scholarly journals The Severity of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Co-Infections among Pregnant Women in Yaounde, Cameroon

2021 ◽  
pp. 22-32
Author(s):  
Judith Lum Ndamukong-Nyanga ◽  
Kitio Falone Linda ◽  
Signi Todjom Chysine Lucile ◽  
Demanou Teubow Dolly-Misper
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Severe Malaria ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference

Malaria and toxoplasmosis are two diseases caused by parasites of the same phylum (Apicomplexa). They have severe consequences on the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies. As such, they are of importance for the public health, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and Cameroon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of toxoplasmosis among malaria-positive pregnant women attending the Biyam-Assi District Hospital. It was a cross-sectional study that took place from May to November 2019 involving 232 pregnant women who voluntarily accepted to take part in the study. Demographic data was collected using structured questionnaires and blood was collectd by finger prick. Thick blood films were prepared for the detection of malaria and the Giemsa-stained slides were read microscopically. A drop of blood was used for the detection of toxoplasmosis using the  chromatographic cassette (Rapid Diagnostic Test) and the results were read after 15 minutes. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 24. The results showed that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis was 22.84 %. This prevalence didn’t depend on the trimester of pregnancy (P = 0. 08). The prevalence of malaria was 38.9%. No significant difference was observed for either the prevalence or severity of malaria over the three trimesters of pregnancy (p = 0.60 and p = 0.9 respectively). The prevalence of co-infection with malaria and toxoplasmosis was 9.05%. Women without toxoplasmosis were more prone to severe malaria (20.29 %) than their counterparts who had toxoplasmosis (4.78 %) and the difference between these two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.02). The severity of toxoplasmosis was not influenced by the presence of Plasmodium (p = 0. 20). It was concluded that the occurrence and severity of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women does not depend on their malaria serological status. However, the presence of severe malaria in pregnant women depends on their toxoplasmosis status. Indeed, women already infected with T. gondii are less susceptible to malaria than their counterparts who are negative for toxoplasmosis. These findings suggest that T. gondii in a person confers some form of reistance to infections with Plasmodium. It was recommended that the Public Health Ministry in Cameroon could include screening for toxoplasmosis among the routine test for pregnant women in order to improve on the health of mother and baby.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Anxiety in Pregnancy during COVID 19 pandemic in Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shailaja Khadka ◽  
Sumana Thapa ◽  
Ratna Khatri ◽  
Rosy Malla ◽  
Sumana Thapa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ethical Approval ◽  
Almost All ◽  
In Pregnancy

Aim: To determine the prevalence of anxiety in pregnancy during COVID19 pandemic in Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni Method: It is a cross sectional study conducted at Shree Birendra Hospital Chhauni from July to October 2020 following the ethical approval from IRC. All the pregnant women from first to last trimester attending outdoor visit were included; they were asked to fill up Beck Anxiety Index form. The level of anxiety was compared with demographic data like age, race, parity, and period of gestation, education and occupation. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 20 software. Results: A total of 385 presumably uninfected pregnant women were surveyed in 20-40 (28.45±3.95) years age group from 4 to 41 (27.15±9.4) weeks of pregnancy and 55.6% were multipara. Low-grade anxiety was found 99.5% (BAI= 3.06±3.66). Conclusions: Low-grade anxiety was found in almost all pregnant women during covid pandemic and there was no significant difference by demographic variables.

scholarly journals Sexuality and associated risk factors in pregnant women

2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (suppl 4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Renata Amorim Lessa Soares ◽  
Cinthia Gondim Pereira Calou ◽  
Samila Gomes Ribeiro ◽  
Priscila de Souza Aquino ◽  
Paulo Cesar de Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Health System ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public

ABSTRACT Objectives: to assess the sexual function of pregnant women and the influence of sociodemographic, obstetric, and behavioral factors on sexual dysfunction. Methods: cross-sectional study conducted with 141 pregnant women attended by the Single Health System and 120 by one private service, totaling 261 participants. A questionnaire containing sociodemographic, obstetric, and behavioral variables was applied, as well as the Female Sexual Function Index instrument, which was used to assess sexual function. Associations between variables and sexual dysfunction were made using the chi-square test, considering a statistically significant result when p < 0.05. Results: among the participants, 32.1% had sexual dysfunction, and the variables “age”, “income” and “type of health service” had an influence on sexual dysfunction. The prevalence of pregnant women was between 21 and 30 years old (p < 0.001), with an income between 1 and 2 minimum wages (p = 0.048) and used the public health system network (p = 0.000). Conclusions: the factors associated with sexual dysfunction are “young pregnant women”, “low income” and “attended in the public health service”.

scholarly journals The Difference of Serum Gastrin-17 Level Based on Gastritis Severity and Helicobacter Pylori Infection

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 1266-1269
Author(s):  
Dumawan Harris Parhusip ◽  
Gontar Alamsyah Siregar ◽  
Leonardo Basa Dairi
Keyword(s):  
Serum Gastrin ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mucosal Inflammation ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sydney System ◽  
The Difference ◽  
H Pylori

BACKGROUND: Gastritis was defined as the histological presence of gastric mucosal inflammation. One of the most common aetiology was H. pylori. Gastrin-17 was a hormone that was secreted by G cells. H. pylori infection induced increased in gastrin-17 in gastritis. Therefore, this study was to investigate the relationship of gastrin-17 with gastritis severity and H. pylori infection. AIM: To determine the difference in serum Gastrin-17 level based on gastritis severity and H. pylori infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study enrolling 45 patients with gastritis was conducted in Haji Adam Malik General Hospital between April and July 2018. Endoscopy and biopsy examinations were performed to confirm the diagnosis of gastritis. Gastritis severity was assessed using the Updated Sydney System. The presence of H. pylori infection was detected by a Campylobacter-like organism (CLO) examination. Gastrin-17 level and demographic data were also gathered. The analysis was done using Mann Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test. P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Serum Gastrin-17 level was significantly different based on gastritis severity (P = 0.001 according to neutrophils infiltration and P = 0.023 according to degree of atrophy), H. pylori infection (P = 0.038), and combined gastritis severity and H. pylori infection (P < 0.001). Serum Gastrin-17 level was higher in subjects with severe neutrophils infiltration, without atrophy, and with H. pylori infection. CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in serum Gastrin-17 level based on gastritis severity and H. pylori infection.

scholarly journals Abattoir Prevalence of Bovine Cysticercosis in Cattle Slaughtered at Haramaya Municipal Abattoir, Eastern Hararghe Zone Of Oromia Region

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Ahmed Adem M
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Beef Industry ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Economic Significance ◽  
Bovine Cysticercosis ◽  
Shoulder Muscle ◽  
Significant Difference

A cross - sectional study was conducted from November, 2011 to April, 2012 on bovine cysticercosis in cattle slaughtered at Haramaya Municipal Abattoir with the objectives of determining the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and to characterize the viabilit y of the cyst. Out of 384 systematically selected slaughtered cattle, 28 (7.27%) were infected with Cysticercusbovis. A total of 126 cysts were collected in which 76 (60.32%) were viable while others 50 (39.68%) were degenerated. The anatomical distributio n of cysticerci was liver, heart, shoulder muscle, tongue, masseter and lung in decreasing order of cyst harboring. A statistical analysis of infection rate on the basis of origin of the animal and sex has no significant difference (p> 0.05) but age has si gnificant difference (p<0.05). In conclusion, the present study imply that the disease deserves due attention to safeguard the public health and promote beef industry in the country. Therefore, appropriate control and preventive measures should be taken in order to reduce the disease problem on public health even if its economic significance associated with cysticercosis is minimal.

scholarly journals Mean Blood Pressure Difference among Adolescents Based on Dyssomnia Types

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krisnarta Sembiring ◽  
Oke Rina Ramayani ◽  
Munar Lubis
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mean Blood Pressure ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Blood Pressure Data ◽  
The Difference

BACKGROUND: Dyssomnia is the most frequent sleep disturbance and associated with increased blood pressure. There has been no study determining the difference in mean blood pressure based on dyssomnia types among adolescents.OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference in mean blood pressure among adolescents based on dyssomnia types.METHODS: a Cross-sectional study was conducted in SMP Negeri 1 Muara Batang Gadis in April 2016. Samples were students having sleep disturbance based on Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) questionnaire. Stature and blood pressure data were collected along with demographic data and sleep disorder questionnaire. Analyses were done with Kruskal-Wallis test and logistic regression. P - value < 0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS: Seventy-six samples were obtained with mean age 13.9 (SD 1.14) years - old. Dyssomnia proportion and hypertension were 72/76 and 20/76 respectively. Mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 111.1 (SD 16.46) mmHg and 70.3 (SD 11.98) mmHg respectively. Mean SDSC score was 49.7 (SD 8.96), and the most frequent dyssomnia type was disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep. Age and sex were not the risk factors of hypertension in dyssomnia. There was a significant difference in mean SBP (P = 0.006) and DBP (P = 0.022) based on dyssomnia types. Combination dyssomnia type had the highest mean blood pressure among dyssomnia types.CONCLUSION: There is a significant difference in mean blood pressure among adolescents based on dyssomnia types.

scholarly journals Swine flu awareness in pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1981
Author(s):  
Nilesh Doshi ◽  
Aditi J. Upadhye ◽  
Jayshree J. Upadhye
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Swine Influenza ◽  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Swine Flu ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Precautionary Measures

Background: Swine influenza outbreaks are common in pigs year-round and infection in humans is a result of close contact with infected animals. Understanding the perception of the public and their potential resources would help public health agencies in developing educational programs to increase the awareness of the public. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices on different aspects of swine flu.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 100 pregnant women was conducted at Varun Arjun Medical College, Banthara, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India to test their knowledge, attitudes, and use of precautionary measures against influenza infection.Results: In this study, 98 (98%) of pregnant women were aware of swine flu infection, 85 (85%) of pregnant women knew that swine flu is due to viral infection while 65 (65%) of pregnant women were aware that swine flu infection spreads through air while sneezing and coughing. In this study, 95 (96%) of pregnant women knew fever as symptom of swine flu, 83 (83%) of pregnant women knew cough and cold as symptoms while 64 (64%) of pregnant women knew headache and body ache as symptoms. 94 (94%) of pregnant women were aware that vaccination against swine flu can prevent swine flu infection. 80 (80%) of pregnant women knew that covering mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing can prevent spread of swine flu infection while 52 (52%) of pregnant women knew that frequent hand washing helps in preventing spread of swine flu infection. 76 (76%) of pregnant women received vaccination against swine flu while 24 (24%) of pregnant women did not receive vaccination against swine flu.Conclusions: Learning more about the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the public during swine flu and other infectious disease outbreak can be crucial to improve efforts by public health officials and clinicians.

scholarly journals Comparison of hesitancy between COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccinations within the general Hungarian population: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktor Dombrádi ◽  
Tamás Joó ◽  
Gergely Palla ◽  
Péter Pollner ◽  
Éva Belicza
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Financial Status ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
General Adult Population ◽  
The Difference

Abstract Background The willingness to get COVID-19 or seasonal influenza vaccines has not yet been thoroughly investigated together, thus, this study aims to explore this notion within the general adult population. Methods The responses of 840 Hungarian participants were analysed who took part in a nationwide computer-assisted telephone interviewing. During the survey questions concerning various demographic characteristics, perceived financial status, and willingness to get the two types of vaccines were asked. Descriptive statistics, comparative statistics and word co-occurrence network analysis were conducted. Results 48.2% of participants were willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine, while this ratio for the seasonal influenza was only 25.7%. The difference was significant. Regardless of how the participants were grouped, based on demographic data or perceived financial status, the significant difference always persisted. Being older than 59 years significantly increased the willingness to get both vaccines when compared to the middle-aged groups, but not when compared to the younger ones. Having higher education significantly elevated the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in comparison to secondary education. The willingness of getting any type of COVID-19 vaccine correlated with the willingness to get both influenza and COVID-19. Finally, those who were willing to get either vaccine coupled similar words together to describe their thoughts about a COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion The overall results show a clear preference for a COVID-19 vaccine and there are several similarities between the nature of willingness to get either type of vaccine.

Assessment of COVID-19 Related Misinformation among the Community in Basrah, Iraq

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (CSI) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Rubaye ◽  
Dhurgham Abdulwahid ◽  
Aymen Albadran ◽  
Abbas Ejbary ◽  
Laith Alrubaiy
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Educational Levels ◽  
The Public ◽  
First Case ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Central District

Background: There has been a rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 infection and its mortality rate since the first case reported in February 2020. This led to the rampant dissemination of misinformation and rumors about the disease among the public. Objectives: To investigate the scale of public misinformation about COVID-19 in Basrah, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a 22-item questionnaire to assess public knowledge and understanding of information related to the COVID-19 infection. Results: A total of 483 individuals completed the questionnaire. The most frequent age group was 26–35 years (28.2%); there were 280 (58%) males and 203 (42%) females. Of the participants, 282 (58.4%) were with an education level below the Bachelor’s degree, 342 (70.8%) were married, and 311 (64%) were living in districts in Basra other than the central district. Overall, 50.8% (11.8/ 22 * 100%) of individuals had the correct information regarding COVID-19. There was a significant association between the level of COVID-19 related misinformation and participants’ educational levels and occupation (p <0.05). However, there was no significant difference found across sex, age group, marital state, and area of residence. Conclusions: Misinformation related to COVID-19 is widely spread and has to be addressed in order to control the pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19, misinformation, knowledge, Iraq

scholarly journals Health-related quality of life in different trimesters during pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huailiang Wu ◽  
Weiwei Sun ◽  
Hanqing Chen ◽  
Yanxin Wu ◽  
Wenjing Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background Pregnant women experience physical, physiological, and mental changes. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a relevant indicator of psychological and physical behaviours, changing over the course of pregnancy. This study aims to assess HRQoL of pregnant women during different stages of pregnancy. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed using the The EuroQoL Group’s five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) to assess the HRQoL of pregnant women, and demographic data were collected. This study was conducted in a regional university hospital in Guangzhou, China. Results A total of 908 pregnant women were included in this study. Pregnant women in the early 2nd trimester had the highest HRQoL. The HRQoL of pregnant women rose from the 1st trimester to the early 2nd trimester, and dropped to the bottom at the late 3rd trimester due to some physical and mental changes. Reports of pain/discomfort problem were the most common (46.0%) while self-care were the least concern. More than 10% of pregnant women in the 1st trimester had health-related problems in at least one dimension of whole five dimensions. In the whole sample, the EuroQoL Group’s visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) was 87.86 ± 9.16. Across the gestational stages, the HRQoL remained stable during the pregnancy but the highest value was observed in the 1st trimester (89.65 ± 10.13) while the lowest was in the late 3rd trimester (87.28 ± 9.13). Conclusions During pregnancy, HRQoL were associated with gestational trimesters in a certain degree. HRQoL was the highest in the early 2nd trimester and then decreased to the lowest in the late 3rd trimester due to a series of physical and psychological changes. Therefore, obstetric doctors and medical institutions should give more attention and care to pregnant women in the late 3rd trimester.

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.

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