Search Results (15)

In North America, where fur trapping remains an active practice, killing neck snares continue to be used for capturing canids, particularly red fox (Vulpes vulpes), coyote (Canis latrans), and gray wolf (Canis lupus). However, over the last 50 years, scientific studies have consistently demonstrated that killing neck snares are inhumane—meaning that snared animals do not lose consciousness within five minutes and may remain alive for hours—and non-selective, often capturing a wide range of non-target wild and domestic animals. This non-selectivity can contribute to the local extirpation of certain species. The continued use of killing neck snares reflects a disregard for the welfare of wild mammals and poses risks to the sustainability of their populations. This persistence appears to be driven by misinformation, widespread myths, and inadequately implemented international trapping standards. These issues lead to critical questions about what must be performed to prohibit the use of these devices. Full article

Cervical cancer remains a significant health challenge globally, with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) representing a particularly complex subset due to its diverse definitions and varied treatment approaches. The absence of randomized controlled trials comparing the upfront radical surgery followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or chemotherapy alone for clearly defined risk factors for LACC hinders the development of standardized treatment protocols, leading to disparities in patient outcomes across different healthcare settings. This paper seeks to underline the necessity of a consensus on the definition of LACC and aims to comprehensively and critically review the existing literature trying to harmonize treatment strategies and improve prognostic outcomes. Our analysis suggests a multimodal approach for treating FIGO IB3, IIA2, and selected IIB cases at facilities capable of delivering highly curative nerve-sparing surgical interventions, with the goal of bridging the gap in current treatment methodologies. Preliminary findings suggest that adopting a standardized definition could facilitate more consistent treatment outcomes and enhance comparative research. Full article

Cervical cancer (CC) is the only cancer that has the possibility of primary and secondary prevention. Despite this, it is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women, especially in developing countries. The World Health Organization has set the ambitious goal of eliminating CC by 2030 by suggesting specific types of intervention. Unfortunately, to date, we are very far from this goal at a global level, including developed countries. Implementing vaccination coverage among the target population is one of the strategies to be pursued in this area. Achieving this goal should include combating misinformation about the HPV vaccine, which is one of the main reasons for vaccination hesitancy. Such conspiracy theories are prevalent on social media, one of the primary sources of information for adults and adolescents today. In this regard, the Internet plays a significant role in disseminating information about the HPV vaccine, both positively and negatively. The Internet provides easy access to information about the HPV vaccine, including its safety, efficacy, recommended dosing schedule, and potential side effects. It may promote vaccine advocacy and debunking vaccine myths. On the other hand, the Internet may be the place for disseminating misinformation and influencing vaccine decision making. It is a double-edged sword in shaping public discourse and perceptions about the HPV vaccine. This overview aims to assess the literature on this topic in depth to promote evidence-based information, analyze the social channels through which misinformation spreads, and leverage digital health interventions essential for promoting HPV vaccination and reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases. Full article

Background and Objectives: Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for the health, growth, and athletic performance of student-athletes. Adequate energy availability and sufficient intake of macro- and micronutrients support adolescent development, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and reduce the risk of disordered eating. These challenges are particularly relevant to student-athletes, who are vulnerable to nutrition misinformation and often exhibit limited nutrition knowledge. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the ‘Eat 2 Win’ nutrition education pilot program for high school student-athletes and assess changes in nutrition knowledge using the Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire—Adolescents (NSKQ-a). Methods: Fifty-five high school student-athletes (14.1 ± 2.2 years; 53% male, 47% female) from the Bremer State High School Sports Academy participated in the ‘Eat 2 Win’ program. The curriculum was tailored to align with the nutritional needs of Australian high school student-athletes and included three interactive workshops on sports nutrition concepts, practical cooking classes, and online learning modules. Sessions were delivered onsite at the school over three consecutive weeks, once per week. Twenty-four participants (43.6%) completed all program components. Results: The program was feasible and well-accepted by participants. Nutrition knowledge, assessed in 16 participants using the NSKQ-a, revealing an overall knowledge increase of 9.7%, with sub-category improvements ranging from 3.1% to 34.4%. Conclusions: The ‘Eat 2 Win’ pilot program improved student-athletes’ nutrition knowledge, particularly in macronutrients and hydration. Participant feedback highlighted enjoyment and positive impacts. Targeted nutrition education programs like ‘Eat 2 Win’ can empower student-athletes to make informed dietary choices by addressing knowledge gaps, debunking nutrition myths, and fostering positive dietary behaviours. Future programs should emphasize energy intake, practical skills, and accessible, actionable information. Full article

The growing consumer interest in functional foods and healthy eating can unfortunately lead to the spread of misinformation and the belief in food-related myths. This study analyzed Brazilian consumers’ perceptions and beliefs about facts and myths regarding functional foods, focusing on attitudes, reference groups, and sociocultural factors affecting their perception. A theoretical model was developed, incorporating constructs such as attitudes (reward, trust, necessity, safety), beliefs, and reference groups. Data from 600 participants in the Southeast (n = 300) and Northeast (n = 300) of Brazil were collected through online questionnaires, with responses measured on a five-point Likert scale. Myths (widely held ideas lacking scientific basis) and ‘facts’ (evidence-based information) regarding functional food were selected via literature review and validated by nutrition experts. Structural equation modeling revealed that perceived necessity and reward were positively associated with myths, while safety perception was negatively associated with myths. Reference groups and beliefs were positively associated with facts. Cluster analysis identified two consumer profiles: (1) safety-conscious individuals, who prioritize food safety, and (2) engaged critics, influenced by reference groups and actively seeking information. These findings highlight the importance of culturally tailored communication strategies for countering myths and promoting functional foods in Brazil. Regulatory bodies in Brazil must enhance oversight of health claims to build consumer trust and encourage informed choices, fostering mindful consumption habits. Full article

HIV stigma has a negative influence on antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and persistence and viral suppression. Immediate access to ART (RAPID ART) has been shown to accelerate viral suppression (VS) that is sustained up to one year after HIV diagnosis. Little is known about the role of RAPID ART in reducing individual-level stigma. We explored how stigma manifests in RAPID ART encounters and whether RAPID ART interventions influence individual-level HIV stigma during and in the time immediately after the diagnosis experience. We conducted in-depth interviews with 58 RAPID ART patients from three health clinics in San Francisco, CA, and Chicago, IL. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. In the results, we discuss three main themes. First, Pre-Diagnosis HIV Beliefs, which included three sub-themes: HIV is “gross” and only happens to other people; HIV (Mis)education; and People are “living long and strong” with HIV. Second, Positive and Reassuring Messages During the RAPID Experience, which included two sub-themes: Correcting Misinformation and Early Interactions with People Living with HIV. Third, The RAPID ART Process Can Disrupt Stigma. RAPID ART encounters served as a potent mechanism to disrupt internalized stigma by providing accurate information and dispelling unhelpful myths through verbal and nonverbal messages. Reducing internalized stigma and misinformation about HIV at this early stage has the potential to reduce the effect of HIV stigma on ART initiation and adherence over time. Full article

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective in cervical cancer prevention. However, many barriers to uptake exist and strategies to overcome them are needed. Therefore, this study aimed to select and tailor implementation strategies to barriers identified by multiple stakeholders in Zambia. The study was conducted in Lusaka district between January and February 2023. Participants were purposively sampled from three stakeholder groups namely, adolescent girls, parents, and teachers and healthcare workers. With each of the stakeholders’ groups (10–13 participants per group), we used the nominal group technique to gain consensus to tailor feasible and acceptable implementation strategies for mitigating the identified contextual barriers. The identified barriers included low levels of knowledge and awareness about the HPV vaccine, being out of school, poor community sensitisation, lack of parental consent to vaccinate daughters, and myths and misinformation about the HPV vaccine. The lack of knowledge and awareness of the HPV vaccine was a common barrier across the three groups. Tailored strategies included conducting educational meetings and consensus-building meetings, using mass media, changing service sites, re-examining implementation, and involving patients/consumers and their relatives. Our study contributes to the available evidence on the process of selecting and tailoring implementation strategies to overcome contextual barriers. Policymakers should consider these tailored strategies to mitigate barriers and improve HPV vaccine uptake. Full article

Cervical cancer can be prevented, primarily by the administration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Healthcare workers (HCWs) and teachers play important roles when schools are used for vaccine delivery; however, challenges exist. This study aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination that are perceived by HCWs and teachers. Guided by the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR), key informant interviews were conducted in Lusaka district between June 2021 and November 2021 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and imported into NVIVO 12 for data management and analysis. We coded transcripts inductively and deductively based on the adapted CFIR codebook. We reached saturation with 23 participants. We identified barriers and facilitators across the five CFIR domains. Facilitators included offering the HPV vaccine free of charge, HPV vaccine effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, and timely planning of the HPV vaccination. Barriers included vaccine mistrust due to its perceived novelty, low levels of parental knowledge, myths and misinformation about the vaccine, lack of parental consent to vaccinate daughters, lack of transport for vaccination outreach, lack of staff incentives, and inadequate sensitisation. Using the CFIR as a guiding framework, we have identified implementation barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination among HCWs and teachers. Most of the identified barriers are modifiable, hence it is prudent that these are addressed for a high HPV vaccine uptake. Full article

Even though the COVID-19 vaccine has been available and free of charge to the targeted population in Ethiopia, the vaccination rate was lower than needed to achieve herd immunity at community level. This study aimed to explore community perceptions of COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy in selected cities of Ethiopia involving 70 in-depth interviews and 28 focused group discussions. The audio-taped data were transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach using the ATLAS.ti software version 8. The findings revealed that COVID-19 was perceived as evil and caused fear and frustration upon its emergence. The community initially used traditional remedies for its prevention but later transitioned to employing non-pharmaceutical interventions. The primary reasons for vaccine hesitancy were misinformation and misconceptions, such as connecting the vaccine with the mark of the beast, a lack of trust due to the multiple vaccine types, a shorter production timeline resulting in distrust of its effectiveness, and a fear of pain and side effects. Based on our findings, we recommend monitoring the use of social media and countering misinformation with the correct information and continuous public health campaigns. Further studies should be conducted to assess the types and magnitude of impacts from the myths and misconceptions on vaccination uptake. Full article

Background: Child maltreatment (CM) makes up a significant portion of events under the larger umbrella term of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Therefore, we need to develop a competent healthcare workforce that is prepared to assess and report CM in order to create a comprehensive framework for assessing and addressing ACEs. The objective of the present study was to examine the obstacles to reporting CM among a sample of future physicians. Methods: Two samples of medical students and residents (N = 196) completed the Healthcare Provider Attitudes Toward Child Maltreatment Reporting Scale and rated how likely they would be to report suspected CM. Results: Medical students were found to have more negative feelings about and perceive more obstacles to reporting CM compared to residents in our sample. Scores on the Reporting Responsibilities subscale were not significantly associated with increased likelihood of reporting CM. However, lower scores on the Concerns about Reporting subscale were related to an increased likelihood of reporting CM. Conclusions: Future physicians who perceived fewer obstacles to reporting CM reported being more likely to report suspected CM. Misinformed fears about outcomes such as retaliation, removal of the child from the home, and being sued may interfere with future physicians’ adherence to mandated reporting responsibilities. Efforts should be made early in physician education to identify and address common myths and misconceptions around mandated reporting and its outcomes. Full article

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOG) recommends the FDA-approved Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for all eligible pregnant women in the US. However, COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake among pregnant minority women have been poor. While the underlying reasons are unclear, they are likely to be associated with myths and misinformation about the vaccines. Direct and indirect factors that deter minority mothers in the US from receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines require further investigation. Here, we examine the historical perspectives on vaccinations during pregnancy. We will examine the following aspects: (1) the influenza and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccinations during pregnancy; (2) the exclusion of pregnant and lactating women from COVID-19 vaccine trials; (3) COVID-19 vaccine safety during pregnancy, obstetric complications associated with symptomatic COVID-19 during pregnancy, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant minority women, and racial disparities experienced by pregnant minority women due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as their potential impact on pregnancy care; and (4) strategies to improve COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake among pregnant minority women in the US. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among minority mothers can be mitigated by community engagement efforts that focus on COVID-19 vaccine education, awareness campaigns by trusted entities, and COVID-19-appropriate perinatal counseling aimed to improve COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake. Full article

Pregnant women are at greater risk of adverse outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are several factors which can influence the ways in which pregnant women perceive COVID-19 disease and behaviorally respond to the pandemic. This study seeks to understand how three key audiences—pregnant and lactating women (PLW), male community members, and health workers—in Kenya conceptualize COVID-19 to better understand determinants of COVID-19 related behaviors. This study used qualitative methods to conduct 84 in-depth interviews in three counties in Kenya. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Emerging themes were organized based on common behavioral constructs thought to influence COVID-19 related behaviors and included myths, risk perception, economic implications, stigma, and self-efficacy. Results suggest that risk perception and behavioral attitudes substantially influence the experiences of PLW, male community members, and health workers in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health prevention and communication responses targeting these groups should address potential barriers to preventive health behaviors, such as the spread of misinformation, financial constraints, and fear of social ostracization. Full article

COVID-19 has posed massive challenges related to health, economy, and the social fabric of the entire human population. To curb the spread of the virus, the Government of Pakistan initiated a vaccination campaign against COVID-19. The objective of this research was to assess the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance or hesitancy. The data were collected telephonically using a cross-sectional survey design through a close-ended structured questionnaire from a sample of 1325 vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals with a response rate of 38%. SPSS v. 26 was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that 73% of the respondents were male, half in the 40–49 age group, 78% living in urban areas, and 45% had a monthly income between 20,001–50,000 Pakistani rupees. People felt reluctant to get vaccinated because of myths and misinformation related to it. The socio-demographic factors including male, age 60–69, middle or higher level of education, marital status, currently employed, from middle socio-economic status, living in urban areas, high access to mass media, history of influenza vaccination, physical activity, and perceived good health status were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccination uptake. Concerted efforts are needed to achieve vaccine targets for the broader population through understanding and identifying barriers to vaccination. Full article

Food myths are nutritional concepts poorly justified or even contradict existing scientific evidence that individuals take as the truth. Knowledge in nutrition is an important tool in tackling misinformation and in the promotion of adequate food choices. This study aimed to investigate the beliefs and perceptions of a sample of the Portuguese population regarding a series of food myths and facts, evaluating, consequently, the level of knowledge and the main sources of information. The research was conducted on a sample of 503 participants, using a questionnaire disclosed online, by email, and social networks, between May and June of 2021. Thirty statements, some true and others false, were analyzed to assess people’s perceptions. Based on the respondents’ answers, a score was calculated for each statement, allowing to differentiate the correct (positive score) from incorrect (negative score) perceptions. The results showed that most statements obtained positive scores, corresponding to correct perceptions. Moreover, the level of knowledge was measured, being very high for 21.7% of the participants and high for 42.1%. The main sources where the participants acquire nutritional information are scientific journals (43.3%), website of the Portuguese General Health Office (DGS) (31.4%), and technical books (31.0%), which is concordant with the level of trust in these sources. Hence, it was concluded that, despite the levels of nutritional knowledge, there are still several food myths that need to be debunked, through the proper channels, in order to promote healthy, balanced, and adequate eating behaviors. Full article

Background: Nursing is a discipline on which stereotypes have persisted throughout its history, considering itself a feminine profession and subordinated to the medical figure, without its own field of competence. All this leads to an image of the Nursing Profession that moves away from reality, constituting a real, relevant and high-impact problem that prevents professional expansion, and that has a direct impact on social trust, the allocation of resources and quality of care, as well as wages and professional satisfaction. The aim of this review was to identify and publicize the published material on the social image of Nursing, providing updated information about the different approaches to the subject. Methods: An integrative review of the literature has been made from primary sources of information published from 2010 to 2020. For this, the databases CINAHL, Scopus, SciELO, Dialnet and Cuiden have been consulted. Results: In total, 17 articles have been included in the review, with qualitative, quantitative, and even bibliographic reviews performed in countries such as Spain, Egypt, Argentina, Iran, Venezuela, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Australia. The results of those papers mostly showed that society has misinformation about the functions performed by nursing professionals, which is based on myths and stereotypes. Conclusions: Nursing is a profoundly unknown and invisible profession, as society continues without recognizing its competence, autonomy and independence. Full article