The recent increase in human mpox (monkeypox) cases emphasizes the importance of early detection, prompt response and preventive management to control the spread of the disease. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a crucial role in this process. This study aimed to determine the global knowledge and attitudes towards mpox among HCWs. This study searched multiple databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, Springer and ProQuest, to locate various publications. The search was limited to English-language articles published between May 2022 (when the increase in mpox incidence was reported) and August 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality checklist was utilized to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Data were obtained using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and subsequently scrutinized through STATA software, version 14. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the inverse variance and Cochran Q statistics based on the I² test statistics. The Dersimonian and Liard random effects models were used where heterogeneity existed. Subgroup analysis and univariate and multivariable metaregression techniques were used to examine the causes of heterogeneity. A total of 22 studies, including 22 studies for knowledge (27 731 HCWs) and 6 studies for attitudes (14 388 HCWs), were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimates for good knowledge and positive attitudes among HCWs were 26.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.8 to 34.2) and 34.6% (95% CI 19.0 to 50.2), respectively. Moreover, the knowledge was 34.8% (95% CI 24.1 to 45.6) among HCWs with 5 y of professional background. Good knowledge of HCWs is at a low level. It is suggested that training sessions should be tailored towards younger HCWs with less healthcare experience. Additionally, it is essential to identify strategies on how to improve the knowledge and attitudes for better practice about the disease in HCWs worldwide.

Background: Self-medication in students, as educated people, is one of the most important health issues. It is known that inappropriate self-medication is harmful for individuals as it has potential risks, disrupts the drug market and increases the per capita financial drug consumption. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the habits related to drug use and the prevalence of self-medication practices among university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 at Jahrom universities/Iran, using an electronic “self-medication practices and medication habits” questionnaire. A total of 848 students from four healthcare and non-healthcare universities participated in the study. Results: The prevalence of self-medication among students was 44.8%. The most common medicines used for self-medication included cold remedies and sedatives that were used by 33% of the students. About 47% of students stated that they have used antibiotics without a physician’s prescription. The internet and social networks were the source of information on self-medication in about 40% of students. There was no significant difference in self-medication between medical and non-medical students (OR = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.659–1.134). Self-medication in students with underlying disease was higher than students without underlying disease (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.39–5.60). Conclusions: Self-medication had a high prevalence among students. The best strategy to reduce or eliminate self-medication is to raise students’ awareness and knowledge about potential risk of self-medication practices.

The rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health challenge. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a pivotal role in combating AMR by implementing effective preventive strategies and adhering to good practices. This study aimed to evaluate the global knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of HCWs towards AMR. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted for English-language articles published up to August 2024. Inclusion criteria were observational studies reporting KAP data among HCWs related to AMR. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. Statistical analyses, including heterogeneity (I² statistic, Cochran Q), were conducted using STATA version 14. Random-effects models were applied for pooled estimates, and subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Publication bias was assessed via Egger’s test and adjusted using the trim-and-fill method. Geographical distribution was analyzed with ArcGIS 10.3 software, and evidence certainty was evaluated using the GRADE framework. A meta-analysis of 108 studies involving 29,433 HCWs assessed their knowledge of AMR. Additionally, 51 studies with 13,660 HCWs evaluated attitudes, and 43 studies with 10,569 HCWs examined practices regarding AMR. The pooled proportion of HCWs with good knowledge of AMR was 56.5% (95% CI: 50.4–62.6%, I² = 99.5%), with the highest prevalence in Europe (70.3%) and the lowest in the Western Pacific (45.9%). Positive attitudes towards AMR were reported in 60.4% (95% CI: 48.5–72.3%, I² = 99.8%), with the highest prevalence in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (64.5%) and among those with less than five years of experience (77.8%). Good practices were observed in 48.5% (95% CI: 36.5–60.5%, I² = 99.7%), with the highest adherence in Europe (56.6%) and the lowest in Africa (39.1%). Subgroup analysis revealed that younger HCWs (under 30 years) showed better KAP scores across all domains. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HCWs regarding AMR. Priority should be given to designing and implementing robust training programs tailored to the specific needs of HCWs in resource-constrained settings. Strengthening AMR-related education and practice among HCWs is crucial for combating the global AMR crisis effectively.

Background: One of the new educational systems is the mentorship method. This study aimed to investigate the effect of peer mentoring program on clinical academic progress and psychological characteristics of operating room students.Methods: This research was a randomized controlled trial that was conducted on undergraduate students in the operating room department of Khomein Faculty of Medical Sciences, Markazi Province in Iran. The number of operating room students were 70 that were divided into intervention and control groups by random allocation using Permuted Block Randomization. Inclusion criteria included all operating room students who were in internship, and exclusion criteria included failure to complete the questionnaires. The data collection tools were the demographic questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Situational Motivational Scale. In the control group, clinical training was done in the traditional way. In the intervention group, training was done by peer mentoring method. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square test, ANCOVA, univariable and multivariable linear regression.Results: The study revealed significant differences between the intervention and control groups. Post-intervention, the intervention group demonstrated substantial increases in self-confidence (mean difference = 5.97,p < 0.001) and significant reductions in stress levels (mean difference = -3.22,p < 0.001). Conversely, minimal changes were noted in the control group for both self-confidence (mean difference = 0.057,p = 0.934) and stress levels (mean difference = 0.142,p = 0.656). Although both groups experienced decreases in anxiety and depression levels, these changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the intervention significantly enhanced academic progress in the intervention group compared to the control group (mean difference = 20.31,p < 0.001).Conclusion: The results showed that the implementation of the peer mentoring program was effective in improving academic progress, self-confidence, and reducing the stress of operating room students. Therefore, this educational method can be used in addition to the usual methods to improve the education of operating room students.

Objective: Infertility has a significant impact on the sexual function of couples. The use of herbal medicine has been highly important throughout the history of medicine. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of date palm on sexual function of infertile couples. Results: The present study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted on infertile women and their husbands who referred to infertility clinics in Iran in 2019. The intervention group was given a palm date capsule and the control group was given a placebo. Data were collected through female sexual function index and International Index of Erectile Function. The total score of sexual function of females in the intervention group increased significantly from 21.06 ± 2.58 to 27.31 ± 2.59 (P < 0.0001). Also, other areas of sexual function in females (arousal, orgasm, lubrication, pain during intercourse, satisfaction) in the intervention group showed a significant increase compared to females in the control group, which was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). All areas of male sexual function (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction) significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.0001). The present study revealed that 1-month consumption of date palm has a positive impact on the sexual function of infertile couples. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials at 2020-10-07 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/51339; registration number: IRCT20200925048834N1)

Background: Pregnant women form a specially vulnerable group due to unique changes in pregnancy, leading to a higher risk of getting a severe infection. As severe COVID-19 increases the risk of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight in pregnancy, there is a need to enhance pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices to prevent these complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine their levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) regarding COVID-19 at the global level.Methods: The systematic literature search was conducted in the English language, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, Springer, and ProQuest, from the occurrence of the pandemic until September 2022. We used The Newcastle Ottawa scale for cross-sectional studies checklist to evaluate the risk of bias in the studies. Data were extracted by a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed by STATA software version 14. We also employed Cochran Q statistics to assess the heterogeneity of studies and utilized Inverse variance random-effects models to estimate the pooled level of pregnant women’s KAP towards COVID-19 infection prevention.Results: Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and inclusion criteria, 53 qualified studies were acquired from several countries. In total, 51 articles (17,319 participants) for knowledge, 15 articles (6,509 participants) for attitudes, and 24 articles (11,032 participants) for practice were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled good knowledge, positive attitude, and appropriate practice in pregnant women were estimated at 59%(95%CI: 52–66%), 57%(95%CI: 42–72%), and 53%(95%CI: 41–65%), respectively. According to subgroup analysis, the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice were 61%(95%CI: 49–72), 52%(95%CI: 30–74), and 50%(95%CI: 39–60), respectively, in Africa, and 58.8%(95%CI: 49.2–68.4), 60%(95%CI: 41–80) and 60% (95%CI: 41–78), respectively, in Asia.Conclusion: The Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 infection prevention in pregnant women were low. It is suggested that health education programs and empowerment of communities, especially pregnant women, about COVID-19 continue with better planning. For future studies, we propose to investigate the KAP of COVID-19 in pregnant women in countries of other continents and geographical regions.