B. van den Borne

Knowledge base and preferred methods of obtaining knowledge of glaucoma patients.

Purpose To gather information regarding patients understanding of glaucoma and the manner in which patients wish to learn about the disease with the intent of improving patient education. Methods Forty-four of sixty randomly selected ophthalmologists (73%) asked four of their patients consecutively to complete a questionnaire about glaucoma. The selection of questions was based on focus group interviews and suggestions from several experts. Topics included knowledge about glaucoma and its treatment, the need for information, and preferred providers and methods of patient education. Results Fifty percent of the patients had 49% or less correct answers to questions about glaucoma or its treatment. Per item the correct answers ranged from 5% to 90%. Lack of knowledge was associated with low level of education, short duration of glaucoma, high age, and no preference for the Internet as method of supplying information. These variables, however, did not identify groups with a considerable lack of knowledge sufficiently accurately to target patient education. A high need for information was observed and included information about the patients own glaucoma. Almost all patients preferred the ophthalmologist and many also a nurse or a representative of the Glaucoma Patient Society as providers of information. Written material was the preferred method. Conclusions Patient education should address all patients. A patient education program should cover a wide range of topics with a focus on general information through written material and information tailored to the individual glaucoma patients needs. The ophthalmologist is a key- person, but others could play an important role in patient education.

Negotiating safe sex among women of Afro-Surinamese and Dutch Antillean descent in the Netherlands.

Abstract Safe sex negotiation and communication about sexual risks with partners is important for women to ensure sexual risk reduction. This paper describes the results of a survey on safer sex and negotiation behavior, and the correlates of negotiation with partners among 128 women from Surinamese and Dutch Antillean descent in the Netherlands. The key findings are that 50% of the participants had negotiated sexual risk reduction with their partner, yet only 40% of the women who negotiated safer sex actually claimed practicing safe sex. Participants defined safe sex with steady partners primarily as negotiated safety and monogamy, and safe sex with casual partners primarily as condom use. Intentions to negotiate safer sex with steady partners were related to positive attitudes and perceived injunctive norms towards safe sex negotiation, and educational background. Intention to discuss safe sex with casual partners were primarily related to attitudes and perceived self-efficacy. STI/HIV prevention interventions targeting these women should incorporate awareness-raising of safety in different types of relationships, deciding on the appropriateness of relation-specific sexual risk reduction strategies, and building negotiation skills to accomplish the realization of these strategies.