scholarly journals Community hygiene against lassa fever disease and its predictors in a Nigerian rural settlement

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A A Gobir ◽  
C L Ejembi ◽  
A A Aliyu ◽  
M B Garba ◽  
C J C Igboanusi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Lassa Fever ◽  
West African ◽  
World Health ◽  
Food Storage ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Viral Haemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Hygiene Measures

Abstract Background Lassa fever disease (LFD) is a viral haemorrhagic fever that is endemic in some West african countries where an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 cases and 5000 deaths occur yearly. The World Health Organization described it as a global health threat. At community level, its prevention relies on promoting good “community hygiene”. This study was conducted to assess practice of community hygiene measures against LFD and its associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional, community based descriptive study conducted during a LFD epidemic in a a rural community of Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 556 adult respondents, selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Results A majority of the respondents were females (52.9%). Educational attainment was significantly associated with safe food storage at the multivariate level (aOR= 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10-1.54,P= 0.002) while having a good knowledge of LFD was a significant predictor of maintaining good housing standards (aOR= 3.73, 95% CI: 1.09-12.80,P=0.036). Conclusions Predictors of practice of community hygiene against LFD include education and having an excellent knowledge of LFD. To improve community hygiene practices in the community, there is need for a comprehensive LFD behavior change communication intervention. Key messages Cubing the global threat of LFD depends on its effective prevention in endemic West African communities. This study shows that such preventive measures are poor and there is need for more response to address the problem.

scholarly journals Knowledge of Lassa Fever Disease and Its Risk Factors Among Rural People in a Nigerian Community

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Abdulrazaq Abdullahi Gobir ◽  
Clara Ladi Ejembi ◽  
Aliyu Abubakar Alhaji ◽  
Muhammad Bello Garba ◽  
Chinedu John -Camillus Igboanusi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Lassa Fever ◽  
Lassa Virus ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention

Introduction: Lassa fever disease (LFD) is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever caused by Lassa virus. It is a disease of public health importance in West Africa and a global health threat. It is endemic in some West African countries like Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, where an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 cases occur every year with an estimated 5000 annual deaths. Persons living in rural areas and health care workers are at greatest risk. Public awareness and knowledge of the LFD and its risk factors are some of the important factors that determine disease transmission and success of preventive/control efforts. This study was therefore conducted to assess LFD-related awareness and knowledge in Gangara, a rural agrarian community in Giwa Local Government Area of Kuduna State, NorthWest Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional, community based descriptive study conducted in Gangara community. An interviewer- administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 556 adult respondents, selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS (version 20). Results: A majority of the respondents were females (52.9%) with a mean age of 37.0 ± 15.2. The level of awareness of LFD was high (66.7%) among respondents and there was a statistically significant association between awareness of LFD and not having any form of education (P < 0.00). However, most of the respondents (79.0%) have poor knowledge of LFD. Knowledge of risk factors for LFD was also poor with 59.4% not knowing that drying grains and foodstuffs on the ground is a risk factor for LFD. Conclusions: Awareness of the disease was quite high but knowledge of the disease and its risk factors was poor. For effective prevention of future outbreaks, the community needs to be properly educated on LFD and its risk factors.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Undernutrition and Its Associated Factors among Children below Five Years of Age in Bure Town, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desalegne Amare ◽  
Ayenew Negesse ◽  
Baye Tsegaye ◽  
Birtukan Assefa ◽  
Birehanu Ayenie
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
World Health ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Severe Stunting

Background. Malnutrition is the major public health problem over the world. Developing countries are highly affected. Asian and Sub-Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia, contribute the highest of all. The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among children below five years of age.Methods. Community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on 342 study participants. Simple random sampling technique was used to select sampling kebeles and study units. Weight and height were measured using calibrated instruments. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 software and calculated using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software and/or World Health Organization Anthro software with aid of Stat/Transfer.Results. Overall prevalence of undernutrition was 35.5%, of which 85 (24.9%), 38 (11.1%), and 49 (14.3%) were stunting, wasting, and underweight, respectively. Male children were more affected in both severe and moderate nutritional problems compared to female children. The finding showed that 27 (7.9%) had severe stunting, 15 (4.4%) had severe wasting, and 11 (3.2%) had severe underweight, respectively.Conclusion. Undernutrition was high in Bure town among children below five years of age. Male sex, maternal educational status, low household income, preterm babies, absence of antenatal follow-up, diarrhea, and respiratory infections within one-month duration were factors affecting undernutrition.

scholarly journals Program promotif poskestren terhadap PHBS santri di pondok pesantren

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-337
Author(s):  
Lalu Dedy Supriatna ◽  
Indasah Indasah ◽  
Byba Melda Suhita
Keyword(s):  
Random Sampling ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Post ◽  
Healthy Living ◽  
Holistic Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Promoting School ◽  
Health Promoting

Pesantren Health Post (Poskestren) promotional program for Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (CHLB)  among students at Islamic boarding schoolsBackground: Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (CHLB) school environment structure is an effort to empower students, teachers, and the school community to know, want, and be able to treat CHLB. This is in line with Health Promotion in educational institutions (Health Promoting School) launched by the World Health Organization which uses a holistic model that includes the relationship between physical, mental, social and environmental aspects.Purpose: To analyze the influence of the health post promotion program for Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (CHLB)  among students at Islamic boarding schoolsMethod: An observational analytic study using a cross sectional approach. The sampling technique used simple random sampling, a sample of 271 respondents. The research instrument used a questionnaire with 20 question items. The data analysis technique used the chi-square test.Results: Obtained from 271 respondents with the Poskestren program (Promotive) in the less category, it will have an influence in the moderate category on the (CHLB)   of students (36.16%). It is necessary to plan that is directed and sustainable in improving the quality for the implementation of the poskestren program in a promotional manner so that it can get better results.Conclusion: The Pesantren Health Post program promoted a significant effect on (CHLB)  among students at Ad Diinul Qayyim Islamic Boarding School, West Lombok Regency, NTB.Keywords: Pesantren Health Post (Poskestren); Promotional program; Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (CHLB); Students; Islamic boarding schoolsPendahuluan: Perilaku Hidup Bersih dan Sehat (PHBS) tatanan lingkungan sekolah adalah upaya untuk memberdayakan siswa, guru, dan masyarakat lingkungan sekolah agar tahu, mau, dan mampu memperlakukan PHBS. Hal ini sejalan dengan Promosi Kesehatan di institusi pendidikan (Health Promoting School) yang dicanangkan oleh Organisasi Kesehatan Dunia yang menggunakan model holistik yang meliputi hubungan antar aspek fisik, mental, sosial, dan lingkungan.Tujuan: Untuk menganalisis pengaruh program promotif  poskestren terhadap PHBS Santri di Pondok PesantrenMetode: Penelitian analitik observasional dengan menggunakan pendekatan cross sectional. Teknik sampling menggunakan simple random sampling, sampel sebanyak 271 responden. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan kuisioner dengan 20 item pertanyaan. Teknik analisa data menggunakan uji chi-square.Hasil: Didapatkan dari 271 responden dengan program Poskestren (Promotif) dalam kategori kurang maka akan memberikan pengaruh dalam kategori cukup pada PHBS santri (36.16%). Perlu perencanaan yang terarah dan berkesinambungan dalam meningkatkan kualitas untuk penerapan program poskestren secara promotif sehingga mendapatkan hasil yang lebih baik.Simpulan: Program Poskestren secara promotif berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap PHBS pada santri di Pondok Pesantren Ad Diinul Qayyim Kabupaten Lombok Barat NTB.

scholarly journals Differential pathogenesis of closely related 2018 Nigerian outbreak clade III Lassa virus isolates

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. e1009966
Author(s):  
Derek R. Stein ◽  
Bryce M. Warner ◽  
Jonathan Audet ◽  
Geoff Soule ◽  
Vinayakumar Siragam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Lassa Fever ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
World Health ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Lassa Virus ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Animal Models Of Disease ◽  
Medical Countermeasures

Nigeria continues to experience ever increasing annual outbreaks of Lassa fever (LF). The World Health Organization has recently declared Lassa virus (LASV) as a priority pathogen for accelerated research leading to a renewed international effort to develop relevant animal models of disease and effective countermeasures to reduce LF morbidity and mortality in endemic West African countries. A limiting factor in evaluating medical countermeasures against LF is a lack of well characterized animal models outside of those based on infection with LASV strain Josiah originating form Sierra Leone, circa 1976. Here we genetically characterize five recent LASV isolates collected from the 2018 outbreak in Nigeria. Three isolates were further evaluated in vivo and despite being closely related and from the same spatial / geographic region of Nigeria, only one of the three isolates proved lethal in strain 13 guinea pigs and non-human primates (NHP). Additionally, this isolate exhibited atypical pathogenesis characteristics in the NHP model, most notably respiratory failure, not commonly described in hemorrhagic cases of LF. These results suggest that there is considerable phenotypic heterogeneity in LASV infections in Nigeria, which leads to a multitude of pathogenesis characteristics that could account for differences between subclinical and lethal LF infections. Most importantly, the development of disease models using currently circulating LASV strains in West Africa are critical for the evaluation of potential vaccines and medical countermeasures.

Roles and strategies of international humanitarian organisations in handling the Liberia Ebola outbreak

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Bainga Kangbai ◽  
Ahmed Alameldeen
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
West African ◽  
World Health ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
African Countries ◽  
History Of ◽  
Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Abstract Background In Early August 2014, the World Health Organisation declared an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the region of West Africa. The West African EVD outbreak was the largest, most severe, and complex in the nearly four-decade history of this disease. The management of EVD cases in Liberia was similar to the other affected West African countries. Methods We reviewed the method and strategies used by some of the international humanitarian organisations in handling the 2013-2016 Ebola outbreak in Liberia. This report is a collection of personal field experiences in Liberia as well as personal interviews of healthcare personnel working for some of these international organisations working on the Ebola emergency in Liberia. Findings Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) was the first humanitarian NGO to deploy medical staff to the field in Liberia during the 2013-2016 EVD outbreak. MSF staffs were already operating in Liberia even before the declaration of the outbreak in August 2014.Conclusions The slow response by the international humanitarian organisations to lend their support in bringing the EVD outbreak to and exhibited the fear the international community have for deadly infectious diseases more than armed conflicts.Recommendations We recommend regularly training in public health emergency preparedness for third world countries that are highly susceptible to health emergencies such as Ebola outbreak to help prepared them ahead of such outbreak.

scholarly journals Lassa Fever: Viral Replication, Disease Pathogenesis, and Host Immune Modulations

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 437
Author(s):  
Hinh Ly
Keyword(s):  
Lassa Fever ◽  
West African ◽  
Host Factors ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Disease Pathogenesis ◽  
Virus Life Cycle ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Made In

Despite major discoveries made in the last few decades about Lassa fever, there are still many unresolved key issues that hamper the development of effective vaccines and therapies against this deadly disease that is endemic in several West African countries. Some of these issues include the lack of a detailed understanding of the viral and participating host factors in completing the virus life cycle, in mediating disease pathogenesis or protection from disease, and in activating or suppressing host innate and cellular immunity against virus infection, as well as of the animal models required for testing vaccines and therapeutics. This Special Issue is devoted to understanding some of these important issues and to exploring the current status of the research and development in combating Lassa fever.

scholarly journals Open Defecation Practices in Lodwar, Kenya: A Mixed-Methods Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 117863021982837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phylis Jepkorir Busienei ◽  
George Morara Ogendi ◽  
Millicent A Mokua
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Open Defecation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nomadic Pastoralism ◽  
Cultural Aspects

Background: As of the year 2014, about 2.5 billion people globally lacked access to improved sanitation. The situation is even worse in the sub-Saharan African countries including Kenya. The practice of open defecation (OD) peaks beyond 72% of the population in Turkana County, Kenya, despite various interventions to end it. Methods: This article reports on both qualitative and quantitative aspects of a cross-sectional study. A partially mixed sequential dominant (quantitative) status was used to understand various socioeconomic factors associated with OD practice in Lodwar’s human settlements, Turkana County. Simple random sampling technique was chosen to select participants for this study with the sample drawn from various administrative units of Lodwar. Standardized questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to collect data. Results: The quantitative findings revealed that culture was the leading factor as to why people practiced OD with a frequency of 44%. The findings further revealed that poverty was the major influencing factor for latrine ownership among the households (frequency 27%). Pearson χ2 tests revealed that there was a significant association between latrine presence and education level of the household head (χ2 = 107.317; P < .05), latrine sharing (χ2 = 403; P < .05), and occupation of the household head (χ2 = 74.51; P < .05). The quantitative findings showed that culture was by far the most common factor that contributed to the OD practice with a theme intensity of 31.1%. Further analyses identified 5 major cultural aspects that were associated with OD practice. This included sexual immorality, OD as a common habit, nomadic pastoralism, bride’s dignity and mixing of feces. Open defecation as a common habit among the respondents was the most cited factor that contributed to its rampant practice (theme intensity 31.3%) followed closely by nomadic pastoralism kind of life among the residents that limit latrine construction (theme intensity 28.1%). Conclusions: In addition to cultural aspects, high poverty levels influence latrine adoption and consequently OD practices. Future sanitation interventions addressing OD should assess and factor in these cultural aspects in such communities to come up with appropriate eradication measures which have otherwise been difficult to solve through poverty eradication and sanitation campaigns that have been in existence.

scholarly journals PROPORTION OF EARLY ANTENATAL CARE BOOKING AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN MEKELLE CITY, PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTIONS, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA, 2015

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 409
Author(s):  
Gebreamlak Gidey ◽  
Desta Abraha
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Early Initiation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mekelle City

 Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the proportion and associated factors for early initiation of antenatal care visit in Mekelle City, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2015.Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed among 391 pregnant women’s in Mekelle special zone. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data through interview. Data were entered into EPI info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 20, respectively. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was done to see significant variables with p<0.05 at 95% confidence interval (CI).Result: The proportion of pregnant women who initiate early antenatal care (ANC) visit was found to be 41.1%. Perceived correct time of initiation before 4 months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=3.261, 95% CI 1.391–7.645) and correct time told by others before 4 months with (AOR=6.617, 95% CI 2.580, 16.971) were found to have statistically significant positive outcomes association with early initiation of antenatal care visit.Conclusion: The proportion of early ANC initiation in Mekelle is lower than the World Health Organization recommendation which is <16 weeks gestation. Therefore, providing information to the community, initiation counseling, and providing health education on the benefits early ANC is crucial to improving maternal, neonatal, and child health outcomes.

Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of Undergraduate Students of Winneba Campus of University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Janet AgyarkwaaOti ◽  
Guy Eshun
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
The Body ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The University

Even though empirical evidence exists to validate the avowal that dietary habits hold the key in reducing the surge in non-communicable diseases among adolescents and young adults and for optimal nutritional status, little is known about the nexus of these variables in the Ghanaian context and much less in Ghanaian universities. In view of this dearth in literature, this study investigated dietary habits and its effect on nutritional status among undergraduate students of the Winneba Campus of University of Education, Winneba. Using the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) as the theoretical basis, this study adopted the cross-sectional descriptive survey research design with the quantitative approach where proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select 3,065 students for the study. The assessment of nutritional status was done where height and weight were measured in Kg/m2and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on the recommendations by the World Health Organization. Data on the dietary habits was collected with a closed-ended questionnaire which was analyzed using both descriptive statistics like frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation as well as inferential statistics such as multiple regression.The study discovered that undergraduate students of the University of Education, Winneba, were of normal weight than overweight and underweight while obesity was ranked the least. The study further revealed that even though students moderately consumed fish, meat, eggs and dairy products legumes and nuts, they had a low intake of fruits and vegetables, but high consumption of energy-dense foods and fast foods such as cakes, pastries, cookies, deep-fried foods, biscuits, sandwiches, indomie and of soft drinks. It was further established that majority of the students skipped meals notably breakfast. Besides, the study showed that all the dietary habits outlined in the study collectively contributed significantly to students’ nutritional status. Therefore, it is recommended that the University through its health directorate and the Department of Food and Nutrition should regularly organize health talks and symposiums to admonish students on the dangers of not observing optimal dietary habits. Additionally, the University through its Academic Board should introduce a general course on nutrition education to equip students with current theories in dietary practices for improved dietary habits.

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