Knowledge of Lassa Fever Disease and Its Risk Factors Among Rural People in a Nigerian Community

Introduction: Lassa fever disease (LFD) is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever caused by Lassa virus. It is a disease of public health importance in West Africa and a global health threat. It is endemic in some West African countries like Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, where an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 cases occur every year with an estimated 5000 annual deaths. Persons living in rural areas and health care workers are at greatest risk. Public awareness and knowledge of the LFD and its risk factors are some of the important factors that determine disease transmission and success of preventive/control efforts. This study was therefore conducted to assess LFD-related awareness and knowledge in Gangara, a rural agrarian community in Giwa Local Government Area of Kuduna State, NorthWest Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional, community based descriptive study conducted in Gangara community. An interviewer- administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 556 adult respondents, selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS (version 20). Results: A majority of the respondents were females (52.9%) with a mean age of 37.0 ± 15.2. The level of awareness of LFD was high (66.7%) among respondents and there was a statistically significant association between awareness of LFD and not having any form of education (P < 0.00). However, most of the respondents (79.0%) have poor knowledge of LFD. Knowledge of risk factors for LFD was also poor with 59.4% not knowing that drying grains and foodstuffs on the ground is a risk factor for LFD. Conclusions: Awareness of the disease was quite high but knowledge of the disease and its risk factors was poor. For effective prevention of future outbreaks, the community needs to be properly educated on LFD and its risk factors.

Download Full-text

Community hygiene against lassa fever disease and its predictors in a Nigerian rural settlement

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.588 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

A A Gobir ◽

C L Ejembi ◽

A A Aliyu ◽

M B Garba ◽

C J C Igboanusi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sampling Technique ◽

Lassa Fever ◽

West African ◽

World Health ◽

Food Storage ◽

African Countries ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Effective Prevention ◽

Viral Haemorrhagic Fever ◽

Hygiene Measures

Abstract Background Lassa fever disease (LFD) is a viral haemorrhagic fever that is endemic in some West african countries where an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 cases and 5000 deaths occur yearly. The World Health Organization described it as a global health threat. At community level, its prevention relies on promoting good “community hygiene”. This study was conducted to assess practice of community hygiene measures against LFD and its associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional, community based descriptive study conducted during a LFD epidemic in a a rural community of Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 556 adult respondents, selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Results A majority of the respondents were females (52.9%). Educational attainment was significantly associated with safe food storage at the multivariate level (aOR= 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10-1.54,P= 0.002) while having a good knowledge of LFD was a significant predictor of maintaining good housing standards (aOR= 3.73, 95% CI: 1.09-12.80,P=0.036). Conclusions Predictors of practice of community hygiene against LFD include education and having an excellent knowledge of LFD. To improve community hygiene practices in the community, there is need for a comprehensive LFD behavior change communication intervention. Key messages Cubing the global threat of LFD depends on its effective prevention in endemic West African communities. This study shows that such preventive measures are poor and there is need for more response to address the problem.

Download Full-text

Alcohol Induced Psychotic Disorder: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Journal of Psychiatrists Association of Nepal ◽

10.3126/jpan.v9i1.31335 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 41-46

Author(s):

PM Singh ◽

S Karmacharya ◽

S Khadka ◽

Sc Gautam ◽

N Joshi

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Psychotic Disorder ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Psychiatric Inpatient ◽

Heavy Drinking ◽

College Teaching ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction: Alcohol is a potent drug that can produce serious psychiatric symptoms including psychosis. It is believed that approximately 3% of alcoholic persons experience auditory hallucinations or paranoid delusions in the context of heavy drinking or withdrawal. Across Nepal, alcohol use varies widely and alcohol dependence is an increasing problem. So this study aims to provide information regarding prevalence and risk factors of Alcohol Induced Psychotic Disorder in context of Nepal. Material And Method: A hosiptal-based cross- sectional study was carried out among 37 patients admitted in psychiatric inpatient ward at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu with the diagnosis of AIPD from the period of Magh 2075 to Poush 2076. Semi-structured proforma developed by department of Psychiatry was used to collect socio- demographic data. The consent was taken from the patients and caregivers and strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Diagnosis was based on ICD-10 DCR criteria and the collected data was analyzed with SPSS. Results: There were total 37 patients (29 males and 8 females) admitted with the diagnosis of AIPD and the prevalence of AIPD in our study was 6.19%. Among them majority of the patients (35.1%) were of age group (41-50) years and more than half were from rural areas (64.9%). Nearly half of the patients were educated upto primary level (45.9%) and (35.1%) were farmer by occupation. Also Hindus (56.8%) were found to be more associated with AIPD than Buddhist or Christian. Conclusion: The findings of this study concluded that alcohol is a substantial problem in Nepal. The efforts should be used to increase public awareness about the problems associated with alcohol.

Download Full-text

Dynamical System Analysis of a Lassa Fever Model with Varying Socioeconomic Classes

Journal of Applied Mathematics ◽

10.1155/2020/2601706 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Ifeanyi Sunday Onah ◽

Obiora Cornelius Collins

Keyword(s):

Disease Transmission ◽

System Analysis ◽

Lassa Fever ◽

West African ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Model Parameters ◽

Lassa Virus ◽

African Countries ◽

Patch Model ◽

Viral Illness

Lassa fever is an animal-borne acute viral illness caused by Lassa virus. It poses a serious health challenge around the world today, especially in West African countries like Ghana, Benin, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. In this work, we formulate a multiple-patch Lassa fever model, where each patch denotes a socioeconomic class (SEC). Some of the important epidemiological features such as basic reproduction number of the model were determined and analysed accordingly. We further investigated how varying SECs affect the transmission dynamics of Lassa fever. We analysed the required state at which each SEC is responsible in driving the Lassa fever disease outbreak. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to determine the importance of model parameters to the disease transmission and prevalence. We carried out numerical simulation to support our analytical results. Finally, we extend some of the results of the 2-patch model to the general n -patch model.

Download Full-text

Sex-based differences in and risk factors for metabolic syndrome in adults aged 40 years and above in Northeast China: Results from the cross-sectional China national stroke screening survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038671 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e038671

Author(s):

Feng-E Li ◽

Fu-Liang Zhang ◽

Peng Zhang ◽

Dong Liu ◽

Hao-Yuan Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Junior High School ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Northeast China ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

High Body Mass Index ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sample Data ◽

High Incidence

ObjectivesLow levels of income and education are risk factors for metabolic syndrome in the population of Northeast China, which has a high incidence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to determine sex-based differences associated with the prevalence of and risk factors for metabolic syndrome among people older than 40 years in Northeast China; this has not been previously investigated.DesignThis study analysed a portion of the large sample data of the national cross-sectional screening of China from 2016. Metabolic syndrome was defined as the presence of any three of the following five risk factors: abnormal waist circumference; high levels of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or fasting plasma glucose; and elevated blood pressure. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate sex-based differences in the prevalence of, and risk factors for metabolic syndrome.SettingThe study was conducted in Dehui City, Jilin Province, China.ParticipantsA total of 4052 participants with complete questionnaire information and laboratory examination results were included.ResultsThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 50.1% overall (38.4% in men and 57.9% in women; p<0.001). High body mass index and hip circumference were associated with metabolic syndrome in both sexes. In addition, physical inactivity (OR and 95% CI 1.44 (1.06 to 1.97); p=0.022) in men and advanced age (OR and 95% CI 1.54 (1.15 to 2.04); p=0.003) in women were factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Women with junior high school education or above and living in rural areas were less likely to have metabolic syndrome. For men, education and rural or urban living had no association with metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsThe risk factors for metabolic syndrome have similarities and differences in different sexes; thus, the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome should be based on these sex differences.

Download Full-text

The Prevalence and Awareness of Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors among the Lebanese Population: A Prospective Study Comparing Urban to Rural Populations

Cardiology Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2017/3530902 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Iqbal Fahs ◽

Zainab Khalife ◽

Diana Malaeb ◽

Mohammad Iskandarani ◽

Pascale Salameh

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Undiagnosed Diabetes ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Undiagnosed Hypertension ◽

Lebanese Population ◽

Urban And Rural Areas ◽

A Prospective Study

Introduction. CVDs are largely driven by modifiable risk factors. This study sought to determine the awareness and prevalence of the modifiable CVDs risk factors among the Lebanese population.Methods. In a cross-sectional survey, 1000 participants aged ≥ 45 years were randomly selected from pharmacies and interviewed. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 21.0 software.Results. Differences between urban and rural areas include alcohol consumption (2.8% versus 1.7%;p=0.0001), cardioprotective vegetable servings (6.1% versus 2.3%;p=0.016), sedentary hours per day (18.6% versus 15.1%;p=0.002), and hypertension (38.5% versus 25.4%;p=0.001). The prevalence of overweight and obesity (77.3% versus 75.2%;p=0.468), smoking (39.3% versus 43.3%;p=0.232), diabetes (25.4% versus 21.4%;p=0.173), and dyslipidemia (25 versus 21.2%) was reported. Measurements revealed 19.3% of undiagnosed hypertension (12.4% versus 22.4%,p=0.001), 61.7% of hypertension (59.8% versus 62.6%;p=0.203), and 7.9% of undiagnosed diabetes (6.6% versus 8.6%;p=0.323). The declared awareness of CVDs risk factors was highest for smoking (91.5% versus 89.7%;p=0.339) and lowest for diabetes (54.4 versus 55.7%;p=0.692).Conclusion. This study has shown a high prevalence of modifiable CVDs risk factors in the Lebanese population ≥ 45 years, among which hypertension is the most prominent.

Download Full-text

Brucellosis in camel and human: Seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Amibara district of Afar region, Ethiopia

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1073598/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fekadu Gutema ◽

Prof Kebede Amenu ◽

Adugna Chalchisa ◽

Prof Gezahegn Mamo

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Close Contact ◽

Mammalian Species ◽

Raw Milk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

North East ◽

Afar Region ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background: Brucellosis is an important neglected zoonotic disease caused by infection with bacteria of the genus Brucella affecting different mammalian species including man. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels and human and its associated risk factors in Amibara district of Afar region, North east Ethiopia from October 2019 to May 2020Result: A total of 250 camel and 120 human sera were serially tested using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), and Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The overall seroprevalence of camel brucellosis in the current study was 7.6% (95% CI: 4.9-11.56) using RBPT and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.63-6.2) by combined RBPT and CFT. In Human twelve (10%) of the collected sera were positive by RBPT among which only four of them (3.33%) were positive by CFT. The risk factors analysis indicated that, age, body condition, number of parity and abortion history were significantly associated with brucella seropositivity in camel(P≤0.05). In human, occupation and non-protective handling of dystocia cases showed apparent association with brucella seropositivity.Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that, brucellosis is a common health problem in camel and human in Amibara district of Afar region. The public health importance of this disease is associated with raw milk consumption and close contact with the animals having history of recent abortion. Therefore, controlling the risk factors, establishing brucella diagnostic service in human clinics and hospitals, continuous social training with feedback assessments and overall implementing of One Health approach framework to attain optimal health for people and domestic animals in area are recommended to safeguard the health of society.

Download Full-text

Screening of Gestational Diabetes and Hypertension Among Antenatal Women in Rural West India

Central Asian Journal of Global Health ◽

10.5195/cajgh.2014.140 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Viral R. Dave ◽

Bhavik M. Rana ◽

Kantibhai N. Sonaliya ◽

Suraj J. Chandwani ◽

Samkit V. Sharma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Gestational Diabetes ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Screening Program ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sampling Procedure ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Screening Guidelines ◽

History Of

Background: Hypertension and gestational diabetes are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality, especially in rural areas of developing countries with meager health facilities. With early diagnosis and timely treatment, these adverse events can be decreased. The primary aim of this study was to implement a screening program for gestational diabetes and hypertension, and to assess risk factors associated with these conditions among antenatal women in the rural area of the Gujarat province in India.Methods: A cross–sectional study was conducted at one of the rural areas of Gujarat province in India. Following a random cluster sampling procedure, the village of Davas was selected. A multistage random sampling method was utilized, resulting in a sample of 346 antenatal women. Screening guidelines from the American Diabetes Association were followed for gestational diabetes screening.Results: The majority of antenatal mothers (55.50%) were between 21-25 years of age. 242 antenatal women were multigravida, and among them, 85.96% had institutional delivery at their last pregnancy. Of the total 346 women, 17.60% were prehypertensive. The prevalence of systolic hypertension was 1.40%, diastolic hypertension was 0.90%, and gestational diabetes was 1.73%.Conclusion: Socioeconomically upper class, a family history of hypertension, and BMI ≥ 25 were strong risk factors for hypertension during pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Health education should be made readily available to antenatal mothers by paramedical workers regarding symptoms of hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus for early self identification.

Download Full-text

Prevalence and Economic Significance of Hydatidosis on Cattle Slaughtered at Nekemte Municipal Abattoir, Western Ethiopia

Veterinary Medicine - Open Journal ◽

10.17140/vmoj-5-150 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 57-63

Author(s):

Tuge Temesgen ◽

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Cattle Breed ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hydatid Cysts ◽

Financial Loss ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Viability Test ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Aim The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hydatidosis, to identify the association between expected risk factors and occurrence of the disease, to investigate economic importance and to evaluate fertility and viability of the hydatid cyst in cattle slaughtered at the abattoir. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study, which involves both ante-mortem and post-mortem examination, was conducted at Nekemte municipal abattoir from November 2015 to March 2016. Results A total of 355 local cattle breed was randomly sampled and examined for the presence of hydatid cysts in the organs of the animals using the standard meat inspection procedures, 66 (18.6%) animals were found harboring hydatid cysts. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis in all risk factors with exception of sex of the animals. Among 207 hydatid cysts recorded, 93 (44.92%) were from lungs, 65 (31.40%) from livers, 4 (1.93%) from heart, 3 (1.44%) from kidney, 1 (0.48%) from spleen and 41 (19.8%) were in two organs from lung and liver. Fifty-seven (57) of these 207 cysts were randomly selected and subjected to fertility and viability test which revealed 19 (33.33%) as fertile, 25 (43.86 %) sterile and 13 (22.81%) calcified. Viability test proved 7 (12.28%) of 19 fertile cysts as viable and 12 (21.05%) of 19 fertile cysts as non-viable. Viability of cysts in different organs revealed that 5 (16.1%) and 2 (10%) of cysts from lungs and liver, respectively. The estimated financial loss during the study period both due to condemnation of organs and an in direct carcass weight loss from hydatidosis was 2,190,143.52 ETB. Conclusion The results of this study revealed that bovine hydatidosis was an economically important disease of cattle which need serious attention for prevention and control actions in and around Nekemte. Hence, establishment of well-equipped standardized abattoirs, prohibition of backyard slaughter, creation of public awareness, deworming and control of stray dogs are of paramount importance.

Download Full-text

Differential pathogenesis of closely related 2018 Nigerian outbreak clade III Lassa virus isolates

PLoS Pathogens ◽

10.1371/journal.ppat.1009966 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (10) ◽

pp. e1009966

Author(s):

Derek R. Stein ◽

Bryce M. Warner ◽

Jonathan Audet ◽

Geoff Soule ◽

Vinayakumar Siragam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Animal Models ◽

Lassa Fever ◽

Geographic Region ◽

World Health ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Lassa Virus ◽

African Countries ◽

Animal Models Of Disease ◽

Medical Countermeasures

Nigeria continues to experience ever increasing annual outbreaks of Lassa fever (LF). The World Health Organization has recently declared Lassa virus (LASV) as a priority pathogen for accelerated research leading to a renewed international effort to develop relevant animal models of disease and effective countermeasures to reduce LF morbidity and mortality in endemic West African countries. A limiting factor in evaluating medical countermeasures against LF is a lack of well characterized animal models outside of those based on infection with LASV strain Josiah originating form Sierra Leone, circa 1976. Here we genetically characterize five recent LASV isolates collected from the 2018 outbreak in Nigeria. Three isolates were further evaluated in vivo and despite being closely related and from the same spatial / geographic region of Nigeria, only one of the three isolates proved lethal in strain 13 guinea pigs and non-human primates (NHP). Additionally, this isolate exhibited atypical pathogenesis characteristics in the NHP model, most notably respiratory failure, not commonly described in hemorrhagic cases of LF. These results suggest that there is considerable phenotypic heterogeneity in LASV infections in Nigeria, which leads to a multitude of pathogenesis characteristics that could account for differences between subclinical and lethal LF infections. Most importantly, the development of disease models using currently circulating LASV strains in West Africa are critical for the evaluation of potential vaccines and medical countermeasures.

Download Full-text

Diabetes Burden in Urban and Rural Senegalese Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study in 2012

International Journal of Endocrinology ◽

10.1155/2015/163641 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

S. M. Seck ◽

D. G. Dia ◽

D. Doupa ◽

A. Diop-Dia ◽

I. Thiam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Abdominal Obesity ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Biological Data ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Family History Of Diabetes ◽

Rural And Urban Areas ◽

History Of

Diabetes represents a challenging global health issue in the 21st century. Data from sub-Saharan African populations are scarce and are usually restricted to urban settings. The objective of this study was to compare prevalence and risk factors of diabetes in rural and urban areas in Senegal.Methods.In a community-based survey between January and May 2012, we included 1027 adults aged≥18 years living in northern Senegal. Sociodemographic, clinical, and biological data were collected during household visits. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with diabetes.Results.Mean age of participants was48.0±16.9years and 65.7% were female. Participants from urban area represented 55.7%. The age-standardized prevalence of diabetes was 7.6% (6.0% in men versus 9.0% in women). Prevalence of diabetes was higher in urban areas (8.1%) compared to rural areas (4.6%). Disease awareness rate was 43%. After multivariate analysis, age (OR = 1.63,p=0.001), familial history of diabetes (OR = 1.42,p=0.001), and abdominal obesity (OR = 1.17,p=0.05) were associated with diabetes.Conclusion.Diabetes is frequent in urban and rural areas in Senegal. Awareness rate is very low among populations. Age, family history of diabetes, and abdominal obesity are the main risk factors identified.

Download Full-text