scholarly journals PREDISPOSING-PERSONAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PASSENGERSAFETY AND SAFE RIDINGBEHAVIORS AMONG CYCLISTS (BODA BODA RIDERS) IN KAMPALA

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (07) ◽  
pp. 497-506
Author(s):  
Afolabi I.B ◽  
◽  
Mansir B.A ◽  
Abdullahi L.A ◽  
Aremu A.B ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Reference Scale ◽  
Passenger Safety ◽  
The Mean

Background: Motorcycle taxis are common means of transportation in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa which remains a major neglected public health issue that presently at any time constitutes risk for road traffic accident and injuries in low and middle income countries. This study describes the level of predisposing-personal factors associated with passenger safety and safe riding behaviors among cyclists (bodabodariders) in Kampala and the relationship between age, educational attainment and the risk of road accident. Methodology:The study design was a cross-sectional survey using a validated semi-standard questionnaire to collect data on predisposing-personal factors and safe riding behaviors measured on a 31 and 24-point reference scale respectively from 422 consenting riders in the metropolis. Data from the study was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and simple descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations, and proportions were used to describe the data all in 95% confidence interval and Analysis of variance was employed to test differences in measures across age and level of education with a cut-off set at (p≤0.05) significance level. Results: The findings showed thatmajority of the respondents were between age of 25 and 29 (35.5%) where most of them (36.0%) had secondary educational attainment. The mean score for the level of predisposing-personal factors measured on a 31-point reference scale among respondents in our study was 23.9 (CI =23.60 ± 24.20) denoting a prevalence of 77.1%while the mean score for the safe riding behaviors as measured on 24-pointscale was 9.3 (CI =9.10 ± 9.60) which translates to prevalence of 38.8%. The study further revealed that older respondents and riders with non-formal education inconsistently reported lowest scorefor predisposing-personal factors (F=3.54, p=0.007 and F=14.49, p<0.0001), whereas older respondents and riders with tertiary educational attainment constantly displayed lowest scores for safe riding behaviours (F=14.86, p<0.0001 and F=7.15, p<0.0001). Conclusions: The level of predisposing-personal factors associated with road safety and safe riding in terms of knowledge about passenger safety, perception of risk on road accidents and health consequences as well as attitudes toward safety rules and safe riding among respondents in the study is relatively high but the level of their safe riding behaviors is low and quite unsatisfactory.Thus, this calls for education and training exercises by the regulatory agencies on the initiation of safe riding behaviorsamong riders for knowledge without practice is useless.

scholarly journals Influence on attitudes and lifestyle due to lockdown amidst COVID-19 pandemic: a perception-based analysis among Bangladeshi residents

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Saiful Islam ◽  
Md. Asad Ullah ◽  
Ummay Soumayia Islam ◽  
Sahadat Hossain ◽  
Yusha Araf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Rural Residence ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Abstract Background Countrywide lockdown or stay-at-home order has been implemented to slow down the transmission of emergent coronavirus. However, the influence on attitudes and lifestyle due to lockdown amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the influence on attitudes and lifestyle due to lockdown amidst the COVID-19 pandemic among Bangladeshi residents. Methods A cross-sectional survey carried out involving 1635 community dwellers across eight divisions in Bangladesh conducted from April 15, 2020 to May 10, 2020. A structured questionnaire incorporating socio-demographic, attitudes towards lockdown and adverse lifestyle amidst lockdown measures was employed to collect data using the Google Forms. Multiple regression analyses were executed to determine the associated factors of positive attitudes towards lockdown and adverse lifestyle. Results The mean scores of attitudes towards lockdown were 67.9 (SD = 8.4) out of 85 with an overall correct rate (positive attitudes) of 79.9%; whereas the mean scores of adverse lifestyle amidst lockdown were 16.1 (SD = 4.8) out of 34 with an overall rate of 47.4%. The factors associated with more positive attitudes towards lockdown included being female, divorced, higher educated, and students. Conversely, being male, having no formal education, and rural residence were associated factors of adverse lifestyle amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions The findings reflect how the COVID-19 lockdown has preciously impacted the attitudes, and lifestyle of Bangladeshi citizens, which will contribute to promoting appropriate measures during a subsequent zonal or complete lockdown.

scholarly journals Exploring factors associated with research involvement of undergraduate students at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Mugabo ◽  
Lotta Velin ◽  
Richard Nduwayezu
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Research Participation ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Research Involvement ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Early involvement of students in research processes is an important step in professional development and can increase the academic output of the university. Previous studies indicate low research involvement amongst undergraduate students, however limited research has been done in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to describe the level of research involvement amongst undergraduate students at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) at University of Rwanda (UR) and to assess factors associated with research involvement. Methods This cross-sectional study covered the three CMHS campuses. A survey was shared in class WhatsApp groups from July to September 2020. Data were analyzed using Stata IC 16.0 with descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results In total, 324 students participated with the mean age being 23.3 (standard deviation 2.27). Males constituted 65.1% of respondents vs. 33.3% females. The largest portion of respondents were from the School of Medicine and Pharmacy (46.6%), and Medicine was the most frequent department (33.3%). On a Likert scale from 1 to 10, 60.0% of the respondents thought that research was 10/10 important for undergraduate students, with the mean value being 8.8. Rating their interest in taking part in research during undergraduate studies, 48.2% scored it 10/10, with the mean value being 8.57. 80.3% of respondents had attended a research module, course, or workshop; however, only 48.8% had participated in a research project and 72.0% of them had been involved in data collection. Inadequate knowledge about research processes and lack of mentors were the main barriers to research participation in 48.0 and 40.2% of respondents respectively. Establishment of a UR-Undergraduate research support center (77.2%), and involving students in ongoing UR projects (69.4%) were the most frequent suggestions to improve students’ research participation. Conclusion Undergraduate students at the CMHS in the UR have a large research interest, yet their involvement is currently low. Limited knowledge about research processes and shortage of mentors remains potent barriers to participation. Inviting undergraduate students to partake in ongoing projects and establishing a UR undergraduate research support center are recommended to strengthen undergraduate research experience at the UR-CMHS.

Perception of Malaria Transmission and Preventive Strategies among Adolescents in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Nneka Gabriel-Job ◽  
Joyce Okagua
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Transmission ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Rivers State

Introduction: Malaria is a cause of mortality in African. Though preventable it has remained a public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa where more than 90% of all malaria cases occur. The study is intended to determine the perception of malaria transmission and prevention among adolescent in Rivers State. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adolescents in secondary schools in Port Harcourt.  A Self-administered questionnaire was employed for data collection. Descriptive analysis was carried out. Comparing two mean was by t-test while test for significance was by chi square. In all a p value of ≤ 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results: Results of the 969 subjects 445 (45.9%) were males while 524 (54.1%) were females. The mean age was 14.3 ± 1.2 years. All the respondent (100%) had heard of malaria, 957 (98.8%) were aware that mosquito was the vector, 923(95.3%) reported that the mode of transmission was through a bite by mosquito. Misconception regarding transmission of malaria was identified among 46(4.7%) participants. 760 (78.4%) of them possessed Insecticidal Treated Nets (ITN). Factors that enhanced ITN use among the respondents includes being a Junior student (p<0.001, OR=12.48, CI= 8.07-19.31), higher socioeconomic class (p<0.001, OR= 2.39, CI=1.71-3.33) while age and family size were not significantly associated. Conclusion: Adolescents in Rivers State have considerable information on malaria transmission and prevention however utilization of ITN is poor. Health education is needed to enhance the use of ITN among adolescents in Rivers State.

scholarly journals Factors associated with use of insecticide-treated net for malaria prevention in Manica District, Mozambique: a community-based cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Scott ◽  
Mufaro Kanyangarara ◽  
Abel Nhama ◽  
Eusebio Macete ◽  
William John Moss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Universal Coverage ◽  
Malaria Prevention ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Itn Use ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Insecticide-treated net (ITN) use is crucial for preventing malaria infection. Despite significant improvements in ITN access and use over the past two decades, many malaria-endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa have not yet reached global targets for universal coverage of ITNs. To reduce the gaps in ITN use, it is important to understand the factors associated with ITN use. The goal of this analysis was to determine the factors associated with ITN use in Manica District, Mozambique. Methods A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted from October to November 2019. Households were randomly selected, and all members of selected households were eligible to participate. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, housing construction and the ownership, use and characteristics of ITNs were collected using structured questionnaires. Factors independently associated with ITN use were identified using generalized estimating equations multivariate logistic regression. Results Of the 302 households surveyed, 209 (69.2%) owned at least one ITN and 176 (58.3%) had one ITN for every two household members. The multivariate analysis indicated that the odds of ITN use was significantly lower among individuals in households with 3 or more members. However, the odds of ITN use was significantly higher among older age groups, poorer households, and as the number of ITNs in a household increased. Conclusions The findings of this analysis highlight the need for behaviour change communication strategies targeting young people and ITN distribution campaigns targeting larger households to increase ITN ownership, thereby improving ITN use in Manica District.

The Prevalence of Interpersonal Violence (IPV) Against Women and its Associated Variables: >An Exploratory Study in the Rongo Sub-County of Migori County, Kenya

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052093548
Author(s):  
Miller Morris ◽  
Vincent Okoth ◽  
Heather L. Prigmore ◽  
Daniele J. Ressler ◽  
Julius Mbeya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Interpersonal Violence ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
National Bureau ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Factors Associated

Interpersonal violence (IPV) within intimate partner relationships and gender-based violence remain major public health problems worldwide; 44.8% of Kenyan women have reported experiencing IPV beginning after the age of 15 years (National Bureau of Statistics Nairobi, Kenya, 2015). Combatting IPV and its sequelae is integral to promoting gender equality, a key target of the Sustainable Development Goals. We quantify the lifetime prevalence of IPV among women in two rural Kenyan communities, as well as factors associated with IPV in this area, such as educational attainment and severe depression. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based survey of households in the North and East Kamagambo wards of Migori County, Kenya in May 2018. A questionnaire regarding IPV was given to female respondents. Group-wise comparisons and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to describe community prevalence and factors associated with IPV against women. A total of 873 women completed questions about IPV, representing a population estimate of 11,252 women in the study area. Lifetime IPV prevalence in the study area was 60.3%. Variables associated with IPV included involvement in a polygamous marriage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.13, 2.88]; p = .013), attaining six or fewer years of education (aOR: 1.84; 95% CI: [1.27, 2.66]; p = .001), and IPV exposure in girlhood (aOR: 1.59; 95% CI: [1.12, 2.28]; p = .011). IPV was independently associated with experience of emotional abuse (OR: 11.22; 95% CI: [7.02, 17.95]; p < .001) and severe depression (OR: 3.51; 95% CI: [1.03, 11.97]; p = .045). Violence against women is a public health emergency in Migori County, Kenya. Low educational attainment, IPV exposure in girlhood, and polygamy were significantly associated with experience of IPV. Our results provide hyper-local data necessary for targeted interventions and generalizable data with sampling methods for use by other implementing organizations in sub-Saharan Africa.

scholarly journals Factors associated with car safety seats’ use

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Z Sargsyan ◽  
T Harutyunyan ◽  
S Sahakyan
Keyword(s):  
Road Traffic ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Attitude Score ◽  
Child Passenger Safety ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Passenger Safety ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Car Safety ◽  
Study Team

Abstract Background Road traffic injuries are the number one cause of death in children aged 5-14 years. The evidence shows that, if correctly installed and used, child restraints can reduce infants' death by approximately 70%, and deaths among children by up to 80%. In the absence of compulsory car safety seat (CSS) legislation in Armenia, parents play the decisive role in child passenger safety. This study aimed to investigate the practice of CSS-s among Armenian parents and to find the determinants of CSS use. Methods In 2018, the study team conducted a self-administered survey among parents of children 0-6 years old living in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Using two stage cluster sampling, 33 kindergartens were chosen as clusters by simple random sampling and from each cluster 10 parents received a questionnaire. The study team applied a multivariable logistic regression model using the backward elimination approach to finalize the independent predictors of CSS-s use. Results Overall, 263 parents returned completed questionnaires, of which 26.2% (69) were CSS users. The CSS non-users included those who did not have a CSS (163) or had a CSS but used it sometimes, seldom or never (31). The study results showed that the factors associated with the CSS-s use among Armenian parents in the adjusted analyses were age in children (OR = 0.61, p = 0.003), attitude score (OR = 1.53, p = 0.003), knowledge score (OR = 1.45, p = 0.011) regarding CSS-s, consistent driver's side seatbelt compliance (OR = 3.4, p = 0.005), and monthly expenditures (OR = 3.35, p = 0.024). Conclusions This study was the first exploration of Armenian parents' practice of CSS-s. Our findings might serve as a starting point for further research on proper use of CSS among Armenian parents not only in Yerevan, but across all regions of the country. The revealed predictors of parental CSS-s use might be used for the development of fruitful interventions to enhance the practice of CSS-s in Armenia. Key messages This was the first-time exploration of CSS-s practice and predictors of CSS-s use in Armenia, where there is no CSS law and parents play the sole role in child passenger safety. Educational interventions for children and their parents on the importance of age and size appropriate CSS-s usage will help increase CSS-s use among Armenian parents.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Triple Burden of Malnutrition among Mother-Child Pairs in Sub-Saharan Africa

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 2050
Author(s):  
Bright Opoku Ahinkorah ◽  
Iddrisu Amadu ◽  
Abdul-Aziz Seidu ◽  
Joshua Okyere ◽  
Eric Duku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Education ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cooking Fuel ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Western Africa ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Size At Birth

Despite concerns about the coexistence of overnutrition, undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, which is compositely referred to as the triple burden of malnutrition (TBM), little is known about the phenomenon in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We, therefore, aimed to examine the prevalence and investigate the factors associated with TBM in SSA. This study uses cross-sectional survey data collected through the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program from 2010 to 2019. Data from 32 countries in SSA were used for the analysis. The prevalence of TBM were presented in tables and maps using percentages. The predictors of TBM were examined by fitting a negative log-log regression to the data. The results were then presented using adjusted odds ratios (aORs) at 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Out of the 169,394 children, 734 (1%) suffered from TBM. The highest proportion of children with TBM in the four geographic regions in SSA was found in western Africa (0.75%) and the lowest in central Africa (0.21%). Children aged 1 [aOR = 1.283; 95% CI = 1.215–1.355] and those aged 2 [aOR = 1.133; 95% CI = 1.067–1.204] were more likely to experience TBM compared to those aged 0. TBM was less likely to occur among female children compared to males [aOR = 0.859; 95% CI = 0.824–0.896]. Children whose perceived size at birth was average [aOR = 1.133; 95% CI = 1.076–1.193] and smaller than average [aOR = 1.278; 95% CI = 1.204–1.356] were more likely to suffer from TBM compared to those who were larger than average at birth. Children born to mothers with primary [aOR = 0.922; 95% CI = 0.865–0.984] and secondary [aOR = 0.829; 95% CI = 0.777–0.885] education were less likely to suffer from TBM compared to those born to mothers with no formal education. Children born to mothers who attended antenatal care (ANC) had lower odds of experiencing TBM compared to those born to mothers who did not attend ANC [aOR = 0.969; 95% CI = 0.887–0.998]. Children born to mothers who use clean household cooking fuel were less likely to experience TBM compared to children born to mothers who use unclean household cooking fuel [aOR = 0.724; 95% CI = 0.612–0.857]. Essentially, higher maternal education, ANC attendance and use of clean cooking fuel were protective factors against TBM, whereas higher child age, low size at birth and being a male child increased the risk of TBM. Given the regional variations in the prevalence and risk of TBM, region-specific interventions must be initiated to ensure the likelihood of those interventions being successful at reducing the risk of TBM. Countries in Western Africa in particular would have to strengthen their current policies and programmes on malnutrition to enhance their attainment of the SDGs.

Chest Trauma Evaluation and Outcome of Management in a Tertiary Hospital - One Year Experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-117
Author(s):  
Md Mahmudul Islam ◽  
Khondkar AK Azad ◽  
Md Aminul Islam ◽  
Rivu Raj Chakraborty
Keyword(s):  
Road Traffic Accident ◽  
Traffic Accident ◽  
Chest Trauma ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Tube Thoracostomy ◽  
Rib Fracture ◽  
Medical College Hospital ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Medical College ◽  
The Mean

Background: Chest trauma is responsible for 50% of deaths due to trauma. This kind of death usually occurs immediately after the trauma has occurred. Various therapeutic options have been reported for management of chest injuries like clinical observation, thoracocentesis, tube thoracostomy and open thoracotomy. Objective: To observe the pattern and outcome of management in chest trauma Methods: This is an observational study carried out in Casualty department of Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), Chittagong, between April 2015 to March 2016. Our study was included all patients, both sexes, following chest injury at Casualty units of Chittagong Medical College Hospital. All the data were recorded through the preformed data collection sheet and analyzed. Result: The mean age was found 37.7±18.1 years with range from 12 to 80 years. Male female ratio was 11.8:1. The mean time elapsed after trauma was found 6.1±3.1 hours with range from 1 to 72 hours. Almost one third (35.7%) patients was affecting road traffic accident followed by 42(27.3%) assault, 35(22.7%) stab injury, 15(9.7%) fall and 7(4.5%) gun shot . More than three fourth (80.5%) patients were managed by tube thoracostomy followed by 28(18.2%) observation and 2(1.3%) ventilatory support. No thoracotomy was done in emergency department. 42(27.2%) patients was found open pneumothorax followed by 41(26.6%) rib fracture, 31(20.1%) haemopneumothorax, 14(9%) simple pneumothorax, 12(7.8%) haemothorax, 6(3.9%) chest wall injury, 5(3.2%) tension pneumothorax, and 3(1.9%) flail chest. About the side of tube 60(39.0%) patients were given tube on left side followed by 57(37.0%) patients on right side, 9(5.8%) patients on both (left & right) side and 28(18.2%) patients needed no tube. Regarding the complications, 13(30%) patients had persistent haemothorax followed by 12(29%)tubes were placed outside triangle of safety, 6(13.9%) tubes were kinked, 6(13.9%) patients developed port side infection, 2(4.5%)tube was placed too shallow, 2(4.5%) patients developed empyema thoracis and 2(4.5%) patients developed bronchopleural fistula. The mean ICT removal information was found 8.8±3.6 days with range from 4 to 18 days. Reinsertion of ICT was done in 6(4.7%) patients. More than two third (68.2%) patients were recovered well, 43(27.9%) patients developed complication and 6(3.9%)patients died. More than two third (66.9%) patients had length of hospital stay 11-20 days. Conclusion: Most of the patients were in 3rd decade and male predominant. Road traffic accident and tube thoracostomy were more common. Open pneumothorax, rib fracture and haemopneumothorax were commonest injuries. Nearly one third of the patients had developed complications. Re-insertion of ICT needed almost five percent and death almost four percent. Journal of Surgical Sciences (2018) Vol. 22 (2) : 110-117

Gender difference in risk factors associated with ischemic heart disease in Lahore

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-77
Author(s):  
Muhammad Salman Tariq ◽  
Iram Manzoor ◽  
Qurat Ul Ain Zulfi ◽  
Naeem Hussain ◽  
Nimra Saleem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Gender Difference ◽  
Ischemic Heart Disease ◽  
Ischemic Heart ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Stressful Event ◽  
Female Population ◽  
High Tendency ◽  
Factors Associated

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in Pakistan. With advancement in research, multiple causes have contributed in development of web of causation of this public health issue. The objective of this study was to assess gender differences in risk factors associated with ischemic heart disease in patients presenting at the biggest cardiology hospital of Lahore. Patients and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out in Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore from January to August, 2018 on a sample of 296 diagnosed patients of IHD, through non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected on pretested questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Chi-Square test of significance was applied and a p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 45±12 years with predominance of male patients (71.3%). Frequency of risk factors for IHD included increase body mass index (83.8%), hypertension (61%), insufficient physical activity (43%), diabetes (38.5%) and smoking (23%). Increase serum cholesterol was reported in 95% and triglycerides in 99% of the participants. Gender difference was significant with females residing in urban population (p=0.054) and exercise routine (p=0.034). Males showed high tendency of IHD with smoking pattern (p<0.001) contrary to presence of diabetes in females (p=0.05), hypertension (p=0.054), BMI (p=0.0379) and stressful event in life (p=0.002). Males showed regular intake of medicines (p =0.045) after diagnosis as compared to female population. Conclusion: There is more frequency of ischemic heart disease in males as compared to females. Significant association was observed with residence in urban area, presence of diabetes, hypertension, high BMI and stressful event in life in occurrence of ischemic heart disease in female population.

Crowdsourcing Covid-19 signals in sub-Saharan Africa: Leveraging digital contributor networks for participatory surveillance of Covid-19 symptoms and deaths (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ngozi A Erondu ◽  
Sagal A Ali ◽  
Mohamed Ali ◽  
Schadrac C Agbla
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Local Networks ◽  
The World ◽  
Sub Saharan

BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, underreporting of cases and deaths has been attributed to various factors including, weak disease surveillance, low health-seeking behaviour of flu like symptoms, and stigma of Covid-19. There is evidence that SARS-CoV-2 spread mimics transmission patterns of other countries across the world. Since the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way research can be conducted and in light of restrictions on travel and risks to in-person data collection, innovative approaches to collecting data must be considered. Nearly 50% of Africa’s population is a unique mobile subscriber and it is one of the fastest growing smart-phone marketplaces in the world; hence, mobile phone platforms should be considered to monitor Covid-19 trends in the community. OBJECTIVE We demonstrate the use of digital contributor platforms to survey individuals about cases of flu-like symptoms and instances of unexplained deaths in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. METHODS Rapid cross-sectional survey of individuals with severe flu and pneumonia symptoms and unexplained deaths in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia and Zimbabwe RESULTS Using a non-health specific information platform, we found COVID-19 signals in five African countries, specifically: •Across countries, nearly half of the respondents (n=739) knew someone who had severe flu or pneumonia symptoms in recent months. •One in three respondents from Somalia and one in five from Zimbabwe respondents said they knew more than five people recently displaying flu and/or pneumonia symptoms. •In Somalia there were signals that a large number of people might be dying outside of health facilities, specifically in their homes or in IDP or refugee camps. CONCLUSIONS Existing digital contributor platforms with local networks are a non-traditional data source that can provide information from the community to supplement traditional government surveillance systems and academic surveys. We demonstrate that using these distributor networks to for community surveys can provide periodic information on rumours but could also be used to capture local sentiment to inform public health decision-making; for example, these insights could be useful to inform strategies to increase confidence in Covid19 vaccine. As Covid-19 continues to spread somewhat silently across sub-Saharan Africa, regional and national public health entities should consider expanding event-based surveillance sources to include these systems.

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