scholarly journals Retrospective mortality and prevalence of SARS–CoV–2 antibodies in greater Omdurman, Sudan: a population–based cross–sectional survey

Author(s):  
Wendelin Moser ◽  
Mohammed Ahmed Hassan Fahal ◽  
Elamin Abualas ◽  
Shahinaz Bedri ◽  
Mahgoub Taj Elsir ◽  
...  

Background Even after adjusting for the expected lower severity due to the younger age of the population, relatively low SARS–CoV–2 incidence and mortality rates have been reported throughout Africa. For investigating whether this is truly the case, we conducted a survey to estimate the COVID–19 related mortality and cumulative incidence of SARS–CoV–2 infections in Omdurman the most populated city of the tripartite metropolis Khartoum in Sudan. Methods A retrospective, cross–sectional, mortality and seroprevalence survey was conducted in Omdurman, Sudan, from March 1, until April 10 2021. A two–stage cluster sampling method was used to investigate the death rate for the pre–pandemic (January 1, 2019–February 29, 2020) and pandemic (March 1, 2020 – day of the survey) period using questionnaires. The seroprevalence survey was performed in a subset of households and all consenting members were tested with a rapid serological test (SD–Biosensor) and a subgroup additionally with ELISA (EUROIMMUN). Fisher′s exact test was used to assess differences between the pre–and pandemic periods and a random effect and Bayesian latent class model to adjust for test performance. Findings Data from 27315 people (3716 households) for the entire recall period showed a 67% (95% CI 32–110) increase in death rate between the pre–pandemic (0.12 deaths/10000 people/day [95% CI 0.10–0.14]) and pandemic (0.20 [0.16–0.23]) periods. Notably, a 74% (30–133) increase in death was observed among people aged ≥50 years. The adjusted seroprevalence of SARS–CoV–2 was 54.6% (95% CI 51.4–57.8). The seroprevalence was significantly associated with age, increasing up to 80.7% (71.7–89.7) for the oldest age group (≥50 years). Interpretation Our results showed a significant elevated mortality for the pandemic period with a considerable excess mortality in Omdurman, Sudan. The overall high seroprevalence indicated a different age pattern compared to other countries, with a significant increase by age. Funding Medécins Sans Frontières

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Marshal M. Mweu ◽  
Juliana Wambua ◽  
Fixtan Njuga ◽  
Philip Bejon ◽  
Daniel Mwanga

Background: Central to the successful elimination of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, are tests with superior capability of diagnosing low-density parasitaemias. Empirical evidence on the performance of the commonly available diagnostics (light microscopy (LM), rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) is needed to better inform case management and surveillance activities within primary health care settings where elimination of falciparum malaria is targeted. The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) and predictive values of LM, RDT and PCR tests for P. falciparum infection, while evaluating the effect of specific covariates on the accuracy of the tests. Methods: The study enrolled 1,563 children via a cross-sectional survey for asymptomatic malaria and those presenting with symptomatic malaria to the Ngerenya dispensary, Kilifi County between March and December 2014. A Bayesian latent class model (BLCM) was fitted to the participants’ diagnostic data obtained from blood samples that were screened for the presence of P. falciparum using the three tests. Results: The PCR assay registered a higher Se (97.6% [92.0; 99.7]) than LM (84.0% [74.8; 91.0]) but similar to RDT (92.2% [84.4; 97.0]). However, the assay showed a similar Sp (98.9% [98.2; 99.4]) to both RDT (99.4% [98.9; 99.7]) and LM (99.5% [99.0; 99.8]). Regarding predictive values, the tests yielded statistically similar estimates of Positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV). A serial interpretation of the results of RDT and LM raised the PPVs and NPVs to >98%. Conclusions: LM and RDT tests afford high Se and Sp in a low P. falciparum prevalence setting. A serial combination of the tests assures high PPV and NPV estimates. These elements, coupled with the wide deployment and affordability of the tests, lend the tests useful for guiding clinical care and surveillance activities for P. falciparum within elimination settings.


Salud Mental ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 107-115
Author(s):  
Roberto Cordero-Oropeza ◽  
Mirna García-Méndez ◽  
Martha Cordero-Oropeza ◽  
Julio Javier Corona-Maldonado

Introduction. In Mexico, alcohol consumption is the main problem related to substance use among university students. Objective. To analyze emerging alcohol consumption patterns in students at a public university through the administration of an online survey. Method. This is a cross-sectional, survey-based study. Participants included 3,888 students from a large university in Mexico City, to whom the alcohol and sociodemographic data section of the Cuestionario de Estudiantes 2014 was electronically administered in August-September 2018 and 2019. Latent Class Analysis was applied to the data obtained. During the research, the principles, norms, and ethical precepts of research on human beings were observed. Results. The relevant variables observed were length of exposure to alcohol, excess alcohol consumption, consumption on a typical day and alcohol-related consequences, which were used to create a model with four groups: teetotalers and early drinkers without consequences, risky drinkers with consequences, experienced risky drinkers without consequences and habitual drinkers with consequences. 36.7% of the sample were classified into groups with consequences and a high likelihood of excess consumption. Discussion and conclusion. Lengthy exposure to alcohol influences measures of frequency and intensity of consumption in relation to the number of consequences suffered. This latent class model can guide the design and priority of universal, selective, or suggested preventive interventions.


Author(s):  
Yousif Elmosaad ◽  
Ahmed Al Rajeh ◽  
Asif khan ◽  
Elfatih Malik ◽  
Ilias Mahmud

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in malaria prevention using insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) among mothers of children under five years of age in White Nile State, Sudan. Multistage cluster sampling was used to select 761 mothers for this cross-sectional survey. There were gaps in the KAP in malaria prevention. Only 46.3% of the mothers stated personal protective measures (PPMs) as the best malaria prevention strategy; 54.9% considered ITNs as an effective means; and only 18.7% reported sleeping under an ITN every day. Older mothers were less likely to have good knowledge (OR=0.96), attitudes (OR=0.98) and practices (OR=0.98). Having a Government employee as the head of the household was positively associated with knowledge (OR=2.16) and attitudes (OR=1.96). The mother having a formal education was also positively associated with good knowledge (OR=1.55) and positive attitudes (OR=1.69). Mothers with a monthly household income of <491 Sudanese Pound were more likely to have good knowledge (OR=1.43). Mothers who had good knowledge (OR=4.99) and positive attitudes towards PPMs (OR=2.60) in malaria prevention were found to be more likely to practice preventive measures. Therefore, we recommend focusing on raising mothers’ awareness of the different preventive activities to protect them and their family from malaria.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712110340
Author(s):  
Bhagyashree Katare ◽  
Shuoli Zhao ◽  
Joel Cuffey ◽  
Maria I. Marshall ◽  
Corinne Valdivia

Purpose: Describe preferences toward COVID-19 testing features (method, location, hypothetical monetary incentive) and simulate the effect of monetary incentives on willingness to test. Design: Online cross-sectional survey administered in July 2020. Subjects: 1,505 nationally representative U.S. respondents. Measures: Choice of preferred COVID-19 testing options in discrete choice experiment. Options differed by method (nasal-swab, saliva), location (hospital/clinic, drive-through, at-home), and monetary incentive ($0, $10, $20). Analysis: Latent class conditional logit model to classify preferences, mixed logit model to simulate incentive effectiveness. Results: Preferences were categorized into 4 groups: 34% (n = 517) considered testing comfort (saliva versus nasal swab) most important, 27% (n = 408) were willing to trade comfort for monetary incentives, 19% (n = 287) would only test at convenient locations, 20% (n = 293) avoided testing altogether. Relative to no monetary incentives, incentives of $100 increased the percent of testing avoiders (16%) and convenience seekers (70%) that were willing to test. Conclusion: Preferences toward different COVID-19 testing features vary, highlighting the need to match testing features with individuals to monitor the spread of COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiao Lu ◽  
Yuan Wang ◽  
Lihong Hou ◽  
Zhenxing Zuo ◽  
Na Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Influenced by various factors such as socio-demographic characteristics, behavioral lifestyles and socio-cultural environment, the multimorbidity patterns in old adults remain complex. This study aims to identify their characteristics and associated multi-layered factors based on health ecological model. Methods In 2019, we surveyed a total of 7480 participants aged 60+ by using a multi-stage random cluster sampling method in Shanxi province, China. Latent class analysis was used to discriminate the multimorbidity patterns in old adults, and hierarchical regression was performed to determine the multi-layered factors associated with their various multimorbidity patterns. Results The prevalence of multimorbidity was 34.70% among the old patients with chronic disease. Over half (60.59%) of the patients with multimorbidity had two co-existing chronic diseases. “Degenerative/digestive diseases”, “metabolic diseases” and “cardiovascular diseases” were three specific multimorbidity patterns. Behavioral lifestyles-layered factors had the most explanatory power for the three patterns, whose proportions of explanatory power were 54.00, 43.90 and 48.15% individually. But the contributions of other multi-layered factors were different in different patterns; balanced diet, medication adherence, the size of family and friendship network, and different types of basic medical insurance might have the opposite effect on the three multimorbidity patterns (p < 0.05). Conclusions In management of old patients with multimorbidity, we should prioritize both the “lifestyle change”-centered systematic management strategy and group-customized intervention programs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reshma Roshania ◽  
Rakesh Giri ◽  
Melissa Fox Young ◽  
G Sai Mala ◽  
Amy Webb Girard ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of child malnutrition and the determinants of nutrition status among circular migrant families working in the brick industry in Bihar, India, focusing on differences by origin. Methods We used a stratified, cluster sampling design consisting of a cross-sectional survey in 552 randomly selected brick kilns (clusters) throughout Bihar. Circular migration was defined as residence outside the home block for at least 60 days for employment plus at least one home return in the previous year. Per kiln, three circular migrant households with children 0–35 months of age were randomly selected. We collected kiln, household and child-level data including anthropometric measurements for each selected child (n = 1198). Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted in SAS. The primary outcomes were stunting (<-2 SD height-for-age z score) and wasting (<-2 SD weight-for-height z score). The primary exposure of interest was intrastate vs. interstate origin; covariates included household wealth index, parity of the mother, and child age and gender. Results Prevalence of stunting was lower among interstate migrants (47%) compared to intrastate migrants (55%, aOR: 0.66, 95%CI: 0.50–0.88). Wasting was higher among interstate migrants (43%) compared to intrastate migrants (34%, aOR:1.51, 95%CI: 1.17–1.94). Among children 6–23 months, 13% had a minimum acceptable diet; MAD was higher among interstate migrants (17%), compared to intrastate migrants (10%) (P = 0.014). Full immunization coverage among circular migrants was 39%, lower than the overall state (62%, NFHS IV). Open defecation was reported by over 90% of circular migrants. Conclusions Our results are likely to inform the ongoing policy discourse on circular migrants’ access to health and nutrition benefits. State of origin emerged as an important predictor of nutrition status, operating differently for acute and chronic malnutrition; we will further explore pathways of nutrition by origin in future analyses. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Yunfei Zhang ◽  
Jiahong Sun ◽  
Min Zhao ◽  
Costan G. Magnussen ◽  
Xi Bo

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity among Tibetan adolescents aged 12-17 years. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Shigatse city of Tibet municipality, with an average altitude of more than 4000 m. Subjects: Study participants included 2,642 adolescents aged 12-17 years selected from 6 schools using a convenient cluster sampling method. Results: The prevalence of thinness/overweight/obesity among Tibetan adolescents was 9.4%/5.4%/1.4% (China definition), 14.7%/4.4%/0.7% (IOTF definition), and 2.8%/5.7%/0.9% (WHO definition). The prevalence of thinness and overweight was significantly different between both sexes based on each of three BMI classification criteria (P <0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of obesity between both sexes according to each of three BMI criteria. There was no clear trend in the prevalence of thinness across ages according to the China or IOTF definition (both P >0.05), whereas an upward trend was observed for thinness in boys according to the IOTF definition (P for trend <0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of thinness tended to decrease with increasing age in girls according to the IOTF definition, and in total sample according to the WHO definition (P for trend <0.05). Conclusions: Among Tibetan adolescents, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is relatively low, while the prevalence of thinness is high, especially in boys. These data suggest urgent attention is needed to control adolescent thinness in Tibet.


Author(s):  
Li Xu ◽  
Dingyun You ◽  
Chengyu Li ◽  
Xiyu Zhang ◽  
Runxu Yang ◽  
...  

AbstractFacing with COVID-19 epidemic such a catastrophic health emergency, the mental health status of medical staff deserves attention. We conducted a two-stage of psychological status monitoring after the end of the assistance and 14 days of isolation, further targeted the vulnerable groups in need of intervention. The study is a cross-sectional survey on 1156 Yunnan medical staff aid to Hubei. Used Cluster sampling method to collect data at 2 time points (at the end of returning from Wuhan and the 14th day of isolation), from March 18, 2020 to April 6, 2020. Female and nurse had higher rates of depressive symptoms than male and doctors and other occupations. The proportion of female with mild and above moderate anxiety levels (22.91%, 2.61%) was higher than male (17.35%, 1.03%) (p < 0.05). Female had a better impaired sleep quality (45.06%, 17.49%) more than male (28.57%, 7.94%). Medical staff supported in Wuhan and with junior professional titles reported a higher proportion of sleep quality impairment. At the 14th isolation day stage, the proportion of nurses changed from depression to health (9.15%) and from health to depression (6.1%) better than doctors. The front-line medical staffs had suffered greater psychological pressure in the treatment process of major public health emergency. Researches on the dynamic monitor for the change of psychological status after aiding epidemic areas were still in relatively blank stage. Targeting the vulnerable characteristics of aiding medical staff is significant for effective psychological intervention and sustainable operation of health system.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-13
Author(s):  
Mohammed Al Saad ◽  
Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) ranks the eighth most frequent cancer among Syrian women with crude incidence rates 1.4 per 100, 000 populations per year. This study aimed to test the acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among mothers of schoolgirls in sixth-grade class. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted through a structured and self-administrated questionnaire. A total of 400 Syrian mothers of schoolgirls were selected randomly by the cluster sampling method in Aleppo city, Syria, in 2011. Significant variables from univariate analysis were included in an enter technique multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The response rate was 86%. If the vaccine was free, 282 (81.7%) mothers would accept the vaccine for themselves and 236 (68.4%) for their daughters, respectively. However, the acceptance rate grossly decreased to 24.6% and 15.1%, respectively, if the vaccine was not provided free. The high cost of the HPV vaccine and lack of knowledge were the significant barriers for mothers' acceptance of the HPV vaccine. Protection of daughters and the trust with health authority were the main encouraging reasons to accept the HPV vaccine. Findings from logistic regression analysis revealed that the employed mothers (odds ratio = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.3–4.4), with a positive history of gynecological examination (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.6–2.9) and having sound knowledge (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.0–5.7) are independent factors related to the acceptance of the HPV vaccine for their daughters. Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that mothers from different cultural backgrounds, including Syrian mothers, are holding different beliefs on privacy and health that may affect their willingness to accept the HPV vaccine.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferdinand Mukoso ◽  
Aliocha Nkodila ◽  
François Lepira ◽  
Pascal Bayauli ◽  
Yves Lubenga ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and aim: In limited resource settings, reliable epidemiological data generated from hypertension high risk geographical areas or people is a prerequisite for the planning of proven and effective interventions. The aim of the present survey was to assess the prevalence, awareness, control and factors associated with hypertension in adults living in the port City of Bandundu, located in the southwestern part of DRC.Methods: a cross-sectional survey using a modified WHO STEPwise questionnaire for data collection during face-to face interviews was conducted from 1st May to 30th October 2018. A multistage cluster sampling method was used and inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years and informed consent. Information on demographic parameters, behavioral lifestyles, anthropometric and blood pressure (BP) measurements was obtained. Hypertension was defined as an average of two BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or self-reported history of antihypertensive medication use. Independent factors associated with hypertension were identified using logistic regression analysis. P<0.05 defined the level of statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 34,5% (Women 36,6 %). Older age (p<0.001), subclinical atherosclerosis (p= 0.021), sleep duration <8 hours (p<0.002), diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), and obesity (p= 0.009) emerged as main cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension.Conclusion: Hypertension was characterized by a high prevalence, low rate of awareness and suboptimal BP control, high cardiovascular risk and associated sleep duration and obesity as modifiable risk factors.


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