Search Results (893)

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes severe motor, respiratory and communication impairment and imposes a high psychosocial burden on patients and families. Recent evidence shows that integrated neuropalliative care—early collaboration between neurology and palliative services with community support—improves quality of life and reduces avoidable hospitalisations. Yet there are few descriptions of how such integration is operationalised. Objective: This study examines a Community-Integrated Neuropalliative Pathway (CINP) implemented in the province of Modena (Emilia-Romagna, Italy), analysing how neurology, palliative care and emergency services collaborate to provide continuous, person-centred care for people with ALS. Methods: A single, holistic case study was conducted following Yin’s analytical approach. Data sources included ten semi-structured interviews with neurologists, palliative physicians, nurses, home-care professionals and emergency clinicians; ethnographic observations in the ALS outpatient clinic; relevant organisational documents (the regional Clinical Pathway on ALS); and aggregated quantitative data from the palliative care registry (January 2023–December 2024). Thematic analysis with investigator triangulation was used to explore care integration, advance care planning and emergency coordination. Quantitative data were summarised descriptively. Results: Three interrelated themes were identified: (1) Progressive and flexible integration between neurology and palliative care. Neurologists remained longitudinal reference points while palliative teams were activated in response to evolving needs and became more relevant with the progression of the disease. Regular multidisciplinary meetings and shared discharge planning facilitated coordination. (2) The shared culture of advance care planning. Professionals framed advance care planning (ACP) as a relational, iterative process anchored in therapeutic relationships. Shared care plans, once completed, triggered an electronic Emergency Warning (“warning 118”) procedure that notified the emergency service of patient preferences. (3) The integration of palliative and emergency services. The warning system enabled emergency clinicians to respect care plans and avoid aggressive interventions during crises. Quantitative data on 47 ALS patients followed by territorial palliative services showed that 16 had an active Emergency Warning flag; among these, most died at home or in a hospice rather than in hospital. Conclusions: The Modena CINP exemplifies how a public health system can operationalise early neuropalliative integration and connect hospital, community and emergency services. The qualitative findings illustrate the cultural and organisational shifts required for continuous care, while the quantitative data show that the system is correctly used and that patients with the Emergency Warning activation died mostly at home or in a hospice. Lessons from this analytical case study can inform the development of similar pathways in other regions, although further research is needed to assess outcomes in larger populations and such models need to be adapted to local contexts. Full article

Background: Mental health problems are increasingly common among children and adolescents, making schools a key setting for health promotion. Nurses can play a central role in prevention and support, but in Chile, the role of the school nurse has not yet been formally established. Understanding nursing students’ experiences in school-based mental health promotion can inform curriculum development and strengthen professional identity. Methods: A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was conducted with third-year nursing students enrolled in a mental health course (N = 64). Data was collected through six individual interviews and one focus group, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using ATLAS.ti 25.0.1^®. To ensure rigor, the study was guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ), and trustworthiness was ensured following Lincoln and Guba’s criteria. Results: Five main categories emerged: nursing’s role in mental health promotion; perceptions of health promotion as prevention; use of the educational process, with difficulties in formulating objectives; perceived self-efficacy, marked by initial uncertainty in working with children; and experiences in implementing projects, including reflections on the professional role, mixed feelings, facilitators, barriers, and coping strategies. Facilitators included faculty support, teacher collaboration, and group cohesion, while barriers were related to limited experience, challenges in managing children, and external conditions such as noise and unsuitable classroom conditions. Conclusions: School-based practicums in mental health promotion are valuable opportunities to integrate theory and practice, strengthen professional identity, and develop communication. Strengthening undergraduate curricula with systematic training in these areas is essential for preparing nurses for their role in school and community health. Integrating these experiences into clinical and assistive practice can enhance early detection, interprofessional collaboration, and the promotion of healthier school environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thalassemia is among the most common hereditary disorders globally, characterized by impaired hemoglobin synthesis and ineffective erythropoiesis. This study analyzed data on hemoglobinopathies, with a particular focus on thalassemia, to support the development of a comprehensive national database and to improve understanding of the disease burden in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, a total of 910 patients admitted to the region’s sole blood disorder center since its establishment were included. Results: The study analyzed 46.7% male and 53.3% female thalassemia patients in Duhok, with 58.46% reporting parental consanguinity. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence was 11.87%, while 8.90% underwent bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and 30.11% had splenectomies. Blood group distribution was O⁺ (36.26%), A⁺ (30.99%), and B⁺ (18.46%). Common medications included Deferasirox (34.62%), Hydroxyurea (26.70%), and Deferoxamine (5.82%), with 8.24% and 4.40% discontinuing Deferasirox and Hydroxyurea, respectively. Geographically, 29% of the patients originated from Duhok City, which exhibited a consanguinity rate of 18.65% (p = 0.020). The most prevalent conditions were β-thalassemia major (32.53%) and sickle cell anemia (24.73%). HCV-positive patients were predominantly diagnosed with β-thalassemia major (43.40%) and sickle cell anemia (33.96%). BMT recipients were mostly β-thalassemia major patients (80.25%), while splenectomy was common in β-thalassemia major (43.40%) and sickle cell β-thalassemia (22.64%). Vaccination rates included Pneumococcal (50.78%), Influenza (47.76%), and Hepatitis (39.08%, first dose). Six patients (0.66%) died, with 30.18% diagnosed before age 1 and 43.89% between 1 and 2 years. In conclusion, this study underscores the high prevalence of β-thalassemia major and sickle cell anemia in Duhok, with strong associations to parental consanguinity and low socioeconomic status. Gaps in early diagnosis and vaccination coverage remain significant challenges. Full article

Background: Prenatal depression, affecting up to a quarter of all pregnancies in the United States, contributes to morbidity and mortality and is associated with increased risk of adverse birth and long-term mental health outcomes. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs, or experiences of abuse, neglect, or family dysfunction experienced prior to age 18) are a strong predictor of adult depression and adverse health outcomes. The present study investigated whether epigenetic modification in the form of DNA methylation (DNAm) of four stress-related, glucocorticoid pathway genes (CRH, CRHR1, FKBP5, NR3C1) mediates associations between ACEs and depressive symptoms among Black pregnant women. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we examined the mediating role of DNAm on the relationship between depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)) and ACEs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 10-item questionnaire), in a subsample (n = 61) of Black pregnant women who were participants of the Biosocial Impacts of Black Births (BIBB) study. Results: A significant association was found between ACEs and depressive symptoms scores (TE α_X = 2.29 with p_TE = 6.60 × 10⁵). DNAm on five CpG sites within two genes significantly mediated the relationship between ACEs and depressive symptoms (cg03238273 on CRHR1, and cg08845721, cg16594263, cg19820298, and cg23430507 on NR3C1). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that DNAm partially mediated the association of ACEs and depressive symptoms during pregnancy among Black pregnant women. Understanding the molecular pathways underlying the mediating effect of ACEs on depressive symptoms among Black pregnant women can illuminate biological markers that help identify and treat pregnant women who are at an increased risk for depression following childhood trauma. Full article

Background: This study reports on a community engagement knowledge-translation world café hosted in British Columbia, built on the research project “Enhancing cancer navigation for newly diagnosed, treated and post-treatment of people living with breast cancer in interior region”. The aim was to co-create a knowledge translation initiative with community stakeholders to enhance interdisciplinary approaches to psychosocial oncology. Methods: This study drew on implementation science and the consolidated framework for implementation research, which emphasize the importance of creating partnerships between researchers and engaging people for whom the research is meant to be of use—knowledge users and service users. Guided world café and purposeful sampling were used to engage a diverse range of stakeholders. Eighty stakeholders participated in this study from April 2023 to April 2024. Thematic analysis was conducted through familiarization, coding, theme development, review, definition, and reporting. Results: Eleven key themes emerged, including compassionate connection, time as a healing gift, empowering health literacy, informed compassion, holistic support ecosystem, empowering patient navigators, shared decision-making, empowering partnerships, digital–physical synergy, person-centered transformation, and accountability and collaboration. Conclusions: The key findings highlighted the need for continuous professional development for primary care providers, integrating patient-reported outcomes in electronic health records, leveraging digital health tools, and establishing community-engaged psychosocial oncology hubs to enhance care in rural communities. Recommendation: Recommendations include ongoing professional learning, embedding patient voices and lived experiences into care planning through digital tools, and empowering rural and diverse communities through inclusive and accessible cancer models of care. Full article

Background/Objectives: General-self efficacy (GSE) is a substantial element during pregnancy that promotes healthy decision-making and prevents complications. Information on predictive factors of GSE among pregnant women is limited. This study aimed to assess the GSE among pregnant women and identify its relationship with family quality of life (FQOL) domains in a lower-middle-income community. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in nine antenatal care centers from July 2024 to March 2025. Pregnant women were enrolled through the multiple stage sampling method. GSE in pregnant women was assessed using the General Self-efficacy Scale. FQOL was assessed using the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to assess predictors of GSE among pregnant women. Results: A total of 417 pregnant women participated in the study. The prevalence of low GSE was 12.2%. Multivariable linear regression showed that older age (p = 0.02), rural area (p = 0.007), and planned pregnancy (p = 0.03) were predictors of GSE among pregnant women. The total score of FQOL (p = 0.0001), parenting (p = 0.004), and material well-being (p = 0.043) were positive determinant factors of GSE in pregnant women who have at least one child. Conclusions: The prevalence of low general self-efficacy (GSE) among pregnant women was notably high, particularly among those with at least one child. Education regarding family planning, parenting, and financial management through multidisciplinary, family-centered care teams is essential to address the complex needs of expectant families. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward community- and home-based care models. Within this transformation, Family and Community Nurses (FCNs) have become key in bridging hospital and primary care, supporting continuity, self-care, and quality of life (QoL). Despite increasing recognition, evidence on FCN-led interventions remains fragmented. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence on the impact of FCN interventions on QoL and clinical outcomes in post-COVID and people living with chronic conditions managed in community and home settings. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane Library (January 2020–November 2024). Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials evaluating FCN-led interventions. Primary outcomes were QoL (measured with validated tools) and glycemic control (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes included hospital readmissions, anxiety, depression, and self-care abilities. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool for randomized controlled trials. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed, with heterogeneity evaluated by I². The protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024567890) before data extraction. Results: Seventy-one studies (n = 19,390) were included. Interventions comprised home visits, telehealth, patient education, and case management. Pooled analyses demonstrated significant improvement in QoL (SMD 0.34, 95% CI 0.18–0.50) and reduction in HbA1c (−0.47%, 95% CI −0.69 to −0.25). FCN interventions also reduced hospital readmissions (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.62–0.89) and improved mental health outcomes. Most studies were judged at low to moderate risk of bias. Conclusions: FCN-led interventions significantly enhance QoL, mental health, and clinical outcomes while reducing hospital readmissions. These findings highlight the strategic importance of integrating FCNs into community-based healthcare models. Full article

Background/Objectives: Loneliness and social isolation are common among older adults and linked to adverse health outcomes. Videoconferencing can support social connections, but the role of aging-in-place organizations (AIPOs), such as senior centers and Area Agencies on Aging, in facilitating adoption is poorly understood. This review examined how AIPOs use relational videoconferencing to promote social engagement among older adults. Methods: We applied a hybrid methodology combining a scoping review with latent topic modeling to contextualize and analyze the evidence base. Exploratory searches revealed limited literature specifically addressing AIPO involvement; therefore, we first conducted latent topic modeling of the broader literature on social videoconferencing among older adults to establish a thematic foundation for the subsequent PRISMA-guided scoping review. Thematic analysis of this broader corpus, identified through 2021 database searches, applied Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to a collection of peer-reviewed articles. Subsequent refinement of this corpus by removing non-primary research and non-AIPO records produced the narrower PRISMA subset used for the scoping review. The scoping review followed JBI guidelines and was based on database searches (EBSCOhost: MEDLINE, AgeLine, SocINDEX, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and Family & Society Studies Worldwide; ProQuest Social Science Premium Collection; and PubMed, including MEDLINE, PMC, and in-process content) for peer-reviewed studies published between 2011 and 2025. Inclusion criteria required primary research involving adults aged 65 years or older, use of videoconferencing technology for social engagement, and reference to AIPOs or analogous community-based aging services. The protocol was post-registered with the Open Science Framework. Results: The LDA analysis of 101 peer-reviewed articles identified six latent themes describing the broader research landscape: problem of isolation, character of socialization, physical health, technology as intervention, technology as social medium, and supportive environments. This thematic framework informed the scoping review, which screened 1908 records and retained 25 publications (representing 24 unique studies) explicitly referencing AIPO involvement in relational videoconferencing. Only one study predated COVID-19. Mapping these studies to the LDA-derived themes revealed the least consistent coverage to be in supportive environments and physical health, particularly among AIPOs other than senior or community centers. Conclusions: Relational videoconferencing has potential to sustain and expand older adults’ social connections, but evidence mapped through the scoping review shows that documentation of how AIPOs support adoption is sparse. The hybrid approach advances understanding of videoconferencing in aging contexts and identifies priorities for documenting, comparing, and refining AIPO practices to inform future interventions and policy. Full article

Background/Objective: This review explored the literature on Missed Nursing Care (MNC) in inpatient oncology settings to gain insights on how to enhance the quality of nursing care for hospitalized patients with cancer and survivors. The aim was to identify the common MNC and the factors associated with MNC in inpatient oncology units. Methods: A scoping review approach was used, in which a five-stage methodological framework informed the process. Five databases were searched for relevant studies (EMBASE, Medline, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) published from January 2013 to June 2025. Other search methods were conducted using Google Scholar, Trove, and ProQuest Dissertations for records focusing on the topic. The review included qualitative and quantitative articles. Thomas and Harden’s three-step method for thematic synthesis was followed to summarize data into themes. Results: Fifteen studies were selected and included in the scoping review. Three themes were generated: the commonly MNC; reasons for MNC; and factors associated with MNC. The common categories of MNC were related to basic patient care, documentation, and communication with patients or family members. The common factors associated with MNC were job satisfaction, patient load, and staffing adequacy. Conclusions: MNC is common in inpatient oncology settings and presents a key challenge to the safety of cancer patients and their health outcomes. Efforts to curtail MNC, such as integration of evidence-based policies, clinical guidelines, and standards in oncology nursing care, are needed. Interventional studies are needed to provide insight into effective remedies to the factors that fuel MNC, such as staffing, work overload, communication, work environment, and nurses’ skills. Studies from pediatric oncology settings, Africa, and other resource-limited settings where the future global burden of cancer will be highest are also needed. Full article

Japan’s rapidly aging population necessitates new approaches that enable citizens to actively participate in caring for themselves and others. However, a comprehensive framework defining the specific competencies needed for this critical community role has not yet been established. This study, therefore, aimed to define the novel concept of “care competency” and establish a consensus on its comprehensive component list for community citizens. We defined care competencies and developed a list using a modified Delphi technique (RAND/University of California, Los Angeles) involving 10 nursing researchers. Items were adapted from Japan’s Model Core Curriculum for Nursing Education, and a total of 528 items were evaluated and refined. In this study, care competency was defined as the complex ability to acquire and utilize knowledge and skills, based on evidence and intentional choices, to maintain the well-being of oneself, loved ones, and people in the community. The Delphi process identified 151 care competency items. This study thereby presents a novel framework that provides a foundation for developing globally applicable educational programs to foster mutual support and effective caregiving. Full article

Background/Objectives: Homeless populations have higher rates of chronic illness and mortality than more advantaged peers but have low primary care engagement. Nurse-managed clinics emerged as a possible solution to increase healthcare access for marginalized populations. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of feasibility (conceptualized as patient recruitment and retention) and acceptability (conceptualized as patient satisfaction) of a nurse-managed primary care clinic tailored to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Methods: This is a three-year retrospective chart review study of the clinic’s services, patient characteristics, and patient satisfaction. All adult patients for the three-year period were included (N = 514). Feasibility was measured by the number of unique patients seen and visits completed, ratio of completed to scheduled visits, and number of returning patients. Acceptability was measured by a 19-item Likert format (1–5) patient satisfaction survey. Patient characteristics were captured from intake forms. Results: Most patients were male, African American or White, and non-Hispanic. Regarding social determinants of health (SDOH), most patients did not have college education, were unemployed or unable to work, experienced homelessness, had no primary care provider, and no health insurance. Over three years, 1972 visits were scheduled and 1372 (69.6%) completed. A total of 514 patients were seen (37.5% of all visits), with 858 follow-up visits (62.5%). Returning patients (≥2 visits) totaled 59.1%. Yearly data shows steady growth in recruitment and retention. Patient satisfaction with facets of care (access, communication, interpersonal relations) was very high (Mrange = 4.63–4.69), including with Nurse Practitioner care, as was global satisfaction (M = 4.71; SD = 0.61; 76.3% very satisfied). Conclusions: Results indicate that a homeless-tailored nurse-managed clinic can recruit and retain homeless and working poor patients (feasibility), with high patient satisfaction with its services and staff (acceptability), independently of patient demographics or SDOH. Challenges related to retention deserve further study as well as the impact of services on the continuity of care, health, and well-being. Full article

Despite notable progress in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 remains a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where many children under five die before accessing formal healthcare services. This study explored the roles of the community in the implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) programme from the perspectives of caregivers and professional nurses. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis design, 18 participants were purposively selected from four primary healthcare facilities. Data was collected through audio-recorded interviews, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the IPA framework. The findings underscore the critical role of community health workers (CHWs) within the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) framework, particularly in health promotion, child assessments and follow-up home visits. Support from early childhood development educators and community leaders further enhances these efforts. Nurses highlighted mobile health teams as vital for delivering integrated services, though challenges such as limited transport and inadequate training hinder CHWs’ effectiveness. Community-based care offers a cost-effective, accessible model in low-resource settings by leveraging local structures. Strengthening the connection between communities and formal health systems is essential. To sustain IMCI, investment in CHW-led initiatives, including training and logistical support, is recommended to improve service delivery and child health outcomes. Full article

Background: Chronic non-communicable diseases—chiefly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)—remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the proliferation of telehealth programs, few longitudinal studies have rigorously evaluated theory-based, nurse-led digital education across multiple chronic conditions within a unified self-care framework. PROSELF (Promotion of Self-Care through Educational Interventions in Chronic Patients) addresses this gap. Methods: Promotion of Self-Care (PROSELF) is a prospective, longitudinal, multicenter, non-interventional study in community and primary-care settings in Southern Italy. A 12-month nurse-led digital educational intervention—grounded in the Middle-Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness—targets the three core self-care dimensions (maintenance, monitoring, and management) through individualized tele-education, asynchronous reinforcement, and structured follow-up at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Validated self-care, quality-of-life, and social-support measures will be used. Data will be analyzed using repeated-measures and multivariate models to evaluate longitudinal changes in self-care, adherence, and related outcomes. Participation requires digitally informed consent. Results: The PROSELF study is expected to demonstrate the effectiveness of a 12-month, nurse-led digital educational program in improving adherence and self-care behaviors among patients with chronic diseases (COPD, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease). The intervention will leverage validated self-care assessment tools and tele-educational follow-up sessions. Conclusions: Findings from this study will inform the design of scalable, evidence-based, behaviorally informed models for digital chronic care delivery and nursing education. Full article

Background: Antidepressant medications are the cornerstone of depression treatment worldwide, playing a central role in reducing the burden of depressive disorders. Their appropriate use is particularly important in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the prevalence of mental health conditions is high and health systems face increasing demand. Despite the clinical importance of antidepressants, limited evidence exists on how psychiatrists in LMICs prescribe these medications. Jordan, a middle-income country with a growing mental health burden, provides a valuable case study for understanding prescribing patterns and identifying areas for improvement. Objectives: This study examined (1) the knowledge, attitudes, and prescribing practices of Jordanian psychiatrists regarding antidepressant medications, and (2) the perceived challenges hindering optimal prescribing. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitatively, a cross-sectional survey was administered to licensed psychiatrists in Jordan (n = 108; response rate 79.4%). The instrument was adapted from previously published tools on psychotropic prescribing practices and refined using international guidelines and recent reviews on antidepressant use. Qualitatively, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of four psychiatrists to explore systemic, clinical, and contextual barriers to antidepressant prescribing. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses, while interview transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Although psychiatrists demonstrated a reasonable understanding of antidepressant pharmacology, important gaps were evident. Only one-third (34.3%) recognized Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines, while nearly four in ten (37.4%) felt international guidelines did not fully apply to Jordan’s population. Laboratory monitoring for metabolic side effects was inconsistently applied, with just 17.6% always requesting such tests and 11.1% never doing so. Consultation with internal medicine for patients on multiple medications was not routine, reported as “sometimes” by 69.4% of psychiatrists. Attitudes toward prescribing reflected caution, particularly in managing pregnant or lactating women, where only half (51.0%) supported discontinuation and three-quarters (75.9%) preferred dose or drug adjustment. Early-career psychiatrists showed lower engagement, as knowledge and attitude scores were significantly higher among those with 11–20 years of experience compared to those with ≤10 years (p < 0.001). Overall, the findings highlight uneven application of evidence-based practices, reliance on personal clinical judgment, and limited engagement with national standards. Conclusions: Although safety and patient outcomes are valued, systemic, clinician, and patient-related barriers constrain optimal practice. Strengthening national guideline dissemination, ensuring medication access, and supporting continuing professional development could improve prescribing practices in Jordan and similar LMIC contexts. Full article

Background: Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a zoonotic disease that poses significant health risks to immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and infants. Transmission occurs primarily through infected cat feces or contaminated food. Awareness of transmission routes, prevention strategies, and health consequences remains limited in high-prevalence humid regions such as Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, between April and May 2025, surveying 485 adults using a five-section questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, practices, medical history, and recommendations. The survey was distributed in both English and Arabic. Self-reported previous diagnoses were used to estimate prevalence, with risk factors presented as frequencies and percentages. Binary logistic regression analyzed categorical variables, and independent t-tests assessed continuous variables to identify predictors of awareness and knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis. Results: Participants comprised 58.6% females, 97.3% Saudis, and 69.1% individuals aged ≤30 years; 49.7% had heard of toxoplasmosis. Females (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.13–2.5, p < 0.01) and those >30 years old (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 0.80–4.29, p > 0.05) demonstrated greater awareness and knowledge, though this was not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed based on marital status (p > 0.05). Risk behaviors included consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables (27.6%) and unpasteurized dairy products (28.2%), with 62.7% always washing hands after handling raw meat or soil. Cat ownership (20.6%) was not associated with knowledge (p = 0.97). Self-reported diagnosis prevalence was 1.9%. Conclusions: Low awareness and prevalent risky behaviors underscore the urgent need for targeted public health education interventions focusing on hygiene practices and zoonotic disease prevention in Jazan. Serological studies are recommended to obtain more accurate prevalence estimates and guide evidence-based interventions. Full article