scholarly journals Climate Change Associated with Neonatal Health Risks: Rwandan Nurses and Midwives’ Awareness and Perceptions

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-272
Author(s):  
Richard Nsengiyumva ◽  
Marie Rose Mukarubayiza ◽  
Claudine Murekatete ◽  
Pamela Meharry

Background Climate change (CC) is a global public health problem. In Rwanda, it is estimated that 28% of neonatal death is attributable to CC, yet little is known about healthcare providers’ awareness of neonatal health risks. ObjectiveTo assess nurses’ and midwives’ awareness of CC and perceptions of potential neonatal health risks associated with CC at selected hospitals in Rwanda. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed at four selected hospitals. A random sampling technique was used to select 184 of 340 nurses and midwives working in neonatology, pediatrics, and maternity departments. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were done. ResultsThe majority of participants were females (62.1%), nurses (60.5%), advanced diploma holders (55.4%). The majority (60.4%) had low level awareness of CC, and only 2.8% obtained CC information at nursing school. The majority (61.02%) had low perception of potential CC’ related potential neonatal health risks. High education level, working in neonatology and longer working experience were found to be associated with high level awareness of CC and high perceptions of potential neonatal health risks associated with CC (p<0.05). Conclusion There was a low level awareness of CC awareness and low perceptions of potential neonatal health risks among nurses and midwives. Offering in-service training and integrating CC’ health risks in the nursing curricula could motivate climate action among Rwandan nurses and midwives.  Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2020;3(2):261-272

Author(s):  
M. Sabbir Ahmed ◽  
M. Wahidur Rahman ◽  
Fahmida Fayeza ◽  
Tarana Sharmin

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious global public health problem as well as in Bangladesh. The most common liver disease in Bangladesh is viral hepatitis. Bangladesh is an intermediate endemic zone for hepatitis B virus infection. Research shows that about 10 million people in Bangladesh have been suffering from hepatitis B.Methods: The research was a cross-sectional survey and appropriate statistical formula was used to select 341 respondents randomly. The data were collected through a pre-designed, pre-structured questionnaire, which was distributed among the students. All the data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2013.Results: Most of the respondent 95% knew about hepatitis B and about 87% knew that it is a viral infection. About 69% students respond that hepatitis B can increase liver cancer. Among the respondents, 76% supported that hepatitis B can be transmitted by blood transfusion. Most of the students 82% supported blood transfusion as a causative factor and 67% informed that jaundice is the major sign and symptoms of hepatitis B. More than half of the students 53% reported that they were vaccinated for hepatitis B. The major reasons for not taking vaccination were lack of free time and lack of feeling of necessity for vaccination.Conclusions: The overall knowledge and vaccination status on hepatitis B virus was not satisfactory. Different types of seminars and campaigns on hepatitis B, arranged by university will help to increase the student’s level of knowledge on hepatitis B.


Author(s):  
Huan Xiong ◽  
Shuanglian Yi ◽  
Yufen Lin

A novel coronavirus pneumonia broke out and gradually developed into a global public health problem. Health care workers, especially nurses, suffered from great occupational pressure and psychological distress during the outbreak of infectious diseases. We performed a cross-sectional survey to investigate the psychological status and self-efficacy of nurses in public hospital during COVID-19 outbreak between 16th and 25th February 2020. A total of 223 nurses participated in this study. The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms was 40.8% (CI 95%: 34.4%-47.2%) and 26.4% (CI 95%: 20.6%-42.2%), respectively. There was no difference in the prevalence of anxiety symptoms among demographic variables. There was significant differences in the prevalence of depression symptoms according to professional titles ( P = .020). The mean score of self-efficacy was 25.90 ± 7.55. The self-efficacy was negatively correlated with anxiety ( r = −0.161, P < .05). The psychological status of nurses in public hospital during COVID-19 outbreak needs our attention. Improving nurses’ self-efficacy in dealing with emerging infectious diseases may be helpful to their psychology.


2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Koju ◽  
K Manandhar ◽  
A Risal ◽  
TJ Steiner ◽  
A Holen ◽  
...  

Background Hypertension (HTN), a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is a substantial global public health problem. Occasional studies indicate a high prevalence of HTN in the Nepalese population, but no nationwide population-based data exist so far. We opportunistically used a survey of major disorders of the brain in Nepal to measure blood pressure (BP) in participants selected randomly from the adult general population.Objective To establish the prevalence of elevated BP (eBP), and factors associated with it, regardless of any antihypertensive therapy being taken. We took this to be indicative of unmet health-care need.Method This was a cross-sectional study, conducted by unannounced household visits, employing multistage random cluster sampling. To achieve representativeness, 15 districts out of 75 in the country were investigated: one district from each of the three physiographic divisions in each of the five development regions of Nepal. One adult aged 18-65 years was selected from each household and interviewed by structured questionnaire. BP was recorded in a standardised manner by digital device (Microlife 3BM1-3®).Result From 2,109 eligible households, 2,100 adults (99.6%) participated. The prevalence of eBP (>140/90 mmHg on ?2 readings) was found to be 15.1%. Multivariate logistic regression showed significant and independent associations with demographic variables (higher age, male gender), with life-style factors (daily alcohol consumption, BMI ?25), and with living at high altitude (?2000 m).Conclusion In the context of the survey we could not collect data on antihypertensive therapy being taken but, clearly, whatever this might have been, it was failing to meet treatment needs. Almost one in six adults met criteria for hypertension, carrying risk implications for CVDs and their substantial public-health consequences. Two remediable associated factors were identified, although in a cross-sectional survey we could not prove causation.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.13(1) 2015; 3-7


F1000Research ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 2931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Animesh Biswas ◽  
Koustuv Dalal ◽  
Jahangir Hossain ◽  
Kamran Ul Baset ◽  
Fazlur Rahman ◽  
...  

Background: Lightning injury is a global public health issue. Low and middle-income countries in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world are most affected by lightning. Bangladesh is one of the countries at particular risk, with a high number of devastating lightning injuries in the past years, causing high mortality and morbidity. The exact magnitude of the problem is still unknown and therefore this study investigates the epidemiology of lightning injuries in Bangladesh, using a national representative sample. Methods: A mixed method was used. The study is based on results from a nationwide cross-sectional survey performed in 2003 in twelve randomly selected districts. In the survey, a total of 819,429 respondents from 171,336 households were interviewed using face-to-face interviews. In addition, qualitative information was obtained by reviewing national and international newspaper reports of lightning injuries sustained in Bangladesh between 13 and 15 May 2016. Results: The annual mortality rate was 3.661 (95% CI 0.9313–9.964) per 1,000,000 people. The overall incidence of lightning injury was 19.89/100,000 people. Among the victims, 60.12% (n=98) were males and 39.87% (n=65) were females. Males were particularly vulnerable, with a 1.46 times increased risk compared with females (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.06–1.99). Rural populations were more vulnerable, with a 8.73 times higher risk, than urban populations (RR 8.73, 95% CI 5.13–14.86). About 43% of injuries occurred between 12 noon and 6 pm. The newspapers reported 81 deaths during 2 days of electric storms in 2016. Lightning has been declared a natural disaster in Bangladesh. Conclusions: The current study indicates that lightning injuries are a public health problem in Bangladesh. The study recommends further investigations to develop interventions to reduce lightning injuries, mortality and related burden in Bangladesh.


Author(s):  
Shukang Wang ◽  
Wei Ma ◽  
Shu-Mei Wang ◽  
Xiangren Yi

Depression has become a major global public health problem. Many studies have shown the positive effects of physical exercise on depression. However, few studies have examined the relationship between frequency of leisure time physical exercise and depression without considering the time and intensity of exercise among middle-aged and elderly people of urban communities in northern China. We conducted a cross-sectional survey that included 1604 participants among urban residents aged 50 years or older in China to evaluate how the frequency of physical exercise was related to depression. Our study showed that the prevalence of depression in the urban community of Jinan is 16.52%. For physical exercise, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 1~2 times per week, 3~4 times per week and ≥5 times per week were 1.137 (0.661, 1.953), 0.516 (0.304, 0.875) and 0.548 (0.392, 0.768) respectively, with adjustment for age, gender, marital status, BMI, hypertension, previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes, triglyceride, total cholesterol, soy food intake, milk food intake, vegetable and fruit intake and meat intake. We concluded that physically exercising three times a week is associated with a low prevalence of depression.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026010602098234
Author(s):  
Pradeep Kumar ◽  
Himani Sharma ◽  
Kamalesh Kumar Patel

Background: Despite various programmes initiated by the Government of India, the nutritional indicators are not encouraging, as several problems like undernutrition, malnutrition and anaemia – still persist in the country, especially in the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states. Aim: Because of the dearth of studies regarding anaemia among men in India, the present study aimed to determine its prevalence in this population in the EAG states and to analyse its geographical and socio-demographic determinants. Methods: The study utilized nationally representative, cross-sectional survey data from round 4 of the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015–16. Bivariate analysis along with binary logistic regression were performed to assess the predictors of anaemia among men in the EAG states. Results: Around a quarter of the men in the EAG states suffered from anaemia. A similar high-prevalence pattern was observed across the EAG states. Wherein, Bihar and Jharkhand had the highest prevalence of anaemia while Uttarakhand showed the lowest. Age, place of residence, marital status and caste were positively associated with the likelihood of anaemia among men in the EAG states. Conclusions: Focusing on the EAG states, this study considered the severity of anaemia as a public health problem among men. Strategies to reduce the burden of anaemia among this population are needed. The government should formulate programmes targeting anaemia specifically, and improving the nutritional status among men in general in the EAG states.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e041609
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie ◽  
Farag Shuweihdi ◽  
Mitch Waterman ◽  
Allan House

ObjectivesTo identify the prevalence, methods, associations and reported reasons for self-harm among in-school and street-connected adolescents in Ghana.DesignA cross-sectional survey. We applied multi-level regression models and model-based cluster analysis to the data.SettingThree contexts in the Greater Accra region were used: second cycle schools, facilities of charity organisations and street census enumeration areas (sleeping places of street-connected adolescents, street corners, quiet spots of restaurants, markets, train and bus stations, and lorry and car parks).ParticipantsA regionally representative sample of 2107 (1723 in-school and 384 street-connected) adolescents aged 13–21 years.Outcome measuresParticipants responded to a structured self-report anonymous questionnaire describing their experience of self-harm and eliciting demographic information and social and personal adversities.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of self-harm was 20.2% (95% CI 19.0% to 22.0%), 12-month prevalence was 16.6% (95% CI 15.0% to 18.0%) and 1-month prevalence was 3.1% (95% CI 2.0% to 4.0%). Self-injury alone accounted for 54.5% episodes and self-poisoning alone for 16.2% episodes, with more than one method used in 26% of episodes. Self-cutting (38.7%) was the most common form of self-injury, whereas alcohol (39.2%) and medications (27.7%) were the most commonly reported means of self-poisoning. The factors associated with self-harm were interpersonal: conflict with parents (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.87, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.81), physical abuse victimisation (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.47), difficulty in making and keeping friends (aOR=1.24, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.80), sexual abuse victimisation (aOR=1.21, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.87) and conflict between parents (aOR=1.07, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.56).ConclusionsSelf-harm is a significant public health problem among in-school and street-connected adolescents in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Its origins are very largely in social and familial adversity, and therefore prevention and treatment measures need to be focused in these areas.


2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110051
Author(s):  
Claudia L. de Moraes ◽  
Érika B. dos Santos ◽  
Michael E. Reichenheim ◽  
Stella R. Taquette ◽  
Luciane Stochero ◽  
...  

Community violence (CV) is a global public health problem due to its high frequency and severe consequences. Although CV is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents, little is known about the everyday CV situations that do not lead to death. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of exposure to and involvement in CV situations among adolescent students from public and private schools in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study of 693 individuals in their second year of high school selected through stratified multistage random sampling. Information about their exposure to and involvement in CV was collected through a self-completed multidimensional questionnaire in the classrooms. For approximately 30% of the adolescents, someone close to them had been murdered, and 40% had already seen the corpse of a victim of homicide. Seventeen percent reported having been directly involved in CV situations. Approximately 38%, 13%, and 25% had been victims of robberies, interpersonal aggression, and death threats to either themselves or their relatives, respectively. Many of these situations occurred more than once. In general, CV was more frequently reported by boys and by those who did not live with both parents. Adolescents from higher economic classes experienced more interpersonal aggression and felt a greater need to carry a gun. Those who belonged to the lower economic classes and studied in public schools were more exposed to lethal violence than other students. The results call attention to the very high percentage of adolescent students that are involved in CV situations as well as to the differences in violence rates among population subgroups. Such findings should be considered when planning CV prevention and management actions in schools and other socialization spaces for adolescents.


Author(s):  
Chutima Rattanawan ◽  
Suraiya Cheloh ◽  
Asma Maimahad ◽  
Malatee Tayeh

Anemia is a global public health problem. The prevalence of anemia among different ages, genders or ethnic groups must be clarified in order to solve problems. This study proposed to determine the prevalence and factors related to anemia among the Muslim school-age population in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Socio-demographic and anthropometric data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from 200 school-age subjects. The thalassemia screening was performed with KKU-OF and KKU-DCIP reagents. The prevalence of anemia in this study was 36.5%, divided into males and females, 33.3% and 39.1%, respectively. The means of Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, and MCHC in the anemic group were significantly lower. The positive results for KKU-OF or KKU-DCIP or both were 15.0%, 2.5%, and 1.0%, respectively. The result of positive OF test was a significantly independent factor for anemia. The number of family members was 5 to 7 and more than 7 persons are related factors for anemia in this study. In summary, the contribution of thalassemia and socio-economic factor are associated factors to anemia in this population. These findings should be addressed in public health strategies for the control of anemia of school-aged Muslims in the region.


Dermatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Irene Torrecilla-Martínez ◽  
Esperanza Manrique-Silva ◽  
Victor Traves ◽  
Celia Requena ◽  
Eduardo Nagore

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The incidence of cutaneous melanoma, an important global public health problem, has been increasing over the last several decades. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> In order to decrease melanoma-related mortality, ways to communicate and implement the correct methods for conducting primary and secondary prevention measures (such as early detection via self-examination) should be investigated. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study consisting of 409 patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma was conducted. An online questionnaire was created to evaluate knowledge levels, attitudes, and adherence to primary preventive measures and to skin self-examination practices. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The results revealed that even when 43% of the patients perform cutaneous self-examinations, only half of them fully followed the recommendations. Patients aged &#x3c;45 years, female, with a I–II phototype, with an intermediate/high level of education, and with a history of NMSC were more likely to have an adequate degree of knowledge. Moreover, patients aged &#x3c;45 years and with an adequate degree of knowledge more frequently showed an adequate adherence to the primary prevention measures. Finally, patients aged 45–60 years and with an adequate degree of knowledge presented a good adherence to the self-skin examination measures. <b><i>Limitations:</i></b> Possible limitations of this study were memory bias through the influence of age within the study population, and bias due to a greater proportion of subjects with a high education level. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Within the population of patients with melanoma, a high percentage of patients do not rigorously follow the recommended prevention measures. Our study highlights the need to implement awareness in this population to improve the prevention of cutaneous cancer.


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