scholarly journals Asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium falciparum infection in children in the Mount Cameroon area: a cross-sectional study on altitudinal influence, haematological parameters and risk factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele ◽  
Rene Ning Teh ◽  
Gillian Asoba Nkeudem ◽  
Sorelle Mekachie Sandie ◽  
Marcel Nyuylam Moyeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Haemoglobin Concentration ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Haematological Parameters ◽  
Full Blood Count ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Malaria Parasitaemia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mount Cameroon ◽  
Cell Counts

Abstract Background The Mount Cameroon area has experienced a 57.2% decline in confirmed malaria cases between 2006 and 2013 with the implementation of different control measures but, the disease is still of public health concern. The objective of the study was to assess the burden of asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection, altitudinal influence on it, their effect on haematological parameters as well as identify the risk factors of infection. Methodology A cross-sectional community-based survey involving 1319 children of both sexes aged 6 months to 14 years was conducted between July 2017 and May 2018. Malaria parasitaemia was confirmed by Giemsa-stained microscopy, sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection by 18S mRNA using nested PCR and full blood count analysis was done using an auto haematology analyser. Results Malaria parasite, asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection and anaemia were prevalent in 36.4%, 34.0%, 43.8% and 62.3% of the children, respectively. The risk of having sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection was highest in children 5‒9 (OR = 3.13, P < 0.001) and 10‒14 years of age (OR = 8.18, P < 0.001), non-insecticide treated net users (OR = 1.69, P < 0.04) and those anaemic (OR = 9.01, P < 0.001). Children with sub-microscopic infection had a significantly lower mean haemoglobin (9.86 ± 1.7 g/dL, P < 0.001), red blood cell counts (4.48 ± 1.1 × 1012/L, P < 0.001), haematocrit (31.92%, P < 0.001), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (313.25 ± 47.36, P = 0.035) and platelet counts (280.83 ± 112.62, P < 0.001) than their negative counterparts. Children < 5 years old (73.8%), having asymptomatic (69.8%) and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection (78.3%) as well as resident in the middle belt (72.7%) had a higher prevalence of anaemia than their peers. Conclusion The meaningful individual-level heterogeneity in the burden of asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection in addition to its corollary on haematological variables among children in the different attitudinal sites of the Mount Cameroon Region accentuate the need for strategic context specific planning of malaria control and preventative measures.

scholarly journals Asymptomatic and Sub-microscopic Plasmodium Falciparum Infection in Children in the Mount Cameroon Area: a Cross-sectional Study on Altitudinal Influence, Haematological Parameters and Risk Factors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Ule Ngole sumbele ◽  
Rene Ning Teh ◽  
Gillian Asoba Nkeudem ◽  
Sorelle Mekachie Sandie ◽  
Marcel Nyuylam Moyeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Haemoglobin Concentration ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Haematological Parameters ◽  
Full Blood Count ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mount Cameroon ◽  
Cell Counts

Abstract Background: The Mount Cameroon area has experienced a 57.2% decline in confirmed malaria cases between 2006 and 2013 with the implementation of different control measures but, the disease is still of public health concern. The objective of the study was to assess the burden of asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection, altitudinal influence on it, their effect on haematological parameters as well as identify the risk factors of infection.Methodology: A cross-sectional community-based survey involving 1319 children of both sexes aged 6 months to 14 years was conducted between July 2017 and May 2018. Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia was confirmed by Giemsa-stained microscopy, sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection by 18S mRNA using nested PCR and full blood count analysis was done using an auto haematology analyser. Results: Malaria parasite, asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection and anaemia were prevalent in 36.4%, 34.0%, 43.8% and 62.3% of the children, respectively. The risk of having sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection was highest in children 5‒9 (OR = 3.13, P < 0.001) and 10‒14 years of age (OR = 8.18, P < 0.001), non-insecticide treated net users (OR = 1.69, P < 0.04) and those anaemic (OR = 9.01, P < 0.001). Children with sub-microscopic infection had a significantly lower mean haemoglobin (9.86 ± 1.7 g/dL, P < 0.001), red blood cell counts (4.48 ± 1.1 x 1012/L, P < 0.001), haematocrit (31.92%, P < 0.001), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (313.25 ± 47.36, P = 0.035) and platelet counts (280.83 ± 112.62, P < 0.001) than their negative counterparts. Children <5 years old (73.8%), having asymptomatic (69.8%) and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection (78.3%) as well as resident in the middle belt (72.7%) had a higher prevalence of anaemia than their peers. Conclusion: The significant heterogeneity in the burden of asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection in addition to its corollary on haematological variables among children in the different attitudinal sites of the Mount Cameroon Region accentuate the need for strategic context specific planning of malaria control and preventative measures.

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

Anemia ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Malaria and intestinal parasite co-infections and impact on haematological parameters among people living with HIV in Buea, Southwest Cameroon

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sorelle Mekachie Sandie ◽  
Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele ◽  
Martin Mih Tasah ◽  
Helen Kuokuo Kimbi
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Intestinal Parasite ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Haemoglobin Concentration ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Haematological Parameters ◽  
Full Blood Count ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Negative

Abstract Background: Both malaria and intestinal parasites are endemic in Cameroon, and their co-infection can be of great impact on haematological parameters among people living with HIV (PLWH). This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence and impact of malaria/intestinal parasite co-infections on haematological parameters in PLWH and HIV negative individuals in Buea, Cameroon from March-August 2019.Methods: The study population (500) comprised of 190 PLWH, 216 HIV consenting negative individuals from the Buea community and 94 HIV negative patients at the Buea Hospital out-patient department (OPD). Participants were examined clinically, and the collected blood sample was used for malaria parasite (MP) detection, HIV diagnosis and full blood count analysis. Stool samples were examined for the detection of intestinal parasites (IPs) using the formol-ether concentration and modified Zheil-Neelsen techniques. Proportions were compared using Pearson’s Chi-square test and association of anaemia with the independent variables was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis Results: Overall, MP, IPs and MP/IPs co-infection prevalences were 17.0% (85), 13.0% (65) and 2.2% (11) respectively. When compared with HIV negative participants from the communities, PLWH had the highest prevalence of MP (16.3%, P = 0.17), IPs (23.7%, P ˂ 0.001) and MP/IPs co-infection (3.7%, P = 0.04). Plasmodium falciparum was the only malaria parasite identified. Detected protozoa (10.2%) were Cryptosporidium species and Entamoeba histolytica while detected helminths (3.8%) were Ascaris lumbricoides, Schistosoma mansoni, hookworm, Dipylidium caninum, Hymenolepis nana and Taenia species. Cryptosporidium species (16.8%, 32) was the most prevalent protozoan IP while hookworm (2.6%, 5) was the most prevalent helminth among PLWH. The significant risk factors associated with anaemia included being aged 21-30 years (P=0.029), a male (P<0.001), MP positive (P<0.001), HIV positive (P<0.001) and feverish (P<0.001). Participants co-infected with HIV, MP and IP had a significantly lower mean haemoglobin value (10.56 ±1.21 g/dl). Conclusion: Malaria and intestinal parasites are still public health concern among PLWH and co-infections have negative influence on haematological parameters especially haemoglobin concentration. Routine screening for malaria and IPs in PLWH is recommended, as well as haemoglobin concentration monitoring.

scholarly journals Insecticide Treated Net Ownership, Utilization and Knowledge of Malaria in Children Residing in Batoke-Limbe, Mount Cameroon Area: Effect on Malariometric and Haematological Indices

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rene Ning Teh ◽  
Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele ◽  
Derick Ndelle Meduke ◽  
Gillian Asoba Nkeudem ◽  
Samuel Takang Ojong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Cell ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Haemoglobin Concentration ◽  
Full Blood Count ◽  
Haematological Parameter ◽  
Malaria Parasitaemia ◽  
Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽  
Mount Cameroon ◽  
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽  
Haematological Indices

Abstract Background: Insecticide treated nets (ITNs) are the most widely used interventions for malaria control in Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the ownership and utilization of ITNs and the knowledge of malaria and their effects on malariometric and haematological indices in children living in the Mount Cameroon area.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study involving a total of 405 children aged between 6 months and 14 years living in Batoke-Limbe was carried out between July and October 2017. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to document demographic status, knowledge on malaria and ITN ownership and usage. Venous blood sample was collected from each child to determine the prevalence and intensity of malaria parasitaemia by Giemsa-stained microscopy and full blood count by auto haematology analysis to obtain white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts, haemoglobin (Hb) level, haematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). A multilinear regression model was used to determine the relationship between haematological parameter as dependent variable and the independent variables. Results: The overall prevalence of malaria parasitaemia (MP), anaemia, knowledge about malaria, ITN ownership, usage and effective usage was 46.7%, 54.7%, 40.7%, 78.8%, 50.9% and 29.9% respectively. The prevalence of MP was significantly higher (P<0.001) in children who ineffectively utilized ITNs (54.9%) than effective users (27.3%). Having knowledge of malaria, negatively correlated with WBC counts (P = 0.005) but positively correlated with Hb levels (P < 0.001), RBC counts (P < 0.001), Hct (P < 0.001), MCV (P < 0.001) and MCH (P < 0.001). ITN use positively correlated with WBC counts (P = 0.005) but negatively with Hb levels (P = 0.004), RBC counts (P = 0.006), and MCH (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, MP negatively correlated with Hb levels (P = 0.004), RBC counts (P = 0.01), Hct (P = 0.04) and MCHC (P = 0.015). Conclusion: There is need for more sensitization on the benefits of using the ITNs to meet up with the intended and expected impact of the free distribution of ITNs.

scholarly journals Gender Based Variations of Haematological Parameters of Patients with Asymptomatic Malaria in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 75-80
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu ◽  
Ayomiposi Ibironke Busari ◽  
Getrude Uzoma Obeagu ◽  
Chukwuma J. Okafor ◽  
Pat Uzo Okpala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Venous Blood ◽  
Haematological Parameters ◽  
Full Blood Count ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ondo State ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Apparently Healthy

The study was done to evaluate the variations of haematological parameters of patients with asymptomatic malaria based on gender. The study is a cross-sectional study among asymptomatic malaria patients and patients who are apparently healthy individuals. The subjects were selected using a well-structured questionnaire who were age and sex matched. This study was conducted on asymptomatic malaria patients and apparently healthy individuals in the Oda Road area of Akure, Ondo State. Two hundred (200) asymptomatic malaria patients, 100 subjects each for males and females were recruited for this study. 5ml of venous blood was collected from each participant into an EDTA bottle which was then used for the determination of full blood count and Malaria. The results showed increase in PCV (p=0.000), RBC (p=0.000), Hb (p=0.000) and no significant difference in WBC (p=0.180), LYM (p=0.841), GRAN (p=0.986), MID (p=0.395), MCV (p=0.111), MCH (p=0.191), MCHC (p=0.791), Plt (p=0.959) when compared between male and female respectively. The study showed increase in packed cell volume, haemoglobin and red blood cells of male compared to females of asymptomatic malaria patients. There were no variations in other haematological parameters studied. The changes in the red cell line may be associated to bone marrow activity difference in the patients and effects of hormonal difference on the males and females.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in domestic pigs raised from Cuba

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio César Castillo-Cuenca ◽  
Álvaro Martínez-Moreno ◽  
José Manuel Diaz-Cao ◽  
Angel Entrena-García ◽  
Jorge Fraga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Weaning Pigs ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

AbstractA cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.

scholarly journals Risk factors associated with Ctenocephalides felis flea infestation of peri-urban goats: a neglected parasite in an under-appreciated host

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Rose Dahm ◽  
Jordana Burdon Bailey ◽  
Robert F. Kelly ◽  
Patrick Chikungwa ◽  
Julius Chulu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Ctenocephalides Felis ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Flea Infestation

AbstractGoats are critical in mixed smallholder agricultural systems in lower and middle-income countries, while fleas are important human and animal health concerns around the world. Convenience sampling was used to describe and consider risk factors for flea infestations of peri-urban goats, with the aim of informing the iterative development of animal husbandry and management based control strategies. Seven hundred and ninety-two goats were examined in 228 households across 10 peri-urban communities surrounding Blantyre in southern Malawi. The prevalence of Ctenocephalides felis fleas was 18.3, 37.1 and 100% at the levels of individual goats, households and communities, respectively, highlighting a neglected human and animal health concern. Constant introduction of new livestock coupled to a lack of biosecurity within communities, the ubiquitous presence of dog and cat hosts for C. felis, the frequency and thoroughness of cleaning overnight goat accommodation, and goat age less than 12 months old were identified as risk factors for flea infestation. This focal cross-sectional study highlights the significance of fleas in peri-urban communities and uncovers trends and commonalities that are needed to inform sustainable disease management. The majority of the peri-urban goat keepers were female, had resided in the same community throughout their whole life and had primary level education. Advice on the planned management of fleas in livestock needs to be tailored towards this demographic group. This approach affords an opportunity to promote public health measures to address household flea infestations and zoonotic disease spread.

scholarly journals FRI0015 PHENOTYPE AND FUNCTION OF THE PERIPHERAL BLOOD DENDRITIC CELLS OF PSORIASIS PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT ARTHRITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 578.1-579
Author(s):  
S. Schnitte ◽  
A. Fuchs ◽  
T. Funk ◽  
A. C. Pecher ◽  
D. Dörfel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Psoriatic Arthritis ◽  
T Lymphocytes ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cell Counts

Background:Psoriasis is a frequent skin disease that can appear with an arthritic manifestation in approximately 30% of the cases [1]. The underlying excessive immune reaction caused by pro-inflammatory cytokines can be triggered by several risk factors [2]. Various subgroups of Dendritic cells (DCs) in the skin play a crucial role in the induction of the dermal inflammatory response [3].Objectives:As the role of peripheral blood DCs remains unknown and the cause of an arthritic manifestation is still not completely understood [4], this project aimed to detect differences in phenotype or function of peripheral blood DCs in psoriatic patients with or without arthritis.Methods:We analyzed peripheral blood cells of 60 psoriasis patients with and without arthritis. Different DC subpopulations were detected by flow cytometry. Monocyte-derived DCs were cultured with or without Lipopolysaccharides to gain immature (iDC) and mature (mDC) cells. The DC phenotype was determined by staining with CD80, CD83, CD86, CD206, CCR7, CD1a, HLA-DR, CD40, GPN-MB, DC209 and CD14. Their T-cell stimulatory capability was analyzed by co-incubation with Carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester stained lymphocytes and the quantification of CD4+ T-lymphocytes afterwards. To measure the migration capacity DCs were seated into transwell chambers with a semipermeable membrane and partly supplemented with Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 3 Beta (Mip3b). Migrated cells were detected by flow cytometry. Measured cell counts were normalized to cell counts without Mip3b stimulation.Results:Comparing the factor of increase of migrated mDC counts due to mip3b stimulation, we detected a significant lower rate in samples of patients with arthritis (PsA) compared to those of patients without (Ps). Assays of mDCs without mip3b stimulation showed a significant higher count of migrated cells in the samples of the arthritic group [Figure 1]. Cell counts with Mip3b stimulation did vary slightly in the groups. The DC subpopulations and the expression of analyzed cell surface proteins did not show significant differences. The amounts of stimulated T-Lymphocytes did not differ significantly.Figure 1.Migration essay showing mDCs following Mip3b (+miß3b) as multiples of mDCs without stimulation (-mip3b). The factor of increase is significantly lower in patients with arthritis (PsA) compared to patients without (Ps). Absolute counts of migrated mDCs without Mip3b are significantly higher in the arthritic group. Cell counts with stimulation do not differ significantly (data not shown). N=24, p<0.05Conclusion:CCL19 (Mip3b) is a potent ligand to the CCR7 receptor inducing migration of DCs towards the lymphatic node [5]. The CCR7 amounts on the DC surface did not differ significantly in the groups. The mDCs without CCL19 stimulation migrated in higher amounts in samples of arthritic patients. Cell counts of stimulated DCs showed only slight differences. These results could be generated by a different appearance of the DCs of arthritic patients that might facilitate migration. Further experiments focusing on this aspect should be performed. A possible effect of disruptive factors (age, sex, medication…) needs to be clarified.References:[1]Henes, J.C., et al.,High prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in dermatological patients with psoriasis: a cross-sectional study.Rheumatol Int, 2014.34(2): p. 227-34.[2]Lee, E.B., et al.,Psoriasis risk factors and triggers.Cutis, 2018.102(5s): p. 18-20.[3]Kim, T.G., S.H. Kim, and M.G. Lee,The Origin of Skin Dendritic Cell Network and Its Role in Psoriasis.Int J Mol Sci, 2017.19(1).[4]Veale, D.J. and U. Fearon,The pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis.Lancet, 2018.391(10136): p. 2273-2284.[5]Ricart, B.G., et al.,Dendritic cells distinguish individual chemokine signals through CCR7 and CXCR4.J Immunol, 2011.186(1): p. 53-61.Acknowledgments:This project was financially supported by Novartis Pharma GmbH.Disclosure of Interests:Sarah Schnitte Grant/research support from: Reaserch grant by Novartis, Alexander Fuchs: None declared, Tanja Funk: None declared, Ann-Christin Pecher: None declared, Daniela Dörfel: None declared, Jörg Henes Grant/research support from: Novartis, Roche-Chugai, Consultant of: Novartis, Roche, Celgene, Pfizer, Abbvie, Sanofi, Boehringer-Ingelheim,

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

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.

Women’s health concern in Jordan: knowledge, practice and barriers toward cervical cancer screening

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roqia Saleem Maabreh ◽  
Raya Yousef Al-Husban ◽  
Hekmat Yousef Al-Akash ◽  
Noha Al-Shdayfat
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Barriers

Purpose Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most important health issues faced by women worldwide. The purpose of this study is to identify Jordanian women’s knowledge, barriers and measures pertaining to risk factors and screening choices of CC (Pap smear tests). Design/methodology/approach This study applied a cross sectional design by collecting data from a convenient sample of 200 women between 20 and 70 years of age in health and public centers in Jordan. Data was then analyzed using the descriptive statistical tools of SPSS, version 21. Findings The findings revealed that 55.5% of the participants had no information about the Pap smear, and 75% did not know the risk factors. Moreover, 50% of the sample did not know where to take the test, and 50% reported a lack of encouragement from the husband to undertake the test. More than half of the participants (56.5%) expressed fear that cervical screening would be a painful examination even though they reported not having any previous experience with the test. Originality/value Based on these findings, public education about CC screening is essential, including advertising and a campaign similar to the breast cancer awareness programs in Jordan, as a way of encouraging early screening to improve the health of women.

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