Abstract:

Most obstetric complications could be prevented or managed if women had access to a skilled birth attendant SBAs; doctor, nurse, midwife during childbirth. Globally, almost 80% of live births occurred with the assistance of skilled health personnel in the period 2012-2017 up from 62% in the period 2000-2005. Improvements in the coverage of the proportion of births attended by SBAs and their provision of care may have contributed to declines in maternal mortality between 1990 and 2015.The study adopted a survey research design using semi-structured questionnaire and interview guide to collect data. That was collected from June to September, 2017. Interviews were conducted with 370 eligible expectant women residing in Mombasa County. Data was entered in the Epi Data database. Univariate statistics was explored to determine the frequency and percentage. Analysis was conducted in R (version 3.4.3). All the 370 respondents had at one time visited the health facility to seek the services for pregnancy check-up. Factors like mother’s checking their status and of the unborn (42.2%), check-up/examination and treatment (17.6%) were some of reasons cited by expectant mothers for visiting health facility, while factors such as nearness (76.5%) and availability of essential services were some of reasons why expectant mothers visited a particular health facility. There is need to improve the quality of existing facility-based delivery services and strengthening linkages between the expectant mothers and the health facilities as to increase the deliveries.

Keywords: Delivery, Skilled Attendants, Traditional Attendants, Free Maternal Health, Health facilities, Mombasa County.

References:

[1].     Bettina Utz, Ghazna Siddiqui, Adetoro Adegoke & Nynke Van Den Broek (2013). Definitions and roles of a skilled birth attendant: a mapping exercise from four South-Asian countries. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 92: 1063–1069.

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Abstract:

Background: Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) reduces female-to-male transmission of HIV by about 60% leading to the global WHO and UNAIDS recommendation of VMMC to men. A traditionally non-circumcising Luo ethnic community predominantly occupies Homa-Bay County in western Kenya where the uptake of VMMC as an intervention for prevention of HIV acquisition has been low. Community dialogue is a participatory communication process of sharing information aimed at reaching a common understanding and workable solution. The current study documented the baseline status on the acceptability of uptake of VMMC and access to voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) among residents of Homa-Bay County, Kenya prior to intervention (community dialogue).

Methods: Males of Luo ethnic group, uncircumcised and aged 18-49 years drawn from 419 households were recruited. Baseline information (before intervention) were collected to capture the acceptance of VMMC, circumcision status and testing for HIV in the population. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection.

Results: Analysis showed that in Ndhiwa, Rachuonyo North and Suba South Sub-counties, 54.9%, 84.1% and 69.8%, respectively, had accessed VCT, while 3.5%, 0.7% and 10.8%, respectively had undergone VMMC. The proportions of those who accessed VCT services were significantly higher (P<0.0001) while the proportions of those who had undergone VMMC were significantly lower (P<0.0001) across the three sub-counties.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that even though majority access VCT services to know their HIV status, significantly few men decide to undergo VMMC. This revealed a decreased acceptability of this service in Homa-Bay County prior to the intervention.

Keywords: VMMC, VCT, community acceptability, HIV and AIDS.

References:

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[2].Brito, M.O., Caso, L.M., Balbuena, H., and Bailey, R.C. (2009). Acceptability of male circumcision for the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the Dominican Republic. PLoS One 4, e7687.

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[5].Feng, N., Lu, F., Zeng, G., Nan, L., Wang, X.Y., Xu, P., Zhang, J.X., and Zhang, S.E. (2010). [Acceptability and related factors on male circumcision among young men with Yi ethnicity in one county of Sichuan province.]. Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi 31, 281-285.

[6].Figueroa, M.E., Poppe, P., Carrasco, M., Pinho, M.D., Massingue, F., Tanque, M., and Kwizera, A. (2016). Effectiveness of Community Dialogue in Changing Gender and Sexual Norms for HIV Prevention: Evaluation of the Tchova Tchova Program in Mozambique. Journal of health communication 21, 554-563.

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Abstract:

Introduction: Aids is a pandemic. In 2016, according to UNAIDS, the number of people living with HIV is 36.7 million. New infected children represent 160 000, mostly via their HIV positive mothers during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. Since 2010, different political decisions were adopted and later the option B+ to reduce the transmission rate. Little is known about their implementation at the operational level in the Center Region of Cameroon.

Method: We aimed to draw the evolution of PMTCT services in the Biyem-Assi District Hospital. From 01 to 26 April 2016, through a descriptive retrospective cross sectional study, we used registers of the consultation (pregnant women, children) and HIV test from 2010 to 2015, Excel software to compile data, describe tables and figures.

Results: We found a good response rate of the HIV screening test in the ANC unit. 99.88% in 2015 compare to 95.93% in 2010. The number of pregnant women newly screened in the delivery room was increasing, 99 in 2013, 279 in 2014 and 786 in 2015. Among these pregnant women newly screened, an increasing number of positive cases; from 2 in 2010 to 10 in 2015. There was a high rate of lost to follow up of HIV-exposed infants (HEI).

Conclusion: Training of health care workers is a priority for the early infant diagnosis of HIV. Further studies are needed to reduce the lost to follow up, to screen and treat the HEI registered in the delivery rooms.

Keywords: PMTCT, HEI, option B+, Biyem-Assi District Hospital, HIV, AIDS.

References:

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[2].     Ahmed, C. V., Jolly, P., Padilla, L., Malinga, M., Harris, C., Mthethwa, N., … Preko, P. (2017). A qualitative analysis of the barriers to antiretroviral therapy initiation among children 2 to 18 months of age in Swaziland. African Journal of AIDS Research: AJAR, 16(4), 321–328. https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2017.1380677

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[4].     Etoori, D., Kerschberger, B., Staderini, N., Ndlangamandla, M., Nhlabatsi, B., Jobanputra, K., … Teck, R. (2018). Challenges and successes in the implementation of option B+ to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV in southern Swaziland. BMC Public Health, 18(1), 374. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5258-3

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Abstract:

Background: Kenya continues to experience a growing gap of health workers at all levels of service provision within its health infrastructure. As a consequence, this gap is a big impediment in her quest to achieve the health objectives and the global Sustainable development goals. This study examines factors influencing retention of health workers in primary health care facilities.

Methods: A cross sectional study design using semi - structured questionnaire tools involving 85 healthcare workers of different cadres at government rural health facilities was used in the County. Descriptive data analysis was used to profile the characteristics of the respondents; while Chi square tests were used to determine the differences between respondents who had stayed at their working station for at least two years. Multinomial Logistic Regression was used to analyse each factor that was considered significant in determining whether healthcare personnel stayed or left.

Results: Age, duration of working, and ability to balance work and personal life, fair evaluation, supervisor’s competence, manageable work load and availability of equipment and logistics were statistically associated with whether healthcare workers would leave or continued staying at their current work stations.

Conclusion: The results show that financial incentives are not the only factors in retention of health workers. The above factors need to be addressed in retention strategies for the retention of health workers at primary health facilities.

Keywords: Retention, Motivation, Primary Health care, Benefits, Leavers, Stayers, Incentives.

References:

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Abstract:

Background: Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) reduces transmission of HIV by about 60%. The WHO and UNAIDS recommended it as a new HIV prevention intervention. Counties in western Kenya region which are predominantly occupied by a traditionally non-circumcising Luo ethnic community have low uptake of VMMC. Homa-Bay County leads in HIV and AIDS scourge, thus requires an intervention.

Methodology: Community dialogue, an interactive participatory communication has not been applied to support VMMC in Homa-Bay County. In a longitudinal study, the effect of community dialogue on self-initiated VMMC and uptake of HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) was determined in male residents (aged 18-49 years) resident in Homa-Bay County, Kenya. Baseline (before intervention) and endline (after intervention) information were collected to capture the VMMC and VCT status. Total number counts accessing VCT and VMMC services were used to assess the effect of dialogue on the uptake of VMMC and VCT services.

Results: Following community dialogue, males accessing VMMC services was generally increased: from 829 (January, 2018), 1695 (February, 2018), 815 (March, 2018) and finally 3600 (April, 2018) while for VCT services: from 360 (January, 2018), 1281 (February, 2018), 615 (March, 2018) and finally 1729 (April, 2018). For both VMMC and VCT, there was a positive increment on the numbers of males accessing the services following intervention.

Conclusion: Since community dialogue is an effective intervention and increases the number of males in accessing VMMC and VCT services, it can be used as an intervention in the prevention of HIV infection.

Keywords: VMMC, VCT, community acceptability, HIV and AIDS.

References:

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Abstract:

Assessing viral load suppression among adolescents leaving with HIV in Uganda. The term "viral load" refers to the number of copies of HIV per mL of blood. In other words, it's the amount of virus in the blood. Provision of Antiretroviral drugs (ARV’) to people leaving with HIV aims mainly at achieving viral suppression. ART are medications that treat HIV. The drugs do not kill or cure the virus. However, when taken in combination they can prevent the growth of the virus. When the virus is slowed down, it is called viral suppression and this also slows down HIV disease.

According to United Nation’s Programme on HIV/AIDS in 2013, 90-90-90 is a set of goals. The idea is that by 2020, 90% of people who are HIV infected will be diagnosed, 90% of people who are diagnosed will be on antiretroviral treatment and 90% of those who receive antiretroviral will be virally suppressed.

References:

[1].https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/1/adult-and-adolescent-arv-guidelines/15/virologic-failure

[2].   The United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

[3].https://za.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2016/06/Innovations-in-Identifying-and-Managing-Unsppressed-Viral-Load-Strategies-and-Processes_-Chazanga-Tembo.pdf

http://www.aidsmap.com/

https://www.verywell.com/

https://tekauganda.org/rise-in-viral-load-among-adolescents-in-soroti-worries-medics/

[4].   JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes: 1 October 2007 - Volume 46 - Issue 2 - pp 187-193 doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31814278c0

http://journals.lww.com/jaids/pages/default.aspx

[5].   https://tekauganda.org/rise-in-viral-load-among-adolescents-in-soroti-worries-medics/

Abstract:

This article identifies local barriers and potential promoters of healthcare evidence-based management decision-making in Uganda’s local government context. It puts to local context feasible measures for increasing research evidence utilization by healthcare decision-makers, as part of the efforts to make research more beneficial to intended users, and ultimate recipients of the services. The findings were a result of a cross- sectional semi-structured questionnaire survey of 225 clustered healthcare authorities[1] in Arua District Local Government, West Nile Sub-region of Uganda. The survey data were triangulated with nine key informant interviews (KIIs). Analysis reveals existence of multiple barriers at individual, organizational and system’s levels of the local government healthcare management. Standing out prominently were barriers related to attitude, perceptions and beliefs of healthcare managers, dissemination, accessibility, communication, participation, engagement, capacity, knowledge, skills, cost, time, staffing, workload, leadership, policy enforcement, and culture. Other barriers related to researchers were their competence, authority and level of mutual trust. Fortunately, most of these barriers are consistent with those reported previously by other studies in developing countries. Through a critical logical analysis, recommended strategies for increasing utilization of research evidence were combined into five broad categories; stakeholders’ engagement and participation, contextualized dissemination, capacity building, local leadership and democracy, and knowledge marketing, awareness and visibility. Again, these are not naïve, but important is the manner and details in which they have been contextualized. Hence, this article adds to existing knowledge about multifactorial contextual nature of barriers and promoters of research evidence utilization, and the importance of action research in providing evidence for improving quality of healthcare service delivery.

Keywords: barriers, promoters, research evidence, healthcare authorities.

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Abstract:

This review is an intellectual plot line of an article by Dr. Shiv Kumar Yadav et al., (2015) titled “Assessment of Knowledge and Treatment Seeking Behavior among Tuberculosis (TB) and Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Patients”. The researchers used unmatched case control study to explore the knowledge on causes, mode of spread, duration of treatment among drug susceptible TB (controls) and MDR-TB (cases) participants. A pre-tested, standardized semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data which was presented in tables and graphs. In this review, attempt will be made to provide a constructive, supportive and fair assessment of the article based on how it is written. This study revealed that there is wide gap in knowledge and treatment initiation among drug susceptible TB and drug resistant TB patients. Furthermore, this review will analyze the structure, content and relevance of the article in addressing knowledge and health seeking behavior among MDR-TB and TB patients. Numerous articles (Finnie et al., 2011, Skordis-Worrall, Hanson & Mills, 2010; Mavhu et al, 2010; Yimer, Bjune & Alene, 2005) have focused on diagnosis and treatment initiation delays among TB patients. Therefore, this review will identify both the strengths and weaknesses of this article with respect to this subject area and will proffer some supportive suggestions for improvement.

keywords: Drug Sensitive Testing, Health Seeking Behavior, Unmatched Case Control Study, Knowledge, Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis, Drug Susceptible Tuberculosis, Treatment.

References:

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Abstract:

Even though a university is a privileged institution where high level of sanitation is expected to be observed, university students continue to experience sanitation related diseases. The University of Cape Coast was plagued with outbreaks of cholera in 2015 and 2016. This study therefore aimed at assessing the sanitation facilities as well as investigating students’ attitudes towards the sanitary facilities on the campus of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

This was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted among 422 students who resided in the university’s halls of residence from January 2018 to February 2018. Both quantitative and qualitative study methods were used to collect data. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data on students’ assessment of sanitary facilities on campus.

The study found the state of sanitary facilities in the halls and lecture theatres to be generally good. However, most halls were found to be overcrowded with insufficient toilets and wash rooms for students. Most of the toilets (70%) and bath rooms (62.5%) inspected were clean. All (100%) of toilets had hand washing basins. Most (92.5%) of the toilets did not have any anal cleaning materials at the time of inspection. Accommodation and sanitation facilities in the halls were found to be inadequate despite some expansions in toilets and wash rooms. Availability of soaps and anal cleaning materials was found to be inadequate. Students’ bad behavior as well as inadequate number of cleaning personnel must be addressed so as to improve sanitary conditions on campus. Regular sanitation awareness campaigns and educational sessions should be organized by the environmental health section of the University Health Services to address health issues associated with poor sanitation.

Keywords: sanitation, University of Cape Coast, student, overcrowding, Ghana.

References:

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Abstract:

Introduction: WHO clinical staging and or CD4 were used as eligibility criteria for initiation and monitoring of patients on ART in Sub-Saharan African. With health facility-based ART services, most patients in Sub-Saharan African were initiated on ART at late WHO clinical staging. Data are lacking on the clinical staging at the initiation of community-based ART services in Nigeria. This study describes WHO clinical staging among key populations initiated on community-based ART services using WHO test and treat guideline in Nigeria.

Methodology: This is a baseline data analysis of a longitudinal study of all KPs who initiated community-based ART services in 7 states in Nigeria. Time 1 data abstracted from facility records includes age and sex, marital, educational, and employment status and WHO clinical staging at initiation.

Results: Eighty-two percent of participants were initiated at early WHO clinical staging (1& 2). Among KPs, 85% of FSW were initiated at the early stage, followed by MSM (75%) and then PWID (66%). More PWID (34%) were initiated at the late stage (3&4) followed by MSM (25%) and FSW (15%). Factors positively associated with early initiation include: being a female, sex partners living together, unemployment and low educational status.

Conclusion: Community based ART services using test and treat guideline will improve early initiation of KPs on ART services. However, further study to identify reasons for late ART initiation among KPs is required to support programme effort to achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, key populations, community-based antiretroviral therapy, WHO clinical staging, test and treat.

References:

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Abstract:

Environments continuously receive mixtures of drugs on a global scale. The most popular uses of drugs include human medicine as tools for the treatment or prevention of various diseases, veterinary drugs or husbandry growth promoters with applications on many different aspects of agriculture. Objectives of this study are to identify the major methods used in PWM in the health facilities in Lagos state, Nigeria and to identify the presence of pharmaceutical in the environment. This study comprised 376 respondents of which 68.4% were females. Most frequent age range was 31 – 40 years, (42.3%). 43.4% have been in service between 1-5 years. 34% work in general hospitals while 8.0% work in comprehensive health centers. Majority (37.5%) dispose pharmaceutical wastes in medical waste bin. Unused drugs are mostly returned directly to the supplier (40.4%) while expired drugs are mostly returned to manufacturers (41.2%). Most facilities dispose wastes in biohazard bags (red, 19.95%, yellow and black, 19.68%). 0.634ug/L of amoxillin trihydrate was detected in waste water and 6.791ug/g in sludge. 0.203ug/L of Clavlnic acid was present in tap water, 0.264ug/L of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride was found in waste water and 6.353ug/g in sludge. Diclofenac was 0.409ug/L in waste-water. Paracetamol concentration was 0.00379ug/L in tap water, 0.01196g/L in waste water and 0.55768ug/L in sludge. It is concluded that the presence of pharmaceutical wastes in tap water, waste water and sludge in hospital environments is connected with waste management methods. Awareness and training are necessary to avoid environmental pollution of pharmaceutical wastes.

Keywords: Wastes, drugs, Pharmaceutical Waste management, Healthcare workers, Environments, hazards.

References:

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[2].     Awodele, O., Adewoye, A. A., & Oparah, A. C. (2016). Assessment of medical waste management in seven hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. BMC public health, 16(1), 269.

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Abstract:

Introduction: Visual acuity (VA) helps to appreciate the three-dimensional details of surrounding and can be used to measure the visual functions in ocular practice, especially as a screening tool in schoolchildren. Visual impairment (VI) is the major cause of morbidity in children worldwide, which can affect the learning of children globally.

Aim: Present study was aimed to use Snellen’s VA chart as a screening tool to find out habitual VA and VI in schoolchildren of Allahabad.

Material & Methods: Snellen’s chart was used in 567 students belonged to 3 schools from rural and urban areas of Allahabad. The result was tabulated showing number of eyes from 6/60 to 6/6 in schoolchildren between 7 to 11 years of age.

Result: Majority of the schoolchildren (80.42% eyes) had normal VA (6/6), while only 1 student had VA of 6/60 in both of his eyes (0.18%). Both, the urban and rural schools showed a higher number for VA 6/9 in 167 eyes (14.73%) altogether, where 91 eyes belonged to rural school and 76 eyes to urban schools. Schoolchildren from rural and urban schools showed6/12 VA in 19 and 9 eyes, respectively. No such significant difference was seen in VA of 6/18 and 6/24 for rural schoolchildren, while urban school students showed a marked distinction.

Conclusion: The investigator concluded that the identification of reduced habitual VA at an early stage will help to reduce the childhood blindness and might help to assess visual development for the children.

Keywords: Visual acuity, visual impairment, habitual visual acuity, schoolchildren, childhood blindness.

References:

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Abstract:

Risk assessment before pregnancy is one of the interventions during Preconception care (PCC) that would improve the outcome of pregnancy. A quantitative descriptive non-experimental approach was used to examine the use of preconception interventions in health centres in Blantyre urban. The study assessed the PCC men and women of child bearing age have to ensure a healthy mother and baby after pregnancy. The objectives were to: explore and describe the knowledge men and women of childbearing age have on HTSP and PCC, identify variables that influence men and women to acquire appropriate knowledge on PCC. The study included 300 men and women of child bearing age that attended outpatient clinics for various minor ailments like underfive, family planning and gyneacological clinic who were between 18 to 35 years. Structured questionnaire was used to gather data and descriptive statistics were used to analyse data using SPSS version 20. Kruskal Wallis test and Chi square was used to determine the relationship of specific variables to use of PCC. Most of the respondents were not assessed for chronic problems that would interfere pregnancy like diabetes, hypertension, aneamia and malnutrition. Only 30% were checked for VDRL,43% were vaccinated from tetanus but 74% were assessed for HIV test. Chronic diseases would be controlled before pregnancy to minimize adverse effects of pregnancy like preterm labour, preeclampsia, intra uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and neonatal infections. Universal education should be provided to men and women of child bearing age to improve the understanding to have risk assessments done before pregnancy.

Keywords: Risk assessment; medical assessment; Maternal health; Newborn health; Unintended BMI; Preconception care;

References:

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[7].Curtis, M, Abelman, S, Schulkin, J, Williams, J & Fasset, E. 2006. Do we practice what we preach? A review of actual clinical practice with regards to PCC guidelines. Maternal and Child Health Journal 10(S1):53-58.

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Abstract:

Quality of life of persons living with diabetes measures their health status with a look at multiple aspects of their life, including: emotional reactions to life occurrences, disposition, sense of life fulfilment and satisfaction in life. This study compares Health related quality of life of persons living with diabetes and those without Diabetes in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. This is a facility based cross sectional descriptive study. Participants were given the World Health Organization quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) to assess their quality of life. Data were analyzed using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24. The results were presented in Means, standard deviations, and statistical analyses were performed to compare between QOL between diabetic and non-diabetics. A total 400 respondents (200 people living with Diabetes and 200 people without diabetes) participated in this study. Clinical data of diabetic respondents showed that 70.5 percent (n=141) were living with other disease while 29.5 percent n= 59) of diabetic responds were not living with other diseases. Diseases mostly exhibited by diabetic patients were hypertension 40 percent (n=80) and arthritis 15 percent (n=30). Patients with diabetes had a significant lower mean score than the non-diabetics in their overall quality of life (P = 0.000). Findings from this study also indicate that diabetics had a mean score of 23.17, 20.06, 10.20, 28.0 in their physical, psychological, social and environmental domain respectively compare with those without diabetes that reported a mean score of 24.17, 21.53, 11.43, 28.68 in their physical, psychological, social and environmental domain respectively. There is need for comprehensive management plan to minimize the daunting outcomes of DM and improve the QOL of the diabetics.

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Abstract:

The role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in improving maternal health has been heavily debated, especially in the focus on Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5. The use of TBAs is still high in Kenya; TBAs attend to 28% of all births, relatives attend to 21% of births, and 7% give birth without any assistance. Up to 90% of these maternal and infant deaths are caused by obstetric complications that are preventable. Understanding the factors that contributes to high utilization of TBAs among Kenyan in spite of the free maternity being offered is very important. Hence, this study aimed at determining and ascertaining the critical predisposing factors to utilization of TBAs by expectant mothers in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study adopted a survey research design and was conducted among expectant mothers using semi-structured questionnaire and interview guide. Data was collected from June to September, 2017. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with utilization of TBAs by expectant mothers. Data was analysed using R (version 3.4.3). The study recruited 370 (96.4%) out of the expected 384 respondents. Various factors such as TBAs live among the community, poverty, culture, facilities being far, fear of harassment by nurses, number of children delivered. To improve the utilization of Skilled Birth Attendants (SBA) services, our finding suggests implementation of strategies like need to improve infrastructure and adequate maternal health services, also improving the staffing and motivation levels for health personnel

Keywords: Predisposing factors, Traditional Attendants, Skilled Attendants, Maternal Health, Mombasa County.

References:

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Abstract:

Background: Osteoporosis (OP), a metabolic disorder which affects mainly bones, is characterized by low bone mass and is associated with serious health and economic burden. The main musculoskeletal problems associated with it are hip fractures with a worldwide prevalence of about 1.6 million and high rates of morbidity and mortality. It is a silent disease and usually does not manifest until fractures occur. The Aim of this study were to assess knowledge, attitude and practice toward postmenopausal osteoporosis and its preventive measures among female students aged 17-24years in Khartoum, Sudan.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in three different faculties of the University of Khartoum. Data was collected from 226 female students aged 17-24 by stratified systematic random sampling using a pre-tested, pre-coded self-administered questionnaire.

Results: The majority (84.8%) of respondents heard about osteoporosis. Faculty curriculum was the main source of information (31.1%), followed by family and friends (15.3%). The overall knowledge of respondents about OP was below average (57.1%), average (42%) and good (0.9%). About three-fifth (58.1%) were aware about their susceptibility to get it in the future and (61%) were concerned about taking preventive measures. The majority of respondents (94.9%) perceived the seriousness of OP. Milk and dairy products were the most commonly identified as sources of calcium (33.8%).

Conclusions: The overall knowledge was below average. Raising knowledge about osteoporosis may be an effective tool in preventing the problem and subsequently osteoporotic fractures later in life.

Keywords: postmenopausal oosteoporosis, hip fractures, knowledge, attitudes, practice.

References:

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[3].     Ghadeer zakai, haytham zakai. Awareness about osteoporosis among students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Journal of Advanced laboratory research in biology 2015; 6.

[4].     Hala M. Elsabagh, Abdelaziz F. Aldeib, Salwa A. Atlam, Shimaa M. Saied. Osteoporosis knowledge and Health Beliefs among Employees of Tanta University. American Journal of Research Communication; 2015: 12.

[5].     Hreybe H, Salamoun M, Badra M, Afeiche N, Baddoura O, Boulos S, Haidar R, Lakkis S, Musharrafieh R, Nsouli A, Taha A, Tayim A, El-Hajj Fuleihan G. Hip fractures in Lebanese patients: determinants and prognosis. J Clin Densitom. 2004; 7(4):368-375.

[6].     I.A. Dontas and C.K. Yiannakopoulos. Risk factors and prevention of osteoporosis-related fractures. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact 2007; 7(3):268-272.

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[8].     Juan Lu, Yongyun Shin, Miao-Shan Yen, and Shumei S. Sun. Peak bone mass and patterns of change in total bone mineraldensity and bone mineral contents from childhood into young adulthood. Assessment & Management of Musculoskeletal Health Journal of Clinical Densitometry: 2014.

[9].     Kh. Eltohami, W.Sami, A. Al eidan, M. Almobarak, F. Alotaibi. Study of knowledge, attitude, and practice of osteoporosis among adult women in Majmaah city, Saudi Arabia. International journal of health and rehabilitation science; 2015:4:3.

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[11]. Mansoureh Safizadeh, Elahe Aminizadeh, Hossein Safizadeh. Awareness of osteoporosis among female employees in Kerman, Iran. Russian Open Medical Journal; 2015;4;1

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[13]. Mukesh Srivastava, Gul Naz Fatima, Richa Srivastava1 and Man Mohan Singh. Assessment of Awareness of Osteoporosis Amongst Unmarried Indian Girl Students Pursuing Undergraduateand Postgraduate Professional Courses..Asian Journal of Oral Health & Allied Sciences 2; 2013; 3.

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[15]. Rima Sayed-Hassan, Hyam Bashour &Abir Koudsi. Osteoporosis knowledge and attitudes: a cross-sectional study among female nursing school students in Damascus. Arch Osteoporos2013; 8:149.

[16]. Sarah Sayed El-Tawab, Emmanuel Kamal Aziz Saba, Heba Mohmoud Taha Elweshahi, Mona Hamdy Ashry. Knowledge of osteoporosis among women in Alexandria (Egypt): A community based survey. The Egyptian Rheumatologist 2016; 38, 225–231.

[17]. Stacie E. Geller, Richard Derman. Knowledge, beliefs and factors for osteoporosis among African American and Hispanic women. Journal of the national medical association 2001; 93:13-21.

[18]. Toh LS, Lai PSM, Wu DB-C, Wong KT, Low BY, Anderson C. The development and validation of the osteoporosis prevention and awareness tool (OPAAT) in Malaysia. PLoS ONE 2015; 10(5).

[19]. Waleed M Sweileh1, Samah W Al-Jabi, Sa’ed H Zyoud, Ansam F Sawalha1 and Mustafa A Ghanim.Osteoporosis is a neglected health priority in Arab World: a comparative bibliometric analysis; Springer Plus 2014, 3:427

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Abstract:

Background: Ghana does not have reliable surveillance programme for ensuring safety of food and herbal products on the market. Data from previous studies have shown the presence of pesticide residues in food products and its associated health risk. In this present study we assessed the residual pesticide content of six most patronized herbal preparations in Kumasi, Ghana and the attendant risk of such contamination to public health.

Methodology: The herbal preparations were cleaned up using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method for insecticide analysis. Analysis was carried out on GC-MS using 33 external standards.

Results: The total pesticide content in most of the herbal preparations was below the maximum residue limit (MRL). However, the concentration of pirimiphos-methyl in herbal product ‘E’ (HPE) (0.082 mg/kg) was higher than the MRL (0.05 mg/kg). In addition, the hazard indices’ (HI) for five herbal products were less than ‘1’ and safe for consumption without any possible future health risk. However, the HI for HPE was determined to be greater than ‘1’. Aldrin, dieldrin and chlordane which are banned in Ghana were also identified in 50% of the studied herbal preparations.

Conclusion: Data from this study reveals that HPE is contaminated with pirimiphos-methyl pesticide and unsafe for consumption. Also, the presence of banned pesticides in 50% of the studied herbal preparations calls for concern and urgent intervention by relevant regulatory authorities.

Keywords: Herbal medicinal preparation, hazard index, pesticides, contamination, health risk, safety.

References:

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Abstract:

Uganda Christian University’s records of 2013-2014 show that approximately 30% of the 3,300 students in the Easter Semester did not register for and therefore could not use the University’s health services.

This study analysed Uganda Christian University students’ health seeking behaviour in order to identify their preferred health care services and rationale for their choice, and the barriers to the University’s health system.

A cross-sectional and mixed design was applied. Data was collected with a questionnaire administered to a sample of 424 Uganda Christian University students in April 2015. Quantitative data was analysed with SPSS 16. Qualitative data was analysed by content analysis.

Most students came from urban (51%) or peri-urban (23.4%) homes and had parents or guardians with post-secondary school education (80%). Most of the students used the university’s Allan Galpin Health Centre (78%) when in need of health care but given choice, they would prefer other health facilities, especially those nearest. The most frequent reason for choice was convenience. The females perceived their state of health differently from the males (p-value 0.03) and they had more unmet health needs. Barriers include unavailability of needed services, long queues, poor customer care, lack of trust in the service, waiting to see if the health problem would resolve and lack of relevant information.

The findings are similar to those from studies done in similar contexts. Key influencers of health seeking behaviour were convenience and gender. Unavailability of needed services and customer care issues were barriers to the University health services.

Keywords: Health Seeking Behaviour, Barriers, Rationale, Uganda Christian University.

References:

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Abstract:

A high average prevalence rate of 11-13.7% % for viral hepatitis B exists in Nigeria. This study examined the barriers to access hepatitis B virus (HBV) testing among senior secondary school students in six public day secondary schools located in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau state. It also related the beliefs held on HBV in relation to barriers for access to HBV testing following the impact of a peer education intervention.

A quasi-experimental study was carried out on six hundred students selected by a multistage sampling technique. A pre-tested formal self-administered questionnaire (SAQ) was used to collect data pre and twelve weeks post intervention. Chi- square and students t-test was done to compare intervention and control groups on outcome variables. Results showed the age distribution of the respondents was 10-24 years with majority of respondents (86.7%) in the age group 15-19 years. The most frequent reason got as a barrier for accessing HBV test was ‘I did not know a HBV test was available’. This was related to the belief that ‘parents were keen to agree’ for the student to have a hepatitis B test done as shown by the chi-square test performed post intervention between intervention and control group using chi-square test was found. There was no significant difference in the belief by students: I have not done a HBV test. However, the students tested for HBV were only from the intervention group showing access to HBV testing was enhanced by its direct availability in the intervention schools. This is in line with the barrier by students that they did not have availability of HBV test. A prevalence rate of 9.1% was found on HBV testing among the students.

Keywords: Hepatitis B testing, secondary school, student, barrier, access, prevalence.

References:

[1].Aziz Ali, S., Suhail, N., & Ali, A. S. (2016). Cultural and Social Barriers in increased burden of hepatitis B in Pakistan: Literature review. Journal of Infectious Diseases and Diagnosis, 1(2), 105. Retrieved from https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/role-of-cultural-and-social-barriers-in-increased-burden-of-hepatitis-b-inpakistan-literature-review-jidd-100105.php?aid=75328.

[2].Bequelin, C., Fatou, F., Seydi, M., & Wandele, G. (2018). The current situation and challenges of screening for and treating hepatitis B in sub-Saharan Africa. Expert review of gastroenterology & Hepatology, 12(6). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5154452/.

[3].Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Hepatitis B: Testing and vaccination. Retrieved from http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2110.pdf.

[4].Chingle, M. P., Osagie, I.A., Adams, H., Gwomson, D., Emeribe, N., & Zoakah, A.I. (2017). Risk perception of hepatitis B infection and uptake of hepatitis B vaccine among students of tertiary institution in Jos. Annals of African Medicine, 16(2), 59-64. Retrieved from http://www.annalsafrmed.org/article.asp?issn=1596-3519;year=2017;volume=16;issue=2;spage=59;epage=64;aulast=Chingle.

[5].Federal Ministry of Health (2013). National Training Manual on Peer-to-Peer Youth health education. Growing girls and women in Nigeria (G-Win Project). 1-142. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.ng/doc/TrgManualP2PYHE.pdf.

[6].Giles-Vernick, T., Hejoaka, F., Sanou, A., Shimakawa, Y., Bamba, I., & Traore, A. (2016). Barriers to linkage to care for hepatitis B virus infection: a qualitative analysis in burkina faso, west Africa. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 95(6). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5154452/.

[7].Hu, K. Q., Pan, C. Q., & Goodwin, D. (2011). Barriers to screening for hepatitis B virus infection in Asian Americans. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 56(11), 3163-71. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21861105.

[8].Ikobah, J., Okpara, H., Elemi, I., Ogarepe, Y., Udoh, E., & Ekanem, E. (2016). The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Nigerian children prior to vaccine introduction into the National Programme on Immunization schedule. Pan African Medical Journal, 23 (128). doi: 10.11604/pamj.2016.23.128.8756. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4885699/.

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[10]. Spearman, C.W., Afihene, M., Ally, R., Apica, B., Awuku, Y., Cunha, L., Dusheiko, G., Gogela, N., Kassianides, C., Kew, M., Lam, P., Lesi, O., Lohoues-Kouacou, M., Mbaye, S., Musabeyezu, E., Musau, B., Ojo, O., Rwegasha, J., Scholz, B., Shewaye,. A.B., Tzeuton, C., Sonderup, M.W. (2017). Hepatitis B in sub-Saharan Africa: strategies to achieve the 2030 elimination targets. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2(12), 900-909. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(17)30295-9.

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Abstract:

Adequate knowledge and consistent practice of specialized diabetic foot care greatly improves the quality of life of diabetics. However, there has been a near absent practice of specialized diabetic foot care observed in health institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study assessed the knowledge of diabetic foot care among 100 nurses in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and the Rivers State Hospitals Management Board Hospitals (which include General Hospitals from all the local government areas) in Rivers state, Nigeria before and after interventional training. A one-day hands-on training workshop on diabetic foot care, adopted from the National Institute for Healthcare Excellence (NICE), was implemented to train one hundred (100) nursing practitioners. A structured questionnaire containing questions on different aspects of diabetic foot care was interviewer-administered to the nurses and scored accordingly before and after the training. Knowledge of footwear assessment and assessment of patient’s capacity for self-care was found to be significantly low prior to training. There was significant improvement in knowledge of the different aspects of diabetic foot care among the nurses after the intervention. This buttresses the need for formal training of nursing practitioners on diabetic foot care for improvement of the quality of diabetes care in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Keywords: Diabetes, Diabetic Foot, Foot Care, Nursing Practitioners, Interventional Training.

References:

[1].     Abdullah, W. H., Al-Senany, S., Al-Otheimin, H. K. (2017) Capacity Building for Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice Regarding Prevention of Diabetic Foot Complications. International Journal of Nursing Science, 7(1): 1-15.

[2].     Ahmed, A. A., Elsharief, E., Alsharief, A. (2011) Diabetic foot in the Arab world. The Journal of Diabetic Foot Complications, 3(3): 55–61

[3].     Akogu, I. (2010) The Prevalence of Diabetes mellitus in Nigeria updates and challenges.

[4].     Ali, S. A., Osama A. M., Al-khaldi, Y. M. (2013) Diabetic Patients' Knowledge and Practice Regarding Prevention of Diabetic Foot. Med. J. Cairo Univ., 81(2): 197-205.

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[7].     Chinenye, S., Oko-Jaja, R. I., Young, E. E. (2013). Diabetes and other non-communicable diseases in Nigeria: the need for primary care in the rural setting. Africa Health. 36: 24–7.

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[14]. Oputa, R. N. Chinenye, S. (2015). Diabetes in Nigeria – A translational medicine approach. African journal of diabetes medicine. 23(1):7 – 9.

[15]. Oyetunde, M. O., Famakinwa, T. T. (2014). Nurses’ knowledge of contents of diabetes patient education in Ondo – state, Nigeria. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 4(4): 91-98.

[16]. Rashmi, P. J. (2017) A study to assess the knowledge regarding foot care among diabetic patients attending OPD’S at selected hospitals of Lucknow. International Journal of Nursing and Health Science. 3(2): 7-9.

[17]. Schaper, N. C., Apelqvist, J., Bakker, K., (2012) Reducing lower leg amputations in diabetes: a challenge for patients, healthcare providers and the healthcare system. Diabetologia. 55(7):1869-72.

[18]. Soriguer, F., Goday, A., Bosch-Comas, A. (2012). Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose regulation in Spain: The Diabetes Study. Diabetologia. 2012;55(1):88-93.

[19]. Trepp, R., Wille, T., Wieland, T., Reinhart, W. H. (2012) Diabetes-related knowledge among medical and nursing house staff. Swiss Med Wkly. 140(25-26): 370-375.

[20]. Uba, M., Alih, F., Kever, R., Lola, N. (2015). Knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses toward pressure ulcer prevention in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State, North-Eastern, Nigeria. International Journal of Nursing and Midwifery. 7: 54–60.

[21]. Umeadi M, Chinenye S. (2014). Dietary Management of Diabetes. Lagos, Nigeria: Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN), 28–31.

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[23]. Zarchi, K., Latif, S., Haugaard, V. B., Hjalager, I. R., Jemec, G. B. (2014). Significant differences in nurses’ knowledge of basic wound management—Implications for treatment. Acta Dermato Venereologica, 94: 403–407.