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Research Article
Factors Influencing Prostate Cancer Screening Among Men from Eastern Kenya
Joshua Mwangi*
,
Okello Agina,
Isaac Mwanzo
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
43-52
Received:
1 February 2025
Accepted:
17 February 2025
Published:
18 March 2025
Abstract: Prostate cancer is the most prevalent urological cancer and causes a significant global health burden, especially in developed countries. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in more than half of the countries in the world. Early diagnosis minimizes complications and mortalities associated with it. In Kenya it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and usually characterized with low rates of screening and late diagnosis. Several factors have been found to influence prostate cancer screening. This study sought to establish factors influencing prostate cancer screening in the rural settings of Tharaka Nithi County in Eastern Kenya. The study adopted cross-sectional design in which researcher-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Multi-stage sampling was used to recruit 379 men who were 40 years old and above who participated in the study. Data analysis was done using the statistical package of Social Science version 22. Frequencies and percentages were used for data presentation. Chi square (χ2) and Fisher’s exact test were used test relationship between dependent and independent variables. P-value of <0.05 were used to declare factors as significantly associated with the outcome variable. Results showed that the awareness level of prostate cancer was high (85.2%) and screening levels for prostate cancer were low (4.5%). Factors found to be significantly associated with PCa testing were education level (Fisher's exact P< 0.001), awareness of PCa screening (Fisher's exact P=0.028), awareness of specific prostate cancer tests ( Fisher's exact p < 0.001), family history of prostate cancer (χ2 = 36.14, P< 0.001), cost of prostate cancer test (Fisher's exact p=0.001), insufficient information on PCa (χ2 = 13.55, p=0.001) and cultural factors (χ2 = 5.63, p=0.023). Conclusions: Although prostate cancer awareness level was high, prostate cancer screening rates were low among men from Tharaka Nithi County. Several factors influencing screening were identified, some of which were hindrances. There is therefore need for the county government to come up with appropriate strategies to address these hindrances and scale up screening services at the community level to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
Abstract: Prostate cancer is the most prevalent urological cancer and causes a significant global health burden, especially in developed countries. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in more than half of the countries in the world. Early diagnosis minimizes complications and mortalities associated with it. In Kenya it is the most commonly d...
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Research Article
Dynamics in Malaria Transmission in the Cross-Border Areas of Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini (Mosaswa), from March 2017 to March 2019
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
53-61
Received:
10 February 2025
Accepted:
26 February 2025
Published:
21 March 2025
Abstract: Introduction: malaria is considered a public health threat for the humankind worldwide, estimations indicate that more than 1/3 of the population is in equal risk of acquiring it. Shared borders between countries with different malaria prevalence and preventive strategies delays elimination goals. Aim: to analyze malaria transmission dynamics in the cross border areas of Mozambique, South Africa and ESwatini from March 2017 to March 2019. Methodology: a secondary malaria database was used. Ratio comparison tests and logistic regression model estimation were done. The sample consisted of 250563 migrants and residents in MOSASWA cross-border areas tested for malaria, between March 2017 to March 2019. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Results: 250563 people were tested, out of which, 93035 (37.13%) were migrant populations and 157528 (62.87%) were residents of the surrounding areas. Regarding gender and occupation, 50.1% were male and 76% had informal occupation. The positivity rate was 2.1% (5253), out of which, 33.3% (1751) were mobile and migrant populations, 45.9% of the total cases were asymptomatic carriers. 39.18% (686) and 28.44% (498) of the positive migrants were using the Macuacua and Ressano Garcia borders on their way to South Africa respectively. 66.7% of the positives cases were surrounding populations, out of which 20.5% and 20.6% crossed the borders three to four times a week. The predictive power of having malaria increased 5.090 and 3.540 times more if the migrant had been tested in Mozambique and if he/she was a resident in the neighbouring borders, crossing into the borders of the same country respectively. Conclusions: A large number of the moving cases were diagnosed in Mozambique on their way to South Africa through Macuacua border.
Abstract: Introduction: malaria is considered a public health threat for the humankind worldwide, estimations indicate that more than 1/3 of the population is in equal risk of acquiring it. Shared borders between countries with different malaria prevalence and preventive strategies delays elimination goals. Aim: to analyze malaria transmission dynamics in th...
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Research Article
Evaluation of Pregnant Women's Satisfaction with Antenatal Care at Haho Health Zone Hospital Using the Erin Multi-attribute Model
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
62-69
Received:
17 March 2025
Accepted:
27 March 2025
Published:
17 April 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.13
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Abstract: Introduction: Pregnant women’s satisfaction is a crucial indicator for the continuous improvement of health services, particularly in the management of antenatal care. Objective: The study aimed to explore the experiences of pregnant women who had received antenatal care at Notsè Hospital in the Haho Health Zone for at least six months. It sought to assess their satisfaction, identify aspects of care that met their expectations, and highlight areas needing improvement based on their perceptions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 6 and February 5, 2025, focusing on patients selected based on specific inclusion criteria. The multi-attribute model developed by Erin was utilised to assess satisfaction, with this model dividing satisfaction into six key dimensions: speed, competence, courtesy, comfort, fairness of treatment, and adequacy of expectations. Results: The pregnant women expressed overall satisfaction with certain aspects of their care, particularly with regard to the perception of fairness, with 96% reporting that they felt treated equitably. Furthermore, the pregnant women expressed appreciation for specific services, including dietary advice (66.7%), the provision of free medications (85.1%), and the monitoring of biological constants (87.2%). However, the findings also exposed areas that merited attention. Satisfaction with provider competence was notably low, with only 24.5% feeling confident in their caregivers' abilities. Furthermore, courtesy was identified as a salient issue, with only 31.4% of respondents reporting feelings of kindness and respect during their interactions. Waiting times remained a challenge, with only 54.9% satisfied with the speed of service, while 58.8% of respondents expressed concerns about confidentiality. Conclusion: Improving the quality of antenatal care at Notsè Hospital requires a systematic review of providers' practices, focusing on (i) reducing delays (waiting time), (ii) respecting confidentiality, and (iii) strengthening the interpersonal relationship. An approach that takes into account the socio-cultural specificities of patients is recommended to optimize clinical outcomes and beneficiary satisfaction.
Abstract: Introduction: Pregnant women’s satisfaction is a crucial indicator for the continuous improvement of health services, particularly in the management of antenatal care. Objective: The study aimed to explore the experiences of pregnant women who had received antenatal care at Notsè Hospital in the Haho Health Zone for at least six months. It sought t...
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Research Article
Unveiling Barriers to Universal Health Coverage: A Cross-Sectional Assessment of the Demand-Side Viewpoints in Northwest Region-Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
70-83
Received:
21 March 2025
Accepted:
31 March 2025
Published:
29 April 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.14
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Abstract: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to ensure that everyone has access to quality health services without suffering financial hardship. Health services must be culturally acceptable; otherwise, utilization will remain low despite availability. The understandings and attitudes toward UHC differ across populations, impacting its implementation. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of UHC, analyzed the factors associated with these views, and examined the users’ preferences for UHC in terms of healthcare provider choice, payment schemes, and factors predicting these choices. This study was conducted in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, with over 3 million inhabitants, in a humanitarian crisis since 2016. A cross-sectional survey included 417 respondents selected through multistage sampling from 20 health districts. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using pretested questionnaires. Data was entered and analyzed using Excel and SPSS. The association between variables was studied using the Chi-squared test, Student’s t-test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A multiple linear regression was done to eliminate the effect of confounders influencing knowledge and attitudes toward UHC. Ethical considerations included informed consent, data confidentiality, and compliance with the Regional Ethical Committee for Human Health Research (CERSH). Most respondents (77%) had heard of UHC, but only 32.3% knew it reduces out-of-pocket costs. Three-quarters were unaware of the government's UHC goals. While 82.5% desired universal access to cost-effective healthcare, only 6.4% had a good perception of UHC. Nonetheless, 83.3% wanted a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and 70% wanted it to be compulsory. Higher knowledge scores were found in older age groups (p=0.020), urban residents (p=0.015), private-sector employees (p<0.001), and those with free healthcare access (p<0.001). Regarding UHC plan choices, 51.0% had no preference for private or public hospitals, 48.1% believed the government should cover all costs, while 38.0% wanted a mixture, with the wealthier paying more. This study shows significant gaps in knowledge and perceptions of UHC among the population. While there is a strong desire for cost-effective healthcare access, awareness of government initiatives and UHC mechanisms remains low. Policy implications include the need for targeted educational campaigns on UHC. Additionally, considering a compulsory NHIS could foster greater community participation and support backed by their strong willingness to contribute to the NHIS. This will definitely build a resilient health system.
Abstract: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to ensure that everyone has access to quality health services without suffering financial hardship. Health services must be culturally acceptable; otherwise, utilization will remain low despite availability. The understandings and attitudes toward UHC differ across populations, impacting its implementation. This...
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Research Article
Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania
Asha Shaibu Saidi,
Amina Ramadhani Issae*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
84-90
Received:
24 March 2025
Accepted:
1 April 2025
Published:
29 April 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15
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Abstract: Anemia remains a significant public health issue among children under five, particularly in developing countries, where it contributes to impaired cognitive and physical development, increased morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of anemia among children attending Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania, using a retrospective cross-sectional approach. Data were collected from medical records of 374 children from 2015 to 2020, and statistical analyses were conducted to identify trends and risk factors. The findings revealed a steady decline in anemia prevalence from 72% in 2015 to 33% in 2020, suggesting improved healthcare interventions. However, anemia remained prevalent, particularly among children under two years old (AOR=7.8, P=0.001), those with malaria infections (AOR=19.66, P=0.001), and those consuming tea with sugar (AOR=0.052, P=0.007). While female children were more affected in 2015, male children had higher prevalence rates in subsequent years. Dietary habits also played a crucial role, with low consumption of iron-rich foods and high intake of inhibitory substances such as tea contributing to anemia. The study underscores the multifactorial nature of anemia, involving nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases, and cultural dietary practices. The observed decline in prevalence reflects progress in healthcare services, yet the persistence of high anemia rates highlights the need for sustained interventions. It is recommended that targeted public health measures be intensified, including community-based nutrition education programs, increased access to iron supplementation, malaria prevention strategies, and awareness campaigns on dietary practices. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders should collaborate to develop culturally sensitive and sustainable anemia control programs. Further research is needed to explore additional underlying causes and evaluate the effectiveness of current intervention strategies in reducing anemia burden among children in Tanzania.
Abstract: Anemia remains a significant public health issue among children under five, particularly in developing countries, where it contributes to impaired cognitive and physical development, increased morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of anemia among children attending Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, ...
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