Evolution of epilepsy prevalence and incidence in a Tanzanian area endemic for onchocerciasis and the potential impact of community-directed treatment with ivermectin: a cross-sectional study and comparison over 28 years

IntroductionWorldwide, there are an estimated 50 million people affected by epilepsy. Its aetiology is manifold, and parasitic infections play an important role, specifically onchocerciasis. In onchocerciasis endemic areas, a distinctive form of epilepsy has been described as nodding syndrome, affecting children and causing nodding seizures, mental retardation and debilitating physical development. Onchocerciasis control programmes using community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) are implemented in endemic countries. This study is designed to contribute to a better understanding of the linkage between the onset of epilepsy, onchocerciasis and CDTI. Comparing the epidemiological data on epilepsy and onchocerciasis from pre-CDTI and 20 years after its introduction will allow identifying a potential impact of ivermectin on the onset of epilepsy.Methods and analysisThe study will be conducted in the Mahenge highlands in Tanzania. Study site selection is based on an in-depth study on epilepsy in that area dating from 1989. CDTI was introduced in 1997. By a door-to-door approach, the population will be screened for epilepsy using a validated questionnaire. Suspected cases will be invited for a neurological examination for case verification. Onchocerciasis prevalence will be assessed by a rapid epidemiological assessment. As an indicator for ongoing transmission, children younger than 10 years of age will be tested for Ov16 antibodies. Ivermectin use will be assessed at household level. Epilepsy data will be analysed in comparison with the 1989 data to reveal pre-CDTI and post-CDTI prevalence and incidence.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol has received ethical approval from the ethics committees of the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and of the National Institut of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, and presented to the health authorities in Tanzania, at national, regional and village level.

Download Full-text

Ocorrência de enteroparasitoses em crianças cadastradas em uma obra social

Revista Principia - Divulgação Científica e Tecnológica do IFPB ◽

10.18265/1517-0306a2020v1n52p48-57 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (52) ◽

pp. 48

Author(s):

Rubenício Izidro Da Silva Júnior ◽

Lucas Pedrosa Souto Maior ◽

Jessé Marques Da Silva Júnior Pavão ◽

Kamila Marques Da Silva ◽

Claudia Maria Lins Calheiros ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ascaris Lumbricoides ◽

Tap Water ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Public Network ◽

The Public ◽

Sanitary Conditions

<p>Intestinal parasitoses are a serious public health problem, especially in underdeveloped countries, and this problem is associated and aggravated by poor sanitary conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the parasitological characteristics of children and family members registered in a social work. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to December 2018. The feces were collected in sterile vials, the exams were performed using the spontaneous sedimentation and Baermann-Moraes methods. The species detected were Giardia lamblia, Endolimax nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiuria and Schistosoma mansoni. The most frequent parasite was Endolimax nana (25.64%), while among the helminths, with 15.44% Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent. Regarding epidemiological data, the source of supply water corresponded to 97.91% of households connected (consumers) to the public supply network, ie source of treated source. As for drinking water, 44.44% of households used tap water (from the public network) and another part of families (33.33%) consumed mineral water at home, only 5.56% of households drank well water artesian. Consequently, the importance of health education programs to prevent parasitic infections is highlighted.</p>

Download Full-text

Perception of confidence among dental interns when performing removable prosthodontic treatment

Journal of Nepalese Prosthodontic Society ◽

10.3126/jnprossoc.v3i2.36385 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 92-99

Author(s):

B Maskey ◽

K Shrestha ◽

B Pathak

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Partial Denture ◽

Undergraduate Level ◽

Exact Test ◽

Clinical Procedures ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Ethical Approval ◽

Removable Prosthesis ◽

Spss Software

Introduction: Removable prosthodontics constitutes the majority of the prosthodontic curriculum at an undergraduate level and it is expected that the students will be able to perform these procedures independently. However, in recent years, it has been observed that the majority of the removable prosthodontic treatment have been referred to consultants or at times even delegated to the technicians. One of the major reasons behind this trend may be the result of an individual graduate's internal perception of their ability or lack of confidence in their ability to perform these procedures. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental interns in People’s Dental College and Hospital, affiliated to Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal after the ethical approval from PDCH-IRC. A self-designed validated questionnaire related to the experience of individual interns and level of confidence pertaining to clinical procedures related to removable prosthesis fabrication was distributed by the authors to the interns. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21); descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test was applied. Results: Overall most of the interns (77.8%; n=28) were confident in removable prosthodontics and they were equally confident while performing both complete and partial denture prostheses. Male interns were significantly more confident (p<0.5) in performing complete denture prostheses while the clinical experience did not have a significant effect on the confidence level. The interns were confident in performing most of the procedures related to complete and partial denture prostheses (median=3). Conclusions: The interns at People’s Dental College and Hospital were confident in removable prosthodontics. The few procedures where our interns lacked have been identified and efforts will be made to overcome these shortcomings.

Download Full-text

Evidences on Irrational Anti-Microbial Prescribing and Consumption among COVID-19 Positive Patients and Possible Mitigation Strategies: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases ◽

10.3329/bjid.v7i00.50155 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. S3-S7

Author(s):

Monira Parveen ◽

Md Maruf Ahmed Molla ◽

Mahmuda Yeasmin ◽

Tasnim Nafisa ◽

Arifa Akram Barna ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Antibiotic Prescribing ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Presenting Symptoms ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Ethical Approval ◽

Testing Center

Background: Increased antimicrobial consumption has increased the burden on worsening situation of antimicrobial resistance throughout the world. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the practice of irrational antibiotic prescribing and consumption among COVID-19 positive patients of Bangladesh and its possible impact on existing AMR. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among SARS-CoV-2 positive patients from a tertiary COVID-19 PCR testing center in Dhaka between 10th July 2020 and 20th July 2020. A validated questionnaire was used to gather data. Ethical approval was obtained. A total of 100 participants through random sampling was selected. Results: A total of 100 COVID-19 RT-PCR positive patients were participated in this study: 96% had mild symptoms, fever (81.0%) was the most common presenting symptoms, 45.0% patients did not consult with physicians even after knowing their positive test results and reported self medicating with antibiotics, and 36.0% were treated with multiple antibiotics and antiviral at a time. Azithromycin (46.0%), Ivermectin (22.0%) and doxycycline (21.0%) were the antibiotics most used, which were mainly obtained from local retail pharmacies. Conclusion: Practice of irrational antibiotic prescribing and self medication is relatively high among COVID-19 positive participants. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, October 2020;7(suppl_2):S3-S7

Download Full-text

Nigerian physiotherapists’ perception of direct access and patients’ self-referral

Nigerian Journal of Medical Rehabilitation ◽

10.34058/njmr.v18i1.105 ◽

2015 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Chidozie Emmanuel Mbada ◽

Kayode D. Ojetola ◽

Rufus Adesoji Adedoyin ◽

Udoka A. C. Okafor ◽

Olubusola E. Johnson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Support ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Study Data ◽

Professional Autonomy ◽

Direct Access ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Major Barrier ◽

Physiotherapy Practice ◽

South West ◽

Validated Questionnaire

Background: The global advocacy for Direct Access (DA) and Patients’ Self-Referral (PSR) to physiotherapy is consistent with the quest for promoting professional autonomy and recognition. It was hypothesized in this study that the attainment of this clarion call in Nigeria may be hamstrung by challenges similar or different from those reported in other climes. Objective: This study assessed the perception of DA and PSR among Physiotherapists (PTs) in South-West, Nigeria. Methods: One hundred PTs from ten purposely selected public-funded out-patient facilities from South-West, Nigeria responded in this cross-sectional study, yielding a response rate of 75% (100/150). A previously validated questionnaire for World Confederation of Physical Therapists (WCPT) on the global view of DA and PSR for physical therapy was used in this study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: There was a high awareness on legislation regulating practice (91%) and scope (84%) of the profession. Respondents assert that the extant legislation allows for DA (49%) and PSR (97%). However, 40% of the respondents opined that the baccalaureate qualification of PTs was inadequate for competence in DA and PSR; and a post-professional residency programme was mostly recommended (52%). Public support for DA and PSR to physiotherapy was rated more than the advocacy role of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (60% vs. 40%). Physicians’ (71%) and politicians’ (65%) views were rated the major barrier to achieving DA and PSR status in physiotherapy. Similarly, physicians’ (90%) and politicians’ (88%) support was perceived as the major facilitator. Conclusion: Physiotherapy practice in Nigeria has the semblance of autonomy in DA and PSR but is devoid of legislative support. Most Nigerian physiotherapists assume professional autonomy but were not aware of the lack of legal support for DA and PSR. The current entry-level academic curricula were considered to be deficient and inadequate for autonomous practice in Nigeria. Physicians and politicians were the most important barrier or facilitator to achieving legal support for DA and PSR in physiotherapy in Nigeria.

Download Full-text

Dogs as Sentinels for Flavivirus Exposure in Urban, Peri-Urban and Rural Hanoi, Vietnam

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13030507 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 507

Author(s):

Long Pham-Thanh ◽

Thang Nguyen-Tien ◽

Ulf Magnusson ◽

Vuong Bui-Nghia ◽

Anh Bui-Ngoc ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mosquito Control ◽

Risk Mitigation ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Reactivity ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Major Health ◽

Household Level

Diseases caused by flaviviruses, including dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis, are major health problems in Vietnam. This cross-sectional study explored the feasibility of domestic dogs as sentinels to better understand risks of mosquito-borne diseases in Hanoi city. A total of 475 dogs serum samples from 221 households in six districts of Hanoi were analyzed by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for antibodies to the pr-E protein of West Nile virus and other flaviviruses due to cross-reactivity. The overall flavivirus seroprevalence in the dog population was 70.7% (95% CI = 66.4–74.8%). At the animal level, significant associations between seropositive dogs and district location, age, breed and keeping practice were determined. At the household level, the major risk factors were rural and peri-urban locations, presence of pigs, coil burning and households without mosquito-borne disease experience (p < 0.05). Mosquito control by using larvicides or electric traps could lower seropositivity, but other measures did not contribute to significant risk mitigation of flavivirus exposure in dogs. These results will support better control of mosquito-borne diseases in Hanoi, and they indicate that dogs can be used as sentinels for flavivirus exposure.

Download Full-text

The prescription pattern and awareness about antibiotic prophylaxis and resistance among a group of Egyptian pediatric and general dentists: a cross sectional study

BMC Oral Health ◽

10.1186/s12903-021-01685-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mariam Mohsen Aly ◽

Marwa Aly Elchaghaby

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Antibiotic Prophylaxis ◽

Antibiotic Prescription ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

General Dentists

Abstract Background The use of antibiotics in dentistry as prophylaxis and treatment is frequent. Their misuse has led to a major public health problem globally known as antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to assess the pattern of antibiotic prescription and its prophylactic use for systemic conditions. Besides, this study evaluated the awareness and adherence to antibiotic prescription guidelines and antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines along with awareness of antibiotic resistance across pediatric and general dentists. Methods An overall of 378 pediatric and general dentists meeting the required eligibility criteria, fulfilled a pre-designed validated questionnaire. Data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. Results A significant statistical difference was found among the pediatric and general dentists regarding antibiotics prescription for most of the oral conditions where Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic among the two groups (53% pediatric dentist and 52% general dentist). The majority of pediatric and general dentists, on the other hand, were aware of antibiotic resistance and prescribing recommendations. Conclusions The present study showed a tendency to overprescribe and overuse antibiotics in certain dental conditions among the participants. The vast majority of dentists, especially general dentists do not have adherence to professional guidelines for antibiotics prescription in children despite their awareness of antibiotic resistance and prescription guidelines.

Download Full-text

Analysis of the relationship between periodontitis and osteoporosis/fractures: a cross-sectional study

BMC Oral Health ◽

10.1186/s12903-021-01496-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Seok-Jin Hong ◽

Byoung-Eun Yang ◽

Dae-Myoung Yoo ◽

Sung-Jae Kim ◽

Hyo-Geun Choi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Odds Ratio ◽

Bone Destruction ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Income Group ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Inflammatory Factors ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease resulting in patients exhibiting high levels of inflammatory factors causing systemic inflammatory bone destruction that may lead to osteoporosis development. The association between periodontitis and osteoporosis has been documented; however, the findings remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the association between periodontitis and osteoporosis using a cross-sectional study design and Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) health examinee data. Methods This cross-sectional study used epidemiological data from the KoGES during 2004–2016. Of 125,324 participants (age, 40–79 years), 9969 with periodontitis and 115,332 controls (without periodontitis) were selected. We analyzed the history of osteoporosis and fractures of all participants. All participants were examined according to age, sex, income group, obesity, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and food intake. To analyze the odds ratio (OR) of periodontitis for those with osteoporosis and fractures, a logistic regression model was used. Results The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of periodontitis for osteoporosis was 2.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.01–2.31; P < 0.001). The aOR of periodontitis for any fracture was 1.54 (95% CI 1.46–1.62; P < 0.001). Conclusion Osteoporosis and fractures are associated with periodontitis. Performing regular oral hygiene and examinations of bone mineral density are recommended to prevent aggravation of osteoporosis and periodontitis.

Download Full-text

High prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma patients and the impact of vitamin D levels, a cross-sectional study

Supportive Care in Cancer ◽

10.1007/s00520-021-06414-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

B. E. Oortgiesen ◽

J. A. Kroes ◽

P. Scholtens ◽

J. Hoogland ◽

P. Dannenberg - de Keijzer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Peripheral Neuropathy ◽

Hypovitaminosis D ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Clinical Trial Registration ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Vitamin D Levels ◽

The Impact

Abstract Purpose Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is common in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We hypothesized that the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and PN described in diabetes mellitus patients may also be present in MM patients. Methods To study this potential association, we assessed the incidence of hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D < 75 nmol/L [= 30 ng/mL]) in smouldering and active MM patients in two Dutch hospitals. Furthermore, a validated questionnaire was used to distinguish different PN grades. Results Of the 120 patients included between January 2017 and August 2018, 84% had an inadequate vitamin D level (median vitamin D level 49.5 nmol/L [IQR 34–65 nmol/L]; mean age: 68 years [SD ± 7.7]; males: 58%). PN was reported by 69% of patients (n = 83); however, of these 83 patients, PN was not documented in the medical records of 52%. An association was found between lower vitamin D levels and higher incidence of PN in the total population (P = 0.035), and in the active MM patients (P = 0.016). Conclusion This multi-centre cohort study showed that PN and hypovitaminosis D are common in MM patients, and addressing low vitamin D levels in the treatment of MM patients might be beneficial in reducing the risk of PN. More attention for PN is warranted, as PN is underreported by clinicians. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of vitamin D in the development of PN in patients with MM. Clinical trial registration Netherland Trial Register NL5835, date of registration July 28, 2016

Download Full-text

Survey of iodine deficiency and intestinal parasitic infections in school-going children: Bie Province, Angola

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980010000510 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 1314-1318 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mark Tomlinson ◽

Vera Adams ◽

Mickey Chopra ◽

Pieter Jooste ◽

Emmerentia Strydom ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Iodine Deficiency ◽

International Health ◽

Target Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Protozoa ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Helminth Infections ◽

Stool Samples ◽

The Government

AbstractObjectiveTo obtain baseline pre-intervention prevalence levels of iodine deficiency and parasitic and helminth infections in school-going children in Bie Province, Angola.DesignA cross-sectional study conducted in randomly selected schools. The target population was children aged 6–10 years.SettingBie Province, Angola.SubjectsA total of 1029 children sampled, with 791 stool samples and 826 urine samples collected from twenty-four schools.ResultsWidespread severe and moderate deficiencies in iodine. Children in five schools were severely iodine deficient. All sampled schoolchildren were iodine deficient to a greater or lesser extent. In all, 80 % of all children across the twenty-four schools were infected with one or a combination of intestinal helminths and intestinal protozoa.ConclusionsThese findings have serious implications for the cognitive development of Angolan children, as well as for Angola’s development in terms of productivity and economic potential. It is strongly recommended that the provincial and national Ministries of Health, in collaboration with international health agencies, immediately plan and implement a strategy to provide sufficient iodine through iodised oil capsules and iodised salt to the iodine-deficient population. National coalitions need to be strengthened among the government, partners and salt producers. It is also recommended that all the children in schools be de-wormed for multiple helminth species at least twice a year.

Download Full-text

Basic life support awareness level among medical students in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Frontiers in Emergency Medicine ◽

10.18502/fem.v6i1.7673 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ebraheem Albazee ◽

Mohammad Alnifise ◽

Lina Almahmoud ◽

Ahmed Alsaeedi ◽

Mohammed Al-balawi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Basic Life Support ◽

Life Support ◽

Cardiopulmonary Arrest ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Grade Point ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Awareness Level

Objective: Performing basic life support (BLS) in patients with cardiopulmonary arrest decreases mortality and morbidity. In addition, BLS knowledge is a prerequisite for medical graduation. The present study was conducted to determine the awareness level of undergraduate medical students in Jordan regarding BLS and background knowledge. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 17 April 2021 and 12 May 2021. A validated questionnaire was used as an online Google form and was posted in all medical student groups and Jordanian universities through various social medias. We categorized level of awareness into two groups: adequate awareness for those who got 60% or more, and inadequate awareness for those who got less than 60% in BLS test. Chi-square test was used to compare different variables. Results: A total of 886 students with a mean age of 21.5 (± 2.2) years completed the survey, including 552 females (62.3%). Among participated students, only 281 (31.7%) had adequate awareness, whereas 605 (68.3%) had inadequate awareness, with a mean score of 10 (± 3.8) out of 20. Surprisingly, there was no statistically significant correlation (P=0.210) between grade point average (GPA) and awareness level among participated students. On the contrary, we detected statistically significant relationships (P<0.001) between various variables and awareness level. Conclusion: Overall, we found that awareness of BLS among medical students in Jordan is not adequate. We can improve the awareness of medical students in this regard through obligating them to educate the general population, especially school students, as a volunteer campaign.

Download Full-text