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Contribution of Completed Modified World Health Organization Partograph on Maternal and Foetal Mortality Reduction in Health Facilities in Makueni County, Kenya
Urbanus Mutiso Muthusi,
Mokua Gladys Nyamoita,
Macharia Stephen
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
227-236
Received:
8 August 2019
Accepted:
16 September 2019
Published:
10 October 2019
Abstract: Background: Maternal and foetal mortality is one of the major health problem facing low income countries as compared to the high income countries. This burden is mostly felt in sub Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia where 99% of the global burden of maternal death is found. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes partograph use in the monitoring and management of mothers in labour enabling timely decision-making regarding interventions to be undertaken. Objective: To assess the relationship between complete modified world health organization partograph and maternal and foetal outcomes in health facilities in Makueni County, Kenya Methods: This was a cross sectional study design. The study used a structured questionnaire to collect data from the partographs retrospectively. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 and chi-square tests were used to assess the relationship of variables. The cut off point for the level of significance was 0.05. Phi and Cramer’s V test was used to determine the strength of association Findings: Descriptive statistics and frequency tables were used to describe the extent to which the partograph was used. The use of partograph had effects on both foetal and maternal outcomes. The study established method of delivery had a significance association with foetal monitoring (foetal heart rate, liquor, and moulding), labour progress monitoring (descent, contractions and cervical dilatation) and referral monitoring at α = 0.05. The study also found significant association between foetal outcome and contraction, gravidity, parity, foetal heart rate and moulding at α = 0.05. Conclusion: There is a significant association between maternal, foetal outcomes and labour progress and partograph completeness in Makueni County. The study therefore recommends increased mobilization and routine check by supervisors to ensure partographs are filed on time and hospitals to embrace training programme to enable midwifery care-providers acquire relevant skills to complete partographs during the labour process.
Abstract: Background: Maternal and foetal mortality is one of the major health problem facing low income countries as compared to the high income countries. This burden is mostly felt in sub Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia where 99% of the global burden of maternal death is found. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes partograph use in the monitorin...
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Effects of Medical and Nutritional Program on Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome Among Detainees in the Prison of Bertoua, Cameroon (2016-2018)
Linjouom Nchoutpouen Abdou Aziz,
Assob Nguedia Jules Clément,
Chichom Mefire Alain,
Bessong Joseph Bessong,
Njajou Tchikamgoua Omer
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
237-245
Received:
1 September 2019
Accepted:
27 September 2019
Published:
10 October 2019
Abstract: This retrospective and cross-sectional study in the Bertoua prison, which has benefited from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) medical and nutrition program since 2015, assesses its effect in improving the therapeutic success rates of anti-TB treatments compared to that of Douala, not beneficiary and chosen as a witness. There was an exhaustive collection of new and old TB cases diagnosed at entry, before or during incarceration between January 1st and December 31st, 2018. Of the 975 and 3300 people incarcerated on average during this period Bertoua and Douala prisons, 27 cases and 79 cases of TB were recorded. The diagnosis of the cases was made according to the good clinical practices recommended by the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTCP). At the delivery of the results only 37.0% and 6.6% of these screened detainees were put on treatment on the first day and some later (p <0.05). Of the 23 and 51 new cases in 2018, 14 and 47 patients were put on a 6-month anti-tuberculosis treatment in the first two quarters, 2 cases (14.3%) and 14 cases (29.8%) did not experience therapeutic success (p <0.05). Moreover, with 85.20% of new cases in Bertoua prison compared to 64.5% in Douala prison in 2018 (p <0.1), there are more unhealed patients after treatment than in Bertoua in 2018. In 2016 and 2017, we cannot conclude. From the above, this program must be generalized. It is also necessary to develop and use new, more practical diagnostic methods, to systematize the screening of prisoners in general and at risk, to perform treatment more quickly after screening, to improve the supervision of cases under treatment, to create conditions conducive to care in prison and at the exit.
Abstract: This retrospective and cross-sectional study in the Bertoua prison, which has benefited from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) medical and nutrition program since 2015, assesses its effect in improving the therapeutic success rates of anti-TB treatments compared to that of Douala, not beneficiary and chosen as a witness. There was...
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Determinants of Neonatal Mortality in the Health Districts of Labe, Mamou, Faranah and Kankan
Diallo Ibrahima Sory,
Diallo Sory,
Camara Yero Boye,
Diallo Thierno Saïdou,
Conte N’faly,
Koulibaly Mamadou Korka,
Cisse Moussa,
Kaba Djèney Fadima,
Daffe Mamadi
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
246-251
Received:
5 September 2019
Accepted:
24 September 2019
Published:
10 October 2019
Abstract: Neonatal mortality is still a real public health problem in Guinea. Indeed, despite the remarkable progress made in the country, neonatal mortality is still high: 20 per 1000 live births (1). Regional disparities are significant, with the regions of Mamou (32‰), Faranah (28‰), Labé (26‰) and Kankan (26‰) being the most affected. Objective: To determine the main factors related to neonatal deaths in the Faranah, Mamou, Labé and Kankan regions. This is a descriptive qualitative study that examines the perspectives of health service users, local decision-makers and providers on the causes of neonatal mortality in the Labé, Mamou, Faranah and Kankan regions. The main direct medical causes of neonatal mortality cited by participants were: prematurity, neonatal infections, low birth weight, hypoglycemia, hemorrhagic diseases of the newborn. This workshop concluded that neonatal mortality depends on a multitude of economic, political, socio-cultural and health factors, all of which endanger the lives of newborns.
Abstract: Neonatal mortality is still a real public health problem in Guinea. Indeed, despite the remarkable progress made in the country, neonatal mortality is still high: 20 per 1000 live births (1). Regional disparities are significant, with the regions of Mamou (32‰), Faranah (28‰), Labé (26‰) and Kankan (26‰) being the most affected. Objective: To deter...
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Approaches to Improve the Occupational Health and Safety in the Construction Industry of Windhoek, Namibia
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
252-255
Received:
11 March 2019
Accepted:
12 April 2019
Published:
15 October 2019
Abstract: Globally, the construction industry is regarded as a very dangerous industry due to the labour-intensive nature of the work resulting into a high rate of occupational accidents, injuries, diseases and fatalities. In Namibia, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) status of workers in construction industries remains a challenge primarily due to the dearth of studies that investigate the health and safety of workers. The objectives of this study were to investigate the status of occupational health and safety in the construction industry in Windhoek, Namibia, with a view to recommend interventions that would improve occupational health and safety of workers in the targeted sector. A quantitative, descriptive study design was conducted among 549 participants from 13 construction sites that were operating at the time of conducting the study. Data were collected by means of an interviewer led questionnaire. SPSS version 23 was used to analyse data. The study identified a number of different approaches to be provided on construction industry for OHS improvement such as OHS programme implementation, training of workers on OHS aspects, provision of medical services to construction workers, adequate provision of welfare facilities, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provision. The study has proven that there is a need to improve the OHS in the construction industry to prevent occupational accidents, injuries, fatalities and diseases. The practical guidelines were developed which could be useful if implemented in construction sites to improve the OHS in the construction industry.
Abstract: Globally, the construction industry is regarded as a very dangerous industry due to the labour-intensive nature of the work resulting into a high rate of occupational accidents, injuries, diseases and fatalities. In Namibia, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) status of workers in construction industries remains a challenge primarily due to th...
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Socio-demographic Characteristic of Sudanese Patients on Hemodialysis at Gezira Hospital for Renal Diseases and Surgery, Gezira State, Sudan; 2018
Taha Ahmed Elmukashfi Elsheikh,
Mohamed Abdel Salam Nurein,
Mustafa Omran Mansour
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
256-260
Received:
11 September 2019
Accepted:
4 October 2019
Published:
15 October 2019
Abstract: End stage renal disease is an irreversible renal damage leading to impairment of renal function and failure of filtration of metabolic wastes from the blood. To determine the socio-demographic characteristics of Sudanese Patients on Hemodialysis at Gezira Hospital for Renal Diseases and Surgery, Gezira State, Sudan; 2018. It was an observational study. Independent variables were socio-demographic characteristics. Dependent variable was hemodialysis. A questionnaire was used to obtain the required data. SPSS version 21 was used for data entry and analysis. Chi square test was used and P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Sixty two percent of respondents were male. Minimum age was 19 years while maximum age was 70 years. Maximum affected age group was age group (36-45) years; followed by age groups (46-55) and (56-65) years. Minimum age at which disease was diagnosed was 13 years while maximum was 67 years. Regarding residency was as follow: Two percent from East State, 2% from West State, and 96% from Central State. For education: Twenty percent were illiterate, 6.0% Quranic School (Khalwa), 36% primary school, 14% secondary school, 14% university graduate, and 10% had postgraduate certificate. Their occupation was as follows: Twenty percent were labors, 8% were farmers, 6% were employee, 2% were merchants, 4% were students, 24% were households, 2% was from the medical field, 4% were non-employee and 30% did not identify their occupations. Sixty six percent were married. Male is more prone to heamodialysis than female. Risk for heamodialysis increases with increased age. The married rate is an important factor related to the outcome of ESRD. Low levels of education together with low income level of employment are important factors related to ESRD.
Abstract: End stage renal disease is an irreversible renal damage leading to impairment of renal function and failure of filtration of metabolic wastes from the blood. To determine the socio-demographic characteristics of Sudanese Patients on Hemodialysis at Gezira Hospital for Renal Diseases and Surgery, Gezira State, Sudan; 2018. It was an observational st...
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Epidemiology of Trachoma in Health District of Fria in 2014
Aly Sylla,
Seydou Bakayoko,
Pierre Louis Lamah,
Alexis Ouendouno,
Amadou Sylla,
André Goepogui,
Rodrigue Romuald Elien Gagnan Yan-Zaou-Tou,
Rahim Cheikh Nagnan Diabate,
Japhet Pobanou Thera
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
261-265
Received:
17 September 2019
Accepted:
5 October 2019
Published:
16 October 2019
Abstract: Introduction: Trachoma is a chronic keratoconjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. An epidemiological study was conducted in 2014 in the Health District of Fria (Northern Guinea province) to assess the prevalence of active and scar trachoma in a suspected endemic area of approximately 120-135 inhabitants. This is a transversal, descriptive, clustered survey of a representative sample of the population according to the standard protocol recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The clinical review of target populations was conducted according to WHO codification. Of the 3173 subjects recorded, 3159 subjects consented to be examined or an examination rate of 99,55%. The prevalence of active trachoma was 8.67% (CI at 95% = 7.2 – 10.4). The prevalence of scar trachoma was 0.21%. The principal sources of water for households are surface water (41%) and drilling water (41%). The prevalence of active and scar trachoma, risk factors are discussed. In our study, trachoma appeared as a public health problem in the health district of Fria. The prevalence of active and scar trachoma is approaching WHO limit. Poor hygiene was the main risk factor. The implementation of the different components of the strategy SAFE in this locality is a necessity.
Abstract: Introduction: Trachoma is a chronic keratoconjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. An epidemiological study was conducted in 2014 in the Health District of Fria (Northern Guinea province) to assess the prevalence of active and scar trachoma in a suspected endemic area of approximately 120-135 inhabitants. This is a transversal, desc...
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Effects of Second Hand Smoking on the Health of School Children in Awendo, Kenya
Elizabeth Mwaniki,
Judith Waswa
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
266-271
Received:
19 September 2019
Accepted:
7 October 2019
Published:
17 October 2019
Abstract: Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) can cause diseases and deaths among children. Yet children continue to be exposed especially among the low income countries. Epidemiological evidence shows that children of smoking parents have increased risk of neuro-behavioral deficits, neurodevelopmental deficits and childhood cancer. The aim of this study was to find out if children living in low-income countries are still exposed to SHS and its additional burden on the health and school absenteeism among children in the rural setting. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in February-March 2016. A 2-stage cluster-sample design was used to obtain a representative sample (N=600) of private and public primary day school students year 7 and 8 (aged 12-15 years old) in Awendo. A higher proportion (55.5%) of the younger children lived with one or more than two smokers in the home. A modest proportion of children reported complete restriction of smoking at home. The risk of Asthmatic attack increased by more than three fold and more than ten fold among children living with one smoker and among those living with more than two smokers respectively. Smoking has been associated with poor dietary intake, in this case children living with smokers were found to be significantly malnourished. Successful smoking cessation among residents living with children could contribute to decreased asthmatic attacks, malnutrition and school absenteeism.
Abstract: Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) can cause diseases and deaths among children. Yet children continue to be exposed especially among the low income countries. Epidemiological evidence shows that children of smoking parents have increased risk of neuro-behavioral deficits, neurodevelopmental deficits and childhood cancer. The aim of this study was ...
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Diarrhea Risk Factors Associated with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Among the Under Five in Kasarani, Nairobi County
Humphrey Mbuti Kimani,
Daniel Nyagetiria Akunga,
Stephen Obiero Anyango,
Taratisio Ndwiga
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
272-279
Received:
24 September 2019
Accepted:
16 October 2019
Published:
23 October 2019
Abstract: Provision of quality water continues to be a challenge in the developing Counties particularly in the informal settlements and Kenya is not an exception. This study assessed diarrhea disease attributable to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) among the under five in Kasarani, Nairobi County. The main objective of this study was to establish the association between diarrhea among the under five and Water, Sanitation and hygiene. To achieve this goal Kasarani was categorized into four study environs namely low density high income, Medium density middle income, high density low income and informal settlement low income. Structured questionnaire and hygiene checklist were used as data collection instruments. Association and significant differences between variables were determined using inferential statistics and Chi-square tests. To compare quantitative variables (ANOVA) test was preferred. This study determined that water consumed in Kasarani was a risk for childhood diarrhea (p=0.019). Tap water showed a significantly higher contamination 13.7% than household water container 7.2% for T. Coli Bacteria. The amount of water a household consumed per day was an important risk factor for childhood diarrhea (P=0.001). Overall, Age of a child (P=0.046), water treatment method (P=0.002), method of storage of solid waste P<0.001, quantity and frequencies of water supply (P<0.001) were also found to be the most important risk factors for childhood diarrhea. The study concluded that there was a relationship between childhood diarrhea and water, sanitation and hygiene in Kasarani. The study recommended that Nairobi water and Sewerage Company institute programs that will facilitate adequate and wholesome water supply to HDLI and ISLI residential environs respectively.
Abstract: Provision of quality water continues to be a challenge in the developing Counties particularly in the informal settlements and Kenya is not an exception. This study assessed diarrhea disease attributable to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) among the under five in Kasarani, Nairobi County. The main objective of this study was to establish the as...
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Spatial-temporal Analysis of Tuberculosis Incidence in Burundi Using GIS
Prosper Masabarakiza,
Mahmoud Adel Hassaan
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
280-286
Received:
8 October 2019
Accepted:
29 October 2019
Published:
5 November 2019
Abstract: Tuberculosis is one of the most contagious diseases that has been present for over 5000 years and it is still one of the most significant public health problems. This paper is intended to employ GIS in analyzing spatial variations of tuberculosis incidence in Burundi highlighting the main hot spots. Also, the paper aims to evaluate the temporal changes of TB incidence during the period 2009-2017 and guide the resource allocation. For this purpose, data on tuberculosis incidence at both province and health district level were analyzed. Data on incidence rate of TB and demographic data were collected at province level. Also, data on cases of TB recorded at health district level were acquired. The collected data were analyzed at both temporal and spatial scale. Temporal analysis involved identifying the various trends of TB incidence rate in various Burundi provinces during the period 2009-2017. Spatial analysis comprised mapping spatial variations in TB incidence rates and their trend over the period 2009-2017 and TB incidence at health district level. Moreover, Hot Spot analysis was performed to delineate those districts of statistically significant hot spots in TB incidence in Burundi. The temporal analysis of TB incidence rate, at province level, revealed that during the period 2009-2017, Burundi provinces have experienced varied trends of TB incidence with an annual change rate ranging between (-32.9) and (+5.22) in case of TB in all clinical forms and between (-12.2) and (+1.1) in case of Pulmonary TB. TB incidence rates were found to be positively correlated with proportion of urban population and population density. Meanwhile, spatial analysis of TB cases, revealed that eastern parts of Burundi have been experiencing relatively low incidence rates of TB compared to other parts of the country. This was highlighted by Hot Spot analysis that revealed a tendency of Pulmonary TB cases to be clustered and a hot spot in Pulmonary TB incidence was clearly distinguished in western parts of Burundi. Spatial temporal analysis highlights the potentials of GIS in recognizing trends and spatial pattern of such a disease and may support designing and implementing control programs and guide the resource allocation.
Abstract: Tuberculosis is one of the most contagious diseases that has been present for over 5000 years and it is still one of the most significant public health problems. This paper is intended to employ GIS in analyzing spatial variations of tuberculosis incidence in Burundi highlighting the main hot spots. Also, the paper aims to evaluate the temporal cha...
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The Effect of the Snowball Throwing Method on Changes in Brushing Behavior in 4th Grade Children at Surabaya
Eppy Setiyowati,
Fitriyah
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
287-291
Received:
16 September 2019
Accepted:
28 October 2019
Published:
13 November 2019
Abstract: Tooth decay is experienced by many children, such as cavities, tartar, inflammation of the gums, sensitive teeth, and bad breath, the cause is a mistake when brushing of teeth. The snowball throwing learning method is cooperative towards changes in brushing behavior, because the learning model is effective in training students to brush their teethes, the aim of the researchers was to analyze the effect of the snowball throwing method on changes in brushing behavior in 4th grade children at Surabaya. The research method is Pre-Experimental with approach to One group pre-post tes design, the number of samples is 65 students from grade 4 at Surabaya. The technical sampling uses simple random sampling, data collection uses a questionnaire, then the data is processed and analyzed using paired T-test (α = 0.05). The results showed that after a paired T-test statistical test, the value of ρ = 0.000 and α = 0.05 means that ρ < α, H0 is rejected, meaning there is an influence of the snowball throwing method on changes in brushing behavior of school children at Surabaya. Conclusion of the study, the snowball throwing method provides an increase in the behavior of brushing teeth, that the students practice brushing their teeth twice in the morning and night before going to bed properly. Suggestion, the snowball throwing method can be applied in schools for learning activities.
Abstract: Tooth decay is experienced by many children, such as cavities, tartar, inflammation of the gums, sensitive teeth, and bad breath, the cause is a mistake when brushing of teeth. The snowball throwing learning method is cooperative towards changes in brushing behavior, because the learning model is effective in training students to brush their teethe...
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Level of Community Preparedness for Ebola Virus Epidemics in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Multiple Case Study
Eric Mafuta Musalu,
Dieudonne Mwamba Kazadi,
Marie Onyamboko Akatshi,
Didine Kaba Kinkodi,
Pelagie Babakazo Diambalula,
Justus Nsio,
Noriaki Ikeda,
Raymond Mufwaya,
Jack Kokolomami Hyyombo Tambwe
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
292-301
Received:
23 October 2019
Accepted:
13 November 2019
Published:
21 November 2019
Abstract: The Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemics analysis from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and West Africa showed an increased frequency in the intervals between outbreaks and the unpreparedness of the local health system including the community in the response thereto. This study describes the level of DRC community preparedness for EVD and other epidemics in order to judge its potential involvement in epidemiological surveillance at the Health Zone (HZ) level. A secondary analysis was conducted on the data collected during the evaluation of the DRC epidemiological surveillance system, carried out from December 2015 to May 2016 in 32 HZs of the 16 provinces at risk of EVD. Data were collected using semi-structured interview with leaders of the Health Area Development Committees (HADC), village chiefs as well as by focus group with the women of the community. Those respondents were sampled through a purposive sampling strategy. Community preparedness was explored in terms of community organization, knowledge of epidemiological surveillance, and knowledge of EVD. Data were transcribed verbatim in French and analysed using thematic analysis. Some results were tabulated and summarized as proportion. A total of 72 communities were studied. The study showed that the community participates in epidemiological surveillance through the HADCs. The HADC members and community health workers (CHWs) conduct case searches in the community and case referrals to the health centres. The majority of CHWs and community members were unknowledgeable of epidemiological surveillance and very few had received training for epidemic prone diseases. Few knew how to actually describe the steps of a case search. The study also noted that the level of knowledge of the population on EVD in the communities visited was not optimal with a lot of erroneous data and a perception that could be harmful for epidemiological surveillance and outbreak response. The study showed that the population as a whole claimed to participate in epidemiological surveillance only through sensitization and the passing on of information. These study results show that the community at the local level in the DRC is not optimally prepared for EVD and other epidemics. These results suggest a strengthening of community preparedness in the DRC more extensively for diseases with epidemic potential through sensitization and social mobilization, in particular by strengthening the capacity of the teams of health centres, health committees and CHWs in terms of training, technical guides and simple prevention materials.
Abstract: The Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemics analysis from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and West Africa showed an increased frequency in the intervals between outbreaks and the unpreparedness of the local health system including the community in the response thereto. This study describes the level of DRC community preparedness for EVD and ...
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Prevalence and Factors Associated with Self Medication Among People Living in Urban Slums of Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria
Oche Mansur Oche,
Gana Jiya Godwin,
Musa Yahaya,
Abubakar Aliyu Gambo,
Abba Abdulkarim,
Monica Emoh
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
302-309
Received:
21 October 2019
Accepted:
8 November 2019
Published:
25 November 2019
Abstract: Self-medication is the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized illness or symptoms and has been on the increase as a result of poverty, ignorance, low educational status among others. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication among people living in urban slums of Sokoto metropolis. This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among adult urban slum dwellers in Sokoto metropolis using multistage sampling technique. Semi-structured, interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from respondents. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS computer software. The association between categorical variables was tested using bivariate analysis and predictors of self-medication determined using logistic regression. A total 301(91.2%) of the respondents had ever practiced self-medication while 239(77.1%) did so in the last three months. Fever and headache were the commonest conditions for practice of self-medication and paracetamol, ibuprofen and Coartem® (Artemether and lumefantrine) were the commonly used drugs. Being a male (p<0.007) and not being educated beyond primary education (p<0.033) were the predictors of self-medication practice. Self-medication among urban slum dwellers was high despite their knowledge of its associated harmful effects. This underscores the need for concerted efforts to nip this public health menace in the bud through public enlightenment to help prevent indiscriminate hawking and sale of drugs without prescription.
Abstract: Self-medication is the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized illness or symptoms and has been on the increase as a result of poverty, ignorance, low educational status among others. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication among people living in urban slums of ...
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Case-fatality Ratio Due to Ebola Virus Disease in North-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2019
Aimee Lulebo Mampasi,
Paul Samson Lusamba Dikasa,
Joel Konde Nkiama,
Patrick Kayembe Kalambayi,
Emile Okitolonda Wemakoy,
Vieux Mokoli Momeme,
Jack Kokolomami Hyyombo Tambwe
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
310-315
Received:
24 October 2019
Accepted:
22 November 2019
Published:
2 December 2019
Abstract: During an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, health workers (HWs) are at high risk of EVD infection. Health workers infected with EVD are a major risk factor for the failure to control EVD outbreaks. The tenth outbreak is the largest recorded in the DRC, but unfortunately few studies have described the occurrence, case-fatality ratio (CFR) among HWs and their perceptions. The aim of this study was to describe: the occurrence of EVD; related mortality; and perceptions of EVD transmission among HWs. A mixed methods study was conducted in north-eastern DRC in August 2019. A review of EVD surveillance data and in depth interviews with 16 front line HWs were carried out. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim in Swahili before being translated into French and subsequently into English. Quantitative data were imported from Microsoft Excel to Stata 14.0 for analysis. Mean and standard deviation (SD) were used to summarize numeric variables while frequency was used for categorical data. All descriptive statistics are reported with their 95% confidence interval. From 12 July 2018 to 17 August 2019, some 151 confirmed and three probable health worker cases were recorded in the viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) surveillance dataset for the provinces of North-Kivu and Ituri. Heath workers accounted for 5.5% [4.6-6.4]. More than half of the HWs infected were male, with a male to female ratio of 1.3. The mean age of HWs infected was 33.9 years (sd: 10.3). Nosocomial transmission was the most common route of transmission among HWs (94.1%). For more than a quarter of the HWs the contact case was unknown. From a total of 154 infected HWs, some 29 died (CFR: 18.8% [13.0-25.9]). The factors mentioned by HWs as being associated with EVD transmission among them were: ignorance that patient was infected; unavailability of protective equipment; non-compliance of hygienic measures like regular hand washing; violation of EVD infection prevention and control (IPC) standards; and their resistance thereto. The occurrence of EVD cases among HWs is a challenge for the control of the current outbreak in the DRC. It is important to implement strategies to reduce transmission in this population group.
Abstract: During an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, health workers (HWs) are at high risk of EVD infection. Health workers infected with EVD are a major risk factor for the failure to control EVD outbreaks. The tenth outbreak is the largest recorded in the DRC, but unfortunately few studies have described the occurrence, case-fatality ratio (CFR) among H...
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Community Compliance to the Ebola Outbreak Control Measures in the North-eastern Region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2019
Paulin Beya Wa Bitadi Mutombo,
Therese Nyangi Mondo Mambu,
Antoinette Kitoto Tshefu,
Gilbert Utshudienyema Wembodinga,
Dosithe Ngo Bebe,
Arlette Mavila,
Jack Hyyombo Tambwe Kokolomami
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
316-321
Received:
28 October 2019
Accepted:
2 December 2019
Published:
7 December 2019
Abstract: The Democratic Republic of the Congo is enduring; since 2018, its tenth and deadliest Ebola outbreak already over 2000 deaths have been claimed. Compliance to control measures relied on trust and the perception of the population. This study aimed at exploring the perception of people living in areas affected by the Ebola virus disease (EVD). This study was a descriptive qualitative study conducted in three health zones in three of the most affected districts: Katwa in Butembo city, Beni in Beni city and Mandima in Ituri Province. One hundred and three participants were purposively selected. In-depth interviews were conducted using a guide that included open-ended questions on: 1) Participants’ experience of the EDV; 2) Perception of the Ebola outbreak; 3) Perception of self-vulnerability; and 4) Perception of the effectiveness of control measures to stop the outbreak. Thematic analysis was used to report qualitative findings. The results of this study showed that participants’ experience of the EVD was through members (relatives, friends, neighbours…) of the community who were either infected or in contact with the virus. Their perception of the symptoms, the management and the outcomes of these episodes were keystone of the way in which they comprehended the disease. Some members of the community questioned the diagnosis since several cases did not develop haemorrhagic symptoms. Participants showed some confidence on their own vulnerability to the disease and were convinced, to some extent, that this outbreak could be stopped if those control measures were respected. However, the denial of the outbreak fueled by political distrust still remains challenging. We concluded that addressing the Ebola outbreak requires an adapted bottom-up communication that could help alleviate this lack of trust, improve community perception and therefore, of the disease.
Abstract: The Democratic Republic of the Congo is enduring; since 2018, its tenth and deadliest Ebola outbreak already over 2000 deaths have been claimed. Compliance to control measures relied on trust and the perception of the population. This study aimed at exploring the perception of people living in areas affected by the Ebola virus disease (EVD). This s...
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The Experience of Control Measures for Individuals Affected by the Ebola Virus Disease in the North-eastern Region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2019
Paulin Beya Wa Bitadi Mutombo,
Fulbert Kwilu Nappa,
Pierre Akilimali Zalagile,
Mapatano Mala Ali,
Désiré Mashinda Kulimba,
Jack Hyyombo Tambwe Kokolomami
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2019
Pages:
322-327
Received:
28 October 2019
Accepted:
2 December 2019
Published:
7 December 2019
Abstract: To date, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is enduring its largest and longest Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak. This study aimed at exploring the experiences of control measures of Ebola outbreak. This was a qualitative study conducted in three health zones in three districts, namely- Katwa in Butembo city, Beni in Beni city and Mandima in Ituri Province. Thirty-eight participants were purposively selected. In-depth interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to report qualitative findings. The results of this study showed that participants’ experience of the EVD was marked by fear, fatality and mistrust of the response team rooted in the pre-existing distrust of the national authorities. The majority of participants strongly denied the existence of the Ebola virus considering it either as a political ploy to exterminate one ethnic group or as a scheme exaggerated for materialistic reasons. As a result, they showed hostile perception of control measures particularly the vaccination of contacts. However, during previous Ebola outbreaks in the DRC a positive perception of those measures was shown. We then concluded that Addressing the Ebola outbreak requires an adapted bottom-up communication that could help alleviate this lack of trust.
Abstract: To date, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is enduring its largest and longest Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak. This study aimed at exploring the experiences of control measures of Ebola outbreak. This was a qualitative study conducted in three health zones in three districts, namely- Katwa in Butembo city, Beni in Beni city and Mandima in It...
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