Prevalence and potential risk factors for gastrointestinal parasitic infections in children in urban Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

2019 ◽  
Vol 113 (9) ◽  
pp. 545-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian von Huth ◽  
Poul-Erik Kofoed ◽  
Uffe Holmskov

Abstract Background Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical countries. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of GI parasitic infections in children from Bissau, Guinea-Bissau and to identify the possible risk factors for these infections. Methods We performed an observational study on two comparable cohorts of children 2–15 y of age: one study covering health care–seeking children (n=748) and one study covering children from the background population (n=851). A total of 1274 faecal samples from the two cohorts were investigated for parasites by microscopy and the risk factors for infection were identified by logistic regression. Results Intestinal parasitic infections were found in 54.8% of health care–seeking children and 55.5% of children from the background population. Helminth infections were more common among health care–seeking children and were mainly due to hookworms. Pathogenic protozoa included Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Giardia lamblia. The risk factors for infections included increasing age, household crowding and poor sanitation and water supply. Conclusions We found a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among both health care–seeking children and children from the background population. Compared with previous studies, we found a decreasing prevalence of intestinal helminths. This study further identifies potential risk factors for infections, including inadequate sanitation and water supply.

Author(s):  
Yeqing Tong ◽  
Xuhua Guan ◽  
Shuangyi Hou ◽  
Li Cai ◽  
Yadong Huang ◽  
...  

Background The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in low and middle-income countries is a significant public health and social concern. TB is a common infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, which has a widespread infection rate. Health care-seeking delay maybe one of the most important neglected risk factors for the spread of TB. Objectives The aim of this study was to understand the situation of health care-seeking delay among rural tuberculosis patients in Hubei Province, and explore its risk factors. Methods A total of 1408 rural tuberculosis patients were surveyed using a standard structured questionnaire in three cities of Hubei Province during the past two years. Results For the 1408cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, 39.70% of them were health care-seeking delayed. Logistic regressions indicate that the Han nationality, farming careers, the over 45 min walk to the township’s hospital, and awareness of the national TB free treatment policy, were significantly associated with higher odds of a delay in care seeking. Conclusions The prevalence of health care-seeking delay among tuberculosis patients was high in rural areas. It is essential to take comprehensive targeted interventions to reduce care-seeking delay.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-50
Author(s):  
Chanda Sah ◽  
Srijana Aryal ◽  
Gita Neupane

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is a leading public health problem worldwide. Low awareness on cancer leads to increase in burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to find out awareness regarding cancer among people. Total 100 samples were selected by using non-probability purposive sampling method. Semi-structured interview schedule was developed with the guide of the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) to collect data. Collected data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The findings of the study showed that none of the study respondents were aware of all the nine warning signs of cancer. Majority (80%) of the respondents were aware that “a sore that doesn’t heal” and minority (15%) knew about “change in bowel and bladder habit” as warning signs of cancer. Regarding risk factors, majority knew chemical fertilizer and pesticides and unseasonal fruits and vegetables (90%), smoking (88%) as risk factors of cancer and minority (32%) knew about excessive sun exposure. There was statistically significant association between respondents’ level of awareness regarding cancer with education status (p= 0.011). CONCLUSION: Findings of the study revealed that more than half (68%) of the adults had low awareness regarding cancer. Emotional barriers (88%) were known to be affecting health care seeking behaviours for cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to organize health awareness campaigns addressing emotional barriers might improve in early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.


Author(s):  
Mahra Nooruddin Kazim ◽  
Tagried Hamdan AbouMoussa ◽  
Fatima Ahmed AL-Hammadi ◽  
Asma Al Ali ◽  
Fariba Mohammad Abedini ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110020
Author(s):  
Sugandhi Sharma ◽  
Ritin Mohindra ◽  
Kirtan Rana ◽  
Vikas Suri ◽  
Ashish Bhalla ◽  
...  

Introduction Health care workers (HCWs) are at the forefront to fight against COVID-19 pandemic. They are at more risk of contracting the infection. This study was planned to assess potential risk factors of 2019-novel coronavirus infection among HCWs working in a health facility and to evaluate the effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures among them. Methods A study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital among HCWs who were directly or indirectly involved in the management of a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19. The socio-demographic characteristics, history of exposure, IPC measures followed and clinical symptoms were compared between health care workers in COVID and non-COVID areas. Results Majority (45%) of HCWs were nurses, followed by hospital/sanitary/technical attendants (30%) and doctors (24%). Out of a total of 256 HCWs, 2% tested positive. Around 80% of HCWs had ever attended any IPC training. A statistically significant association was found between posting area of HCWs and their exposure to COVID patients (duration of exposure, PPE has worn by HCWs, direct contact of HCWs with the patient’s material) and COVID positivity ( P value <.001). Conclusion If health care workers were trained and take adequate precautions then the risk of getting an infection is minimized.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 846
Author(s):  
Zerife Orhan ◽  
Arzu Kayis ◽  
Mehtap Sonmez ◽  
Burak Kucuk ◽  
Kezban Yalcinkaya ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Rania M. Kishk ◽  
Nader Nemr ◽  
Hebatalla M. Aly ◽  
Nourhan H. Soliman ◽  
Abeer M. Hagras ◽  
...  

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