Background. Biomedical waste (BMW) is defined as unwanted materials generated during diagnosis, treatment, operation, immunization, or in research activities including production of biologicals. Healthcare workers are responsible for the proper management of this waste for human safety and for the protection of the environment. Methods. An analytical knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) study was carried out at Biyem-Assi District Hospital from June 1st to July 5th, 2018, including 100 health workers from different departments. Variables of interest were knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the respondents. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was carried out using software Epi Info version 7.2.2.6. Logistic regression was used to establish the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Results. Nurses constituted 32.0% of the participants, and more than half of the participants had 1–4 years of working experience (56.0%). Overall, the level of knowledge was satisfactory at 50.0%, that of attitudes was as unfavorable at 83.0%, and that of practices was as poor at 50.0%. Favorable attitudes were associated to satisfactory level of knowledge (ORa = 5.14 [3.10–8.51] and p=0.005). Good practices were associated to good level of knowledge (ORa = 5.26 [3.17–8.7] and p<0.001) and a favorable attitude (ORa = 7.30 [2.25–23, 71] and p<0.001). Conclusion. The level of knowledge was considered unsatisfactory for half of the staff interviewed. Attitudes were unfavourable at 83.0% and poor practices at 50.0%. Staff with a good level of knowledge were more likely to have favourable attitudes towards BWM. Also, good knowledge and attitude positively influenced the practice with regard to BMW management.

Objectives The objective of the study is to assess mothers' knowledge, attitudes and practices of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the aim of improving the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding. Study design An analytical knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (KAP) study about EBF on mothers of children aged 0-6 months was conducted. Methods Using SCHWARTZ formula, 362 mothers were included. The practice of EBF was determined based on a 24-h recall. The main variables studied were the socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers, their knowledge, attitudes and practices on EBF based on WHO recommendations A logistic regression analysis was performed and the odds ratio were calculated with 95% confidence interval. Results The prevalence of EBF among infants 0–6 months old was 33.9%. Mothers' knowledge, attitudes and practices were unsatisfactory (78.4%), favourable (79.5%) and bad (67.2%) respectively. Factors associated with satisfactory knowledge were being a public official [OR: 3.18 (1.39-7.28)] and or multiparous, [OR: 2.25 (1.23-4.11)]. Mothers who had a satisfactory knowledge had a higher rating of having good practices on EBF. Conclusions Factors related to good knowledge among mothers are multiparity, age and being a civil servant. Promoters’EBF must target mothers in all sectors of activity and even in the community by sensitizing them on the subject.

Background: High-risk oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the cause of sexually transmitted viral infection. Its persistence is a risk factor for precancerous lesions of the cervix, which will constitute the base of cervical cancer. In the world, the prevalence of high-risk oncogenic HPV is 66.7%, which is higher among women starting their sexual activity.Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in high schools in Gabon regarding parents. The variables selected were the socio-cultural and demographic characteristics of the parents, their knowledge of human papillomavirus vaccination and their acceptability of HPV vaccination and finally the feasibility of HPV vaccination. The statistical test used was Pearson's Chi-square, and a difference was considered significant for p<0.05.Results: The majority of parents, 89%, were informed of the existence of cervical cancer. However, 73.4% of them were unaware of the existence of vaccination against cervical cancer. Only 2.4% of parents had vaccinated their daughters against cervical cancer at the time of the study. These parents only 53.4% expressed an interest in vaccinating their daughters in 53.4% of cases. The ability to vaccinate children is associated with the socio-professional status of parents (p˂0.000).Conclusions: The majority of parents approved school-based vaccination against human papillomavirus infections despite its reported cost and lack of information. The integration of anti-HPV vaccination into the expanded programme on immunization in Gabon will improve immunization coverage.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as an infection that is transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse. Indeed, the highest rates of STIs are usually found among young people aged 15 to 24. In Gabon, adolescents' knowledge of sexuality and STIs remains insufficient and early sexual intercourse is the most important factor favouring them. Improving adolescents' knowledge of sexuality education could influence their behaviour.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1256 adolescents in schools in Libreville. Their socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about STIs, the description of their sexuality and their behaviour towards STIs were obtained through ratings and frequencies. Authos calculated the overall average of adolescents on their knowledge of STIs. Odds ration were used to establish the link between the different variables.Results: Adolescents reported knowledge of STIs (1163/1256). AIDS was the most frequently cited STI by 94.50% of adolescents. Sexual intercourse was the main route of STI transmission and was cited by 687 adolescents who estimated that they knew at least one mode of STI transmission. Almost all female and male adolescents had poor knowledge of STIs, with 98.2% and 98.8% respectively. 84.96% of those with a sexual partner had ever had sex. More than half of sexually active adolescents had multiple partners.Conclusions: Adolescents have a poor overall knowledge of STIs. Sexual risk behaviour remains very high, regardless of gender. To contain the scourge, awareness campaigns using all the means of communication at our disposal and especially the media.

Objectives The objective of the study is to assess the determinants of the low practice, knowledge and attitudes of breastfeeding mothers in the Talangaï district of Congo.Study design An analytical knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) study about EBF in mothers of children aged 0-6 months was conducted.Methods A KAP analytical study was carried out from December 3, 2017, to July 15, 2018, based on the four health centers of the Talangaï health district in Congo Brazzaville. Using formula from Wayne W. Daniel, 357 mothers were included. The practice of EBF was determined based on a 24-h recall. The main variables studied were the socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers and their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding EBF based on WHO recommendations. A logistic regression analysis was performed, and the odds ratio was calculated with a 95% confidence interval.Results The mean age was 26.8 years (± 5.9 years). Mothers with 2-3 children represented 42.6% of the sample. The prevalence of EBF among infants 0–6 months old was 33.9%. Mothers' knowledge, attitudes and practices were unsatisfactory (78.4%), favourable (79.5%) and bad (67.2%), respectively. Factors associated with satisfactory knowledge were being a public official [OR: 3.18 (1.39-7.28)] and/or multiparous [OR: 2.25 (1.23-4.11)]. Mothers who had satisfactory knowledge had a higher rating of having good practices on EBF.Conclusions Factors related to good knowledge among mothers are multiparity, age and being a civil servant. Promoters’ EBF must target mothers in all sectors of activity and even in the community by sensitizing them on the subject.