Malaria, Moderate to Severe Anaemia, and Malarial Anaemia in Children at Presentation to Hospital in the Mount Cameroon Area: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Malaria remains a major killer of children in Sub-Saharan Africa, while anaemia is a public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. Examining the factors associated with moderate to severe anaemia (MdSA) and malarial anaemia as well as the haematological characteristics is essential.Methodology. Children (1–14 years) at presentation at the Regional Hospital Annex-Buea were examined clinically and blood samples were collected for malaria parasite detection and full blood count evaluation.Results.Plasmodium falciparum, anaemia, and malarial anaemia occurred in 33.8%, 62.0%, and 23.6% of the 216 children, respectively. Anaemia prevalence was significantly higher in malaria parasite positive children and those with fever than their respective counterparts. MdSA and moderate to severe malarial anaemia (MdSMA) were detected in 38.0% and 15.3% of the participants, respectively. The prevalence of MdSA was significantly higher in children whose household head had no formal education, resided in the lowland, or was febrile, while MdSMA was significantly higher in febrile children only. Children with MdSMA had significantly lower mean white blood cell, lymphocyte, and platelet counts while the mean granulocyte count was significantly higher.Conclusion. Being febrile was the only predictor of both MdSA and MdSMA. More haematological insult occurred in children with MdSMA compared to MdSA.

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Monitoring migrant groups as a post-validation surveillance approach to contain the potential reemergence of lymphatic filariasis in Togo

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-021-04644-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Monique Ameyo Dorkenoo ◽

Martin Kouame Tchankoni ◽

Degninou Yehadji ◽

Kossi Yakpa ◽

Mawèké Tchalim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lymphatic Filariasis ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Test Strip ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Positive Case ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Case Investigation ◽

Migrant Groups

Abstract Background In March 2017, Togo was declared the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem, but post-validation surveillance has been lacking. In some areas of the country, migrant groups from neighboring countries that are still endemic for LF pose a risk of reintroduction of LF to Togo. The objective of this study was to identify the risk posed by migrant groups by measuring their prevalence of LF infection and investigating any positive case using Togo’s case investigation algorithm to prevent resurgence of LF and sustain Togo’s elimination success. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 in the northernmost region of the country. Three migrant populations were identified: (i) nomadic Peuhls, (ii) Togolese members of local communities who migrate annually to neighboring countries for seasonal labor, and (iii) refugees from Ghana who came to Togo because of a communal conflict in Ghana. A questionnaire was designed to collect data on demographics and history of LF and MDA; all participants were tested for circulating filariasis antigen (CFA) using the filariasis test strip (FTS). Any CFA-positive case was confirmed with nocturnal microfilaremia. Results Refugees, seasonal economic migrants and nomadic Peuhls represented 42.1%, 31.4% and 26.5% of the study participants, respectively. The overall prevalence of CFA was 4.2% (58/1391) with the highest prevalence in the nomadic Peuhl group (11.9%), but only one of them (0.07%) was confirmed positive with nocturnal microfilaremia. Using the case investigation algorithm, no other positive case was identified in the positive case’s surroundings. Conclusion This study demonstrates that nomadic Peuhls, with a CFA prevalence of 11.9%, pose a potential risk for reintroduction of LF into Togo while Ghanaian refugees and seasonal economic migrants do not appear to pose a significant risk. Periodic monitoring of migrants, especially the nomadic Peuhl population, is a potential post-validation surveillance approach that could be used to promptly detect any LF cluster that may arise.

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Prevalence of Anemia and Undernutrition of Adolescent Females in Selected Schools in Ghana

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1155/2021/6684839 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Marina Aferiba Tandoh ◽

Abigail Owusuaa Appiah ◽

Anthony Kwaku Edusei

Keyword(s):

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Adolescent Females ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Health And Wellness ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Poor Nutrition ◽

Prevalence Of Anemia

Anemia among adolescent females is a major worldwide public health problem which should be given appropriate attention. Half of all anemic cases are caused by iron deficiency. In addition to anemia, poor nutrition is also a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. This study determined the prevalence of anemia and undernutrition among adolescent females in school. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 adolescent females in four basic schools in the Ahafo region of Ghana. The hemoglobin level and anthropometry measures of participants were taken to determine their anemic and nutritional status. The prevalence of anemia among adolescent females in school was 50.3%. Out of the 151 participants, 6.6%, 19.9%, and 23.8% were severely anemic, moderately anemic, or mildly anemic, respectively. Only 2% of the participants were underweight, but the rate of stunting was 26.5%. The notable high prevalence of anemia that was found among adolescent females was correlated with other health and wellness concerns. Anemia and under nutrition negatively affect academic performance, productivity, and general wellbeing of adolescents; therefore, effective measures should be put in place to correct and eradicate these nutritional problems.

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Physical, behavioral and sociodemographic determinants of hypertension among the adult population in Nekemte town, western Ethiopia: community based study

BMC Research Notes ◽

10.1186/s13104-019-4804-0 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gemechis Teshome Geleta ◽

Melese Chego Cheme ◽

Elias Merdassa Roro

Keyword(s):

Formal Education ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Adult Population ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sampling Procedure ◽

Community Level ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sociodemographic Determinants

Abstract Objectives Hypertension is a growing public health problem in many developing countries. However, there is an insufficiency of scientific evidence on the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) at a community level in the study area. The aim of the study was exploring the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among adults in Nekemte town, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 711 adults who were selected by the multistage sampling procedure. Height, weight, blood pressure and waist circumference were measured with standard procedures. Data were analyzed by statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20, and multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the independent risk factors for hypertension. Result The overall prevalence of hypertension was 34.9% among the adult population. Of them, only 52.7% know their status, and 22.4% were on antihypertensive medication. The prevalence of hypertension was higher among the older aged; AOR 5.85 (95% CI 1.74–20), Obese and over-weighted; (AOR 1.71 (95% CI 1.09–2.67)), Khat chewers in the past year; AOR 2.44 (95% CI 1.05–5.68), and with higher formal education (college and above); AOR 2.75 (95% CI 1.26–6.03) than their respective counterparts. Community-level prevention and treatment of hypertension should get due attention.

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Microcytic and Malarial Anaemia Prevalence in Urban Children ≤15 Years in the Mount Cameroon Area: A Cross-Sectional Study on Risk Factors

Anemia ◽

10.1155/2021/5712309 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Sharon Odmia Sama ◽

Seraphine Njuontsop Chiamo ◽

Germain Sotoing Taiwe ◽

Gwendolyne Elobe Njume ◽

Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Full Blood Count ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Microcytic Anaemia ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mount Cameroon ◽

Child Age

Background. Anaemia, a common nutritional deficiency, is a public health problem in the Mount Cameroon area. This study determined the prevalence and possible risk factors of microcytic and malarial anaemia in children less than ≤15 years residing in the Buea and Limbe municipalities in the Mount Cameroon area. Methods. A total of 566 children were clinically examined in a cross-sectional study from December 2018 to August 2019 for anaemia and malaria parasites. Blood samples collected were used in evaluating full blood count with the aid of an automated haemoanalyser, and malaria parasite was confirmed by microscopy. Anaemia was defined based on WHO standards while microcytic anaemia and malarial anaemia were defined as microcytosis + anaemia and malaria + anaemia, respectively. Factors that showed significance in the bivariate analysis were entered into a multinomial logistic regression to determine risk factors for microcytic and malarial anaemia. Results. The overall prevalence for anaemia, microcytosis, microcytic anaemia, and malarial anaemia was, respectively, 68.7%, 48.9%, 36.9%, and 19.6% with microcytic anaemia representing 53.7% of all anaemic cases. Risk factors for microcytic anaemia included child age of 1–5 years P = 0.007 , forest ethnicity P = 0.019 , parents being farmers P = 0.038 or jobless P = 0.009 , and having moderate malaria parasitaemia P = 0.048 while those for malarial anaemia were child age of 6–10 years P = 0.008 , parents’ age of 26–35 years P = 0.049 , parents being jobless P = 0.023 , and consuming plantains 3-4 times P = 0.024 a week. Conclusion. Microcytic anaemia is getting to be a severe public health concern while malarial anaemia is a mild public health issue in children residing in urban areas of Mount Cameroon. Parents’ occupation was directly linked to all anaemia forms; hence, any intervention to curb anaemia should consider aspects that will raise the socioeconomic status of the population.

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Physical, Behavioral and Sociodemographic determinants of hypertension among adult population in Nekemte town, western Ethiopia: Community based study.

10.21203/rs.2.14395/v3 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Gemechis Teshome Geleta ◽

Melese Chego Cheme ◽

Elias Merdassa Roro

Keyword(s):

Formal Education ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Adult Population ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sampling Procedure ◽

Community Level ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sociodemographic Determinants

Abstract Objectives: Hypertension is a growing public health problem in many developing countries. However, there is an insufficiency of scientific evidence on the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) at a community level in the study area. The aim of the study was exploring the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among adults in Nekemte town, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 711 adults who were selected by the multistage sampling procedure. Height, weight, blood pressure and waist circumference were measured with standard procedures. Data were analyzed by statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20, and multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the independent risk factors for hypertension. Result: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 34.9% among the adult population. Of them, only 52.7% know their status, and 22.4% were on antihypertensive medication. The prevalence of hypertension was higher among the older aged; AOR 5.85 (95% CI=1.74-20), Obese and over-weighted; (AOR 1.71 (95% CI=1.09-2.67), Khat chewers in the past year; AOR 2.44 (95% CI=1.05-5.68), and with higher formal education (college and above); AOR 2.75 (95% CI=1.26-6.03) than their respective counterparts. Community-level prevention and treatment of hypertension should get due attention. Keywords: Hypertension, Nekemte, Ethiopia.

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Burden of moderate to severe anaemia and severe stunting in children < 3 years in conflict-hit Mount Cameroon: a community based descriptive cross-sectional study

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-020-02296-2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele ◽

Gillian Nkeudem Asoba ◽

Rene Ning Teh ◽

Samuel Metuge ◽

Judith Kuoh Anchang-Kimbi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Severe Anaemia ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Severe Stunting ◽

Mount Cameroon

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Burden of moderate to severe anaemia and severe stunting in children ≤ 3 years in conflict hit Mount Cameroon: a community based descriptive cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-20556/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Irene Ule Sumbele

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Educational Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Severe Anaemia ◽

Age Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Severe Stunting ◽

Mount Cameroon

Abstract Background: Armed conflict is a significant social determinant of child health with nuanced effects. There is a dearth of knowledge on the public health issues facing vulnerable populations in conflict-stricken areas. The objective was to determine the prevalence and determinants of moderate to severe anaemia (MdSA) and severe stunting (SS) in children ≤3 years in conflict hit Dibanda, Ekona and Muea in the Mount Cameroon area.Methods: Haematological parameters were obtained using an automated haematology analyser while, undernutrition indices standard deviation (SD) scores (Z scores) were computed based on the WHO growth reference curves for 649 children in a community based cross-sectional study in 2018. Binomial logistic regression models were used to evaluate the determinants of MdSA and SS against a set of predictor variables.Results: Anaemia was prevalent in 84.0% (545) of the children with a majority having microcytic anaemia (59.3%). The prevalence of MdSA was 56.1% (364). Educational level of parents/caregiver (P < 0.001) and site (P = 0.043) had a significant negative effect on the occurrence of MdSA. Stunting, underweight and wasting occurred in 31.3%, 13.1% and 6.3% of the children respectively. Overall, SS was prevalent in 17.1% (111) of the children. The age group (0.1–1.0 year, P = 0.042 and 1.1–2.0 years, P = 0.008), educational level (No formal education, P < 0.001 and primary education P = 0.028) and SS (P = 0.035) were significant determinants of MdSA while MdSA (P = 0.035) was the only significant determinant of SS. On the contrary, age group 0.1-1 year (OR = 0.56, P = 0.043) and site (Dibanda, OR = 0.29, P = 0.001) demonstrated a significant protective effect against SS.Conclusions: Moderate to severe anaemia, severe stunting and wasting especially in children not breastfed at all are public health challenges in the conflict hit area. There is a need for targeted intervention to control anaemia as well as increase awareness of exclusive breast feeding in conflict hit areas to limit the burden of wasting and stunting.

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Preterm birth and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

British Journal of Midwifery ◽

10.12968/bjom.2021.29.6.338 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 29 (6) ◽

pp. 338-345

Author(s):

Alekaw Sema ◽

Nigus Kassie ◽

Bezabih Amsalu ◽

Yalelet Belay ◽

Alemu Guta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preterm Birth ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Eastern Ethiopia ◽

Dire Dawa ◽

Sub Saharan

Background The highest rate of preterm birth in the world is in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. However, there is limited data in this study area. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of preterm birth in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia. Method An institutional-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with 420 respondents. Conclusion Preterm birth is still a major public health problem in Dire Dawa City.

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Factors Associated with Medication Nonadherence among Hypertensives in Ghana and Nigeria

International Journal of Hypertension ◽

10.1155/2015/205716 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Vincent Boima ◽

Adebowale Dele Ademola ◽

Aina Olufemi Odusola ◽

Francis Agyekum ◽

Chibuike Eze Nwafor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Formal Education ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Medication Nonadherence ◽

College Hospital ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Port Harcourt ◽

Modifiable Factor ◽

Sub Saharan

Background.Blood pressure (BP) control is poor among hypertensives in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. A potentially modifiable factor for control of BP is medication nonadherence (MNA); our study therefore aimed to determine factors associated with MNA among hypertensives in Ghana and Nigeria.Methodology.We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study. Patients were recruited from Korle-Bu Hospital (n=120), Ghana; and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, (n=73) Apapa General Hospital Lagos (n=79) and University College Hospital Ibadan (n=85), Nigeria.Results.357 hypertensive patients (42.6% males) participated. MNA was found in 66.7%. Adherence showed correlation with depression (r=-0.208,P<0.001), concern about medications (r=-0.0347,P=0.002), and knowledge of hypertension (r=0.14,P=0.006). MNA was associated with formal education (P=0.001) and use of herbal preparation (P=0.014). MNA was found in 61.7% of uninsured participants versus 73.1% of insured participants (P=0.032). Poor BP control was observed in 69.7% and there was significant association between MNA and poor BP control (P=0.006).Conclusion. MNA is high among hypertensives in Ghana and Nigeria and is associated with depression, concern about hypertensive medications, formal education, and use of herbal preparations. The negative association between health insurance and MNA suggests interplay of other factors and needs further investigation.

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Prevalence of anaemia among females in reproductive age group attending a health center in the urban area of Kancheepuram district: a cross sectional study

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20200940 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 914

Author(s):

A. Abdul Azeez Thoufiq ◽

A. Johnpaul ◽

R. Umadevi

Keyword(s):

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Severe Anaemia ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Age Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Low Oxygen ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reproductive Age Group

Background: Anaemia, which is defined as a low oxygen carrying capacity of blood, is a major public health problem. It is a condition in which there is a decrease in the total number of red blood cells in the blood, either due to decreased production or increased destruction or both. Anaemia, one of the most prevailing nutritional disorders, has a worldwide prevalence of approximately 52%. The burden of anaemia is high especially among females of reproductive age group where India ranks the top. The study is aimed to establish the prevalence of anaemia among female patients of reproductive age group (15-49 years).Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 254 females of reproductive age group, attending Anakaputhur, an urban field practice area of Sree Balaji Medical College. Convenient sampling method was used. Data was collected by discussion using a pretested semi-structured questionnare and haemoglobin estimation was done by venous sampling method.Results: The mean age of the study participants were 34.6±12.4 years with 9.05% uneducated and 8.6% graduate females. 26% gave history of symptoms of anaemia and prevalence of anaemia was reported to be 42.12% with 24.4%, 12.2% and 5.5% of mild, moderate and severe anaemia, respectively.Conclusions: Prevention and its treatment in women is much essential at this point, hence programmes and policies should be implemented based on the needs of the community, and health education should be imparted with respect to measures that can prevent and help in early diagnosis of anaemia.

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