The hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is one of the common viral infections that affect children, and there has been a noticeable increase in the number of cases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently, highlighting a knowledge gap regarding healthcare providers’ understanding and views of this disease. This study aims to evaluate and compare the knowledge and behaviors of medical students and doctors at the University of Jeddah regarding HFMD, through an analytical research methodology that included a survey among a group of students and doctors. The results of the research will be presented, showing the impact of educational and professional backgrounds on the level of knowledge and attitudes towards this disease, emphasizing the urgent need to improve awareness and healthcare in this area, in a context where the pattern of disease spread is changing due to various factors including climate change and urbanization. This study will contribute to bridging the literature gap related to the disease and enhancing the necessary preventive and awareness strategies to effectively deal with it.
Introduction to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection primarily affecting children, mostly caused by enteroviruses. This disease typically presents with ordinary symptoms including fever and painful sores in the mouth, along with a rash on the hands and feet, and treatment may require supportive care. The disease particularly targets children under five years old but can also occur among teenagers and adults. The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact or contaminated objects, making it highly contagious. The incubation period ranges from three to ten days, and the disease can be diagnosed based on clinical symptoms alone. Studies have found that atypical presentations such as isolated sores may lead to difficulties in diagnosis, resulting in the potential for misdiagnosis in healthcare settings.
Although HFMD is often a self-limiting disease requiring treatment to alleviate symptoms, serious complications such as viral meningitis and myocarditis can occur in some cases. It has been established that risk factors leading to negative outcomes include young age, high fever, and other signs of systemic involvement. Historically, HFMD was first identified in Toronto in 1957, and since then it has become a global health concern, recording numerous outbreaks in different geographical areas.
Importance of Research on Healthcare Practitioners’ Knowledge and Attitudes
Despite the global impact of HFMD, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding this disease in Saudi Arabia, particularly concerning the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers toward it. This knowledge gap raises concerns, especially with the recent increase in disease cases in the country. Current literature indicates a lack of dedicated studies exploring the level of awareness among medical professionals in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the urgent need for in-depth research aimed at understanding the knowledge and opinions of healthcare practitioners. This research reflects the pressing need to gather and analyze data related to symptoms, risk factors, transmission mechanisms, and diagnosis.
Improving the level of awareness among medical professionals can significantly contribute to enhancing preparedness and response strategies for potential outbreaks. Research on this topic enables health institutions to adapt to the unique social and epidemiological conditions faced by the Saudi community. The increase in HFMD cases in Saudi Arabia necessitates immediate measures to improve knowledge and raise awareness, which requires focused educational messages and programs directed at healthcare practitioners.
Research Methodology and Tools Used
This study was designed as a cross-sectional analytical study involving medical students and doctors at the University of Jeddah. The research was conducted between November 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024. The surveyed group included students and doctors from the University of Jeddah, with non-Saudis or those not affiliated with the university being excluded. The sample size was calculated using the Raosoft sample size calculator, based on the total enrollment data of the students present at the university, which helped ensure the accuracy of the results. The aim was to study the knowledge gap through carefully developed questionnaires to measure the level of knowledge and attitudes towards HFMD.
The study was designed to explore…
data collection was achieved through a questionnaire via Google Forms distributed through social media, effectively reaching the targeted section. Prior to commencing the study, participants were asked for preliminary consent to ensure the ethical use of data. The study utilized a convenience sampling method to collect data quickly and without offering monetary incentives, demonstrating a natural response method from participants. The questionnaire was designed to be comprehensive and user-friendly, requiring participants to answer all questions, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the collected data.
Study Results and Varied Evaluations
The study results showed that the number of analyzed participants was 317, including 260 students and 57 doctors. For students, the results indicated that the average knowledge score was 6.36 with a standard deviation of 5.68, with approximately 31.6% of them having sufficient knowledge about HFMD. This knowledge was more apparent among students who received training or education about the disease compared to those who did not, highlighting the role of education in bridging the knowledge gap.
Meanwhile, the results for doctors showed that 54.4% of them had a good level of knowledge, indicating a clear difference between unmarried doctors and others, with unmarried doctors showing a higher known level. Apart from knowledge points, attitudes were also measured, with results showing that the average attitude score for students was 20.1, while the average attitude score among doctors was 19.8. The results require further analysis to understand the potential factors behind these specific attitudes.
These results serve as a starting point for developing targeted educational programs aimed at enhancing knowledge levels and improving attitudes among health practitioners. Reforms aimed at enhancing knowledge and awareness among medical professionals could aid in a more effective response to outbreaks and improve overall health outcomes. The research’s focus on the dimensions of studies and health leadership methodologies can significantly contribute to helping decision-makers design and implement comprehensive health policies for this disease.
Importance of Data Collection in Medical Studies
Data collection is a crucial step in any medical study, providing a strong foundation that helps researchers communicate results and analyze various health trends. Medical research relies on collecting accurate and comprehensive data to ensure the reliability of results. In this context, a self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information from study participants, enhancing adherence to best practices imposed by health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The data collection process includes several key areas, such as demographic information, disease knowledge, and participants’ attitudes. Through a structured questionnaire divided into four sections, researchers were able to obtain information about age, gender, marital status, education level, and household income. This type of information helps understand the contexts affecting public health.
Additionally, the participants’ knowledge of hand, foot, and mouth disease is a vital part of the study. A set of multiple-choice questions was designed to measure the level of understanding and knowledge given to participants, reflecting the community’s awareness of the risks of this disease and the prevention methods in place. For example, only those with adequate knowledge can provide accurate information to patients or community members regarding prevention and treatment methods.
Analysis of Knowledge and Attitudes Among Participants
In this section of the study, the level of knowledge and attitudes towards hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) was assessed through a structured survey process. The knowledge analysis included 23 questions, and points were awarded based on their responses. This method is highly effective in determining whether participants possess sufficient understanding of the disease. The level of knowledge was accurately classified between medical students and doctors, providing a clear picture of the existing knowledge gaps in the medical community.
The results show that…
The results indicate that only 31.9% of participants had adequate awareness, a figure that highlights the urgent need to enhance educational and awareness programs. For instance, prior education was identified as an influential factor in the level of knowledge, with participants who received education about HFMD showing significantly better outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to develop the existing curricula to include topics related to common diseases such as HFMD, contributing to raising awareness among students as well as the general public.
As for the participants’ attitudes, eight different data points were used to assess their opinions regarding efforts to reduce the spread of HFMD. The analyses are based on a five-point Likert scale, allowing researchers to gauge the extent to which participants are encouraged to take available health actions. Thanks to detailed analyses, clear recommendations can be provided to relevant authorities to improve public health programs and direct awareness efforts towards the most needy areas.
Statistical Analysis and Its Importance in Medical Research
Statistical analysis is considered an integral part of medical studies concerned with accurately understanding the collected data. In this study, the sample underwent rigorous examination through the application of descriptive statistics to verify demographic variables and knowledge and attitude-related outcomes. Statistical methods such as the Chi-square test and t-test are vital tools for determining the relationship between knowledge level and different attitudes.
For example, practical analysis revealed possible correlations between knowledge level and variables such as professional experience and academic performance. The use of multivariate analyses enhances the ability to comprehend the internal dynamics between various variables, such as the impact of education on knowledge about HFMD. Statistical models help clarify how different factors influence health awareness, which may lead to better health policies and effective interventions.
Furthermore, the results demonstrate how demographic factors affect knowledge and attitudes. For instance, a high percentage of males lacked adequate knowledge compared to females, which necessitates a discussion about how health information is communicated between genders and how outcomes can be improved. Using graphs, average scores of participants can be compared, providing a clearer picture of available gaps.
Study Results and Future Potentials
Ultimately, the study included 317 valid participants, with a clear balance between students and doctors. The results indicate the need to continue enhancing health education programs targeting Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, as over 68% of participants were unaware of information about the disease. These factors highlight the necessity for improving community awareness and integrating health issues into academic curricula.
Additionally, the knowledge gaps in medical training underscore the importance of providing educational materials and workshops to enhance understanding of HFMD. Doctors should be encouraged to disseminate knowledge among patients and the community, as information exchange can have a significant impact on public awareness and public health outcomes. Through the results of the study, researchers can push towards developing integrated strategies that include coaching and continuous learning for professionals, contributing to improving the scientific foundation for both doctors and students alike.
Overall, the study demonstrates how knowledge efficiency and responsiveness to implemented measures can play a strong role in addressing health challenges. The future requires work on ambitious strategies focusing on improving knowledge levels within the medical community and fostering collaboration among individuals in various health professions, as a step towards achieving comprehensive health that serves the entire community.
Awareness and Knowledge about Hand, Foot, and Mouth Virus (HFMD)
Studies conducted in Saudi Arabia reveal a significant gap in knowledge regarding the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Virus (HFMD), a virus that primarily affects children. The results indicate that a large percentage of university students and doctors were not adequately aware of basic information about this disease, with 67.5% of students and 45.6% of doctors showing insufficient levels of knowledge. This knowledge gap is critical, as it can negatively impact the ability to accurately diagnose and manage this virus. For example, when doctors lack basic knowledge about HFMD, they may be less capable of providing appropriate care for patients, which can lead to outbreaks among children. Education and training are essential elements in addressing this gap. Educational institutions should develop comprehensive curricula covering aspects of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Virus, including modes of transmission and best treatment and prevention methods.
The Position
Towards Hand, Foot and Mouth Virus and Its Impact on Healthcare
Research also shows negative attitudes towards the Hand, Foot and Mouth Virus among 76.5% of students and 70.2% of doctors, complicating the issue further. These attitudes can significantly affect the quality of care provided by physicians and their interaction with patients. For example, if pediatricians hold negative attitudes towards a certain disease due to insufficient knowledge, they may be less enthusiastic about performing preventive measures or educational outreach with parents. Understanding these dynamics is essential for promoting good clinical practices among healthcare professionals. It is important to conduct training workshops aimed at improving knowledge and building positive attitudes towards HFMD, which will lead to better healthcare in the community.
Demographic Factors and Their Impact on Knowledge and Attitudes Toward HFMD
Demographic factors such as age, gender, and education play a significant role in determining levels of knowledge and attitudes toward HFMD. Studies have shown that older students with higher academic performance tend to have better knowledge about HFMD. Data indicates that knowledge significantly increases with greater academic experience, closely related to their laboratory and clinical experiences. On the other hand, there appear to be no significant differences between genders regarding knowledge about the disease. This highlights the need to target educational strategies stemming from demographic statistics to ensure coverage of all groups. For example, tailored educational courses can be designed to enhance knowledge among new students who may be less experienced.
Recommendations for Improving Education on HFMD in Saudi Arabia
The findings of this study serve as a call to action for policymakers and hospitals to improve the level of education about HFMD. Integrating topics related to HFMD into the curriculum is essential to ensure that future physicians acquire the necessary knowledge to tackle similar epidemics. Educational programs should include training on the best ways to treat the disease and its impact on the patient and the community as a whole. They should also include ongoing workshops aimed at updating doctors with new information, alongside effective communication strategies with patients. For instance, guiding doctors on methods to work with parents to enhance community prevention can bolster public health overall.
The Importance of Future Research in the Field of HFMD
This study represents an important starting point for further research on knowledge and attitudes related to HFMD. With increasing interest among health authorities regarding this disease, it will be necessary to conduct additional studies to analyze changes in knowledge and attitudes over time, and how new instructions and policies can affect overall health outcomes. Exploring how continuous education impacts clinical practices can provide valuable insights into developing effective strategies. Future research could also focus on evaluating the impact of community education on the spread of HFMD and how public awareness can be improved through collaboration between educational and health institutions.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Definition and Importance in Public Health
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a common viral infection that often occurs in children, caused by viruses from the enterovirus family. This disease is characterized by several symptoms, including fever, painful sores in the mouth, and rashes appearing on the hands and feet. The disease typically appears in children under the age of five, but it can also affect older children, teenagers, and even adults. Several types of viruses, such as enterovirus EV-A71 and CV-A16, are among the main causes of the infection, with various strains causing varying degrees of severity of the disease.
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It is important to intensify efforts to understand the roots of this disease, as it spreads significantly through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces, and the ability to infect can persist even after clinical symptoms have disappeared. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 10 days, making risk assessment difficult. Clinical diagnosis is primarily used to identify the disease, and advanced diagnostic techniques such as antibody testing or PCR may be employed in cases where the clinical diagnosis is uncertain.
Although hand, foot, and mouth disease is often a self-limiting illness, there are some cases that may develop into severe complications such as viral meningitis and myocarditis. It is noted that children experiencing high fever or signs of systemic involvement are at greater risk for such negative outcomes.
Geographical and Epidemiological Spread of the Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease was first identified in Toronto in 1957, and since then it has become a global health concern. The disease has witnessed a significant increase in prevalence across diverse regions, necessitating a detailed study to understand the factors indicating its outbreaks. The enterovirus EV-A71 is among the subtypes attracting researchers’ attention, as it is associated with many reported severe outbreaks worldwide. It is also essential to assess how environmental and social changes impact the dynamics of disease spread, such as increased urbanization and climate change.
Studies indicate that rising temperatures and rainfall may contribute to enhancing the virus’s survival and spread, and that high population density in urban areas contributes to outbreaks within communities. Socioeconomic conditions are also linked to the risk of infection, with groups of lower economic status facing higher risks due to overcrowded living conditions and lack of access to healthcare.
Addressing outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease requires specific strategies based on a precise understanding of the contributing factors to disease transmission. This includes implementing public health strategies like promoting personal hygiene and sanitizing the environment as essential steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
Awareness and Behavior Towards the Disease in the Medical Community
Despite the evident impact of hand, foot, and mouth disease on public health, there is still a notable lack of literature focusing on studying awareness and knowledge related to the disease within the medical community in Saudi Arabia. This lack is concerning amid the recent rise in disease cases within the country. Detailed research is needed to assess how aware healthcare professionals are of the risks associated with this disease and how to manage such cases efficiently.
Analyzing knowledge and attitudes among physicians and medical students can help develop effective strategies for medical practice and raise awareness of the importance of prevention and treatment of the disease. This necessitates conducting surveys and field research to assess current knowledge and the attitudes of practitioners towards hand, foot, and mouth disease, as well as their willingness to obtain updates and information related to necessary protocols for handling patients.
By implementing these studies, awareness levels can be enhanced, hygiene practices improved, and infection management strengthened, contributing to better health outcomes and reduced risks associated with the disease at the epidemic level.
Prevention Strategies and Continuous Vaccine Development
Prevention strategies for hand, foot, and mouth disease have evolved significantly over the years, emphasizing the importance of sanitation and personal hygiene. Daily routines such as frequent handwashing and using environmental sanitizers contribute to lowering the risk of common viral infections. Additionally, advancements in vaccines, such as the inactivated vaccine against EV71, represent a significant step in controlling disease outbreaks. Studies have shown that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing infections, making it a viable preventive tool and enhancing the scope of protection.
It requires
Prevention of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) requires collective efforts, including improving education on the importance of public health and promoting healthy behaviors. The community and various health sectors play a pivotal role in raising awareness and supporting public health initiatives, contributing to reducing the health impacts of the disease. Furthermore, addressing this infection necessitates a deep understanding of local risk factors and environmental trends that play a role in its spread.
Public health measures, including vaccinating children within national public health programs, are essential steps in ending outbreaks and improving community health overall. Through the integration of these efforts, an effective response can be formed to reduce the burden of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease and mitigate its impact on communities.
Data Collection Process
The data collection process is a fundamental component of any research study, as it provides the necessary information for analyzing the studied phenomena. In this study, a data collection methodology based on a convenience sampling model was adopted, allowing for quick and efficient access to participants without the need for monetary incentives. A questionnaire designed on the “Google Forms” platform was used as the primary data collection tool, allowing ease of access and use of this platform. The questionnaire link was randomly sent via the “WhatsApp” application to the classroom of medical students by class representatives, facilitating contact with the target group. Interaction with doctors was conducted similarly, with random outreach for participation in the survey.
Before participating, every potential respondent was required to provide informed consent, seamlessly integrated into the start of the electronic questionnaire, where a consent statement was presented to explain the purpose and objectives of the study, ensuring that participants were well-informed about the nature of the research they were contributing to. Consent was critical, obtained through a click signifying agreement to continue. The questionnaire was designed to be comprehensive and user-friendly, encouraging participants to answer all questions to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the collected data. Upon completion, respondents were directed to submit their answers by clicking the “Submit” button, sending their data directly to the data collection platform. This method streamlined the data collection process while emphasizing the importance of full participation, as only complete surveys were accepted.
Tools Used in Data Collection
The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, carefully formulated by adapting it to current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as insights gleaned from previous studies. The questionnaire consists of four main sections. The first section provides an overview of the study and includes a consent form, ensuring that participants have enough information about the research objectives and agree to participate voluntarily. The second section collects comprehensive socio-demographic data such as age, gender, marital status, educational level, and academic performance. This allows for accurate analysis of the demographic characteristics of the respondents.
The third section addresses knowledge about Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease through 23 multiple-choice questions, where correct answers are scored as one point and incorrect answers as zero. This contributes to an objective assessment of knowledge levels. The questionnaire concludes with the fourth section, which measures attitudes towards HFMD through eight statements ranging from strong agreement to strong disagreement. This section explores perceptions of global and local health ministry efforts to control the HFMD outbreak, the adequacy of preventive measures, and the participants’ willingness to seek more information about the disease.
Indicators
Knowledge and Attitude Classification
Regarding the knowledge component, the assessment includes 23 questions, where a correct answer earns one point and an incorrect answer earns zero, making the highest possible score 23. Classification criteria have been distinguished between medical students and physicians, with students scoring 10 points or more considered to have sufficient knowledge, taking into account the learning stage they are in. Meanwhile, physicians, who are expected to have a deeper understanding of the subject due to their advanced training and experience, are required to score 15 points or more to be classified as having sufficient knowledge.
The attitude classification part includes questions with both positive and negative tones to gather a comprehensive view of participants’ perspectives. This part consists of eight questions, divided into three negatively phrased questions and five positively phrased questions. Points are calculated inversely for these groups: for negatively phrased questions, the scale ranges from 0 points for strong agreement to 4 points for strong disagreement. For positively phrased questions, the scale is reversed, with strong disagreement receiving 0 points and strong agreement receiving 4 points. This approach ensures a balance between both types of questions, leading to a maximum possible score of 32. A positive classification indicates a score of 24 or higher, aligning with responses falling within the range of “agree” to “strongly agree” for positively phrased questions and “disagree” to “strongly disagree” for negatively phrased questions.
Statistical Analysis
For descriptive statistics, descriptive statistics such as percentages were used to summarize categorical variables (such as demographic characteristics), while continuous variables (such as age and knowledge/attitude scores) were summarized using the mean, standard deviation, and range. The Chi-square test of independence was used to investigate the bivariate relationship between knowledge categories (sufficient and insufficient knowledge) or attitude categories (positive and negative attitudes) and demographic characteristics of both medical students and physicians. In cases where the sample size in each cell was less than 5, Fisher’s exact test was used instead of the Chi-square test. However, the T-test was used to analyze the bivariate relationship between age and knowledge/attitude categories for both medical students and physicians. If the bivariate relationship was statistically significant, multiple logistic regression analysis was used for further investigation of factors predicting knowledge categories or attitude categories (positive and negative attitudes). Visual graphs were used to compare knowledge and attitude scores for medical students and physicians. To validate the results, a linear regression analysis was conducted as a sensitivity analysis where knowledge and attitude scores were treated as continuous outcomes, and the results did not differ from those of logistic regression. The P value was set at 0.05 to determine statistical significance. All analyses were performed using STATA 18.3.
Analysis of Demographic Characteristics of Students and Healthcare Practitioners
The analysis of demographic characteristics is a prominent aspect that reflects how different categories understand Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Results revealed that the group of students who exhibited positive attitudes towards the disease were close in age to those with negative attitudes, with an average age of 21.7 years for the positive attitude group and 21.6 years for the negative attitude group, indicating no statistically significant difference between them. However, the gender composition in the group holding negative attitudes tended towards women at 62.8% compared to 50.8% in the positive group, suggesting a potential influence of gender on attitudes, although the difference was not statistically significant.
Other variables such as marital status, education, and years of study showed no significant differences between the two groups, as the majority of participants were unmarried. However, the most important factor was prior knowledge rates about HFMD, which were slightly higher in the group with positive attitudes (45.9%) compared to those with negative attitudes (40.7%), although the difference did not reach statistical significance. These insights suggest that a deeper understanding of the disease may contribute to influencing attitudes, although information alone is not enough.
Examination
Knowledge and Attitudes among Physicians
An analysis of the demographic characteristics of physicians showed a variation in knowledge levels regarding HFMD. Participants were divided into two groups, where approximately 54.4% of the medical staff had sufficient knowledge, whereas 45.6% did not possess adequate knowledge. Notably, the study results indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in ages between the two groups, with the average age of the sufficient knowledge group being 29.5 years and the other group’s average being 27.6 years. This suggests that age does not necessarily reflect the level of knowledge.
Regarding gender distribution, it was almost equal, with 74.2% of women in the sufficient knowledge group. However, the social status was different, with the proportion of singles being 51.6% in the sufficient knowledge group compared to 80.8% in the insufficient knowledge group, indicating the impact of social status on health issue knowledge. These results highlight the need to direct educational programs to focus on enhancing physicians’ knowledge about HFMD, considering that academic achievement and practical experience play a role in improving understanding.
Impact of Negative Attitudes on Healthcare
The results show that 76.5% of students and 70.2% of physicians hold negative attitudes toward HFMD, which is a concerning indicator of the potential impact of these attitudes on healthcare provision. Negative attitudes generally indicate a likelihood of decreased active participation in preventative strategies and dealing with diseases. Previous studies have shown that professionals’ attitudes toward diseases can significantly affect their clinical practices and interactions with patients. Therefore, it is essential to enhance training and rely on accurate information about diseases like HFMD to ensure that these negative attitudes do not interfere with patient care.
Addressing this challenge requires educational and training strategies specifically designed to foster positive attitudes. Educational programs should include behavioral and emotional components to enhance empathy and understanding toward HFMD patients, which will contribute to improving health outcomes and overall patient experience.
Research Conclusions and Their Political Importance
The findings of this study indicate a significant knowledge gap and negative attitudes toward HFMD among students and physicians in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the need for comprehensive educational programs aimed at improving medical practitioners’ understanding and perceptions of this disease. These programs should include evidence-based information on how to diagnose HFMD, how to manage it, and the importance of enhancing effective communication with patients.
Based on these findings, it is vital for health policies to focus on developing continuous educational programs directed at physicians and healthcare practitioners. This approach serves as a call to action to develop educational strategies that target addressing knowledge gaps and promoting positive attitudes toward HFMD. Integrating information related to diagnosing and managing HFMD into the educational curricula for physicians and at the level of continuing medical education will have positive implications for improving the quality of healthcare provided in the community.
Ethical Approval and Study Procedures
Ethical approval is a fundamental aspect of any scientific research, ensuring the protection of participants’ rights and consideration of human values. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee for Scientific and Medical Research at the University of Jeddah, known for its high standards in research review. The study received reference number HAP-02-J-094 and application number UJ-REC-192, indicating that it underwent a thorough evaluation process by specialists. This procedure aims to ensure the safety of participants and adherence to all aspects of ethical research.
Ethical approval requires that the research meets all legal and institutional requirements. In this case, the studies were conducted in accordance with local legislation and institutional obligations, indicating the researchers’ commitment to the highest standards of integrity. All participants in this study provided written consent, reflecting their full awareness and voluntary agreement to participate. These processes enhance the reliability of the results and increase the credibility of the research in the medical field.
Contributions
Collaboration Among Authors
The collaboration among authors is a vital element in any successful scientific research. Roles and tasks vary according to their capabilities and experiences. In this research, several researchers participated, each taking on a specific role to ensure the quality of the work. For example, “NA” had a multifaceted role, with tasks ranging from conceptualization to data refinement and formal analysis. He was also responsible for project preparation and overseeing all aspects of the study, demonstrating the importance of effective leadership in research.
“SB,” “LB,” “LA,” and “SA” were involved in data collection and consistently applying research methodologies, in addition to writing original papers and reviewing texts. Such tasks reflect the importance of each individual in the research process and their effective contribution to the success of the project. Communication among the authors and having a clear strategy for roles contribute to enhancing collaboration and ensuring the achievement of research goals.
Research Funding and Financial Management
Funding is one of the critical factors that determine the feasibility of conducting scientific research. In this study, the authors declare that they did not receive any financial support for their research efforts or for the stages of writing or publishing this article. This aspect reflects the integrity of the research and gives the reader confidence that the results were not influenced by any commercial or financial factors. The absence of any potential conflicts of interest finance shows the researchers’ commitment to transparency and scientific integrity, enhancing the credibility of the research.
When it comes to funding, the style of funding specific research through institutions or specialized bodies in the health or academic sector is common. However, not relying on external funding may allow researchers greater freedom in the scientific methods used, enabling them to explore topics that may not be adequately supported by financial sponsors. This contributes to covering important scientific areas that might otherwise be overlooked if there were no independence in financial resource management.
Conflicts and Commercial Interests
Commercial or financial conflicts can contribute to negative effects on scientific research, making transparency in this aspect essential. The authors state that the research was conducted in the absence of any business or financial relationships that could be considered a potential conflict of interest. This indicates that the researchers, while conducting the study, were keen to avoid external influences that could alter or distort the research findings.
Such neutrality enhances the significance of the research from an objective perspective, as it makes the results unaffected by any agendas or commercial interests. Transparency in such matters helps build trust among the public and other researchers in the results, adding greater value to scientific studies. This encourages continued work in an unbiased research environment that supports innovation and the healthy development of science.
Acknowledgment and Recognition of Participants
Words of thanks and appreciation express respect for the efforts made by the participants in the study. In this research, the authors expressed their gratitude to all the doctors and medical students who supported and participated in the study. Acknowledging the contributions of participants reflects the value of teamwork and the importance of individual roles in any research project.
This type of acknowledgment can be seen as an integral part of the academic culture, as it helps enhance relationships between researchers and practitioners in the medical field. These relationships facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences, contributing to effective and applicable outcomes. The researchers’ appreciation for the participants reflects their commitment to research quality and their eagerness to build a sustainable cooperation network in the future.
Source link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/tropical-diseases/articles/10.3389/fitd.2024.1383211/full
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