scholarly journals Differences in Perceived Risk of Contracting SARS-CoV-2 during and after the Lockdown in Sub-Saharan African Countries

Author(s):  
Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu ◽  
Chikasirimobi G Timothy ◽  
Raymond Langsi ◽  
Emmanuel K Abu ◽  
Piwuna Christopher Goson ◽  
...  

This study investigated risk perception of contracting and dying of SARS-CoV-2 in sub-Sahara Africa during and after the lockdown periods. Two online surveys were conducted one year apart, with participants 18 years and above living in sub-Sahara Africa or the diaspora. Each survey took four weeks. The first survey was taken from 18 April to 16 May 2020, i.e., during the lockdown. The second survey was taken from 14 April to 14 May 2021, i.e., after the lockdown. A cross-sectional study using adopted and modified questionnaires for both surveys were distributed through online platforms. Question about risks perception of contracting and dying of SARS-CoV-2 were asked. The Helsinki declaration was applied, and ethical approvals were obtained. Total responses for both surveys, i.e., both during and after the lockdown, was 4605. The mean age was similar in both surveys (18–28 years). The mean risk perception scores were higher after lockdown by 3.59%. Factors associated with risk perception of COVID-19 were survey period, age group, region of residence, and occupation. Non-health care workers had a lower risk perception of COVID-19. This first comparative study on the level of risk perception of Africans during and after the lockdown shows that one in every three and every four persons in sub-Sahara Africa felt at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and thought they could die from contracting the same, respectively.

2021 ◽  
pp. 28-31
Author(s):  
Deepali Srivastava ◽  
Sandeepa Srivastava ◽  
Ashish Kumar ◽  
Sanjiv Kumar

Introduction: Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women, especially following menopause. The total affected population would have been around 35 to 40 million. Morbidity due to disease includes decreased mobility, decreased quality of life, and increased risk of mortality following an osteoporotic fracture. The morbidity due to the disease may be decreased through diet, exercise, supplementation, and medication. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of 'concern for osteoporosis' and self-perceived 'risk of osteoporosis and fracture' on antiosteoporosis behaviour such as (1) calcium and vitamin D supplementation, (2) seeking medical advice, (3) undergoing bone mineral (BMD) testing, and (4) taking antiosteoporosis medication (AOM). Material And Method:The study was conducted on women attending outpatient clinic of the Obstretics and Gynaecology and Orthopaedics department. Patients were required to ll up the Global Longitudinal Osteoporosis in Women Questionnaire. Enrolled patients were contacted after one year by means of telephone calls, hospital visits and home visits and data was collected for self-reported use of supplements, self-reported seeking of medical advice regarding osteoporosis, self-reported BMD testing, and self-reported use of antiosteoporosis medications etc. Results:Total of 1562 women were enrolled for the study out of which data of only 1000 women was analyzed at end of one year. At the end of one year period 360 women reported use of Calcium and or Vitamin D. Table 4 depicts the association between the use of vitamin supplementation and concern and risk perception. Concern (P=0.61), risk perception to osteoporosis (P=0.13), and risk perception to fracture (P=0.29) were not signicantly associated with use of vitamin supplementation in the next 12 months (i.e., calcium and/or vitamin D). Concern (p= <0.001), risk perception to osteoporosis (p=<0.001), and risk perception to fracture (p=<0.001) were signicantly associated with women seeking medical care during the next one year. Concern (p=0.35) was not signicantly associated with undergoing BMD examination. Risk perception to osteoporosis (p=0.03) and risk perception to fracture (p=0.03) were signicantly associated with women undergoing BMD medical examination in one year. Concern about osteoporosis (p=0.64) was not signicantly associated with treatment with anti-osteoporotic medication. Risk perception to osteoporosis (p=0.06) and risk perception to fracture (p=0.002) were signicantly associated with women. Conclusion: Concern for osteoporosis is associated with likelihood of seeking medical advice. Perception of risk for Osteoporosis and fractures is positively associated with seeking medical advice, BMD examination and AOM treatment


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
T. Makumbi ◽  
M. Galukande ◽  
A. Gakwaya

Introduction. Mastalgia is a common breast condition among women referred to breast clinics worldwide. Whereas the prevalence is known in the Western world and Asia, the prevalence of the disease is unknown in many African countries. The aim of this study therefore was to determine the prevalence and describe factors associated with mastalgia among women attending a tertiary hospital in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods. A cross-sectional study was done in Kampala, Uganda. Mastalgia was defined as self-reported breast pain (unilateral or bilateral) for a period not less than two months. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 11. Ethical approval was obtained. Results. Out of the 1048 women who presented to the breast clinic during the study period, 168 (16%) were diagnosed with mastalgia in the absence of breast cancer. Noncyclical and cyclical mastalgia were 22/168 (13%) and 5/168 (3%), respectively. The onset of noncyclical category as compared to the cyclical type of mastalgia was observed to manifest before 24 years of age (P=0.006). Conclusion. Mastalgia was a common condition among women in this sub-Saharan African setting as is elsewhere. The early onset mastalgia in this sub-Saharan African study requires further exploration for determination of its risk factors.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulcin Yapici ◽  
Oya Ögenler ◽  
Ahmet Öner Kurt ◽  
Fazıl Koçaş ◽  
Tayyar Şaşmaz

Background. Environmental destruction is one of the most important problems in this century. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the environmental attitudes and perceived risks associated with environmental factors of the students. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 7 faculties of Mersin University. The research data were collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, the “Environmental Attitudes Scale,” and the “Environmental Risk Perception Scale.” 774 students who filled out questionnaires were evaluated. Results. The sample included 55.8% females. Environmental Attitudes Scale mean scores of students were identified as 81.1±11.3. The highest perceived risk was release of radioactive materials associated with nuclear power generation. The environmental attitudes and risk perception scores were higher in Health Sciences than in the other faculties. Females were more positive towards the environment and had higher risk perceptions than the men. There is a negative correlation between age and resource depletion risk and global environmental risk score. Conclusion. Students had a positive attitude to the environment and had moderate-level risk perception about the environment. Environmental awareness of students, especially those studying in the Social Sciences, should be increased. The environmental education curriculum should be revised throughout all the courses.


Author(s):  
Suhasini Kanyadi ◽  
Chandra S. Metgud

Background: The period of adolescence, beginning with the onset of puberty, is a crucial transition into adulthood. There is a substantial lacuna in the knowledge, belief and practice about menstruation. This study addresses the gap in knowledge, belief and practice regarding menstruation among adolescent girls. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted over a period of one year, in an urban area of Belagavi among 625 adolescent girls in the age group of 16–19 years. Data was collected by house to house visit using a predesigned, pretested questionnaire. Results: The mean age (±SD) at menarche was found to be 12.8±1.73 years. Our study showed that as the knowledge increased, there was increase in the use of sanitary pad (p<0.001) and increase in the number of girls practicing cleaning of external genitalia during menstruation (p<0.01). However, it was found that 276 (50.5%) and 175 (37.7%) of the girls did not use sanitary pads and practice cleaning of external genitalia during menstruation even after having correct knowledge showing a gap in knowledge and practice. Similarly, among the 494 girls who knew that menstruation is a natural process, 93 (18.8%) girls wrongly believed she shouldn’t sleep in the same place as usual, 124 (25.1%) said she shouldn’t enter the kitchen, 186 (37.7%) believed that certain foods should be avoided and only 37 (7.5%) rightly believed that girls could go to place of worship during menstruation showing a gap in knowledge and belief. Conclusions: The study reported a gap in knowledge, belief and practice among adolescent girls. To bridge this gap causes have to be identified and addressed. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-224
Author(s):  
Sundeep Kaushik ◽  
Deepti Chopra ◽  
Suvasini Sharma ◽  
Satinder Aneja

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) due to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in children contribute to poorer patient outcomes. However, reliable data ragarding such ADRs is not available. Objectives: Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the incidence and patterns of ADRs of antiepileptic drugs in children aged 2-17 years presenting to a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: An observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital for a period of one year. Two hundred consecutive eligible patients (aged 2-17 yrs with epilepsy on AED) with consenting parents were enrolled. ADRs were noted using Paediatric Epilepsy Side Effect Questionnaire (PESQ) at clinic visits and any other ADRs reported by parents were also recorded. Causality, severity and avoidability assessments were done. Results: The mean age was 10.5 ± 3.6 years. A total of 139 ADRs occurred in 97 patients. One hundred and nine ADRs were reported by use of PESQ, in addition, 30 ADRs were reported by parents. Poor school result (33.8%) was the commonest ADR. Valproate (61.9%) was the main drug causing ADRs. Valproate, when used in polytherapy, was associated with more number of children experiencing ADRs (72.2%). The most common add on drug was clobazam (42.3%). Children with poorly controlled epilepsy were associated with more ADRs. Causality assessment revealed that 91.3% of the ADRs were probable. Most (94.9%) ADRs were of ‘mild’ category and 95.7% were probably preventable. Treatment was discontinued only in 6 patients of phenytoin toxicity.R Conclusion: Cognitive and neurological problems were the most common ADRs seen in children with epilepsy. Polytherapy significantly increases the likelihood of ADRs in children.


1970 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 26-30
Author(s):  
Jai Kirshin ◽  
Sameena Afghan ◽  
Aqeela Ayub ◽  
Kishor Shah ◽  
Maqbool Hussain

BACKGROUND: Measles is highly endemic disease in Pakistan that can be prevented by vaccinating the child.Patients with rash and fever are the major syptoms of this infection. The aim of this study was to find the associationof clinical and serological outcome of measles and rubella with demographic profiles in patients hospitalised withclinical suspicion of these conditions. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in children hospital of PIMS Islamabad where allchildren presenting with maculopapular rash in outdoor patient, indoor patient and accident and emergencydepartment were enrolled. The study duration was one year or the completion of required sample size. A total of 73children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. A purposive sampling technique was used toselect cases. Data was collected through a structured proforma especially designed for this study. Permission wastaken from the Hospital Ethical Committee before the commencement of the study. A written consent was also takenfrom the parents of children prior to conduct the study. RESULTS: All the children in this study was 46.5 (± 40.1) months of age, the mean (SD) age was 4 years and 10months (± 3 years and 4 months). The median age of all children was 24 months (2 years). The youngest child was 7months old while the eldest child was 12 years (144 months) of age. Out of 73 children enrolled in the current studywho presented with maculopapular rash and their serological outcome was assessed, 50 (68.5 percent) were boyswhereas 23 (31.5 percent) were girls. Koplik's spots were present among 56 (76.7 percent) children whereas 17(23.3 percent) did not have Koplik's spots at the time of enrolment. lymphadenopathy was assessed in 35 (47.9percent) children while 38 (52.1 percent) did not have lymphadenopathy at the time of enrolment. CONCLUSION: Study concluded that a higher proportion of children presenting with maculopapular rash werediagnosed to have measles on the basis of serology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
Azlini Ismail ◽  
Nur Hanisah Ismail ◽  
Nur Yasrin Maisarah Abu Kassim ◽  
Widya Lestari ◽  
Ahmad Faisal Ismail ◽  
...  

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has affected dental education in Malaysia. However, studies on dental students’ knowledge, perception, and behaviors with regards to COVID-19 are very limited. Thus, this study aims to determine the knowledge status, perceived risk, and preventive behaviors of dental students in Malaysia regarding COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students from 13 dental schools across Malaysia using online questionnaires. Results: From 355 respondents, 93.5% obtained a high score of knowledge of COVID-19. Female respondents scored higher than males in perceived risks and preventive behaviors. Chinese respondents scored highest in knowledge, while Malay respondents had the highest perceived risk score. The mean preventive behavior score did not vary across ethnicity. On-campus students scored higher in knowledge and perceived risk whereas off-campus students practiced more preventive behaviors. Clinical students’ knowledge score was higher than preclinical students. Final year students scored higher in knowledge and perceived risk compared to their juniors. Conclusion: The majority of dental students have good knowledge and a high perceived risk of COVID-19, and they practiced most of the preventive behaviors. However, the latest information on this disease should be incorporated into dental schools’ curriculums and updated periodically.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-113
Author(s):  
Kricha Pande ◽  
Shraddha Koirala ◽  
Astha Shrestha

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginitis. It is caused by depopulation of lactobacilli from the normal vaginal flora and overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis and other anaerobic species. Pap smear being a screening and diagnostic tool for malignancy, is equally important to diagnose infective pathology as well. This study tried to establish the significance of reporting the presence of cannon balls in Pap smears and whether their presence suggested bacterial vaginosis or not. This was a cross sectional study conducted at Nepal Medical College, Teaching Hospital (NMCTH), Kathmandu for duration of one year (January 2020 to December 2020). Pap smears were sent from gynaecology department and standard routine Pap stain was done in Pathology Department. Presence of bacterial vaginosis and cannon balls were noted. Total of 799 Pap smears were received. The mean age of bacterial vaginosis was 38.2 ± 9.6 years. The age group of 31-40 years (n=32, 39%) was most commonly affected. Bacterial vaginosis was seen in 81 pap smears out of 799 pap smears. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 10.1%. Of the total of 799 cases of Pap smears, cannon balls were seen in 9.1% cases and among the bacterial vaginosis, cannon balls were seen in 48% cases. There was significant association between cannonballs and bacterial vaginosis (p < 0.0001). Thus, the present study re-enforces the fact that Pap smear is also very effective tool to diagnose bacterial vaginosis.


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