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Knowledge on Iodized Salt Use and Iodine Content of Salt Among Households in the Hohoe Municipality, Volta Region - Ghana
Nicholas Aku Sarah,
Appiah Kubi Prince,
Ahiabor Seth Yao,
Asalu Adebayo Geoffrey,
Takramah Kwami Wisdom,
Kweku Margaret
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, October 2016
Pages:
1-10
Received:
8 July 2016
Accepted:
19 August 2016
Published:
6 September 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160201.11
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Abstract: Background: Micronutrient deficiencies particularly, Iodine, Zinc, Iron and Vitamin A, continue to inflict substantial health, economic and social encumbrances globally. Ghana is among the world's population that resides in areas with high iodine deficiency. In the Volta region of Ghana, only 24.6% of households consume iodized salt, and this is far below the 90% WHO/UNICEF mandatory recommendation of Universal Salt Iodization (USI) for countries with high iodine deficiency. This study was to estimate the iodine content of household salt, and knowledge on iodized salt use in the Hohoe municipality, Volta Region, Ghana. Methods: This study was descriptive cross-sectional in design, using a multi-stage sampling technique to select respondents from all the seven sub-municipalities in the municipality. Data was collected from women in charge of household meals preparation using structured questionnaires and rapid field iodine test kits. The collected data was entered into Epi data version 3.1 and then exported to Stata version 11. Descriptive statistics such as determination of proportions, frequencies, mean and standard deviation were used in describing the population. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to assess the associations between the dependent and independent variables. A p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Four hundred and fifty women with a mean age of 40.4 years (±2.1 SD) were surveyed. Respondents had quite a good knowledge (59.3%) on iodine, 41.1% knew the benefits and deficiencies of iodine, and 69.8% stored their salt in covered containers. However, only 24.2% of household salt contained adequate iodine of ≥15ppm. In addition, majority (75%) consumed local salt with little (<15ppm) or no iodine (0ppm). Also, those with secondary and tertiary education were more likely to use iodized salt (P <.001). Rural households were more likely to use iodized salt (P =.002) than the urban households. Conclusions: The results suggest that respondents’ knowledge did not necessarily translate into iodized salt use. Enforcement of existing laws and policies on universal salt iodization and quality assurance of iodized salt from the production to the distribution point should be enforced, and offenders punish to serve as a deterrent.
Abstract: Background: Micronutrient deficiencies particularly, Iodine, Zinc, Iron and Vitamin A, continue to inflict substantial health, economic and social encumbrances globally. Ghana is among the world's population that resides in areas with high iodine deficiency. In the Volta region of Ghana, only 24.6% of households consume iodized salt, and this is fa...
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Treatment Outcomes and Associated Factors of Childhood Tuberculosis: Treated Under Dots Program in Health Centers of Mekelle Town, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia
Misganaw Daniel Daemo,
Abraham Getachew Kelbore
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, October 2016
Pages:
11-17
Received:
10 December 2015
Accepted:
8 June 2016
Published:
26 September 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160201.12
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Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis in children has been less of a public health priority in recent years, despite the fact that TB is an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. WHO report in 2008 estimates 450,000 deaths from TB occurs in children each year, Nevertheless childhood TB remains neglected for various reasons, mainly the difficulty in diagnosing pulmonary TB.Therefore identifying potential risk factors associated with treatment outcomesisimportant activity to improve quality of TB care and treatment. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Mekelle town on pediatric TB patients treated in three health centers. The study employed a record review of patients registered for TB treatment from September 2007 to August 2011. Health facilities are selected purposively and patient’s records were selected by simple random sampling. A total of 226 patients’ record was collected from registers using data extraction format. Data entry was done using Epi info 3.5. 1and exported and analyzed by SPSS V 20. Results: According to this study success of treatment was 84%. Among all patients treated under DOTS, 15 (6.6%) of cases had unfavorable outcomes, death 8/226 and default 7/226, 13(5.8%) were transferred out and outcome was unknown in 8 (3.5%) of patients. Deaths were more frequent in older age groups 5 – 14 years, although there is high number of death in HIV co-infection, rural residents and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis than other forms. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors for unfavorable outcomes were HIV co-infection AOR = 5.57 with 95% C.I = [1.6, 18.6] and patients from rural residence were more likely to have unfavorable outcomes OR = 18.6 with 95% C.I = [2.4, 144]. Conclusion: The treatment success rate in this study was come within reach of to the minimum target set by WHO 85%. HIV contributes substantiallyto childhood TB burden and also cases fromruraldistricts associated with high mortality and default from treatment.
Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis in children has been less of a public health priority in recent years, despite the fact that TB is an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. WHO report in 2008 estimates 450,000 deaths from TB occurs in children each year, Nevertheless childhood TB remains neglected for various reasons, mainly the d...
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The Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Among Children in Jos, Nigeria
Joseph Aje Anejo-Okopi,
Selvyat Ramnan Katnap,
Onyemocho Audu,
Zakari Hashimu,
Julius Ocheme Okojokwu,
Hosea Jwan Zumbes,
Michael Audu,
Juliet Okechalu,
Emeka Uba Ejeliogu
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, October 2016
Pages:
18-21
Received:
2 August 2016
Accepted:
25 August 2016
Published:
30 September 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160201.13
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Abstract: This study was to determine the prevalence rate of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV-1) among children in Jos metropolis. Herpes simplex virus type-1 is mostly acquired in childhood and is responsible for orolabial ulcers or lesions. Prevalence of oro-facial herpes simplex virus type-1 infection is a common worldwide problem. There is little or no public awareness of herpes simplex virus in Jos, plateau state, Nigeria. A total of 188 samples were collected and analyzed using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit by GeneFront Inc. CA. USA to test for HSV-1 specific glycoprotein IgG. Out of the 188 samples tested, 157 (83.5%) were seropositive. The seroprevalence among male was 86.8%, and female 78.4%. The Age group 6-10 years had the highest prevalence of 88.8% while 0-5yrs had 75.0% which had significant association (P <0.05). This study showed high prevalence of HSV-1, with the highest prevalence in aged 6-10 years which suggests that, HSV-1 is common among school-aged children. HSV-1 infection is acquired during early childhood and therefore age is an important factor in the epidemiology of HSV-1 infection. Further larger studies are needed in North Central Nigeria.
Abstract: This study was to determine the prevalence rate of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV-1) among children in Jos metropolis. Herpes simplex virus type-1 is mostly acquired in childhood and is responsible for orolabial ulcers or lesions. Prevalence of oro-facial herpes simplex virus type-1 infection is a common worldwide problem. There is little or no p...
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Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157 in Fruits, Vegetables and Animal Feacal Waste Used As Manure in Farms of Some Communities of Akwa Ibom State-Nigeria
A. E. Moses,
R. A. James,
U. S. Ekanem
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, October 2016
Pages:
22-27
Received:
12 August 2016
Accepted:
24 August 2016
Published:
30 September 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160201.14
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Abstract: Fresh fruits and vegetables have been implicated as vehicles for the transmission of microbial food-borne diseases worldwide. This research aimed to assess the prevalence of E. coli O157 serogroup in fruits, vegetables and animal faecal manures used in some farms in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A total of 250 ready-to-eat fruits such as egg plant, carrot and cucumber and vegetables including fluted pumpkin, water leaf and okra were randomly collected from farms, markets, vendors and sale outlets in the study areas. Animal (cow, goat, poultry, swine) fecal waste samples used as manure (n=100) were collected from various farms in the area. The study employed standard microbiological analysis of these samples. Out of a total of 250 fruits and vegetable samples tested, 39 (15.6%) E. coli were isolated from fruits and vegetables, of which 30 (22.1%) were from washed and 9 (7.9%) from unwashed samples. None of the E. coli isolates belonged to the E. coli O157 serogroup. Out of the 100 samples of animal dung tested, 45% yielded E. coli and E. coliO157 serogroup accounted for 3% of the isolates. Cow (n=2) and goat (n=1) fecal samples were associated with E. coli O157. Although none of the fruits and vegetables tested yielded E. coli O157 serogroup, the results of this study have identified cow and goat dung as potential sources of E. coli O157 contamination of farm produce if used as manure. The detection of E. coli in fruits and vegetables, and E. coli O157 in cattle and goat droppings in particular, is a clear indication of food safety risk. Consumers of farm products should wash them thoroughly with potable water before consumption to drastically reduce the risk of infection with enteropathogens.
Abstract: Fresh fruits and vegetables have been implicated as vehicles for the transmission of microbial food-borne diseases worldwide. This research aimed to assess the prevalence of E. coli O157 serogroup in fruits, vegetables and animal faecal manures used in some farms in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A total of 250 ready-t...
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Motivating Positive Condom Use Intentions among High School Students Through Teacher-Student Led HIV/AIDS Education Program in a Rural District of Ghana
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, October 2016
Pages:
28-34
Received:
8 August 2016
Accepted:
12 September 2016
Published:
14 October 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160201.15
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Abstract: HIV/AIDS continuous to impact young adults globally despite the gains achieved globally in infection and mortality reductions but the impact is greatest on youth in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). Rural youth in developing countries of SSA countries are equally impacted by HIV/AIDS and the major ways of preventing continuous infection and spread have been to information and encourage consistent condom use. What is least studied as initial step in the prevention of HIV infection globally and especially among rural youth in Ghana is condom use intention. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention intervention to motivate positive condom use intention with future sexual partners among high school students in a rural district of Ghana. Two hundred and fourteen (214) students of both sexes from a rural High School in the Nanumba District of Ghana were randomly selected into a two-week HIV/AIDS education intervention. Pre and post intervention survey was conducted to evaluate the impact of the intervention on condom use intentions of the students with their future sexual partners. Descriptive statistics, Chi square test (X2) of significance, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze data. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to conduct the analysis at 95% confidence level. Results showed that condom use intentions positively changed following participation in the HIV/AIDS education intervention. A Pearson X2 test revealed that the percentage change in condom use intentions from baseline to follow-up was statistically significant (X2 (2) = 18, p<0.001). Results of binary logistic regression showed that perception of severity of HIV/AIDS was the strongest predictor of intention to use condoms with sexual partners followed by gender where being a male over a female significantly predicted intention to use condom with sexual partners. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, perception of HIV infection vulnerability and self-efficacy for condom use had no association with intention to use condoms. Findings from the study show that culturally appropriate HIV/AIDS education programs can positively impact safer sexual intentions and behaviors in the continuous fight against HIV/AIDS in rural settings.
Abstract: HIV/AIDS continuous to impact young adults globally despite the gains achieved globally in infection and mortality reductions but the impact is greatest on youth in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). Rural youth in developing countries of SSA countries are equally impacted by HIV/AIDS and the major ways of preventing continuous infection and spread have been...
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Ownership and Utilization of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLIN) and Factors Associated to Non-utilization Among Pregnant Women in Ho Municipality of Ghana
Wisdom Kudzo Axame,
Margaret Kweku,
Sedoafia Amelor,
Gideon Kye-Duodu,
Eric Agboli,
Isaac Agbemafle,
Wisdom Takramah,
Elvis Tarkang,
Fred Newton Binka
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, October 2016
Pages:
35-42
Received:
1 September 2016
Accepted:
6 September 2016
Published:
14 October 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160201.16
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Abstract: Background: Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease affecting millions of people across the world especially children under five years and pregnant women. As part of the preventive strategies to combat malaria in pregnant women, free Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) are given to them at Antenatal Care (ANC) clinics. This study assessed the ownership and utilization of LLINs and association between knowledge and utilization of LLINs among pregnant women in the Ho Municipality. Methods: In March 2016, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in six ANC clinics in Ho the municipal and regional capital of Volta Region. All six ANC clinics in the regional capital were included. Proportionate sampling was used to determine subjects needed from each facility. All eligible pregnant women present at the time of visit to the facility were conveniently used. Data was collected using interviews and questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the categorical data whilst t test was used for the quantitative variables. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to determine the relationships and associations between the dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 355 pregnant women with mean age 27.8 ± 5.5 years were interviewed. Ownership of LLIN was 81.4% while usage was 42.5%. Level of education significantly influenced LLIN ownership (p=0.003) and utilization (0.020). The main barriers to LLIN utilization were inconvenience due to heat (77.7%), lack of ownership of LLIN (12.9%) and absence of mosquitoes (4.3%). Knowledge on LLINs was high (73%). Conclusion: Ownership of LLIN was high but utilization was very low. Over a quarter (27%) of the pregnant women had moderate knowledge on LLINs. This if left unchecked can have negative consequences on the health of these women and their unborn babies. Recommendations: Behaviour change communication strategies on LLIN use should be further targeted to improve LLIN utilization among pregnant women.
Abstract: Background: Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease affecting millions of people across the world especially children under five years and pregnant women. As part of the preventive strategies to combat malaria in pregnant women, free Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) are given to them at Antenatal Care (ANC) clinics. This study assessed ...
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