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Factors Associated with Virological Suppression of HIV Viral Load in Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Conakry, Guinea
Alimou Camara,
Penda Maladho Diallo,
Mamadou Bobo Diallo,
Talla Nioké,
Adama Cissé,
Mamadou Alpha Sylla,
Gobounet Lamah,
Mamady Diakité,
Amadou Sadio Bah,
Mamadou Bhoye Keita,
Keita Alpha Kabinet Keita,
Mamoudou Condé,
Kaba Kourouma,
Robert Camara,
Youssouf Koita,
Magassouba Fodé Bangaly,
Alioune Camara,
Abdoulaye Touré
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2022
Pages:
22-27
Received:
1 February 2022
Accepted:
25 February 2022
Published:
3 March 2022
Abstract: Viral load testing is a key indicator for assessing ART success and diagnosing drug resistance in people living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy. This study aimed to assess virological suppression among people living with HIV / AIDS on antiretroviral therapy in Guinea. This was a three years descriptive cross-sectional that involved adult HIV-positive patients treated in different sites in Conakry. The study population consisted of patients living with HIV/AIDS, followed up at Conakry ART care and treatment sites, samples collected from the study population were sent to the National Institute of Public Health for viral load testing between January 2018 and June 2021. The viral load was quantified by the Generic Biocentric technique and the detection threshold set at 350 copies/ml. Factors associated with virological suppression were analysed by univariate or multivariate logistic regression. Statistical analysis were performed by R software version R4.0.3. A total of 9815 samples were collected and viral load data analyzed at the national public health laboratory. The sample was dominated by women (72%), with an average age of 29. Of these, 6,706 (68%) of people on ART had viral load suppression. The univaried analysis showed that women were (22%) more likely to have VL suppression (p-value < 0.001) moreover, the chance for all HIV-positive people on treatment to achieve viral load suppression was related to the length of treatment. The results of this study show viral load suppression greater than 68%. The length of antiretroviral therapy, female gender, and advancing age of PLHIV were associated with VL suppression. Targeted awareness raising actions must be undertaken with patients who have an important risk.
Abstract: Viral load testing is a key indicator for assessing ART success and diagnosing drug resistance in people living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy. This study aimed to assess virological suppression among people living with HIV / AIDS on antiretroviral therapy in Guinea. This was a three years descriptive cross-sectional that involved adult HI...
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Metabolic Syndrome and Oxidative Stress Among Patients of Type 2 Diabetes in an African Community
Ezra Agbo,
Victor Ogugua,
Innocent Okagu,
Collins Amadi,
Aloysius Aleke
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2022
Pages:
28-32
Received:
14 February 2022
Accepted:
4 March 2022
Published:
11 March 2022
Abstract: Background: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress among type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in Enugu metropolis. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and forty participants aged 40-80 years attending Diabetic Clinic, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nigeria with their age and gender-marched healthy individuals were recruited as subjects and controls respectively, and evaluated for metabolic syndrome using the National Cholesterol Education Programme-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Oxidative stress markers were assayed spectrophotometrically. Results: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be 56% among type 2 DM patients (55% for males and 58% for females), and 15% among apparently healthy individuals. Besides raised fasting blood glucose in the subjects, the second abnormal parameter was raised blood pressure (86%), followed by low high-density lipoproteins (45%), central obesity (33%), and raised fasting triglycerides (17%) in that particular order. Furthermore, oxidative stress markers were found to have changed significantly in subjects when compared to controls: Malondialdehyde values and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly higher while ascorbic acid values were significantly lower. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that metabolic syndrome and disturbances of reduction-oxidation homeostasis are common among type 2 DM patients.
Abstract: Background: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress among type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in Enugu metropolis. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and forty participants aged 40-80 years attending Diabetic Clinic, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nigeria with their age and gender...
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Randomized Control Trial on the Effect of Health Education on Health Related Quality of Life Among Tuberculosis Patients in Kenya
Humphrey Mbuti Kimani,
Francis Oguya,
Peterson Warutere,
Elizabeth Mwaniki
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2022
Pages:
33-46
Received:
14 February 2022
Accepted:
11 March 2022
Published:
23 March 2022
Abstract: Although health education is incorporated in tuberculosis treatment in Kenya, its role in improving quality of life of the patient is unknown. The main objective of the study was to determine effect of health education on the health related quality of life of tuberculosis patients in Kenya. To achieve this goal the health education program was designed using the PRECEDE-PROCEED model of study. Randomized controlled trial design with pre- and post-test assessments was adopted. The study was conducted between September 2019 and February 2020 in Nairobi and Murang’a Counties. A sample size of 450 patients was calculated with 373 meeting the eligibility criteria. Before introducing health education the patients were assigned into experimental and control groups. Health education was administered to the experimental group but no such intervention was given to the control group. After six months the two groups were compared. A standard questionnaire was used to collect demographic data while data on health related quality of life adopted EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS instruments. MANOVA was used to analyze domains of health and scores on the test of perceived poor health. 15% of the changes in the domains of health were accounted for by health education while 39.3% of changes in health scores were attributed to health education. The study concluded that improved knowledge on TB by patients as a result of health education enhanced the health related quality of life. It was recommended that the health education model be adapted in other health facilities providing tuberculosis services in Kenya.
Abstract: Although health education is incorporated in tuberculosis treatment in Kenya, its role in improving quality of life of the patient is unknown. The main objective of the study was to determine effect of health education on the health related quality of life of tuberculosis patients in Kenya. To achieve this goal the health education program was desi...
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Analysis of Knowledge and Attitudes in Prevention and Control of COVID-19 Among College Students
Serri Hutahaean,
Nourmayansa Vidya Anggraini
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2022
Pages:
47-50
Received:
19 February 2022
Accepted:
15 March 2022
Published:
23 March 2022
Abstract: COVID-19 is a new and previously undetected type of coronavirus in humans caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The worldwide attention is increasing to this virus because of the person-to-person transmission rate which was initially thought to be animal-to-human, so the spread of the disease is very high. People with comorbidities and the elderly who are more susceptible to coronavirus infection have higher morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of the Faculty of Health Sciences students, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta (FIKES UPNVJ) Indonesia in preventing and controlling COVID-19. This research used cross-sectional design conducted in May 2020 at FIKES UPNVJ with 233 respondents. The univariate analysis shows the characteristics of students with dominantly female, aged 20-29 years old, live outside Jakarta and from nursing study program. The bivariate analysis using the chi-square test shows p value 0.67 that can be concluded that there is no significant relationship between the knowledge and attitudes of the FIKES UPNVJ students in the prevention and control of COVID-19. This research is useful in preventing COVID-19 and further research is needed on the factors that affect the prevention and control of COVID-19.
Abstract: COVID-19 is a new and previously undetected type of coronavirus in humans caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The worldwide attention is increasing to this virus because of the person-to-person transmission rate which was initially thought to be animal-to-human, so the spread of the disease is very high. People w...
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Exposure and Determinants of Mosquito’s Bite Within Health Facilities in Northern Ghana
Iddi Ziblim Yakubu,
Adadow Yidana
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2022
Pages:
51-58
Received:
21 April 2021
Accepted:
20 May 2021
Published:
9 April 2022
Abstract: Mosquitoes are considered the main agents for the transmission of several deadly diseases including malaria with controlling and preventing exposure to this vector being one of the main strategies for malaria control and prevention in Ghana. Exposure to this vector by patients/caretakers and hospital staff within wards of hospitals is a public health threat and should be a public health concern. The study assessed exposure to mosquitoes, the determinants of exposure to the vector by patients and hospital staff within wards of hospitals. A descriptive cross-sectional survey involving a mixed-method research design was conducted among 313 patients and nurses/midwives within the selected hospitals and 5 members of hospital management including ward in-charges and medical superintendents. A structured questionnaire was used for the quantitative data and an interview guide for the qualitative data collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 for the quantitative data and NVivo version 10.2, and content analyses for the qualitative data. Majority of the respondents (69.3%) were females and almost all the respondents were exposed to mosquitoes. About 98.4% experienced the presence of mosquitoes, 95.2% reported yes to have bitten by mosquitoes, 69.6% were unable to sleep due to mosquitoes the night preceding the study interview and 69.3% were highly exposed. Access to health information, state of nets of windows and doors of the ward, cracks on the walls of the ward, broken ceilings on the ward and grown bushes around the ward were observed to be significantly related to exposure to mosquitoes. Exposure to mosquitoes within the health facilities is obvious and considered normal as there is no or little effort towards preventing such a public health threat. All hospital stakeholders should work to curb this menace, the national malaria control program should consider hospitals as a priority area as far as controlling and preventing malaria is concerned.
Abstract: Mosquitoes are considered the main agents for the transmission of several deadly diseases including malaria with controlling and preventing exposure to this vector being one of the main strategies for malaria control and prevention in Ghana. Exposure to this vector by patients/caretakers and hospital staff within wards of hospitals is a public heal...
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Utilization of Maternal Care Services and Level of Satisfaction Among Clients in a Teaching Hospital in Ghana
Ruhaima Issah Zorro,
Adadow Yidana
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2022
Pages:
59-68
Received:
21 April 2021
Accepted:
20 May 2021
Published:
9 April 2022
Abstract: The study investigates the extent to which mothers are satisfied with the maternity services they receive at Tamale Teaching Hospital. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Primary and secondary sources of data were used for the research. Likert scale questionnaires were used in the collection of the data. A quantitative approach was adopted to analyze the data. From the study, respondents agreed that they are provided with access to high-quality care throughout the phases of pregnancy, labour and delivery. They also averred that they receive screening at the maternal and child health to ensure safe delivery. Again, it emerged that respondents get education on proper diet during pregnancy and lactation and the benefits of physical exercises. Additionally, it came up that respondents do not receive considerate and respectful care at all times and under all circumstances, without recognition of their dignity, values and beliefs, respect the rights of the patient. Respondents do not know the name and professional status of those providing services to them. Respondents do know refusing treatment to the extent permitted by law and are informed of the medical consequences of that refusal in the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Thus, it is recommended that the management of Tamale Teaching Hospital should organize training for health providers to encourage them to communicate client information to them during the provider-client interaction. Management should work to improve on the waiting time and contact time for their clients to be satisfied with their service provision. Management of Tamale Teaching Hospital should carry out client satisfaction surveys routinely to improve the quality of Anti-Natal Care. The primary health care authorities should make adequate provision of maternal and child health services a priority given its importance in minimizing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.
Abstract: The study investigates the extent to which mothers are satisfied with the maternity services they receive at Tamale Teaching Hospital. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Primary and secondary sources of data were used for the research. Likert scale questionnaires were used in the collection of the data. A quantitative approach was ado...
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Scope of Skin Diseases in the Geriatric Population of an Urban Dermatology Clinic in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2022
Pages:
69-73
Received:
16 March 2022
Accepted:
31 March 2022
Published:
9 April 2022
Abstract: Background: Aging is the progressive decline in optimal functioning and reserve capacity of all body systems, including the integumentary system. This decline leads to an increase in the predisposition to skin diseases in the geriatric population. The ageing process is both intrinsic and extrinsic with specific characteristics of presentation. Portharcourt. Results: The results showed a male to female ratio of 1: 1.5, with an age range of 65 to 94 years and a mean of 71.11±6.49. There was a 3.27% prevalence of skin diseases among geriatric patients. Most patients 50 (80%) presented between ages 65-74 years. The five most common disorders were papulosquamous 10 (16.4%), fungal infections 9 (14.8%), benign tumours 8 (13.1%), urticaria in 7 (11.5%) and eczemas 7 (11.5%). There was no statistical significance between age and dermatologic diagnosis and also no significance between dermatoses and comorbidities. Conclusion: The findings showed that papulosquamous disorders and fungal infections were common, and females were more affected. Women had more papulosquamous disorders and eczema, while men had more fungal infections. There was no significance between age and dermatologic diagnosis, and dermatoses and comorbidities.
Abstract: Background: Aging is the progressive decline in optimal functioning and reserve capacity of all body systems, including the integumentary system. This decline leads to an increase in the predisposition to skin diseases in the geriatric population. The ageing process is both intrinsic and extrinsic with specific characteristics of presentation. Port...
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Study of the Viability of Community-Based Mutual Health Insurances in the Department of Vélingara in 2019 in Senegal
Diop Cheikh Tacko,
Sane Omar,
Leye Mamadou Mactar Mbacke,
Sougou Ndeye Mareme,
Ka Ousseynou,
Gueye Boubacar,
Sow Papa Gallo
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2022
Pages:
74-79
Received:
23 March 2022
Accepted:
7 April 2022
Published:
20 April 2022
Abstract: Introduction: Access to basic healthcare services for the whole population has been a priority the successive governments in Senegal since independence. Mutual health insurance has been the driving force behind health coverage since the 2000s. This policy aimed to reach 75% coverage of the population by 2019. This study aims to describe the characteristics and also analyze the viability of mutual health insurances in Vélingara. Methodology: The mixed method was used to evaluate both the viability of mutual health insurances and the perception of the communities. Viability was evaluated in its four technical, functional, financial and institutional aspects. For the population's perception, interviews were conducted with beneficiaries, non-beneficiaries, community leaders and UHC officials. Results: At the institutional level, all of the mutual health insurances were viable and had internal regulations, a statute, a license and a bank account. On the technical level, they were exposed to the risk of adverse selection. On the other hand, from a functional point of view, none of mutual health insurances was viable, with a very low rate of retention. Finally, from a financial point of view, none of the mutual health insurances had the capacity to honor their medium- and long-term debts without resorting to external resources. In addition, the results of the survey showed a lack of information and a high cost of membership. Conclusion: All the mutual health insurances were experiencing difficulties and required urgent corrective measures and support from the state and local authorities.
Abstract: Introduction: Access to basic healthcare services for the whole population has been a priority the successive governments in Senegal since independence. Mutual health insurance has been the driving force behind health coverage since the 2000s. This policy aimed to reach 75% coverage of the population by 2019. This study aims to describe the charact...
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Sexual Challenges Among Nigerians: An Online Survey
Sa’adatu Talatu Sule,
Boubacar Dieng,
Usman Ibrahim Gebi
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2022
Pages:
80-86
Received:
30 March 2022
Accepted:
15 April 2022
Published:
26 April 2022
Abstract: Sexual disorders can affect the general well-being of individuals including their relationships with their spouses/partners. This study was carried out to assess the frequency of sexual challenges among Nigerians with a view to increasing awareness and improving sexual health in the country. The study was an anonymous online survey carried out using Google Forms. Statistical analyses including rates and comparative analyses were carried out using MINITAB statistical software version 19. Of all respondents, 24% experienced sexual challenges of which 25.8% are female while 21.1% are male. Sexual challenges were significantly more common (p = 0.005) among women who had previously terminated a pregnancy for non-medical reasons (56.3%) compared to those who had not (19.6%). Lack of interest was the commonest sexual challenge reported by respondents occurring in 62.5% of all those who had sexual challenges and 81.3% of female respondents who had sexual challenges. Premature ejaculation (75%) was the most common sexual challenge reported by the male respondents. Only 12.5% sought care from a health facility and the most common reason for not seeking care from a health facility was lack of awareness about where to get care (18.1%). Sexual challenges are common among Nigerians and negatively impact their well-being, particularly their relationships with their spouses/partners. There is a need to increase awareness about sexual challenges and improve the quality of available services.
Abstract: Sexual disorders can affect the general well-being of individuals including their relationships with their spouses/partners. This study was carried out to assess the frequency of sexual challenges among Nigerians with a view to increasing awareness and improving sexual health in the country. The study was an anonymous online survey carried out usin...
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Retrospective Evaluation of the SD BIOLINE Dengue Duo Rapid Diagnostic Test During a Dengue Epidemic in Burkina Faso
Cheick Ahmed Ouattara,
Tiandiogo Isidore Traore,
Bry Sylla,
Seydou Traore,
Ibrahim Sangare,
Clément Ziemlé Meda,
Léon Blaise Geswendé Savadogo
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2022
Pages:
87-90
Received:
8 April 2022
Accepted:
30 April 2022
Published:
3 May 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20220802.20
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Abstract: The SD Bioline Dengue Duo rapid diagnostic test is the primary means of diagnostic guidance for dengue and in many cases the only one in Burkina Faso. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of this test during the 2017 dengue epidemic. By analysing data from samples during the 2017 dengue epidemic in Burkina Faso for which both rapid test and Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction and, or Immunoglobulin M capture by Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay results were available, the rapid diagnostic test was compared to Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction and, or Immunoglobulin M detection by Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. The sensitivity and specificity of the tests were calculated and their overall performance was evaluated by the area under the curve. Out of 706 suspected patients, 514 or 72.8% were confirmed by the reference techniques. The positivity rates were 69%, 19% and 26% respectively for NS1 antigen, Immunoglobulin M antibody and Immunoglobulin G antibody. The rapid diagnostic test had a very good sensitivity of 99% for a specificity of 5%. The detection of NS1 antigen by rapid diagnostic test showed the best compromise, with an area under the curve of 0.7. Considering only the results of the NS1 Antigen, the rapid diagnostic test could be a viable solution for the management of dengue epidemics in health centers without a laboratory.
Abstract: The SD Bioline Dengue Duo rapid diagnostic test is the primary means of diagnostic guidance for dengue and in many cases the only one in Burkina Faso. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of this test during the 2017 dengue epidemic. By analysing data from samples during the 2017 dengue epidemic in Burkina Faso for which both rapid test an...
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