scholarly journals Male Genital Schistosomiasis Along the Shoreline of Lake Malawi: Baseline Prevalence and Associated Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Local Fishermen in Mangochi District, Malawi

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sekeleghe A. Kayuni ◽  
Mohammad H. Alharbi ◽  
Peter Makaula ◽  
Fanuel Lampiao ◽  
Lazarus Juziwelo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Lake Malawi ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Urogenital Schistosomiasis ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Male Genital

Male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) is an often-overlooked chronic consequence of urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) associated with Schistosoma haematobium eggs and associated pathologies in the genital system of afflicted men. Despite the first formal description of MGS in 1911 by Madden, its epidemiology, diagnostic testing and case management of today are not well-described. However, since several interactions between MGS and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are known, there is renewed public health interest in MGS across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). To shed new light upon MGS in Malawi, a longitudinal cohort study was set up among fishermen along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi in Mangochi District, Malawi, to document its prevalence and assess mens' knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP). After providing informed written consent, fishermen (n = 376) aged 18+ years (median age: 30 years, range: 18–70 years) were recruited and submitted urine and semen for point-of-care (POC) field and laboratory diagnostic parasitological tests. Individual questionnaires were administered to assess their KAP, with praziquantel (PZQ) treatment provided to all participants. Baseline prevalence of MGS (S. haematobium eggs in semen) was 10.4% (n = 114, median: 5.0 eggs per ml, range: 0.1–30.0) while for UGS (S. haematobium eggs in urine) was 17.1% (n = 210, median: 2.3 eggs per 10 ml, range: 0.1–186.0) and 3.8% were positive by POC circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA), indicative of a Schistosoma mansoni infection. Just under 10% of participants reported having experienced symptoms associated with MGS, namely genital or coital pain, or haemospermia. A total of 61.7% reported previous difficulties in accessing PZQ therapy, with 34.8% having received PZQ therapy before. There was a significant correlation between MGS infection and the frequency of fishing in a week (rho = −0.25, n = 100, p = 0.01). In conclusion, MGS is prevalent among local fishermen yet knowledge of the disease is poor. We therefore call for improved availability and accessibility to MGS diagnostics, PZQ treatment within ongoing control interventions. This will improve the lives and reproductive health of men, their partners and communities in this shoreline environment of Lake Malawi.

scholarly journals Media Campaign Exposure and HIV/AIDS Prevention: 1980–2020

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adamu Muhammad Hamid ◽  
Godwin Matthew Sule
Keyword(s):  
Mass Media ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
The Media ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Hiv Aids

The interest of health communication scholars hover on relationships between HIV/AIDS message exposure and HIV knowledge, attitude and practice as the epidemic is no longer seen as only a health issue; its ramifications cover all aspects of society from economic, social structures to psychological makeup of communities. The media, under normal condition are expected to complement governments’ efforts in achieving set objectives on such important issues as combating HIV/AIDS through the creation of awareness, mobilization and advocacy among other things, such as contained in the cardinal tenets of Development Media Theory. This is more so given that the only remedy to the epidemic is prevention through advocacy on the promotion of safe practices. Mass media play a central role in this direction. Exposure to HIV/AIDS messages especially on the mass media among adolescents in sub Saharan Africa has been reported as abysmal in the early 2000s, but now given growth in infrastructure and development in technology and program appeal, there emerges a need for reassessment. Given that communication particularly through the media is considered a major preventive strategy, this chapter set out to highlight a compressive review of scholarly works on HIV/AIDS media exposure, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) across regions of the world, since the 80s. It is however concluded that the study of media use and HIV/AIDS KAP leaves much to be explored conceptually, methodologically and empirically.

scholarly journals Development of Nutrition Educational Materials for Pediatric Oncology Patients in Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 42-42
Author(s):  
Anna Gillespie ◽  
Yadurshini Raveendran ◽  
Dafrosa Monko ◽  
Robert Gisiri ◽  
Kristin Schroeder
Keyword(s):  
Eating Habits ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
Children With Cancer ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

PURPOSE More than 30% of children in sub-Saharan Africa are malnourished at baseline. Patients with cancer become further malnourished by metabolically active tumors and starvation during extended hospital stays when parents cannot afford food. If cancer outcomes could be improved by optimizing nutrition, then this would provide a cost-effective intervention for future implementation and research. The current study targeted caregiver nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices to develop educational materials for children who are diagnosed with cancer at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania. METHODS A quantitative survey developed using UN Food and Agriculture guidelines was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nutrition among caregivers of children with cancer presenting from June to August 2019. On the basis of responses, targeted education materials—A2 posters, A4 posters, and 50 pamphlets—were developed in collaboration with a local nutritionist to address gaps in caregiver nutrition knowledge. RESULTS A total of 36 caregivers and 21 stakeholders completed surveys. The majority of caregivers reported food insecurity (94%) and limited knowledge on nutrition (92%). Identified key knowledge gaps included appropriate food selection, understanding of macronutrients, and food safety. Specific media—posters and pamphlets—were designed to be simple and targeted for specific symptoms, as well as to encourage positive eating habits among patients and families. CONCLUSION This study developed a targeted intervention to improve nutrition knowledge for caregivers of children with cancer. The multiple media sources created can be used alongside verbal education sessions by nutritionists to increase exposure and the likelihood of retention and application. Although this was developed at a single institution, the media created targeted consensus nutrition information for children with cancer and is mostly pictorial, so it can be used regardless of literacy or language. Implementation evaluation is ongoing, with plans to share these materials with pediatric cancer centers throughout Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding head lice infestations in rural Nigeria

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (09) ◽  
pp. 652-657 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorg Heukelbach ◽  
Uade Samuel Ugbomoiko
Keyword(s):  
Population Based ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Head Lice ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Rural Nigeria ◽  
The Social ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Lice Infestations

Introduction: Head lice infestations are common in sub-Saharan Africa, but knowledge, attitudes and practices have never been studied in this region. Methodology: This population-based study was conducted in a small rural community (population = 590) in Kwara State, Central Nigeria. Inhabitants of the community were interviewed regarding head lice infestations, using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, and examined regarding the presence of active pediculosis. Results: Of the 496 participants included, 367 (74.0%) had experienced head lice infestations, but only 26 (11.1%) of the individuals older than 15 years knew the correct mode of transmission. Of 142 individuals with active pediculosis, only 1 (0.7%) felt ashamed. Treatment was most commonly done by grooming (46.3%), followed by combing (27.2%). Only 4.6% used pediculicides, and 21.8% did not apply any treatment. Opinions about difficulties in controlling head lice were asked in three groups: biological, technical and social. In the first group, the most common difficulty noted was detecting head lice (52.1%), followed by possible resistance that would lengthen the time of infestation (38.9%). Technical constraints included concerns on the safety and effectiveness of products (48.7%) and difficulties in obtaining treatment (46.2%). Social contraints included difficulty in treating children (24.4%), lack of knowledge (23.5%), and the social behavior of children (22.2%). Conclusions: Head lice were not perceived as an important disease in a rural Nigerian community, and feelings about the infestation were mostly indifferent. Despite its common occurrence, knowledge on head lice was limited.  

scholarly journals Food Consumption, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Salt in Urban Areas in Five Sub-Saharan African Countries

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magali Leyvraz ◽  
Carmelle Mizéhoun-Adissoda ◽  
Dismand Houinato ◽  
Naby Moussa Baldé ◽  
Albertino Damasceno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
High Salt ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Processed Meat ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
High Salt Intake ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

High salt intake is a major risk factor of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to salt intake in the general population is a key component of salt reduction strategies. The objective of this study was to describe and compare the KAP of adults related to salt in urban areas of five countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The survey included 588 participants aged 25 to 65 years who were selected using convenience samples in the urban areas of Benin, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, and Seychelles. Socio-demographic and food consumption were assessed using a structured closed-ended questionnaire administered by survey officers. Height, weight, and blood pressure were measured. Food consumption varied largely between countries. Processed foods high in salt, such as processed meat, cheese, pizzas, and savory snacks were consumed rather infrequently in all the countries, but salt-rich foods, such as soups or bread and salty condiments, were consumed frequently in all countries. The majority of the participants knew that high salt intake can cause health problems (85%) and thought that it is important to limit salt intake (91%). However, slightly over half (56%) of the respondents regularly tried to limit their salt intake while only 8% of the respondents thought that they consumed too much salt. Salt and salty condiments were added most of the time during cooking (92% and 64%, respectively) but rarely at the table (11%). These findings support the need for education campaigns to reduce salt added during cooking and for strategies to reduce salt content in selected manufactured foods in the region.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and practices of faculty on mentorship: An exploratory interpretivist study at a Sub-Saharan African medical school

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aloysius Mubuuke ◽  
Scovia N. Mbalinda ◽  
Ian G. Munabi ◽  
David Kateete ◽  
Robert B. Opoka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Knowledge Gap ◽  
Makerere University ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
University College ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background Mentorship has become a routine part of undergraduate training in health professions education. Although many health professions training institutions have successfully incorporated faculty-student mentorship in their formal training, many others especially in Sub-Saharan Africa have not fully embraced this. Institutionalized mentorship programmes are an effective methods of enhancing student learning experiences. Faculty, who are the mentors have an active role to play in driving the mentorship agenda and ensure that students benefit from this important activity. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices of faculty about student mentorship at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. Methods It was an exploratory qualitative study using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires. The study participants included faculty at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data using pre-determined themes. Results Four themes were identified: 1) Knowledge of mentorship, 2) Attitude towards mentorship, 3) Practice of mentorship and 4) Improving the mentorship process. Majority of the faculty reported being less knowledgeable on mentorship regardless of seniority. The level of knowledge seemed to influence the practice of mentorship. Despite the observed knowledge gap, all faculty demonstrated a positive attitude to participate in mentoring. Conclusion Faculty demonstrated a positive attitude towards mentorship despite the knowledge gap of mentorship identified. Continuous faculty development in mentorship as well as using peer mentorship were identified as key in sustaining the mentorship programme.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of the Nigerian Public

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (5) ◽  
pp. 1997-2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwaseyitan A. Adesegun ◽  
Tolulope Binuyo ◽  
Oluwafunmilola Adeyemi ◽  
Osaze Ehioghae ◽  
David F. Rabor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and practices of faculty on mentorship: An exploratory interpretivist study at a Sub-Saharan African medical school

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aloysius Mubuuke ◽  
Scovia N. Mbalinda ◽  
Ian G. Munabi ◽  
David Kateete ◽  
Robert B. Opoka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Knowledge Gap ◽  
Makerere University ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
University College ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Background Mentorship has become a routine part of undergraduate training in health professions education. Although many health professions training institutions have successfully incorporated faculty-student mentorship in their formal training, many others especially in Sub-Saharan Africa have not fully embraced this. Institutionalized mentorship programmes are an effective methods of enhancing student learning experiences. Faculty, who are the mentors have an active role to play in driving the mentorship agenda and ensure that students benefit from this important activity. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices of faculty about student mentorship at Makerere University College of Health Sciences.Methods It was an exploratory qualitative study using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires. The study participants included faculty at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data using pre-determined themes.Results Four themes were identified: 1) Knowledge of mentorship, 2) Attitude towards mentorship, 3) Practice of mentorship and 4) Improving the mentorship process. Majority of the faculty reported being less knowledgeable on mentorship regardless of seniority. The level of knowledge seemed to influence the practice of mentorship. Despite the observed knowledge gap, all faculty demonstrated a positive attitude to participate in mentoring.Conclusion Faculty demonstrated a positive attitude towards mentorship despite the knowledge gap of mentorship identified. Continuous faculty development in mentorship as well as using peer mentorship were identified as key in sustaining the mentorship programme.

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