A tale of two island nations: SARS-COV-2 management in Mauritius and New Zealand (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohabeer Teeluck ◽  
Ramanand Jeeneea ◽  
Kaviraj S Sukon
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Index Case ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Success Story ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Initial Wave

BACKGROUND Mauritius has not had any community acquired SARS-COV-2 case for 6 months and is continuing to maintain control over the disease so far. In this study we discuss how the disease initially spread and use New Zealand, another SARS-COV-2 success story, as the comparator. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore how the initial wave progressed in Mauritius, by looking at who was most affected, who were most likely to transmit the disease, what were the most effective measures and how the authorities can be best prepared going forward. METHODS Exploratory retrospective analysis of all confirmed cases in Mauritius between 18th March and 30th August 2020. Additionally, a comparative cross-sectional study for confirmed cases between New Zealand and Mauritius. RESULTS There were 355 confirmed cases, 62.0% males, median age = 38 years. The majority (64.8%) were asymptomatic during their infection. New Zealanders in the age-group 10-19 years of age were more prone to infections in contrast to the same age category in Mauritius (P=.006). Contact-tracing was effective in both countries, with 65.3% and 66.3% case detection rates in Mauritius and New Zealand respectively. There were 5 major case clusters in Mauritius and there was an association between delay in notification to authorities and spread from each index case. Health sector workers who were infected, made up of 10.4% of Mauritian cases and 14.3% in New Zealand. The geographical coverage of SARS-COV-2 transmission was 67 percent in Mauritius compared to 45 percent in New Zealand. The test positivity rate was above five percent for only the first three weeks of the outbreak in Mauritius whilst it remained below five percent throughout the outbreak in New Zealand. CONCLUSIONS Mauritius over-achieved in its fight against SARS-COV-2. Application of the lessons learnt will help better face further waves of the pandemic. We outline five recommendations to attain this objective.

scholarly journals Equity in statin use in New Zealand

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Norris ◽  
Simon Horsburgh ◽  
Gordon Becket ◽  
Shirley Keown ◽  
Bruce Arroll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Socioeconomic Position ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic ◽  
Statin Prescription ◽  
Statin Use

INTRODUCTION: Preventive medications such as statins are used to reduce cardiovascular risk. There is some evidence to suggest that people of lower socioeconomic position are less likely to be prescribed statins. In New Zealand, Maori have higher rates of cardiovascular disease. AIM: This study aimed to investigate statin utilisation by socioeconomic position and ethnicity in a region of New Zealand. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which data were collected on all prescriptions dispensed from all pharmacies in one city during 2005/6. Linkage with national datasets provided information on patients’ age, gender and ethnicity. Socioeconomic position was identified using the New Zealand Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation 2006. RESULTS: Statin use increased with age until around 75 years. Below age 65 years, those in the most deprived socioeconomic areas were most likely to receive statins. In the 55–64 age group, 22.3% of the most deprived population received a statin prescription (compared with 17.5% of the mid and 18.6% of the least deprived group). At ages up to 75 years, use was higher amongst Maori than non-Maori, particularly in middle age, where Maori have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. In the 45–54 age group, 11.6% of Maori received a statin prescription, compared with 8.7% of non-Maori. DISCUSSION: Statin use approximately matched the pattern of need, in contrast to other studies which found under-treatment of people of low socioeconomic position. A PHARMAC campaign to increase statin use may have increased use in high-risk groups in New Zealand. KEYWORDS: Ethnic groups; New Zealand; prescriptions; socioeconomic status; statins

scholarly journals Equity in statin use in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Norris ◽  
S Horsburgh ◽  
G Becket ◽  
S Keown ◽  
B Arroll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Socioeconomic Position ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic ◽  
Statin Prescription ◽  
Statin Use

INTRODUCTION: Preventive medications such as statins are used to reduce cardiovascular risk. There is some evidence to suggest that people of lower socioeconomic position are less likely to be prescribed statins. In New Zealand, Maori have higher rates of cardiovascular disease. AIM: This study aimed to investigate statin utilisation by socioeconomic position and ethnicity in a region of New Zealand. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which data were collected on all prescriptions dispensed from all pharmacies in one city during 2005/6. Linkage with national datasets provided information on patients' age, gender and ethnicity. Socioeconomic position was identified using the New Zealand Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation 2006. RESULTS: Statin use increased with age until around 75 years. Below age 65 years, those in the most deprived socioeconomic areas were most likely to receive statins. In the 55-64 age group, 22.3% of the most deprived population received a statin prescription (compared with 17.5% of the mid and 18.6% of the least deprived group). At ages up to 75 years, use was higher amongst Maori than non-Maori, particularly in middle age, where Maori have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. In the 45-54 age group, 11.6% of Maori received a statin prescription, compared with 8.7% of non-Maori. DISCUSSION: Statin use approximately matched the pattern of need, in contrast to other studies which found under-treatment of people of low socioeconomic position. A PHARMAC campaign to increase statin use may have increased use in high-risk groups in New Zealand.

scholarly journals Epidemiological impact of hepatitis B vaccination (Monastir_ Tunisia ; 2000-17)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafa Dhouib ◽  
Meriem Kacem ◽  
Grira Samia ◽  
Issam Maalel ◽  
Imen Zemni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Prevalence Rate ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Dose Schedule ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hepatitis B Vaccination ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hbs Ag

AbstractBackground: In 2016, the first global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis was endorsed with the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. In Tunisia, effective vaccines for hepatitis B (HBV) have been added to the expanded programme of immunization (EPI) since July 1995 for new borns. We expected to have a decreasing trend in the prevalence rate of reported HBV. Our study aimed to address the epidemiological profile of HBV, to assess trends by age and gender in Monastir governorate over a period of 18 years according to immunization status and to estimate the burden (years lived with disability YLDs) of this pathology. Methods: We performed a descriptive cross sectional study of declared HBV from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2017 defined as having positive serologic markers for HBs Ag. All declared patients were residents of Monastir’s Governorate. EPI included two periods, the first between 1995 and 2006 following a three-dose schedule (3, 4, 9 months). The second PI cohort after 2006 following a three-dose schedule (0, 2, 6 months). Results: During 18 years, 1526 cases of HBV were declared in Monastir with a mean of 85 cases per year. We estimated a mean of 1699 declared cases per year of HBV in Tunisia. CPR was 16.85/100,000 inh being the higher in age group of 20-39 years and in men .ASR was 15.99/100,000 inh, being 35.5 in men and 8.69 in women. During the study period, declared cases among presumed immunized (PI) person against HBV were 32(2.0%). Among PI cases, 29 were from the first period and 3 were from the second. We established a negative trend over 18 years of hepatitis B. The age group of 20 to 39 was the most common with a sharply decline. Presumed not immunized (PNI) HBV cases are decreasing by years with a prediction of 35 cases in 2024. Reported HBV contributed to 1.26 YLDs per 100,000 inh. The highest rate of YLDs occurred at the age 20-39 (2.73 YLDs per 100,000 inh). During 18 years, YLDs were 114.45 in Monastir with a mean of 2293.65 YLDs of HBV in Tunisia. Conclusion, this study showed a law prevalence rate and a decreasing trend of HBV during 18 years showing an efficacy of immunization and confirming that the universal hepatitis B vaccination in Tunisia has resulted in progress towards the prevention and control of hepatitis B infection. These findings should be demonstrated in other Tunisian regions with a standardized serological profile.

scholarly journals Equity in statin use in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Norris ◽  
S Horsburgh ◽  
G Becket ◽  
S Keown ◽  
B Arroll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Socioeconomic Position ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic ◽  
Statin Prescription ◽  
Statin Use

INTRODUCTION: Preventive medications such as statins are used to reduce cardiovascular risk. There is some evidence to suggest that people of lower socioeconomic position are less likely to be prescribed statins. In New Zealand, Maori have higher rates of cardiovascular disease. AIM: This study aimed to investigate statin utilisation by socioeconomic position and ethnicity in a region of New Zealand. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which data were collected on all prescriptions dispensed from all pharmacies in one city during 2005/6. Linkage with national datasets provided information on patients' age, gender and ethnicity. Socioeconomic position was identified using the New Zealand Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation 2006. RESULTS: Statin use increased with age until around 75 years. Below age 65 years, those in the most deprived socioeconomic areas were most likely to receive statins. In the 55-64 age group, 22.3% of the most deprived population received a statin prescription (compared with 17.5% of the mid and 18.6% of the least deprived group). At ages up to 75 years, use was higher amongst Maori than non-Maori, particularly in middle age, where Maori have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. In the 45-54 age group, 11.6% of Maori received a statin prescription, compared with 8.7% of non-Maori. DISCUSSION: Statin use approximately matched the pattern of need, in contrast to other studies which found under-treatment of people of low socioeconomic position. A PHARMAC campaign to increase statin use may have increased use in high-risk groups in New Zealand.

Rapid detection of Rotavirus antigen in stool sample of acute diarrheic children

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-13
Author(s):  
Sushmita Roy ◽  
S.M. Shamsuzzaman ◽  
K.Z. Mamun
Keyword(s):  
Stool Sample ◽  
Rapid Detection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Rapid Diagnosis ◽  
Age Group ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rotavirus Infection ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Stool Samples

Rotavirus is one of the leading causes of pediatric diarrhea globally. Accurate and rapid diagnosis of Rotavirus diarrhea should reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics and ultimately reduce drug resistance. Study was designed for rapid diagnosis of Rotavirus antigen in stool sample by ICT (Immunochromatographic test) as well as to observe the seasonal variation of rotavirus infection. This cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Microbiology, Dhaka Medical College from January 2011 to December 2011. Eighty stool samples were collected from Dhaka Shishu Hospital and Dhaka Medical College Hospital. All samples were tested for rotavirus antigen by ICT. Among 80 patients, 42 (52.5%) samples were positive for rotavirus antigen. Among these 42 positive samples, 30 (71.43%) were from 0-12 months of age group, 10 (23.81%) from 13 to 24 months of age group and rest 2 (4.76%) from 25 to 36 months of age group. Rotavirus Ag was detected in stool samples from January to April and another peak episode from October to December. Considering the importance of Rotavirus associated diarrhea, rapid detection of Rotavirus infection in human is substantially needed and should be routinely practiced.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v6i1.19354 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2012; 06(01): 11-13

Suicidal Death Autopsy Analysis at Dhaka Medical College

1970 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
MN Hossain ◽  
Z Rahman ◽  
S Akhter
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Medicine ◽  
Causes Of Death ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Autopsy Report ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Suicidal Death

A cross sectional study was carried out at the department of Forensic Medicine in Dhaka Medical College during the period of January 2008 to December 2009. Data were collected from 3rd copy of the post mortem reports which were preserved in the department of Forensic Medicine with the verbal consent of the doctors who performed autopsy report. During this period total 5114 autopsies were conducted. Out of this 970 cases (19%) were suicidal in nature. It was noticed that all suicidal deaths occurred from 10 years to all age group respectively, but top amongst age group of suicidal deaths occurred in between 21 to 30 years of people. Suicidal deaths are more common in female than male. Suicidal deaths due to hanging is highest, next common causes of death due to organophosphorus compund poisoning. Suicidal deaths by hanging is more in female than male but in poisoning cases male are more lvictimised than female. Objectives of our study are to see the occurrence and methods of suicidal death. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i1.9957 BMJ 2011; 40(1): 18-21

End Organ Damage in Hypertensive Geriatric Age Group: A Cross Sectional Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 10-16
Author(s):  
Prakashkumar Kyada ◽  
Kunal Jadhav ◽  
T. K. Biswas ◽  
Varshil Mehta ◽  
Sojib Bin Zaman
Keyword(s):  
Ventricular Hypertrophy ◽  
Organ Damage ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Isolated Systolic Hypertension ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
End Organ Damage ◽  
Common Risk Factors

Objective: Hypertension is one of the common risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases/disorders A developing country like India faces the double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases; of the which, hypertension is the most important treatable cause of mortality and morbidity with loss of functional capacity and decline in the quality of life. Aim: To study the prevalence of end organ damage in the hypertensive geriatric age group. Method: The present study was a cross sectional study, conducted in 150 elderly patients admitted in MGM Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India with the diagnosis of stage I or II hypertension from 2011 to 2013. Results: Data analysis of the present study showed that 68% of elderly population aged between 60 to 69 years were suffering from hypertension. Compared to males, females had a higher rate of target organ damage. This study found that out of all patients with total end organ damage, 54.6 % had CVS complications, 15.7 % had hypertensive retinopathy, 25.9 % and 18.51 had raised creatinine and proteinuria respectively. 19.4 % had cerebrovascular accident (CVA) complications. Among Cardiovascular related complications Coronary artery disease (CAD) was found in 21 patients, out of them 7 had Congestive cardiac Failure (CCF). Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) was the most common complication and seen in 38 patients. 13.8 % patients had Regional Wall Motion Abnormality (RWMA) Conclusion: The present study concluded that Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH) is the commonest type of hypertension in geriatric age group. This study concluded that the most common risk factors of HTN in the elderly are sedentary life style, dyslipidemia and extra salt intake while the most common end organ damage was observed to be Left Ventricular Hypertrophy followed by renal dysfunction. Keywords:  Hypertension,  Isolated Systolic Hypertension, Dyslipidemia.

Health Status of Senior Citizens: A Cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka Beniwal ◽  
Chandrakala Singh
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Senior Citizens ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Poor Health Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Average Health

Aging is a series of processes that begin with life and continue throughout the lifecycle. It represents the closing period in the lifespan, a time when the individual looks back on life, lives on past accomplishments and begins to finish off his life course. It represents the accumulation of changes in person over time. The study aims to investigate the health status of senior citizens. The present study was carried out in Hisar and Sirsa district of Haryana state. A total of 400 elderly equally representing both males and females of age group 65-70 years were selected randomly for the study. Modified inventory developed by Khan and Lal (2011) was used to assess health status of senior citizens. The results of the study elucidated that health status of senior citizens depicted that 54.25 per cent of the total respondents had average health status followed by good (25.25%) and poor health status (20.50%). The most common health problems reported by the senior citizens were joint pains, back pains, blood pressure, and chest pain etc. Gender wise comparison of total sample further pointed out that females were poor in their health against males.

HIGH PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITON AND WORM INFECTION AMONG VAN KIEU AND PAKOH CHILDREN AGED 12-36 MONTHS IN DAKRONG DISTRICT, QUANG TRI PROVINCE

2012 ◽  
pp. 129-134
Author(s):  
Thi Lan Tran ◽  
Thi Huong Le ◽  
Xuan Ninh Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Infection Status ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Group Recommendation ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Normal Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Very High

Objectives: Assess the nutritional status, worm infection status and some related factors among children aged 12-36 months of Dakrong district, Quang Tri province. Subject and method: A cross sectional study was carried out in 2010, in 680 children aged 12-36 months in 4 communes of Dakrong district, Quang Tri province. Results: The malnutrition rate was 55.0% for underweight, 66.5% for stunting and 16.2% for wasting. The prevalence of malnutrition increases by age group. The prevalence of worm infection was 31.6%, the highest prevalence was belong to Ascaris infection (24.6%), followed by Hookworm and Trichuris (6.5% and 6.2%, respectively). The prevalence of worm infection among children under two is very high (27.0%). The prevalence of worm infection was distributed quite equally between the malnutrition children group and normal children group. Recommendation: Early deworming forchildren from 12 months should be considered as important strategy against the malnutrition of children in Dakrong district, Quang Tri province

Assessment of COVID-19 Related Misinformation among the Community in Basrah, Iraq

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (CSI) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Rubaye ◽  
Dhurgham Abdulwahid ◽  
Aymen Albadran ◽  
Abbas Ejbary ◽  
Laith Alrubaiy
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Educational Levels ◽  
The Public ◽  
First Case ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Central District

Background: There has been a rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 infection and its mortality rate since the first case reported in February 2020. This led to the rampant dissemination of misinformation and rumors about the disease among the public. Objectives: To investigate the scale of public misinformation about COVID-19 in Basrah, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a 22-item questionnaire to assess public knowledge and understanding of information related to the COVID-19 infection. Results: A total of 483 individuals completed the questionnaire. The most frequent age group was 26–35 years (28.2%); there were 280 (58%) males and 203 (42%) females. Of the participants, 282 (58.4%) were with an education level below the Bachelor’s degree, 342 (70.8%) were married, and 311 (64%) were living in districts in Basra other than the central district. Overall, 50.8% (11.8/ 22 * 100%) of individuals had the correct information regarding COVID-19. There was a significant association between the level of COVID-19 related misinformation and participants’ educational levels and occupation (p <0.05). However, there was no significant difference found across sex, age group, marital state, and area of residence. Conclusions: Misinformation related to COVID-19 is widely spread and has to be addressed in order to control the pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19, misinformation, knowledge, Iraq

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