scholarly journals Knowledge of healthcare professionals regarding the vertical transmission of syphilis in Fortaleza -CE, Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Maia Alves da Silva ◽  
Maria Alix Leite Araújo ◽  
Raimunda Magalhães da Silva ◽  
Roumayne Fernandes Vieira Andrade ◽  
Heber José de Moura ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of family health strategy professionals regarding the prevention and control of the vertical transmission of syphilis. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, from August to October 2009. A questionnaire was used, with its correct answers being in line with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health. Univariate analysis was carried out, with frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation. A total of 269 professionals participated, 44.7% had 6 to 10 years of experience in the FHS, and 60% of the questions regarding their knowledge were answered correctly: 75.8% were aware of the request period of the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test; 78.1% of the alternative drug for the treatment for pregnant women allergic to penicillin, 55.1% of the request period for VDRL for cure and control, and 50.2% of the conduct with a sexual partner. It was concluded that healthcare professionals are unaware of the appropriate actions for the prevention and control of congenital syphilis.

2021 ◽  
pp. 175717742110127
Author(s):  
Salma Abbas ◽  
Faisal Sultan

Background: Patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities during outbreaks hinges on a prompt infection prevention and control response. Physicians leading these programmes have encountered numerous obstacles during the pandemic. Aim/objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate infection prevention and control practices and explore the challenges in Pakistan during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and administered a survey to physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes at 18 hospitals in Pakistan. Results: All participants implemented universal masking, limited the intake of patients and designated separate triage areas, wards and intensive care units for coronavirus disease 2019 patients at their hospitals. Eleven (61%) physicians reported personal protective equipment shortages. Staff at three (17%) hospitals worked without the appropriate personal protective equipment due to limited supplies. All participants felt overworked and 17 (94%) reported stress. Physicians identified the lack of negative pressure rooms, fear and anxiety among hospital staff, rapidly evolving guidelines, personal protective equipment shortages and opposition from hospital staff regarding the choice of recommended personal protective equipment as major challenges during the pandemic. Discussion: The results of this study highlight the challenges faced by physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes in Pakistan. It is essential to support infection prevention and control personnel and bridge the identified gaps to ensure patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Fatma Lestari ◽  
Abdul Kadir ◽  
Muhammad Idham ◽  
Fahrul Azwar ◽  
Ganis Ramadhany ◽  
...  

People’s behaviors can affect the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Public behaviors, including proper personal hygiene and healthy life practices, the use of appropriate masks, and the application of good disinfectants, have an important role in human health and protection towards prevention and control of COVID-19 spread. This study aims to perform a survey of public behavior and best practices related to COVID-19 prevention and control among Indonesian communities. A cross-sectional study was designed to collect information using an online survey. Respondents were gathered from 34 provinces in Indonesia through the Indonesia National Safety and Health Council network and Universities network. Respondents voluntarily submitted their response to a predesigned online questionnaire. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS 24.0. A total of 771 respondent subjects (male 386; female 385) were recruited. The results show that 96% of participants implement positive behavior of personal hygiene, including wearing a mask when going outside their house, and almost 67.3% of respondents sprayed a disinfectant in their house. The majority of participants hold a door handle (37.2%) and desk (28.1%) at a frequency of more than six times a day. There were 8.2% of participants implementing good personal hygiene, including hand-washing at least once a day and maximum of more than six times after going to the toilet. At-risk behaviors were conducted by respondents in which they touched part of their face at a frequency of once during an hour. It was identified that males are less likely to perform better hand hygiene as opposed to females. In conclusion, the study showed that positive behavior of personal hygiene related to COVID-19 has been implemented among Indonesian communities. This result suggests that positive behavior based on community-based prevention and control needs to be continually maintained in order to prevent and control COVID-19 spread.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-56
Author(s):  
MR Haque ◽  
K Ghosh ◽  
H Sultana ◽  
E Saha ◽  
A Kafi ◽  
...  

Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the level of awareness on prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases among 120 sex workers.Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted for one year. Data were collected through face to face interview using Bengali questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS 17.0 software.Place and Period of Study: The study was conducted from January 1st to December 31st of 2014 among 120 sex workersliving in brothel of Daulodia,Rajbariin Bangladesh.Results: More than half (58.7%) of the respondents had children in the brothels. All the respondents (100%) heard about the sexually transmitted diseases. Majority (86.7%) of the respondents had knowledge on AIDS. Only a few (4.2%) respondents had knowledge on AIDS and Gonorrhea. Majority (91.7 %) of the respondents had knowledge on STD transmission from pregnant women. Almost all (97.5%, 98.3%)) of the respondents had the knowledge about STD transmissionnot from toilet or shaking hands respectively.Almost all of the (95.8%, 94.2%, 94.2%, 85.8% )respondents had the knowledge on STD transmission through sexual intercourse,injection,through mosquito,sharing same razor respectively. Most of them (81.7%) had good level of knowledge on STD transmission. Only above one tenth (11.7%) had moderate and poor level of knowledge.Almost all of them (96.7%, 95.9%, 95.9%) were found touse condom, agreed to keep one partner at a time,to reduce the number of sex partner respectively.Most of them (89.3%)did not knowthe HIV status of partner before sex,almost all (97.5%, 94.2% and 97.5%) agreed to avoid risky sex,to screen blood during transfusion, to avoid sharing needles & blade respectively. All (100%)of the respondents agreed for need of sexuality education for preventing STD.Almost all (98.30%)of the respondents had good awareness on Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. There was no association between level of education and level of awareness (P> 0.005), between age and level of awareness (P> 0.005) and between duration of work and level of awareness (P> 0.005).Conclusion: Education is the most consistent and important determinant for prevention of STDs among all classes of people.TAJ 2016; 29(2): 47-56


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.


Author(s):  
Kantinath Ainapure ◽  
Kumar Sumit ◽  
Sanjay M. Pattanshetty

Background: In India National programme for prevention and control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) programme was launched in 2011 to reduce the burden of Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs). Udupi district was one of the first few districts of Karnataka where NPCDCS programme was started in the year 2010.Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted among the stakeholders involved in the NPCDCS programme of Udupi District, Karnataka from January 2017- June 2017. Purposive sampling method was used for the sample selection. A total of 36 in-depth interviews were carried out among the stakeholders of NPCDCS programme.Results: The programme has achieved initial success and its successful implementation has to be observed in the coming years. Health staff posts which are critical in implementation of NPCDCS are vacant in many of the healthcare centres. Awareness about this programme was relatively low in the community.Conclusions: It is necessary to conduct regular awareness and screening campaigns with proper follow-up services to make the community sensitized about the programme. Regular supply of medicines should be ensured for the effective implementation of the programme in the future so that it can achieve its goal in reducing the burden NCDs.


Author(s):  
Hosameldeen S. Shabana ◽  
Mahmoud Abdelrasheed Allam ◽  
Youssef Abdallah Nassar ◽  
Amgad Awad ◽  
Magdy M. Naguib ◽  
...  

Background and Aim: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is frequently seen in diabetic patients. Elevated levels of uric acid (UA) were also reported in diabetic patients. No study assessed the relation between SCH and UA levels in diabetic patients. We aimed to evaluate this relation and the association of both conditions with other clinical and laboratory parameters in diabetic patients. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 T2DM patients in addition to 50 age and sex matched healthy controls. Diabetic patients comprised 50 patients with SCH and 50 euthyroid patients. All participants were subjected to careful history taking, thorough clinical examination and standard laboratory work up. The performed investigations included fasting and postprandial blood sugar, fasting insulin levels, HbA1c levels, thyroid hormones (FT3, FT4 and TSH), renal profile and serum UA. Results: Comparison between the studied groups regarding serum UA levels revealed significantly higher levels in the diabetic group (5.4 ± 1.9 versus 4.2 ± 1.0 mg/dl, p<0.001). SCH + DM patients had significantly higher UA levels in comparison to DM group (6.1 ± 1.8 versus 4.8 ± 1.7 mg/dl, p<0.001) and control group (6.1 ± 1.8 versus 4.2 ± 1.0 mg/dl, p<0.001). SCH + DM patients had significantly higher HbA1c levels (8.9 ± 1.1 versus 7.6 ± 1.3 %, p<0.001), HOMA-IR (3.9 ± 0.8 versus 2.8 ± 1.0, p<0.001) and UA levels (6.1 ± 1.8 versus 4.8 ± 1.7, p<0.001). Correlation analysis identified a significant direct correlation between serum UA and HOMA-IR in DM + SCH patients (r=0.4,p=0.004). In univariate analysis, presence of SCH [OR (95% CI): 2.57 (1.07-6.15), p=0.034] and nephropathy [OR (95% CI): 4.57 (1.77-11.8), p=0.002] were significant predictors of higher (upper tertile) UA in the studied patients. However, in multivariate analysis, only nephropathy [OR (95% CI): 4.25 (1.62-11.17), p=0.003] continued to be significant while SCH showed a marginal trend [OR (95% CI): 0.43 (0.17-1.08), p=0.073]. Conclusions: The present study suggests an association between SCH and increased UA levels in diabetic patients.


Author(s):  
Samara Isabela Maia de Oliveira ◽  
Cecília Olívia Paraguai de Oliveira Saraiva ◽  
Débora Feitosa de França ◽  
Marcos Antônio Ferreira Júnior ◽  
Libna Helen de Melo Lima ◽  
...  

Syphilis is a disease that is found all over the world that causes damaging effects to the fetus through vertical transmission. This study aimed to analyze the processes that trigger the vertical transmission of syphilis through gestational and congenital syphilis notifications. It is a cross-sectional study. The sample totaled 129 notifications of syphilis in pregnant women and 132 notifications of congenital syphilis in the city of Natal, from 2011 to 2015. Data were obtained from the Information System for Disease Notification. The Chi-square, Student’s and Fisher’s tests were used to verify associations of interest. Diagnosis of maternal syphilis was predominant in the third trimester of pregnancy. Only 1.6% of the pregnant women were registered with an adequate treatment regimen, of these 16.3% had the concomitant treatment with their partners. Of the affected children, 78.8% were registered as asymptomatic. The factors that trigger vertical transmission are related to the late diagnosis of the pregnant woman and sexual partner(s) and the deficiencies in clinical/therapeutic management in relation to the phase of the disease. Strategies of professional training should be adopted to notify and expand the provision of information for epidemiological surveillance, aiming to strengthen care, reduce vertical transmission and enable the continuous analysis of this problem.


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