Impact of COVID-19 Home Confinement in Children’s Refractive Errors

Background: Myopia is a public health problem, with estimations that 50% of the world population will be myopic by 2050. Some environmental factors, such as time spent outdoors, doing near work, and using digital devices, influence the development of myopia in children. Home confinement in Spain has increased these risk factors, so this study aims to investigate the impact of home confinement during the COVID-19 outbreak in the vision of school-aged children; Methods: A cross-sectional study in children between 5 and 7 years old that completed a visual screening and a questionnaire about their lifestyles at opticians in Spain in September and October of 2019 and 2020. Statistical analysis to compare lifestyles pre and post confinement, and vision in 2020 versus a similar cohort examined at the same opticians in 2019, was conducted; Results: Spanish children spent less time outdoors and more time doing near work in 2020 than in 2019 (p ≤ 0.001). There was a significant decrease of the spherical equivalent (mean ± standard deviation; 0.66 ± 2.03 D in 2019 vs. 0.48 ± 1.81 D in 2020; p ≤ 0.001); Conclusions: Lifestyles of Spanish children changed during the home confinement at the beginning of 2020. Together with changes in their lifestyles, spherical equivalents have decreased, which implies higher figures of myopia for children aged between 5 and 7.

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The Social and Psychological Impact of Superficial Dermatophytic Infection using Dlqi and Ghq-12: A Cross-Sectional Study in 174 Patients at a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern-East Rajasthan

10.47363/jdmrs/2021(2)133 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Shivani Saini ◽

◽

Agarwal Shail ◽

Jain Manish ◽

Yadav Devendra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Population ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact

Background: Dermatophytosis is a common fungal infection affecting 20-25% of the world population. Aims: Our study was aimed to assess its impact on health-related quality of life(QoL), mental health, and various variables. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done from April 2019 to September 2019 on 174 patients of dermatophytosis of aged more than 16 years with their informed consent. The impact of infection on the quality of life was assessed by using the Dermatology life quality index questionnaire and General health questionnaire-12 was used to assess psychological impact. A visual analogue scale was used to assess the severity of pruritus. Appropriate statistical tests were applied. Results: Males to females ratio was 1.4:1. The age group of 21-30 was having the highest number of patients with the mean age of 27.8±9.97. Most patients had BSA under 10%. The mean value of DLQI and GHQ-12 were found 15.989±7.407 and 2.8563±2.8964, respectively. We found that dermatophytosis had a very large effect on the quality of life as the maximum number of patients(39%) were within this category. The “work and school” part in the questionnaire gained maximum importance(52.8%). The mean VAS score was 6±2.733 with most patients(32.7%) had moderate itching. We found a positive correlation between VAS and DLQI, VAS and GHQ-12, DLQI, and GHQ-12 with the statistical significance. Conclusion: In our study dermatophytosis affected the quality of life as well as the psychological health of patients. Therefore proper treatment of superficial dermatophtytosis is essential to prevent it from further complications

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Polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium, Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths in school-aged children in Muyuka–Cameroon following implementation of control measures: a cross sectional study

Infectious Diseases of Poverty ◽

10.1186/s40249-021-00802-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele ◽

Ofon Vitalis Otia ◽

Orelien Sylvain Mtopi Bopda ◽

Calvin Bisong Ebai ◽

Helen KuoKuo Kimbi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Significant Risk ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Measures ◽

Single Infection ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽

School Aged Children ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Despite the ubiquity of polyparasitism, its health impacts have been inadequately studied. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium, Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) following sustained control measures, as well as evaluate the outcomes and clinical correlates of infection in school-aged children (SAC) living in the schistosomiasis endemic focus of Muyuka-Cameroon. Methods In a cross-sectional study, urine, blood and stool samples were each collected from SAC (4–14 years) selected at random between March and June 2015. Microhaematuria in urine was detected using reagent strip and S. haematobium ova by filtration/microscopy methods. Plasmodium was detected using Giemsa-stained blood films and complete blood count was obtained using an auto-haematology analyser. STH in stool was detected by the Kato-Katz method. Categorical and continuous variables were compared as required, Kappa value estimated and the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) in the multivariate analysis was used to evaluate association of the risk factors with infection. Results Out of the 638 SAC examined, single infection was prevalent in 33.4% while polyparasitism was 19.9%. Prevalence of S. haematobium + Plasmodium was 7.8%; S. haematobium + STH was 0.8%; Plasmodium + STH was 0.8%; while S. haematobium + Plasmodium + STH was 0.9%. Higher preponderance of S. haematobium + Plasmodium infection occurred in females, those from Likoko, did not use potable water, practiced bathing in stream and carried out open defecation than their equivalents. However, being female (aOR = 2.38, P = 0.009) was the only significant risk factor identified. Anaemia was a common morbidity (74.3%) with a slight agreement with microscopy in predicting S. haematobium and Plasmodium infections. The sensitivity and specificity of haematuria (13.0%) in predicting S. haematobium infection was 46.5% and 100% with a moderate agreement with microscopy. Co-infection with S. haematobium and malaria parasite was significantly associated with threefold odds of history of fever in the last three days. Conclusions Polyparasitism is a public health problem in Muyuka with females most at risk. Anaemia prevalence is exacerbated in co- and triple-infections and together with a history of fever are of value in predicting polyparasitism.

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Characterization ofMycobacterium bovisfrom Humans and Cattle in Namwala District, Zambia

Veterinary Medicine International ◽

10.1155/2014/187842 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Sydney Malama ◽

Tone Bjordal Johansen ◽

John Bwalya Muma ◽

Musso Munyeme ◽

Grace Mbulo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Infected Cattle ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

Tuberculosis remains a major public health problem in Zambia. While human to human transmission ofMycobacterium tuberculosisis of major importance in driving the tuberculosis epidemic, the impact ofMycobacterium bovistransmission from infected cattle is largely unknown. This cross-sectional study aimed at molecular characterization ofM. bovisin humans and cattle. A total of 100 human sputum samples and 67 bovine tissues were collected and analyzed for the presence of mycobacteria. Of 65 human samples that harbored acid fast bacteria (AFB), 55 isolates were obtained of which 34 were identified asM. tuberculosisand 2 asM. bovis. AFB-positive bovine samples (n=67) yielded 47 mycobacterial isolates among which 25 were identified asM. bovisand noM. tuberculosiswas found. Among theM. bovisisolates, spoligotyping revealed a high homogeneity in genotypes circulating in Namwala district. Human and cattle isolates shared identical MIRU-VNTR genotypes, suggesting that transmission between the two hosts may occur. Therefore, this study has documented zoonotic TB in human patients in Namwala district of Zambia. However, further molecular epidemiological studies in the study area are recommended.

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Association Between Anthropometric Factors and Balance Among Elderly Fallers and Non-Fallers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice ◽

10.46743/1540-580x/2021.2049 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Pothiraj Pitchai ◽

Reshma Gurav ◽

Srishti Chauhan

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Negative Correlation ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact

Purpose: Falls are an emerging public health problem causing a cascade of medical, functional, and socio-economic consequences. Apart from other widely explored risk factors affecting balance, anthropometric factors are also known to have an impact on balance. However, this relationship hasn’t been studied extensively in older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the anthropometric factors such as Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Mass (BFM), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), Lower Limb Length (LLL), Foot Length (FL) and balance in the elderly among fallers and non-fallers. Method: This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 fallers and 100 non-fallers, aged 60 years and above. These participants were recruited by a stratified random sampling technique from Navi Mumbai region. All the above anthropometric factors were measured and recorded. Each participant’s balance was assessed using the Mini-BESTest scale. Obtained scores were analysed in SPSS software; descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation coefficient, and Z scores were applied. Results: A sample size of 100 non-fallers, 50% male and 50% females, participated in this study. Among those participants classified as “fallers,” 56% were males and 44% were females. The mean age of the non-fallers was 66±5.01 and the mean age of the fallers was 67.72±6.73. In fallers, WHR showed good negative correlation (r= -.807), BFM as moderate (r= -.577) and BMI as fair (r= -.426) whereas in non-fallers, BMI showed moderate (r= -.546) and fair negative correlation for both WHR (r= -.303) and BFM (r= -.441). However, LLL and FL in both groups show little or no correlation. The Association of all anthropometric factors with the balance between fallers and non-fallers showed no-significant difference. It may be inter-group variance for age, gender and BMI, as participants were not matched for these variables during the recruiting phase. Additionally, the reason for the fall was not explored, thus adding to the limitations of our study. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the impact of increased WHR, BFM and BMI on balance in the elderly fallers and non-fallers. Thus, it is important to screen these factors while assessing biological risk factors for predicting falls. This study further recommends exploring the normative value for anthropometric factors in a healthy elderly population.

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Polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium, Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths in school-aged children living in the urogenital schistosomiasis endemic focus of Muyuka-Cameroon following implementation of control measures: a cross sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-70696/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele ◽

Ofon Vitalis Otia ◽

Orelien Sylvain Mtopi Bopda ◽

Calvin Bisong Ebai ◽

Helen KuoKuo Kimbi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Significant Risk ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Measures ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽

School Aged Children ◽

Endemic Focus ◽

History Of

Abstract Background: Despite the ubiquity of polyparasitism, its health impacts have been inadequately studied. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium, Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) following sustained control measures, as well as evaluate the outcomes and clinical correlates of infection in school-aged children (SAC) living in the schistosomiasis endemic focus of Muyuka-Cameroon.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, urine, blood and stool samples were each collected from SAC (4-14 years) between March to June 2015. Microhaematuria in urine was detected using reagent strip and S. haematobium ova by filtration/microscopy methods. Plasmodium was detected using Giemsa stained blood films and complete blood count was obtained using an auto-haematology analyser. STH in stool was detected by the Kato-Katz method. Categorical and continuous variables were compared as required, Kappa value estimated and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) in the multivariate analysis was used to evaluate association of the risk factors with infection.Results: Out of the 638 SAC examined, single infection was prevalent in 33.4% while polyparasitism was 19.9%. Prevalence of S. haematobium + Plasmodium was 7.8%; S. haematobium + STH was 0.8%; Plasmodium + STH was 0.8% while, S. haematobium + Plasmodium + STH was 0.9%. Higher preponderance of S. haematobium + Plasmodium infection occurred in females, those from Likoko, did not use potable water, practiced bathing in stream and carried out open defecation than their equivalents. However, being female (AOR =2.38, P=0.009) was the only significant risk factor identified. Anaemia was a common morbidity (74.3%) with a slight agreement with microscopy in predicting S. haematobium and Plasmodium infections. The sensitivity and specificity of haematuria (13.0%) in predicting S. haematobium infection was 46.5% and 100% with a moderate agreement with microscopy. Co-infection with S. haematobium and malaria parasite was significantly associated with 3-fold odds of history of fever in the last three days.Conclusions: Polyparasitism is a public health problem in the Ikata-Likoko area in Muyuka with females most at risk. Anaemia prevalence is exacerbated in co- and triple-infections and together with a history of fever are of value in predicting polyparasitism.

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Polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium,Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths in school-aged children in Muyuka-Cameroon following implementation of control measures: a cross sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-70696/v3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele ◽

Ofon Vitalis Otia ◽

Orelien Sylvain Mtopi Bopda ◽

Calvin Bisong Ebai ◽

Helen KuoKuo Kimbi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Significant Risk ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Measures ◽

Single Infection ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽

School Aged Children ◽

History Of

Abstract Background: Despite the ubiquity of polyparasitism, its health impacts have been inadequately studied. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium, Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) following sustained control measures, as well as evaluate the outcomes and clinical correlates of infection in school-aged children (SAC) living in the schistosomiasis endemic focus of Muyuka-Cameroon.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, urine, blood and stool samples were each collected from SAC (4–14 years) selected at random between March to June 2015. Microhaematuria in urine was detected using reagent strip and S. haematobium ova by filtration/microscopy methods. Plasmodium was detected using Giemsa stained blood films and complete blood count was obtained using an auto-haematology analyser. STH in stool was detected by the Kato-Katz method. Categorical and continuous variables were compared as required, Kappa value estimated and the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) in the multivariate analysis was used to evaluate association of the risk factors with infection.Results: Out of the 638 SAC examined, single infection was prevalent in 33.4% while polyparasitism was 19.9%. Prevalence of S. haematobium + Plasmodium was 7.8%; S. haematobium + STH was 0.8%; Plasmodium + STH was 0.8% while, S. haematobium + Plasmodium + STH was 0.9%. Higher preponderance of S. haematobium + Plasmodium infection occurred in females, those from Likoko, did not use potable water, practiced bathing in stream and carried out open defecation than their equivalents. However, being female (aOR =2.38, P = 0.009) was the only significant risk factor identified. Anaemia was a common morbidity (74.3%) with a slight agreement with microscopy in predicting S. haematobium and Plasmodium infections. The sensitivity and specificity of haematuria (13.0%) in predicting S. haematobium infection was 46.5% and 100% with a moderate agreement with microscopy. Co-infection with S. haematobium and malaria parasite was significantly associated with 3-fold odds of history of fever in the last three days.Conclusions: Polyparasitism is a public health problem in Muyuka with females most at risk. Anaemia prevalence is exacerbated in co- and triple-infections and together with a history of fever are of value in predicting polyparasitism.

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Polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium,Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths in school-aged children in Muyuka-Cameroon following implementation of control measures: a cross sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-70696/v4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele ◽

Ofon Vitalis Otia ◽

Orelien Sylvain Mtopi Bopda ◽

Calvin Bisong Ebai ◽

Helen KuoKuo Kimbi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Significant Risk ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Measures ◽

Single Infection ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽

School Aged Children ◽

History Of

Abstract Background: Despite the ubiquity of polyparasitism, its health impacts have been inadequately studied. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium, Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) following sustained control measures, as well as evaluate the outcomes and clinical correlates of infection in school-aged children (SAC) living in the schistosomiasis endemic focus of Muyuka-Cameroon.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, urine, blood and stool samples were each collected from SAC (4–14 years) selected at random between March to June 2015. Microhaematuria in urine was detected using reagent strip and S. haematobium ova by filtration/microscopy methods. Plasmodium was detected using Giemsa-stained blood films and complete blood count was obtained using an auto-haematology analyser. STH in stool was detected by the Kato-Katz method. Categorical and continuous variables were compared as required, Kappa value estimated and the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) in the multivariate analysis was used to evaluate association of the risk factors with infection.Results: Out of the 638 SAC examined, single infection was prevalent in 33.4% while polyparasitism was 19.9%. Prevalence of S. haematobium + Plasmodium was 7.8%; S. haematobium + STH was 0.8%; Plasmodium + STH was 0.8%; while S. haematobium + Plasmodium + STH was 0.9%. Higher preponderance of S. haematobium + Plasmodium infection occurred in females, those from Likoko, did not use potable water, practiced bathing in stream and carried out open defecation than their equivalents. However, being female (aOR =2.38, P = 0.009) was the only significant risk factor identified. Anaemia was a common morbidity (74.3%) with a slight agreement with microscopy in predicting S. haematobium and Plasmodium infections. The sensitivity and specificity of haematuria (13.0%) in predicting S. haematobium infection was 46.5% and 100% with a moderate agreement with microscopy. Co-infection with S. haematobium and malaria parasite was significantly associated with 3-fold odds of history of fever in the last three days.Conclusions: Polyparasitism is a public health problem in Muyuka with females most at risk. Anaemia prevalence is exacerbated in co- and triple-infections and together with a history of fever are of value in predicting polyparasitism.

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The impact of the use of a footrest on the quality of chest compressions. A prospective, randomized, cross-sectional study

Postępy Nauk Medycznych ◽

10.25121/pnm.2018.31.3.133 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Jolanta Majer ◽

Sandra Pyda ◽

Jerzy Robert Ladny ◽

Antonio Rodriguez-Nunez ◽

Lukasz Szarpak

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Chest Compressions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

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Impact of Community-Led Total Sanitation and Hygiene on Prevalence of Diarrheal Disease and Associated Factors among Under-Five Children: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Selected Woredas of Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Advances in Public Health ◽

10.1155/2020/8237101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Agune Ashole Alto ◽

Wanzahun Godana ◽

Genet Gedamu

Keyword(s):

Drinking Water ◽

Diarrheal Disease ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Under Five ◽

Under Five Children ◽

Sanitation And Hygiene ◽

The Impact ◽

Gamo Gofa

Background. Diarrheal diseases are still one of the major causes of morbidity in under-five children in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, diarrhea is responsible for 9% of all deaths and is the major cause of under-five mortality. Objective. To assess the impact of community-led total sanitation and hygiene on the prevalence of diarrheal disease and factors associated among under-five children in Gamo Gofa Zone. Methods. Community-based comparative cross-sectional study design was used to compare the impact of community-led total sanitation and hygiene intervention on under-five diarrheal disease. Multistage sampling method was employed. The data were collected by using pretested structured questionnaires. Data quality was ensured by daily supervision completeness and consistency. The data were coded, entered, and cleaned by using Epi Info version 7 and were analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were carried out by using binary logistic regression. Significance was declared by using p value of <0.05 and AOR with 95% confidence intervals. Results. The response rate of this study was 93.3%. The overall diarrhea prevalence was 27.5% (CI = (24.06, 30.97)) which was 18.9% (CI = (14.94, 23.2)) in implemented and 36.2%. (CI = (30.41, 41.59)) in nonimplemented woredas. Children whose age was between 12 and 23 months (AOR = 1.6) and greater than 24 months (AOR = 5), availability of handwashing facilities (AOR = 4), disposal of waste in open field (AOR = 9.7), unimproved source of drinking water (AOR = 6.5), using only water for handwashing (AOR = 6), children who started complementary feeding less than 6 months (AOR = 5.6) and greater than 6 months (AOR = 5.2), and utensils used to feed children such as bottle (AOR = 3.9) were the factors positively associated with diarrhea. Conclusion. The overall prevalence of under-five diarrhea was 27.5%. The prevalence was low in CLTSH woredas as compared with non-CLTSH woredas. The study showed that handwashing facility, using only water for handwashing, open refuse disposal, and unimproved source of drinking water among under-five had a statistically significant association with diarrhea occurrence in CLTSH nonimplemented areas. Integrated efforts are needed from the Ministry of Health together with the WASH Project in improving drinking water, handwashing facilities, and solid waste disposal practices.

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