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Knowledge and Use of Emergency Contractive Pills Among University Students (Abidjan-Cote d’ivoire)
Diallo Sadio,
Ouattara Adama,
Okon Gerard,
Kume Stephane,
Yao Ignace,
Tijani Fahimat,
Kehi Siaka,
Dia Jean Marc,
Guie Privat
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
257-260
Received:
4 September 2023
Accepted:
25 September 2023
Published:
8 October 2023
Abstract: Objective: To determine female university students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding emergency contraception. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 407 female university students selected through convenience sampling over a period from July 14 to September 30, 2022. Results: 68.8% of the students knew about emergency contraception. The most frequently mentioned drugs were the Levonorgestrel-based pills Norlevo (66%) and Pregnon (25.7%). 35.6% of the students thought that emergency contraceptive pills were effective within 72-120 hours after sexual intercourse. 54.2% of the students had a favorable attitude toward the use of emergency contraception. 22.8% had used this method at least once and 47.8% of them had used such a method for unprotected sex. Conclusion: Students had a low level of knowledge of emergency contraception.
Abstract: Objective: To determine female university students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding emergency contraception. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 407 female university students selected through convenience sampling over a period from July 14 to September 30, 2022. Results: 68.8% of the students knew about emer...
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An Analysis of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypertension in Ghana: A Systematic Review
Jesse Kwaku Doe,
Mercy Asaa Asiedu
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
261-265
Received:
20 August 2023
Accepted:
13 September 2023
Published:
8 October 2023
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in Ghana. Available records suggest a growing rise in hypertension prevalence in Ghana, accounting for close to 5% of the total admissions and about 15% of the total deaths in Ghana, The most common contributors to this increased prevalence include changing lifestyle and dietary choices as well as rural–urban migration. Other contributors to the issue include genetic predisposing factors and behavioural risk factors such as eating foods with high salt and fat content, low fruit and vegetable inclusion in diet, excessive alcohol use, positive perception of obesity, smoking, insufficient physical activity, poor management of stress and increasing life-expectancy. These risk factors are discussed under two main arms as; non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors. Employing a semi-systematic literature review research design, this paper reviews hypertension epidemiology in Ghana from an extensively large pool of research studies that investigate hypertension prevalence, medical therapy management and risk factor profile in Ghana. The main revelation from this work is the high prevalence of hypertension in specific groups with higher vulnerability such as women with low income, and the elderly with poor access to healthcare. This review also revealed a lack of a nationally representative, population-based dataset on hypertension in Ghana. This is of utmost importance to monitor the trends in hypertension prevalence across varied population demographics, socio-economic class, and time periods.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in Ghana. Available records suggest a growing rise in hypertension prevalence in Ghana, accounting for close to 5% of the total admissions and about 15% of the total deaths in Ghana, The most common contributors to this increased prevalence include changing life...
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Profile of Households in the Bouake Northeast District Using Long-Lasting Impregnated Mosquito Nets (Llins) in 2019
Kouassi Damus Paquin,
Soumahoro Sory Ibrahim,
Zika Kalou Dibert,
Coulibaly M’Begnan,
Yeo Salifou,
Kouame Arsene Deby,
Sokodogo Awa Madaho,
Oulai Anthony Sylvestre,
Moumouni Amadou,
Yao Gnissan Henri Auguste,
Ebouat Marc-Eric,
Adoubryn Koffi Daho,
Tiembre Issaka I
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
266-271
Received:
30 August 2023
Accepted:
25 September 2023
Published:
8 October 2023
Abstract: Background: Malaria remains a continuing health problem in sub-Saharan Africa and its complications are more serious among children less than 5 years and pregnant women. In Côte d’Ivoire, its incidence was rising in the general population from 155‰ in 2016 to 229‰ in 2019. Universal coverage of LLIN in endemic countries still remain essential to contain malaria scourge. LLINs have been distributed gratis in different countries, in which majority of the citizens benefited by protection conferred by their usage. The issue of impregnated mosquito net use has been addressed by many authors from different angles. Public health measures are generally focused on people who do not always adhere to them. Better profiling of those who do comply with these measures and the reasons for their compliance would probably make it possible to reach a large number of the reluctant groups. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 2018 to February 2019 in the Bouaké Nord-Est district. The study population was made up of heads of households in the Bouaké commune or their substitutes (wife(s)). We proceeded by cluster sampling. Results: Of the 930 heads of households surveyed, 78.7% were male (sex ratio=3.7). The median age of heads of household was 38, with extremes of 19 and 70. Our respondents were shopkeepers, had no formal education, and were cohabiting in 75.3%, 64% and 77.5% of cases respectively. In 72.6% and 48.6% of cases respectively, puddles and grass covered the area around the homes of those surveyed. Fever was the main sign of malaria, according to 98.3% of subjects. The condition affected all family members and could be fatal, according to 91.6% and 98.8% of heads of household surveyed respectively. All family members slept under the net in 44.4% of cases. In 98.2% of cases, the number of cases of fever in the household had fallen since the net had been used. The rainy season was the period when the net was most used, according to 96.5% of those surveyed. LLINs protected against mosquito bites and prevented malaria in 98.3% and 92.4% of cases respectively. Conclusion: Malaria will continue to be the talk of the town for a long time to come, especially in tropical zones. environmental sanitation, which is the responsibility of both communities and authorities, will reinforce the action of the LLIN.
Abstract: Background: Malaria remains a continuing health problem in sub-Saharan Africa and its complications are more serious among children less than 5 years and pregnant women. In Côte d’Ivoire, its incidence was rising in the general population from 155‰ in 2016 to 229‰ in 2019. Universal coverage of LLIN in endemic countries still remain essential to co...
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Research Article
Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response to Natural Disaster in Sierra Leone: The Milestone in a Decade
Ishata Nannie Conteh,
Francis Chisaka Kasolo,
Paul Olaiya Abiodun,
Ebenezer Obi Daniel,
Alhassan Fouard Kanu,
Rashidatu Fouard Kamara,
Aziza Amina Sahid,
Olaniyi Felix Sanni,
Aminata Tigiedankay Koroma,
Josephine Amine Koroma,
Lynda Foray-Rhall,
Mukeh Kenneth Fahnbulleh,
Charles Keimbe,
Joseph Sam Kanu,
Mohamed Vandy,
Daniel Ganu
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
272-279
Received:
9 October 2023
Accepted:
25 October 2023
Published:
9 November 2023
Abstract: Introduction: The African continent has always been faced with myriads of public health emergencies associated with natural disasters. The level of preparedness for and response to each of the natural disasters, which are most often unanticipated, have been reported to be of varying degrees across the African member states. There is a dearth of knowledge regarding Sierra Leone, which necessitates the need for this study. Objective: The main objective of this study is to unravel the evolutionary trend of Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) towards the natural disaster events in Sierra Leone between 2010 and 2020. Method: This is a descriptive survey study involving a quantitative and qualitative approach with data collection from the desk review of secondary sources and key informants’ interviews. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary qualitative data from 77 key informants from multi-sectoral agencies. Data collected were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Findings were presented in tables, pie and bar charts, and in narrations as appropriate. Results: Three natural disasters (mudslides, flooding, and fire disasters in that order) were perceived by respondents to have occurred most frequently within the decade of the study. Perceived key capacities of Sierra Leone for natural disaster management include coordination and leadership, Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC), Epidemiological Surveillance, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), Operation Support, and Logistics. While most of these reportedly require improvement, respondents also reiterated the need for strengthening laboratory services and workforce development. On a general note, respondents noted an appreciable evolution of the public health emergency response to natural disasters in Sierra Leone within the decade of study with a perceived need for improvement in the level of preparedness while advocating for more commitments towards formidable recovery measures to be put in place, especially in the communities that are frequently hit by the natural disasters. Conclusion: The varying degrees of the respondents’ perceptions of various thematic areas of this study point to the existence of different statuses in the level of resilience in diverse blocks of the public health emergency response to natural disasters in Sierra Leone. It is hopeful that taking the findings in this study into consideration by relevant stakeholders during policy making in Sierra Leone can serve as the springboard for ensuring a face-lift in the structure and tenacity of the emergency response to the natural disasters in Sierra Leone and the African region, by extension.
Abstract: Introduction: The African continent has always been faced with myriads of public health emergencies associated with natural disasters. The level of preparedness for and response to each of the natural disasters, which are most often unanticipated, have been reported to be of varying degrees across the African member states. There is a dearth of kno...
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Research Article
COVID-19 Perception Regarding Preventive Behaviour Among Undergraduate Students at Chreso University in Lusaka, Zambia
Queen Mulenga,
Ebenezer Obi Daniel,
Adam Dawria Ibrahim,
Tinkler Saul Simbeye*,
Arthur Chisanga,
Evason Mandona,
Ivy Mulenga,
Royda Matipa,
Emmanuel Chirwa,
Kanjiye Sakutaha,
Wezi Kachinda,
Michele Mwika Kabeya,
Basil Ngambi,
Sabe Mwape,
Monica Katunga,
Milimo Miyoba Mweemba
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
280-290
Received:
3 August 2023
Accepted:
2 September 2023
Published:
11 November 2023
Abstract: This study sought to explore risk perception, health seeking behaviours and adherence to preventive behaviours towards COVID-19 infection among undergraduate students at CHRESO University in Lusaka, Zambia. A total of 181 students aged between 18 and 45 years from all faculties at Chreso University whose COVID-19 status was not known were selected via simple random sampling technique to participate in this study. Data was collected from the respondents using a structured interview questionnaire with closed ended questions. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20) and was presented by Tables. The correlations between predictors and end results variables were categorized by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The study uncovered that, most of the respondents (76%) had an adequate level of knowledge on COVID-19 as most of them knew that the causative organism of COVID-19 was not bacteria. Sex and age were found to have a statistically substantial relationship with the level of knowledge about COVID-19 infection preventive measures among students (p<0.05). The study also shows that the vast majority of the participants (32%) had moderate risk perception of COVID-19 infection while 37% of study participants had low risk perception due to lack of vaccination. Marriage was found to have a strong statistical association with the level of risk perception of COVID-19 infection among students (P < 0.05). The majority of the participants also had poor adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures because many of them were able to put on their masks (45%) and use hand sanitizer (37%) only when advised to do so. The results also show that the participants had poor health seeking behaviors in that 59% of the respondents had never accessed COVID-19 screening facilities while 52% did not even know if at all there was a cost associated with testing. Religion and marital status were found to have a significant statistical relationship with the level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among students (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended that university Students should be sensitized on COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures and encouraged to regularly engage in health-seeking behaviours. The university authority through the Ministry of Health should develop risk communication policies aimed at helping students understand the gravity of COVID-19 infection and the potential repercussions of not adhering to preventive measures.
Abstract: This study sought to explore risk perception, health seeking behaviours and adherence to preventive behaviours towards COVID-19 infection among undergraduate students at CHRESO University in Lusaka, Zambia. A total of 181 students aged between 18 and 45 years from all faculties at Chreso University whose COVID-19 status was not known were selected ...
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Research Article
Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Sierra Leone: Exploration of the Emergency Preparedness and Response in a Decade
Ishata Nannie Conteh*,
Francis Chisaka Kasolo,
Paul Olaiya Abiodun,
Ebenezer Obi Daniel,
Alhassan Fouard Kanu,
Rashidatu Fouard Kamara,
Aziza Amina Sahid,
Olaniyi Felix Sanni,
Aminata Tigiedankay Koroma,
Josephine Amie Koroma,
Lynda Foray-Rhall,
Mukeh Kenneth Fahnbulleh,
Charles Keimbe,
Joseph Sam Kanu,
Mohamed Vandy,
Daniel Ganu
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
291-299
Received:
11 October 2023
Accepted:
28 October 2023
Published:
17 November 2023
Abstract: Introduction: The African region is constantly contending with more than one hundred public health emergencies annually with infectious disease outbreaks being considerably rampant. The outbreaks of infectious diseases in Sierra Leone in the last decade with the associated impacts on the health system were very palpable. There is scarce knowledge as regards the evolutionary status of Sierra Leone in responding to the outbreak of infectious disease which necessitates the need for this study. Objective: The main objective of this study is to unknot the evolutionary trend of infectious disease outbreak emergency management in Sierra Leone between 2010 and 2020, and find an updated knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses in its health system for informed decision-making. Method: This is a descriptive survey study involving a quantitative and qualitative approach with data collection from the desk review of secondary sources and key informants’ interviews. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary qualitative data from 77 key informants from multi-sectoral agencies. Data collected were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Findings were presented in tables, pie and bar charts, and in narrations as appropriate. Results: The outbreaks of Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics ranked the most prominent among the infectious diseases needing emergency response with affirmative feedback from 97.4% and 90.8% of the respondents respectively. Respondents identified nine crucial elements of preparation for infectious disease management. Policy and decision-making, community participation, resource mobilization, and advocacy with the internal community and partners were visibly reported by the respondents to be the roles of the key stakeholders in the emergency preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks in the country. Generally, the respondents gave an appreciable positive view about the evolutionary trend of infectious disease management while some reservations hinged on the existing gaps in the public health system were stressed for improvement as necessary. Conclusion: Respondents’ perceptions about the status of Sierra Leone’s health system on the management of infectious disease outbreaks may serve as a pivot for thoughtful deliberation among public health actors to initiate the necessary actions. Findings in this regard can propel holistic decision-making toward building a more resilient emergency health system towards mitigating the enormity of the impacts of disease outbreaks in the country.
Abstract: Introduction: The African region is constantly contending with more than one hundred public health emergencies annually with infectious disease outbreaks being considerably rampant. The outbreaks of infectious diseases in Sierra Leone in the last decade with the associated impacts on the health system were very palpable. There is scarce knowledge a...
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Research Article
Reflections on the Construction of China's Public Health Emergency System in the Post-Pandemic Era
Wang Shifan*,
Zhang Shiya
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
300-304
Received:
1 November 2023
Accepted:
20 November 2023
Published:
21 November 2023
Abstract: Public health emergency refers to major infectious disease outbreaks, mass unexplained diseases, major food and occupational poisoning and other events affecting public health that occur suddenly and cause or may cause serious damage to the public health. This kind of event has the characteristics of suddenness, public attribute and serious harm, which can cause significant impact on national economy and social stability, and the completeness of public health emergency system plays an extremely important role in its prevention and control. The aim of this study is to analyze the current status of the development of health emergency management in China and the problems that exist in it, so as to provide a reference for the improvement, construction and implementation of the public health emergency management system. Cases of major and severe public health emergencies in China were analyzed along with the relevant health emergency management literature. China's public health emergency system gradually improved during the last decade. However, there are some shortcomings still exist in it, like early warning functions for infectious disease surveillance are unable to perform timely, lack of a unified information-sharing platform, shortage of public health manpower and so on. Constructing a sound and scientific emergency management mechanism is a lengthy and challenging process. Suggestions from five aspects: emergency management system, emergency protection, basic construction, disease control talents and public awareness are proposed to contribute to the further promotion of the construction and improvement of the emergency response system for public health emergencies in China.
Abstract: Public health emergency refers to major infectious disease outbreaks, mass unexplained diseases, major food and occupational poisoning and other events affecting public health that occur suddenly and cause or may cause serious damage to the public health. This kind of event has the characteristics of suddenness, public attribute and serious harm, w...
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Research Article
Adoption of Sanitation Technologies in Tana Delta Sub-County, Kenya: The Environmental Factors’ Influence
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
305-309
Received:
12 November 2023
Accepted:
1 December 2023
Published:
11 December 2023
Abstract: Poor use of sanitation technologies is a widespread health and environmental hazard in many developing countries. Globally, 2.5 billion people do not use sanitation technologies while in Sub-Saharan Africa, about 34% of the population lack sanitation technologies. In Kenya, over five million people are forced to resort to open defecation due to lack of latrines resulting in the prevalence of hygiene and sanitation related diseases such as diarrhea. The study’s main objective was to assess factors influencing adoption of sanitation technologies, targeting households in Tana Delta Sub- County of Tana River County, Kenya. A community based Cross-sectional analytical study design was utilized for the study. Tana Delta Sub County was purposively selected based on its low latrine coverage and frequent outbreaks of diarrhea. The sample size was determined based on sample size calculation for single population. Quantitative data was collected from 385households. Qualitative data was collected through Key Informant Interviews to complement the household survey findings. Data was analyzed using quantitative methods (aided by SPSS, 22) and qualitative methods (aided by NVIVO). Data was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively and are presented in graphs and Tables. The study established that less than half (41%) of the households in the study area used sanitation technologies. The study also established that environmental factors influencing adoption of sanitation technologies included flooding, topography, soil type, lack of materials as well as having bushes around (p<0.05). Also, the study established that demographic factors influence adoption of sanitation technologies in the study area. Further, the study established that economic factors including income and employment status influenced adoption of sanitation technologies. Finally, the study established that cultural factors influenced adoption of sanitation technologies and more specifically construction and use of sanitation technologies in the study area. Recommendations are made for future studies on the extent of influence of sanitation programs in the area, implementation of policies and programs to address low adoption of sanitation technologies in the area.
Abstract: Poor use of sanitation technologies is a widespread health and environmental hazard in many developing countries. Globally, 2.5 billion people do not use sanitation technologies while in Sub-Saharan Africa, about 34% of the population lack sanitation technologies. In Kenya, over five million people are forced to resort to open defecation due to lac...
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Research Article
Prevalence and Determinants of COVID-19 Reinfection: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Residents in a County in the United States
Emmanuel Opada*,
David Gonzales,
Delilah Perez,
Shannon Giestman,
Nsikan Affiah
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
310-314
Received:
10 November 2023
Accepted:
30 November 2023
Published:
18 December 2023
Abstract: As the spread of COVID-19 infection seems to be unending, several investigations have examined the occurrence of COVID-19 reinfection particularly among healthcare professionals potentially due to the inherent exposure risks in their line of work. Furthermore, considering the increase in the emergence of different variants, it is also quite revealing that significant number of the population is still unvaccinated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of COVID-19 reinfection among individuals residing in a County as well as to determine the factors that contribute to reinfection. This study focuses on the County of Victoria, located in the Southeastern Texas, on the Coastal Plain about midway between the southern and eastern extremities of the Texas Gulf Coast. Using a cross sectional study design and where data from 20,499 COVID-19 cases reported to the health department between March 2020 and December 2022 together with their corresponding vaccination status on ImmTrac2 during the reporting period and the corresponding cases of reinfection were analyzed. Variables included in the dataset were age, sex, date of onset of illness, date of sample collection, date diagnosis was made, date of death (if applicable), vaccination status, date of previous infection, previous ID number & name of health facility. Percentages, frequencies, Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression was employed with a significance level of p < 0.05 predicting reinfection on a number of indicators using SPSS version 28 statistical software. The findings revealed that the odds for reinfection among vaccinated individuals was 0.289 (95% confidence interval 0.244-0.342). Also, the odds ratio (OR) for reinfection among Hispanics was 1.507 (95% confidence interval 1.275-1.782) compared to non-Hispanics. Lastly, the odds ratio (OR) for reinfection among males was 0.873 (95% confidence interval 0.747-1.021). Additionally, out of the 20,499 reported cases of COVID-19, there were 932 reinfections, accounting for 4.5% of the total cases. One of the main findings of the study was that vaccination against COVID-19 offered about 70% protection against reinfection compared to the non-vaccinated. In light of the emergence of new strains, it is crucial for the government and public health authorities to reassess policies regarding the enforcement of COVID-19 vaccines and prioritize improving vaccination coverage. These measures are necessary to safeguard against reinfection and mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
Abstract: As the spread of COVID-19 infection seems to be unending, several investigations have examined the occurrence of COVID-19 reinfection particularly among healthcare professionals potentially due to the inherent exposure risks in their line of work. Furthermore, considering the increase in the emergence of different variants, it is also quite reveali...
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Research Article
Sustainable Health for Environment Development (SHED-Africa) and Accessibility to Health Care in Nigeria
Bassey Ekpenyong Anam*,
Paulina Oludoyin Adeniyi,
Nkemdilim Elsie Alozie,
Virginia Emmanuel Ironbar,
Esther Esien-Cobham Uzoh,
Offiong Duke Otu
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
315-321
Received:
24 November 2023
Accepted:
11 December 2023
Published:
26 December 2023
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20230804.20
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Abstract: Access to quality health care is important in determining the well-being of the people. It is imperative for the government, nongovernment organizations, international donor agencies, and concerned individuals to provide quality health care to the most vulnerable and deprived rural population in Nigeria. One such effort is through the activities of Sustainable health for environment development (SHED Africa), in the provision of healthcare in communities in the Obubra local government area of Cross River State. This study examines the impact of such activities on the well-being of the people. The study adopts a descriptive design. The population consists of the inhabitants of the ten villages in the Ofumbongha community: about 5000 people. A research instrument was developed and administered to a sample size of 400 respondents randomly selected from the population. From this number administered, 393 instruments were properly filled and returned. Data obtained from 393 respondents were analysed using a simple percentage statistical technique. The result obtains from the analysis shows that SHED Africa has contributed significantly to creating awareness and providing access to quality healthcare in the Ofumbongha community, Obubra local government area of Cross River State. The result from the study provides a framework for policy advocacies and sustainability. It reiterates the need for participatory reform mechanism in the Nigerian health sector.
Abstract: Access to quality health care is important in determining the well-being of the people. It is imperative for the government, nongovernment organizations, international donor agencies, and concerned individuals to provide quality health care to the most vulnerable and deprived rural population in Nigeria. One such effort is through the activities of...
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