Md. Harun-Or-Rashid

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding HIV/AIDS among male high school students in Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes and risky practices are major hindrances to preventing the spread of HIV. This study aimed to assess HIV‐related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of high school students in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (PDR).

Antibiotic use in Vietnamese hospitals: A multicenter point-prevalence study

BACKGROUND Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing appears to be common worldwide and is contributing to the selection of resistant organisms. This study examined the prevalence of antibiotic prescription and the appropriateness of indications for these prescriptions in 36 representative general hospitals across Vietnam. METHODS A point-prevalence study was performed between February and December 2008. All inpatients on the day of the survey were included in the analysis. Standard published guidelines were used to evaluate the appropriateness of indications for antibiotic prescription. RESULTS On the day of the study, 5,104 of 7,571 patients (67.4%) were receiving antibiotic therapy. The antibiotic prescription rate was highest in surgery wards (93.2%) and lowest in medical wards (48.2%). Of the 5,104 patients receiving antibiotics, the most commonly prescribed agents were cephalosporins (70.2%), penicillins (21.6%), and aminoglycosides (18.9%). Approximately one-third of the patients (1,573 of 5,104) had an inappropriate indication for prescription. Risk factors independently associated with inappropriate indication for antibiotic prescription were seen in hospitals at the national level, obstetrics and gynecology departments, and surgical wards. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate a high rate of antibiotic use in Vietnamese hospitals, and also a high prevalence of inappropriate indications for antibiotic prescriptions. These findings suggest important areas for intervention and implementation of antibiotic stewardship policies in Vietnamese hospitals.

A point-prevalence study on healthcare-associated infections in Vietnam: public health implications.

During 2008, a point-prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) was conducted in 36 Vietnamese hospitals. Of 7,571 inpatients, 590 (7.8%) had HAIs, including pneumonia (41.9%) and surgical-site infections (27.5%). Device use was a significant risk factor; gram-negative microorganisms predominated. A national reporting system needs to be established for monitoring HAIs and enhancing patient outcomes.

Smoking and associated factors among the population aged 40-64 in Shahroud, Iran.

BACKGROUND Smoking is known as a major risk factor for different types of cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease. Its prevalence is increasing in developing countries. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of smoking and its associated factors among the population aged 40-64 years in the city of Shahroud which is a representative urban population in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional population-based study with stratified random cluster sampling was conducted in 2009 as the first phase of Shahroud Eye Cohort Study. Of 6,311 people, 5,190 participated (82.2%). Information about smoking habit was obtained by face-to- face interview. RESULTS The overall prevalence of current tobacco smoking was 11.3% (95%CI: 10.5-12.3). It was significantly higher among males than females (25.7% and 0.71%, P<0.001). The prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 10.8% and 1.75% were past smokers. The smoking rate of water-pipe was 0.67%. Unemployed people smoked more than employed (OR=2.66, 95%CI: 1.38-5.14). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of smoking is low in Shahroud compared with other parts of Iran and other countries. Age, sex, job and marital status were associated with smoking. The low smoking rate among women may be attributed to cultural and social reasons.

Evaluation of Knowledge, Practices, and Possible Barriers among Healthcare Providers regarding Medical Waste Management in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background Improper handling of medical wastes, which is common in Bangladesh, could adversely affect the hospital environment and community at large, and poses a serious threat to public health. We aimed to assess the knowledge and practices regarding medical waste management (MWM) among healthcare providers (HCPs) and to identify possible barriers related to it. Material/Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out during June to September, 2012 including 1 tertiary, 3 secondary, and 3 primary level hospitals in Dhaka division, Bangladesh through 2-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected from 625 HCPs, including 245 medical doctors, 220 nurses, 44 technologists, and 116 cleaning staff who were directly involved in MWM using a self-administered (researcher-administered for cleaning staff), semi-structured questionnaire. Results Nearly one-third of medical doctors and nurses and two-thirds of technologists and cleaning staff had inadequate knowledge, and about half of medical doctors (44.0%) and cleaning staff (56.0%) had poor practices. HCPs without prior training on MWM were more likely to have poor practices compared to those who had training. Lack of personal protective equipment, equipment for final disposal, MWM-related staff, proper policy/guideline, and lack of incinerator were identified as the top 5 barriers. Conclusions Strengthening and expansion of ongoing educational programs/training is necessary to improve knowledge and practices regarding MWM. The government should take necessary steps and provide financial support to eliminate the possible barriers related to proper MWM.

Trends and Barriers to HIV Testing Among Tuberculosis Patients in Prey Kabas Operational District, Takeo Province, Cambodia:

Data for this study were obtained from 2375 tuberculosis (TB) patients registered during 2007-2009 and 43 health providers to examine the trend of TB patient referral for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing and to investigate provider-associated barriers to the referral in Prey Kabas operational district, Takeo province, Cambodia. Referral rate for HIV testing was 4.4% (30/684) in 2007, 15.4% (116/751) in 2008, and 30.1% (283/940) in 2009, with a significant upward trend over the period of time (P = .009). The main barriers perceived by health providers were poor knowledge about TB/HIV, lack of communication skills, absence of any target plan for TB patient referral for HIV testing, and fear associated with informing positive test results to the TB patients and the associated stigma. Strategies to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS/TB among TB patients and their providers may improve the current state of low referral and its barriers in Cambodia.