scholarly journals Novel tools and strategies for breaking schistosomiasis transmission: study protocol for an intervention study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Trippler ◽  
Jan Hattendorf ◽  
Said Mohammed Ali ◽  
Shaali Makame Ame ◽  
Saleh Juma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
World Health ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Urogenital Schistosomiasis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adaptive Intervention ◽  
Snail Control

Abstract Background Global elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem is set as target in the new World Health Organization’s Neglected Tropical Diseases Roadmap for 2030. Due to a long history of interventions, the Zanzibar islands of Tanzania have reached this goal since 2017. However, challenges occur on the last mile towards interruption of transmission. Our study will investigate new tools and strategies for breaking schistosomiasis transmission. Methods The study is designed as an intervention study, documented through repeated cross-sectional surveys (2020–2024). The primary endpoint will be the sensitivity of a surveillance-response approach to detect and react to outbreaks of urogenital schistosomiasis over three years of implementation. The surveys and multi-disciplinary interventions will be implemented in 20 communities in the north of Pemba island. In low-prevalence areas, surveillance-response will consist of active, passive and reactive case detection, treatment of positive individuals, and focal snail control. In hotspot areas, mass drug administration, snail control and behaviour change interventions will be implemented. Parasitological cross-sectional surveys in 20 communities and their main primary schools will serve to adapt the intervention approach annually and to monitor the performance of the surveillance-response approach and impact of interventions. Schistosoma haematobium infections will be diagnosed using reagent strips and urine filtration microscopy, and by exploring novel point-of-care diagnostic tests. Discussion Our study will shed light on the field applicability and performance of novel adaptive intervention strategies, and standard and new diagnostic tools for schistosomiasis elimination. The evidence and experiences generated by micro-mapping of S. haematobium infections at community level, micro-targeting of new adaptive intervention approaches, and application of novel diagnostic tools can guide future strategic plans for schistosomiasis elimination in Zanzibar and inform other countries aiming for interruption of transmission. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISCRCTN91431493. Registered 11 February 2020, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN91431493

scholarly journals Diagnostics to support elimination of lymphatic filariasis—Development of two target product profiles

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0009968
Author(s):  
Kimberly Y. Won ◽  
Katherine Gass ◽  
Marco Biamonte ◽  
Daniel Argaw Dagne ◽  
Camilla Ducker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Use Cases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Product Configuration ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Use Case ◽  
Target Product

As lymphatic filariasis (LF) programs move closer to established targets for validation elimination of LF as a public health problem, diagnostic tools capable of supporting the needs of the programs are critical for success. Known limitations of existing diagnostic tools make it challenging to have confidence that program endpoints have been achieved. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a Diagnostic Technical Advisory Group (DTAG) for Neglected Tropical Diseases tasked with prioritizing diagnostic needs including defining use-cases and target product profiles (TPPs) for needed tools. Subsequently, disease-specific DTAG subgroups, including one focused on LF, were established to develop TPPs and use-case analyses to be used by product developers. Here, we describe the development of two priority TPPs for LF diagnostics needed for making decisions for stopping mass drug administration (MDA) of a triple drug regimen and surveillance. Utilizing the WHO core TPP development process as the framework, the LF subgroup convened to discuss and determine attributes required for each use case. TPPs considered the following parameters: product use, design, performance, product configuration and cost, and access and equity. Version 1.0 TPPs for two use cases were published by WHO on 12 March 2021 within the WHO Global Observatory on Health Research and Development. A common TPP characteristic that emerged in both use cases was the need to identify new biomarkers that would allow for greater precision in program delivery. As LF diagnostic tests are rarely used for individual clinical diagnosis, it became apparent that reliance on population-based surveys for decision making requires consideration of test performance in the context of such surveys. In low prevalence settings, the number of false positive test results may lead to unnecessary continuation or resumption of MDA, thus wasting valuable resources and time. Therefore, highly specific diagnostic tools are paramount when used to measure low thresholds. The TPP process brought to the forefront the importance of linking use case, program platform and diagnostic performance characteristics when defining required criteria for diagnostic tools.

scholarly journals Children’s Experiences of Their Journey to School: Integrating Behaviour Change Frameworks to Inform the Role of the Built Environment in Active School Travel Promotion

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4992
Author(s):  
Nafsika Michail ◽  
Ayse Ozbil ◽  
Rosie Parnell ◽  
Stephanie Wilkie
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Theoretical Domains Framework ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
School Travel ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Active School Travel ◽  
Affective Experiences

Childhood obesity is a public health problem with multiple effects on children’s life. Promoting Active School Travel (AST) could provide an inclusive opportunity for physical activity and shape healthy behaviours. Data for this cross-sectional study were drawn from questionnaires carried out in five primary schools located in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, in neighbourhoods chosen for their variability in IMD (index of multiple deprivation) and spatial structure of street networks (measured through space syntax measure of integration). A randomly selected and heterogenic sample of 145 pupils (aged 9–10) completed an open-ended questionnaire to state what they like and dislike about their journey to school. Thematic analysis identified four typologies (environmental context, emotions, social influences and trip factors) based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and specific themes and sub-themes underlying children’s affective experiences of their journeys to school. This study is the first known to authors to attempt to adapt the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model into AST and children’s experiences and associated behavioural domains with design aspects. Such an insight into children’s attitudes could inform urban planners and designers about how to apply more effective behaviour change interventions, targeting an AST increase among children.

scholarly journals LAMP in Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Focus on Parasites

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 521
Author(s):  
Juan García-Bernalt Diego ◽  
Pedro Fernández-Soto ◽  
Antonio Muro
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
World Population ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Early 21St Century

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly those caused by parasites, remain a major Public Health problem in tropical and subtropical regions, with 10% of the world population being infected. Their management and control have been traditionally hampered, among other factors, by the difficulty to deploy rapid, specific, and affordable diagnostic tools in low resource settings. This is especially true for complex PCR-based methods. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques, particularly loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), appeared in the early 21st century as an alternative to PCR, allowing for a much more affordable molecular diagnostic. Here, we present the status of LAMP assays development in parasite-caused NTDs. We address the progress made in different research applications of the technique: xenomonitoring, epidemiological studies, work in animal models and clinical application both for diagnosis and evaluation of treatment success. Finally, we try to shed a light on the improvements needed to achieve a true point-of-care test and the future perspectives in this field.

scholarly journals Nutritional status of soil-transmitted helminthiasis-infected and uninfected children

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelly Simarmata ◽  
Tiangsa Sembiring ◽  
Muhammad Ali
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Ascaris Lumbricoides ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Infection Intensity ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Trichuris Trichiura ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Malnourished Children ◽  
Moderate Malnutrition

Background Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain a public health problem in developing countries. Their prevalence is particularly high in rural areas with people of low socioeconomic level. A single or mixed STH infection rarely causes death, but can affect nutritional status, growth, cognitive development and human health, especially in children.Objective To compare the nutritional status of STH-infected and uninfected children.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2010 in children from 3 primary schools in the Simpang Empat and Kabanjahe Subdistricts, Karo District, North Sumatera Province. Fecal examinations were done by the Kato-Katz method to diagnose STH infections. Participants of this study consisted of 140 infected children and 141 uninfected children. Nutritional status classification was based on the 2000 Centers for Disease Control growth charts. All categorical data were analyzed by Chi-square test.Results Of 140 infected children, 8.6% were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides, 17.1% with Trichuris trichiura and 74.3% with mixed infections (Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura). We found significantly more STH infected children with mild to moderate malnutrition than the uninfected group. We also found significantly more mildly to moderately malnourished children with moderate infection intensity than mild infection intensity.Conclusion We find significantly more STH infected children with mild to moderate malnutrition than the uninfected group. We also find significantly more mildly to moderately malnourished children with moderate infection intensity than mild infection intensity. Higher severity of infection is associated with lower nutritional status.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Belief towards Infertility among Undergraduate Students of Selected Colleges of Pokhara Metropolitan City

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 24-28
Author(s):  
Alisha Dhungana ◽  
Kalpana Jnawali
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Female Students ◽  
World Health ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Metropolitan City ◽  
Good Level ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Introduction: Infertility is the global public health problem with adverse social and economic consequences. World Health Organization states that infertility affects 1 in every 10 couples worldwide. This study was carried out with an objective to find out the level of knowledge and belief regarding infertility among undergraduate students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and quantitative study, carried out among 420 undergraduate students of 7 selected colleges of Pokhara Metropolitan city from July to September 2019. Study populations were selected through simple random sampling method. Data collection was carried out using self-administered questionnaire. Results: Study revealed that 51.9% students had good level of knowledge with the female students having greater knowledge (57%) than male (48%). The study found that students’ knowledge score related to infertility was significantly associated with gender (p<0.05) and parental advices (p<0.05). Conclusions: More than half of the participants had good level of knowledge. Female students were more knowledgeable than male students. Less than half of the participants had ever attended on sexual and reproductive training programs.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of traumatic injuries to the permanant incisors of 9-12-years-old school children in Damascus, Syria

2001 ◽  
Vol 7 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 291-301
Author(s):  
N. Al Beiruti ◽  
W. Marcenes ◽  
D. Tayfour ◽  
S. Issa
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Traumatic Injuries ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Dental Injuries

This cross-sectional survey was carried out to assess epidemiological data concerning dental injuries to the permanent incisors of Syrian children. It included 1087 children aged 9 to 12 years, of both sexes, randomly selected from public and private primary schools in Damascus. The response rate was 100%. The prevalence of traumatic injuries to the permanent incisors rose from 5.2% at the age of 9 years to 11.7% at the age of 12 years [P = 0.007]. The difference in prevalence between boys and girls was not statistically significant [P > 0.05]. The majority [59.8%] of children who had experienced injuries to the permanent incisors reported that they were not taken to the dentist for evaluation or treatment of the damage. Among those children who had experienced traumatic injuries to the teeth 93.1% presented with untreated damage. Because some injuries were minor, such as small enamel fractures, the proportion of children who needed treatment was 63.2%. There was a tendency for children with an incisal overjet greater than 5 mm to have experienced dental injuries [P = 0.06]. Children with inadequate lip covcmgc were more likely to have experienced dental injuries than those with adequate lip coverage [P = 0.000]. The most common reported cause of iniuries to the permanent incisors was violence [42.5%], followed by traffic accidents [24.1%] collisions with people or inanimate objects [16.0%] and falls [9.1%]. In conclusion, traumatic dental injury may pose a serious dental public health problem.

scholarly journals Praziquantel treatment coverage among school age children against Schistosomiasis and associated factors in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional survey, 2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yilma Chisha ◽  
Zerihun Zerdo ◽  
Mekuria Asnakew ◽  
Chuchu Churko ◽  
Manaye Yihune ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Approach ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Integrated Treatment ◽  
School Enrollment ◽  
World Health ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Coverage

Abstract Background World Health Organization estimated that 779 million people are at risk of getting schistosomiasis (SCH) and 240 million people were infected worldwide. SCH due to Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) is a wide public health problem in Ethiopia. The aim of the survey was to quantify national and district disaggregated treatment coverage status for SCH and compare validated coverage with the one reported. Methods Community based cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2019 among households with school age children (SAC) 5–14 years in seven purposively selected districts of the country. Segments to be surveyed were randomly selected and households to be interviewed from each segment were determined using systematic sampling technique. A total of 3378 households visited and 5679 SAC (5–14 years) were interviewed. Results Overall reported treatment coverage of Praziquantel (PZQ) against SCH was 4286 (75.5%). Males were 27% more likely to swallow the drug (AOR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.47) than females. SAC with age 10–14 years were 45% more likely to swallow the drug compared with their counter parts (5–9 years), (AOR =1.45; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.69). There is statistically significant association between PZQ swallowing status with school enrollment. (AOR = 20.90, 95% CI: 17.41, 25.08). Swallowing status of PZQ against SCH significantly higher for SAC treated in districts applied integrated treatment approach (87.5%) compared with SAC treated in vertical treatment approach (72.5%); P-value < 0.001. SACs were asked for reasons for not taking the drug and the main reported reason for not swallowing PZQ in the present study was none attending of the school. Conclusions Over all treatment coverage of PZQ against SCH in the present study was 75.5%. Although it is in accordance with WHO recommendation for Ethiopia, national programmatic improvements are necessary to achieve higher coverage in the future. To increase treatment coverage for PZQ against SCH in Ethiopia, school based training should target all schools. Moreover, mobilization, sensitization and implementation of the community wide treatment need to be improved.

scholarly journals SunSmart Accreditation and Use of a Professional Policy Drafting Service: Both Positively and Independently Associated with High Sun Protective Hat Scores Derived from Primary School Policies

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
A. I. Reeder ◽  
E. E. Iosua ◽  
B. McNoe ◽  
A.-C. L. Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Solar Ultraviolet Radiation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Accredited Schools ◽  
Prevention Programmes

Background. The head and neck are exposed to the highest solar ultraviolet radiation levels and experience a disproportionate skin cancer burden. Sun protective hats can provide an effective barrier. Since early life exposure contributes to skin cancer risk, the World Health Organisation recommends prevention programmes in schools. The New Zealand SunSmart Schools programme is one example. Two criteria concern wearing hat outdoors: students are required to wear a hat providing protection for the face, neck, and ears; if a suitable hat is not worn, students must play in shaded areas. Objectives. To investigate two internationally relevant interventions as plausible statistical predictors of hat policy strength: (1) skin cancer primary prevention programme membership, (2) use of a professional policy drafting service. Methods. Of 1,242 (62%) eligible schools participating in a 2017 national survey, 1,137 reported a sun protection policy and 842 were available for categorising and allocating protective scores (0–3). Results. In multinomial (polytomous) logistic regression models of cross-sectional association, adjusted for school characteristics, SunSmart accredited schools and those utilising a policy drafting service were independently significantly more likely than their counterparts to obtain the most protective compared to the least protective hat score (respectively, RRR 6.48: 95% CI 3.66, 11.47; 7.47: 3.67, and 15.20). For the dichotomous shade measure, similar associations were found using adjusted logistic regression (OR 3.28: 95% CI 2.11, 5.09; 2.70: 1.54, 4.74). Conclusions. Our findings provide support for two plausible interventions that could potentially be implemented beneficially in primary schools via established infrastructure in any jurisdiction, internationally.

scholarly journals The contribution of mass drug administration to global health: past, present and future

2014 ◽  
Vol 369 (1645) ◽  
pp. 20130434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne P. Webster ◽  
David H. Molyneux ◽  
Peter J. Hotez ◽  
Alan Fenwick
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
World Health ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
High Coverage

Mass drug administration (MDA) is a means of delivering safe and inexpensive essential medicines based on the principles of preventive chemotherapy, where populations or sub-populations are offered treatment without individual diagnosis. High-coverage MDA in endemic areas aims to prevent and alleviate symptoms and morbidity on the one hand and can reduce transmission on the other, together improving global health. MDA is the recommended strategy of the World Health Organisation to control or eliminate several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). More than 700 million people now receive these essential NTD medicines annually. The combined cost of integrated NTD MDA has been calculated to be in the order of $0.50 per person per year. Activities have recently been expanded due, in part, to the proposed attempt to eliminate certain NTDs in the coming two decades. More than 1.9 billion people need to receive MDA annually across several years if these targets are to be met. Such extensive coverage will require additional avenues of financial support, expanded monitoring and evaluation focusing on impact and drug efficacy, as well as new diagnostic tools and social science strategies to encourage adherence. MDA is a means to help reduce the burden of disease, and hence poverty, among the poorest sector of populations. It has already made significant improvements to global health and productivity and has the potential for further successes, particularly where incorporated into sanitation and education programmes. However logistical, financial and biological challenges remain.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Knowledge of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Mandailing Natal, North Sumatera, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (20) ◽  
pp. 3443-3446
Author(s):  
Rizky Keumala Ansari Nasution ◽  
Badai Buana Nasution ◽  
Munar Lubis ◽  
Inke Nadia D. Lubis
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Helminth Infections ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
North Sumatra

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection remains of public health importance, particularly in developing countries. North Sumatra province of Indonesia has reported high prevalences of STH in many of its districts. AIM: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of STH and evaluated STH knowledge and risk behaviours of school children in Mandailing Natal district. METHODS:  We conducted a cross-sectional study in two primary schools in Mandailing Natal district, North Sumatera province, Indonesia. Data were collected directly from the subjects using a questionnaire after receiving consent from their parents. A stool sample was also collected to determine the STH status of each subject. Samples were then transported to the parasitology laboratory at Universitas Sumatera Utara in Medan to be analysed by a trained analyst. Kato-Katz method was used to prepare the slides (World Health Organization, 2002). The intensity of infection is classified into light, moderate and heavy infection. RESULTS: Prevalences of STH infections were 76.8% and 87.2% in Singkuand and Sikapas primary schools, respectively. The majority of infections were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura at a light intensity. Only small numbers of children in the two schools used soap before eating, used soap after defecating, and wear sandal/shoes when walking outdoor. Less than 50% of children also knew the route of transmission of STH. Poorer knowledge and behaviours were shown in children from Sikapas than in Singkuang. CONCLUSION: High prevalence and poor hygiene behaviours found in this study reinforce the need to identify the correct intervention to address this STH problem in the region.

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