Prevalence of Typhoid Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Specialist Hospital Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Typhoid fever is one of the major and common health problem worldwide. Typhoid fever caused by Salmonella typhi may be a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in both the mother and fetus in developing countries, where sanitation facilities, personal and food hygiene are inadequate. Thus, the present research was a cross-sectional study of Salmonella infection among pregnant women in Specialist Hospital Yola, Nigeria. The objectives of this study is to determine the prevalence of typhoid infection among pregnant women in Adamawa state in relation to age, educational level, occupation and location, explore factors associated with the infection and to provide information on its prevention and control strategies. Serological analyses (Widal test) and bacteriological analyses (stool culture) were carried out and compared among 313 participants. The results obtained showed that 209 (66.77%) of the participants were seropositive for typhoid fever, whereas 188 (60.06%) were positive based on bacteriological technique. Participants between age groups; 26-35 years old had the highest prevalence of 64.10%.There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the prevalence of typhoid fever among the various age groups of the pregnant women examined. In relation to Educational level, participants with Non-formal education had the highest prevalence of typhoid infection 75.00%. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the prevalence of typhoid fever based on the educational level of the pregnant women examined. Based on occupation of the participants, women who were involved in farming recorded the highest prevalence rate of 88.37%.There was statistically significant difference (P< 0.05) between the prevalence of typhoid fever and the occupation of the pregnant women examined. With respect to the location of the participants, subjects belonging to Semi-urban areas recorded the highest prevalence of 80.98%. There was statistically significant difference (P< 0.05) between the prevalence of typhoid fever and the location of the pregnant women examined. Pregnancy state makes the women more vulnerable to typhoid fever by affecting the physiology of pivotal organs, as such causing complications in pregnant women therefore early and prompt diagnosis of the infection is essential.

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Pathogenicity and non-opportunistic character of Blastocystis spp.: a hospital-based survey in Central Cameroon

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.10122 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (05) ◽

pp. 373-379 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Stéphanie Jupsa-Mbiandou ◽

Samuel Fosso ◽

Edimo Billé ◽

Tito T Mélachio-Tanekou ◽

Gideon Ajeagah-Aghaindum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Age Groups ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Blastocystis Spp ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Hiv Negative

Introduction: Blastocystis spp. is a protist found in humans. Although usually the most frequent protozoa found in stool samples of both symptomatic and healthy subjects, its pathogenic or rather opportunistic role is yet to be clearly elucidated. To attempt to fill this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the frequency of Blastocystis spp. in HIV positive (HIV+) versus HIV negative (HIV-) individuals in four health facilities of the Center Region of Cameroon. Methodology: Stool samples were collected from 283 HIV positive and 245 HIV negative subjects and analyzed using direct diagnostic tests. Results: A total of 46 (8.7%) individuals were found infected with Blastocystis spp., including 6.7% HIV positive and 11.0% HIV negative. This species was more frequent in urban and semi-urban areas than in rural areas, but evenly distributed among genders and age groups as well as among all sectors of activity. The prevalence of Blastocystis spp. (11.3%) was higher in HIV+ patients with a CD4 count ≥ 500 cells / mm3, but no significant difference was found among HIV clinical stages. Likewise prevalence, the mean number of cysts per gram of stool was similar between HIV positive and HIV negative individuals. People infected with Blastocystis spp. showed diverse clinical signs, but only flatulence was significantly more prevalent. The frequencies of these clinical signs were not related to HIV status. Conclusion: No clear relationship links the infection with Blastocystis spp. to HIV, although its presence was associated with digestive disorder, suggesting that this parasite might not be opportunist.

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Population-based survey of HIV sero-status and vertical transmission among naive pregnant women in Sokoto, Nigeria

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3126/ajms.v6i3.11530 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 49-57 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Fiekumo Igbida Buseri ◽

Charity Ngozi Okonkwo

Keyword(s):

Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Vertical Transmission ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Age Groups ◽

P Value ◽

Full Time ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

Background: This study aims at investigating the seroprevalence of HIV infection among status naive pregnant women and probable vertical transmission in Sokoto, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 13,026 apparently healthy pregnant women aged between 14 and 45 years and 312 mother-baby pairs in 4 different hospital settings in Sokoto State, North West, Nigeria between March, 2011 and February, 2013. The babies were aged between 8 and 16 months. HIV screening was performed using qualitative rapid tests and ELISA and HIV-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Measurement of CD4+ T-lymphocytes was carried out by the BD FACScount System. All seropositive pregnant women were immediately placed on triple antiretroviral therapy (ART) throughout the duration of the pregnancy and beyond.Results: An overall 2.4% prevalence of HIV-1 infection among the pregnant women and 20.5% incident of mother-to-child transmission were found. Of the seropositive pregnant women, 75.0% were full-time house wives, 13.8% and 11.2% were traders and civil servants respectively; of which, 70.2% were within the ages of 14 and 27 years (youthful predominance). Pearson’s χ2analysis did not show any statistically significant difference in the Mean values in the 4 health facilities (χ2 =2.084, df=3, P-value=0.555). Similarly, no significant difference in HIV seropositivity in the demographic data of the pregnant women were observed (P>0.05). Infection was recorded in all age groups but there was no statistical significance between age groups and infection (P = 0.833). Of the 64 seropositive babies, 62 (92.5%) contracted HIV from antiretroviral therapy non-adherence mothers (χ2 =271.457, df=1, P<0.01), OR=1506.6 (95%CI=285.5-7950.4). Conclusion: This study found high prevalence of vertical transmission due to ART non-adherence. Intervention initiatives should, therefore, focus seriously on ART non-adherence. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.11530Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 49-57

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Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Typhoid Fever in Children Attending “Deo Gratias” Hospital in Douala, Littoral Region

10.20944/preprints202006.0252.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Teh Exodus Akwa ◽

Nguimbous Simone

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Typhoid Fever ◽

Communicable Disease ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Salmonella Typhi ◽

Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Typhoid fever is a communicable disease transmitted by the bacteria Salmonella typhi, related to serotype paratyphi A, B and C. The disease is of a significant health concern in most developing countries especially Cameroon. Objectives: The study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of typhoid fever in children ( 0-18 years) attending the “Deo Gratias” hospital in Douala. Method: A hospital base cross sectional study from August to September 2018 was carried out in patients’ age 0-18 years suffering from typhoid fever at the Deo gratias Catholic hospital. Widal slide agglutination test was the diagnostic test used. Positive tested patients were administered questionnaires to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude and practice toward the disease, as well as their self-management abilities. Data obtained from respondents was analysed by descriptive statistics. One-way ANOVA and means comparison using Tukey’s test (α = 0.05) was performed to check whether the population of respondents differed significantly across risk factor practices. Results were finally presented on bar charts, tables and pie chart. Results: Typhoid fever was more prevalent in females (52.3%) than in males (47.7%), with a high proportion in the ages 5-9 years (38.6%). A significant difference was observed in population of respondents across risk factor practices. Conclusion: Water quality have a great impact on the burden of typhoid fever among children. The identification of risk factors associated to the disease is of great importance in the development of rational control strategies of the disease.

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Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practice of Leptospirosis Among Healthy Malaysian and Non-Malaysian Wet Market Workers in Selected Urban Areas in Selangor, Malaysia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17041346 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 1346

Author(s):

Suhailah Samsudin ◽

Sakinah N.S. Saudi ◽

Norbaya S. Masri ◽

Nur Raihana Ithnin ◽

Jamaluddin T.Z.M.T ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Formal Education ◽

Domestic Animal ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

State Agency ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Preventive Practice ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Wet Market

Leptospirosis has been reported as an endemic in most tropical countries. Among high risk occupations, leptospirosis includes workers in agriculture and domestic animal industries. Environmental hygiene in the wet market has established a link between the presence of rodents with probability of leptospirosis infection. This study was aimed to compare the level of knowledge, attitude and preventive practice against leptospirosis between healthy Malaysian and non-Malaysian wet market workers in selected wet markets in urban areas of Selangor. A cross-sectional study in the determined area was conducted with the participation of 147 respondents. The respondents were randomly chosen from the list provided by the state agency that regulates these markets. A self-administered bilingual validated questionnaire (English and Bahasa Melayu) was distributed to the selected respondents. There were 68 (48.3%) Malaysian respondents and 79 (53.7%) non-Malaysian respondents. The majority of them were males, who attained formal education and were less than 40 years old. Meanwhile, the respondents earned less than RM3000. Among the Malaysian respondents, 80.9% were aware of leptospirosis as compared to 17.7% of the non-Malaysian colleagues (p < 0.05). All items of knowledge showed that the Malaysian respondents scored higher as compared to non-Malaysian respondents. On attitude towards infection prevention, most Malaysian respondents had a positive attitude, while most non-Malaysian respondents had undecided perception on the majority of crucial attitude items. In practicing preventive measures, there was a marked significant difference in proportion between Malaysian and non-Malaysian respondents for items on “Specific Protection and Isolation at Source.” There was a significant gap on knowledge, attitude and preventive practice among Malaysian workers as compared to non-Malaysian workers. Therefore, it was highly recommended the health promotion implementation should also provide specific focus on non-Malaysian workers.

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Knowledge and intake of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects among pregnant women in urban China: a cross-sectional study

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03893-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mingming Cui ◽

Xiao-Lin Lu ◽

Yan-Yu Lyu ◽

Fang Wang ◽

Xiao-Lu Xie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Neural Tube ◽

Neural Tube Defects ◽

Rural Women ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Unplanned Pregnancy ◽

Urban China ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background The prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in China declined during 2000–2017 with periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation, which is effective in reducing the risk of birth defects. We aimed to assess the knowledge and actual use of FA among Chinese pregnant women and to explore factors associated with FA use before pregnancy. Methods All data were collected in face-to-face interviews during health visits among pregnant women. We collected information about knowledge and use of FA supplements and demographic, socioeconomic, and health status. One maternity and childcare hospital was chosen in each of four cities: Beijing, Huaibei, Kunming, and Haikou. In total, 435 pregnant women were randomly recruited for interviews conducted from June to December 2016. Results A total of 428 pregnant women were included in this survey. Of these, 82.0% (351/428) knew that FA can prevent NTDs, and 75.9% (325/428) knew the correct time to take FA. Overall, 65.9% (282/428) of women knew both that FA can prevent NTDs and the recommended time to take FA before pregnancy. Approximately 95.1% (407/428) of women reported having ever taken FA, only 46.3% (198/428) had begun to take FA supplementation before conception, and 64.5% (109/169) of women from rural areas failed to take FA before pregnancy. Women living in northern China (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–2.77), those with unplanned pregnancy (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.30–3.04), and highly educated women (OR = 2.37, 95% CI 1.45–3.88) were more likely to know about FA. Women who were homemakers (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.21–3.11) and had unplanned pregnancy (OR = 6.18, 95% CI 4.01–9.53) were less likely to begin taking FA before pregnancy. Conclusions Our survey showed that most pregnant women knew about FA. Although preconception intake of FA can help to reduce NTDs, improving the rate of FA intake before pregnancy is needed in urban areas of China, especially among homemakers and women from rural areas or with unplanned pregnancy. Campaigns are needed to increase awareness about FA and FA use before pregnancy among rural women, homemakers, and those with unplanned pregnancy and lower education levels.

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Is it time to administer acellular pertussis vaccine to childbearing age/pregnant women in all areas using whole-cell pertussis vaccination schedule?

Therapeutic Advances in Vaccines and Immunotherapy ◽

10.1177/25151355211015842 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 251513552110158

Author(s):

Abdoulreza Esteghamati ◽

Shirin Sayyahfar ◽

Yousef Alimohamadi ◽

Sarvenaz Salahi ◽

Mahmood Faramarzi

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Age Groups ◽

Vaccination Schedule ◽

Immunoglobulin M ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Childbearing Age ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Whole Cell ◽

Childbearing Age Women ◽

The Mean

Background: Whole-cell pertussis (wP) vaccine administration is still advocated for children under 7 years of age in Iran. However, there is no recommendation for the administration of a dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to childbearing age/pregnant women in the Iranian vaccination program and it has increased the risk of infection through waning immunity during women’s childbearing age life. The study aimed to assess the levels of anti- Bordetella pertussis antibodies in childbearing age women of different ages in Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total number of 360 childbearing age women divided into six age groups, with 5-year intervals from 15 to 45 years old, in 2018–2019. Then, the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against B. pertussis were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The IBM SPSS Statistics software (version 16.0) (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.01 ± 8.35 years (range 14–45 years). All the cases were IgM negative, but two IgA-positive individuals (in the age groups of 14–19 and 30–34 years) were reported. Overall, 239 (66.4%) cases were IgG positive. The mean age of IgG-positive cases was 30.37 ± 8.37 years. The IgG-positive cases were mostly in the age groups of 30–34 and 35–39 years [43 (71.1%)]. The odds of IgG positivity were 1.97. The highest odds of IgG positivity were seen in 30–34 and 35–39 years groups (2.52) and the lowest odds were seen in the 20–24 and 25–29 years groups (1.60). Using the Jonckheere–Terpstra test, the increasing trend of IgG changes in different age groups was not statistically significant (Tπ=5.78, p = 0.09). Conclusion: The infants of women of childbearing age might be prone to pertussis in countries using the wP vaccination schedule. It is suggested to administer a dose of Tdap to women before or during pregnancy to increase the immunity of their infants against this disease during early infancy.

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Pregnant women and risk factors: a cross-sectional study

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.916 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

V L a Fauci ◽

R Squeri ◽

C Genovese ◽

V Alessi ◽

A Facciolà

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Young Adults ◽

Health Education ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Educational Level ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

High Educational Level ◽

Significant Difference ◽

High Educational

Abstract Background Many investigations have shown the important role played by risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol in the development of congenital anomalies. Methods Through the administration of an hoc questionnaire, we evaluated the attitude towards smoking and alcohol of a sample of 200 pregnant women at the University Hospital of Messina. The questionnaire was structured to collect information about socio-demographic characteristics, type of gynaecological assistance and their lifestyles (smoking and alcohol). Statistical analysis was performed using version 10 of StatSoftVR software. Results 14% of the women continued to smoke despite pregnancy; the majority of these were young adults, divorced, employed and with a high educational level. Correlating the smoking habit with the socio-demographic characteristics of the studied women, we found a statistically significant difference for the marital status, with a higher number of smokers among the single women (p < 0.05).Moreover, we found a statistically significant difference also for the profession with a higher number of smokers in the worker women (p < 0.05). About the drinking habit, the 4.3% declared to be moderate drinkers (occasional use of alcohol equal to 2-3 glasses a week) despite pregnancy, the 34.4% stated they do not drink alcohol during pregnancy and the 56% stated do not usually drink alcohol. Particularly, about the drinkers' socio-demographic characteristics, the 50% of them were 24-25 years old and the 75% were married. About the type of alcoholic beverages consumed, 86% stated they usually drink bier during the weekend. Conclusions Our study shows that the awareness of the women about the importance of these risk factors is still rather poor. In order to improve the awareness of pregnant women on the importance of avoiding these risk factors and prevent CAs, health education campaigns at various levels surely represent the public health cornerstone. Key messages In our sample 14% of the pregnant women continued to smoke and 4.3% to drink despite pregnancy and they generally were young or young adults and with a high educational level. Our results highlight the importance of continuous health education about the risk to smoke and drink during pregnancy.

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The influence of varying maxillary central incisor vertical dimension on perceived smile aesthetics

Journal of Orthodontics ◽

10.1177/1465312519839713 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 46 (2) ◽

pp. 137-142

Author(s):

Elis Janaina Lira dos Santos ◽

Alana Moura Xavier Dantas ◽

Raíssa Marçal Vilela ◽

Karina Jerônimo Rodrigues Santiago de Lima ◽

Rejane Targino Soares Beltrão

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Educational Background ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Central Incisor ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Exact Test ◽

Maxillary Central Incisor ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Test

Objective: To evaluate patient perception of the smile focused on analysis of the upper incisors. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Clinical and Social Dentistry at Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil. Participants: The sample consisted of 135 individuals (73 women and 62 men). Methods: Images with different characteristics associated with the incisal edges were shown at random and analysed using a Likert scale. Data were analysed using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test with a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05). Results: Smile I (difference of 1.5 mm in relation to the central incisor and lateral) was considered the most aesthetic, while Smile III (no difference in height between the central and lateral incisors) was the least aesthetic. A significant difference was found between perception of smile II (difference of 1 mm in relation to the central incisor and lateral) and age groups ( P < 0.005), with 31% (n = 13) of individuals aged 45–64 years considering smile II as not pleasant, 4.4% (n = 2) aged 15–24 years and 8.3% (n=4) aged 25–44 years and 4.4% (n = 2) aged 15–24 years considering the same. A significant difference was also found in relation to educational background of the assessor and smile perception, with smile III ( P = 0.0441) and smile IV ( P = 0.0053) considered the most aesthetic ( P = 0.0116). Conclusion: The smile considered most attractive among the sample was that with 1.5 mm steepness between the central and lateral incisors, while a flat smile arc was considered least attractive.

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Women’s demand for late-term abortion: A social or psychiatric issue?

Vojnosanitetski pregled ◽

10.2298/vsp1407660n ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 71 (7) ◽

pp. 660-666

Author(s):

Gordana Nikolic ◽

Ljiljana Samardzic ◽

Miroslav Krstic

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Educational Level ◽

Unwanted Pregnancy ◽

Initial Assessment ◽

Psychiatric Evaluation ◽

Lower Socioeconomic ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Psychiatric Issue ◽

Gestational Week

Introduction/Aim. Induced termination of unwanted pregnancy after 12th gestational week (late-term abortion) is legally restricted in Serbia as well as in many other countries. On the other hand, unwanted pregnancy very often brings women into the state of personal crisis. Psychiatric indications for legally approved late-term abortion on women?s demand include only severe psychiatric disorders. The aim of this paper was to compare sociodemographic, psychological characteristics and claimed reasons for abortion in the two groups of women with late-term demand for abortion - the group of women satisfying legally prescribed mental health indications, and the group of women not satisfying these indications. The aim of the study was also to determine predictive validity of the abovementioned parameters for late-term abortion as the outcome of unwanted pregnancy. Methods. A total of 62 pregnant women with demand for late-term abortion were divided into two groups according to the criteria of satisfying or not satisfying legally proposed psychiatric indications for late-term abortion after psychiatric evaluation. For the assessment of sociodemographic and psychological parameters sociodemographic questionnaire and symptom checklist - 90 revised (SCL-90?) scale were used, respectively. The outcome of unwanted pregnancy was followed 6 months after the initial assessment. Results. The obtained results showed a statistically significant difference between the groups in educational level, satisfaction with financial situation, elevated anxiety and distress reactions. Unfavorable social circumstances were the main reason for an abortion in both groups and were predictive for an abortion. A 6-month follow-up showed that women had abortion despite legal restrictions. Conclusion. Pregnant women with psychiatric indication for late-term abortion belong to lower socioeconomic and educational level group compared to women without this indication who have more frequently elevated anxiety and distress reactions to unwanted pregnancy. It is necessary to have more accurate guidelines for mental health indications for legally approved late-term abortion, respecting social circumstances. Preventive measures are of great importance in order to lower the risk of illegally performed late-term abortions.

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Elements of Opportunity and Poultry Farms Performance in Delta State, Nigeria

Sustainable Agriculture Research ◽

10.5539/sar.v4n4p102 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 102

Author(s):

Rodney A. Isiorhovoja

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Formal Education ◽

Prior Experience ◽

T Test ◽

Test Results ◽

Gross Margin ◽

Rural And Urban Areas ◽

Rural And Urban ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Poultry Farmers

The paper examines the existence, if any, of differences in gross margin between rural and urban areas in Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected from all 275 poultry farmers registered with the Delta State Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Department. The null hypotheses was that there is no significant difference in poultry farm gross margin between locations in terms rural and urban areas; managers with formal education in agriculture and managers who have no formal education in agriculture; and managers who have and who do not have prior experience in poultry business. Data were collected from all 275 poultry farmers registered with the State Ministry Agriculture using copies of a structured questionnaire and were analyzed using frequency counts, means and T-test. Amongst the findings were: Majority of poultry business operators have low level formal education in disciplines not related to agriculture; there was a significant difference in the mean number of years of schooling and courses studied between rural and urban areas but that there was no significant difference in number of years of prior experience. The T-test results failed to reject the three null hypotheses. The study concluded that indeed elements of opportunity may vary from place to place but the ability to exploit the benefits may moderate or accentuate performance. Entrepreneurial capacity building was recommended for poultry business operators’ state wide.

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