An evaluation of hepatitis C knowledge and correlations with health belief model constructs among African American “baby boomers”

Summary: Background: Baby boomers (people born between 1945 and 1965) are responsible for three-quarters of Hepatitis C (HCV) infections in the US; however, HCV testing is distinctly underused by them. Aim: To assess the status, predictors, and correlates of HCV knowledge among African-American baby boomers (AABBs) in Washington, DC. Methods: A cross-sectional survey among persons aged 46–69 was conducted using audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI). Data on HCV knowledge, socio-demographics, prior history of HCV testing, health-related characteristics, HCV vulnerability and HCV treatment perceptions were collected. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the study population. Pearson correlations were used to examine linear associations between HCV knowledge and Health Belief Model constructs related to HCV. Linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the predictors of knowledge. Results: Out of the 137 participants, about sixty percent (60.6%) were females, mean age 59 ± 6.40; 44.8% had at least a college education. The average knowledge score was low (48.7%). HCV knowledge was significantly correlated with constructs of perceived severity and perceived benefits. Age (β = −0.10; p = 0.003), and level of education (β = 0.93, p = 0.027) were significant predictors. Conclusions: Overall, respondents have a low level of knowledge. The lower level of education and older age were significant predictors of inadequate HCV knowledge. Thus, HCV education among these people may be a vital component in reducing the gaps in HCV knowledge. Keywords: Baby boomer, Health Belief Model, Hepatitis C, Knowledg

Natural Product and CAM Education in U.S. Pharmacy Schools: Comparison and Results of Two National Surveys

Two independent surveys of U.S. pharmacy schools were performed in the spring of 2002 to assess the extent to which the topics of natural products and complementary/alternative medicine had been incorporated into curricula. Each survey was administered independently and by different modes. Similar items from the surveys were used to validate the individual results, while dissimilar items provided a comprehensive view of the state of complementary/alternative and natural product instruction in U.S. schools. The 2 surveys obtained responses from 72 schools and 64 schools, respectively. A comparison of the two surveys\u27 results indicated that most schools (80% vs. 73%) offered some form of instruction on the topics of natural products and complementary/alternative medicine, with the vast majority (70% vs. 69%) of instruction occurring in an elective setting. Results indicated that institutions do not currently separate natural products instruction from other topics in complementary/alternative medicine and that while greater numbers of schools are offering instruction in these topics than at the time of previous surveys, these topics are still not universally addressed

Early probiotic supplementation and the risk of celiac disease in children at genetic risk

Abstract Probiotics are linked to positive regulatory effects on the immune system. The aim of the study was to examine the association between the exposure of probiotics via dietary supplements or via infant formula by the age of 1 year and the development of celiac disease autoimmunity (CDA) and celiac disease among a cohort of 6520 genetically susceptible children. Use of probiotics during the first year of life was reported by 1460 children. Time-to-event analysis was used to examine the associations. Overall exposure of probiotics during the first year of life was not associated with either CDA (n = 1212) (HR 1.15; 95%CI 0.99, 1.35; p = 0.07) or celiac disease (n = 455) (HR 1.11; 95%CI 0.86, 1.43; p = 0.43) when adjusting for known risk factors. Intake of probiotic dietary supplements, however, was associated with a slightly increased risk of CDA (HR 1.18; 95%CI 1.00, 1.40; p = 0.043) compared to children who did not get probiotics. It was concluded that the overall exposure of probiotics during the first year of life was not associated with CDA or celiac disease in children at genetic risk