Background The advent of clear aligners represents a significant shift in orthodontic treatment, offering an aesthetic and convenient alternative to traditional braces and helping maintain better oral hygiene as it is removable. This study investigates the awareness and perception of clear aligners among dental, medical, and paramedical students in Belagavi, India. Methodology A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in February 2024 among students from a private medical university in Belagavi. A validated questionnaire (content validity ratio = 0.88; Cronbach\'s alpha coefficient = 0.86), developed through expert consultation and pilot testing, assessed the awareness and perception of students on clear aligners. Simple random sampling was used to select 480 participants. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and binary logistic regression. Results The study found that awareness and perception of clear aligners were the lowest among medical and paramedical students in comparison with dental students. A positive linear correlation was seen between awareness and perception scores. When specialty was taken into consideration, medical/dental students were 2.55 times more aware and had 2.78 times more positive perceptions toward clear aligners compared to paramedical students. Conclusions There was a notable disparity in the awareness and perception of clear aligners among dental, medical, and paramedical students. Medical and paramedical students displayed lower awareness and unfavorable perception toward clear aligners in comparison with dental students.

UNASSIGNED: Culture and stigma-relevant issues discourage transgender individuals in China from gender identity disclosure, which may limit their access to comprehensive health care services. This study evaluates how gender identity disclosure to healthcare professionals would facilitate healthcare services in China.
UNASSIGNED: A cross-sectional study was conducted in nine cities across mainland China from December 2019 to June 2020 among transgender individuals. Participants completed questions covering socio-demographic information, Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus and Sexually Transmitted Infections (HIV/STI) testing habits, sexual risk behaviors, and access to medical and mental health services for the past 3 months.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 277 eligible transgender individuals with a mean age of 29 ± 8 years old completed the survey. Overall, 56.0% (155/277) had disclosed their gender identity to health professionals. 83.9% had ever tested for HIV (with HIV prevalence of 12.9%), 54.2% had tested for STIs, 62.6% had used hormone therapy, and 12.3% had undergone gender-affirming surgery. Multivariable logistic regression showed that participants who had ever disclosed their gender identity to healthcare professionals were more likely to have tested for STIs (aOR = 1.94, 95%CI: 1.12-3.39) and HIV (aOR = 1.72, 95% CI 0.82-3.39), received hormone intervention therapy (aOR = 2.81, 95%CI: 1.56-5.05), and used pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (aOR= 3.51, 95%CI: 1.12-10.97) compared to non-disclosers.
UNASSIGNED: Our study demonstrated strong correlations between gender identity disclosure and healthcare services usage among Chinese transgender individuals. Facilitating the gender identity disclosure of transgender individuals to healthcare professionals with caution would be useful for improving their access to care.

UNASSIGNED: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on healthcare delivery worldwide. Digital tools emerged as a preferred solution for maintaining healthcare services during this crisis. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of digital health literacy among healthcare professionals in Ethiopia in 2020-2023.
UNASSIGNED: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles published from 2020 to 2023 were reviewed using various electronic databases such as Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Library, CINAHL, HINARI, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Global Health. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 17, and publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed.
UNASSIGNED: Six studies involving a total of 2739 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled level of high digital health literacy among health professionals in Ethiopia during the pandemic was found to be 56.0% (95% CI: 55, 58). Several factors were identified as significant contributors to high digital health literacy, including internet use (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.86, 3.98), perceived ease of use (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.83, 4.25), favorable attitude (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.61, 3.85), perceived usefulness (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.65, 3.18), information-communication-technology training (AOR = 6.09, 95% CI: 1.83, 24.27), and educational level (AOR = 3.60, 95% CI: 2.96, 4.37).
UNASSIGNED: The study findings revealed a moderate level of high digital health literacy among Ethiopian health professionals. Factors such as internet use, favorable attitude, and information-communication-technology training were associated with high-level digital health literacy. To enhance digital health literacy, it is crucial to provide timely training and improve internet access for healthcare professionals. Additionally, promoting the perception of digital tools as useful and supporting evidence-based decision-making can further improve digital health literacy. Comprehensive information-communication-technology training programs should be implemented to equip healthcare professionals with necessary skills to effectively combat outbreaks like the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the Brazilian Amazon, snakebite envenomations (SBEs) disproportionately affect Indigenous populations, and have a significantly higher incidence and lethality than in non-Indigenous populations. This qualitative study describes the Indigenous and biomedical healthcare domains for SBE care from the perspective of the Indigenous medical and nursing students in Manaus, Western Brazilian Amazon. In-depth interviews were conducted with five Indigenous students from the Amazonas State University, between January and December 2021. The interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis. We organized an explanatory model with five themes: (1) participants\' identities; (2) causality levels in Indigenous and biomedical systems; (3) therapeutic itineraries in Indigenous and biomedical systems; (4) ideological implications of adding biomedical devices to Indigenous healing systems; and (5) therapeutic failure in and efficacy of Indigenous and biomedical systems. From a noncolonial perspective and seeking to increase the quality and acceptability of health care for the Indigenous populations of the Brazilian Amazon, the training of Indigenous health professionals presents itself as a promising strategy. For this goal, universities should serve as empowering settings for Indigenous health students that support them in their growth and development, raise their awareness of injustice, and catalyze change toward a culturally adapted and effective service for the users.

BACKGROUND: Well-trained public health professionals are key to addressing both global and local public health challenges of the twenty-first century. Though availability of programs has increased, the population health science (PHS) and public health (PH) higher education landscape in Germany remains scattered. To date, no comprehensive overview of programs exists.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to map PHS and PH master\'s and structured doctoral programs in Germany, including selected program characteristics, curricula and target competencies.
METHODS: We conducted a systematic mapping of PHS and PH programs in Germany following a prospectively registered protocol ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/KTCBA ). Relevant master\'s and doctoral programs were identified by two study authors independently searching a comprehensive higher education database, which was, for doctoral programs, supplemented with a google search. For PHS programs, general characteristics were mapped and for the subset of PH programs, in-depth characteristics were extracted.
RESULTS: Overall, 75 master\'s and 18 structured doctoral PHS programs were included. Of these, 23 master\'s and 8 doctoral programs focused specifically on PH. The majority of PHS master\'s programs awarded a Master of Science degree (55 out of 75 programs). The PH master\'s program curricula offered various courses, allowing for different specializations. Courses on topics like public health, epidemiology, health systems (research) and research methods were common for the majority of the master\'s programs, while courses on physical activity, behavioral science, nutrition, and mental health were offered less frequently. Structured PH doctoral programs were mainly offered by medical faculties (6 out of 8 programs) and awarded a doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) (6 out of 8 programs). PH doctoral programs were very heterogeneous regarding curricula, entry, and publication requirements. There was a broad geographical distribution of programs across Germany, with educational clusters in Munich, Berlin, Bielefeld and Düsseldorf.
CONCLUSIONS: Germany offers a diverse landscape of PHS and PH master\'s programs, but only few structured doctoral programs. The variety of mandatory courses and competencies in these programs reflect Germany\'s higher education system\'s answer to the evolving demands of the PH sector. This review may aid in advancing PH education both in Germany and globally.

The objective of academic training is to prepare midwives as independent healthcare professionals to make a substantial contribution to the healthcare of women in their reproductive years as well as to the health of their children and families. This article therefore describes the professional and educational requirements derived from the legal midwifery competencies within the new midwifery act. Furthermore, it identifies the conditions that need to be established to enable midwives in Germany to practise to their full scope in compliance with statutory responsibilities. Educational science, academic efforts, policymaking and accompanying research should work in synergy. This in turn enables midwives to achieve the maximum scope of their skills, with the objective of promoting physiological pregnancies and births. Consequently, it can strengthen early parenthood in alignment with the national health objectives of \"health around childbirth\". The academisation of the midwifery profession presents a profound opportunity for professional development in Germany. It is essential that midwives receive training based on the principles of educational science and care structures that are yet to be developed. This can enable them to perform within the wide range of their professional tasks to the highest standards, thereby ensuring the optimal care of their clients. Moreover, there is a chance to implement sustainable improvements in healthcare provision for women and their families during the reproductive phase and the period of parenthood in Germany.
Die akademische Bildung soll Hebammen in die Lage versetzen, als selbstständige Gesundheitsfachpersonen einen umfassenden Beitrag in der Gesundheitsversorgung von Frauen in der reproduktiven Lebensphase, ihrer Kinder und ihrer Familien zu leisten. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird dargelegt, welche fach- und bildungswissenschaftlichen Anforderungen sich aus den Kompetenzzielen des neuen Berufsgesetzes ergeben, und aufgezeigt, welche Voraussetzungen geschaffen werden müssen, damit Hebammen in Deutschland gemäß dem gesetzlich definierten Aufgabenspektrum tätig sein können. Bildungswissenschaftliche Anstrengungen und versorgungspolitische Maßnahmen einschließlich Begleitforschung sollten Hand in Hand gehen, um Hebammen in die Lage zu versetzen, ihre Kompetenzen zur Förderung physiologischer Schwangerschaften und Geburten und zur Stärkung der frühen Elternschaft gemäß dem Nationalen Gesundheitsziel „Gesundheit rund um die Geburt“ bestmöglich einzubringen. Dabei stellen Maßnahmen zur Gestaltung effektiver interprofessioneller Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Gesundheitsberufen gemäß den jeweiligen Berufsaufgaben und -rollen im ambulanten und im stationären Sektor und an den Schnittstellen einen Kernaspekt dar. Die wissenschaftliche Nachwuchsförderung von Master, über Promotion bis Habilitation muss ausgebaut werden.Die Akademisierung des Hebammenberufs eröffnet große Chancen der Professionsentwicklung. Damit Hebammen gemäß ihres breiten beruflichen Aufgabenspektrums tätig sein können, werden bildungswissenschaftlich fundierte Lehrkonzepte sowie geeignete, neu zu entwickelnde Versorgungsstrukturen benötigt. Das birgt das Potenzial, die gesundheitliche Versorgung von Frauen und Familien in der reproduktiven Lebensphase des Elternwerdens in Deutschland nachhaltig zu verbessern.

The introduction of a new vaccine into immunization programs represents a significant advancement in the global effort to combat vaccine-preventable diseases. Data from the World Health Organization support that immunization prevents between 2 and 3 million deaths each year across various diseases, underscoring its pivotal role in global health. The present study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and anticipated vaccination practices among health professionals in Central Greece in response to the potential introduction of new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination guidelines by the National Vaccines Committee. Among the 450 health professionals solicited for the study, 219 provided responses, yielding a response rate of approximately 55%. A substantial majority (70.3%) accurately identified the vaccine\'s current availability, and 62.1% were aware of the current recommendation for RSV vaccination in pregnant women. In response to whether health professionals support the inclusion of an RSV vaccine in the national vaccination program if it becomes commercially available and is recommended by the Greek National Immunization Program, general practitioners showed the most support, with an average score of 4.86 (95% CI, 4.69-5.00), followed by pediatricians at 4.76 (95% CI, 4.63-4.89), pulmonologists at 4.68 (95% CI, 4.36-5.00), and obstetricians at 4.33 (95% CI, 3.95-4.71). Concerning general opinions on vaccinations, a high level of agreement was noted among the majority of health professionals, excluding nurses. Pharmacists recorded the highest agreement, with a perfect score of 5 (CI, 5.00-5.00), followed closely by pediatricians at 4.99 (CI, 4.97-5.00), GPs at 4.95 (CI, 4.85-5.00), pulmonologists at 4.93 (CI, 4.83-5.00), obstetricians at 4.74 (CI, 4.42-5.00), and nurses at 3.80 (CI, 3.06-4.54). A tailored approach to education is needed to ensure that healthcare professionals can communicate more effectively about RSV risks and vaccination benefits, fostering a proactive stance towards disease prevention and patient care. In essence, our study underscores the importance of knowledge in shaping a compassionate and responsive healthcare environment, ready to meet the challenges of RSV head-on.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes in daily life for humanity and has had a profound impact on mental health. As widely acknowledged, the pandemic has led to notable increases in rates of anxiety, depression, distress, and other mental health-related issues, affecting both infected patients and non-infected individuals. COVID-19 patients and survivors face heightened risks for various neurological and psychiatric disorders and complications. Vulnerable populations, including those with pre-existing mental health conditions and individuals living in poverty or frailty, may encounter additional challenges. Tragically, suicide rates have also risen, particularly among young people, due to factors such as unemployment, financial crises, domestic violence, substance abuse, and social isolation. Efforts are underway to address these mental health issues, with healthcare professionals urged to regularly screen both COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 patients and survivors for psychological distress, ensuring rapid and appropriate interventions. Ongoing periodic follow-up and multidimensional, interdisciplinary approaches are essential for individuals experiencing long-term psychiatric sequelae. Preventive strategies must be developed to mitigate mental health problems during both the acute and recovery phases of COVID-19 infection. Vaccination efforts continue to prioritize vulnerable populations, including those with mental health conditions, to prevent future complications. Given the profound implications of mental health problems, including shorter life expectancy, diminished quality of life, heightened distress among caregivers, and substantial economic burden, it is imperative that political and health authorities prioritize the mental well-being of all individuals affected by COVID-19, including infected individuals, non-infected individuals, survivors, and caregivers.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems is a critical challenge, particularly in low-income countries, where behavioral intention plays a crucial role. To address this issue, we conducted a study to extend and apply the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 3 (UTAUT3) model in predicting health professionals\' behavioral intention to use EHR systems.
METHODS: A quantitative research approach was employed among 423 health professionals in Southwest Ethiopia. We assessed the validity of the proposed model through measurement and structural model statistics. Analysis was done using SPSS AMOS version 23. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis, and mediation and moderation effects were evaluated. The associations between exogenous and endogenous variables were examined using standardized regression coefficients (β), 95% confidence intervals, and p-values, with a significance level of p-value < 0.05.
RESULTS: The proposed model outperformed previous UTAUT models, explaining 84.5% (squared multiple correlations (R2) = 0.845) of the variance in behavioral intention to use EHR systems. Personal innovativeness (β = 0.215, p-value < 0.018), performance expectancy (β = 0.245, p-value < 0.001), and attitude (β = 0.611, p-value < 0.001) showed significant associations to use EHR systems. Mediation analysis revealed that performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and technology anxiety had significant indirect effects on behavioral intention. Furthermore, moderation analysis indicated that gender moderated the association between social influence, personal innovativeness, and behavioral intention.
CONCLUSIONS: The extended UTAUT3 model accurately predicts health professionals\' intention to use EHR systems and provides a valuable framework for understanding technology acceptance in healthcare. We recommend that digital health implementers and concerned bodies consider the comprehensive range of direct, indirect, and moderating effects. By addressing personal innovativeness, performance expectancy, attitude, hedonic motivation, technology anxiety, and the gender-specific impact of social influence, interventions can effectively enhance behavioral intention toward EHR systems. It is crucial to design gender-specific interventions that address the differences in social influence and personal innovativeness between males and females.

BACKGROUND: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of video consultation (VC) in primary care has expanded considerably in many countries. VC and other telehealth formats are often touted as a solution to improved health care access, with numerous studies showing high satisfaction with this care format among health professionals and patients. However, operationalization and measurement of patient satisfaction with VC varies across studies and often lacks consideration of dynamic contextual factors (eg, convenience, ease-of-use, or privacy) and doctor-patient relational variables that may influence patient satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE: We aim to develop a comprehensive and evidence-based questionnaire for assessing patient satisfaction with VC in general practice.
METHODS: The vCare Patient-Satisfaction Questionnaire (the vCare-PSQ) was developed according to the COSMIN (Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments) guidelines. To achieve our overall objective, we pursued three aims: (1) a validation analysis of an existing patient-satisfaction scale (the PS-14), (2) an assessment of extrinsic contextual factors that may impact patient satisfaction, and (3) an assessment of pertinent intrinsic and relational satisfaction correlates (eg, health anxiety, information technology literacy, trust in the general practitioner, or convenience). For validation purposes, the questionnaire was filled out by a convenience sample of 188 Danish adults who had attended at least 1 VC.
RESULTS: Our validation analysis of the PS-14 in a Danish population produced reliable results, indicating that the PS-14 is an appropriate measure of patient satisfaction with VC in Danish patient populations. Regressing situational and doctor-patient relational factors onto patient satisfaction further suggested that patient satisfaction is contingent on several factors not measured by the PS-14. These include information technology literacy and patient trust in the general practitioner, as well as several contextual pros and cons.
CONCLUSIONS: Supplementing the PS-14 with dynamic measures of situational and doctor-patient relational factors may provide a more comprehensive understanding of patient satisfaction with VC. The vCare-PSQ may thus contribute to an enhanced methodological approach to assessing patient satisfaction with VC. We hope that the vCare-PSQ format may be useful for future research and implementation efforts regarding VC in a general practice setting.