scholarly journals Syphilis sero-positivity among pregnant women attending public antenatal clinics: A five-year analysis from 15 public clinics in Gaborone, Botswana

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-94
Author(s):  
A. B. Ganiyu ◽  
L. Mason ◽  
L. H. Mabuza

Background: The prevalence of syphilis in pregnancy varies across the globe and among different age groups within the same country. In sub-Saharan Africa, syphilis prevalence among pregnant women has been found to range from 2.5 to 18% among antenatal clinic attendees, with the highest prevalence in the age group 35–49 years. Also, it is higher in the rural than urban clinics.Objectives: To determine trends in syphilis prevalence using the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) and the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test among pregnant women attending the public antenatal clinics in Gaborone, Botswana (2004–2008).Study design: Cross-sectional study using routinely collected antenatal data.Results: The overall syphilis prevalence amongst pregnant women in Gaborone, Botswana decreased from 2.96% (95% CI, 2.55– 3.37) in 2004 to 1.15% (95% CI, 0.89–1.41) in 2008 (p 0.001). The age specific prevalence per total number of reactive VDRL/RPR was highest amongst pregnant women aged 26 to 30 years (p 0.001) and lowest for those aged 16 to 20 years (p 0.025) during the period 2004–2008. However, there were variations in syphilis prevalence rates within and between the clinics.Conclusion: Syphilis sero-positivity in pregnancy in Gaborone, Botswana has been declining for the last five years, but was more prevalent amongst pregnant women aged 26 to 30 years with the lowest prevalence among those aged 16 to 20 years during the period 2004 to 2008. This decline may be attributed to a number of factors and, in particular, the adoption of the syndromic approach for management of sexually transmitted infections in the country.

Author(s):  
Olivia Nakiyemba ◽  
Susan Obore ◽  
Milton Musaba ◽  
Julius Wandabwa ◽  
Paul Kiondo

Pica is the craving and purposive eating of nonfood items. It is common worldwide and presents among vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. Its etiology and health consequences are not well understood. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and covariates of pica among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Kawempe hospital in Uganda. We conducted a cross-sectional study from July 2019 to December 2019. Participants in this study were 307 pregnant women who had come to attend antenatal clinic at the hospital. The prevalence of pica was computed. Bivariate and multivariable analysis was done to establish the factors that were independently associated with pica. The prevalence of pica was 57%. The most common type of pica was geophagia (eating clay and sand) followed by pagophagia (eating ice). Of the women who practiced pica, half consumed the nonfood items daily. Factors independently associated with pica were being in the third trimester (adjusted OR [aOR]: 3.60; 95% CI: 1.36–9.48] and having nausea in pregnancy (aOR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.20–3.70). At Kawempe hospital, pica is common among women who attend the antenatal clinic and is associated with having nausea in pregnancy and being in the third trimester. Health workers need to counsel pregnant women about the dangers of pica so as to reduce helminth infections and micronutrient deficiency associated with it.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. e007225
Author(s):  
Jyoti Dalal ◽  
Isotta Triulzi ◽  
Ananthu James ◽  
Benedict Nguimbis ◽  
Gabriela Guizzo Dri ◽  
...  

IntroductionSince sex-based biological and gender factors influence COVID-19 mortality, we wanted to investigate the difference in mortality rates between women and men in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).MethodWe included 69 580 cases of COVID-19, stratified by sex (men: n=43 071; women: n=26 509) and age (0–39 years: n=41 682; 40–59 years: n=20 757; 60+ years: n=7141), from 20 member nations of the WHO African region until 1 September 2020. We computed the SSA-specific and country-specific case fatality rates (CFRs) and sex-specific CFR differences across various age groups, using a Bayesian approach.ResultsA total of 1656 deaths (2.4% of total cases reported) were reported, with men accounting for 70.5% of total deaths. In SSA, women had a lower CFR than men (mean CFRdiff = −0.9%; 95% credible intervals (CIs) −1.1% to −0.6%). The mean CFR estimates increased with age, with the sex-specific CFR differences being significant among those aged 40 years or more (40–59 age group: mean CFRdiff = −0.7%; 95% CI −1.1% to −0.2%; 60+ years age group: mean CFRdiff = −3.9%; 95% CI −5.3% to −2.4%). At the country level, 7 of the 20 SSA countries reported significantly lower CFRs among women than men overall. Moreover, corresponding to the age-specific datasets, significantly lower CFRs in women than men were observed in the 60+ years age group in seven countries and 40–59 years age group in one country.ConclusionsSex and age are important predictors of COVID-19 mortality globally. Countries should prioritise the collection and use of sex-disaggregated data so as to design public health interventions and ensure that policies promote a gender-sensitive public health response.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 20605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayleen K L Gunn ◽  
Ibitola O Asaolu ◽  
Katherine E Center ◽  
Steven J Gibson ◽  
Patrick Wightman ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Judith Lum Ndamukong-Nyanga ◽  
Todjom Chysine Lucile ◽  
Kitio Falone Linda ◽  
Signi, Demanou Teubow Dolly-Misper

Malaria is a parasitic disease that causes morbidity and mortality in many areas of the world especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and particularly in Cameroon. It is characterised by febrile manifestation, liver inflammation and anaemia. Toxoplasmosis is another parasitic infection caused by an obligate intracellular parasite (Toxoplasma gondii) and is found in many countries of the world. It causes spontaneous abortion in pregnant women and hydrocephally in new- born babies. Malaria and Toxoplasmosis co-infections can cause serious pathological consequences on both mother and fœtus.  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria, toxoplasmosis, and malaria and toxoplasmosis coinfection in pregnant women during ante natal consultations at Biyem - Assi hospital and to assess their knowledge of the pathological consequences of malaria, toxoplasmosis, and coinfection on the mother and baby. It was a cross-sectional study. Blood samples were collected by finger-prinking and structured questionnaires were administered to 226 pregnant women. The results showed that 39.38 %, 23 % and 8.4 % of women tested positive for malaria, toxoplasmosis and coinfection respectively. The most commonly cited consequence of theses infections was spontaneous abortion. The results obtained showed a significant association between the level of education and the level of knowledge of women about toxoplasmosis and coinfection of toxoplasmosis and malaria (p < 0.05). The level of knowledge of the pregnant woman is not satisfactory as regards toxoplasmosis and co-infection but quite good as regards malaria. The studies have revealed the need for continouos education on toxoplasmosis for pregnant women and girls of childbearing age, and more comprehensive preventive measures. The implementation of public health and education policies that take into account economic, social, environmental and cultural differences are of prime importance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 20-26
Author(s):  
Iyabo Yewande Ademuyiwa ◽  
Sunday Joseph Ayamolowo ◽  
Monisola Omoyeni Oginni ◽  
Michael Oluwole Akinbode

Objectives: During pregnancy, the fetus requires iron for blood formation so does the mother, this increases the iron requirement which is higher than that of non-pregnant women. This study assessed the level of awareness and prevention of anemia among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 182 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at LUTH in Lagos, Nigeria. A balloting system was done to select the respondents in the clinic that runs 4 times a week, with an estimated number of 70 pregnant women per clinic. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences version 22. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis, Chi-square test was done for the association between the variables at P < 0.05 level of significance. Ethical approval was obtained from the Human Research Ethical Committee of LUTH with approval number (ADM/DCST/HREC/APP/2589). Informed consent was taken and respondents were reassured of the privacy and confidentiality of the information obtained. Results: The highest percentage (33.3%) of the respondents was within the range of 26–30 years with a mean age of 28.18 ± 0.84 years. Majority of the women had a good level of awareness of anemia (68.89%) and good overall practices (73.89%) of prevention of anemia in pregnancy. There was no significant relationship between the respondents’ level of awareness of anemia and its prevention (χ2 = 1.533, P = 0.216). Conclusion: The study has shown that even though awareness and prevention practices were good, there is a need to create more awareness among pregnant women and also to give adequate health education on prevention of anemia to produce favorable outcome in pregnancy for both the child and mother.


Author(s):  
Reza Shekarriz-Foumani ◽  
Fakhrolmolouk Yassaee ◽  
Sara Tarokh ◽  
Mahbobeh Taheri

Background: There is evidence suggesting that the pregnancy outcome may be affected by some medical conditions, such as liver diseases. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of liver disease and its outcomes in pregnant women referred to antenatal clinic in the hospital. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all pregnant women with abnormal liver function test attending antenatal clinic affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were recruited from August 2017 to July 2018. All participants were followed-up until delivery with respect to the maternal and neonatal outcome. Results: Of a total of 7,121 pregnant women recruited in the study, 110 (1.58%) women were detected with a liver disease; of these, 105 women were diagnosed with pregnancy-specific liver diseases, including HELLP syndrome (10.9%), preeclampsia (50.98%), partial HELLP (0.9%), eclampsia (0.9%), acute fatty liver (9.1%), intra-hepatic cholestasis 25 (22.7%), and 5 women the non-pregnancy-specific liver disease, including Liver transplantation (2.7%), and Autoimmune hepatitis (1.8%). Prevalence of the premature birth was 64.5% in pregnancy-specific liver disease, but no premature birth was detected in cases with liver transplantation. We found that neonatal mortality was significantly associated with neonatal prematurity (p = 0.013), IUGR (p < 0.001), placental pathology (p = 0.04), we had no maternal mortality. Conclusion: Liver disease is not uncommon in pregnancy. This study demonstrated that pregnancy is safe in women with liver disease. Key words: Liver diseases, Maternal, Outcome, Neonatal, Pregnancy.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (30) ◽  
pp. 67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ololade Ogunsanmi ◽  
Arit Essang ◽  
Titilayo Olaoye ◽  
Andrew Solademi ◽  
Bose Makinde

Background: Malaria infection is one of the leading causes of mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. It pose great health risks especially in pregnant women by increasing the risk of stillbirth, low birth weight and miscarriage. Aims: The study sought to assess the level of use and the barriers to utilization of Insecticides Treated Nets (ITN) among pregnant women attending ante-natal clinics at Ikenne and Sagamu Local Government Area in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study employed a facility-based cross sectional design where five (5) ante-natal clinics in Ikenne and Sagamu Local Government Areas of Ogun State were visited between January and March, 2015. Three hundred and eighteen (318) pregnant women were selected through a multistage sample technique. The respondents were randomly selected on their antenatal clinic days. Data instrument was a self-administered questionnaire and verbal consent was sought from each respondent before administration. Upon retrieval of questionnaires, the data was coded, entered and analyzed with the use of the IBM SPSS version 21. Results: Study revealed that 86.2% (274) of the respondents had used the ITN before but only 71.5% (196) of that population were currently using one. Bivariate analysis between use of ITN and marital status was statistically significant (p = 0.036). Reported barriers to use included “net too hot” (P = .024); “net not comfortable” (P = .017) and “stressful to spread before bed” (P = .190).Conclusion: There is an urgent need for further research on the barriers to sustained use and acceptability of ITNs by pregnant women.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ashungafack Flavio ◽  
Yamssi Cedric ◽  
Noumedem Anangmo Christelle Nadia ◽  
Vincent Khan Payne

Background. Malaria and helminth infections are major public health issues in sub-Saharan Africa including Cameroon. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors associated with malaria and helminth coinfection among children in the Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital (HGOPED) in Douala, southwestern Cameroon. Material and Methods. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study that took place from January to July 2020 where 203 children were involved. Blood samples were collected from the children and thick blood smears were prepared and examined microscopically for malaria parasites. Stool samples were also collected and examined through the Kato-Katz technique for the identification of helminth eggs. Demographic and socioeconomic data and information of participant’s knowledge on the transmission of malaria and helminth infections were collected with the use of a well-structured questionnaire. Results. The overall prevalence of P. falciparum infection was 28.8%, while the overall prevalence of helminth was 9.36%. The only species of helminth identified were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura with a prevalence of 4.26% and 2.95%, respectively, and mixed infection of both A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura with a prevalence of 1.47%. Coinfection of malaria and helminth was observed with a prevalence of 6.90%. Associations of malaria-helminth coinfection with age groups, parent’s educational level, type of latrine, and source of water factors were not statistically significant ( p > 0.05 ), while the prevalence of the coinfection with respect to parent’s occupation, presence of stagnant water around homes, washing of hands after using the toilet, and washing of fruits before eating was statistically significant ( p < 0.05 ). Conclusion. The findings suggest that helminths and malaria infections tend to occur in children. Not washing hands after using the toilet, not washing fruits before eating, the presence of stagnant water around homes, and parents’ occupation were found to be strongly associated with coinfection. Health education on the importance of better sewage disposal, draining of stagnant water around homes, and other sanitary practices is recommended.


2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
G. Chorwe-Sungania ◽  
J. Chipps

Introduction: Screening instruments should be brief, valid and easy to use if they are to be useful in a busy antenatal clinic in low-resource settings. A short instrument can be used in a busy antenatal clinic in combination with a more detailed instrument once referred. This study aimed at assessing the validity of a range of depression screening instruments and to test the utility of combining these instruments for use in antenatal clinics in Blantyre district, Malawi.Methods: This was a sensitivity analysis study using a sub-sample of 97 pregnant women drawn from a cross-sectional study (sample size = 480) that was screening for depression in eight antenatal clinics. Data from the cross-sectional study for the 97 pregnant women on the 3-item screener, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-15 (HSCL-15) and Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ), was compared with a gold standard, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Sensitivity, specificity and area under curve (AUC) were calculated to test for validity of the instruments. The utility of various combinations of the instruments was tested using the compensatory, conjunctive, probability and sequential rules.Results: The 3-item screener, EPDS, HSCL-15 and SRQ were valid instruments for screening antenatal depression. Sequential combination of the 3-item screener and SRQ had superior discriminant ability over similar combinations of the 3-item screener and either EPDS or HSCL-15 (sensitivity = 78%, specificity = 88%, AUC = 0.885).Discussion: The 3-item screener, EPDS, HSCL-15 and SRQ are valid instruments for screening depression in local antenatal clinics. The sequential combination of the 3-item screener and SRQ may be a practical, accurate and suitable method for multistage screening of depression in antenatal clinics in Blantyre district, Malawi.


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