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Factors Associated with Self Care Among Stroke Survivors at Kenyatta National Hospital
Wakulwa Sylvester Silas,
Otieno Boaz Samwel,
Kirika Lydia,
Wanjala Caleb
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
128-138
Received:
13 September 2021
Accepted:
4 October 2021
Published:
12 October 2021
Abstract: Background: Stroke is a condition that reduces blood flow to the central nervous system—specifically, the brain and may be associated with long-term neurologic adverse effects that result in accelerated functional decline and disability. Self-care is one of the greatest challenges to stroke survivors, they lose the ability to do certain activities of daily living and depend partially or entirely on others. The purpose of this study was to understand the factors associated with self-care among stroke survivors at Kenyatta National Hospital. Method: The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical design, where convenience and purposeful sampling were employed during questionnaire administration. The study involved interviewing 90 volunteer patients. Both Qualitative and Quantitative data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Logistic regression and correlation analysis were used to determine the influence and relationship of socio-demographic, clinical impairment, and psychosocial factors on self-care performance. Results: A sample consisted of 90 respondents. Demographic analyses revealed that the majority of stroke patients were female gender (n=54; 60%), aged between 56-65 years, (26%), married (n=55; 62.5%), on education (n=68; 75.6% had at least attained secondary school. Socio-demographic and clinical impairment factors had positive significant influence on self care performance at Pearson correlation {(df=1 N=90)=<0.05}, analysis of the psychosocial variables revealed that most stroke survivors would need support hence having insignificant negative effect on self care performance, Pearson correlation {(df=1 N=90)=0.05. Conclusion: Socio-demographic and clinical impairment predict the level of self-care performance while psychosocial factors did not influence performance of self care.
Abstract: Background: Stroke is a condition that reduces blood flow to the central nervous system—specifically, the brain and may be associated with long-term neurologic adverse effects that result in accelerated functional decline and disability. Self-care is one of the greatest challenges to stroke survivors, they lose the ability to do certain activities ...
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Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception on Hepatitis B Vaccination Among Non-health Workers Attending Selected Health Facilities in Mbale City, Uganda
Naziru Rashid,
Zziwa Swaibu
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
139-147
Received:
23 September 2021
Accepted:
14 October 2021
Published:
30 October 2021
Abstract: Introduction: Vaccination has for a long time been used for the prevention and control of communicable diseases among children and adults. For the vaccination to be effective in controlling the spread of communicable diseases a significant number of people must be vaccinated and immunized to achieve herd immunity. The success of a vaccination campaign and program depends on the communities' knowledge attitudes and perceptions on vaccines. Uganda is endemic for HBV disease with 10 national prevalence, and therefore needs to have a general community fully vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. The current study assessed the knowledge attitude and perceptions of the community on HBV vaccination. Methods: A cross-section study will be used by administering a questionnaire to all OPD clients who are above 18years at three selected health facilities in Mbale district. Data was analyzed using Stata SE/14. Results: Out of 1020 participants 51.86% (530) were males and 48.14% (492) were females, the majority were between 18-35 years and 35.49% had minimal tertiary level of education.58.8% of respondents had moderate knowledge on HBV disease and vaccination. There was a generally good attitude and perceptions on HBV Vaccination however 62.23% (636) believed that the HBV vaccine was not effective.29.68% (304) of respondents agreed that they would go for vaccination if given an opportunity 56.33% (579) preferred to get them vaccinated from government facilities and 75.53% (772) would recommend others to go for vaccination. Conclusion: More Education and sensitization on the use, availability, and safety of vaccines to the community is highly recommended to improve the knowledge and attitude; Opinion leaders should be given appropriate IEC materials on Vaccines; a study on the uptake of HBV vaccine and associated factors should be carried out.
Abstract: Introduction: Vaccination has for a long time been used for the prevention and control of communicable diseases among children and adults. For the vaccination to be effective in controlling the spread of communicable diseases a significant number of people must be vaccinated and immunized to achieve herd immunity. The success of a vaccination campa...
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Menstrual Hygiene’s and Early Pregnancy Among Adolescents, and Associated Factors in 2021, Commune of Lokossa, Benin
Badirou Aguemon,
Barikissou Georgia Damien,
Sètondji Géraud Roméo Padonou
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
148-154
Received:
3 October 2021
Accepted:
25 October 2021
Published:
12 November 2021
Abstract: A poor management of menstrual hygiene and the occurrence of teenage pregnancies constitute a real public health problem in Benin. The aim of the research was to analyse the level of knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls and to determine the prevalence of early pregnancies as well as associated factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 230 adolescent girls was selected by three-stage cluster sampling. Adolescents aged 10 to 19 years old who had their menstruation and living in Lokossa commune were included in the study. The mean age (SD) of menarche was 14.17±1.18 years. The Kotafon was the majority ethnic group and concerned 81% of the adolescent surveyed girls. The prevalence of early pregnancy was 14.8%. Girls' level of good knowledge of menstruation was evaluated at 47.8%, the level of good practices was 17.8%. Early pregnancy is more observed among adolescent girls living in couple, those in school and those living outside the matrimonial home (p<0.0001). At the multivariate analysis, the non-indigenous girls had a three times good menstrual hygiene practices than indigenous girls (Kotafon ethnic group) with OR=7.13 [CI95% 2.20-23.13], p=0.001 and living outside the family (parents, guardians) increased the level of good menstrual hygiene practices more than seven times, OR=7.22 [CI95% 2.45-21.27], p<0.001. The absence of religious beliefs among adolescents increased good menstrual hygiene practices by 10 times compared to the presence of religious beliefs OR=10.52 [CI95% 2.83-38.46], p<0.001. Regarding access to drinking water, compared to 'sometimes' and 'never' access, 'always' access induced a higher proportion of good menstrual hygiene practices respectively by 6.25 times (OR=6.25 [CI95% 1.96-20.00]), p<0.001 and 9.09 times (OR=9.09 [CI95% 2.78-33.33], p<0.001). In addition, good menstrual hygiene knowledge increased good menstrual hygiene practices by 4.55 times OR=4.55 [CI95% 1.61-12.50], p=0.006. Strong sensitization program on menstrual hygiene practices and/or continuous access to drinking water can induce best practices on menstrual hygiene and decrease early pregnancy.
Abstract: A poor management of menstrual hygiene and the occurrence of teenage pregnancies constitute a real public health problem in Benin. The aim of the research was to analyse the level of knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls and to determine the prevalence of early pregnancies as well as associated factors. A cross-section...
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Accelerating Women-centered Local Action and Increasing Impact to Stop Preventable Maternal & Newborn Deaths in Low- and Middle -Income Countries: Case-study in Senegal
Stephanie Vougier,
Jan Liska,
Marouchka Hebben,
Cheikh Mbaye,
Hadi Issa,
Amy Fall-Ndao,
Isabelle Moreira,
Ousmane Thiam,
Safiatou Thiam,
France Donnay,
Valerie Faillat
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
155-166
Received:
8 October 2021
Accepted:
8 November 2021
Published:
17 November 2021
Abstract: There is an urgent need for improvements in maternal and newborn health despite the efforts of numerous stakeholders and the adoption of specific targets as in the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2018, using an evidence-based and design-thinking approach involving communities, three stakeholders (a foundation, an NGO, and a startup) decided to combine their expertise to better understand and potentially revisit the drivers for improving maternal and newborn health. The AIM – Accelerated Impact Model - has been designed as a systemic, needs-led innovation framework for improving maternal and newborn health in low and middle-income countries. The AIM is currently being tested to assess its real-world impact in the Saint-Louis region of Senegal. This paper aims to explain the rationale and methodology for designing this innovative model, as well as presenting hypotheses concerning its impact. This novel, integrated approach is associated with community empowerment and accompanied by “glocal” experts and organizations. It represents the backbone of the AIM method. The first step of the AIM application was the pre-pilot phase, as the population itself identified the health and medical-social barriers contributing to maternal and newborn mortality together with the corresponding corrective measures. The second step integrated co-created projects into a three-pillar program centered on awareness of community engagement, optimizing the attractiveness of the health pyramid base, and the empowerment of women. To test the sustainability of the model, the third step of the AIM approach resulted in the creation of a local pilot team to accelerate the implementation of new co-created projects and optimize existing initiatives supported by local and global sponsors. Over the course of one month, the newly formed “Rawal ak Diam” platform transformed the COVID-19 epidemic into an opportunity to mobilize the community and connect with the authorities. This step was crucial for gaining legitimation for the platform and helped design and implement a three-pillar program. The community program focus here is on the two first deadlines (the decision to request help and access care) in maternal health while remaining aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries.
Abstract: There is an urgent need for improvements in maternal and newborn health despite the efforts of numerous stakeholders and the adoption of specific targets as in the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2018, using an evidence-based and design-thinking approach involving communities, three stakeholders (a foundation, an NGO, and a startup) decided to co...
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Screening of Kasahara Dasemani with Special Reference to Anti Tussive Property
Mallikarjuna Rao Polepalli
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
167-170
Received:
29 June 2021
Accepted:
12 July 2021
Published:
24 November 2021
Abstract: Cough is a protective reflex that prevents the foreign materials, secretions from bronchi and bronchioles. It is triggered by an inflammation in respiratory tract and hyper sensitivity. The use of cough suppressants is not preferred in treatment as it gives symptomatic relief with various un-wanted effects. It is also observed that recurrence of all the symptoms is very common if patient stops taking medicines. To cure cough a combination or a drug must have mucolytic, expectorant, immune-stimulant, strengthening, digestive, carminative and styptic activities are much needed. Ayurveda is science of life, provides a complete cure by adapting a holistic approach. Acharya charaka introduced ten ayurvedic drugs and titled as kasahara dasemani used in the treatment of cough. Screening of these ten drugs by compiling information from ayurvedic texts is the main aim of this study. After evaluating these drugs, it has been found that they are potent mucolytic, expectorants, bronchodilators, in addition they prevent frequent attacks, by their immune-modulator effect. These drugs also correct the digestive fire too hence it is concluded that selection of the kasahara dasemani drugs is the best of choice in treatment of cough.
Abstract: Cough is a protective reflex that prevents the foreign materials, secretions from bronchi and bronchioles. It is triggered by an inflammation in respiratory tract and hyper sensitivity. The use of cough suppressants is not preferred in treatment as it gives symptomatic relief with various un-wanted effects. It is also observed that recurrence of al...
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Reducing Waiting Time in the General Pediatric Clinic at Al Wakra Hospital, Qatar
Ghadeer Mustafa,
Almunzer Zakaria,
Muna Atrash,
Sara Kazkaz,
Ayman Tardi,
Ayman Ghanem
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
171-180
Received:
30 August 2021
Accepted:
14 September 2021
Published:
24 November 2021
Abstract: Waiting times for clinic appointments constitute a key indicator of an outpatient department performance for access to care and patient satisfaction. This is particularly relevant for pediatric population. The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar set a waiting time of 28 days for patients to get new appointment in General Outpatient Department (GOPD). The current average waiting time to get a new appointment in the general pediatric clinic (GPC) at AWH is 57 days. As the aim is to decrease the average waiting time to get a new clinic appointment from 57 days to 28 days by the end of December 2018, and to meet the national targets set by the Ministry of Public Health. Using the Model for Improvement (MFI) will make it a Quality Improvement (QI) project. The MFI framework is designed to support organizations answering fundamental questions before agreeing on drivers for change. The implementation of change was be facilitated by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles methodology. The QI project team performed a root cause analysis using the Ishikawa diagram and identified the key contributing factors to the long waiting times to get a new appointment. Twenty-seven PDSA cycle ramps were designed with support of predictive tool to test innovative changes in current operational processes in an attempt to improve waiting time in the general pediatric clinic at Al Wakra Hospital. As a result, the monthly average number of referrals for GPC increased by 200% between the pre and post implementation periods. The average triage waiting time improved from 6 to 2.6 days in 2018 and the average become 1 day in 2019. Post-implementation the average waiting time for patients to get new appointment improved from 57 days to 28 days in 2018 and the average waiting time improved to 16 days in 2019. In conclusion The quality improvement project for the AWH general pediatric clinic demonstrates significant improvement in waiting times for new appointments, the recommendation for the hospital leadership would be to rollout the improvement methodology to other clinics that suffer from similar challenges.
Abstract: Waiting times for clinic appointments constitute a key indicator of an outpatient department performance for access to care and patient satisfaction. This is particularly relevant for pediatric population. The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar set a waiting time of 28 days for patients to get new appointment in General Outpatient Department (GOPD)...
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Health Professionals’ Hand Hygiene Best Practice on Infection and Resistance Reduction at District Health Facilities, Cameroon
Cécile Ingrid Djuikoue,
Yimga Wanda Grace,
Meyoupo Penda Audrey Armandine,
Omer Tchikamgoua Njajou,
Alex Stephane Ndjip Ndjock,
Venant Tchokonte-Nana,
Benjamin Longo-Mbenza,
Eugène Ndebia
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
181-187
Received:
29 September 2021
Accepted:
21 October 2021
Published:
24 December 2021
Abstract: Hospital-based hand hygiene measures and best practice have been empirically proven to prevent cross-transmission of infection and resistance spreading. Little is documented on hand hygiene best practices in reducing pathogenic micro-organisms transmission dynamic, infection and resistance spread at district/community health facilities and hospitals in Cameroon. Our study thus, aimed at evaluating health workers hand hygiene measures compliance and best practices against pathogenic infections over a period of seven months at Nylon Health District, Douala, Cameroon. A cross-sectional study using an observation grid analysis based on WHO protocol was used to collect samples from 155 consented health workers from eight Nylon health facilities. A univariate logistic regression was performed to define the compliance rates and assessment of indicators at 95% confidence interval (CI). An overall hand hygiene compliance rate of 7.74% (12/155) was observed. Public and private health facilities had similar hand hygiene compliance rates of 7.69% and 7.84% respectively. Doctors had the most nails within 0.5 cm/ and the nails of the midwives were the most varnished and/or artificial nails. Professional qualifications (state certified nurse/midwives (OR=10.74; 95% CI OR [1.22; 94.43]; p-value=0.03) and doctors (OR=8.38; CI 95% OR [1.67; 41.95]; p-value=0.01)) and the wearing of jewellery and/or artificial nails or varnish, and/or nails of size>5 mm during treatment (OR=0.16; 95% CI OR [0.03; 0.97]; p-value=0.04) were the factors significantly influencing the compliance of hand washing. This study shows that hand hygiene measures best practice amongst health staff at district health facilities was low which calls for urgent awareness and health education to reinforce the hospital’s infection prevention and control standards training activities so as to improve quality care delivery and reduce antimicrobial resistance spread in Cameroon.
Abstract: Hospital-based hand hygiene measures and best practice have been empirically proven to prevent cross-transmission of infection and resistance spreading. Little is documented on hand hygiene best practices in reducing pathogenic micro-organisms transmission dynamic, infection and resistance spread at district/community health facilities and hospital...
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Early Termination of Child Welfare Clinic (CWC) Attendance, the Case of Dungu Community, Tamale, Ghana
Abdul Muizz Muktar,
Bayor Surazu,
Azure Elizabeth
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
188-198
Received:
25 October 2021
Accepted:
10 November 2021
Published:
29 December 2021
Abstract: In 2018, an estimated 6.2 million children and adolescents under the age of 15 years died, mostly from preventable causes. 5.3 million of these deaths occurred in the first five years of life. More than half of these early child deaths are preventable or can be treated with simple affordable interventions including childhood immunizations. Studies have found that, termination of child welfare services has been a major challenge to combating under-five mortality all over Africa, including Ghana. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Child Welfare Clinic (CWC) termination in the Dungu community, a suburb of Tamale, the northern regional capital. The objectives of the study were to assess mother’s knowledge on CWC attendance in the Dungu community, assess the prevalence of early termination of CWC attendance in the Dungu community, to ascertain the reasons for early termination of CWC attendance among mothers/ caregivers in the Dungu community and to find out the effects of child spacing on CWC attendance in the Dungu community. The study found that, termination of child welfare services is prevalent in the dungu community as it is in many parts of Ghana and Africa. Majority of the mothers were found to terminate after two years of patronizing services, when the scheduled immunization is completed. Several reasons were attributed to the termination of service attendance, some which include; attitude of service providers, few working days of CWC facilities, spacing of children and financial challenges (which was found to be the major reason for termination). Some recommendations proposed by the study includes; child welfare clinics should be operational on each working day of the week in the Dungu community, service providers should intensify public education on child welfare services in the Dungu community as well as during child welfare services. Immunizations should be spaced out to cover the entire five years if possible, this will encourage the mothers to patronize the service till the mandated five years as most of the mothers tend to terminate after the immunization schedule is completed.
Abstract: In 2018, an estimated 6.2 million children and adolescents under the age of 15 years died, mostly from preventable causes. 5.3 million of these deaths occurred in the first five years of life. More than half of these early child deaths are preventable or can be treated with simple affordable interventions including childhood immunizations. Studies ...
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Pilot Study for Introduction of Thai Red Cross Protocol in Rabies Post-exposure Prophylaxis: Case of Regional Public Hygiene Office of Bouake, Ivory Coast, 2019
Sory Ibrahim Soumahoro,
Damus Paquin Kouassi,
Arsene Deby Kouame,
M’begnan Coulibaly,
Awa Madaho Sokodogo,
Wako-Tianwa Alice Tuo,
Catia Laura Sobro,
Salifou Yeo,
Opri Irika,
Gnissan Henri Auguste Yao,
Sopie Mathilde Tetchi
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
199-203
Received:
24 November 2021
Accepted:
11 December 2021
Published:
29 December 2021
Abstract: Context: A project called GAVI-RAGE, in 2017 was initiated in three African countries including Côte d'Ivoire. The idea was to offer subjects at risk of rabies infection the three different protocols, while offering free only prophylaxis by the Thai Red Cross protocol. Paradoxically, this free service was not preferred by all subjects. Some people have opted for the usual fee-based protocols (Essen and Zagreb). The search for an understanding of this paradox required a study. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study with an analytical aim was carried out from December 2018 to May 2019 at the regional public hygiene office in Bouake. This study consisted of interviewing all subjects exposed to a risk of rabies infection and who consulted the regional public hygiene unit during the project period. The comparison of the proportions was made by the chi-square test with a significance level set for a value p≤0.05. Results: The subjects exposed to rabies were from urban areas (83%), were children under 15 (51,3%) and males (59,3%). Among our respondents, 77% of the subjects had opted for the free vaccine protocol. The reasons given were that it was free of charge (93.5%), lack of money on the day of the consultation (44.3%) and lack of health insurance (44.3%). Respondents who did not accept the free protocol cited insufficient awareness (80.9%) and doubts about its effectiveness (9.9%) as their reasons Acceptance of the said protocol was significantly associated with the living area of the exposed people (p<0.000) and awareness of the treatment (p<0.000). Conclusion: a free vaccine protocol is not synonymous with its acceptance by all populations. However, this free service is a lifeline for many people, especially the poorest.
Abstract: Context: A project called GAVI-RAGE, in 2017 was initiated in three African countries including Côte d'Ivoire. The idea was to offer subjects at risk of rabies infection the three different protocols, while offering free only prophylaxis by the Thai Red Cross protocol. Paradoxically, this free service was not preferred by all subjects. Some people ...
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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Among Apparently Healthy Women in Lagos, Nigeria
Muinah Adenike Fowora,
Kazeem Adewale Osuolale,
Joy Ogunsanya,
Faustina Uloma Onyeaghasiri,
Idowu Olaide Edu-Muyideen,
Grace Akintunde,
Bamidele Iwalokun
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 4, December 2021
Pages:
204-208
Received:
5 December 2021
Accepted:
22 December 2021
Published:
29 December 2021
Abstract: Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the presence of bacteria in the urine without the accompanying symptoms of urinary tract infection. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria is reported to increase with age, with the highest prevalence seen in postmenopausal women. However, data on the general prevalence of ASB in African women is not available. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and its associated risk factors among women in Lagos, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving 162 apparently healthy women at the outpatient clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic factors and hygienic practices, and midstream urine was collected to assay for significant bacteriuria. The result of the study showed an asymptomatic bacteriuria prevalence of 27.8%, with the prevalence higher in premenopausal women than in postmenopausal women, albeit not statistically significant. This prevalence was not significantly associated with educational status, marital status, ethnicity, past treatment of urinary tract infection, type of product used during menstruation, or even the method of washing the vagina. Considering that the treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria is only recommended in pregnant women, and the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria is similar among pregnant and non-pregnant women, we recommend that women be screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria immediately upon pregnancy, and that screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria be made one of the routine screening tests for pregnant women in Nigeria.
Abstract: Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the presence of bacteria in the urine without the accompanying symptoms of urinary tract infection. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria is reported to increase with age, with the highest prevalence seen in postmenopausal women. However, data on the general prevalence of ASB in African women is not available. The m...
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