Background: Infectious diseases associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continue to pose significant public health challenges that necessitate continuou...Background: Infectious diseases associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continue to pose significant public health challenges that necessitate continuous surveillance and interventions. This study investigates the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infections within the academic community of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Given the potential for transmission in university settings and the importance of early detection and intervention, this research explores the extent of these infections and evaluates the outcomes of a medical outreach program aimed at addressing them. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit 513 participants using a convenience sampling approach between the 20<sup>th</sup> and 22<sup>nd</sup> of April 2022. Participants included students and staff members who voluntarily consented to the medical outreach and study. Serological assays were utilized to identify HIV, HBV and HCV infections. The medical outreach program’s design, implementation, and outcomes were evaluated, focusing on testing uptake, counselling utilization, and linkage to care. Statistical analysis employed GraphPad Prism version 9 software. Result: The study revealed low prevalence rates of HIV (0.6%), HBV (1.2%), and HCV (0.6%) infections within the university population. Age-based analysis indicated a slightly higher prevalence in the 15 - 24 age group. Gender-wise, HBV showed a marginal difference, with 1.3% among females and 0.9% among males. The medical outreach program achieved a testing uptake of 80.8%, with 75% utilizing counselling services, and 75% of those identified with infections successfully linked to care. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of infections and the effectiveness of a medical outreach program within a university community. While low prevalence rates are encouraging, the findings emphasize the continued importance of awareness and prevention efforts. The success of the outreach program in encouraging testing, providing counselling, and facilitating care linkage underscores its potential as a model for future interventions. Further research should delve into determinants of infection prevalence and barriers to care linkage for a more comprehensive understanding and improved intervention strategies.展开更多
AIM To characterize the understanding of hepatitis B virus(HBV) and determine if outreach improves HBV understanding among Greater Boston Area immigrants. METHODS Six outreach sessions were held in various community v...AIM To characterize the understanding of hepatitis B virus(HBV) and determine if outreach improves HBV understanding among Greater Boston Area immigrants. METHODS Six outreach sessions were held in various community venues in the Greater Boston Area. Verbal consent was obtained from participants prior to starting each session. Each session included a pre-session questionnaire, followed by a teaching session, and then a post-session questionnaire. In person interpreters were present for translation during the teaching session and assistance for questionnaire completion when needed. The questions were developed based on the HBV clinical experience of physicians who serve largely immigrant populations. Questionnaires included Likerttype scale, open-ended, and true-false questions. All results were anonymous. RESULTS One hundred and one people participated in this study. Participants were 30% male with ages ranging from 19 to 87 years. The study population included immigrants from 21 countries, as well as seven United States-born participants. The greatest numbers of participants were from Somalia(44%), Morocco(10%), and Cameroon(8%). Pre session questionnaires revealed that 42% of participants were unaware that HBV can cause cancer, and 50% were unaware that therapies for HBV exist. Our brief teaching intervention led to improved scores on post session questionnaires. For example, at baseline, 58% of participants responded correctly to the question "HBV infection can cause scarring of the liver and liver cancer", whereas 79% of participants responded correctly after the teaching session(P = 0.01). Furthermore, the mean of total correct answers in the true or false portion of the questionnaire increased from 5.5 to 7.6(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION A teaching session targeting Boston Immigrants atrisk for HBV helped improve scores on HBV knowledge questionnaires. Outreach may empower at-risk patients to pro-actively seek HBV care.展开更多
Polar science outreach is strongly needed, because besides promoting the utility of polar studies for society as a whole, it can generate public demand for new projects and expeditions. The dissemination of polar disc...Polar science outreach is strongly needed, because besides promoting the utility of polar studies for society as a whole, it can generate public demand for new projects and expeditions. The dissemination of polar discoveries should be reinforced in countries without polar territories and for which polar science might not be a priority. In this pilot study （N =182 participants） we have contrasted the opinions of polar scientists （French, Belgian, British, Canadian, Australian, German, Italian and Spanish researchers） with those of a potentially interested public （graduate students of pedagogy and biology）, in order to assess if the communication channels employed by polar researchers to make their results public align with those used by non-polar experts for learning about polar discoveries. The results revealed that scientific publications and presentations were considered a priority by the researchers, and these scientific communication channels were preferentially employed. Only a minority of researchers thought that non-scientific publications might be a good communication resource. In contrast, both groups of students, which considered polar research important but not a top priority, employed the Internet as their main channel for information about polar discoveries. Students assessed the use of polar discoveries as positive for educational purposes at both Primary and Secondary levels. The information presently received by students was perceived as being too generalist and the main suggestions to improve outreach in this field, in addition to the use of Internet, were more rapid dissemination of new discoveries.展开更多
Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is considered to be one of the most common incapacitating psychiatric diseases. A pharmacist interacting with patients has the potential to enhance compliance, ensure proper...Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is considered to be one of the most common incapacitating psychiatric diseases. A pharmacist interacting with patients has the potential to enhance compliance, ensure proper medication use, and monitor adverse effects that will ultimately improve patients’ quality of care. Methods: The primary objectives of this study were to 1) assess individuals’ knowledge of depression before and after a 30-minute educational intervention and 2) measure satisfaction with the program. The pre- and post-test consisted of 11 identical questions that assessed individuals’ knowledge regarding depression. The survey consisted of four questions that rated program satisfaction. Results: Although 82 individuals participated in some aspect of the program, 56 individuals completed the program requirements and were included in the data analysis. Four hundred and eighty six of the total 616 (56 participants × 11 questions) pre-test questions (79%) were answered correctly at the beginning of the program. A total of 556 post-test questions (90%) were answered correctly at the conclusion of the program, with an overall increase of 70 (p ≤ 0.001) more correct answers. Correct responses to five questions were statistically significant for improved post-test scores: Over-the-counter or herbal medications will interfere with your medication (p = 0.01);certain foods can interfere with medications that affect mood (p = 0.01);it is safe to use multiple pharmacies to get your medications (p = 0.001);the main chemical of the brain that is not balanced in depression (p ≤ 0.001);and the most common type of medication for depression (p ≤ 0.001). Overall, 95% of participants would recommend the program to a friend or family member. Conclusion: The data from this program supports that pharmacists can have a positive impact in the mental health field and satisfaction with such services in the community.展开更多
This is a report of our early experience in establishing a Paediatric surgical outreach program to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to build capacity and improve care. A Paediatric surgical outreach mission was initiated about ...This is a report of our early experience in establishing a Paediatric surgical outreach program to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to build capacity and improve care. A Paediatric surgical outreach mission was initiated about 4 years ago in collaboration with Singhealth and PNG along with the multidisciplinary team of health care professionals from Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Plastics and Anaesthesia. On each mission trip of 4 - 7 days duration, Singhealth doctors supervise or perform surgeries for complex cases, conduct patient consultations and give lectures to impart knowledge and transfer skills to the local health care community in PNG. In addition, a 6 - 12 months training program in Singapore for PNG doctors has been started. For complex cases which cannot be managed in PNG, there is provision for transfer of patients to Singapore under KKROK fund for further treatment. So far 4 mission trips have been conducted in past 4 years for paediatric surgical unit in Port Moresby General Hospital of PNG focussing on teaching and training of local Paediatric surgeons. Based on evaluation of the Singhealth medical team, there is severe shortage of medical manpower, surgical skill and specialised expertise. Due to lack of intensive care facility, adequate medications and proper medical equipment in the hospital, there are many conditions being left untreated causing high morbidity and mortality among infants and neonates. Such humanitarian work inspires Singhealth towards its global health mission of promoting health equity in responding to the medical needs of PNG through training and leveraging on strength through partnership. In addition, our doctors gain invaluable learning from the exposure, hone their skill as they treat a diversity of cases and are innovative in their treatment options by working in an environment with limited resources.展开更多
Objectives: 1) To demonstrate that education outreach in public schools by students in pharmacy education programs is effective at increasing knowledge of important health topics;2) To assess subject attitude towards ...Objectives: 1) To demonstrate that education outreach in public schools by students in pharmacy education programs is effective at increasing knowledge of important health topics;2) To assess subject attitude towards pharmacy careers after education outreach. Study: A lecture was constructed providing participants with information about careers in pharmacy, diabetes, and information about health literacy. A multiple choice paper-based quiz covering the presented content both preceded and followed each delivery of the lecture. Increases in post-lecture scores of content-knowledge questions were seen in 10 of 11 questions, which indicated an overall increased knowledge from baseline. An additional question, which gauged student interest in pharmacy careers, showed a 10% increase in those who indicated they considered pharmacy as a career. Conclusions: The lectures, delivered by a student pharmacist, were effective in increasing awareness and knowledge of pharmacy as a career, diabetes as an important health issue, and health literacy as a problem pharmacists and other healthcare providers encounter on a daily basis.展开更多
文摘Background: Infectious diseases associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continue to pose significant public health challenges that necessitate continuous surveillance and interventions. This study investigates the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infections within the academic community of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Given the potential for transmission in university settings and the importance of early detection and intervention, this research explores the extent of these infections and evaluates the outcomes of a medical outreach program aimed at addressing them. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit 513 participants using a convenience sampling approach between the 20<sup>th</sup> and 22<sup>nd</sup> of April 2022. Participants included students and staff members who voluntarily consented to the medical outreach and study. Serological assays were utilized to identify HIV, HBV and HCV infections. The medical outreach program’s design, implementation, and outcomes were evaluated, focusing on testing uptake, counselling utilization, and linkage to care. Statistical analysis employed GraphPad Prism version 9 software. Result: The study revealed low prevalence rates of HIV (0.6%), HBV (1.2%), and HCV (0.6%) infections within the university population. Age-based analysis indicated a slightly higher prevalence in the 15 - 24 age group. Gender-wise, HBV showed a marginal difference, with 1.3% among females and 0.9% among males. The medical outreach program achieved a testing uptake of 80.8%, with 75% utilizing counselling services, and 75% of those identified with infections successfully linked to care. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of infections and the effectiveness of a medical outreach program within a university community. While low prevalence rates are encouraging, the findings emphasize the continued importance of awareness and prevention efforts. The success of the outreach program in encouraging testing, providing counselling, and facilitating care linkage underscores its potential as a model for future interventions. Further research should delve into determinants of infection prevalence and barriers to care linkage for a more comprehensive understanding and improved intervention strategies.
文摘AIM To characterize the understanding of hepatitis B virus(HBV) and determine if outreach improves HBV understanding among Greater Boston Area immigrants. METHODS Six outreach sessions were held in various community venues in the Greater Boston Area. Verbal consent was obtained from participants prior to starting each session. Each session included a pre-session questionnaire, followed by a teaching session, and then a post-session questionnaire. In person interpreters were present for translation during the teaching session and assistance for questionnaire completion when needed. The questions were developed based on the HBV clinical experience of physicians who serve largely immigrant populations. Questionnaires included Likerttype scale, open-ended, and true-false questions. All results were anonymous. RESULTS One hundred and one people participated in this study. Participants were 30% male with ages ranging from 19 to 87 years. The study population included immigrants from 21 countries, as well as seven United States-born participants. The greatest numbers of participants were from Somalia(44%), Morocco(10%), and Cameroon(8%). Pre session questionnaires revealed that 42% of participants were unaware that HBV can cause cancer, and 50% were unaware that therapies for HBV exist. Our brief teaching intervention led to improved scores on post session questionnaires. For example, at baseline, 58% of participants responded correctly to the question "HBV infection can cause scarring of the liver and liver cancer", whereas 79% of participants responded correctly after the teaching session(P = 0.01). Furthermore, the mean of total correct answers in the true or false portion of the questionnaire increased from 5.5 to 7.6(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION A teaching session targeting Boston Immigrants atrisk for HBV helped improve scores on HBV knowledge questionnaires. Outreach may empower at-risk patients to pro-actively seek HBV care.
基金supported by SALMEVOL (Salmonid Evolutionref.1041)
文摘Polar science outreach is strongly needed, because besides promoting the utility of polar studies for society as a whole, it can generate public demand for new projects and expeditions. The dissemination of polar discoveries should be reinforced in countries without polar territories and for which polar science might not be a priority. In this pilot study （N =182 participants） we have contrasted the opinions of polar scientists （French, Belgian, British, Canadian, Australian, German, Italian and Spanish researchers） with those of a potentially interested public （graduate students of pedagogy and biology）, in order to assess if the communication channels employed by polar researchers to make their results public align with those used by non-polar experts for learning about polar discoveries. The results revealed that scientific publications and presentations were considered a priority by the researchers, and these scientific communication channels were preferentially employed. Only a minority of researchers thought that non-scientific publications might be a good communication resource. In contrast, both groups of students, which considered polar research important but not a top priority, employed the Internet as their main channel for information about polar discoveries. Students assessed the use of polar discoveries as positive for educational purposes at both Primary and Secondary levels. The information presently received by students was perceived as being too generalist and the main suggestions to improve outreach in this field, in addition to the use of Internet, were more rapid dissemination of new discoveries.
文摘Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is considered to be one of the most common incapacitating psychiatric diseases. A pharmacist interacting with patients has the potential to enhance compliance, ensure proper medication use, and monitor adverse effects that will ultimately improve patients’ quality of care. Methods: The primary objectives of this study were to 1) assess individuals’ knowledge of depression before and after a 30-minute educational intervention and 2) measure satisfaction with the program. The pre- and post-test consisted of 11 identical questions that assessed individuals’ knowledge regarding depression. The survey consisted of four questions that rated program satisfaction. Results: Although 82 individuals participated in some aspect of the program, 56 individuals completed the program requirements and were included in the data analysis. Four hundred and eighty six of the total 616 (56 participants × 11 questions) pre-test questions (79%) were answered correctly at the beginning of the program. A total of 556 post-test questions (90%) were answered correctly at the conclusion of the program, with an overall increase of 70 (p ≤ 0.001) more correct answers. Correct responses to five questions were statistically significant for improved post-test scores: Over-the-counter or herbal medications will interfere with your medication (p = 0.01);certain foods can interfere with medications that affect mood (p = 0.01);it is safe to use multiple pharmacies to get your medications (p = 0.001);the main chemical of the brain that is not balanced in depression (p ≤ 0.001);and the most common type of medication for depression (p ≤ 0.001). Overall, 95% of participants would recommend the program to a friend or family member. Conclusion: The data from this program supports that pharmacists can have a positive impact in the mental health field and satisfaction with such services in the community.
文摘This is a report of our early experience in establishing a Paediatric surgical outreach program to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to build capacity and improve care. A Paediatric surgical outreach mission was initiated about 4 years ago in collaboration with Singhealth and PNG along with the multidisciplinary team of health care professionals from Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Plastics and Anaesthesia. On each mission trip of 4 - 7 days duration, Singhealth doctors supervise or perform surgeries for complex cases, conduct patient consultations and give lectures to impart knowledge and transfer skills to the local health care community in PNG. In addition, a 6 - 12 months training program in Singapore for PNG doctors has been started. For complex cases which cannot be managed in PNG, there is provision for transfer of patients to Singapore under KKROK fund for further treatment. So far 4 mission trips have been conducted in past 4 years for paediatric surgical unit in Port Moresby General Hospital of PNG focussing on teaching and training of local Paediatric surgeons. Based on evaluation of the Singhealth medical team, there is severe shortage of medical manpower, surgical skill and specialised expertise. Due to lack of intensive care facility, adequate medications and proper medical equipment in the hospital, there are many conditions being left untreated causing high morbidity and mortality among infants and neonates. Such humanitarian work inspires Singhealth towards its global health mission of promoting health equity in responding to the medical needs of PNG through training and leveraging on strength through partnership. In addition, our doctors gain invaluable learning from the exposure, hone their skill as they treat a diversity of cases and are innovative in their treatment options by working in an environment with limited resources.
文摘Objectives: 1) To demonstrate that education outreach in public schools by students in pharmacy education programs is effective at increasing knowledge of important health topics;2) To assess subject attitude towards pharmacy careers after education outreach. Study: A lecture was constructed providing participants with information about careers in pharmacy, diabetes, and information about health literacy. A multiple choice paper-based quiz covering the presented content both preceded and followed each delivery of the lecture. Increases in post-lecture scores of content-knowledge questions were seen in 10 of 11 questions, which indicated an overall increased knowledge from baseline. An additional question, which gauged student interest in pharmacy careers, showed a 10% increase in those who indicated they considered pharmacy as a career. Conclusions: The lectures, delivered by a student pharmacist, were effective in increasing awareness and knowledge of pharmacy as a career, diabetes as an important health issue, and health literacy as a problem pharmacists and other healthcare providers encounter on a daily basis.
