scholarly journals Predictors of Anaemia prevalence among pregnant women in urban Ghana: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jones Asafo Akowuah ◽  
Ebenezer Owusu-Addo ◽  
Ama Opuni Antwiwaa
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Folic Acid ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Iron Sulphate

Abstract Background Anaemia during pregnancy is a major public health concern. Despite its wide scope and adverse effects including increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, and long-term adverse effects in the new born, extensive interventions using upstream approaches to public health have largely not been implemented. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of anaemia in pregnant women in four health facilities in the Kwabre East Municipality of Ghana.Method A cross-sectional survey with a two-stage sampling technique was conducted on 220 pregnant women who attended antenatal care at the selected health facilities. Interview-based structured questionnaires were used. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictors.Results The prevalence of anaemia was 11.4%. Few women (25) were anaemic and morphologically, 14 had normocytic normochromic (56%) anemia and 9 had Microcytic hypochromic (36) anaemia. Iron deficiency was reported in 19 (8.6%) pregnant women. Iron sulphate intake (AOR [95% CI] = 3.16 [1.15, 7.37], ANC follow-up during pregnancy (AOR [95% CI] = 3.07 [1.59, 7.99], household size of ≥ 5 (AOR [95% CI] = 3.58 [1.75, 9.52], folic acid intake (AOR [95% CI] = 5.29 [2.65, 12.39] and the period in pregnancy AOR [95% CI]= ≥36 weeks 3.2 (1.3–4.5) were independent predictors of anemia.Conclusion Though anaemia prevalence has been low in urban areas as previously reported, collaborated healthcare measures that aim at eradicating the menace are encouraged. Maternal health care interventions including the administration of folic acid, regular iron sulphate intake and intensive education on early ANC are recommended.

scholarly journals Knowledge and intake of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects among pregnant women in urban China: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingming Cui ◽  
Xiao-Lin Lu ◽  
Yan-Yu Lyu ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Xiao-Lu Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Unplanned Pregnancy ◽  
Urban China ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background The prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in China declined during 2000–2017 with periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation, which is effective in reducing the risk of birth defects. We aimed to assess the knowledge and actual use of FA among Chinese pregnant women and to explore factors associated with FA use before pregnancy. Methods All data were collected in face-to-face interviews during health visits among pregnant women. We collected information about knowledge and use of FA supplements and demographic, socioeconomic, and health status. One maternity and childcare hospital was chosen in each of four cities: Beijing, Huaibei, Kunming, and Haikou. In total, 435 pregnant women were randomly recruited for interviews conducted from June to December 2016. Results A total of 428 pregnant women were included in this survey. Of these, 82.0% (351/428) knew that FA can prevent NTDs, and 75.9% (325/428) knew the correct time to take FA. Overall, 65.9% (282/428) of women knew both that FA can prevent NTDs and the recommended time to take FA before pregnancy. Approximately 95.1% (407/428) of women reported having ever taken FA, only 46.3% (198/428) had begun to take FA supplementation before conception, and 64.5% (109/169) of women from rural areas failed to take FA before pregnancy. Women living in northern China (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–2.77), those with unplanned pregnancy (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.30–3.04), and highly educated women (OR = 2.37, 95% CI 1.45–3.88) were more likely to know about FA. Women who were homemakers (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.21–3.11) and had unplanned pregnancy (OR = 6.18, 95% CI 4.01–9.53) were less likely to begin taking FA before pregnancy. Conclusions Our survey showed that most pregnant women knew about FA. Although preconception intake of FA can help to reduce NTDs, improving the rate of FA intake before pregnancy is needed in urban areas of China, especially among homemakers and women from rural areas or with unplanned pregnancy. Campaigns are needed to increase awareness about FA and FA use before pregnancy among rural women, homemakers, and those with unplanned pregnancy and lower education levels.

Concentration of folic acid (FA) in serum of Japanese pregnant women

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-280
Author(s):  
Nathan Mise ◽  
Mayumi Ohtsu ◽  
Akihiko Ikegami ◽  
Yoko Hosoi ◽  
Yoshihiko Nakagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Epigenetic Modification ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Body Burden ◽  
Inorganic Arsenic ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Japanese Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Japanese Pregnant Women

AbstractObjectivesExposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a world-wide health concern. We reported that Japanese children and pregnant women are exposed to moderate levels of iAs through food. Reducing iAs contamination from foods of high iAs is an important issue unique in Japan. Integrated iAs is methylated to less toxic organic forms, and S-adenosyl-L-methyonine (SAM), a common methyl-donor of DNA and histones, is utilized in this process. Chronic consumption of SAM by iAs metabolism due to exposure to iAs might alter the epigenetic modification of genome. The SAM biosynthesis pathway is dependent on folate cycle, and it is possible that ingestion of sufficient folic acid (FA) is protective to iAs induced toxicity.MethodsIn the course of our cross-sectional body burden analyses of Pb and iAs in Japanese children and pregnant women, termed “PbAs study”, FA concentration in serum of 104 pregnant women was measured.ResultsMean (±SEM) of serum FA concentration was 15.8 ± 1.3 (ng/mL). There are significant number of people showing very high FA (>30 ng/ mL), and large fraction of them were taking supplements daily.ConclusionsThese results suggested that level of FA ingestion of Japanese pregnant women is high for supporting normal fetal development.

scholarly journals Factors associated with hypertension in Pakistan: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0246085
Author(s):  
Muhammad Riaz ◽  
Ghazala Shah ◽  
Muhammad Asif ◽  
Asma Shah ◽  
Kaustubh Adhikari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Health Related

Background High blood pressure is an important public health concern and the leading risk factor for global mortality and morbidity. To assess the implications of this condition, we aimed to review the existing literature and study the factors that are significantly associated with hypertension in the Pakistani population. Methods We conducted several electronic searches in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, Elsevier, and manually searched the citations of published articles on hypertension from May 2019 to August 2019. We included all studies that examined factors associated with hypertension regardless of the study design. To assess the quality of the research, we used the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. We also conducted meta-analyses using the DerSimonian & Laird random-effects model to collate results from at least three studies. Results We included 30 cross-sectional and 7 case-control studies (99,391 participants country-wide) in this review and found 13 (35.1%) to be high-quality studies. We identified 5 socio-demographic, 3 lifestyle, 3 health-related, and 4 psychological variables that were significantly associated with hypertension. Adults aged between 30–60 years who were married, living in urban areas with high incomes, used tobacco, had a family history of hypertension, and had comorbidities (overweight, obesity, diabetes, anxiety, stress, and anger management issues) were positively associated with hypertension. On the other hand, individuals having high education levels, normal physical activity, and unrestricted salt in their diet were negatively associated with hypertension. Conclusion We found several socio-demographic, lifestyle, health-related, and psychological factors that were significantly (positively and negatively) associated with hypertension. Our findings may help physicians and public health workers to identify high-risk groups and recommend appropriate prevention strategies. Further research is warranted to investigate these factors rigorously and collate global evidence on the same.

scholarly journals May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Benin–Sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_B) ◽  
pp. B24-B26
Author(s):  
Corine Houehanou ◽  
Léopold Codjo ◽  
Philippe Adjagba ◽  
Arnaud Sonou ◽  
Hugues Dohou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Antihypertensive Medication ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Hypertension constitutes a major health concern worldwide and particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative of the International Society of Hypertension for raising awareness of high blood pressure (BP). This work aims to determine the prevalence, awareness and levels of treatment and control of hypertension among adults participating in the MMM Campaign in Benin in 2019 (MMM19). A cross-sectional survey including volunteers aged ≥18 years was carried out in June 2019 in 13 rural and urban areas in Benin. BP measurement followed the MMM19 protocol. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg, or a diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg (based on the mean of the second and third readings) or taking antihypertensive medication. A total of 3637 people were screened with a female predominance (61.4%) and a mean age of 44.4 ± 16.1 years. A total of 1363 (37.5%) participants had hypertension. Of 1363 participants with hypertension: 64.5% were aware of their status and 43.9% were taking antihypertensive medication. Among 598 participants taking anti-hypertensive medication, 34.9% had controlled BP (systolic BP <140 mmHg and diastolic BP <90 mmHg). The results suggest a high prevalence of hypertension in Benin and that intensifying actions for its primary prevention, early detection and effective management should be encouraged.

scholarly journals Counselling and knowledge on iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) among pregnant women in Kiambu County, Kenya: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Mary Kamau ◽  
Samuel Kimani ◽  
Waithira Mirie
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Acid Supplementation ◽  
Iron And Folic Acid

Background: The increased demand for iron and folic acid during pregnancy is not met through diet due to insufficiency or reduced bioavailability of nutrients among women from low income countries. Thus, iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) is a promising interventional strategy for control of anaemia during pregnancy. Kenya adopted the global IFAS intervention with a target of 80% coverage by 2017, however, the compliance remains low. Increasing awareness, counselling, communication and community education on IFAS have improved compliance among pregnant women. Thus, we aimed to determine: IFAS knowledge, availability, practices, and content of IFAS counselling among pregnant women attending health facilities in Kiambu County, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 364 pregnant women aged 15-49 years. A two stage cluster sampling, including one sub-county and five public health facilities were used. A pre-tested structured questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data, maternal knowledge and counselling on IFAS was used. An observation checklist was used to observe practices and content of antenatal counselling session in each facility. Data was analysed using STATA in which descriptive and inferential statistics were computed. Results: Of 364 respondents, less than half (40.9%) scored high on knowledge on IFAS. Women who were counselled on duration of IFAS intake, side effects, and their mitigation were more likely (p <0.005) to have high IFAS knowledge. Although all the health facilities had varied IFAS posters displayed, none had key IFAS counselling documents. Conclusion: Less than half of the pregnant women had high IFAS knowledge, IFAS documents were scarce in health facilities, IFAS counselling information in different health facilities was limited and varied and content of counselling was associated with levels of knowledge on IFAS. This underscores the need to strengthen focused and targeted IFAS counselling for pregnant women and standardization of counselling messages to improve compliance and pregnancy outcomes.

Immunization Status of Children in Abbottabad, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moshin Raza ◽  
Saira Azhar ◽  
Ghulam Murtaza ◽  
Akash Syed ◽  
Anam Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Polio Vaccine ◽  
Immunization Status ◽  
Type D

Objective: Recent studies and surveys are detecting an ambiguous trend of routine immunization coverage and fully immunized children in KPK. Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to access immunization status among children of age group 12-23 months visiting fixed EPI centers in primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities in rural and urban areas. Methods: The study covered 436 children in five health facilities. Five fixed EPI centers are visited as per office order: BBS teaching hospital Abbottabad. (DHQ), Women and children hospital Abbottabad. (THQ), Type D hospital Havelain, Basic Heath Unit (BHU) Mangal and Ayub teaching hospital Abbottabad (AMI). A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect information. Analysis was performed on SPSS version 23 for frequencies, cross tabulation and percentages. Results: Estimation recorded fully immunized children as 275 (63.1%), partially immunized as 155 (35.6%), and unimmunized as 6 (1.3%). Only 157 (36.1%) children in rural area were fully immunized compared to 118 (27.1%) in urban. Primary respondents were mothers 320 (73.4%) whereas, father and other respondents are almost 13%. Vaccination cards were available with 386 (88.5%) respondents. High proportion of partially immunized children 77% in BHU. However, unimmunized 1.96% and 4.4% children in AMI and Type D hospital were present. Moreover 67% partially immunized are from rural origin. The coverage of various vaccines was BCG 421 (96.6%), Pentavalent 403 (96.6%): Penta-1 60 (13.8%), Penta-2 38 (8.7%), Penta-3 305 (70.0%), and Measles 375 (86.0%): Measles-1 127 (29.1%), Measles-2 248 (56.9%), and Polio 430 (98.6%): Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV-0) 51 (11.7%), OPV-1 32 (7.3%), OPV-2 44 (10.1%), OPV-3 165 (37.8%), Injectable polio vaccine (IPV) 138 (31.7%), Pneumococcal 409 (93.8%): Pneumo-1 75 (17.2%), Pneumo-2 46 (10.1%), Pneumo-3 288 (66.1%). No Sex-wise discrimination was found. Conclusion: Hard work in policy making is needed to strengthen routine immunization programme in marginalized areas like rural areas (83.12% of KPK and 62.5% of Pakistan) with special emphasis on BHUs and groups such as those living in mountainous terrain. Inaccessibility, inconvenience and unavailability of timely EPI services at BHUs are among various reasons of unimmunized and partially immunized children. Targeted intervention are needed with special emphasis on people in slum and rural areas with low educational and socioeconomic status.

scholarly journals Use of Over-the-Counter Medication among Pregnant Women in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abduelmula R. Abduelkarem ◽  
Hafsa Mustafa
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Educational Programs ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Otc Drugs ◽  
Counter Medication ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Background. Over-the-counter medications are widely available in pharmacies Their safety profile, however, does not extend to pregnant women. Accordingly, there should be educational programs developed for pregnant women to protect them from the harms of the side effects. Aim. This study was planned and designed with the aim of exploring the awareness and assessing the usage of OTC medications among pregnant women in Sharjah, UAE. Method. A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire. Results. More than three-quarters (75.7%) reported that they are familiar with the term “over-the-counter drugs.” Interestingly, 40% of the respondents reported that they took OTC drugs during pregnancy, and the majority (94.2%) agreed with the survey statement “not all OTC medications are safe to be taken during pregnancy.” Constipation was the most frequent side effect that most of the participants reported during the study period. Folic acid (36%), calcium (28.6%), and iron (35.1%) were the most common supplements used by the pregnant women responding. Conclusion. The reported 40% usage of OTC medications among pregnant women in this study is worrisome and calls for the need to educate, counsel, and increase awareness among pregnant women regarding the dangers of OTC drugs usage while pregnant in Sharjah, UAE.

Marijuana use among youths in Mississippi, United States

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasaki Aranmolate
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
United States ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Race And Ethnicity ◽  
Marijuana Use ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Male Youth

AbstractBackgroundIncreased use of marijuana among youths in Mississippi, United States is of great concern to Public Health in the 21st century. This study examined the prevalence of marijuana use according to gender, race and ethnicity.MethodThe data for this study was obtained from Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) for 2015, a cross-sectional survey of the Mississippi High School Students, which examined the prevalence and trends in the use of marijuana according to gender, race and ethnicity. The trends in the percentage of students that reported the use of marijuana and its product was examined by univariate t-test statistical analysis at p < 0.05. The frequency distribution was used to determine the percentage differences in the groups.ResultsThe students that ever used marijuana was 39.4% in Blacks, 39.1% in Hispanics and 31.0% in Whites. A total of 13.7% male and female (4.8%) used marijuana before 13 years of age. In addition, the students currently using marijuana include Blacks (10.9%), Hispanic (13.7%) and Whites (7.2%). Approximately 9.7% of students ever used the synthetic product, which was higher in Hispanic (18.7%) when compared to Blacks (8.8%) and Whites (9.1%).ConclusionThe use of marijuana is significantly higher among the male youth in Mississippi than females, which is a major public health concern. Furthermore, there was higher rates of smoking marijuana in Hispanics and Blacks when compared to White youth.

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