scholarly journals Malaria prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and practice among febrile patients attending Chagni health center, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Author(s):  
Bogale Belay ◽  
Tegenu Gelana ◽  
Araya Gebresilassie

Abstract Background Ethiopia has achieved considerable progresses in the prevention and control of malaria in the past decades; hitherto it is a formidable health concern and socio-economic impediment. This study aimed at assessing the magnitude, knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malaria among febrile patients attending Chagni health center, northwest Ethiopia. Methods Health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of malaria and KAP towards malaria among febrile patients at Chagni health center in Chagni Town during September 2017 to February 2018. In order to determine the magnitude of malaria, finger prick blood samples were collected and thick and thin smears were prepared and microscopically examined for the presence of malaria parasites. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was also applied to assess KAP of suspected malaria patients, attending the health center. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results Prevalence of malaria among febrile patients, who visited the sampled health facility, was 7.3%. Of these, Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, and mixed infections accounted for 55, 44.3 and 0.7% of the cases, respectively. This study also revealed that 97% of the respondents had ever heard about malaria and recognized it as a serious health problem. Mosquito bite was identified as the main malaria transmission. Taking drug (86.3%), use of mosquito nets (73.3%), drain stagnated water (68%), and house spay with insecticides (66%) were mentioned as the main malaria prevention methods. Mosquito net coverage and utilizations in the prior night were 98 and 75%, respectively. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) coverage was 99%, of which 77.5% of study participants’ houses have been sprayed in the last 6 months. Conclusions The current study revealed that prevalence of malaria among febrile illnesses in the study area was relatively low (7.3%) with a high proportion of P. falciparum. Besides, participants had adequate knowledge, encouraging attitudes, and good practices about prevention and control of malaria. However, some misconceptions on malaria disease, its transmission, and prevention have been noted that actually require due attention by the concerned stakeholders. The findings of this study could be used as important inputs for the implementation of effective malaria prevention and control methods, including community health education programs, and scaling up coverage of evidence-based interventions.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bogale Belay ◽  
Tegenu Gelana ◽  
Araya Gebresilassie

Abstract Background: Ethiopia has achieved remarkable progresses in the prevention and control of malaria in the past decades, yet it is a formidable health concern and socio-economic impediment. This study aimed at assessing the magnitude and knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malaria among febrile patients attending Chagni health center, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: In the health facility based cross-sectional study, patients attending health center with suspicion of malaria symptoms and signs, were enlisted. To determine the magnitude of malaria, finger prick blood samples were collected from malaria suspected patients visiting health center between September 2017 and February 2018. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was also applied to assess KAP of suspected malaria patients attending the health center. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Prevalence of malaria among febrile patients attending at the sampled health facility was 7.3%. Of these, Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, and mixed infection accounted for 55, 44.3 and 0.7% of the cases, respectively. This study also revealed that 97% of the respondents had ever heard about malaria and recognized it as a serious health problem. Mosquito bite was identified as the main malaria transmission. Taking drug (86.3%), use of mosquito nets (73.3%), drain stagnated water (68%), and house spay with insecticides (66%) were mentioned as the main malaria prevention methods. Mosquito net coverage and its utilization in the previous night were 98% and 75%, respectively. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) coverage was 99%, of which 77.5% of houses of participants were get sprayed in the last six months. Conclusions: The current study revealed that prevalence of malaria among febrile illnesses in the study area was relatively low (7.3%) with a high proportion of P. falciparum. Besides, participants had adequate knowledge, encouraging attitudes, and good practices about prevention and control of malaria. However, some misconceptions on malaria disease, its transmission, and prevention have been noted that actually require due attention by the concerned stakeholders. We believe that findings of this study would make inroads into the implementation effective malaria interventions in the area and beyond focusing on enhancing community awareness and scaling up coverage of evidence-based interventions.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. Ibrahim ◽  
M.K. Tijani ◽  
R. I. Nwuba

AbstractBackgroundIn developing countries, infections caused by soil-transmitted helminthes (STH), such as Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm, pose major public health problems among the school-age children, resulting in impaired physical growth such as stunting and thinness, and cognitive development. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of STH infections, stunting and thinness, and risk factors among school-age-children in Ibadan. This becomes highly imperative in order to serve as a guide on the prevention and control.MethodA cross-sectional study was carried out in 8 primary schools at Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria, between May and November 2018. All the school-age-children between the ages 5 and 18 years old (mean 10.4 ± 1.7 years), from primary one to six took part in the study. Demographic data were obtained and STH infections was analysed in single-stool samples by Kato-Katz. Anthropometric parameters were taken to calculate Height for-age Z score (HAZ) and Body-Mass-Index (BMI) for-age Z score (BAZ), in order to determine among school-aged-children stunting and thinness respectively.ResultsIn overall, 458 school-age-children partook in the study. The prevalence of STH was 9.0%, out of which 7.6%, 2.8% and 1.5% were recorded for Ascaris, Trichuris and multiparasitism respectively. The overall prevalence obtained revealed that the results of stunting and thinness (HAZ < -2SD, BAZ < -2SD) were 24.7% and 27.3% respectively based on the WHO Child Growth Standards (2007). Notably, ages of the children (P< 0.01), their classes (P=0.05), different schools (P=0.003), washing of hands after toileting (P = 0.05) were important risk factors determining STH infection, HAZ and BAZ.ConclusionThe study showed that specific risk factors among school children in the studied area will make them vulnerable with high risk of STH infection, HAZ and BAZ. Effective prevention and control strategies can be well planned when risk factors and dynamics of transmission in vulnerable groups have been painstakingly identified.SummaryAscaris, Trichuris and hookworm are responsible for major public health problems among the school-age children (SAC); this has led to stunting and thinness, and impaired cognitive development. With the aim to determine prevalence of STH infections, stunting, thinness and associated risk factors, a cross-sectional study of STH infection in 8 primary schools at Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria was conducted in 2018. School-aged children between the ages of 5 and 18 were enrolled, demographic data, stool samples and anthropometric parameters were obtained in order to determine STH infection and nutritional status. 9.0% was the prevalence of STH, the prevalence of 7.6%, 2.8% and 1.5% were recorded for Ascaris, Trichuris and multiparasitism respectively, while 24.7% and 27.3% were obtained for stunting and thinness respectively. The children’s age, hand washing after toileting and locations of the different schools were significantly correlated with STH infection, HAZ and BAZ. This study is highly imperative because its shows some risk factors associated with STH infection, HAZ and BAZ among SAC, this can serve as a guide on the prevention and control among SAC.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Letebrhan Gebrezgiher ◽  
Gebretsadik Berhe ◽  
Aregawi Gebreyesus Belay ◽  
Alefech Adisu

AbstractBackgroundRabies is nearly 100% fatal zoonotic disease. One thousand seven hundred suspected rabies exposures reported in north Ethiopia, Tigray region in 2017, which has the highest rabies prevalence from Ethiopia. Almost half of them were from Central zone only. Of these 38% were in Aksum town and Laelay-Machew. Though Rabies exposure is prevalent in Tigray, there is scanty information on rabies prevention and control practices among dog owners. Thus, this deals with rabies prevention and control practice and associated factors among dog owners.Methods and materialsComparative community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Aksum town and Laelay-Machew district from March 01 to 20, 2018. A multi stage sampling was employed to recruit 558 households. Data were collected via structured and pretested questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi_info_7 and then exported to SPSS_20 for analysis. Both descriptive and inferential analysis was done with 95% confidence intervals at p value of 5% for the final model.ResultThe overall prevalence of poor rabies prevention and control practice was 56% [95%CI (50, 61.9)] in urban and 62% [95% CI (57.2, 67.7)] in rural dog owners. In urban; being government employee [AOR (95%CI) = 0.35 (0.13, 0.94)], private employee [AOR (95%CI) =0.39(0.16, 0.97)] and having poor attitude [(AOR (95%CI) =1.84 (1.04, 3.25)] were significantly associated with outcome variable. Whereas in rural dwellers; having no formal education [AOR (95%CI)=6.41(1.1,38.6)], poor attitude [AOR (95%CI)= 2.19 (1.18,4.05)], having one dog [AOR (95%CI)=3.31(1.34,8.15)], travel ≥30 minute to get vaccine [AOR (95%CI)= 4.26 (2.14,8.47]), no history of dog bite exposure [AOR (95%CI)= 4.16(1.49,11.6)] and neighbors as their source of information [AOR (95%CI) =3.64 (1.31,10.1)] have statistical significance with the outcome variable.Conclusion and RecommendationThe prevalence of poor rabies prevention and control practice was higher among rural dog owners. Thus; interventions should be implemented both to urban and rural residents based on the identified findings so as to promote effective rabies prevention and control activities.


Anemia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Asenake Abebaw ◽  
Temesgen Worku Gudayu ◽  
Bayew Kelkay

Background. Anaemia is a major global health problem, especially in developing countries. Postpartum anaemia hurts both maternal and newborn baby health. Anaemia in pregnancy is sufficiently emphasized; however, very little attention has been paid to postpartum anaemia in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the proportion of immediate postpartum anaemia and associated factors among postpartum mothers in Debre Markos Referral Hospital. Methods. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 study participants from August 1st to October 30th, 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data were collected through both face-to-face interview and maternal chart review by using a pretested questionnaire. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered using Epi Data version 4.6.0.0 and then exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. First, binary logistic regression was applied to identify candidate variables for multivariable regression. Then, variables at p value <0.2 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression to control possible confounders. Finally, variables at p value <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results. The proportion of immediate postpartum anaemia was 24.3%. Frequency of antenatal care (ANC) visits <4 times [AOR = 2.40; 95% CI (1.29, 4.43)], antepartum haemorrhage (APH) [AOR = 5.08; 95% CI (1.91, 13.55)], postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) [AOR = 4.47; 95% CI (2.25, 8.88)], giving birth assisted by instruments (vacuum or forceps) [AOR = 3.99; 95% CI (1.42, 11.23)], poor adherence to iron and folic acid (IFA) [AOR = 2.52; 95% CI (1.06, 6.04)], and midupper arm circumference (MUAC) <23 cm [AOR = 3.25; 95% CI (1.87, 5.65)] were the predictors. Conclusion. The proportion of immediate postpartum anaemia was a moderate public health concern. ANC, APH, PPH, mode of delivery, adherence to IFA supplementation, and MUAC measurement were the factors affecting the magnitude of anaemia. Therefore, interventions that would address the above mentioned factors need to be implemented.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simin Li ◽  
Zhiyu Ye ◽  
Quan Wei ◽  
Chunping Du ◽  
Chengqi He

Abstract BACKGROUND The related research of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic on mental health of community residents is still lacking. Here we reported the mental health status of Chinese residents as well as community’s prevention and control during the epidemic period of COVID-19, and further explored the influencing factors of mental status. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sampling and snowball sampling methods were adopted from February16 to February 23, 2020 and Chinese community residents were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three questionnaires including General Anxiety Disorder 7(GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and a self-designed “Community prevention and control questionnaire” were used. A multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to analyze the impact factors of anxiety and depression. RESULTS A total of 3001 community residents were included in this study. 85.6% and 83.7% of participants had minimal anxiety and depression respectively. 16.6% of participants demonstrated that the communities they lived in had confirmed cases. 95.3% of participants reported that the residents were screened for mobility and contact history. 97.8% of participants reported entrance and exit of community were managed in their communities. 97.5% and 99% of participants were required to take body temperature and wear masks in their communities. 92% communities had their public areas and facilities disinfected every day and 95.4% communities have conducted health education about COVID-19. Factors including gender, education level, chronic illness, the frequency of going out, achieving information about COVID-19 by community and newspaper, and confirmed cases in the community, show association with community residents’ anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS the vast majority of Chinese residents have little anxiety and depression, and most communities had adopted standardized control measures in accordance with government’s regulations and policy which plays an important role in the control of COVID-19 and improving residents’ anxiety and depression.


Author(s):  
Shycil Mathew ◽  
Jenifer Dsouza ◽  
Prakash Saldanha

Introduction: Adolescent obesity is a major public health challenge and it is a growing epidemic. Change in diet and physical inactivity are the key factors affecting weight among adolescents. Due to this, the prevalence of non communicable diseases and their risk factors are alarmingly high among them. To tackle this issue, early identification and effective health promotion strategies at a young age need to be adopted. Hence, there is a need for understanding the current trend in overweight and obesity among growing adolescents. Aim: To identify the lifestyle practices and to determine knowledge on prevention and control of overweight and obesity among overweight and obese adolescents in selected urban high schools at Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada (D.K.), India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents at selected urban high schools of Mangaluru, D K, India. A sample of 360 adolescents were screened to identify the occurrence of overweight and obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) was computed using the formula, BMI=weight (Kg)/ height (m2). A total of 65 overweight and obese adolescents were assessed for lifestyle practices and level of knowledge on prevention and control of overweight and obesity. Demographic proforma, a structured knowledge questionnaire, and a self-report lifestyle practice rating scale were used to collect data. Results: The occurrence of overweight and obesity among adolescents was 18%. According to their BMI status, 9.7% of adolescents were overweight and 8.3% of them were obese. Self- reported lifestyle practice scores depicted that most (86.2%) of the overweight and obese adolescents follow unhealthy lifestyle practices. Majority (66.1%) of the adolescents had only average knowledge on prevention and control of overweight and obesity. Conclusion: Though a maximum number of adolescents had average knowledge on prevention and control of overweight and obesity, unhealthy lifestyle practices are major risk factors for overweight and obesity among growing adolescents. Overweight and obese adolescents should strictly follow healthy lifestyle practices.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document