each person is a biopsychosocial creature that is partially shaped by the environment, but also seeks to create an environment in which inherent and acquired human potential can be fully expressed. The HPM is proposed as a holistic predictive model of health-promoting behavior for use in research and practice. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to examine how the HPM has been applied in various research studies. Methods: An integrative review was used to find studies that were guided by the HPM. Data search was between 2008 to 2018 using Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, EBSCO, Cochrane, ERIC, Joanna Briggs Institute and EBSCO host. The keywords used were Pender’s and Health Promotion Model. Results: Seventeen studies were reviewed;most of them were quantitative studies. These studies discussed variables from the HPM. Most of the study variables were measured using instruments derived from the HPM. The results of the reviewed studies revealed that the HPM had predictive value in estimating health-promoting behaviors. Conclusion: The HPM was widely established in the nursing community and was implemented in nursing practice, education, and research. In addition, the HPM constructs were used to hypothesize conceptual frameworks in many studies to predict health-promoting behaviors in many chronic diseases.

Community effects on public health in India: A hierarchical model

The data on any aspect of public health, including that on infant mortality, has inbuilt hierarchical structure. Using traditional regression approach in data analysis, i.e., ignoring hierarchical structure, either at micro (individual) or at macro (community) level will be avoiding desired assumption related to independence of records. Accordingly, this may result into distortion in the results due to probable underestimation of standard error of the regression coefficients. To be more specific, an irrelevant co-variate may emerge as an important covariate leading to inappropriate public health implications. To overcome this problem, the objective of the present work was to deal with multilevel analysis of the data on infant mortality available under second round of National family Health Survey and notify changes in results under traditional regression analysis that ignores hierarchical structure of data. This method provides more accurate results leading to meaningful public health implications. In addition, estimation of variability at different levels and their covariance are also obtained. The results indicate that the community (e.g., state) level characteristics still have major role regarding infant mortality in India. Further, if computational facilities are available, multilevel analysis may be preferred in dealing with data involving hierarchical structure leading to accurate results having meaningful public health implications.

Effective Factors in Urinary Tract Infection Prevention among Children: Application of Health Belief Model

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections among children using preventive manipulations, especially among children less than 6 years old. This study aimed at exploring factors which could affect urinary tract infection prevention among children. A descriptive analytical study was conducted on 70 mothers who had children less than 6 years old in 2013. Multistage cluster sampling method was utilized in which each kindergarten was considered as a cluster and data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire designed based on Health Belief Model (HBM). Validity and reliability of questionnaire were confirmed by a pilot study. ANOVA and Pearson Correlation Coefficient were conducted using SPSS, version 18. The mean and standard deviation of knowledge and practice were 6.96 ± 2.14 and 15.47 ± 1.54 respectively. Means and standard deviation of Health Belief Model constructs (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and self-efficacy) were 17.64 ± 2.50, 22.02 ± 2.55, 20.90 ± 2.38, 27.56 ± 5.20 and 21.49 ± 3.18 respectively. More participants were in the moderate levels of knowledge (74.3%) and practice (45.7%). These findings revealed a significant relation between practice and perceived susceptibility (p = 0.02), perceived barriers (p = 0.001), self-efficacy (p = 0.014) and cues to action (p = 0.016). Based on the current study, the intervention based on Health Belief Model can be useful to improve preventive behaviors of Urinary Tract Infection.