Critical medical ecology and intersectionality perspectives in schistosomiasis prevention and control in selected communities in Mindanao, the Philippines

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Soledad Natalia M. Dalisay ◽  
Vicente Y. Belizario ◽  
Joseph Aaron S. Joe ◽  
Carlo R. Lumangaya ◽  
Reginaldo D. Cruz

Abstract Schistosomiasis japonica remains a public health concern in many areas of the Philippines. Periodic Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to at-risk populations is the main strategy for morbidity control of schistosomiasis. Attaining MDA coverage targets is important for the reduction of morbidity and prevention of complications due to the disease, and towards achieving Universal Health Care. The study employed a qualitative case study design. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to provide in-depth and situated descriptions of the contexts surrounding the implementation of MDA in two selected villages in known schistosomiasis-endemic provinces in Mindanao in the Philippines. Data analysis was done using the Critical Ecology for Medical Anthropology (CEMA) model coupled with the intersectionality approach. It was found that within various areas in the CEMA model, enabling as well as constraining factors have been encountered in MDA in the study settings. The interplay of income class, geographical location, gender norms and faith-based beliefs may have led to key populations being missed during the conduct of MDA in the study sites. The constraints faced by the target beneficiaries of MDA, as well as programme implementers, must be addressed to enhance service delivery and to control morbidity due to schistosomiasis. Improving compliance with MDA also requires a holistic, integrated approach to addressing barriers to participation, which are shaped by wider socio-political and power structures.

2009 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 2051-2058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Jiz ◽  
Jennifer F. Friedman ◽  
Tjalling Leenstra ◽  
Blanca Jarilla ◽  
Archie Pablo ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Schistosomiasis remains a public health concern in developing countries, and rapid reinfection fostered by continued exposure to contaminated water sources necessitates a vaccine to augment current mass treatment-based control strategies. We report isotype-specific (immunoglobulin A [IgA], IgE, IgG1, IgG4, and IgG) antibody responses to soluble worm antigen preparation and the recombinant vaccine candidates rSj97, rSj67, and rSj22 from a Schistosoma japonicum-infected cohort in Leyte, the Philippines, where schistosomiasis is endemic. Sera were collected from infected individuals 1 month posttreatment with praziquantel, and antibody responses were measured using a bead-based multiplex platform. Reinfection was monitored by stool sampling every 3 months, and data up to 1 year were included in the analysis (n = 553). In repeated-measures models, individuals with detectible IgE responses to rSj97 had a 26% lower intensity of reinfection at 12 months posttreatment compared to nonresponders after adjusting for age, gender, village, exposure, pretreatment infection intensity, and clustering by household (P = 0.018). In contrast, IgG4 responses to rSj97 as well as rSj67 and rSj22 were associated with markedly increased reinfection intensity. When stratified by IgG4 and IgE responder status, individuals with IgE but not IgG4 responses to rSj97 (n = 16) had a 77% lower intensity of reinfection at 12 months compared to individuals with IgG4 responses but not IgE responses (n = 274), even after adjusting for potential confounders (P = 0.016). Together with our previously described protective cytokine responses, these data further support paramyosin as a leading vaccine candidate for human schistosomiasis japonica and underscore the importance of careful adjuvant selection to avoid the generation of blocking IgG4 antibody responses.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiziana Lembo ◽  
Michaël Attlan ◽  
Hervé Bourhy ◽  
Sarah Cleaveland ◽  
Peter Costa ◽  
...  

Canine rabies, responsible for most human rabies deaths, is a serious global public health concern. This zoonosis is entirely preventable, but by focusing solely upon rabies prevention in humans, this “incurable wound” persists at high costs. Although preventing human deaths through canine rabies elimination is feasible, dog rabies control is often neglected, because dogs are not considered typical economic commodities by the animal health sector. Here, we demonstrate that the responsibility of managing rabies falls upon multiple sectors, that a truly integrated approach is the key to rabies elimination, and that considerable progress has been made to this effect. Achievements include the construction of global rabies networks and organizational partnerships; development of road maps, operational toolkits, and a blueprint for rabies prevention and control; and opportunities for scaling up and replication of successful programs. Progress must continue towards overcoming the remaining challenges preventing the ultimate goal of rabies elimination.


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Abelardo T. Antonio ◽  
Jonathan P. Guevarra ◽  
Aubrey B. Lara ◽  
Eleanor C. Castillo ◽  
Lolita L. Cavinta ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives. Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a public health concern in the Philippines. Vulnerablepopulations in congregate settings such as drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers (DATRCs) have higherrisks of TB transmission and infection. With the Duterte administration’s intensified campaign against illegaldrugs, government-retained DATRCs are filled to capacity. There is an identified need to profile drug users anddependents living in DATRCs. Furthermore, national guidelines for TB management specific to this population isabsent. A study was conducted to determine the profile of admitted clients diagnosed with TB, TB prevalence,treatment outcomes and choice of TB diagnostic modalities in six (6) Luzon-based DATRCs from 2013-2015. Methods. All medical records of drug users admitted in this period were reviewed. Information on the totalpatient census was sought from DATRC heads and used to compute for prevalence. Results. A total of 347 records were obtained. Overall TB prevalence in the study sites was 7,216 per 100,000population. The typical individual diagnosed with TB in a DATRC was male, with a mean age of 35 years, with at leasthigh school education, and unemployed. Weight loss and fatigue were the most common symptoms reported. Themajority (79.83%) completed TB treatment in the DATRCs. Sputum microscopy and chest x-ray were both used forTB diagnosis in 92.80% (322) of the cases. Conclusion. The high burden of TB in Luzon-based, government-retained DATRCs is alarming and underscorethe critical need for standards and guidelines in the National Tuberculosis Control Program addressing the uniquecontext of these facilities.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  

The Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) encompasses a prehistoric volcano caldera that caters to many documented endemic species. Although regarded as a unique area with the potential to house a diverse ecological community, biodiversity research in TVPL is still found wanting. The present paper aims to provide baseline information and increase research interests on the herpetofaunal diversity of TVPL, in light of its many undocumented terrestrial faunal species. Twelve study sites within the municipalities of Tanauan, Mataasnakahoy, and Balete were visited during survey trips from May to November 2015. A combination of transect and opportunistic sampling techniques were utilized, with morphometric data and sexual maturity recorded for each specimen collected. This preliminary survey provided 24 newly documented species of amphibians and reptiles occurring within TVPL. A total 10 frog species (from families Bufonidae, Ceratobatrachidae, Microhylidae, Dicroglossidae, Ranidae, and Rhacophoridae) and 14 reptile species (from families Agamidae, Gekkonidae, Scincidae, Varanidae, Acrochordidae, Colubridae, Elapidae, and Tryonychidae) were documented. Of the reptiles recorded, 3 are endemic species and widespread throughout the Philippines: Gekko mindorensis, Hydrosaurus pustulatus, and Draco spilopterus. Also recorded were the Philippine endemic frogs Kaloula picta and Limnonectes woodworthi along with the Luzon endemics Platymantis mimulus and Varanus marmoratus. The species-effort curve of amphibians showed a distinct plateau whereas the species-effort curve of reptiles has shown an increasing trend suggesting that additional sampling efforts should be done in the area to further increase knowledge of the TVPL herpetofaunal diversity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (10-3) ◽  
pp. 82-92
Author(s):  
Gekkaya Funda

The formation of external policy of any country aims at serving the state’s interests. For this matter, many countries seek their way through this by taking into account the potential prospects available to them. The fundamental subtleties and factors that influence a state’s choices of external policy include geographical location, history, security, culture, trade, political ideology, military might, et cetera. Countries often make external contacts based on some regulations and response to unfolding events. Thus, external policy to an extent pertains to the guiding principles outlined to be pursued through state values, decisions and actions taken by the states themselves and their attempt to develop, manage and control the external relations of national societies. In this regard, the Caucasian region has been an important factor in Turkey’s foreign policy. Since these states emerged in the early 1990s, energy has taken a center stage within the region, while Turkey remains a transit route to the world...


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-155
Author(s):  
K. N. Yusupov ◽  
V. M. Timiryanova, ◽  
Iu. S. Toktamysheva ◽  
A. F. Zimin,

The article presents a methodology for assessing the impact of spatial environment on the socioeconomic development of municipalities. It relies on existing tools for assessing the state and potential of the geographical location of municipalities. An integrated approach allows to determine the potential of the interaction of the municipality with the neighbors of the first and second order. The methodology was tested on statistical data on the Blagovarsky municipal district.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinlong Shi ◽  
Xing Gao ◽  
Shuyan Xue ◽  
Fengqing Li ◽  
Qifan Nie ◽  
...  

AbstractThe novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) outbreak that emerged in late 2019 has posed a severe threat to human health and social and economic development, and thus has become a major public health crisis affecting the world. The spread of COVID-19 in population and regions is a typical geographical process, which is worth discussing from the geographical perspective. This paper focuses on Shandong province, which has a high incidence, though the first Chinese confirmed case was reported from Hubei province. Based on the data of reported confirmed cases and the detailed information of cases collected manually, we used text analysis, mathematical statistics and spatial analysis to reveal the demographic characteristics of confirmed cases and the spatio-temporal evolution process of the epidemic, and to explore the comprehensive mechanism of epidemic evolution and prevention and control. The results show that: (1) the incidence rate of COVID-19 in Shandong is 0.76/100,000. The majority of confirmed cases are old and middle-aged people who are infected by the intra-province diffusion, followed by young and middle-aged people who are infected outside the province. (2) Up to February 5, the number of daily confirmed cases shows a trend of “rapid increase before slowing down”, among which, the changes of age and gender are closely related to population migration, epidemic characteristics and intervention measures. (3) Affected by the regional economy and population, the spatial distribution of the confirmed cases is obviously unbalanced, with the cluster pattern of “high–low” and “low–high”. (4) The evolution of the migration pattern, affected by the geographical location of Wuhan and Chinese traditional culture, is dominated by “cross-provincial” and “intra-provincial” direct flow, and generally shows the trend of “southwest → northeast”. Finally, combined with the targeted countermeasures of “source-flow-sink”, the comprehensive mechanism of COVID-19 epidemic evolution and prevention and control in Shandong is revealed. External and internal prevention and control measures are also figured out.


Author(s):  
Maria Luisa Ricci ◽  
Maria Cristina Rota ◽  
Maria Grazia Caporali ◽  
Antonietta Girolamo ◽  
Maria Scaturro

Legionnaires’ disease (LD) is a severe pneumonia caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Legionella. This is a major public health concern and infections are steadily increasing worldwide. Several sources of infection have been identified, but they have not always been linked to human isolates by molecular match. The well-known Legionella contamination of private homes has rarely been associated with the acquisition of the disease, although some patients never left their homes during the incubation period. This study demonstrated by genomic matching between clinical and environmental Legionella isolates that the source of an LD cluster was a private building. Monoclonal antibodies and sequence-based typing were used to type the isolates, and the results clearly demonstrated the molecular relationship between the strains highlighting the risk of contracting LD at home. To contain this risk, the new European directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption has introduced for the first time Legionella as a microbiological parameter to be investigated in domestic water systems. This should lead to a greater attention to prevention and control measures for domestic Legionella contamination and, consequently, to a possible reduction in community acquired LD cases.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Moses Mosonsieyiri Kansanga ◽  
Yujiro Sano ◽  
Isaac Bayor ◽  
Joseph Asumah Braimah ◽  
Abraham Marshall Nunbogu ◽  
...  

Abstract Food insecurity among elderly people is a major public health concern due to its association with several health conditions. Despite growing research and implementation of diverse income-based policy measures, food insecurity among elderly people remains a major policy issue in Canada. Additional research could inform food policy beyond strategies that target improving the financial resources of elderly people. Drawing data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (N = 24,930), we explored the correlates of food insecurity among older adults using negative log-log logistic regression techniques. Our findings show that certain categories of elderly people are more prone to food insecurity. These segments include seniors who are visible minorities (OR = 1.29, p < 0.01), live alone (OR = 1.13, p < 0.05), have a very weak sense of community belonging (OR = 1.40, p < 0.001), in poor physical health (OR = 1.20, p < 0.01), and those in lower age and income categories. These findings corroborate previous studies that demonstrate that food insecurity among elderly people is a complex phenomenon influenced by diverse socio-economic factors. In Canada, food security policies targeted at elderly people have largely prioritised poverty alleviation through income support programmes. While these programmes can improve the purchasing power of elderly people, they may not be sufficient in ensuring food security. There is a need to embrace and further investigate an integrated approach that pays attention to other contextual socio-economic dynamics.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i40-i41
Author(s):  
A Hindi ◽  
S Willis ◽  
S Jacobs ◽  
E Schafheutle

Abstract Introduction In 2019/2020, the Pharmacy Integration Fund commissioned delivery of cross-sector pre-registration pharmacist training incorporating 3–6 month placements in general practice (GP). GP placements were managed by Health Education England (HEE) and organised as one (or more) blocks, or as spilt weeks/days across base sector (hospital/community) and GP. Trainees had a pharmacist tutor at base and in GP. Aim to evaluate the implementation of cross-sector pre-registration pharmacy placements in GP in England, and to identify barriers and enablers of a successful placement. Methods A qualitative approach was taken, with case study sites purposively sampled for maximum variation: pharmacy base (hospital/community), number of pre-registration pharmacist trainees in base doing GP placement, length of GP placement, organisation of GP placement and geographical location. With consent, trainees and tutors identified as meeting sampling criteria were emailed invitation letters and participant information sheets. Where the trainee and their tutor(s) agreed to participate, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted January - July 2020. Questions developed from literature(1, 2) and the HEE handbook were tailored to understanding trainees’ and tutors’ views on the implementation of pre-registration pharmacist placements in GP, including benefits, unintended consequences and impacts. Thematic analysis across sites was undertaken with a focus on exploring inter and intra group themes. Results Thirty-four interviews were completed in 11 study sites (5 GP/hospital; 6 GP/community pharmacy). Trainees and tutors considered GP placements had been successful. Contributing factors were: placement planning (induction, contingency arrangements for cover should GP tutor be unavailable); tutors working together (good communication and collaboration); GP tutor support (regular contact, reflection; identifying learning needs; opportunities for learning); integration of GP placements within training year (specific learning/training activities at base during GP placement); and GP tutors having backing of their organisation to supervise effectively. A lack of these impacted negatively. Trainees completed a wide spectrum of activities and gradually moved from administrative to clinical tasks. They built up confidence to undertake patient-facing activities, with more direct supervision at the beginning moving to indirect supervision using debriefing. Thirteen weeks in GP was considered an appropriate minimum duration by all trainees and tutors; those based in community felt that 26 weeks in GP provided more opportunities for clinical and consultation skills learning. Cross-sector experience facilitated a better understanding of patient pathways and the importance of holistic patient care. All trainees considered working in GP in future but highlighted the lack of a cross-sector GP foundation programme. Base tutors felt the time commitment was comparable to single sector placements. Base and GP tutors felt that a clear set of competencies for GP placements and a broader governance framework would ensure standards and consistency. Conclusion This is the first national evaluation of cross-sector pre-registration pharmacists in general practice placements in England. Sampling as case studies enabled data triangulation and generated a multi-faceted understanding on factors impacting GP placements. A key limitation was the volunteer bias associated with recruitment. Key attributes of a successful pre-registration cross-sector training experience are highlighted and can inform policy reforms including change from pre-registration to foundation year training. References 1. Gray N. Review of Experience of Pre-registration Pharmacist Placements in the General Practice Setting – Final Report. 2019. 2. Jee SD, Schafheutle EI, Noyce PR. Is pharmacist pre-registration training equitable and robust? Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning. 2019;9(3):347–58.


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