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Health Seeking Behaviours and Challenges to Utilizing Health Facilities in the North West Region of Cameroon
Joel Ngwa Ambebila,
Ebenezer Obi Daniel,
Paul Olaiya Abiodun,
Israel Olukayode Popoola,
Stellamaris Moronkeji,
Ahmed Mamuda Bello,
Olayinka Victor Ojo,
Christie Omolola Adams
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 2, April 2020
Pages:
55-61
Received:
15 January 2020
Accepted:
27 January 2020
Published:
11 February 2020
Abstract: In a given community, health seeking behaviours determine how health care services are used. This in turn determine the health outcomes on members of this community. Utilization of health care facilities can be determined by cost, cultural beliefs, level of education, family incomeand distance to health facility. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of socio-demographic factors on healthcare seeking behaviors and challenges in utilizing health facilities in the North West Region of Cameroon. The study was a cross sectional survey that used a structured questionnaire to collect quantitative data from 430 participants. The findings showed that despite low incomes and education levels, the study communities have moderate levels of access to services for curative and preventive care. About half of the participants preferred Government health facilities (50.5%) while a small number of participants preferred seeking care from traditional medicine (0.9%). In rural areas, Government health facilities are more preferred than in urban areas; 69.6% of participants in rural zones preferred government facilities whereas they were 43.7% in urban areas (p<0.001, V=0.228). In conclusion, the study sought to evaluate health seeking behaviors of rural and urban dwellers. The goal is to trigger discussions and re-evaluation of health promotion and education policies and programmes to bring about improvement in health seeking behaviours and address issues around health disparities and inequalities.
Abstract: In a given community, health seeking behaviours determine how health care services are used. This in turn determine the health outcomes on members of this community. Utilization of health care facilities can be determined by cost, cultural beliefs, level of education, family incomeand distance to health facility. The purpose of this study was to de...
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Social Determinants Effect on Maternal Mortality in Central Sulawesi Province
Ketut Suarayasa,
Hermiyanty,
Bertin Ayu Wandira,
Muh Rizki Ashari,
Pitriani
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 2, April 2020
Pages:
62-65
Received:
16 January 2020
Accepted:
10 February 2020
Published:
18 February 2020
Abstract: Central Sulawesi has an area of 61,841 km2. Geographical conditions contribute to delays in receiving health care services. All cultures, education levels, and other social determinants that affect pregnant women who receive ANC. ANC visit data in Central Sulawesi figures show 88.8% to 78.4% for K1 and K4. This study uses a case control study design to address the magnitude of risk factors associated with maternal mortality. This research was conducted in the city of Palu and Parigi Moutong district. Social Determinants of Health have a risk of 3,776 times increasing maternal mortality (OR = 3,776) and is a significant factor in maternal mortality in Central Sulawesi (1,579-9,301)3 Late acts as a risk factor for maternal death in Central Sulawesi, namely: 1 Late risk 1,680 times increases maternal mortality (OR = 1,680) but is not a significant factor in maternal mortality in Central Sulawesi (0.553-5,100); Being late 2 has a risk of 2,038 times increasing maternal mortality (OR = 2,038) but is not a significant factor in maternal mortality in Central Sulawesi (0.820-5.064); and being Late 3 at a risk of 6,500 times increasing maternal mortality (OR = 6,500), it is a significant factor in maternal mortality in Central Sulawesi (2,342-18,044).
Abstract: Central Sulawesi has an area of 61,841 km2. Geographical conditions contribute to delays in receiving health care services. All cultures, education levels, and other social determinants that affect pregnant women who receive ANC. ANC visit data in Central Sulawesi figures show 88.8% to 78.4% for K1 and K4. This study uses a case control study desig...
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Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers of 0-23 Months Children in Public Healthcare Centre in Togo
Compaore Wendinpuikondo Raketa Ella,
Agbokou Koffi Apéali Wassiou,
Ouedraogo Ousmane,
Souho Tiatou,
Mouawiyatou Bouraima,
Virginio Pietra,
Kiemde Wend-Lassida Michel Eric,
Zagre Marie Noel,
Amouzou Sabiba Kou’Santa Emile,
Meda Nicolas,
Dicko Hama Mamoudou
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 2, April 2020
Pages:
66-72
Received:
30 January 2020
Accepted:
11 February 2020
Published:
18 February 2020
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of mothers of children aged 0 to 23 months towards exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in public health facilities in Lome, Togo. A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was carried out over a period of two months among the target group who brought their children for consultation in the growth monitoring and promotion of health care Centre in Lome. The study involved 417 mostly primigravida and primiparous mothers averaging 28.4 ± 0.3 years old. Among these mothers 89.7% attended school and 99.2% had at least one antenatal visit. The most common sources of maternal awareness of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) were the services of expanded programme for immunization, EPI (62.6%), antenatal care (58.5%), and growth monitoring and promotion (53.7%). The majority (82%) of mothers agreed that EBF is feasible. However, only 43.9% and 19.7% of these mothers have a good knowledge of both benefits of EBF for the baby and the mother, respectively. Levels of mother’s knowledge of the benefits of AME for mother and baby are dependent on sensitization by health workers (P = 0.0001) and mass medium (P = 0.036).
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of mothers of children aged 0 to 23 months towards exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in public health facilities in Lome, Togo. A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was carried out over a period of two months among the target group who brought their children for consulta...
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Vitamin A Rich Foods Consumed For Dietary Intake and Supplementation Among Children Aged 12 To 59 Months in Gatunga Ward, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
Nkingo Christine Kananu,
Judith Waudo,
Eunice Njogu
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 2, April 2020
Pages:
73-79
Received:
15 November 2019
Accepted:
6 December 2019
Published:
21 February 2020
Abstract: Vitamin A food sources intake is one of the dietary interventions that support the achievement of nutrition priority outcomes. Inadequate Vitamin A intake leads to its deficiency which causes depressed immune response, impaired movement of iron, poor growth, night blindness and xerophthalmia which are a major public health concerns. The study objective was to establish Vitamin A rich foods consumed by children aged 12 to 59 months. The target population was 370 caregivers of children aged 12 to 59 months who were clustered and sampled using purposive cluster and random sampling. A cross sectional descriptive study design was used to guide this study. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews schedules from caregivers and key informants respectively. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20 while qualitative data was organized and analysed thematically. The findings revealed that only 41.8% consumed more than five food groups and indicator of a children likelihood of suffering from Vitamin A deficiency due to limited dietary diversity. It also emerged that only 36 (9%) of the respondents could mention at least one type of foods rich in Vitamin A while only (23.5%) could mention at least one benefit of Vitamin A, an indicator of knowledge on Vitamin A-rich foods and their benefits was scanty. The study recommends that the government and stakeholders need to develop a policy of ensuring caregivers are adequately educated on Vitamin A-rich foods and their benefits. Interventions such as forming self-help groups which will provide platforms of starting of income generating activities such as investing in production of green vegetables, fruits and chicken to diversify on Vitamin A rich Vitamin A-rich foods.
Abstract: Vitamin A food sources intake is one of the dietary interventions that support the achievement of nutrition priority outcomes. Inadequate Vitamin A intake leads to its deficiency which causes depressed immune response, impaired movement of iron, poor growth, night blindness and xerophthalmia which are a major public health concerns. The study objec...
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Factors Affecting Level of Adherence Among People Living with HIV Attending Antiretroviral Care at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State
Mary Nnenna Ibezim,
Uchechukwu Chibuzo Ogbodo,
John Ndie,
Ogonnaya Kanu-Oji,
Ndubuisi Oji,
Michael Olugbamila Dada,
Emeka Victor Ifemenam
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 2, April 2020
Pages:
80-87
Received:
26 January 2020
Accepted:
10 February 2020
Published:
21 February 2020
Abstract: The effectiveness of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) portends a viable remedy for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection with some context-specific factors identified to pose barriers to adherence to treatment. Consequently, non-adherence to treatment regimens impacts on desired improved health outcomes of affected individuals and socio-economic status of the nation. This study was thus conducted to elicit specific factors that may be responsible for the poor health outcomes attributed to non-adherence among people living with HIV recorded in the study area. A cross-sectional study was conducted on people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and attending ART clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi from February to August 2016. Adherence was defined as taking 95% of the prescribed doses in the week before the survey. Data collected using a standard interview questionnaire were analyzed on SPSS Version 21. Among the 272 study participants, the magnitude of adherence to ART in the week before interview was found to be 85%. The main reasons for nonadherence were forgetfulness (32%), being away from home (29%), and being busy doing other things (14%). Age and monthly income appeared to influence treatment adherence of clients sampled in the study. The researcher recommends a more inclusive approach to HIV care and treatment for a stronger adherence to treatment and implicates care-givers especially nurses at the center of the drive for higher adherence rates in Nigeria. A qualitative approach to the study is also recommended.
Abstract: The effectiveness of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) portends a viable remedy for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection with some context-specific factors identified to pose barriers to adherence to treatment. Consequently, non-adherence to treatment regimens impacts on desired improved health outcomes of affected individuals and socio-economic...
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The Effect of Social Health Issues on Postpartum Depression: Analysis from a Community Sample in Ghana
Abdul Cadri,
Abdul Aziz Nagumsi Bonyo,
Aboagye Gyan Richard,
Augustine Adomah-Afari
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 2, April 2020
Pages:
88-94
Received:
5 February 2020
Accepted:
21 February 2020
Published:
2 March 2020
Abstract: Background: Postpartum depression is a mild mental or behavioural disorder that usually commences few weeks after delivery. Even though some studies have identified the association between postpartum depression and socio-demographic factors, no study has explored the association between stressors in women’s life after birth and postpartum depression. Aims/objectives: This study aimed to assess the population prevalence of postpartum depression among women in the Hohoe Municipality, the prevalence of stressful life events and social health issues they experienced, and its association with postpartum depression. The coping strategies they adopted to enable them move on were also examined. Method: Analytical cross-sectional study design using quantitative techniques was employed in achieving the objectives of this study. A total of 172 participants who were between five and twelve weeks postpartum were recruited to respond to a structured questionnaire. The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale was used to measure depression. The 28 item Brief Cope Scale was used to examine the coping strategies postpartum depressed women adopted. Data were analysed using Stata version 14. Logistic regression model was used to test for association and statistical significance was tested at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of postpartum depression among the women in the study was 32.6%. More than half of the respondents (64.5%) reported experiencing stressful life events or social health issues after birth with 30.2% of them reporting one or two and 34.3% of them reporting to have experienced three or more stressful life events. Odds were raised in women who reported one or two (AOR=6.01, 95%CI=1.57-22.99) and three or more (AOR=32, 95%CI=8.33-124.06) stressful life events or social health issues than those who did not experience any social health issue; and the difference was statistically significant (p <0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that the prevalence of postpartum depression was 32.6%. Moreover, 64.5% of the women reported to have experienced some stressful life events. Experience of social health issues was found to be significantly associated with postpartum depression. There is the need for policy makers and healthcare practitioners to develop interventions that would comprehensively cater for the psychological health and wellbeing of postpartum mothers; and education on the right coping strategies.
Abstract: Background: Postpartum depression is a mild mental or behavioural disorder that usually commences few weeks after delivery. Even though some studies have identified the association between postpartum depression and socio-demographic factors, no study has explored the association between stressors in women’s life after birth and postpartum depressio...
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Seroprevalence, Knowledge and Behavioral Factors Associated with HIV Infection Among Men Who have Sex with Men (MSM) in Benin
Pepin Septime Hector Hessou,
Yolaine Glele-Ahanhanzo,
Clement Ahoussinou,
Colette Sylvie Azandjeme,
Codjo Djignefa Dadje,
Wilfrid Bonou,
Virgile Capo-Chichi,
Bruno Doussoh,
Michel Boko,
Michel Alary
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 2, April 2020
Pages:
95-105
Received:
17 February 2020
Accepted:
24 February 2020
Published:
3 March 2020
Abstract: Most of HIV infections among adults in sub-Saharan Africa have been acquired through unprotected sex, including with sex workers and through sex between men. Unprotected sex between men promotes the transmission of STIs and HIV in particular. Unprotected anal penetration is a high-risk route of transmission. The study will estimate HIV prevalence and describe the risk factors associated among MSM population. From January to April 2016, 414 participants were enrolled in the study by the "Respondent-Driven Sampling"; the variables measured were biological, behavioral and HIV knowledge factors. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted and the results were weighted. MSM are predominantly young: 50.4% (41.7- 59.2) are between 20 and 24 years old, the weighted HIV prevalence is 21.8% (95% CI: 13.5 - 30.7). More than half of participants 54.4% (43.9 - 64.8) did not have accurate knowledge of HIV. Condom use during the last anal sex is significantly associated with HIV AOR (adjusted odd ratios) 0.47 (95% CI: 0.36-0.62), p<0.0001) adjusted on potentially confounding factors. This is about those below 25 years AOR 0.7 (95%CI: 0.55-0.90, p<0.0005), the educational level AOR 22.18 (95% CI: 9.49-59.75, p<0.0001), living in couple, AOR: 2.01 (95% CI: 1.54-2.63) p<0.0001; frequency of condom use with lubricant, AOR: 1.3 (95% CI: 1.03-1.65, p<0.029). This study highlights a high HIV prevalence among the MSM population and therefore shows the need to develop specific high-impact prevention programs towards this key target group while promoting an environment of protection and respect for human right.
Abstract: Most of HIV infections among adults in sub-Saharan Africa have been acquired through unprotected sex, including with sex workers and through sex between men. Unprotected sex between men promotes the transmission of STIs and HIV in particular. Unprotected anal penetration is a high-risk route of transmission. The study will estimate HIV prevalence a...
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