Information Seeking Behavior About Cancer and Associated Factors Among University Students, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Fear of cancer levels of women who applied cervical cancer screening: a cross-sectional study of the effects of health beliefs related to cervical cancer and Pap-Smear test

BACKGROUND

Excessive fear of cancer can be more harmful than the disease itself. Although it is important to address and evaluate this fear, there is a lack of studies providing intervention strategies to effectively reduce cancer-related anxiety.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate how health beliefs about cervical cancer and the Pap Smear test influence cancer fear among women participating in a cervical cancer screening program.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. Data were gathered from 210 women who visited a healthy life center for cervical cancer screening. The data collection tools included a personal form, The Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and the Pap Smear Test, and the Cancer Worry Scale. Statistical analyses, such as T-tests, ANOVA, and hierarchical linear multiple regression, were conducted using the IBM SPSS software version 23.0.

FINDINGS

The regression model assessing the impact of the benefits of pap smear tests on cancer worry was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, when barriers to the pap smear test were added, there was a statistically significant change in R2 by 0.031 (p = 0.012), and including the perceived seriousness of cervical cancer further increased the R2 value by 0.126, which was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Adding susceptibility to cervical cancer and health motivation individually to the model did not lead to a statistically significant change in R2 (p = 0.060, p = 0.655, respectively). The final model, which included all concepts from The Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and the Pap Smear Test, accounted for 15.6% of the variance in cancer worry based on independent variables. Additionally, employed women (t = - 2.461, p = 0.015) and nuclear families (t = - 2.554, p = 0.011) had significantly lower cancer anxiety scores.

CONCLUSION

The study indicated that perceived severity and barriers might heighten fear of cancer. These perceptions could be influenced by social environment, media, and language issues related to the meanings of "cancer". Therefore, oncological care should incorporate culturally sensitive approaches to assess and reduce fear of cancer. Collaboration with public health managers is necessary to develop campaigns that address this issue without inciting fear.

Maternal information-seeking on pregnancy-induced hypertension and associated factors among pregnant women, in low resource country, A cross-sectional study design

Pregnancy-induced hypertension is the most prevalent medical problem associated with pregnancy. It has been reported to affect 6-10% of all pregnant women worldwide. Mothers' failure to seek information related to PIH increases the risk of death from the complication of pregnancy-induced hypertension. This study aimed to assess PIH information-seeking behaviour and its associated factors among pregnant women in rural Sekela Woreda. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 15 to June 15, 2022. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The sample size was 635. A cluster sampling technique was used to select the sampled kebeles. The study population included rural pregnant women. This study included pregnant women who were permanent residents of the study area, whereas this study excluded pregnant women who were admitted only for delivery services and temporary residents who visited the study area. The mean age of the participants was 31.8 ± 6.09 years, with minimum and maximum ages of 20 and 45 years, respectively. We conducted descriptive analysis, bivariable analysis, and multivariable analysis to identify determinants of PIH information seeking. The proportion of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) information seeking among pregnant women was 214 (35.4%) out of 604. Pregnant mothers aged 35 years and above (AOR =0.67, 95% CI =0.46, 0.97), family resistance (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI =0.29, 0.69), health care satisfaction (AOR =1.7, 95% CI =1.1, 2.5), and perceived severity of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) (AOR =1.6, 95% CI =1.1, 2.4) were significantly associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension information seeking. According to our findings Information seeking related to pregnancy-induced hypertension is low. Aged mothers, family resistance, mothers' satisfaction with health care services, and perceived severity of PIH were found to be associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension information seeking. Expanding health education programs for pregnant women and providing awareness and training about PIH to participants and their husbands is the most effective way to reduce the prevalence of PIH complications.

Health literacy and associated factors among adult type 2 diabetic patients in Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North-East Ethiopia, 2022

Background

Despite limited research, health literacy in developing countries like Ethiopia remains low, making it a significant challenge to combat non-communicable diseases.

Objective

To assess the level of health literacy and associated factors among adult type 2 diabetic patients in Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North-East Ethiopia, 2022.

Methods and materials

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from April 19 to July 19, 2022, involving 423 participants. Systematic random sampling, face-to-face interviews, and document reviews were used to collect data. The data were coded and entered into Epi-Data version 4.6.0.2, then analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The results were presented in texts, tables, and figures. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors with p-values below 0.05 and to verify the assumptions of binary logistic regression.

Result

General Health Literacy Index was 27.86 (±6.71), and the magnitude of participants with adequate health literacy in the study was 22.2% (95% CI: 18.4-26.3%). Ages (18-35) years [(AOR =14, 95% CI = 3.86-50.77)], ages (36-50) years [(AOR = 15.38, 95% CI = 4.23-55.9)], being male [(AOR = 2.945, 95% CI = 1.570-5.526)], no experiencing depression symptoms [(AOR = 2.673, 95% CI = 1.308-5.463)], not experiencing anxiety [(AOR = 2.001, 95% CI = 1.011-3.960)] and being literate [(AOR = 4.120, 95% CI = 1.397-12.146)] were significantly associated with adequate health Literacy.

Conclusion and recommendations

The magnitude of adequate health literacy was low. Ages (18-35) years, ages (36-50) years, being male, not experiencing depression symptoms, not experiencing anxiety, and being literate were significantly associated with adequate health literacy. Health professionals should regularly implement health education programs for diabetic patients and communities, focusing on females, older adults, the illiterate, and those experiencing depression and anxiety.

Information seeking behavior on hepatitis B virus, and its associated factors among pregnant women at teaching and specialized hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major public health issue worldwide. Health information-seeking behavior is critical to obtain information about health, diseases such as the Hepatitis B virus, health risks, and health promotion and it has become a major concern of health policymakers. However, there is little evidence of information-seeking behavior on the Hepatitis B virus in Ethiopia. So, this study aimed to assess Hepatitis B virus information-seeking behavior and its associated factors among pregnant women at teaching and Specialized Hospitals, in Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women at teaching and specialized hospitals, in Northwest Ethiopia from May 01 to June 01, 2022. A total of 423 participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. The data was collected through an interview-administered questionnaire by kobo-collect software. Then export into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bi-variable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with Hepatitis B virus information-seeking behavior.

RESULTS

The proportion of information-seeking behavior on the Hepatitis B virus among pregnant women was 40.5% (CI = 35.7, 45.6). Education(diploma and above) [AOR = 3.3, 95% CI (1.31, 8.16)], more than one ANC visit [AOR = 5.99, 95% CI (3.20, 12.31)], smart-phone ownership [AOR = 4.1, 95%CI (1.35, 12.31)], internet access [AOR = 5.1, 95%CI (1.35, 15.60)], perceived susceptibility [AOR = 2.7, 95%CI (1.38, 5.31)], perceived severity [AOR = 3.7, 95%CI (2.06, 6.55)], and self-efficacy [AOR = 1.9, 95%CI (1.03, 3.73)] were factors influencing information seeking on Hepatitis B virus.

CONCLUSION

The overall proportion of information-seeking behavior on HBV among pregnant women was low. To improve information-seeking behavior on HBV among pregnant women we should connect the women to the internet and technology. Creating women's awareness about the Hepatitis B virus severity and their venerability and increasing their antenatal care (ANC) visits, self-efficacy, internet access, and women's education can improve information seeking about the Hepatitis B virus.

Health Literacy in Ethiopia: Evidence Synthesis and Implications

Background

Health literacy plays a pivotal role in healthcare utilization and health-related lifestyle choices. This makes health literacy a pressing concern, particularly in low-income countries like Ethiopia, where there are intricate health challenges. Despite its significance, there is a dearth of studies on the issue in Ethiopia. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence on health literacy in Ethiopia, and to discuss the implications for healthcare practice, health promotion, and research endeavors.

Methods

A systematic scoping review was conducted to achieve the purpose of this study. A comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, AJOL, and PLOS Global Public Health was conducted for eligible evidence. Searches were conducted from May 12 to September 9, 2022. The PRISMA flow diagram guideline was utilized to ensure transparent reporting of the reviews process. The data extraction tool used was based on the JBI methodology guidance for reviews.

Results

The search in total yielded 543 records. However, only 16 studies met the eligibility criteria after a thorough screening process. All eligible studies were conducted in health facilities and schools with limited scopes. The main findings of the eligible studies focused on health literacy levels, health information sources, and health literacy determinants among the studies participants. Many of the studies reported low health literacy levels and multiple predicting factors ranging from personal to socioeconomic conditions among the respondents.

Conclusion

This review has provided critical insights into the state of health literacy in Ethiopia. There is a need for comprehensive research and the development of context-appropriate health literacy measurements tailored to the Ethiopian context, as well as evidence-based health literacy interventions. Prioritizing health literacy as a key research and intervention area is essential for improving the health of individuals and populations and achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals in Ethiopia.

Information seeking about COVID-19 and associated factors among chronic patients in Bahir Dar city public hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background

The health impacts of COVID-19 are not evenly distributed in societies. Chronic patients are highly affected and develop dangerous symptoms of COVID-19. Understanding their information seeking about COVID-19 may help to improve the effectiveness of public health strategies in the future, the adoption of safety measures, and minimize the spread of the pandemic. However, there is little evidence on information seeking specifically on COVID-19 in this study setting. Therefore, this study aimed to assess information seeking about COVID-19 and associated factors among chronic patients.

Method

An institutional-based cross-sectional study supplemented with qualitative data was conducted at Bahir Dar city public hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia from April 8 to June 15, 2021. A total of 423 chronic patients were selected using systematic random sampling techniques with an interval of 5. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was fitted to identify factors associated with information seeking about COVID-19. A p-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Finally, it was triangulated with quantitative findings.

Result

The proportion of information seeking about COVID-19 among chronic patients was 44.0% (95% CI = 39.0, 49.0). Being living in urban [AOR = 4.4, 95% CI (2.01, 9.58)], having high perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 [AOR = 3.4, 95%CI (1.98, 5.70)], having high perceived severity to COVID-19 [AOR = 1.7, 95%CI (1.04, 2.91)], having high self-efficacy to COVID-19 [AOR = 4.3, 95%CI (2.52, 7.34)], and having adequate health literacy [AOR = 1.8, 95%CI (1.10, 3.03)] were significant factors associated with information-seeking about COVID-19.

Conclusion

The overall proportion of information seeking about COVID-19 among chronic patients was low. Thus, health promotion programs should emphasize the chronic patients living in a rural area; enhance perceived risk and severity of COVID-19, enhancing self-efficacy and health literacy interventions to improve information seeking.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07315-4.

Information-seeking behavior on sexually transmitted infections and its associated factors among university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections commonly spread through sexual contact and transmitted by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. In today’s world, STI-related information-seeking behavior is often vital for the advancement of knowledge, behavioral changes, health decisions, and the sharing of sexual health information among youths. However, paucity of evidence on information-seeking behavior among students in higher education institutions. This study aimed to assess STI-related information-seeking behavior and its associated factors among students at the University of Gondar.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among students at the University of Gondar from January 15 to February 15, 2021. A total of 832 participants were selected using a stratified two-stage sampling method. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the required data. STI information-seeking behavior questionnaire was adapted from health information national survey tool (HINTS). Descriptive statistics, bi-variable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied using SPSS version 26.

Result

The proportion of STI related information-seeking among university students was 462 (55.5%) with 95% CI (52.3, 58.9). About 263 (56.9%) of students preferred internet as a primary source for STI related information. Year of study being 4th (AOR = 4.77, 95% CI = 2.75, 8.29) and 5th year (AOR = 5.45, 95% CI = 2.48, 12.01), field of study being health (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.16, 4.11), sexual experiences (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.56, 3.48), ever had STI symptoms (AOR = 4.19, 95% CI = 2.14, 8.18), perceived susceptibility (AOR = 5.05, 95% CI = 3.29, 7.75), and perceived severity (AOR = 2.16,95% CI = 1.45, 3.22) were significant factors for good STI information-seeking.

Conclusion

the proportion of STI information-seeking among university students was low. Students' STI information-seeking behavior could be improved by increasing digital literacy and enhancing computer and internet access across the campus.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections commonly spread through sexual contact and transmitted by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and are the most common cause of illness among university students. Information-seeking behavior related to STIs is a means by which individuals sought information related to sexual health, disease, health risk, and health promotion. Communicating STIs and sexual risk behaviors during youth, particularly among university students, is effective in reducing STI-related problems. Lack of access to health information, lack of communication, and insufficient information about STIs are key issues that have contributed to the high prevalence of STIs. In Ethiopia, information-seeking behavior related to STIs and information use culture for improving the sexual health of individuals and the communities is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess STI information-seeking behavior and its associated factors among students at the University of Gondar.

More than half of the students sought STI-related information seeking in the past year. From those STI-related information seekers, the majority of students preferred the internet as a primary source for STI-related information. Field of study, year of study, internet access, digital literacy, sexual experiences, had STI symptoms, Perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity of STI were significant factors associated with STI information-seeking. Students' STI information-seeking behavior could be improved by increasing digital literacy and enhancing computer and internet access.

Assessment of information literacy skills and information-seeking behavior of medical students in the age of technology: a study of Pakistan

Purpose

Information literacy skills (ILSs) and information-seeking behavior (ISB) is a widespread topic that needs modern technologies to improve the technical skills of the students. The purpose of this study is to assess the usage of library resources for medical college students. To explore and understand the student’s level of satisfaction, learning and seeking behavior by efficient information retrieval systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a quantitative research method and data was collected from the undergraduate students of medical colleges Islamabad Pakistan. The data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 using Pearson correlation statistical test to identify the level of proficiency of correlation of variables and testing of the proposed hypothesis.

Findings

The finding of the study shows that the medical students can enhance their IT skills to seek the information in this technology era. The medical institutional administration can develop the education development policy, traditional health education policy, funds allocating policy, health information literacy and collaborate with library staff for enhancing the services and to meet the information need of medical students.

Practical implications

The conclusion of this study is very helpful to reduce the barriers between the students and the library staff. The findings of the study are also beneficial for the administration to improve and develop the strategies for enhancing the ILSs of medical students to achieve medical educational information in the age of technology. Therefore, all significant structures want to improve and to develop the environment of information seeking by medical students to achieve medical educational information.

Social implications

Medical college library administrative management must be design useful a durable policy to come up with the technology development for digital literacy. The study reduces the barriers between the students and the library staff.

Originality/value

The study is based on quantitative research method to find out ISB of medical students.

Leveraging Internet Search Data to Improve the Prediction and Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases: Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

As human society enters an era of vast and easily accessible social media, a growing number of people are exploiting the internet to search and exchange medical information. Because internet search data could reflect population interest in particular health topics, they provide a new way of understanding health concerns regarding noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the role they play in their prevention.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the association of internet search data for NCDs with published disease incidence and mortality rates in the United States and to grasp the health concerns toward NCDs.

METHODS

We tracked NCDs by examining the correlations among the incidence rates, mortality rates, and internet searches in the United States from 2004 to 2017, and we established forecast models based on the relationship between the disease rates and internet searches.

RESULTS

Incidence and mortality rates of 29 diseases in the United States were statistically significantly correlated with the relative search volumes (RSVs) of their search terms (P<.05). From the perspective of the goodness of fit of the multiple regression prediction models, the results were closest to 1 for diabetes mellitus, stroke, atrial fibrillation and flutter, Hodgkin lymphoma, and testicular cancer; the coefficients of determination of their linear regression models for predicting incidence were 80%, 88%, 96%, 80%, and 78%, respectively. Meanwhile, the coefficient of determination of their linear regression models for predicting mortality was 82%, 62%, 94%, 78%, and 62%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

An advanced understanding of search behaviors could augment traditional epidemiologic surveillance and could be used as a reference to aid in disease prediction and prevention.