Inquiry-The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing最新文献

{"title":"A Comparative Analysis of Factors Influencing the Sustainability of the Abia State Health Insurance Agency: Insights From Rural-Urban Abia State.","authors":"Ukweh H Ikechukwu, Ukweh N Ofonime, Iya-Benson N Joy, Oku O Afiong, Ewelike Uchenna, Iziga-Eruchalu G Chiesonu","doi":"10.1177/00469580241264016","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00469580241264016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The goal of the Abia State Health Insurance Agency (ABSHIA) has been to increase coverage since its implementation. However, the sustainability of the scheme is crucial to continue providing affordable healthcare in the State. This study aimed to identify and compare factors that influence the sustainability of ABSHIA in rural-urban areas of Abia State. The study used a mixed-method cross-sectional design that involved collecting data through a questionnaire on enrollment, satisfaction, and willingness to renew membership. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were also conducted to obtain qualitative data from healthcare providers and ward development committees. The collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. The results showed a higher enrollment in rural areas compared to urban areas, with no significant difference in satisfaction and willingness to renew membership between the 2 locations. The study also identified factors that positively influenced willingness to renew membership, but it was found that traveling a distance of 15 min or more decreased willingness to renew membership in urban Abia. Furthermore, poor health status was found to have a low influence on willingness to renew membership in rural Abia. Among other barriers to renewal, poor quality of care and, nonpayment of health workers' capitation was identified as significant factors. It is crucial to prioritize the sustainability of ABSHIA to achieve the sustainable development goal of health for all in the State.</p>","PeriodicalId":54976,"journal":{"name":"Inquiry-The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing","volume":"61 ","pages":"469580241264016"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11289811/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141794096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Impact of Covid-19 on Women's Mental Health and Wellbeing During Pregnancy and the Perinatal Period: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review.","authors":"Kanamon Pankaew, Diane Carpenter, Nalinee Kerdprasong, Juntina Nawamawat, Nisa Krutchan, Samantha Brown, Jill Shawe, Jane March-McDonald","doi":"10.1177/00469580241301521","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00469580241301521","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Review question: </strong>What is the impact of Covid-19 upon the mental health and well-being of women during pregnancy and during the perinatal period?</p><p><strong>Inclusion criteria: </strong>empirical primary research; maternal mental health and wellbeing; perinatal period; Covid-19; English or Thai language; studies from December 2019-September 2021, updated March 2024.</p><p><strong>Exclusion criteria: </strong>secondary research, commentary, grey literature. Databases searched: CINAHL, Cochrane, JBI, Medline, PsycINFO, Clinical Key and Web of Science. Studies were assessed for bias using tools aligned with study design. A convergent integrated approach was taken whereby quantitative data was combined with qualitative data, synthesised simultaneously using Braun and Clarke Six Steps to Thematical Analysis and presented as narrative. Forty-two studies were included. Overall level of methodological quality of studies was 14 rated good, 28 fair. Overarching themes: \"Impact\" and \"Emotional Impact.\" Themes: demographic impact; mental health and socio-economic factors; obstetric factors; pre-morbidity; maternity service delivery; relationships; fear and worry, grief and loss. Commonality suggested some evidence for increased risk and prevalence for perinatal mental illness to pre-pandemic levels.</p><p><strong>Risk factors: </strong>lack/perceived lack of social support; high-risk pregnancy, complex obstetric history; prior mental illness; maternity service delivery, quality and safety; fear and worry. Results confer perinatal mental illness prominent during the pandemic though many did not suggest prevalence higher than pre-pandemic levels, or directly associated. Several factors compound risk. A small number of protective factors are identified. The dynamic processes of risk and protection need to be understood within the specific context in which they operate. The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The study was not registered.</p>","PeriodicalId":54976,"journal":{"name":"Inquiry-The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing","volume":"61 ","pages":"469580241301521"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11587184/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142711611","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of Digital Supervision of China Basic Medical Insurance on Out-of-pocket Expenditure: Evidence from Quasi-natural Experiment.","authors":"Chuncheng Wang, Chen Song, Jing Wu, Yanpeng Ning, Shuai Wang","doi":"10.1177/00469580241301528","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00469580241301528","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Scientific research has shown that the sustainability of public health insurance is crucial for governments to effectively manage the risks associated with populations aging. In response, the Chinese government has initiated efforts to ensure the long-term viability of its medical insurance funds. This study utilizes data from 24 484 respondents in the 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), treating the digital supervision of medical insurance funds as a quasi-natural experiment. The study employs a difference-in-differences (DID) model to evaluate the policy effects and uses heterogeneity analysis to explore variations in impact. The objective is to assess the effectiveness of digital supervision and understand how it achieves its policy goals. The findings indicate that digital supervision of medical insurance funds has a significant positive impact on residents' out-of-pocket medical expenditure. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the policy's effect is particularly strong in urban samples, especially among younger and elderly urban residents, while showing no significant impact on rural populations. This suggests that the policy has a greater influence on groups with higher moral hazard. By implementing digital supervision of medical insurance funds, the Chinese government has ensured the sustainability of these funds, laying a foundation for mitigating the risks associated with population aging. Additionally, the policy has contributed to promoting healthcare equity and reducing the waste of medical resources.</p>","PeriodicalId":54976,"journal":{"name":"Inquiry-The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing","volume":"61 ","pages":"469580241301528"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11607767/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142755744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical Activity Enforces Well-being or Shame in Children and Adolescents With Asthma: A Meta-ethnography.","authors":"Thomas Westergren, Hanne Aagaard, Elisabeth O C Hall, Mette Spliid Ludvigsen, Liv Fegran, Nastasja Robstad, Åsa Audulv","doi":"10.1177/00469580241290086","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00469580241290086","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Asthma symptoms and experiences of dyspnea challenge participation in physical activity (PA). Therefore, in-depth understanding of experiences with PA is essential. In this meta-ethnography, we synthesized published qualitative studies of experiences of children and adolescents with asthma that influenced, or limited, participation in PA. We followed Noblit and Hare's 7 phases of meta-ethnography. We searched relevant databases by December 18, 2023 for published peer-reviewed studies (Medline (OVID), Embase (OVID), PsycINFO (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCHOhost), SPORTDiscus (EBSCHOhost), SocINDEX (EBSCHOhost), and Social Science Citation Index (WoS)) and theses (ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, ProQuest Healthcare Administration Database, and ProQuest Public Health Database). We conducted study selection and assessment of methodological quality and data extraction using Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology. Sixteen reciprocally related qualitative studies, representing experiences of 238 children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 years were included. We translated primary study concepts and findings into 3 themes covering relationships with others, emotions, and behaviors related to PA participation: (1) feeling related to and connected with friends and family in PA; (2) acquiring and managing new PA and asthma skills; and (3) enjoying PA and experiencing well-being. We also defined 3 themes covering aspects related to PA limitations: (4) feeling misunderstood and penalized in relation to PA; (5) experiencing nervousness, embarrassment, shame, and sadness during PA; and (6) withdrawing from PA due to asthma, environment, and/or socially imposed attitudes. The themes were synthesized into the following lines of argument: children and adolescents with asthma experience that PA enforces empathic/non-empathic relationships, vulnerability, and awareness; PA enhances resilient participation and well-being, or reinforces resignment to isolation and shame. From the outset of either relatedness or being penalized, youngsters with asthma either manage well and experience well-being, or experience shame and withdrawal.<b>Registration:</b> PROSPERO No. 164797.</p>","PeriodicalId":54976,"journal":{"name":"Inquiry-The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing","volume":"61 ","pages":"469580241290086"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11536505/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142577007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Financial Literacy and Wellbeing Among Medical Students, Residents, and Attending Physicians in Lebanon: Results From a Nationwide Multi-Centered Survey.","authors":"MohammadAli Jardaly, Jumana Antoun, Rania Sakr, Hassan Doumiati, Issam Shaarani","doi":"10.1177/00469580241294135","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00469580241294135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Financial wellbeing and financial literacy are crucial aspects of personal and professional lives, particularly in graduate medical education. Low financial literacy among healthcare professionals, including physicians, has been identified as a concern, impacting job satisfaction, productivity, and burnout. Few studies have used validated methods, assessed financial wellbeing, or compared financial outcomes across the continuum of medical education and practice. This study aims to measure the financial wellbeing of healthcare professionals and trainees and its predictors using validated instruments on a nationwide scale in Lebanon. This is a multi-institutional cross-sectional study using an online survey using validated instruments, including the CFPB Financial Well-Being Scale and Lusardi and Mitchell's \"Big Five\" financial literacy questions. The data was collected in April and May 2020. The population includes medical students, residents, and practicing physicians in all six private medical schools and their affiliated medical centers in Lebanon. A total of 330 responded, with a response rate of 20.7%. The financial wellbeing score (out of 10 was 57.2 ± 9.7 before the financial crisis and dropped to 45.2 ± 10.1 during the country's financial crisis. With a passing grade of 60%, 75.3% (195/259) failed the financial knowledge questions. Attending physicians outperformed students and residents/fellows regarding knowledge scores. Financial wellbeing was positively associated with age, family socioeconomic status, and household income. It was negatively associated with the crowding index and agreement with the attitude of living for today and letting tomorrow take care of itself. Medical students, residents, and physicians in Lebanon had low financial literacy. Attending physicians have high financial wellbeing despite low financial literacy and lack of formal education. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis adversely affected the financial wellbeing of all three groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":54976,"journal":{"name":"Inquiry-The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing","volume":"61 ","pages":"469580241294135"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11580074/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142683785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regional-level Indicators for Chronic Diseases of People with Disabilities: Findings from a Modified Delphi Study.","authors":"Seungeun Park, Boyoung Jeon, Young-Il Jung, Juhyeon Moon, So-Youn Park","doi":"10.1177/00469580241305993","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00469580241305993","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Maintaining health cannot be achieved individually; it is influenced by social, legal, and institutional factors surrounding the individuals. This study aimed to identify regional-level factors that may influence the occurrence of chronic diseases among people with disabilities. To achieve this, we conducted a Delphi survey with experts to identify a set of regional indicators required for studying the health status of people with disabilities, particularly for predicting the occurrence of chronic diseases. Through the process of the Delphi survey, 24 indicators were finally selected. The major categories of the indicators were demographic factors (4 indicators), health behaviors (6 indicators), healthcare resources and utilization (11 indicators), and local community policies (3 indicators). Each category and subcategory of indicators plays a crucial role in understanding and improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities at the regional level. By addressing these factors comprehensively, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop more effective and targeted interventions, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities. The findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach to health assessment and the need for continued monitoring and evaluation to inform policy and practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":54976,"journal":{"name":"Inquiry-The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing","volume":"61 ","pages":"469580241305993"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11648027/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142830909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Colonoscopy Screening Behavior in First-Degree Relatives of Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior.","authors":"Ruihuan Zhang, Cong Fu Ms, Jing Yuan, Wenwen Li, Chang Du, Shuang Chen, Kaihua Liu, Xiaoping Yin","doi":"10.1177/00469580241305344","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00469580241305344","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To investigate the factors influencing the colonoscopy screening behavior of first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients and to provide a basis for formulating screening intervention strategies. In this study, 15 first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients in the Department of Medical Oncology of a tertiary hospital in Baoding City from May to July 2024 were selected as the research subjects, and face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted. The theme was analyzed and summarized based on the theory of planned behavior and Colaizzi's 7-step analysis method. Results of this study identified 12 themes from 3 aspects. For behavioral attitudes, 4 themes emerged: (1) Negative screening emotions caused by psychological stress, (2) Lack of awareness of the importance of screening due to cognitive biases, (3) Screening behavior caused by fatalistic views is systematically underestimated, and (4) Affirm the value of early screening. For subjective norms (The impact of external information on screening behavior), 4 themes emerged: (1) Family support, (2) Advice from a healthcare professional, (3) information support from online media, (4) Personal experience and suggestions from friends. For perceived behavior control, 4 themes emerged: (1) Unbearable pain and embarrassment, (2) Busyness of life and work, (3) Medical treatment process and transportation convenience, and (4) Screening costs. The colonoscopy screening behavior of first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients is affected by behavioral attitudes, subjective norms (The impact of external information on screening behavior), and perceived behavior control. Clinical medical staff should correct their behavioral cognitive biases from the perspective of first-degree relatives, use positive belief factors to avoid wrong cognition, pay attention to a variety of sources of support, stimulate the self-efficacy of first-degree relatives, and create a suitable environment for colonoscopy screening, to promote the change of colonoscopy screening behavior of first-degree relatives.</p>","PeriodicalId":54976,"journal":{"name":"Inquiry-The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing","volume":"61 ","pages":"469580241305344"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11650640/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142840360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Difficulties Faced by Residents and Clues for Solutions: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Ozlem Mıdık, Meral Demirören, Zeynep Baykan","doi":"10.1177/00469580241271313","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00469580241271313","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A complex healthcare system often leads to the high variety experiences among medical postgraduate students. This study aims to reveal the difficulties they face during postgraduate education, their consequences, and coping strategies. This is a phenomenological study conducted by using the maximum diversity strategy from purposive sampling methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 medical residents from different disciplines, 7 step of thematic analysis was applied. The findings were presented under the headings of challenges, outcomes, and ways of coping in line with the research questions. The sub-themes within the \"postgraduate medical education\" theme were \"learning-teaching processes, educators, educational program, interactions, assessment, and evaluation.\" The sub-themes in the \"culture/climate\" theme were \"academic environment, disruptive behaviors, rules and procedures, and hierarchy.\" The difficulties experienced by residents in the \"health system\" theme were examined under the sub-themes of \"health care team, health service delivery, payment for service, patients, and their relatives.\" The sub-themes in the \"specialization\" theme were \"scope and practices of the specialty area\" and \"perception of the specialty area.\" The difficulties in the \"time/period\" theme were analyzed under (1) senior and (2) junior sub-themes. The consequences of difficulties were examined under the themes of \"deterioration in well-being and perception of incompetence.\" Coping with the difficulties was categorized into individual efforts, not expend effort, and getting support themes. Individual efforts were examined under the sub-themes of \"sharing difficulties, communication-interaction, being a problem solver, maintaining well-being, and socializing.\" Sub-themes of getting support were classified as institutional and psychological. It is necessary to understand the phenomenon of \"residents\" difficulties'. All parts involved in PGME, should be aware that residents are in early adulthood. They have to recognize internal structural constraints, distinguish between internal and external factors. Solutions should go beyond individual development, systematic design and support mechanisms should be established at both institutional and national levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":54976,"journal":{"name":"Inquiry-The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing","volume":"61 ","pages":"469580241271313"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11523149/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142513261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multidose Drug Dispensing in Community Healthcare Settings for Patients With Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy.","authors":"Adela Martín-Oliveros, Javier Plaza Zamora, Alessandro Monaco, Javier Anitua Iriarte, Jessica Schlageter, Danute Ducinskiene, Shaantanu Donde","doi":"10.1177/00469580241274268","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00469580241274268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multidose drug dispensing (MDD) is the dispensing of different drugs in dose bags containing one, some, or all units of medicine that a patient needs to take at specific times. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the literature describing the use of MDD systems in community healthcare settings in patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. A literature search identified 14 studies examining adherence, medication knowledge, quality of drug prescription (including inappropriate drug use, drug-drug interactions), medication incidents, and drug changes after MDD initiation, as well as healthcare professional (HCP) and patient perspectives. There are limited data on MDD in community healthcare settings, particularly on outcomes such as adherence. Studies are mostly from Northern Europe. Patients selected for MDD are more likely to be older, female, cognitively impaired, and have a higher number of disease diagnoses and drugs than those who do not receive drugs through MDD. MDD is generally initiated for patients who have decreased capacity for medication management. Several advantages of MDD have been reported by patients and HCPs, and studies indicate that MDD can be improved by medication review, defining clear roles and responsibilities of HCPs in the medication management chain, and comprehensive follow-up of patients. Future development, implementation, and assessment of MDD systems in community healthcare should be designed in collaboration with HCPs and patients, to identify ways to optimize the systems and improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":54976,"journal":{"name":"Inquiry-The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing","volume":"61 ","pages":"469580241274268"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11526267/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142382514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Probiotics Among Saudi Health Care Students-A Cross-Sectional Study From Saudi University in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Abul Aziz Al Hossan, Wajid Syed, Salmeen D Babelghaith, Mohamed N Al Arifi","doi":"10.1177/00469580231224821","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00469580231224821","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Probiotics offer a variety of health benefits for the digestive system, atopic eczema, and immune system. Future healthcare providers should know more about probiotics to advise their patients and the general public appropriately. The purpose of the study was to evaluate health science students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on the use of probiotics in various health conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted among health college students using a self-administered online questionnaire. The study participants were selected using the convenience sample approach. statistical package for social science (SPSS) software was used to analyze the data. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test were used to assess the statistical differences between sociodemographic data in knowledge, attitude, and practice variables. Of the 517 respondents, 56.3.0% of health science students had moderate knowledge of probiotics. More than one-third had positive attitudes, and 53.4.2% had positive practices. There was a significant difference in knowledge (<i>P</i> < .001), practice score (<i>P</i> < .001), and attitude score (<i>P</i> < .001) among different demographic data. Less than half of students said that their curricula did not include any information on probiotics. In addition, the majority of students agreed that probiotics were helpful for gastrointestinal health (87.3%), followed by immune health (73%), ulcerative colitis (61.9%), and irritable bowel (59.6%). The most information resources for probiotics were media (64%), and friends (60.7%). Health science students in Saudi had a fair level of knowledge of probiotics. Probiotics education in health science school curricula might increase students' understanding of the topic and improve probiotic prescribing in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":54976,"journal":{"name":"Inquiry-The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing","volume":"61 ","pages":"469580231224821"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10826384/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139572130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}