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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

“What do you know?”——knowledge among village doctors of lead poisoning in children in rural China

Authors: Ruixue Huang, Huacheng Ning, Carl R. Baum, Lei Chen, Allen Hsiao

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

This study evaluates the extent of village doctors’ knowledge of lead poisoning in children in rural China and assesses the characteristics associated with possessing accurate knowledge.

Methods

A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey of 297 village doctors in Fenghuang County, Hunan Province, China was conducted. All village doctors were interviewed face-to-face using a “What do you know” test questionnaire focusing on prevention strategies and lead sources in rural children.

Results

A total of 287 (96.6%) village doctors completed the survey in full. Most village doctors had an appropriate degree of general knowledge of lead poisoning; however, they had relatively poor knowledge of lead sources and prevention measures. Village doctors with an undergraduate level education scored an average of 2.7 points higher than those who had a junior college level education (p = 0.033). Village doctors with an annual income ≤ 10,000 RMB yuan scored 1.03 points lower than those whose income was >10,001 RMB yuan. Ethnic Han village doctors scored 1.12 points higher, on average, than ethnic Tujia village doctors (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

This study identified important gaps in knowledge concerning lead poisoning in children among a rural population of village doctors. There is a clear need for multifaceted interventions that target village doctors to improve their knowledge regarding lead poisoning in children. The “What do you know” questionnaire is a new tool to evaluate lead poisoning knowledge and education projects.

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Title: “What do you know?”——knowledge among village doctors of lead poisoning in children in rural China
Authors: Ruixue Huang
Huacheng Ning
Carl R. Baum
Lei Chen
Allen Hsiao
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4895-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

“What do you know?”——knowledge among village doctors of lead poisoning in children in rural China

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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