scholarly journals Comparison of respiratory and skin disorders between residents living close to and far from Solous landfill site in Lagos State, Nigeria

Author(s):  
Abdul-Hakeem O. Abiola ◽  
Folahanmi C. Fakolade ◽  
Babatunde A. Akodu ◽  
Adebola A. Adejimi ◽  
Oluwagbemiga A. Oyeleye ◽  
...  

Background: Solid waste dump sites have proven to have potentially high risk to human health as it serves as a source of air, soil and underground water pollution.Aim: This study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge, respiratory disorders and skin disorders between residents living close to and far from landfill sites in Lagos State, Nigeria.Setting: Igando (a community within 5 km close to) and Badagry (a community beyond 5 km from) Solous Landfill sites in Lagos state, Nigeria.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study amongst 103 respondents recruited from each of the two study sites by multistage sampling method was carried out. Data were collected using pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire, and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2007, EPI Info 7 and WinPepi statistical software packages. Student t-test, Fisher’s exact and Chi-square tests were carried out. The p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean age of Igando and Badagry respondents was 34.18 ± 10.21 years and 32.62 ± 9.84 years, respectively. The two communities differed significantly (p 0.0001) with respect to distance of workplace from landfill site and duration of stay in the residential location. The mean knowledge score of respondents on respiratory and skin disorders associated with solid waste dump site close to landfill sites (82.53 ± 20.60) was statistically significantly higher than those of respondents far from landfill sites (71.84 ± 20.57) (p = 0.0003). Respiratory and skin disorders experiences of respondents close to landfill sites were statistically significantly (p 0.0001) higher than those of residents far from landfill sites with respect to wheezing, frequent sneezing, unpleasant odour, fever and skin rashes.Conclusion: Respiratory and skin disorders experienced by respondents close to landfill sites are higher than those of residents far from landfill sites. Landfill sites should not be located close to human settlements.

Author(s):  
M.K. Sreelakshmi ◽  
Suneesh Kuruvilla ◽  
Ramanarayanan Subramaniam ◽  
Pooja Latti ◽  
Ramanarayanan Venkitachalam

Abstract Background: Chengannur, a town in the south Indian state of Kerala, was 1 of the worst affected towns during the floods of 2018. Post-flood, Kerala state was under the threat of many infectious diseases including leptospirosis, but did not report any leptospirosis infections. Objectives: This study was conducted with the following objectives: (1) Assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the prevention of leptospirosis among the flood affected population and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) of Chengannur; and (2) Analyze the factors responsible for and contributing to leptospirosis control in the area post flood. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire based observational study was conducted among 2 groups: the flood affected population, and ASHA. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts. Part A contained the socio-demographic information. Part B contained questions on assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the prevention, and control of leptospirosis. Part C was only for the ASHA involved. Results: The final sample size was 331 (244 from the general population and 87 ASHAs). With respect to knowledge, attitude, and practice, the responses were dichotomized into correct and wrong responses. The mean knowledge score was 9.01 ± 1.08 (maximum score of 10), mean attitude score was of 3.61 ± 0.55 (maximum score of 4) and the mean practice score was 4.12 ± 1.05 (maximum score of 5). Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude scores did not significantly differ between the general population and ASHA, but the practice score showed a higher score among the ASHA, all of which could have probably contributed to the prevention of a leptospirosis outbreak in the region.


Author(s):  
Dwi Endarti ◽  
Irfan Ahmad ◽  
Tri Murti Andayani

Hepatitis A is a viral disease with a high potential for morbidity and mortality which is also the second highest incidence in Indonesia after hepatitis B. The purpose of this research is to measure knowledge of Indonesian community about hepatitis A disease and vaccine and to analyze the factors related to knowledge. This study used an observational survey research design applying a cross-sectional multi-center approach. The number of sample was 500 respondents located in 5 provinces in Indonesia, namely DIY, Lampung, West Java, North Kalimantan, and Central Sulawesi. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire that was modified from the questionnaire in a similar study before. The results showed that the mean of knowledge score obtained was 75.2% ± 12.2% with a median of 76.9%. There are 2 items of knowledge that were lack understood by respondents, namely treatment of hepatitis A that cannot be treated with antibiotics and immunizations and hepatitis A is not included yet in the national immunization program in Indonesia. Statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney test showed that there were significant differences score of knowledge between groups on the characteristics of the number of dependents (p=0,000), experience of hearing a disease (p=0,000), experience of hearing a vaccine (p=0,000) and the experience of the child being vaccinated (p=0,000). It is recommended that the government conducts education programs for the community of Indonesia to improve knowledge related to hepatitis A diseases and the benefits of using hepatitis Avaccine.


Author(s):  
Irfan Ahmad ◽  
Dwi Endarti ◽  
Tri Murti Andayani

Hepatitis A is a viral disease with a high potential for morbidity and mortality. It is also the second highest viral disease in Indonesia after hepatitis B. Community’s knowledge regarding Hepatitis A disease dan vaccine is required to support such program for eradication of Hepatitis A. The aims of this study was to measure the knowledge of Indonesian community about hepatitis A disease and its vaccine indicated from knowledge score of correct answer towards questionnaire, as well as to analyze the factors that can influence it indicated from difference of mean of knowledge scores among groups of respondents characteristics. This study used an observational survey research design applying a cross-sectional multi-center approach. The number of sample was 500 respondents located in 5 provinces in Indonesia, namely DIY, Lampung, West Java, Central Kalimantan, and Central Sulawesi. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire that was modified from the questionnaire in a similar previous study. The results showed that public knowledge related to diseases and hepatitis A vaccine in Indonesia was considered sufficient with the mean score obtained was 75.2% ± 12.2%. Statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney test showed that there were significant differences in score of knowledge between groups on the characteristics of experience of hearing a disease (p=0,000), experience of hearing a vaccine (p=0,000) and the experience of the child being vaccinated (p=0,000). There are 2 items of knowledge that werelack understood by respondents, namely treatment of hepatitis A that cannot be treated with antibiotics and immunizations and hepatitis A is not included yet in the national immunization program in Indonesia. It is concluded that community knowledge regarding hepatitis A disease and vaccine was fair (mean knowledge score between 65 – 80%). However, the government still needs to conduct educational programs for the Indonesian community about disease prevention through the vaccination process and provide counseling about the types of vaccines that are not included in the national health insurance program in Indonesia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akash John ◽  
Muhammad Saleem Rana ◽  
Asif Hanif ◽  
Tallat Anwar Faridi ◽  
Sofia Noor ◽  
...  

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a subgroup of retrovirus causing HIV infection which if prolongs turns into a progressive failure of the immune system called as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is commonly prevalent in Male Transgenders who are born male and disobeys the cultural defined social norms and identify themselves as a female. The objective was to assess knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Transgender Community regarding Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Lahore, Pakistan. A Descriptive Cross-sectional Survey was conducted in Nine Towns of Lahore. A sample size of 79 was calculated and data was collected in duration of 9 months. A self-administered survey-based questionnaire was developed using WHO and National AIDS control Programme guidelines followed and pilot tested. Data was collected after Informed consent.The mean age of Respondents was 29.56 ± 8.27 years with minimum and maximum age as 19 and 50. In this study the mean knowledge score of the transgender about HIV Transmission was 2.804±0.32, the mean score of attitudes of transgender were 3.25±0.19 and the mean practice score was 2.931±0.28.Majority of the transgender have insufficient knowledge, and bad attitude towards their health. They have unsafe sexual practice and Drug Interventions playing a significant role in HIV epidemic. Majority of them are uneducated, unemployed and found sex selling and dancing an easiest way of earning. Their knowledge about HIV screening, transmission, and antiretroviral therapy is low.


Author(s):  
Zaitul Akmal AZ ◽  
Salmah N ◽  
ND Ismail ◽  
Muhammad Akmal MN ◽  
Khairatul Nainey K

Introduction: In Malaysia, the rate of adolescents involved in sexual activities has increased and starts at an earlier age. Data from NHMS 2017 showed that 7.3% among surveyed 13 to 17 years-old adolescents have already had sex. The rate of teenage pregnancies is also increasing at 3.7-3.9% between the years 2009 until 2011. Therefore, an effective SRH Programme should be conducted in schools to equip them with adequate knowledge regarding this subject.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 145 randomly selected secondary school students aged 13 to 15 years old, attending the SRH Programme in a secondary school in Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia. The objective of this programme is to deliver knowledge and promote awareness among adolescents regarding SRH. The programme consists of intervention using adolescent-friendly module and games. A pre- and post-test were given to the participants to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme using the validated SRH questionnaire (Malay version). The questionnaire consists of fourteen and six items for knowledge and attitude, respectively.Results: The result showed an increase in the mean knowledge score (±SD) after the SRH Programme at the school from 7.25 ± 2.44 for pre-test to 9.70 ± 3.17 for post-test. The mean difference in pre- and post-test was 2.45 (95% CI: 2.02, 2.87) and was statistically significant (p<0.001). In terms of attitudes, the majority of the students felt that they have enough knowledge to make a gooddecision regarding sexual reproductive health issues after the SRH programme. However, there was only a small increment with regards to their attitudes on assertiveness.Conclusion: This study demonstrated an increase in the level of knowledge among adolescents in Cheras after the SRH programme using the adolescent-friendly module and games. However, there is no significant change in attitude among adolescents regarding SRH.Future SRH programmes need to be done regularly to instil positive attitudes among adolescents in dealing withsexual reproductive dilemmas.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2021 Page: S20


2016 ◽  
Vol 06 (02) ◽  
pp. 014-016
Author(s):  
Mamta Choudhary

Abstract Background: Reproductive tract infections form one of the major burdens of disease in developing countries. Most of the women suffer from leucorrhoea and do not present themselves for seeking medical treatment in early stage as the women has poor understanding regarding leucorrhoea. Objectives: To assess the knowledge of females regarding leucorrhoea. Study Design: Cross- sectional study. Materials and Methods: The study involved collection of information regarding knowledge of females about leucorrhoeausingmultiple-choice questionnaire. Two hundred and fifty females residing in Model Town, Ludhiana were recruited in the study by using convenient sampling. Results: The result revealed that only 20% of subjects had good level of knowledge, and 80% subject had poor level of knowledge regarding leucorrhoea. The mean knowledge score regarding leucorrhoea among subjects was 19 with a standard deviation of 3.94. The highest mean knowledge score of 19.5 + 4.69 was in the age group of >35 years.


Author(s):  
Toriola Temitope Femi-Adebayo ◽  
Yetunde Kuyinu ◽  
Olusola Adedeji Adejumo ◽  
Olayinka Goodman

AbstractBackgroundYouth friendly health services (YFHS) are services that attract, respond to the needs of and retain young people for continuing care. This study was conducted to determine the factors affecting utilization of government (GYFF) and non-governmental youth friendly facilities (NGYFF) in Lagos state, Nigeria.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 543 adolescents aged 15–24 years, between August 1, 2014 and October 31, 2014 were consecutively recruited from 10 (five government and five non-governmental) youth friendly health facilities that had been in operation for at least 6 months prior to the study. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of utilization of youth friendly health facilities.ResultsOverall, the mean age of respondents was 17.9 ± 2.8. However, the mean age of respondents at GYFF (18.5 ± 3.0) was significantly higher than those at NGYFF (17.1 ± 2.5) (p < 0.001). Of the 567 youths enrolled, 196 (34.6%) had good utilization of youth friendly facilities (YFF) (34% from the GYFF and 35.2% from the NGYFF). Marital status, school attendance, having a baby, satisfaction with visit, perception that information shared was kept confidential and accessibility of the youth friendly services were associated with utilization of YFF (p < 0.05). Confidentiality and access to facilities were predictors of utilization of YFF.ConclusionThere is poor utilization of both government and non-governmental youth friendly services in Lagos, Nigeria. There is a need for both the government and private sector to harmonize resources aimed at encouraging utilization of YFF in Lagos, Nigeria.


1991 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nipapun Kungskulniti ◽  
Chompusakdi Pulket ◽  
F DeWolfe Miller ◽  
Kirk R Smith

A solid waste scavenger community at On-Nooch dump site in Bangkok was investigated. The purpose was to identify the dimensions of the public health risk to this group of people and their community due to exposure to hazardous conditions from waste materials. A cross-sectional descriptive study utilizing field surveys and measurements was performed. The demographic, socioeconomic, health related and environmental characteristics of this community were examined. Health complaints and injuries were inventoried among scavengers. Prevalence of childhood respiratory illness was high especially in those households where smoking was present. Intestinal helminthic and protozoan infection in children were detected. Six individuals with possible HIV infection and a number of Hepatitis B antigenemia were found among male respondents. An appreciable proportion of respondents fell below normal when tested for lung function. Air pollution measurements showed acceptable ambient air levels except for particulate matters. Water quality was low for both potable and nonpotable water.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Besufekad Asres Mekonnen ◽  
Alemayehu Haddis ◽  
Wuhib Zeine

Abstract Background An increase in the urban population and the rising demand for food and other essentials perpetuate a rise in the amount of waste being generated daily by each household. In low-income countries, this waste is eventually thrown into open dump sites. It can cause severe impacts on human health and the surrounding environment. This study was aimed at assessing the effect of a solid waste dump site of Teppi town on surrounding soil and river water quality. Methods A total of three surface water, one leachate water samples, and four soil samples were collected and were analyzed. Six heavy metals for surface water and leachate samples and four heavy metals for soil samples were measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Additionally, physical and chemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods. The soil and water data were analyzed statistically using Origin pro version 8.0 computer software packages. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess whether the mean values of heavy metals and physicochemical parameters in soil and water samples varied significantly between distances and location from the dump site, possibilities less than 0.05 (p< 0.05) was considered statistically significant. Results pH of soil was slightly basic (pH 8±0.1 up to 8.7±0.21. Similarly, EC was lower in 60 meters (1800±0.5μs/cm) and higher in the other sample sites (3490±0.66-4920±1.04μs/cm). The concentration of heavy metals such as cadmium (0.53±0.01-2.26±0.02 mg/kg), zinc (623.93±0.29-859.41±0.02mg/kg), lead (3.26±0.25-57.560.26mg/kg), and copper (204.06±0.06 337.11±0.01mg/kg) in the sample soils has been found to be higher than Ethiopian EPA and USEPA guideline values. Lead, cadmium, manganese, nickel, copper, and zinc in the leachate water and nickel and manganese in nearby river water, total dissolved solid, BOD5, chemical oxygen demand, and turbidity for both leachate and stream water samples were found to be higher than the Ethiopian EPA and WHO standard guideline values. Conclusions The finding suggested that solid waste open dump site adversely affects soil and water quality in the study area and probable source of human health risks via the food chain. The soil in the area requires Phytoremediation technologies. In addition, sanitary landfill is recommended.


Author(s):  
Ghaida Aziz, Ghaida jabri, Ghaida Al-Ahmadi, Mona Ehab, Marw

Breast feeding (BF) is known to have many advantages but our Arab region has a pattern similar to western countries; where exclusive breastfeeding less than 35%. Knowledge given to women during her antenatal visits plays an important influential role in her attitude and practice of BF later on.  Objective: To explore knowledge and attitude of female medical students at Taibah University about breastfeeding.  Methods: A Cross sectional study was carried out from October to November 2012. It included female medical students. Stratified sampling allocation technique was used; with a total sample of 149 students. A specialty designed self-administrated questionnaire in Arabic form was used. It included socio-demographic data, obstetric history, data about the knowledge and attitude of female medical students towards breastfeeding value and guidelines. Mean percent knowledge score for value of BF, mean percent score for BF guidelines and mean percent score for attitude were calculated. Appropriate statistical tests for qualitative and quantitative data were used accordingly. Results: Majority (91.9%) (of the studied sample) was never married and 37.6% got their knowledge about BF via books. Regarding ever married women, 58.3% only were gravid (mean =2.2±1.94). Only 25.0% were family planning users; 66.7% of them used hormonal contraceptives. Only 20% breast fed their infants with a mean duration for exclusive BF of 3.8 ± 2.87 months and mean age of weaning of 2.3 ±0.63 months. The mean knowledge percent score for guidelines of BF was 64.7±8.45. The mean attitude percent score for concepts related to BF was 76.9±7.91. Conclusion: Media and internet have minor roles in getting knowledge about BF. The mean knowledge score about advantages of BF, guidelines of BF and attitude towards BF of all female medical students; especially academic years were unsatisfactory.


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