scholarly journals Decline in syphilis seroprevalence among females of reproductive age in Northern Cape Province, South Africa, 2003–2012: utility of laboratory-based information

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 564-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ngormbu J Ballah ◽  
Lazarus R Kuonza ◽  
Gloria De Gita ◽  
Alfred Musekiwa ◽  
Seymour Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Laboratory Service ◽  
Northern Cape ◽  
Prevalence Ratios

Strengthening current surveillance systems for syphilis is important to track and monitor disease burden. We used routinely collected laboratory information to generate surveillance estimates for syphilis trends among women of reproductive age (12–49 years) in the Northern Cape Province, a high syphilis burden region (2003 [8.6%] to 2011 [3.8%]) in South Africa. We extracted records meeting inclusion criteria from the National Health Laboratory Service electronic database for the period 2003–2012. A total of 286,024 women were included in the analysis. Syphilis seropositivity decreased between 2003 (5.7%) and 2012 (1.8%); p trend = 0.001, which was largely consistent with findings reported in the annual national syphilis and HIV survey from 2003 (8.6%) to 2011 (3.8%). Annually for the period from 2003 to 2012 there was an approximate 14% reduction in the prevalence ratio of syphilis seroprevalence (PR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.85–0.87, p < 0.001). Three of five districts had significant decreases in syphilis seropositivity over this period. There were also declines in prevalence ratios for syphilis seropositivity for the various age groups for the period. This study shows that the national laboratory database in South Africa can be used as a complimentary surveillance tool to describe and understand trends in syphilis seroprevalence in South Africa.

scholarly journals Age-stratified Analysis of Associations Between Participant’s Characteristics and NAFLD

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed H. Naqvi ◽  
Anthony P. Nunes
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Mexican Americans ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Excessive Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Prevalence Ratios

Abstract Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent and a leading cause of liver transplantation. In clinical settings, diagnosis is often inferred based on patient attributes and generalized algorithms that haven’t been tailored to patients’ age. This study aims to understand age-dependent associations between NAFLD and patient characteristics. Methods: Subjects were identified from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2016. NAFLD status was established through the U.S. Fatty Liver Index in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption and viral etiology. Descriptive patient attributes' distributions are reported relying on the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. Prevalence estimates and prevalence ratios for NAFLD are provided in the following age stratifications: 18 and younger, 19-49, 50-64, 65-74, and 75+. Results: A total of 4,560 NHANES participants from 2007-2016 were included, with a mean age of 42.9. Prevalence ratios of NAFLD in the context of clinical/demographic characteristics varied between age groups. The NAFLD prevalence ratio for Mexican Americans compared to Non-Hispanic White was 3.44 in respondents 18 years old or younger (95%CI: 2.48-4.77) and 1.60 in respondents 75 or older (95%CI: 1.30-1.97). The magnitude of the association between albumin and NAFLD was negative. It ranged from a prevalence ratio of 0.32 (0.20 – 0.51) for respondents under 19 years of age to 1.15 (0.86-1.53) over the age of 74. Conclusion: The significant differences between participant characteristics and NAFLD within different age groups suggest that age plays an essential role in the magnitude of the association between risk factors and NAFLD. This study highlights that the accuracy of a NAFLD diagnosis in the absence of imaging and histological conformation may depend on the patients' age. Additional work should evaluate the need for diagnostic and management guidelines formally tailored to patients’ age.

scholarly journals Human cystic echinococcosis in South Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Mogoye ◽  
Colin N. Menezes ◽  
Martin P. Grobusch ◽  
Kerstin Wahlers ◽  
John Frean
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
12S Rrna ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Laboratory Service ◽  
North West ◽  
Retrospective Data Analysis ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Northern Cape

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by the tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus. The tapeworms resides in the small intestines of canids and the lifecycle involves both intermediate and definitive hosts. Humans are accidental intermediate hosts. Cystic echinococcosis is an economically important infection constituting a threat to public health, and is considered an emerging disease around the world. There are at least 10 Echinococcus strain types (G1 – G10), each exhibiting diversity of morphology, development and host range. The epidemiology of CE is poorly understood in South Africa. A retrospective data analysis of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) laboratory information system on echinococcosis serology, microscopy and histopathology results in eight provinces (excluding KwaZula-Natal) showed an overall positivity rate in submitted diagnostic samples of 17.0% (1056/6211), with the Eastern Cape (30.4%), North West (19.0%) and Northern Cape (18.0%) provinces showing highest rates. The data showed considerable variability between provinces. The review also showed that most proven cases were negative on serology, implying that the actual number of patients could be underestimated. To our knowledge, no data exist about the prevalent strains of E. granulosus and this prospective study will attempt to fill that gap. The aim is to genotype strains causing the disease in South Africa. Two different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods will be used to respectively target the 12S rRNA and nad 1 genes. To date, three samples have been genotyped as G1, G5 and G6; suggesting diversity of strains prevalent in the country, but more data is needed for a clearer picture.

Coverage of and compliance to iron supplementation under the National Iron Plus Initiative among reproductive age-group women in urban Puducherry – a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Surendran Gayathri ◽  
Sakthivel Manikandanesan ◽  
Jayaseelan Venkatachalam ◽  
Sarveswaran Gokul ◽  
Arivarasan Yashodha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Supplementation ◽  
Medication Compliance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lactating Women ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background Anaemia is a global health problem and an important cause of morbidity in all age groups, especially among women and children. Various programmes have been implemented to combat anaemia in India and National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI) is the latest programme to be implemented. Aim To ascertain the proportion of reproductive age women receiving iron supplementation under the NIPI and assess the compliance and factors hindering the implementation and compliance of the programme. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) during November 2017. The participants were interviewed at their household using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire to obtain information on socio-demographic details, whether they were receiving iron supplements and compliance to the programme. Results Out of 302 study participants, only 138 (45.7%) were found to be receiving the supplements under the NIPI. The major source of iron supplementation was various health facilities (69.4%). Of those not receiving the tablets, 96.3% were non-pregnant non-lactating women. The proportion of study participants receiving iron supplementation through house visits by auxiliary nurse mid-wives (ANMs) was only 1.45%. Of the 138 women receiving supplementation, 85 (61%) were compliant with their medication. Compliance also tended to be higher among pregnant and lactating women. The most important reasons for non-compliance were adverse effects and forgetfulness. The presence of regular house visits by ANMs had a significant association with reception of tablets [prevalence ratio (PR)–1.43]. Pregnant women had a significant association with both reception (PR–2.19) and compliance (PR–1.8) with iron supplementation. Conclusion The current NIPI programme needs to be regularly evaluated to ensure its effective implementation. Importance should be given to non-pregnant non-lactating women to increase coverage among them.

scholarly journals Association between vitamin B12-containing supplement consumption and prevalence of biochemically defined B12 deficiency in adults in NHANES III (Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey)

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marian L Evatt ◽  
Paul D Terry ◽  
Thomas R Ziegler ◽  
Godfrey P Oakley
Keyword(s):  
National Health ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Nhanes Iii ◽  
Nutrition Examination Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Prevalence Ratios ◽  
Low Serum

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the association between vitamin B12 (B12)-containing supplement use, low B12 concentrations and biochemically defined B12 deficiency in US adults.DesignA cross-sectional study with adjustment for survey design. Prevalence ratios for two age groups (18–50 and >50 years) were estimated using unconditional logistic models. Outcome measures included prevalence of low serum B12 concentration (<148 pmol/l) and biochemical B12 deficiency (serum B12 < 148 pmol/l with concomitant homocysteine > 10 μmol/l).SettingA population survey of health and nutritional measures.SubjectsSubjects were non-institutionalized adults, aged 18 years and older, who participated in Phase 2 of NHANES III (Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey).ResultsLow B12 concentrations were less prevalent among persons consuming B12-containing supplements (P = 0·001) with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 0·6 (95 % CI 0·3, 1·0). Biochemical B12 deficiency showed a similar trend (P = 0·0002), with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 0·3 (95 % CI 0·1, 0·8). Prevalence ratios were similar in adults >50 years of age, although the prevalence of low B12 and biochemical deficiency was proportionally higher.ConclusionsConsumption of B12-containing supplements was associated with at least 50 % lower prevalence of both low serum B12 and biochemical B12 deficiency in a nationally representative sample of US adults, suggesting increased consumption of B12 from supplements or from fortified foods may reduce the prevalence of B12 deficiency. Additionally, the current Recommended Daily Allowance for B12 of 2·4 μg may be insufficient for those aged >50 years.

scholarly journals ‘Water is life’: developing community participation for clean water in rural South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. e001377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Hove ◽  
Lucia D'Ambruoso ◽  
Denny Mabetha ◽  
Maria van der Merwe ◽  
Peter Byass ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Public Participation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Water Governance ◽  
Water Security ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Surveillance Systems

BackgroundSouth Africa is a semiarid country where 5 million people, mainly in rural areas, lack access to water. Despite legislative and policy commitments to the right to water, cooperative governance and public participation, many authorities lack the means to engage with and respond to community needs. The objectives were to develop local knowledge on health priorities in a rural province as part of a programme developing community evidence for policy and planning.MethodsWe engaged 24 participants across three villages in the Agincourt Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance System and codesigned the study. This paper reports on lack of clean, safe water, which was nominated in one village (n=8 participants) and in which women of reproductive age were nominated as a group whose voices are excluded from attention to the issue. On this basis, additional participants were recruited (n=8). We then held a series of consensus-building workshops to develop accounts of the problem and actions to address it using Photovoice to document lived realities. Thematic analysis of narrative and visual data was performed.ResultsRepeated and prolonged periods when piped water is unavailable were reported, as was unreliable infrastructure, inadequate service delivery, empty reservoirs and poor supply exacerbated by droughts. Interconnected social, behavioural and health impacts were documented combined with lack of understanding, cooperation and trust between communities and authorities. There was unanimity among participants for taps in houses as an overarching goal and strategies to build an evidence base for planning and advocacy were developed.ConclusionIn this setting, there is willingness among community stakeholders to improve water security and there are existing community assemblies to support this. Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance Systems provide important opportunities to routinely connect communities to resource management and service delivery. Developing learning platforms with government and non-government organisations may offer a means to enable more effective public participation in decentralised water governance.

scholarly journals Rift Valley Fever Virus Exposure amongst Farmers, Farm Workers, and Veterinary Professionals in Central South Africa

Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veerle Msimang ◽  
Peter N. Thompson ◽  
Petrus Jansen van Vuren ◽  
Stefano Tempia ◽  
Claudia Cordel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rift Valley ◽  
Rift Valley Fever ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Rift Valley Fever Virus ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Credible Interval ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Valley Fever ◽  
Northern Cape

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a re-emerging arboviral disease of public health and veterinary importance in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Major RVF epidemics were documented in South Africa in 1950–1951, 1974–1975, and 2010–2011. The number of individuals infected during these outbreaks has, however, not been accurately estimated. A total of 823 people in close occupational contact with livestock were interviewed and sampled over a six-month period in 2015–2016 within a 40,000 km2 study area encompassing parts of the Free State and Northern Cape provinces that were affected during the 2010–2011 outbreak. Seroprevalence of RVF virus (RVFV) was 9.1% (95% Confidence Interval (CI95%): 7.2–11.5%) in people working or residing on livestock or game farms and 8.0% in veterinary professionals. The highest seroprevalence (SP = 15.4%; CI95%: 11.4–20.3%) was detected in older age groups (≥40 years old) that had experienced more than one known large epidemic compared to the younger participants (SP = 4.3%; CI95%: 2.6–7.3%). The highest seroprevalence was in addition found in people who injected animals, collected blood samples (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.3; CI95%: 1.0–5.3), slaughtered animals (OR = 3.9; CI95%: 1.2–12.9) and consumed meat from an animal found dead (OR = 3.1; CI95%: 1.5–6.6), or worked on farms with dams for water storage (OR = 2.7; CI95%: 1.0–6.9). We estimated the number of historical RVFV infections of farm staff in the study area to be most likely 3849 and 95% credible interval between 2635 and 5374 based on seroprevalence of 9.1% and national census data. We conclude that human RVF cases were highly underdiagnosed and heterogeneously distributed. Improving precautions during injection, sample collection, slaughtering, and meat processing for consumption, and using personal protective equipment during outbreaks, could lower the risk of RVFV infection.

scholarly journals The ethical case for global measles eradication—justice and the Rule of Rescue

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 375-377
Author(s):  
David N Durrheim ◽  
Jon K Andrus
Keyword(s):  
Disease Burden ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
National Immunisation ◽  
Measles Elimination ◽  
Principle Of Justice ◽  
Rule Of Rescue ◽  
Global Eradication

Abstract Measles causes a substantial disease burden for all countries, while mortality is greatest in underserved, marginalized populations. Global measles eradication is feasible and the strategies critically rely upon well-functioning national immunisation programs and surveillance systems. All six regions of the World Health Organisation have adopted measles elimination targets. The Rule of Rescue and the principle of justice leave no ethical place for health programs, governments, global public health bodies or donors to hide if they impede efforts to eradicate measles globally by not taking all necessary actions to establish a global eradication target and committing the resources essential to achieve this goal.

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