The following purposes were proposed in undertaking the study: 1. to determine the health knowledge of the students selected for the study, as indicated by a standardized test; 2. to determine the health practices of the students selected for the study, as indicated by a standardized inventory; and 3. to determine if there is a relation between the health knowledge and the health practices of the students selected for the study.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Medicine (Pharmaceutical Affairs) Johannesburg, 29 August 2014 / In South Africa’s current healthcare structure, about 8.3% of GDP is spent on healthcare. This is well above the WHO recommended 5% of GDP spend. Despite the heavy spending, health outcomes remain poor when compared to similar middle-income countries. Solutions need to be found to cut back on healthcare costs. Approximately half (4.1%) of the healthcare spend is consumed by the private sector which benefits a very small segment (16%) of the population. This segment is largely on medical schemes. Using generic medicines can aid in cutting back on drug costs but are generics being adequately assimilated by the consumers of healthcare in the private sector? The objective of the study was to evaluate the perceptions attitudes and knowledge of the consumers of healthcare in the Northern suburbs of Johannesburg towards generic medicines. A survey was conducted on a sample of 402 respondents across 9 randomly selected pharmacies in the Johannesburg north region between November 2012 and February 2013. A researcher administered questionnaire was the sole data collection tool. Questions asked covered the research objectives and also included demographic data and other explanatory variables. Data analysis was carried out in SAS. The 5% significance level was used throughout, unless specified otherwise. The chi-squared (Χ2 ) test was used to assess the relationships between categorical variables. Fisher’s exact test was used for 2 x 2 tables or where the requirements for the Χ2 test could not be met. The strength of the associations was measured by Cramer’s V and the phi coefficient respectively. Key results on respondent demographics included high representation of the higher income earning groups (78% >R10 000); furthermore 44% had completed tertiary education, 60% were comprehensively insured, 61% regularly visited a pharmacy, 38% were on prescription medication and 24% on chronic medicine. On knowledge, 5% of respondents were able to most accurately define generic medicines. On attitudes, 78% had used generics however the level of agreement was lower for the highest education category (p<0.0001; Cramer’s V=0.18). Trends favoured brands over generics with increasing severity of illness as generics were chosen by 10% in major illness and 5% in chronic illness. 80% perceived generics as safe while 95% perceived brands as safe. 75% of respondents felt that generic medicines were as effective as branded medicines. 15% indicated that branded medicines have fewer side effects. 64% showed positive perceptions of quality of generics compared to 93% for brands. Bowker’s test of symmetry was significant (p<0.0001) showing a shift towards slightly more negative perceptions towards generic medicines amongst those who thought highly of brand quality. Knowledge of generics was overall low. Perceptions regarding safety, quality, efficacy, and side effects of generic medicines were generally positive but responses proved more positive for brands. Attitudes towards generic medicines were mostly positive however willingness to use generics lessened with increasing severity of illness. Household income, health insurance (medical aid) status, level of education, experience with medicines and racial demographics played a key role in explaining consumer beliefs and behaviours. Pharmacists and Doctors had a positive influence on generic use patterns amongst other factors.

A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Public Health in the department of school of Public Health Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, 2003 / Smoking is a preventable cause of death. Young people start smoking at an early age due to certain external influences such as peer pressure, advertising etc. Once they start smoking, they often remain smokers forever because of the addictive effects of nicotine. The international studies show that the high morbidity and mortality rates caused by cigarette smoking can be reduced if health promotion strategies target school going children. The aim of the study was to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practices of students in matric as regards smoking in the Greater Tshwane Metropolitan area (Pretoria). This will inform the health promotion programmes, in particular health education, dealing with tobacco smoking prevention and control in schools / IT2018

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2003. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 165-178).

Yes / Hypertension remains a public health challenge worldwide however, the prevention, detection, treatment and management of this condition are not highly prioritized. Health knowledge has an important impact on individual's health. The ability to actively participate in screening, diagnosis and management of hypertension are influenced by patient's knowledge of hypertension. To understand why hypertension is so difficult to control, it may be of benefit to gain an understanding of the patient's perspective. Hence, the aim of the study is to explore the perceptions of patients on prevention and diagnosis of hypertension in Fiji. The study used a qualitative method approach. The study was conducted at the four purposively selected health centers in the Lautoka/ Yasawa medical subdivision. A purposive sampling was used which included all the patients who attended the SOPD, age more than 18 years and above, diagnosed with hypertension for 6 months or more and attended clinic at one of the 4 selected health centers. Semi-structured open-ended interview guide were used to collect data among patients through in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used manually to analyze the data using four steps that is immersion in the data, coding the data, creating categories and identifying themes / subthemes. Twenty-five SOPD patients took part in the in-depth interview and the responses were grouped into two themes. The themes emerged included hypertension knowledge and diagnosis of hypertension in a closed family and self. Subthemes derived from the hypertension knowledge were measures of awareness, hypertension aetiology, risk perception, origin of information and concept of prevention. Sub themes derived from the diagnosis of hypertension in a closed family were perception when first diagnosed, hypertension in relation and hypertension impact. Patients' knowledge on etiologies and risk factors of hypertension were generally poor. Majority of the participants learnt about hypertension in hospitals and few over radios and television. Diagnosis in a closed family triggered worrisome, fear and fright on some patients. Majority of the patients have less knowledge about various risk factors of hypertension. Worrisome, fearful, frightful, frustration and sadness were some of the reactions and emotions highlighted by the patients. It is important to design culturally tailored interventions that address the psychological and behavioral needs of the patients. Recommendation to conduct further studies to understand the perception of hypertension among the general public.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006. / "December 2006" The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

A Research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand in partial fulfillment of Master of Medicine in Emergency Medicine Johannesburg, 2016 / Objective Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant social and health concern in South Africa, with far reaching consequences. One in three South African women will experience IPV, and many of the survivors of IPV will have contact with Emergency Care Practitioners (ECPs), either for treatment related to the direct sequelae of the abuse or for other health issues. ECPs already play a role in identifying and managing IPV but current knowledge, attitudes and practices were not known. The aim of the study therefore was to describe current levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding IPV amongst ECPs, including doctors, nurses and paramedics in South Africa and to describe differences according to the respondent's reported prior training and profession. Methods A prospective, cross sectional study was performed using an online survey administered anonymously to ECPs in South Africa. Information regarding demographic data, qualification, prior IPV training, knowledge, attitudes and practices towards IPV were obtained. Results One hundred and fifty three respondents completed the survey. Of those 56% were doctors, 33% paramedics and 9.8% nurses. In total 65% reporting having received no training on IPV. There was a significant association between respondents reporting having received any IPV training and improved self-reported knowledge (p=0.0001), and actual knowledge (p=0.011). Of the respondents in clinical practice 75% had diagnosed IPV in the last six months, although the frequency of diagnoses being made is lower than would be suggested by the South African prevalence rates. Those respondents who reported any prior training on IPV were more likely to have diagnosed IPV in the last 6 months (p= 0.0076) Most of the ECPs who diagnosed IPV counselled the patients on options and/or referred to police and/or social workers. Conclusion Although ECPs are diagnosing and managing IPV, training in this important health concern is inadequate. Any reported training on IPV for ECPs improves self-reported knowledge, actual knowledge and practices regarding IPV. / MT2017

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Objetivou-se avaliar o conhecimento, a atitude e a prÃtica dos enfermeiros atuantes na EstratÃgia SaÃde da FamÃlia (ESF) acerca do controle da sÃfilis na gestaÃÃo; associar as variÃveis explanatÃrias com o conhecimento, a atitude e a prÃtica dos enfermeiros acerca do controle da sÃfilis na gestaÃÃo e comparar o conhecimento e a atitude com a prÃtica em relaÃÃo à sÃfilis na gestaÃÃo. Trata-se de um estudo avaliativo do tipo Conhecimento, Atitude e PrÃtica (CAP) e abordagem quantitativa, realizado no perÃodo de junho a agosto de 2012, com 171 enfermeiros da ESF, utilizando-se como instrumento um questionÃrio inquÃrito CAP em relaÃÃo à sÃfilis na gestaÃÃo. Os dados foram organizados em tabelas e grÃficos, segundo a estatÃstica descritiva e inferencial utilizando-se os testes Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Qui-quadrado e Fisher. O estudo foi aprovado pelo COMEPE/UFC com o protocolo de n 81/12. Quanto ao perfil dos enfermeiros, verificou-se uma idade mÃdia de 37,5 anos, com 90,1% do sexo feminino, 64,3% com ensino superior em instituiÃÃes pÃblicas e 77,8% sÃo especialistas, formados hà cerca de 12 anos, atuando na ESF hà uma mÃdia de 9 anos e 53,8% tinha alguma capacitaÃÃo sobre a temÃtica. Em relaÃÃo ao conhecimento dos enfermeiros, a maioria (67,3%) foi classificada como adequado, mas ainda 32,7% de enfermeiros teve conhecimento inadequado e regular. Quanto à atitude e prÃtica, observou-se 97,1% dos participantes tinham crenÃas e opiniÃes adequadas e 94,2% as colocavam em prÃtica adequadamente. Houve uma associaÃÃo estatisticamente significativa entre a instituiÃÃo de graduaÃÃo e a atitude dos enfermeiros; a autoclassificaÃÃo positiva em relaÃÃo ao conhecimento acerca da sÃfilis na gestaÃÃo com a prÃtica adequada; o conhecimento e a prÃtica, bem como entre a atitude e a prÃtica. As principais dificuldades percebidas pelos enfermeiros no controle da sÃfilis congÃnita foram: a demora dos resultados dos exames de VDRL (45,6%); a dificuldade de convocar o(s) parceiro(s) e a sua adesÃo ao tratamento (28,1%), assim como o inÃcio tardio do prÃ-natal (19,9%). Frente ao exposto, destaca-se a importÃncia do reconhecimento da sÃfilis congÃnita como um importante problema de saÃde pÃblica pelo enfermeiro, visto que a partir de suas aÃÃes adequadas e baseadas no conhecimento tÃcnico-cientÃfico podem interferir diretamente no controle da sÃfilis congÃnita, ofertando-se uma assistÃncia prÃ-natal de qualidade, integral e humanizada.

Na gestaÃÃo existem necessidades nutricionais aumentadas para apoiar o crescimento fetal e desenvolvimento gestacional. O consumo de frutas, hortaliÃas, tubÃrculos e leguminosas fazem parte de uma alimentaÃÃo saudÃvel na gravidez e devem ser incentivadas. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de uma intervenÃÃo educativa na gravidez sobre alimentaÃÃo saudÃvel com o uso dos alimentos regionais. Pesquisa do tipo Ensaio ClÃnico Controlado e Randomizado (ECR), dois braÃos e unicego. A intervenÃÃo foi uma cartilha educativa, construÃda e validada por juÃzes e gestantes, intitulada âAlimentaÃÃo SaudÃvel na Gravidez com os Alimentos Regionaisâ. O local do estudo foram comunidades urbanas de Recife-PE. A amostra foi constituÃda de 185 gestantes. Sendo, 91 para o grupo de intervenÃÃo (GI) e 94 para o grupo controle (GC). A randomizaÃÃo foi por conglomerados. As Unidades de SaÃde da FamÃlia (USF) do conglomerado A, apÃs alocaÃÃo aleatÃria, fizeram parte do GI e as do conglomerado B do GC. O recrutamento se deu no perÃodo de 16 de dezembro de 2012 a 12 de agosto de 2013. A coleta de dados foi em trÃs etapas. Primeira etapa: recrutamento das gestantes na USF no mesmo dia que foi marcado a consulta prÃ-natal, aplicaÃÃo da Escala Brasileira de InseguranÃa Alimentar e do prÃ-teste utilizando o inquÃrito Conhecimento, Atitude e PrÃtica (CAP) no GC e GI. Segunda etapa: AplicaÃÃo da intervenÃÃo educativa para as gestantes do GI. Foi utilizado o aconselhamento baseado na Entrevista Motivacional Breve e a cartilha educativa. Cada gestante do GI recebeu um exemplar da cartilha. A intervenÃÃo foi individual, antes da consulta prÃ-natal. Terceira etapa: Os pÃs-testes com inquÃrito CAP foram administrados no 7 e 30 dia apÃs a consulta prÃ-natal para as gestantes do GC e no7 e 30 dia, da intervenÃÃo educativa, para as gestantes do GI. Os pÃs- testes foram realizados por meio de contato telefÃnico. A pesquisa segue ResoluÃÃo n 466/2012 do Conselho Nacional de SaÃde e foi aprovada pelo Comità de Ãtica em Pesquisa do Centro de CiÃncias da SaÃde da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, protocolo n 123.140/2012. A validaÃÃo da cartilha pelos juÃzes mostra que a mÃdia do I-CVI foi de 0,91. No ECR, a homogeneidade da amostra sinaliza para equivalÃncia entre os grupos. NÃo foi detectada diferenÃa estatÃstica significativa na linha de base com relaÃÃo Ãs variÃveis sociais e econÃmicas, gradiente de inseguranÃa alimentar, idade, idade gestacional e prÃ-consulta. O nÃvel de avaliaÃÃo adequada do inquÃrito CAP, no sÃtimo e trigÃsimo dia, do grupo de intervenÃÃo, apresentou significÃncia estatÃstica com maior chance e valorâp (p<0,001) quando comparados com o GC. As gestantes do GI apresentaram no 7 e 30 dia, respectivamente: Conhecimento adequado 90,8% e 94,7%. Atitude adequada 93,4% e 97,4% e PrÃtica adequada 56,6% e 69,7%. Conclui-se que a intervenÃÃo educativa obteve impacto positivo no efeito do aumento do nÃvel adequado do conhecimento, da atitude, e da prÃtica, com relaÃÃo aos alimentos regionais. Ademais, recomenda-se o uso da cartilha educativa para orientaÃÃo nutricional as gestantes nos cuidados primÃrios de saÃde. / Nutritional needs are increased during pregnancy to support fetal growth and gestational development. The consumption of fruits, vegetables, tubers and legumes are part of a healthy diet during pregnancy and it should be encouraged. This study has the purpose of evaluating the effects of an educational intervention on healthy eating with the consumption of regional foods during pregnancy. Research the type of Controlled Clinical Trial and Randomized, two arms and blind. The intervention was an educational booklet entitled "Healthy Eating in Pregnancy with Regional Food" was created and reviewed by judges and pregnant women to help with the process. The study site was in urban communities of Recife-PE. The sample consisted of 185 pregnant women. From this total, 94 were designated to the control group (CG) and 91 for the intervention group (IG). Randomization occurred in clusters. The health units from conglomerateâs family A, after random allocation, were part of the IG and the other ones from conglomerateâs B to the CG. Recruitment took place in the period from December 16, 2012 a August 12, 2013. The data collection occurred in three stages. The First Stage: recruitment of pregnant women at USF on the same day that was schedule prenatal consultation. Application of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) and the pretest using the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice survey (KAP) on CG and IG. Second stage: Introduction of the educational intervention for pregnant women at the IG. The intervention was done individually, before the prenatal visit. Counseling based on the Brief Motivational Interviewing and the educational booklet was used. Each pregnant woman from the IG group received a copy of the booklet. Third stage: The post-tests with inquiry KAP were administered on the 7th and 30th day of prenatal consultation for pregnant women of CG and on the 7th and 30th day for pregnant women for the IG. Follow-ups were done by phone for the CG and IG groups. The research follows the Resolution n 466/2012 of the National Board of Health and was approved by the Ethics Committee in Research of the Health Science Center of the Federal University of Pernambuco, protocol n 123.140/2012. Regarding the validation of the booklet by the judges the results indicated that the average I-CVI was 0.91. In clinical validation sample homogeneity signals for equivalence between the groups. No statistically significant difference was detected at the baseline related with social and economic variables, gradient of food insecurity, age, gestational age and pre-consultation. Levels adequate assessment of the CAP, the seventh and thirtieth day, the pregnancy who participated in the intervention, showed statistical significance with a greater chance and p-value (p <0.001) when compared with the CG. Pregnant women of the IG group showed on the seventh and thirtieth day, respectively: adequate knowledge 90.8% and 94.7%. The adequate attitude 93.4% and 97.4% and adequate practice 56.6% and 69.7%. It is concluded that educational interventions achieved positive impact on the effect of increasing the appropriate level of knowledge, attitude and practice with regard to regional food. Furthermore, we recommend the use of the booklet for nutritional counseling pregnant women in primary health care.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 144-158).