scholarly journals Knowledge and Misconceptions about Malaria among Pregnant Women in a Post-Conflict Internally Displaced Persons' Camps in Gulu District, Northern Uganda

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Obol ◽  
Kitara David Lagoro ◽  
Orach Christopher Garimoi

Background. In Uganda Malaria continues to be a major public health problem accounting for about 30–50% of all outpatient consultations and 35% of hospital admissions and a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Pregnant women and their unborn children are vulnerable to malaria. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 20 postconflict IDP camps of Gulu district selected randomly as clusters. 769 pregnant women were interviewed. Results. The majority of the respondents 85% have ever heard about malaria. Most (80%) 571 respondent attributed malaria to be transmitted by mosquito bites, 15 said cold weather, 53 said dirt, and 35 said not sleeping under net. Most (91%) 683 respondents mentioned that malaria was caused by mosquito, 28 mentioned cold food, 3 mentioned playing in the rain, 19 mentioned cold weather, and 6 mentioned eating mangos. Conclusion. Most pregnant women in the post conflict IDP camps have relatively high knowledge about malaria transmission, signs, symptoms, and consequences during pregnancy. However, majority of respondents had misconception about the cause of malaria while a few had misconception about the mode of malaria transmission.

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sokhna Thiam ◽  
Guéladio Cissé ◽  
Anna-Sofie Stensgaard ◽  
Aminata Niang-Diène ◽  
Jürg Utzinger ◽  
...  

Diarrhoeal diseases remain a major public health problem, causing more than half a million child deaths every year, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite existing knowledge on the aetiologies and causes of diarrhoeal diseases, relatively little is known about its spatial patterns in LMICs, including Senegal. In the present study, data from a cross-sectional survey carried out in 2016 were analysed to describe the spatial pattern of diarrhoeal prevalence in children under the age of 5 years in the secondary city of Mbour in the south-western part of Senegal. Bayesian conditional autoregressive (CAR) models with spatially varying coefficients were employed to determine the effect of sociodemographic, economic and climate parameters on diarrhoeal prevalence. We observed substantial spatial heterogeneities in diarrhoea prevalence. Risk maps, stratified by age group, showed that diarrhoeal prevalence was higher in children aged 25-59 months compared to their younger counterparts with the highest risk observed in the north and south peripheral neighbourhoods, especially in Grand Mbour, Médine, Liberté and Zone Sonatel. The posterior relative risk estimate obtained from the Bayesian CAR model indicated that a unit increase in the proportion of people with untreated stored drinking water was associated with a 29% higher risk of diarrhoea. A unit increase in rainfall was also associated with an increase in diarrhoea risk. Our findings suggest that public health officials should integrate disease mapping and cluster analyses and consider the varying effects of sociodemographic factors in developing and implementing areaspecific interventions for reducing diarrhoea.


Author(s):  
Masuder Rahman ◽  
Sakila Akter ◽  
Fatama Tous Zohora ◽  
Abu Zaffar Shibly

Background: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a major public health problem throughout the world. In Bangladesh, the reliable data concerning various aspects of CVD is inadequate at present due to lack of national population-based surveys or central administrative health data. Given the rising incidence of CVDs in Bangladesh, an improved understanding of the CVD, symptoms and risk factors is needed. Hence, this study was performed to assess the level of knowledge towards CVD types, warning symptoms of heart attack or stroke, and CVD risk factors.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 2018 to June 2018 using standard questionnaire on a sample of 350 randomly selected Bangladeshi individuals. All the data of the study were input in SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 20.0 software from IBM for windows and the gathered data thus analyzed using SPSS & Microsoft Excel.Results: The respondents’ knowledge about types of CVD, symptom heart attack, symptom of stroke and the risk factors of CVD are 38.9%, 67.7%, 35.7%, and 92.9% respectively. The most common risk factors of CVD found to be known by around than two-third of respondents were unhealthy diet (66.9%), physical inactivity (64.3), obesity (61.4%), and smoking (58.6%).Conclusions: The respondents’ knowledge about types of CVD, symptom heart attack, symptom of stroke and the risk factors of CVD are 38.9%, 67.7%, 35.7%, and 92.9% respectively. The most common risk factors of CVD found to be known by around than two-third of respondents were unhealthy diet (66.9%), physical inactivity (64.3), obesity (61.4%), and smoking (58.6%).


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Paulette Ngum Fru ◽  
Frederick Nchang Cho ◽  
Andrew N. Tassang ◽  
Celestina Neh Fru ◽  
Peter Nde Fon ◽  
...  

Introduction. Malaria is and remains a serious health concern in Africa. In Cameroon, where malaria is endemic and a major public health problem, the major control measure put in place is the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). In the Tiko Health District (THD), the challenges have been to assess and to evaluate the ownership and utilisation of LLINs. This study sought to assess the ownership and utilisation rates of LLINs in the THD. Methodology. A cross-sectional survey involving 418 households was conducted in four health areas in the THD. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on LLIN ownership and utilisation as well as sociodemographic characteristics. Results. The ownership of at least one LLIN per household, coverage, and accessibility were, respectively, 89%, 56.2%, and 66.3%, while installing LLINs on all beds in the household, sleeping under LLINs the previous night (SULPN), and universal utilisation were 72%, 24.9%, and 14.1%, respectively. Factors significantly associated with the ownership of at least one LLIN per household were respondent’s age and gender. Heat (21.1%) and forgetfulness (6.5%) were the main reasons postulated for irregular utilisation of LLINs. Conclusion. The ownership LLINs failed to guarantee utilisation and definitely effective control of malaria in the THD, as expected. Continuous and appropriate use of LLINs is indispensable, in addition to periodic sanitation, booster campaigns of LLIN distribution, and evaluation research for effective prevention and control of malaria.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arinze Duke George Nwosu ◽  
Fidelis Anayo Onyekwulu ◽  
Elias Chikee Aniwada

Abstract Background Adverse healthcare events are major public health problem with the heaviest burden in the low and middle-income countries. Patient safety awareness among healthcare professionals is known to impact this outcome; thus we set out to appraise the patient safety awareness among surgeons in Enugu, Nigeria. Methods A multi-institutional cross-sectional survey was carried out among surgeons in Enugu, Nigeria and data obtained were analyzed using the statistical package for scientific solutions (SPSS) version 20 software. Results A total of 309 surgeons were surveyed. Majority of the surgeons (51.9%) had poor perception of patient safety issues. One hundred and twenty respondents (38.8%) have awareness of any institutional protocol for preventing wrong-site surgery while only 35 respondents (11.3%) regularly practiced an institutional protocol for preventing wrong-site surgery. The professional status of the surgeons and years in service showed significant association with perception of patient safety issues. Conclusion The patient safety awareness and practice among the surgeons in Enugu, Nigeria is apparently low and this was found to be influenced by the professional status and years in service of the surgeon.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabia Merve Palalioglu ◽  
Ozan Karadeniz ◽  
Gokce Ipek Aytok ◽  
Batuhan Palalioglu ◽  
Gizem Nur Koyan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background:COVID-19 pandemic is an important and urgent public health problem. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women deal with the Coronavirus disease and its results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychological impact of the coronavirus pandemic on pregnant women and to determine whether pregnant women have sufficient knowledge and awareness for a healthy antenatal process.Methods: This prospective study was conducted at two centers. Regardless of the gestational age, a questionnaire was distributed to 1003 pregnant women in total, from 51 original questions that investigate the pregnant women’s demographic data, history of contact with COVID-19-positive patients, knowledge and concerns about COVID-19, precautions. 526 participants were included in the study. The questionnaire was delivered using the QR code method. The questionnaires were answered online by participants via SurveyMonkey in order to minimize contamination due to the pandemic.Results: The period when anxiety was highest was the 2nd trimester, whereas women in the 1st trimester had the lowest level of anxiety. High levels of awareness were observed in patients with heart disease, but patients with diabetes mellitus had a high level of anxiety. There was a statistically significant correlation between anxiety and awareness scores of the coronavirus disease.Conclusion:It is important to maintain the mental and physical health of pregnant women, who are in a more delicate condition than other individuals in the society. In this regard, healthcare professionals have important duties such as taking necessary precautions and explaining the seriousness of the situation to pregnant women.


2020 ◽  
Vol 114 (12) ◽  
pp. 995-1002
Author(s):  
Kibur Engdawork ◽  
Gail Davey ◽  
Desta Ayode ◽  
Colleen M McBride ◽  
Getnet Tadele

Abstract Background Many health conditions are associated with stigma due to beliefs about their causes and the physical changes experienced by patients. Among such conditions are several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Podoconiosis, classified as an NTD, is a form of lymphoedema caused by the co-influence of genetic and environmental factors. It is a major public health problem in Ethiopia and is associated with intense stigma. Despite this, little is known about the factors contributing to stigmatizing attitudes against patients with the disease. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in southern Ethiopia to analyse the attitudes of rural youth and associated risk factors for stigmatizing attitudes towards patients with podoconiosis, with the aim of informing stigma reduction strategies. Results The survey included 336 randomly selected youth. Of the 177 (52.7%) youth who held more stigmatizing attitudes toward patients with podoconiosis, 105 (59.3%) were females and 171 (96.6%) did not have affected friends. Accurate knowledge about gene–environment influences and rejection of infectious causes of podoconiosis were associated with less stigmatizing attitudes. Conclusions Improving understanding of the gene–environment interaction and dispelling beliefs about infectious causes may reduce negative attitudes about podoconiosis. Affected youth may play an important role as agents of change to spread non-stigmatizing messages.


Anemia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ataklti Gebretsadik Woldegebriel ◽  
Gebremedhin Gebregziabiher Gebrehiwot ◽  
Abraham Aregay Desta ◽  
Kiros Fenta Ajemu ◽  
Asfawosen Aregay Berhe ◽  
...  

In Ethiopia, anemia during pregnancy is a major public health problem and affects both the mother’s and their child’s health. There is a scarcity of community-based evidence on determinants of anemia among pregnant women in the country. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the determinants of anemia among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Method. This study was based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) that used a two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3080 pregnant women. Data analysis was done using STATA v.14. Variables with P value <0.05 in the bivariate analysis were candidates for the multivariable analysis to identify independent determinants of anemia among pregnant mothers. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated at 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. The overall prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was 41% of which 20% were moderately anemic, 18%, mildly anemic, and 3%, severely anemic. The following were significantly associated with anemia during pregnancy: an age of 30–39 years, receiving no education (AOR = 2.19; 95% CI 1.45, 2.49), belonging to the poorest wealth quintile (AOR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.22, 1.60), being a Muslim (AOR = 1.59; 95% CI 1.69, 2.65), number of house members being 4–6 (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.05, 1.97), number of under-five children being two (AOR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.10, 1.97), head of the household being a female (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI 1.61, 2.54), current pregnancy wanted later (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.23, 1.63), no terminated pregnancy (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.15, 1.93), and an age of 13–17 years at the first sexual intercourse (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.291, 3.00). Conclusions. The study revealed that more than one-third of the pregnant women in Ethiopia were found anemic. Its prevalence varied among regions in which the highest (62.7%) and the lowest (11.9%) were from Somali and Addis Ababa, respectively. Hence, efforts should be made by concerned bodies to intervene in terms of the identified risk factors.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lamis Jomaa ◽  
Farah Naja ◽  
Samer Kharroubi ◽  
Nahla Hwalla

AbstractObjectiveFood insecurity (FI) is a major public health problem in Lebanon, a small middle-income country with the highest refugee per capita concentration worldwide and prolonged political and economic challenges. The present study aimed to measure the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of household FI and to explore the association of household FI with anthropometric measures of children and their mothers.DesignCross-sectional survey (2014–2015).SettingLebanon.ParticipantsNationally representative sample of Lebanese households with 4–18-year-old-children and their mothers (n1204).ResultsFI prevalence (95 % CI), measured using the Arabic-translated, validated Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, was found to be 49·3 (44·0, 54·6) % in the study sample. Mild, moderate and severe FI were found in 7·0 (5·5, 9·2) %, 23·3 (20·1, 26·8) % and 18·9 (14·9, 23·5) % of households, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that low maternal and paternal education, unemployment and crowding were significant correlates of household FI (P<0·05). No significant associations were observed between FI and anthropometric measures of children and their mothers, after adjusting for other socio-economic correlates. Food-insecure households reported various mechanisms to cope with food shortage, such as reducing the number of meals/d (49·6 %), borrowing food (54·4 %), spending savings (34·5 %) and withdrawing children from schools (8·0 %).ConclusionsFI exists among a remarkable proportion of Lebanese households with children. Correlates of household FI should be considered when designing social welfare policies and public health programmes to promote more sustainable, resilient and healthier livelihoods among vulnerable individuals.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baohua Zheng ◽  
Xidi Zhu ◽  
Zhao Hu ◽  
Wensu Zhou ◽  
Yunhan Yu ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundDomestic violence (DV) against pregnant women is a serious public health problem that affects the health of the women’s children. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and correlation between family factors and DV among women in late pregnancy. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from July-October, 2019 among pregnant women in urban communities of Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China. A total of 813 participants were included by a multi-staged cluster random sampling method. DV was assessed by the Abuse Assessment Screen Questionnaire (AAS). A binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between family factors and DV. ResultsUltimately, 127 (15.62%) participants were identified as victims of DV. After adjustment, the potential risk factors of DV were strained relations with their mother-in-law and other family members (OR: 6.59; 95% CI: 3.28 to 13.24 and OR: 6.32; 95% CI: 3.28 to 12.16), medium household debt (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.22 to 3.85), separation (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.19 to 3.14), partner’s extramarital relations (OR: 4.94; 95% CI: 1.19 to 13.58), and middle and low family APGAR (OR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.47 to 3.46 and OR: 5.36; 95% CI: 2.95 to 9.76). ConclusionsIn summary, the correlation between DV and family factors may help medical personnel intervene in cases of domestic violence against pregnant women in a reasonable and timely manner.


Author(s):  
Naresh Kumar S. J. ◽  
Ranganth B. G.

Background: Malaria is a major public health problem in several parts of country.  Malaria beliefs and practices are often related to culture, and can influence the effectiveness of control strategies. This study was undertaken to assess the awareness of malaria in rural areas of Kolar with varying endemicity.Methods: A cross sectional community based study was conducted. A sample of 207 Household respondents across the Kolar rural area were randomly selected and interviewed to collect information on awareness regarding Malaria. Two villages each were randomly selected from the two PHC areas in Mulbagal Taluk, Kolar District. PHC areas was taken based on annual parasite incidence more than 2 and less than 1 consistently in the past five years by using pre-tested structured proforma. Data analyzed by using epi info 2.5 version software.Results: It was observed that appropriate knowledge regarding malaria transmission from person to person is more in Devarayasamudra Primary Health Center area (69.2%) where API>2 compared to Nangli Primary Health Center area (26.2%) where API<1 and the knowledge regarding causes of malaria is also more in Devarayasamudra PHC area compared to Nangli area.  Majority (87%) of the respondents got information about malaria from the health workers at Devarayasamudra PHC area.Conclusions: The Community knowledge on malaria, its transmission and its prevalence and control clearly depends on the endemicity of malaria. The communities studied under Devarayasamudra PHC area which is problematic for malaria had a better knowledge on malaria transmission and its prevention.


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