Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Strategies in Risk Departments during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Objective: To explore the practice and application of infection prevention and control strategies in risk departments during the COVID-19 epidemic, and to formulate the infection prevention and control measures to provide advice and guidance in risk departments. Methods: According to the latest plan of diagnosis and treatment, prevention and control issued by the National Health Commission, expert advice and consensus, combined with the actual situation in our hospital, a series of infection prevention and control measures of COVID-19 in risk department was formulated. Results: During the epidemic period, the prevention and control measures of nine risk departments including emergency operation, anesthesiology, endoscopy center, blood purification center, otolaryngology, stomatology, medical imaging department, medical cosmetology department and pulmonary function room were established from six aspects, including pre-examination and screening, medical technology control, personnel management, personal protection, environmental disinfection, medical waste disposal, etc. Conclusion: During the epidemic period, the infection prevention and control strategy of risk departments is one of the key links to control the spread of the epidemic, and risk departments must pay attention to and strictly implement various infection prevention and control measures.

Practice of Barrier Measures against COVID-19 Among Diabetic People Followed at Departmental University Hospital Center Ouémé-Plateau, Benin, in 2021

Introduction: COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-COV2 appeared in China in 2019. The aim of the study was to evaluate the practice of barrier measures against COVID-19 and to identify associated factors among diabetics followed at Departmental University Hospital Center Ouémé-Plateau, Benin, in 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from June to August 2021, including diabetics aged 18 and over, hospitalized or received for medical visits in the department of medicine at the target hospital. Data were collected during an interview with each participant thanks to a questionnaire. “Good practice” was defined as regular practice of at least two of three barrier measures: hand washing, physical distancing and mask-wearing. Results: A total of 110 diabetics were included with a female predominance (55.5%) and a mean age of 57 ± 11.3 years. Among them, 89.1% washed their hands, 41.8% respected physical distancing and 12.7% wore a mask. The proportion of good practice was 47.3%. Only 5 practiced the three barrier measures. Only age group was associated with good practice. Conclusion: The study showed a low proportion of good practice of barrier measures against COVID-19 among diabetic people surveyed. It is important to continue the action for COVID-19 prevention among diabetic people in the targeted hospital and in other hospitals in Benin.

Nurses’ and midwives’ participation and utilization of health-related research in Kenya: Implications for evidence-based practice

Objective To assess the level of participation of nurses and midwives in health-related research,determine the status of utilization of research to inform nursing and midwifery practice in Kenya,and explore perspectives of nurses and midwives about strategies to empower nurses/midwives to engage in health research in Kenya.Methods Data were extracted from online survey responses of 156 nurse and midwife educators,practitioners,and managers/administrators.SPSS version 26 was used to analyze quantitative data;qualitative data were analyzed using Excel to organize data into categories.Results Over one-third of participants reported ever publishing research(37.2%,58/156).Participants reported using knowledge gained in nursing school to guide practice most frequently(n=148).Utilization of research findings to guide practice was reported by 80.3%(110/137)of participants.Strategies to enhance participation in the research included research training,research forums,policy reforms,and emphasis on research in curricula.Conclusions There is need to intensify and prioritize proposed strategies to empower nurses/midwives to engage in health research.

Rationale of a Cross Sectional Descriptive Study on Knowledge and Practices of Healthcare Providers on Postpartum Hemorrhage Management in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background: Healthcare Providers’ knowledge and practice of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) management are essential to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. PPH is a public health problem due to the high maternal mortality (MM) associated with it worldwide (25%). Improving the quality of PPH management is a major challenge in low-income countries where, despite the progress made in its management, PPH remains a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. Objective: We will evaluate the level of knowledge and practices of providers in the PPH management in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods: This study will be descriptive and cross-sectional. The minimum sample size will be 86. Our study population will consist of delivery room care providers. Results will be reported as percentage proportion and mean plus or minus standard deviation. Comparisons of means between groups will be made using Student’s t-test and Pearson’s chi-square test. The test will be statistically significant for a p value 0.05. Data will be collected and processed anonymously and confidentially. Conclusion: Improving quality of care must be a priority in obstetrics. This evaluation requires us to determine the level of knowledge and practices of providers in the PPH management in Kinshasa.

A Device to Improve Collaborative Practices of Sanitation Department Agents of a Territory: The Case of the Lamkansa District in Casablanca

The aim of this article is to strengthen and improve the collaboration between professional agents of a service that manages one of the technical processes acting on a given territory by synchronizing the spatio-temporal dimensions including all agents assembled for the task. This proposal was tested in the Lamkansa neighborhood in Casablanca, Morocco. The employed approach is based GIS resources and on systemic analysis of communication present in a territory. We were inspired by several methodological developments that carried multi-actor processes in land use planning. We focused our work on strengthening the collaboration between professionals, field agents and office agents, in the process of design and monitoring the liquid sanitation system. The device is based on geolocation and synchronous feedback of topological, geographical, and multimedia data related to the liquid sanitation network. Thanks to a geo-collaborative, participative, and motivating logic, we reduced the management costs of the network and made it faster and more efficient by equally mobilizing another type of non-specialized actors (the inhabitants). This device uses spatial and temporal dimensions to consolidate collaborative work tools through ICT and GIS technologies that thematize and exchange information collected in the field. Furthermore, this device raises great interest as it entails the concept of integration of several actors in a geo-collaborative mode while combining geomatics with communication and information sciences.

Direct Regeneration of Spent Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes:From Theoretical Study to Production Practice

Direct regeneration method has been widely concerned by researchers in the field of battery recycling because of its advantages of in situ regeneration,short process and less pollutant emission.In this review,we firstly analyze the primary causes for the failure of three representative battery cathodes(lithium iron phosphate,layered lithium transition metal oxide and lithium cobalt oxide),targeting at illustrating their underlying regeneration mecha-nism and applicability.Efficient stripping of material from the collector to obtain pure cathode material has become a first challenge in recycling,for which we report several pretreatment methods currently available for subsequent regeneration processes.We review and discuss emphatically the research progress of five direct regeneration methods,including solid-state sintering,hydrothermal,eutectic molten salt,electrochemical and chemical lithiation methods.Finally,the application of direct regeneration technology in production practice is introduced,the problems exposed at the early stage of the industrialization of direct regeneration technol-ogy are revealed,and the prospect of future large-scale commercial production is proposed.It is hoped that this review will give readers a comprehensive and basic understanding of direct regeneration methods for used lithium-ion batteries and promote the industrial application of direct regeneration technology.

Research on the development methodology for clinical practice guidelines for organic integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine

Integrated traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and Western medicine(WM)is a new medical science grounded in the knowledge bases of both TCM and WM,which then forms a unique modern medical system in China.Integrated TCM and WM has a long history in China,and has made important achievements in the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment.However,the methodological defects in currently published clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)limit its development.The organic integration of TCM and WM is a deeper integration of TCM and WM.To realize the progression of"integration"to"organic integration",a targeted and standardized guideline development methodology is needed.Therefore,the purpose of this study is to establish a standardized development procedure for clinical practice guidelines for the organic integration of TCM and WM to promote the systematic integration of TCM and WM research results into clinical practice guidelines in order to achieve optimal results as the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Covid-19 and their relationship with Covid-19 booster vaccination status among women with infertility

Objective:To elucidate the relationship among knowledge,attitudes,and practices regarding Covid-19 and their relationship with booster vaccination status among women with infertility.Methods:This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was performed online and offline among women with infertility who visited an infertility clinic in Jakarta,Indonesia.We assessed the patient’s knowledge,attitudes,and practices regarding Covid-19 and their relationship with booster vaccination status and sociodemographic profile.Results:A total of 178 subjects participated in this study,and most participants(92.6%)had received booster Covid-19 vaccines.From the questionnaire,74.2%had good knowledge,and 99.4%had good attitudes regarding Covid-19;however,only 57.9%of patients had good practices.A weak positive correlation existed between knowledge and attitudes(r=0.11,P=0.13)and a moderate negative correlation between attitudes and practices(r=-0.44,P=0.56).Participants’knowledge about vaccines and infertility was correlated with booster vaccination status(P=0.04).Academic background(P=0.01)and attitudes(P=0.01)were also correlated with booster vaccination status.The significant determinants of hesitance of receiving Covid-19 booster vaccines were high school education or below(OR=0.08,95%CI 0.02-0.36)and poor practices(OR=0.21,95%CI 0.05-0.95).Conclusions:The majority of the participants had received the Covid-19 booster vaccine and had good knowledge and attitudes but poor practices regarding Covid-19.Most participants had poor knowledge about the relationship between infertility and the Covid-19 vaccine.The general population should be more informed and reminded about practices to prevent Covid-19 and the relationship between vaccination and fertility to increase the number of people who receive Covid-19 booster vaccines.

A cross-sectional study to assess medication safety,knowledge,attitude,and practices regarding nutrition and medication among pregnant women

Objective:To assess pregnant women's knowledge,attitude,and practice regarding nutrition and medication usage,analyse the prescribing pattern,and categorize them based on the Food and Drug Administration(FDA)guidelines.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted with 264 pregnant women in the obstetrics and gynaecology department of a tertiary care hospital from October 2022 to August 2023.A knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP)questionnaire was prepared in English language by the researchers and validated by an expert panel consisting of 12 members.The validated questionnaire was then translated into regional languages,Kannada and Malayalam.The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed with test-retest method with a representative sample population of 30 subjects(10 subjects for each language).The subjects'knowledge,attitude,and practice were evaluated using the validated KAP questionnaire.The safety of the medication was assessed using the FDA drug safety classification for pregnancy.Results:The mean scores for nutritional and medication usage knowledge,attitude,and practice were 4.14±1.15,4.50±1.09,and 3.00±1.47,respectively.Among 30 prescribed medications,3 belong to category A(no risk in human studies),8 belong to category B(no risk in animal studies),18 belong to category C(risk cannot be ruled out)and 1 drug is not classified.A significant association was observed between medication knowledge and practice(r=0.159,P=0.010).Conclusions:Most of the study population knows the need to maintain good dietary and medication practices during pregnancy.Counselling pregnant women regarding diet and medication usage is crucial in maternal care.

Levels of evidence and grades of recommendation supporting European society for medical oncology clinical practice guidelines

Background:The European Society for Medical Oncology(ESMO)guidelines are among the most comprehensive and widely used clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)globally.However,the level of scientific evidence supporting ESMO CPG recommendations has not been systematically investigated.This study assessed ESMO CPG levels of evidence(LOE)and grades of recommendations(GOR),as well as their trends over time across various cancer settings.Methods:We manually extracted every recommendation with the Infectious Diseases Society of America(IDSA)classification from each CPG.We examined the distribution of LOE and GOR in all available ESMO CPG guidelines across different topics and cancer types.Results:Among the 1,823 recommendations in the current CPG,30%were classified as LOEⅠ,and 43%were classified as GOR A.Overall,there was a slight decrease in LOEⅠ(−2%)and an increase in the proportion of GOR A(+1%)in the current CPG compared to previous versions.The proportion of GOR A recommendations based on higher levels of evidence such as randomized trials(LOEⅠ–Ⅱ)shows a decrease(71%vs.63%,p=0.009)while recommendations based on lower levels of evidence(LOEⅢ–Ⅴ)show an increase(29%vs.37%,p=0.01)between previous and current version.In the current versions,the highest proportion of LOEⅠ(42%)was found in recommendations related to pharmacotherapy,while the highest proportion of GOR A recommendations was found in the areas of pathology(50%)and diagnostic(50%)recommendations.Significant variability in LOEⅠand GOR A recommendations and their changes over time was observed across different cancer types.Conclusion:One-third of the current ESMO CPG recommendations are supported by the highest level of evidence.More well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed to increase the proportion of LOEⅠand GOR A recommendations,ultimately leading to improved outcomes for cancer patients.

Global systematic review and meta-analysis of knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards dengue fever among the general population

Objective:To determine the global level of knowledge,attitudes,and practices towards dengue fever among the general population.Methods:To complete this systematic review and meta-analysis,a thorough search for pertinent English-language literature was undertaken during the study's extension until October 2023.The search used Google Scholar,Scopus,PubMed/MEDLINE,Science Direct,Web of Science,EMBASE,Springer,and ProQuest.A quality assessment checklist developed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for the cross-sectional study was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included papers.Inverse variance and Cochran Q statistics were employed in the STATA software version 14 to assess study heterogeneity.When there was heterogeneity,the Dersimonian and Liard random-effects models were used.Results:59 Studies totaling 87353 participants were included in this meta-analysis.These investigations included 86278 participants in 55 studies on knowledge,20196 in 33 studies on attitudes,and 74881 in 29 studies on practices.The pooled estimates for sufficient knowledge,positive attitudes,and dengue fever preventive behaviors among the general population were determined as 40.1%(95%CI 33.8%-46.5%),46.8%(95%CI 35.8%-58.9%),and 38.3%(95%CI 28.4%-48.2%),respectively.Europe exhibits the highest knowledge level at 63.5%,and Africa shows the lowest at 20.3%.Positive attitudes are most prevalent in the Eastern Mediterranean(54.1%)and Southeast Asia(53.6%),contrasting sharply with the Americas,where attitudes are notably lower at 9.05%.Regarding preventive behaviors,the Americas demonstrate a prevalence of 12.1%,Southeast Asia at 28.1%,Western Pacific at 49.6%,Eastern Mediterranean at 44.8%,and Africa at 47.4%.Conclusions:Regional disparities about the knowledge,attitude and preventive bahaviors are evident with Europe exhibiting the highest knowledge level while Africa has the lowest.These findings emphasize the importance of targeted public health interventions tailored to regional contexts,highlighting the need for region-specific strategies to enhance dengue-related knowledge and encourage positive attitudes and preventive behaviors.

Current state and influencing factors in airbag management among emergency department nurses:A multicenter study

BACKGROUND The emergency department(ED)plays a critical role in establishing artificial airways and implementing mechanical ventilation.Managing airbags in the ED presents a prime opportunity to mitigate the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.Nonetheless,existing research has largely overlooked the understanding,beliefs,and practical dimensions of airway airbag management among ED nurses,with a predominant focus on intensive care unit nurses.AIM To investigate the current status of ED nurses'knowledge,beliefs,and practical behaviors in airway airbag management and their influencing factors.METHODS A survey was conducted from July 10th to August 10th,2023,using convenience sampling on 520 ED nurses from 15 tertiary hospitals and 5 sary hospitals in Shanghai.Pathway analysis was utilized to analyze the influencing factors.RESULTS The scores for ED nurses'airway airbag management knowledge were 60.26±23.00,belief was 88.65±13.36,and behavior was 75.10±19.84.The main influencing factors of airbag management knowledge included participation in specialized nurse or mechanical ventilation training,department,and work experience in the department.Influencing factors of airbag management belief comprised knowledge,department,and participation in specialized nurse or mechanical ventilation training.Primary influencing factors of airbag management behavior included knowledge,belief,department,participation in specialized nurse or mechanical ventilation training,and professional title.The belief in airbag management among ED nurses acted as a partial mediator between knowledge and behavior,with a total effect value of 0.513,and an indirect effect of 0.085,constituting 16.6%of the total effect.CONCLUSION ED nurses exhibit a positive attitude toward airbag management with relatively standardized practices,yet there remains room for improvement in their knowledge levels.Nursing managers should implement interventions tailored to the characteristics of ED nurses'airbag management knowledge,beliefs,and practices to enhance their airbag management proficiency.

The response of roots and the rhizosphere environment to integrative cultivation practices in paddy rice

Integrative cultivation practices(ICPs)are essential for enhancing cereal yield and resource use efficiency.However,the effects of ICP on the rhizosphere environment and roots of paddy rice are still poorly understood.In this study,four rice varieties were produced in the field.Each variety was treated with six different cultivation techniques,including zero nitrogen application(0 N),local farmers’practice(LFP),nitrogen reduction(NR),and three progressive ICP techniques comprised of enhanced fertilizer N practice and increased plant density(ICP1),a treatment similar to ICP1 but with alternate wetting and moderate drying instead of continuous flooding(ICP2),and the same practices as ICP2 with the application of organic fertilizer(ICP3).The ICPs had greater grain production and nitrogen use efficiency than the other three methods.Root length,dry weight,root diameter,activity of root oxidation,root bleeding rate,zeatin and zeatin riboside compositions,and total organic acids in root exudates were elevated with the introduction of the successive cultivation practices.ICPs enhanced nitrate nitrogen,the activities of urease and invertase,and the diversity of microbes(bacteria)in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil,while reducing the ammonium nitrogen content.The nutrient contents(ammonium nitrogen,total nitrogen,total potassium,total phosphorus,nitrate,and available phosphorus)and urease activity in rhizosphere soil were reduced in all treatments in comparison with the non-rhizosphere soil,but the invertase activity and bacterial diversity were greater.The main root morphology and physiology,and the ammonium nitrogen contents in rhizosphere soil at the primary stages were closely correlated with grain yield and internal nitrogen use efficiency.These findings suggest that the coordinated enhancement of the root system and the environment of the rhizosphere under integrative cultivation approaches may lead to higher rice production.

Best Practices in Construction 4.0:Catalysts of Digital Innovations(Part I)

Digital transformation in the AEC industry(Architecture,Engineering and Construction)is a key driver to enhance technical innovation in the branch and adds dynamic to all work processes and methods.A more differentiated understanding of the responsible use of innovative technologies aims not only towards increased technical,environmental,educational,societal and gender equality sustainability and more efficient building life cycles but also to recognize the unintended effects such as artificial intelligence(AI).The study is part of a larger primary research on Corporate Digital Responsibility(CDR)in Construction 4.0.This identifies,analyzes and systematically evaluates key factors of a sustainable digital transformation,especially in the traditionally small-scale Construction Industry,in which there can be no standardized procedure.The study uses interdisciplinary literature and data research and expert interviews.The qualitative method enables a critical-reflexive analysis of the key factors of meaningful and sustainable implementation of innovative technologies in Construction.Application examples show possible approaches,some of which are implemented as prototypes and provide guidance for small to medium-sized companies.The study outlines the necessary steps for companies to define their own potential fields of application and find suitable methods.Another aim of the study is to take stock of the acceptance of new technologies by comparing different perspectives from experts.The study results show new perspectives on the transformation of the Construction Industry.They show that Digital Transformation in Construction 4.0 has great potential for an economical,efficient construction life cycle,but requires the responsible,sensible use of innovative technologies.

Best Practices in Construction 4.0-Catalysts of Digital Innovations(Part II)

Part II on Best Practices in Construction 4.0 follows up on the previously published study Part I.This study examines corporate strategies from different angles,defines potential fields of application and works out existing empirical values and trends in the digitization process of the building sector.It highlights the unintended consequences of technological development and offers concrete practical approaches for responsible use.Using the qualitative research method,the study concludes that digital methods,such as Building Information Modelling(BIM)and Digital Twins,and Artificial Intelligence(AI)can add value,significantly reduce resources and increase sustainability.The study is part of a larger primary research on Corporate Digital Responsibility(CDR)in Construction 4.0;it identifies,analyzes and systematically evaluates the pillars of a sustainable digital transformation,especially in the Construction Industry.The holistic,interdisciplinary view of this study aims to provide orientation for small to medium-sized companies(SMEs)developing their individual digital strategy.An outline of the necessary prerequisites but also design options,as they result from the evaluation of expert interviews and literature research,supports companies in the design of Construction 4.0 that is in line with the needs of people,society and the environment and shaping more economically efficient building life cycles.It highlights that digital transformation has also reached the traditionally small-scale AEC industry(small-scale architecture,engineering and construction industry)and catalyzes the variety of innovations.

Knowledge and practice skills on home-based urinary catheter care among parents of under-five children with urinary catheter

Objectives:The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge and practice skills on home-based urinary catheter care among parents of under-five children with urinary catheter.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1,2021,to September 11,2021,in a tertiary hospital in north India.Purposive sampling was used to select 50 participants.Three instruments were employed for data collection after fulfilling sample criteria;for baseline information demographic tool,knowledge questionnaires,and a practice checklist.Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results:On assessment of 50 participants,the majority of parents aged above 30 years(74%).Most of the participants were male(82%),graduated(38%),and working in the private sector(58%).Similarly,two-thirds of participants were residing in a nuclear family(64%)with a single child 32(64%)and family income<5000 rupees per month(60%).The mean score of knowledge was 1.94±0.81 and that of practice skills was 1.98±0.85 on home-based care.Regression analysis showed that knowledge of parents was significantly associated with qualification(β:1.821,P=0.002).Similarly,association of practice skills of parents with gender(β:1.235,P=0.050)and qualification(β:1.889,P=0.00)was significant.Conclusion:The general findings of our study showed that parents’education and occupation played a significant role in a child’s care.Parental education and catheter care skills positively affect the child and reduce readmission rates.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital on Needle Stick Injury

Purpose: Needle-stick injury (NSI) is one of the most potential occupational hazards for healthcare workers because of the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. As per recent data, around 30 lakh healthcare workers sustain Needle stick injuries each year. This study was conducted to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitude and practices regarding needle stick injury. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital over the period of 3 months. The study population consisted of Intern Doctors, Post Graduate resident Doctors, Staff Nurses, laboratory technicians of Government Medical College and New Civil Hospital, Surat (n = 300). The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire via the means of Google Forms. Questionnaire was made with prior review literature. The data obtained were entered and analysed in Microsoft Excel. Results: The prevalence of NSI in our study was 46%, with a higher prevalence among the PG residents (72%). Overall scores regarding knowledge and attitude were better in PG residents (knowledge score > 7 in 71% and Attitude Score > 7 in 68% of PG Residents). Even though the PG residents scored highest in the knowledge category, the majority of them suffered needle stick injuries as a result of poor practice scores. Among those who had NSI (n = 139/300), 70% of study participants had superficial injuries, only 9% reported the incident, 18% got medical attention within 2 hours of the incident, and 7% followed up to recheck their viral markers status. Most incidents of NSI were due to hypodermic needles while recapping needles. Conclusion: Exposure to needle stick injuries and their underreporting remains a common problem. It is imperative that healthcare workers receive regular training on the proper handling of sharp objects. We can also draw the conclusion that preventing NSIs requires putting knowledge into practice.

How to establish an endoscopic bariatric practice

Obesity is a chronic,progressive,and relapsing disease of excess adiposity that contributes to more than two hundred medical conditions and is projected to affect more than half the adult population of the United States by the year 2030.Given the limited penetrance of traditional bariatric surgery,as well as the cost and adherence barriers to anti-obesity medications,there is growing interest in the rapidly evolving field of endoscopic bariatric therapies(EBTs).EBTs are minimally invasive,same-day,per-oral endoscopic procedures and include endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty,intragastric balloons,and endoscopic bariatric revisional procedures.This field represents an exciting and innovative subspe-cialty within gastroenterology.However,building a successful endoscopic bariatric practice requires intentional,coordinated,and sustained efforts to overcome the numerous obstacles to entry.Common barriers include acquisition of the technical and cognitive skillset,practice limitations including the availability of nutrition counseling,facility capabilities,direct-to-consumer marketing,and financial pressures such as facility and anesthesia fees.As the highest-volume center for metabolic and bariatric endoscopy in the United States,we provide insights into successfully establishing an endoscopic bariatric program.

Investigation on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Oral Health among Medical College and University Undergraduate

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the status of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of oral health among medical undergraduate students, and provide reference for implementing oral health interventions. Methods: A total of 528 undergraduate students enrolled in Fuzhou Medical College from February 2023 to September 2023 were selected as the research subjects. Their oral health KAP were investigated, and the oral health behavior habits of different types of medical students were compared, and possible influencing factors were analyzed. Results: The total awareness rate of oral health knowledge among medical students is 77.0%, with an average score of 3.85 ± 1.16 points. The overall positive rate of oral health attitudes among medical students is 80.0%, with an average score of 3.19 ± 0.72 points. The total qualified rate of oral health behavior is 65.9%, with an average score of 4.61 ± 1.23 points. The scores of oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among medical students are related to gender, major, smoking status, and oral health status. The frequency of brushing teeth in the female group was higher than that in the male group, while the habit of brushing teeth before bedtime and the frequency of timely replacement of toothbrushes when deformed were lower, with statistical significance (p 0.05). The frequency of timely replacement of toothbrushes varies among medical students from different majors, and the difference is statistically significant (p 0.05). People who have a habit of eating hot and cold food have a higher frequency of brushing their teeth every day, and the difference is statistically significant (p 0.05). Non smokers have a better habit of brushing their teeth before bedtime and a higher frequency of timely replacement when their toothbrush deforms, with a statistically significant difference (p 0.05). The frequency of using fluoride toothpaste or medicated toothpaste, having a habit of unilateral chewing, and timely replacement of toothbrushes when deformed in patients with existing oral problems is higher than that of those without oral problems, and the difference is statistically significant (p 0.05). Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude, and behavior of oral health among medical students in this school are above average. Students with different genders, dietary and smoking habits, and oral health status have different oral health behavioral habits. It is recommended to include oral health education in mandatory courses for various medical majors.

The Effects of Different Feeding Practices on the Nutritional Status of Infants below 12 Months Old in the Kumba 1 Sub-Division

Appropriate feeding practices are important during infancy for good health, growth and development of infants and children. WHO revised its earlier recommendation of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) of infants from 4 to 6 months of age to EBF until about 6 months of age, with the addition of complementary foods thereafter. This recommendation confirms that breast milk alone is sufficient to meet infants’ nutritional requirements for the first 6 months of life. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of various feeding practices on the Nutritional status of infants 0 - 12-month-old in the Kumba 1 Sub-Division. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to August 2020. A total of 341 nursing mothers and their infants 0 - 12 months of age were recruited. Socio-demographic factors and the different feeding habits of the children were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. The overall proportion of infants who exclusively breastfed for 6 months was 69.2% and those who were mix-fed were 30.8% in the study area. The overall prevalence of malnutrition in the population was 61.0%. Among the malnourished children, 53.1% were underweight, 19.6% were wasted and 10.0% were stunted. Though not significant, the prevalence of wasting (21.0%) and underweight (58.3%) was higher among Mix-Fed (MF) children when compared to their EBF counterparts. Feeding practices affected the nutritional status of the infants. Underweight and wasting were observed among infants on Complementary Feeding (CF), although some exclusively breast-fed infants were stunted. Hence, nursing mothers should try as much as possible to practice EBF as recommended by WHO and can practice CF when the child is above six months.