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Practices About Antibiotic Use Among Urban Residents: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Rufisque, Senegal
Oumar Bassoum,
Mamadou Makhtar Mbacke Lèye,
Ndèye Marème Sougou,
Mayassine Diongue,
Khadim Niang,
Jean Augustin Diegane Tine,
Mouhamad Mbodji,
Adama Faye,
Ibrahima Seck,
Djibril Fall,
Anta Tal-Dia
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
1-12
Received:
17 November 2018
Accepted:
3 December 2018
Published:
21 January 2019
Abstract: Antibiotics have saved millions of lives around the world. However, their effectiveness is compromised by the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. The latter is a threat to global health. Under the International Health Regulations, a national self-assessment was conducted in Senegal to assess the country's capacity to cope with this scourge. It is followed by the joint external evaluation of the World Health Organization. One of the main recommendations is raising public awareness about the rational use of antibiotics. The goal of this study was to evaluate the general public's practices regarding antibiotics and the determinants of antibiotic use without a medical prescription. The study was cross-sectional. It was conducted at the Rufisque bus station. Rufisque is a city located in the region of Dakar, capital of Senegal. We estimated the sample size using Raosoft. Participants were selected according to a convenience sampling. A questionnaire was administered in an individual interview. Logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of antibiotic use without a prescription. A total of 400 people were included. Among them, 75% (300/400) said they had taken antibiotics during the last twelve months. The sources of supply were the community pharmacy (81%), the entourage (12%), the remaining antibiotics (5%) and the illicit drugs market (2%). The use of antibiotics without a prescription was reported by 75% of participants (225/300). It was more common among the uneducated people (OR = 2.7, P =.002). In addition, 16.8% (67/400) said they had shared their antibiotic treatment with their relatives or friends. Shortening the duration and frequency of antibiotic treatment was found in 65.8% (263/400) and 29.3% (117/400) of respondents, respectively. About 7% (29/400) said they sometimes demand antibiotics to prescribers. Almost all (98.8%, 395/400) stated that they had never returned unwanted medicines to pharmacies or health facilities while 37.8% (151/400) said they had never checked the expiry dates of medicines. This study, conducted in an urban setting, showed that respondents have recourse to inadequate practices toward antibiotics. We recommend the sensitization of populations especially those who are not educated. Other studies should be conducted mainly in rural areas to identify the most commonly used antibiotics and the extent of inappropriate practices and their determinants.
Abstract: Antibiotics have saved millions of lives around the world. However, their effectiveness is compromised by the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. The latter is a threat to global health. Under the International Health Regulations, a national self-assessment was conducted in Senegal to assess the country's capacity to cope with this scour...
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Level of Snoring and Sleepiness Among Commercial Car Drivers in Southwestern Nigeria
Bright Otoghile,
Joseph Iraskeb Kuni,
Nasir Olakunle Ariyibi,
Confidence Otoghile
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
13-16
Received:
26 November 2018
Accepted:
26 December 2018
Published:
21 January 2019
Abstract: Snoring and sleepiness among commercial car drivers is an issue of public concern. Habitual sleepiness on the wheel is obviously associated with a high level of risk of accident and possible mortality to both drivers and passengers. Hence, this study aims to find the prevalence of snoring and level of sleepiness among commercial car drivers. This was a prospective community based study among intra-city commercial car drivers in a Southwestern part of Nigeria. The Berlin questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to evaluate all participants for snoring and sleepiness respectively. The data obtained was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 software and the results were presented in descriptive format. A total of 105 drivers participated in the study and they were all males. Mean age of the drivers was 44.8±12.03years. The prevalence of snoring was 49% out which 30.7% had snoring as loud as talking and 16.3% had snoring that can be heard in adjacent rooms. Abnormal level of sleepiness was found in 35.2% of the drivers and 15.2% reported they had fallen asleep while driving. Snoring and abnormal level of sleepiness has been found to be prevalent among commercial car drivers.
Abstract: Snoring and sleepiness among commercial car drivers is an issue of public concern. Habitual sleepiness on the wheel is obviously associated with a high level of risk of accident and possible mortality to both drivers and passengers. Hence, this study aims to find the prevalence of snoring and level of sleepiness among commercial car drivers. This w...
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Patient Perceptions on Primary Health Care (PHC) Nurses and Its Impact on Services Delivery at County Level, Machakos, Kenya
Desire Aime Nshimirimana,
Donald Kokonya,
Wanja Mwaura-Tenambergen
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
17-23
Received:
11 August 2018
Accepted:
4 December 2018
Published:
24 January 2019
Abstract: Background: Patient perceptions on services delivered by nurses are crucial when assessing the quality of health services. These are most attributable to their knowledge, competent skills and other personal characteristics. These can be described in how effective they handle clients when performing their nursing duties and their effectiveness including their ability to utilize a variety of communication skills and their attitudes at their regular work place. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional and qualitative study. Four public hospitals were randomly selected; Kathiani, Mwala sub-county hospital, Kangundo sub-district and Machakos county referral hospital. A systematic sampling was used for participant selection. A maximum of 12 and a minimum of 8 patients constituted a focus group for discussion (FGD) making a sample size of eighty (80) with eight (8) groups (four male and four female groups). The FGDs were conducted using standard guidelines by the researcher helped by a trained research assistant recording the proceedings with audio equipment. Participants aged 18-65 years and emancipated children were included. Data were analyzed using Atlas. ti 7 software. Results and Conclusion: (1) knowledge and competent skills of nurses, (2) personal characteristics, (3) other nurse’s behaviors are key when to effectively perform nursing duties. Participants acknowledged that nurses have the same knowledge because they can be transferred from health centers to at hospital level. Other participants added that patients need nurses who can perform their work with confidence. Personal characteristics like positive attitude, good mood, smile and willingness to provide medical information were also discussed by participants as very important when nurses have to deliver quality health care services. Lastly, other nurse behaviors like respect, honesty, confidentiality and compassion are as well other crucial characteristics on the top of knowledge which were emphasized by participants. All discussed characteristics should link together if nurses have to deliver quality health care. Nursing schools should review their curriculum to include the characteristics mentioned and introduce mentorship programs where the emphasis should be placed on the same.
Abstract: Background: Patient perceptions on services delivered by nurses are crucial when assessing the quality of health services. These are most attributable to their knowledge, competent skills and other personal characteristics. These can be described in how effective they handle clients when performing their nursing duties and their effectiveness inclu...
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A Brief Neurocognitive Assessment for HAND in Low Resourced Occupational Health Settings in Developing Countries
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
24-30
Received:
15 November 2018
Accepted:
6 December 2018
Published:
24 January 2019
Abstract: HIV associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, and with the support of anti-retroviral treatment, more people are able to remain in the workplace. However, the potential for HAND to affect the individual health and safety of employees is substantial. Formal assessment of HAND is resource intensive, and often outside the capability of smaller organisations which offers occupational health support. This paper describes a protocol for a brief neurocognitive assessment for HAND in low resourced occupational health settings. The paper firstly describes the development – following seven guidelines – of a relatively inexpensive and relatively brief protocol to assess for the presence of HAND, in a South African low resourced occupational health setting. The resultant Brief Neurocognitive Assessment (BNCA) is then described in detail, as well as the larger process within which it is administered. Further, neuropsychological data from the first 60 completed assessments are presented, together with a discussion of its adherence to the guidelines set out prior to its development. A number of neuropsychological markers appeared to differentiate between the normal and mild impairment groups, suggesting that the BNCA may be useful in identifying individuals with potential problematic neurocognitive functioning. A brief assessment such as the BNCA could provide meaningful recommendations regarding both clinical management and workplace utilisation to employers. It would be important that proper processes (e.g. conditions for assessments, appropriate follow up procedures, confidentiality, and so forth) are imposed and maintained. Finally, this paper invite discussion for improved management of HAND assessment in the workplace.
Abstract: HIV associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, and with the support of anti-retroviral treatment, more people are able to remain in the workplace. However, the potential for HAND to affect the individual health and safety of employees is substantial. Formal assessment of HAND is resource intensive, and ofte...
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Infection Control Practices Associated with Puerperal Sepsis in Harare City Maternity Units
Elizabeth Tirivavi,
Violet Chikanya,
Paddington Tinashe Mundagowa
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
31-35
Received:
22 November 2018
Accepted:
25 December 2018
Published:
29 January 2019
Abstract: The time of childbirth are responsible for about ten percent of maternal deaths and contribute to severe morbidity as well as long-term disability among many women. Such infections are also termed puerperal sepsis and these are more prevalent in low to medium countries. Puerperal sepsis is preventable by simple and low cost solutions such as handwashing at the time of delivery, damp dusting and use of sterile equipment. The Harare City health department recorded puerperal sepsis as the third cause of maternal mortality, accounting for 18.1% of all maternal deaths recorded for the year 2016. The study sought to determine infection prevention and control practices associated with puerperal sepsis in Harare City maternity units. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed and data was purposively collected from 84 midwives from 12 polyclinics. Observational walks through visits were carried out to solicit infection control practices and availability of relevant inventory before recording on the checklist. Nurses had above average knowledge on infection and prevention control, however this did not translate to good infection and prevention control practices. The majority of midwives (83%) had not attend infection prevention and control trainings during the previous year and there was a major challenge of stock-outs of basic consumables and equipment such as surgical gloves and elbow taps.
Abstract: The time of childbirth are responsible for about ten percent of maternal deaths and contribute to severe morbidity as well as long-term disability among many women. Such infections are also termed puerperal sepsis and these are more prevalent in low to medium countries. Puerperal sepsis is preventable by simple and low cost solutions such as handwa...
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Frequency and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern among Bacterial Clinical Isolates Recovered from Different Specimens in Egypt
Rania Ibrahim Shebl,
Yasser Omar Mosaad
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
36-45
Received:
5 December 2018
Accepted:
2 January 2019
Published:
29 January 2019
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat resulting in high mortality rates. Current study aimed to identify the most prevalent pathogens among variable infection sites and their AMR pattern. Data concerning cultures and antibiotic susceptibilities were retrieved from Microbiology Department’s records and statistically analyzed. Out of 554 bacterial isolates, Gram negative isolates (68.4%) were predominant. Urine specimens showed the highest incidence of recovery of total isolates (41.5%, n=230) followed by blood (23.1%, n=128), while sputum specimens exhibited the least frequency (17%, n=94). E. coli (30.7%, n=170), S. aureus (21.1%, n=117) and Klebsiella spp (20.9%, n=116) were the most frequently isolated pathogens. Recovery of isolates was significantly more frequent among males (P<0.05) except in case of urine specimens. Highest incidence of resistance in both Gram positive and Gram negative isolates was recorded in case of cephalosporins and penicillin/β-lactamase. Gram positive isolates exhibited the least resistance to linezolid (10.8%) and vancomycin (9.5%) whereas colistin was the most effective against Gram negative isolates as it recorded 16.4% resistance. Higher frequency of multiple drug resistance (MDR) was also observed in Gram negative isolates compared to Gram positive ones. Resistance to uropathogens and MDR were significantly more frequent in males. Although E. coli was the most prevalent uropathogen but it showed the least incidence of MDR however Pseudomonas spp exhibited the highest MDR rate. The high incidence of resistance in the current study is alarming and highlights the necessity of routinely monitoring the local prevalence of resistance for selecting the best antimicrobial treatment and as a guide for empirical therapy.
Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat resulting in high mortality rates. Current study aimed to identify the most prevalent pathogens among variable infection sites and their AMR pattern. Data concerning cultures and antibiotic susceptibilities were retrieved from Microbiology Department’s records and statistically analyze...
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Logistic Regression Analysis of Mortality Among Fishermen in the Riperian Counties of Lake Victoria, Kenya
Opemo Damian Otieno,
Juma Shem Godfrey
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
46-51
Received:
3 December 2018
Accepted:
10 January 2019
Published:
31 January 2019
Abstract: Fishing as an economic activity has gainful implications to National Development. Mortality instigated by occupational hazards is a current subject of research significance globally. This study made attempts to assess the associations between categorical variables using Logistic Regression. Logistic regression analysis targeting 3058 deceased fishermen was carried out spanning 1998-2000. Associative relationships among categorical variables were determined using Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The findings reveal that the major causes of death were: HIV - related infections (33.8%), drowning (14.3%), pulmonary tuberculosis (12.4%), and malaria (10.4%). Factors influencing HIV - related mortality were: age group (p = 0.0025), Counties of residence (Busia, Kisumu, Migori and Siaya) all of which had similar p value (0.0001). The risk factors associated with deaths due to drowning were: age group (p =<0.0001), use of a combination of sails and paddles (p = <0.0001), use of paddle (p = 0.0003), Secondary education (p = <0.0001) and drinking of alcohol (p = 0.0012).The study concluded that the probability of death occurrence was closely related to HIV infections over the area of study.
Abstract: Fishing as an economic activity has gainful implications to National Development. Mortality instigated by occupational hazards is a current subject of research significance globally. This study made attempts to assess the associations between categorical variables using Logistic Regression. Logistic regression analysis targeting 3058 deceased fishe...
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The Pattern of Severe Malaria in Plateau State of Nigeria: A Five-Year Review of Severe Malaria Case-Based Surveillance Data from 2013 to 2017
Okokon Ita Ita,
Kenneth Ogar Inaku,
Anthony Achizie Iwuafor,
Ubong Anifiok Udoh
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
52-57
Received:
30 December 2018
Accepted:
21 January 2019
Published:
15 February 2019
Abstract: There is a decline in the global incidence, morbidity, and mortality of malaria. However, approximately 20% of hospital admissions and 10% of hospital deaths in Nigeria have been attributed to malaria. This secondary data analysis was conducted to examine the pattern severe malaria in Plateau State in the face of declining global malaria infection. Severe malaria-specific Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDRS) records of Plateau State of Nigeria over a five-¬year period were reviewed. A total of 38,467 cases of severe malaria were reported between January 2013 and December 2017. The highest number of cases 14098 (36.65%) was reported in 2016 and the least number of cases 950 (2.47%) were reported in 2014. A total of 362 severe malaria deaths was reported within the same period with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.94%. The highest CFR 1.43% was recorded in 2015 while the least CFR 0.00% was recorded in 2014. The 0-28 days age group had the highest CFR (3.13%). The comparative monthly trend of severe malaria cases did not follow any consistent pattern during the 5 years under review. However, as of 2017, the trends of total cases per year and CFRs were on the decline. In conclusion, the overall number of cases and deaths of severe malaria is declining in Plateau State but the CFR among neonates remains high. Therefore, prevention and control efforts should be intensified in Plateau State, in order to achieve malaria elimination in the State.
Abstract: There is a decline in the global incidence, morbidity, and mortality of malaria. However, approximately 20% of hospital admissions and 10% of hospital deaths in Nigeria have been attributed to malaria. This secondary data analysis was conducted to examine the pattern severe malaria in Plateau State in the face of declining global malaria infection....
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