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

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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Prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of imported and local malaria cases in North-Western Province, Zambia: a cross-sectional study

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-020-03504-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maureen N. Chipoya ◽

Nzooma M. Shimaponda-Mataa

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Malaria Prevalence ◽

Imported Malaria ◽

Full Blood Count ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Western Province ◽

Imported Cases ◽

North Western

Abstract Background Imported malaria is a major challenge for countries that are in malaria elimination stage such as Zambia. Legitimate cross-border activities add to the risk of transmission, necessitating determination of prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of imported and local malaria. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 103 consented child and adult patients with clinical malaria symptoms, from selected health facilities in north-western Zambia. Patient demographic data and blood samples for malaria microscopy and full blood count were obtained. Chi-square and penalized logistic regression were performed to describe the characteristics and assess the risk factors of imported and local malaria in North-Western Province. Results Overall, malaria prevalence was 78.6% with 93.8% Plasmodium falciparum and 6.2% other species. The local cases were 72 (88.9%) while the imported were 9 (11.1%) out of the 81 positive participants. About 98.6% of the local cases were P. falciparum compared to 55.6% (χ2 = 52.4; p < 0.01) P. falciparum among the imported cases. Among the imported cases, 44% were species other than P. falciparum (χ2 = 48; p < 0.01) while among the local cases only 1.4% were. Gametocytes were present in 44% of the imported malaria cases and only in 2.8% of the local cases (χ2 = 48; p < 0.01). About 48.6% of local participants had severe anaemia compared to 33.3% of participants from the two neighbouring countries who had (χ2 = 4.9; p = 0.03). In the final model, only country of residence related positively to presence of species other than P. falciparum (OR = 39.0, CI [5.9, 445.9]; p < 0.01) and presence of gametocytes (OR = 23.1, CI [4.2, 161.6]; p < 0.01). Conclusion Malaria prevalence in North-Western Province is high, with P. falciparum as the predominant species although importation of Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae is happening as well. Country of residence of patients is a major risk factor for malaria species and gametocyte presence. The need for enhanced malaria control with specific focus on border controls to detect and treat, for specific diagnosis and treatment according to species obtaining, for further research in the role of species and gametocytaemia in imported malaria, cannot be overemphasized.

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Perception of mucormycosis infection among Bangladeshi healthcare workers: an exploratory cross-sectional study in the year following the COVID-19 pandemic

Bulletin of the National Research Centre ◽

10.1186/s42269-022-00696-1 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Humayun Kabir ◽

Md. Kamrul Hasan ◽

Mamunur Rahman ◽

Shimpi Akter ◽

Golam Ishraque Chowdhury ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Fungal Infection ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Monthly Income ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Mucormycosis, a severe fungal infection, is an emerging public health concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the perception of mucormycosis among Bangladeshi healthcare workers. Results An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out among the Bangladeshi healthcare workers from May 25, 2021, to June 5, 2021. The study found 422 responses from the healthcare workers of Bangladesh. Among the respondents, nearly half of them (45.26%) were doctors (n = 191). This study explored that the healthcare workers’ mucormycosis perception scores were significantly associated with their age, gender, profession, monthly income, marital status, job type, and death of friends and family members due to COVID-19. Conclusions This study emphasized the healthcare workers’ mucormycosis perception along with other associated factors. The findings could help policymakers to mitigate mucormycosis and related infectious diseases emergencies in the post-COVID-19 situation.

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Identifying risk factors of anemia among women of reproductive age in Rwanda - a cross-sectional study using secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey 2014/2015

10.21203/rs.2.14859/v3 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Dieudonne Hakizimana ◽

Marie Paul Nisingizwe ◽

Jenae Logan ◽

Rex Wong

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Pregnant Woman ◽

Intrauterine Device ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hemoglobin Level ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Anemia among Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) continues to be among the major public health problems in many developing countries, including Rwanda, where it increased in prevalence between the 2015 and 2010 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) reports. A thorough understanding of its risk factors is necessary to design better interventions. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted in Rwanda on a nationally representative sample to assess factors associated with anemia among WRA. Accordingly, this study was conducted to address such gap. Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the RDHS 2014-2015 report. The study population consisted of 6680 WRA who were tested for anemia during the survey. Anemia was defined as having a hemoglobin level equal to or below 10.9 g/dl for a pregnant woman, and hemoglobin level equal to or below 11.9 g/dl for a non-pregnant woman. Pearson’s chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression were conducted for bivariate and multivariable analysis, respectively. Results The prevalence of anemia among WRA was 19.2% (95% CI: 18.0 - 20.5). Four factors were found to be associated with lower odds of anemia, including being obese (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.40 - 0.91), being in the rich category (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63 - 0.87), sleeping under a mosquito net (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74 - 0.98), and using hormonal contraceptives (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.50 - 0.73). Five factors were associated with higher odds of anemia, including being underweight (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.09 - 1.78), using an intrauterine device (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.05 - 3.75), being separated or widowed (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09 - 1.67), and living in the Southern province (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.11 - 1.89) or in the Eastern province (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.06 - 1.88). Conclusion Anemia continues to pose public health challenges; novel public health interventions should consider geographic variations in anemia risk, seek to improve women’s economic statuses, and strengthen iron supplementation especially for Intrauterine device users. Additionally, given the association between anemia and malaria, interventions to prevent malaria should be enhanced.

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Cross sectional study on the prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications among elderly patients in a tertiary care centre in central Kerala

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20210836 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 1415

Author(s):

Jubina Bency Anthoorathodi ◽

Aqueen Joju ◽

Ann Mereena Reji ◽

Anupama Pallivalappil Asokan ◽

Anzeem Naseem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Inappropriate Medication ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Potentially Inappropriate Medication ◽

Potentially Inappropriate Medications ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Polypharmacy or the concurrent use of multiple medications, is on the rise, especially in the elderly population as they suffer from multiple co-morbidities. Polypharmacy has been reported to increase the risks for inappropriate medication intake. Objectives: The aim was to investigate the prevalence of polypharmacy and usage of potentially inappropriate medication using Beer’s criteria and to find out the various risk factors of polypharmacy in hospitalised elderly.Methods: A cross sectional study was done in patients aged 60 years and above using a pre designed semi structured questionnaire and from their case records to assess the pattern of polypharmacy by different socio-demographic characteristics and also to found out the risk factors of polypharmacy.Results: 50 patients aged 60 and above were involved in our study out of which, 46% were females and 54% were males. Mean age of our study population was 71.5±8.3. Among them, 30 were hypertensive, 27 were diabetic, 9 of them had dyslipidaemia and 8 of them had coronary artery disease Mean number of medication use was 5.1±4.1. Polypharmacy was observed in 42% of the patients. 20% patients received potentially inappropriate drugs from Beer’s list. We also found significant association of polypharmacy with diabetes mellitus and hypertension.Conclusions: The present study has shown polypharmacy and usage of potentially inappropriate medication as an emerging public health concern. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were found to be risk factors of polypharmacy. Deprescription should be integrated into clinical care and prescribers need to be educated about Beers criteria and encouraged for rational prescription.

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Prevalence and factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia in Northern Uganda: a community-based cross-sectional study

Tropical Medicine and Health ◽

10.1186/s41182-020-00275-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (1) ◽

Author(s):

David Mukunya ◽

Beatrice Odongkara ◽

Thereza Piloya ◽

Victoria Nankabirwa ◽

Vincentina Achora ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Blood Glucose ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Northern Uganda ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Neonatal Hypoglycemia ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Child Age

Abstract Background Neonatal hypoglycemia is the most common endocrine abnormality in children, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The burden and risk factors of neonatal hypoglycemia in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa are unknown. Objective To determine the prevalence and risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia in Lira District, Northern Uganda. Methods This was a community-based cross-sectional study, nested in a cluster randomized controlled trial designed to promote health facility births and newborn care practices in Lira District, Northern Uganda. This study recruited neonates born to mothers in the parent study. Random blood glucose was measured using an On Call® Plus glucometer (ACON Laboratories, Inc., 10125 Mesa Road, San Diego, CA, USA). We defined hypoglycemia as a blood glucose of < 47 mg/dl. To determine the factors associated with neonatal hypoglycemia, a multivariable linear regression mixed-effects model was used. Results We examined 1416 participants of mean age 3.1 days (standard deviation (SD) 2.1) and mean weight of 3.2 kg (SD 0.5). The mean neonatal blood glucose level was 81.6 mg/dl (SD 16.8). The prevalence of a blood glucose concentration of < 47 mg/dl was 2.2% (31/1416): 95% CI 1.2%, 3.9%. The risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia were delayed breastfeeding initiation [adjusted mean difference, − 2.6; 95% CI, − 4.4, − 0.79] and child age of 3 days or less [adjusted mean, − 12.2; 95% CI, − 14.0, − 10.4]. Conclusion The incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia was low in this community and was predicted by delay in initiating breastfeeding and a child age of 3 days or less. We therefore suggest targeted screening and management of neonatal hypoglycemia among neonates before 3 days of age and those who are delayed in the onset of breastfeeding.

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Screening for risk factors of relational withdrawal behaviour in infants aged 14–18 months

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2007.07.008 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 150-155 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Antoine Guedeney ◽

Christophe Foucault ◽

Eva Bougen ◽

Beatrice Larroque ◽

France Mentré

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Developmental Disorders ◽

Health Centre ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Public Health Centre ◽

Withdrawal Behavior ◽

Psychological Difficulties

AbstractObjectivesThe objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the prevalence of relational withdrawal behaviour in infants aged 14–18 months attending a public health centre in Paris, (2) to check some identified risk factors for relational withdrawal behaviour in this population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in infants aged 14–18 months attending a child health screening centre during the year 2005.ResultsA total of 640 children were included in the study. Thirteen percent of the 640 infants (n = 83, 95% CI [10.4%; 15.6%]) had an ADBB score at 5 and over 5 on the ADBB. There was a clear relationship between withdrawal behavior and having psychological difficulties as reported by parents, and between withdrawal and developmental delay. Withdrawal was also significantly associated with being a boy, with living in risk conditions (e.g. child being in joint custody, or with living in a foster family), with being adopted, or with being a twin. More withdrawn infants were taken care of at home.ConclusionSustained relational withdrawal behaviour was linked with developmental disorders and psychopathology and not with SES, ethnical origin or rank of birth. The scale could be used in screening early psychopathology in infants aged 2–24 months of age.

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Are normoglycaemic individuals at risk of depression? The depression-dysglycaemic phenotype from a European population-based cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.2.19240/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Cuschieri ◽

Julian Mamo

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Population Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Phenotypic Characteristics ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Depression Prevalence ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Depression is a chronic non communicable disease. It is a growing public health concern with established links with a number of co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression at a population level, establish the depression sub-population phenotypic characteristics while exploring for links between depression and a spectrum of glycemic abnormalities. Methods A nationally representative cross-sectional study was conducted in Malta between 2014 and 2016. Participants were categorized into different sub-populations according to their glycaemic status. Depression prevalence rates and phenotypic characteristics for each sub-population were established. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify links with depression. Results Depression was prevalent in 17.15% (CI 95%: 16.01 – 18.36) with a female predominance. Those with known (as opposed to newly diagnosed) diabetes had the highest depression prevalence when compared to other glycemic sub-groups. These also exhibited a significant link with self-reported depression. However, at a population level, depression was mostly prevalent within the normoglycaemic sub-population. Conclusions The study confirms the strong link between diabetes and depression, especially, in a high risk dysglycaemic population. Of public health concern is the high depression occurrence within the normoglycaemic sub-population, which attributed for the majority of the Maltese population. In order to reduce the impact of mental health on the population, physicians may consider implementing depression screening clinical tools as part of their routine health check-ups at primary care level, irrespective of the glycaemic status of their patients.

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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Utero-Vaginal Prolapse in AddisAbaba, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-144888/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zelalem Mekuria ◽

Abdu Mengesha ◽

Girma Seyoum

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Home Delivery ◽

Health Concern ◽

Uterovaginal Prolapse ◽

P Value ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated

Abstract Background: Uterovaginal prolapse (UVP) is a major women’s health concern throughout the world. Globally, 2-20% of all women are affected by UVP. The mean prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse in developing countries is 19.7%. The prevalence of UVP in Ethiopia is 18.55% among all gynecological operations. UVP is a source of severe morbidity and psychological upheaval to the patient, who is often socially withdrawn and stigmatized. UVP negatively affects socioeconomic and reproductive activity of affected women. It is, therefore, of interest to study its prevalence and factors associated with the condition.Methodology: Institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in selected Addis Ababa city governmental hospitals and the medical record charts of women admitted in the respective gynecology wards were reviewed. The medical records included in this study were those from March 2017 to February 2019 G.C. and 400 records of admitted women were randomly selected. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 statistical package. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine factors associated with UVP. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant.Result: Out of the3,949 admitted women, the prevalence of UVP was 12.8%. The leading determinants of UVP were menopause (OR = 2.611 (at 95 % CI: 1.531, 3.838), age > 40 years (OR = 2.143 (at 95 % CI:1.496, 6.602), parity of > 4 (OR = 4.201 (at 95 % CI 1.652, 10.685), age at first delivery of < 20 years old (OR = 7.988(2.682, 23.792) and home delivery (OR = 1.380 (at 95 % CI:1.212, 2.572). Conclusion: The prevalence of UVP in this study was relatively high. The major risk factors of UVP were menopause, having > 4 deliveries, age > 40 years, age at first delivery < 20 years old and home delivery. Therefore, the findings of this investigation, especially identification of risk factors of UVP, could serve as a basis for taking steps for preventing or reducing the prevalence of UVP and related complications.

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Prevalence of syphilis in people living with HIV/AIDS: A Hospital based Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences ◽

10.37107/jhas.153 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 42-45

Author(s):

Suresh Jaiswal ◽

Laxman Banstola ◽

Manisha Shrestha ◽

Srijana Sapkota ◽

Sujan Sharma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Transmitted Disease ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Health Concern ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Syphilis Infection ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction: Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease is one of the oldest diseases caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, has been a major public health concern worldwide. The aim is to find out the prevalence of syphilis and its risk factors among people with HIV at Western Regional hospital in Nepal. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at one of the largest public hospitals in Western Region of Nepal. A consecutive 90 HIV-positive patients were recruited prospectively from December 2016 to February 2017. Blood samples and data on sociodemographic and risk factors were collected. Serum were diagnosed for syphilis using Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test. Results: The prevalence of syphilis infection was 12.2% in HIV positive participants. Syphilis occurred exclusively in male 7 comparatively 4 in female. Seropositivity of syphilis was seen higher in married than unmarried HIV infected individuals. Syphilis prevalence seems to increase with increasing age, with the highest rate in the age group 35–50 years. A decreasing rate of syphilis was observed with increasing educational level, where illiterate HIV-positive participants had higher infection compared with those having at least a certificate. Conclusion: Higher prevalence of syphilis in people with HIV infection demands the need to target this people to prevent the transmission of both infections. Testing for all HIV-infected people for syphilis and management of the infected would have clinical and epidemiological importance.

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Are normoglycaemic individuals at risk of depression? The depression-dysglycaemic phenotype from a European population-based cross-sectional study

Archives of Public Health ◽

10.1186/s13690-020-00495-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 78 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Cuschieri ◽

Julian Mamo

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Population Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Phenotypic Characteristics ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Depression Prevalence ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Depression is a chronic non communicable disease. It is a growing public health concern with established links with a number of co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression at a population level, establish the depression sub-population phenotypic characteristics while exploring for links between depression and a spectrum of glycemic abnormalities. Methods A nationally representative cross-sectional study was conducted in Malta between 2014 and 2016. Participants were categorized into different sub-populations according to their glycaemic status. Depression prevalence rates and phenotypic characteristics for each sub-population were established. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify links with depression. Results Depression was prevalent in 17.15% (CI 95%: 16.01–18.36) with a female predominance. Those with known (as opposed to newly diagnosed) diabetes had the highest depression prevalence when compared to other glycemic sub-groups. These also exhibited a significant link with self-reported depression. However, at a population level, depression was mostly prevalent within the normoglycaemic sub-population. Conclusions The study confirms the strong link between diabetes and depression, especially, in a high risk dysglycaemic population. Of public health concern is the high depression occurrence within the normoglycaemic sub-population, which attributed for the majority of the Maltese population. In order to reduce the impact of mental health on the population, physicians may consider implementing depression screening clinical tools as part of their routine health check-ups at primary care level, irrespective of the glycaemic status of their patients.

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