scholarly journals Prevalence ofSchistosoma mansoniInfection in Four Health Areas of Kisantu Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Khonde Kumbu ◽  
K. Mbanzulu Makola ◽  
Lu Bin

Background. Schistosomiasis is a public health problem in Democratic Republic of the Congo but estimates of its prevalence vary widely. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence ofSchistosoma mansoniinfection and associated risk factors among children in 4 health areas of Kisantu health zone.Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 4 health areas of Kisantu health zone. 388 children randomly selected were screened forS. mansoniusing Kato Katz technique and the sociodemographic data was collected. Data were entered and encoded using software EpiData version 3.1. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 software.Results. The prevalence ofS. mansoniwas 26.5% (103); almost two-thirds (63) (61.2%) had light infection intensity. A significant association was found betweenS. mansoniinfection and age (p=0.005), educational level (p=0.001), and practices of swimming/bathing (p<0.001) and using water from river/lake/stream for domestic use (p<0.001). Kipasa health area had high prevalence of schistosomiasis (64.6%) (64/99; 95% CI 54.4–74.0) compared to other health areas.Conclusion.Schistosoma mansoniinfection still remains a public health problem in these areas. There is a need to promote health education and promote behavioral changes in children towards schistosomiasis.

Author(s):  
Martin Kampamba ◽  
Trevor Cheela ◽  
Christabel Nang’andu Hikaambo ◽  
Steward Mudenda ◽  
Kennedy Saini ◽  
...  

Background: Unsafe disposal of unused and expired household medicines is a public health problem and mostly occur because of a lack of knowledge towards suitable medicine disposal methods. Thus, we aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices on the disposal methods of unused and expired medicines among students in public academic institutions in Lusaka, Zambia.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 385 students from three higher learning academic institutions were interviewed face to face using a structured questionnaire from 10th May to 24th June 2019. The cleaned data was then transferred to statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 25.0 for analysis.Results: The mean age of the participants was 23 (SD±2.9). Out of the 385 participants, 215 (55.8%) did not know much about medical waste and 345 (89.6%) of them did not have any previous information regarding proper and safe disposal of unused and expired medicine. However, 351 (91.4%) of the participants appropriately responded that unsafe disposal of unused and expired medicine poses a threat to human health and can harm the environment. Throwing unused and expired medicine in household garbage/bin was the most frequently used disposal practice followed by flushing them in toilet/sink as responded by 231 (60.0%) and 128 (33.3%) of participants respectively. Only 17 (4.42%) reported returning unused and expired medicines to the nearest pharmacy.  Conclusions: The majority of the study participants used unsafe methods to dispose of unused and expired medicine. However, most of the participants acknowledged that unsafe disposal of unused and expired medicines is a public health problem and proposed the need to introduce drug take-back programs in the communities.  


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mesay Lema Geleta ◽  
Fithamlak Bisetegn Solomon ◽  
Efrata Girma Tufa ◽  
Fekadu Elias Sadamo ◽  
Samson Kastro

Abstract Background Anemia is a global public health problem and most of the HIV positive people become anemic at some point in the course of the disease. We lack adequate evidence on the magnitude of anemia among children on highly active anti retroviral therapy in Ethiopia and particularly in South Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed at determining the proportion and associated factors of anemia among children on highly active anti retroviral therapy in Wolaita zone, South Ethiopia.Method a facility based cross-sectional study has been conducted from November to December 2018 on 256 children 6 months to 14 years of age who were on Anti retroviral therapy. Data were collected through an interview with caregivers and review of medical records. CD4+ cell count was analyzed using FACS caliber and Hemoglobin level was measured with Hem cue 301 analyzer. Stool sample was examined for presence of intestinal parasites by direct wet mount technique. Data analyzed with Stata version 14.0 were conveyed in mean and standard deviation of the mean, median and inter-quartile range. Multivariate analysis was carried out to identify independent predictors of the outcome variable. Adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was reported.Results The magnitude of anemia was found to be 38.8%. Taking Co-trimoxazole antibiotic prophylaxis (AOR=.45; 95% CI: .21, .95), caregivers’ not receiving nutritional counseling (AOR=09; 95% CI: .01, .98) and presence of intestinal parasites (AOR=3.10; 95% CI: 1.39, 6.88) were associated with anemia.Conclusion The magnitude of anemia obtained in this study is a moderate public health problem. Health education programs in Anti Retroviral Therapy clinics should be targeted at appropriate dietary practice, and appropriate hand washing and other hygienic practices to prevent intestinal parasitic infections. Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis should give given to all eligible children based on the recommendation.


Author(s):  
Sanjeev K. Gupta ◽  
Anshuman Sharma ◽  
Sanjay Agarwal ◽  
Sanjay Gupta ◽  
Shalini Sarouthia

Background: Visual impairment i.e. diabetic retinopathy is the one of most common manifestation of diabetes mellitus. Globally it is becoming an increasing public health problem especially in the developing countries because of increase in number of diabetic patients.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the vicinity of Urban Heath and Training Centre (UHTC), Peoples University, Bhopal over a period of 6 months through screening in camps held, which included a total of 840 participants (aged ≥25 years) by following simple random procedure and in those who had newly diagnosed or long standing diabetes were referred to ophthalmologist for further evaluation. Retinopathy was determined by ophthalmoscopy and fundus photography. Anthropometric measurements (BMI), glycosylated haemoglobin were also evaluated among the confirmed diabetic patients in the study.Results: An increased prevalence of diabetes (5.95%) and retinopathy (28%) (95% CI 11.2-32.0) was found. In all age groups prevalence of bilateral blindness, bilateral low vision, unilateral blindness and unilateral low vision were respectively 2%, 28%, 0%, 70%. Independent risk indicators for the occurrence of diabetes such as age, BMI, HbA1c, were found significant for the occurrence of retinopathy in the study population.Conclusions: Visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy remains an important public health problem in people with diabetes so timely interventions are required to resolve this major issue.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agize Asfaw ◽  
Tefera Belachew

Abstract Background: Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is continued to be a major public health problem in Ethiopia. The problem is worse but the data is scarce in some pocket areas of the country. This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of IDD and associated factors in southwest Ethiopia by using different biochemical and clinical indicators. Methods: Both community and school based cross- sectional study was conducted on school age children (6-12 years) from March 1 to 24, 2017. Simple random and systematic sampling techniques were applied to select districts and eligible children respectively. Household data was collected from children’s primary care takers by using structured questionnaire. A trained surgeon examined all children (n=652) for goiter. Urine sample was collected from 20% of children (n=130). Results: A total of 652 school children were participated in the study. Total goiter rate and median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 54.8 % and 96.12μg/l respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analyses student’s age was significantly (P<0 05) associated with both goiter and median UIC. However; sex of students and family income were significantly (P<0.001) associated with goiter and cassava consumption was significantly (P<0.001) associated with UIC. Conclusion: As indicated by the median UIC, there was mild iodine deficiency in this study community. However; chronic iodine deficiency was still a severe public health problem (high goiter prevalence). In addition, there was low concentration of iodine in the salt and increased cassava cultivation and consumption indicating the potential risk in the area. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify IDD elimination activities along with teaching communities on techniques of cassava processing for household consumption. Trial registration: PACTR201809544276357. Retrospectively registered on 14, Sept 2018.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 1694-1700
Author(s):  
Ahmet Onder Porsuk ◽  
Cigdem Cerit

Introduction: The increasing trend of rabies suspected exposures is a serious public health problem that is challenging the health systems of developing countries both in terms of labor and economics. The purpose of our study is to determine the current state of rabies suspected exposure cases. Methodology: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted by retrospectively examining the applications made due to suspected exposures to a state hospital’s emergency service in Turkey. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used in data analysis and p ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Between 2015 and 2019, 3,378 hospital admissions due to suspected exposures were detected (n = 3,378). The number of admissions, which was 558 in 2015, increased every year and reached 829 in 2019 (p < 0.001). Also admissions after contact with cats have increased over the years and have passed contact with dogs in 2019 (p < 0.001). Post-exposure prophylaxis was applied to all cases, but 0.8% (n = 26) of them were found to be inappropriate according to guidelines. It was observed that 38.3% of overall cases examined were individuals aged 19 and under. It was also observed that 69.1% (n = 2,326) of the suspected exposures were caused by owned animals (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The case rates seen in children indicate the need for special studies for children. Applications for suspected exposures due to contact with cats were found to be a growing problem. Therefore, it was concluded that the patterns of rabies suspected exposure cases in Turkey and similar developing countries should be monitored regularly and measures should be taken according to local needs. Besides, stray animals in cities must be minimized and all animals living in cities owned or stray, must be monitored in terms of vaccination.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agize Asfaw ◽  
Tefera Belachew

Abstract Background: Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is continued to be a major public health problem in Ethiopia. The problem is worse but the data is scarce in some pocket areas of the country. This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of IDD and associated factors in southwest Ethiopia by using different biochemical and clinical indicators. Methods: Both community and school based cross- sectional study was conducted on school age children (6-12 years) from March 1 to 24, 2017. Simple random and systematic sampling techniques were applied to select districts and eligible children respectively. Household data was collected from children’s primary care takers by using structured questionnaire. A trained surgeon examined all children (n=652) for goiter. Urine sample was collected from 20% of children (n=130). Results: A total of 652 school children were participated in the study. Total goiter rate and median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 54.8 % and 96.12μg/l respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analyses student’s age was significantly (P<0 05) associated with both goiter and median UIC. However; sex of students and family income were significantly (P<0.001) associated with goiter and cassava consumption was significantly (P<0.001) associated with UIC. Conclusion: As indicated by the median UIC, there was mild iodine deficiency in this study community. However; chronic iodine deficiency was still a severe public health problem (high goiter prevalence). In addition, there was low concentration of iodine in the salt and increased cassava cultivation and consumption indicating the potential risk in the area. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify IDD elimination activities along with teaching communities on techniques of cassava processing for household consumption. Trial registration: PACTR201809544276357. Retrospectively registered on 14, Sept 2018.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Getu Abeje Negatu ◽  
Getaneh Alemu Abebe ◽  
Woyneshet Gelaye Yalew

Abstract BackgroundMalaria is a major public health problem which still results in illness and death. Despite efforts to reduce the mortality and morbidity of malaria, the disease is still a prominent health problem in Ethiopia. This study, therefore, was undertaken to assess the prevalence of malaria and associated factors among symptomatic patients in northwest Ethiopia.MethodA facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2020 among 210 febrile patients attending at Hamusite health center, northwest Ethiopia. Thin and thick blood films were prepared from blood collected by finger puncture and from capillary blood buffy coat. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.ResultsOut of 210 malaria suspected participants, 61 (29.0%) were confirmed to be infected by Plasmodium species. Plasmodium falciparum mono-infection was detected in 41 (19.5%) participants while P.vivax mono-infection and mixed infections were detected in 10 (4.3%) participants each. Female participant and those having family members with history of malaria were at higher risk of acquiring Plasmodium infectionConclusionThe present study revealed that malaria continued to be the major public health problem in the study area. Therefore, community mobilization should be strengthening in order to improve implementation of malaria control activities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Biruk Bogale ◽  
Befikadu Tariku Gutema ◽  
Yilma Chisha

Introduction. Child stunting, which is a chronic length or height growth deficit, has been a devastating public health problem in developing countries. In Ethiopia, stunting remains severe public health problem. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of stunting and its associated factors among children of 6–59 months. Methods. The community-based cross sectional study was conducted in the Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Southern Ethiopia. The simple random sampling method was used to recruit 656 mother-child pairs. Height for age Z score was computed using WHO Anthro version 3.2.2 software. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted, and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at p value <0.05 was used to determine statistically significant association between predictors and outcome variable. Result. The prevalence of stunting among children of 6–59 months in the study area was 47.9% (95% CI; 44.0–51.7). The likelihood of stunting was significantly higher among children who live in households with medium (AOR 2.20, 95% CI: 1.43–3.37) and poor (AOR 2.87, 95% CI: 1.72–4.81) wealth status. In addition, children who were not exclusively breast fed (AOR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.07–2.24), whose mothers had not participated in decision of major household purchases (AOR 2.27, 95% CI: 1.21–4.26), and whose mothers lacked decision on freedom of mobility (AOR 1.96, 95% CI: 1.05–3.66) were significantly stunted compared with counterparts. Conclusion. Stunting is a severe public health problem in the area. Therefore, efforts should be taken to enhance maternal empowerment, household wealth, and infant and young child feeding practice for reducing stunting among children.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (11) ◽  
pp. 343-349
Author(s):  
Rashmi Rathee ◽  
Jyoti Yadav ◽  
Gaurav Bhati ◽  
Ishan RSS

TRODUCTION: Depression is a common medical problem which is affecting people of all ages, genders, different socioeconomic groups, and religions in India and all over the world. If left untreated, it can lead to suicidal tendency followed by death. The second leading cause of death today among children and adolescents is suicide and youth suicide has become a significant public health problem. Various kinds of behavioral pattern of the people such as ideation, attempt to suicide can lead to death. So it can be considered as an intricate and multifactorial phenomenon. Along with many of the known risk factors like psychiatric disorders, instability, and drug abuse, depression is the one of the serious mental illnesses which is commonly associated with the suicidal tendency.AIM: To assess the level of prevalence of depression and associated symptoms, this cross-sectional study was done in Sikkim among 982 individuals.MATERIALS AND METHOD: The questionnaire based study consisted of 421 (42.88%) males and 561 (57.12%) females.RESULTS: A statistically significant(p =0.001) relation was found between depressive disorder among males and unemployment. However, Depression among females was attributed to marriage-related problems and affairs.CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need to develop health education packages to avert this public health problem.


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