https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/319 2026-10-02T07:05:49Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149530 Title: Public awareness and knowledge of antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in Malta Authors: Schranz, Gavin; Camilleri, Vanessa; Sciortino, Monique; Borg, Michael Angelo; Tartari, Ermira Abstract: Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global threat, driven partly by inappropriate antibiotic use. Understanding public knowledge, awareness, and behaviours is critical for designing effective interventions. This study assessed these dimensions within the Maltese population to inform national AMR awareness and stewardship strategies.; Method A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 9 and 29 April 2024 among Maltese residents using a questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) Antibiotic Resistance Multi-Coun try Public Awareness Survey. A convenience sampling approach with active demographic monitoring was used across gender, age, and education groups, using census-derived targets as benchmarks. The survey, available in English and Maltese, assessed knowledge of appropriate antibiotic use, awareness of AMR-related terminology, and attitudes towards antibiotic use and resistance. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-para metric tests (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, Chi-Square, Likelihood Ratio) to explore associations between demographic factors and knowledge or behavioural outcomes.; Results A total of 476 eligible respondents completed the survey and were included in the analysis. Among respondents, 59.9% were female and the largest age group was 25–34 years (31.9%). Awareness of “antibiotic resistance” was high (88%) yet understanding of “antimicrobial resistance” (48%) and its abbreviation “AMR” (21%) was lower. Most participants (97%) agreed that antibiotics should only be used when prescribed, but mis conceptions persisted: 16.6% believed antibiotics treat colds and flu, 33.6% for fever, and 39.9% for sore throats. Three-quarters (75%) incorrectly attributed resistance to the body becoming resistant rather than bacteria. Older and more educated respondents showed significantly better knowledge and more appropriate attitudes (p < 0.05), whereas younger adults and males were more likely to hold misconceptions. While nearly all respondents (96.7%) agreed that individuals should use antibiotics responsibly, fewer (53.4%) viewed AMR as a major global chal lenge or expressed personal concern (67.2%) about its impact, and one-third believed they were not at risk if they used antibiotics correctly. Findings indicate general awareness but persistent conceptual and demographic gaps.; Conclusion Despite high awareness of appropriate antibiotic use, misconceptions about treatment indications and the mechanisms of AMR remain, particularly among younger adults and those with lower education. Improving public understanding of when antibiotics are needed and how resistance develops will be critical to promoting responsible use. These findings provide locally generated evidence to inform targeted public health communication and support AMR prevention efforts in Malta. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148924 Title: Identifying the competencies for developing a nursing competence tool through a Delphi study approach Authors: Axiak, Geoffrey; Mamo, Julian; Scicluna Ward, Corinne Abstract: Competencies form the basis of up-to-date practice. In today’s world it is expected that anyone practicing any profession will be proficient and professional. That is why assessing the competency of professionals, including nurses, is critical to maintaining a safe and professional service. This study aims to identify nursing competencies that are relevant to all areas of nursing. This article will outline the literature search undertaken plus the other processes that the authors undertook to identify the competencies relevant to nursing in Malta. 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148923 Title: Digital competency nursing self-assessment tool (DiCoNSaT) : development and validation of a nursing digital competency assessment instrument : a conference report Abstract: The presentation introduced the Digital Competency Nursing Self-Assessment Tool (DiCoNSaT), a doctoral research project undertaken at the University of Malta aimed at developing and validating a comprehensive instrument for assessing nursing competence within digitally enabled healthcare environments. The project responds to the growing need for standardized methods of evaluating nursing competencies amidst increasing technological integration in healthcare systems. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148922 Title: Smoking cessation and harm reduction in type 2 diabetes : development of practical recommendations from the DiaSmokeFree Working Group Authors: Walicka, Magdalena; La Rosa, Giusy Rita Maria; Ceriello, Antonio; Martin, Alison; Polosa, Riccardo; Almustafa, Bader Ali; Anastasi, Erika; Bellanca, Carlo Maria; Bernardini, Renato; Calcagno, Damiano; Campagna, Davide; Cannarella, Rossella; Caponnetto, Pasquale; Ceriello, Antonio; Cohen, Gal; Di Ciaula, Agostino; Di Pino, Antonino; Emma, Rosalia; Franek, Edward; George, Jacob; Geraci, Giulio; Iqbal, Farrukh; Kengne, Andre Pascal; La Rosa, Giusy Rita Maria; Le Dinh, Phuong; Magliano, Dianna J.; Martin, Alison; McCrimmon, Rory J.; Misra, Anoop; Piro, Salvatore; Polosa, Riccardo; Raza, Syed Abbas; Russo, Cristina; Saboo, Banshi; Sammut, Roberta; Sesti, Giorgio; Sharma, Pankaj; Somasundaram, Noel; Walicka, Magdalena; Yabe, Daisuke Abstract: Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor in type 2 diabetes (T2D), yet cessation support remains inconsistently integrated into diabetes care. Clinicians face diabetes-specific barriers, including concerns about weight gain, glycemic variability, polypharmacy, limited consultation time, and lack of practical, tailored guidance. To address this gap, the Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR), University of Catania, convened the DiaSmokeFree Working Group, an international multidisciplinary panel of 35 experts from 13 countries. The group used a structured, multi-stakeholder development process informed by AGREE principles and GRADE where feasible. The process included scope definition, targeted evidence identification, appraisal and synthesis, iterative drafting, internal review, consensus development, and planned external consultation. Evidence was drawn from existing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, major guidelines, landmark primary studies, and targeted searches in areas where T2D-specific evidence was limited. This paper describes the methodological framework underpinning the development of practical recommendations for healthcare professionals caring for people with T2D who smoke and wish to quit. The DiaSmokeFree initiative provides a transparent and reproducible pathway for developing internationally relevant, implementable recommendations that position smoking cessation as a core component of comprehensive T2D care. Description: A supplementary file is attached within this record. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z