Herbal medicine used for the treatment of diarrhea and cough in Kampala city, Uganda

Abstract Background Globally, diarrheal and respiratory diseases are among the main causes of mortality and morbidity. In Uganda, cities are facing proliferation of trade in herbal medicines (HM), including those for diarrhea and/or cough. Information on the economic, and the ethnopharmacological aspects of these HM is scarce, deterring the sector from achieving optimal capacity to support national development. We profiled the anti-diarrhea and/or anti-cough HM, and the basic economic aspects of HM trade in Kampala city, to support ethnopharmacological knowledge conservation and strategic planning. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 65 herbalists using semi-structured questionnaires. This was supplemented by an observational survey using a high-resolution digital camera. Data were collected following the guidelines for research on HM, established by Uganda National Drug Authority, and World Health organization. Results Eighty-four plant species from 41 families were documented. Fabaceae and Myricaceae had the highest number of species (9, 10.7% each). Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck was the most commonly cited for cough, with a relative frequency of citation (RFC) of 1.00, and its relative medical importance was not significantly different from the other top 5 species except for Azadirachta indica A.Juss (RFC = 0.87). Entada abyssinica A. Rich (RFC = 0.97) was the most cited for diarrhea. Trees (34, 40.5%) were mostly used, and mainly harvested from wild habitats (55.2%) in 20 districts across Uganda. These HM were mainly sold as powders and concoctions, in markets, shops, pharmacies, and roadside or mobile stalls. The highest prices were Uganda Shillings (UGX) 48,000 ($13.15)/kg for Allium sativum L, and UGX 16,000 ($4.38)/kg for C. limon. All participants used HM trade as a sole source of basic needs; majority (60.0%) earned net monthly profit of UGX. 730,000 ($200) ≤ 1,460,000 ($400). The main hindrances to HM trade were the; disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 65, 100%), and the scarcity of medicinal plants (58, 89.2%). Conclusion There is a rich diversity of medicinal plant species traded in Kampala to treat diarrhea and cough. The HM trade significantly contributes to the livelihoods of the traders in Kampala, as well as the different actors along the HM value chain throughout the country.

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Herbal Medicine used for the treatment of diarrhea and cough in Kampala city, Uganda

10.21203/rs.3.rs-937360/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Abdul Walusansa ◽

Savina Asiimwe ◽

Jamilu. E. Ssenku ◽

Godwin Anywar ◽

Milbert Namara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Herbal Medicine ◽

Plant Species ◽

Value Chain ◽

Poverty Reduction ◽

Capital City ◽

Economic Aspects ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rich Diversity ◽

Kampala City

Abstract Background: Globally, diarrheal and respiratory diseases are among the top ten causes of mortality, and are the major ailments for which humans seek treatment. Kampala, the capital city of Uganda is facing a proliferation of herbalists that sell herbal medicine (HM) used to manage ailments such as diarrhea and cough. The ethnopharmacological and economic aspects of HM sold in Uganda’s major cities such as Kampala are poorly understood, and this deters the HM sector from achieving its optimal capacity to adequately support health promotion and poverty reduction. The aim of this research was to: (i) profile the plant species used in the treatment of diarrhea and cough, and (ii) determine the basic economic aspects of HM trade in Kampala city. The purpose was to support the conservation of ethnopharmacological knowledge, and the design of strategic plans towards fostering optimal HM trade in urban settings.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a mixed methods approach. Sixty-five herbalists were selected in the five divisions of Kampala. The herbalists were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Field observations were used to collect qualitative data. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with STATA version-15.0. Results: Eighty-four plant species from 41 families were documented: Fabaceae and Myricaceae with the highest number of species (9, 10.7% each). Citrus limon was the most commonly cited for cough, with a relative frequency of citation (RFC) of 1.00, and its relative medical importance was not significantly different from the other top 5 species except for Azadirachta indica (RFC=0.87), (χ2 =8.923, p=0.0028). Entada abyssinica (RFC=0.97) was most cited for diarrhea. Trees (34, 40.5%) were mostly used, and mainly harvested from wild habitats (55.2%), found in 20 districts across Uganda. These HM were mainly sold as powders and concoctions, in markets, shops, pharmacies, and roadside or mobile stalls. The highest prices were Uganda Shillings (UGX) 48,000 ($ 13.15)/Kg for Allium sativum, and UGX 16,000 ($ 4.38)/Kg for C. limon. All participants used HM trade as a sole source of basic needs; majority (60.0%) earned net monthly profit of UGX. 730,000 ($ 200) ≤ 1,460,000 ($ 400). The main hindrances to HM trade were the; disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (n=65, 100%), and the scarcity of medicinal plants (58, 89.2%). Conclusion There is a rich diversity of medicinal plant species traded in Kampala to treat diarrhea and cough. The HM trade significantly contributes to the livelihoods of the traders in Kampala, as well as the different actors along the HM value chain throughout the country

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MORBIDITY PATTERN AMONG ADOLESCENT SCHOOL GIRLS IN RURAL AND URBAN SCHOOL OF JHANSI (U.P.)- A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

International Journal of Medical and Biomedical Studies ◽

10.32553/ijmbs.v3i9.582 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (9) ◽

Author(s):

Shubhanshu Gupta ◽

Sanjeev Kumar ◽

Piyush D Swami ◽

Anjana Niranjan

Keyword(s):

Health Status ◽

Adolescent Girls ◽

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Optimal Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

World Population ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rural And Urban

Background: According to World Health Organization, adolescents constitute about one fifth of the world population, and in India they constitute about 21% of the total population. Most of the surveys show that health status of adolescent girls is at sub-optimal level. Objectives: To assess nutritional status and morbidity pattern among the adolescent girls and to suggest measures for improvement of health status of adolescent girls. Method: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 adolescent schoolgirls in Rural and urban field practice area of Jhansi school from January 2017 to July 2014. Results: Among the various morbidities eye problem was seen in maximum no of adolescent girls. Eye problem was present in 44.8% of adolescent girls followed by respiratory 14.7% and ear 13.06% disease. Skin disease was present in 3.2% of adolescent girls, which was more in rural girls 6.7% than in urban girls 1.7%, may be due to better hygienic practice in urban schoolgirls. Conclusions: Rural background, low socioeconomic status, illiteracy, birth rate and order, income and number of members in a family have shown to be significant determinants of morbidity pattern in the adolescent girls. Keywords: Adolescent, anemia, morbidity, vaginal discharge.

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Hepatitis B Vaccination in Senegalese Children: Coverage, Timeliness, and Sociodemographic Determinants of Non-Adherence to Immunisation Schedules (ANRS 12356 AmBASS Survey)

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9050510 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 510

Author(s):

Lauren Périères ◽

Fabienne Marcellin ◽

Gora Lo ◽

Camelia Protopopescu ◽

El Ba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Dose Schedule ◽

World Health Organisation ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

World Health ◽

Hepatitis B Vaccination ◽

Detailed Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hbv Vaccination

Detailed knowledge about hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination coverage and timeliness for sub-Saharan Africa is scarce. We used data from a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2018–2019 in the area of Niakhar, Senegal, to estimate coverage, timeliness, and factors associated with non-adherence to the World Health Organisation-recommended vaccination schedules in children born in 2016 (year of the birth dose (BD) introduction in Senegal) and 2017–2018. Vaccination status was assessed from vaccination cards, surveillance data, and healthcare post vaccination records. Among 241 children with available data, for 2016 and 2017–2018, respectively, 31.0% and 66.8% received the BD within 24 h of birth (BD schedule), and 24.3% and 53.7% received the BD plus at least two pentavalent vaccine doses within the recommended timeframes (three-dose schedule). In logistic regression models, home birth, dry season birth, and birth in 2016 were all associated with non-adherence to the recommended BD and three-dose schedules. Living over three kilometres from the nearest healthcare post, being the firstborn, and living in an agriculturally poorer household were only associated with non-adherence to the three-dose schedule. The substantial proportion of children not vaccinated according to recommended schedules highlights the importance of considering vaccination timeliness when evaluating vaccination programme effectiveness. Outreach vaccination activities and incentives to bring children born at home to healthcare facilities within 24 h of birth, must be strengthened to improve timely HBV vaccination.

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Prevalence of overweight and obesity and anthropometric reference centiles for Albanian children and adolescents living in four Balkan nation-states

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism ◽

10.1515/jpem-2018-0253 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jakob Tarp ◽

Juel Jarani ◽

Florian Muca ◽

Andi Spahi ◽

Anders Grøntved

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Task Force ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nation States ◽

Country Differences ◽

Age And Sex

Abstract Background The extent of the obesity epidemic among youth is an important public health statistic which provides an indication of the future burden of non-communicable diseases. Many developing countries, including Albania, do not have systematic and repeated monitoring systems in operation. Methods The Balkan Survey of Inactivity in Children study is a population-based cross-sectional survey including Albanian children living in the four Balkan nation-states of Albania, Kosovo, FYR Macedonia and Montenegro. In total, 19,850 children from 49 schools were approached. The LMS method was used to provide body mass index (BMI), height, weight and waist circumference reference centiles for boys and girls. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) age- and sex-specific BMI cut-points were applied to evaluate adiposity levels. Results A sample of 18,460 participants aged 6–16 years old was available for creation of the BMI for age and sex reference centiles. The prevalence of overweight (including obesity) in the full sample was 21% (95% CI: 20%–21%) according to IOTF cut-off points and 28% (95% CI: 28%–29%) at WHO cut-off points. Overweight/obesity levels where higher in boys than in girls irrespective of the cut-off points applied (p<0.001). Noticeable between-country differences were observed with a prevalence of overweight/obesity of 40% (95% CI: 38%–42%) in Montenegro but only 20% (95% CI: 19%–21%) in Kosovo (WHO cut-off points). Conclusions Overweight/obesity is highly prevalent in Albanian children and adolescents. The apparent sex and country differences may inform public health actions.

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Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in Female Students in Fukushima Four Years after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15112411 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. 2411 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Shinya Ito ◽

Mie Sasaki ◽

Satoko Okabe ◽

Nobuhiro Konno ◽

Aya Goto

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Radiation Risk ◽

Well Being ◽

Female Students ◽

World Health ◽

Nuclear Radiation ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

Young women in their late teens and early 20s are at the highest risk for depression onset. The present study aimed to assess depressive symptoms among female college students in Fukushima. More specifically, it aimed to clarify factors predicting possible symptom profiles, with an emphasis on determining how nuclear radiation risks affect the reporting of depression symptoms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 310 female students at a college in the Fukushima prefecture, Japan, in December 2015, and 288 participants submitted valid questionnaires. In total, 222 (77.1%) participants lived in Fukushima at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The measures included the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index, the Fukushima Future Parents Attitude Measure, and risk perception of radiation health effects. A total of 46.5% of participants reported depressive symptoms. Path analysis revealed that higher radiation risk perceptions and reduced efficacy with reproduction related to a decline in self-esteem and self-efficacy, which was subsequently associated with increased depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of radiation education among children and young adults, both after a nuclear accident and during disaster preparation, particularly in the context of reproductive and mental health.

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Home Based Management of Uncomplicated P. falciparum Malaria in Children Below Five Years in Delta State

Galician Medical Journal ◽

10.21802/gmj.2019.1.7 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

Author(s):

John Edjophe Arute ◽

Valentine Uche Odili

Keyword(s):

Management Practices ◽

World Health ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

African Child ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Givers ◽

Home Based ◽

Health Organization ◽

Choice Of Therapy

Background: The world health organization (WHO) estimates that every 45 seconds an African child dies of malaria while several others lay ill. Also, studies have shown that home-based management of malaria could improve prompt access to antimalarial medications for African children. Objective: This study aimed at assessing the home based management practices among care givers of children below five years in Delta State. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey used to assess the home based management practices of malaria in children under age five. 459 consenting Caregivers of children under five (6 to 59 months) were purposively selected from different churches during Sundays and Wednesdays midweek services through balloting from two communities in Central and North Senatorial Districts of Delta State (Oghara and Obiaruku). Prior to the commencement of the study, the caregivers were thoroughly counselled on the objectives of the study, and a pretested structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used for administration in English, Urhobo and Ukwuani languages. Results: The study revealed that 86.93% respondents have good knowledge of malaria, and 60% commenced treatment within 24hrs. It also showed that 58.4% preferred anti-malarial combination therapies with arthemether-lumefantrine combination accounting for 34.0% drug options. Drug sources for home based malaria management were mainly from Pharmacy 40.5%, Drug sellers such as chemist 55.1% while information sources on choice of therapy and dosage were mainly from chemist 32.7%; health personnel 25.7%; neighbours 7.5% and self-based on previous experience 36.6%. Conclusion: The study revealed very good knowledge of malaria and good management practices as well as good treatment seeking behaviours amongst the caregivers.

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The Use and Potential Interactions of Herbal Medicines among Diabetic Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i53a33655 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 226-234

Author(s):

Saleh Alghamdi

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Traditional Medicine ◽

Formal Education ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Black Tea ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Research Committee ◽

Cross Sectional

Objectives: The use of herbal medicines as non-conventional treatment is popular, especially in developing countries where people suffering from chronic diseases as diabetes mellitus are more likely to use herbal medicines along with conventional medicines. However, their simultaneous use may concur serious drug interactions and may therefore result in a serious outcome. The present study was designed to identify the most commonly used herbal medicines and conventional anti-diabetic medications among Saudi population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was developed and piloted.Data were retrieved and manually entered in Excel 2016. Frequencies and percentages were utilized to perform descriptive analysis. The study was approved by the Scientific and Research Committee of the main hospital taking part in the study. Results: A total of 347 responses were recorded (69.4% response rate). 54% of participants were male, 53% were between the age of 41 and 64 years, and 35.5% had no formal education. Black tea, Peppermint, ginger, green tea, olive oil, and black seed were among the frequently mentioned herbal medicines. Black tea was used by the majority of patients (80%) while peppermint and ginger were used by more than half of patients, i.e., (56.5%) and (52.7%) respectively. Least common herb used by patients was Artemisia species (2.8%). A majority of patients (53.4%) used traditional medicine at least once daily, and 83% used traditional medicine without their physician's prescription. Conclusion: Concomitant use of herbal and conventional anti-diabetic medication was a common practice among patients in Saudi Arabia, therefore, pharmacists-led educational programs should target both prescribers and general public about the possible interactions/risks of herbal medicines.

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Exploring the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education: an international cross-sectional study of medical learners

Canadian Medical Education Journal ◽

10.36834/cmej.71149 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Allison Brown ◽

Aliya Kassam ◽

Mike Paget ◽

Kenneth Blades ◽

Megan Mercia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Education ◽

Medical Training ◽

Well Being ◽

World Health ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The World ◽

Geographic Regions ◽

The Impact

Background: The evidence surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on medical learners remains anecdotal and highly speculative despite the anticipated impact and potential consequences of the current pandemic on medical training. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent that COVID-19 initially impacted medical learners around the world and examine global trends and patterns across geographic regions and levels of training. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of medical learners was conducted between March 25–June 14, 2020, shortly after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Results: 6492 learners completed the survey from 140 countries. Most medical schools removed learners from the clinical environment and adopted online learning, but students reported concerns about the quality of their learning, training progression, and milestone fulfillment. Residents reported they could be better utilized and expressed concerns about their career timeline. Trainees generally felt under-utilized and wanted to be engaged clinically in meaningful ways; however, some felt that contributing to healthcare during a pandemic was beyond the scope of a learner. Significant differences were detected between levels of training and geographic regions for satisfaction with organizational responses as well as the impact of COVID-19 learner wellness and state-trait anxiety. Conclusions: The disruption to the status quo of medical education is perceived by learners across all levels and geographic regions to have negatively affected their training and well-being, particularly amongst postgraduate trainees. These results provide initial empirical insights into the areas that warrant future research as well as consideration for current and future policy planning.

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Salt intake and its sources in children, adolescents and adults in Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal ◽

10.26719/emhj.20.142 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Noushin Mohammadifard ◽

Atena Mahdavi ◽

Alireza Khosravi ◽

Ahmad Esmaillzadeh ◽

Awat Feizi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Children And Adolescents ◽

Salt Intake ◽

World Health ◽

Food Sources ◽

Islamic Republic ◽

Dietary Salt ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Islamic Republic Of Iran ◽

Added Salt

Background: There is little evidence about salt intake and its food sources in the Iranian population, especially in children and adolescents. Aims: To investigate salt intake and dietary sources in Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2014–2015. We randomly selected 1384 adults (50.3% female, 49.7% male) aged > 18 years [mean 37.9 (10.6) years], and 786 children and adolescents (50.9% male, 49.1% female) aged 618 years [mean 12.5 (3.4) years]. All participants underwent a dietary assessment for salt intake, using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Results: The total salt intake was 10.9 (3.4) g/day in adults and 10.3 (2.9) g/day in children and adolescents. Added salt was the primary source of salt intake, followed by bread and cheese in both groups. Salt intake was related significantly to being younger, male, a smoker, less educated and physically active in the adult group. In children and adolescents, it was significantly associated with increasing age, male sex, low physical activity and parents’ education level (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: Salt intake in Isfahan was more than twice that recommended by the World Health Organization. The main source of sodium was added salt, followed bread and cheese. Future national studies are warranted to assess the dietary salt intake and its main sources in different provinces in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of COVID-19 Pandemic in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria- The Initial Experience

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research ◽

10.9734/jammr/2021/v33i2031101 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 27-37

Author(s):

E. K. Mgbe ◽

C. G. Mgbe ◽

S. N. Ezeofor ◽

J. F. Etiki

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

World Health ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The World ◽

Enugu State ◽

Health Organization

Background: The world is experiencing a global corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic. As of 9th June 2020, over 7 million confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and more than 400,000 deaths had been reported in more than 30 countries of the world according to World Health Organization. Aim: We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and vulnerability perception of Enugu state residents during the coronavirus outbreak in order to facilitate better health care outcomes. Methodology: A prospective Web-based cross-sectional survey was designed for this study which was conducted in March 2020 among Enugu state residents. The obtained data were coded, validated, and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS software, version 24. Descriptive analysis was applied to calculate the frequencies and proportions and Chi-Square Test was also used. A preliminary phase was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaire before its use. Results: The study showed that significant number (99.6%) of the respondents had heard about Covid-19 and the most stated source of knowledge was social media (57.6%), followed by Newspaper and television shows (50.2%) while the least was from General Practitioner (GP) (8.9%). There was over 75% agreement with, and practice, of all known covid precautionary measures and less than 35% responses for wrong claims and practices about covid -19. Conclusion: The overall knowledge, attitude, and perception are high in Enugu state population although few still has background combined superstitious believes. Social media and internet are the highest used facility for acquisition of knowledge and information in Enugu, Nigeria.

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