scholarly journals The Perception of Mothers on Malaria, Toxoplasmosis and their Pathological Consequences in the Mother and Baby in Biyem-Assi Yaounde

2021 ◽  
pp. 123-137
Author(s):  
Judith Lum Ndamukong-Nyanga ◽  
Todjom Chysine Lucile ◽  
Kitio Falone Linda ◽  
Signi, Demanou Teubow Dolly-Misper
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Spontaneous Abortion ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The World ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Sub Saharan

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.

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
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Venereal Disease ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Antenatal Clinic ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Antenatal Clinics ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
In Pregnancy

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.

Healthcare professionals’ knowledge of the doses and risks for radiological investigations performed during pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Ataalla ◽  
A.M. Yousef
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Radiation Effects ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Level Of Significance

Pregnant women should receive appropriate care during radiation examination which requires increased awareness of the effect of radiation and its associated risks. The aim of the study was to assess awareness of radiation risks on pregnant women during radiological examination among healthcare professionals and women who are pregnant or of childbearing age. A total of 225 individuals from different professional groups (nurses, medical radiographers, radiologists) and a total of 75 women who were pregnant or in childbearing age responded to a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in Riyadh and Al-Kharj hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed by T-test and ANOVAs-test to compare the level of knowledge among participants; the level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. The results showed that the healthcare workers who had attended training programs had an increased level of knowledge regarding radiation effects among pregnant women as compared to those who had not attended training programs (p < 0.05). The study showed a non-significant difference in awareness level for healthcare professionals regarding their job experience (p > 0.05). There was a lack of nurses’ awareness regarding X-ray or radiation dosage and its effect on pregnant women and fetuses. On-going training and education regarding radiation protection is recommended.

scholarly journals Antenatal care and uptake of HIV testing among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional study

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 20605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayleen K L Gunn ◽  
Ibitola O Asaolu ◽  
Katherine E Center ◽  
Steven J Gibson ◽  
Patrick Wightman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sub Saharan

scholarly journals Prevalence and predictors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women from Dhamar, Yemen

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulelah H. Al-Adhroey ◽  
Amat Al-Khaleq O. Mehrass ◽  
Abdulqawi A. Al-Shammakh ◽  
Abdullatif D. Ali ◽  
Mohammed Y. M. Akabat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Spontaneous Abortion ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Igm Antibodies ◽  
History Of ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy

Abstract Background Toxoplasmosis is a common and serious parasitic infection caused by the ubiquitous obligatory intracellular protozoan organism, Toxoplasma gondii. Although infection with T. gondii is usually asymptomatic in healthy individuals, it can lead to severe pathological effects in congenital cases and immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and its predictors among pregnant women seeking prenatal and medical care at the general maternal and child health facility in Dhamar district of Dhamar governorate, Yemen. Methods A total of 420 pregnant women were randomly selected for this cross-sectional study. Participants were screened for anti-T. gondii antibodies (i.e. immunoglobulin M; IgM and immunoglobulin G; IgG) using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Demographic, socioeconomic, obstetric and behavioural data were collected using a pretested questionnaire via face-to-face interview. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the independent predictors of T. gondii seroprevalence. Results The overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG and/or IgM) among the participants was 21.2% (89/420; 95% CI = 17.3–25.1). Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 20.0% (84/420) of the women of which 12.9% (54/420) were positive for only IgG and 7.1% (30/420) were positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. Moreover, 5 women (1.2%) were reactive only for IgM antibodies. Significant associations between T. gondii seroprevalence and history of spontaneous abortion (P <  0.001), raw vegetables consumption (P = 0.036), and presence of cats in household (P = 0.049) were reported. Multivariate analysis confirmed that history of spontaneous abortion (AOR = 4.04; 95% CI = [2.46, 6.63]) and presence of cats in household (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI = [1.02, 3.07]) are significant predictors of T. gondii seroprevalence among the studied participants. Conclusion The study found a high seroprevalence (21.2%) of T. gondii infection during pregnancy in Dhamar district, which is significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The provision of adequate maternal healthcare and health education pertaining to the prevention of T. gondii infection is therefore imperative to curtail the prevalence of infection among the studied population.

scholarly journals Knowledge and understanding of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saran Tenzin Tamang ◽  
Thinley Dorji ◽  
Sonam Yoezer ◽  
Thinley Phuntsho ◽  
Phurb Dorji
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Antenatal Clinic ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstetric Danger Signs ◽  
Danger Signs ◽  
Obstetric Emergencies ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Abstract Background The third Sustainable Development Goal for 2030 development agenda aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Pregnant women’s understanding of danger signs is an important factor in seeking timely care during emergencies. We assessed knowledge of obstetric danger signs using both recall and understanding of appropriate action required during obstetric emergencies. Methods This was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Bhutan’s largest hospital in Thimphu. Recall was assessed against seven obstetric danger signs outlined in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (7 points). Understanding of danger signs was tested using 13 multiple choice questions (13 points). Knowledge was scored out of 20 points and reported as ‘good’ (≥80%), ‘satisfactory’ (60–79%) and ‘poor’ (< 60%). Correlation between participant characteristics and knowledge score as well as number of danger signs recalled was tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Association between knowledge score and participant characteristics was tested using t-tests (and Kruskal-Wallis test) for numeric variables. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the level of knowledge ('good’ versus ‘satisfactory’ and ‘poor’ combined) were assessed with odds ratios using a log-binomial regression model. All results with p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results Four hundred and twenty-two women responded to the survey (response rate = 96.0%). Mean (±SD) knowledge score was 12 (±2.5). Twenty women (4.7%) had ‘good’ knowledge, 245 (58.1%) had ‘satisfactory’ knowledge and 157 (37.2%) had ‘poor’ knowledge. The median number of danger signs recalled was 2 (IQR 1, 3) while 68 women (20.3%) could not recall any danger signs. Most women were knowledgeable about pre-labour rupture of membranes (96.0%) while very few women were knowledgeable about spotting during pregnancy (19.9%). Both knowledge score and number of danger signs recalled had significant correlation with the period of gestation. Women with previous surgery on the reproductive tract had higher odds of having ‘good’ level of knowledge. Conclusions Most pregnant women had ‘satisfactory’ knowledge score with poor explicit recall of danger signs. However, women recognized obstetric emergencies and identified the appropriate action warranted.

scholarly journals Maternal healthcare utilsation and complete childhood vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional study of 29 nationally representative surveys

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e045992
Author(s):  
Eugene Budu ◽  
Bright Opoku Ahinkorah ◽  
Richard Gyan Aboagye ◽  
Ebenezer Kwesi Armah-Ansah ◽  
Abdul-Aziz Seidu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Utilisation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Childhood Vaccination ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Service Utilisation ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sub Saharan

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to examine the association between maternal healthcare utilisation and complete childhood vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa.DesignOur study was a cross-sectional study that used pooled data from 29 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.ParticipantsA total of 60 964 mothers of children aged 11–23 months were included in the study.Outcome variablesThe main outcome variable was complete childhood vaccination. The explanatory variables were number of antenatal care (ANC) visits, assistance during delivery and postnatal care (PNC).ResultsThe average prevalence of complete childhood vaccination was 85.6%, ranging from 67.0% in Ethiopia to 98.5% in Namibia. Our adjusted model, children whose mothers had a maximum of three ANC visits were 56% less likely to have complete vaccination, compared with those who had at least four ANC visits (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.44, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.46). Children whose mothers were assisted by traditional birth attendant/other (aOR=0.43, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.56) had lower odds of complete vaccination. The odds of complete vaccination were lower among children whose mothers did not attend PNC clinics (aOR=0.26, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.29) as against those whose mothers attended.ConclusionThe study found significant variations in complete childhood vaccination across countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Maternal healthcare utilisation (ANC visits, skilled birth delivery, PNC attendance) had significant association with complete childhood vaccination. These findings suggest that programmes, interventions and strategies aimed at improving vaccination should incorporate interventions that can enhance maternal healthcare utilisation. Such interventions can include education and sensitisation, reducing cost of maternal healthcare and encouraging male involvement in maternal healthcare service utilisation.

scholarly journals Unravelling the Perspectives of Day and Night Traders in Selected Markets within a Sub-Saharan African City with a Malaria Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3468
Author(s):  
Patience B. Tetteh-Quarcoo ◽  
Nicholas T. K. D. Dayie ◽  
Kevin Kofi Adutwum-Ofosu ◽  
John Ahenkorah ◽  
Emmanuel Afutu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Malaria Treatment ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African City ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Treatment Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Knowledge ◽  
Sub Saharan

Background: Malaria is still endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with a high disease burden. Misconceptions about malaria contribute to poor attitudes and practices, further increasing the burden in endemic countries. Studies have examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of malaria among different populations. However, there seems to be no available literature reporting on the perspectives of day and night market traders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on malaria KAP with a focus on day and night market traders. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving day and night market traders in 10 selected markets within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was carried out. Data were collected from consenting respondents using a structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 760 respondents (33.3% (n = 253) night and 66.7% (n = 507) day traders) interviewed, there was no significant difference between the day and night market traders in terms of malaria KAP. Although the market traders had an overall moderate knowledge (54.0% of the day traders and 56.5% of the night traders), misconceptions about malaria (especially that it could be caused by exposure to the sun) still existed among the traders. Moreover, the majority of the traders who demonstrated high knowledge (43.98%, n = 250) did not always take laboratory tests to confirm their suspicion, indicating poor attitude. Furthermore, the market traders’ choice of drug for malaria treatment (p = 0.001) and preferred malaria treatment type (orthodox or herbal) (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with their knowledge level. Conclusions: Despite the observation that no significant difference in KAP exists between day and night market traders, appropriate health education programs and interventions still need to be directed at misconceptions, poor attitudes, and poor practices revealed by this study. This will ultimately help in the prevention and control of malaria in Ghana, and globally.

scholarly journals Predictors of HIV Testing among Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. e0164052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibitola O. Asaolu ◽  
Jayleen K. Gunn ◽  
Katherine E. Center ◽  
Mary P. Koss ◽  
Juliet I. Iwelunmor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sub Saharan

scholarly journals Prevalence of Anemia and Undernutrition of Adolescent Females in Selected Schools in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Marina Aferiba Tandoh ◽  
Abigail Owusuaa Appiah ◽  
Anthony Kwaku Edusei
Keyword(s):  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Adolescent Females ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Poor Nutrition ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

Anemia among adolescent females is a major worldwide public health problem which should be given appropriate attention. Half of all anemic cases are caused by iron deficiency. In addition to anemia, poor nutrition is also a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. This study determined the prevalence of anemia and undernutrition among adolescent females in school. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 adolescent females in four basic schools in the Ahafo region of Ghana. The hemoglobin level and anthropometry measures of participants were taken to determine their anemic and nutritional status. The prevalence of anemia among adolescent females in school was 50.3%. Out of the 151 participants, 6.6%, 19.9%, and 23.8% were severely anemic, moderately anemic, or mildly anemic, respectively. Only 2% of the participants were underweight, but the rate of stunting was 26.5%. The notable high prevalence of anemia that was found among adolescent females was correlated with other health and wellness concerns. Anemia and under nutrition negatively affect academic performance, productivity, and general wellbeing of adolescents; therefore, effective measures should be put in place to correct and eradicate these nutritional problems.

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