Abstract: Community nurses deliver comprehensive nursing care to patients living outside of hospital settings and play a crucial role in meeting individual and public health needs. Research is essential in providing evidence-based care for patients; however, most community nurses are not research active, with few relevant studies and little funding for community nursing research. To address this, four National Institute for Health Research senior nurse researchers in England conducted a James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership in community nursing with the aim of raising the international profile of community nursing research through the identification of meaningful research priorities that matter to this community. Community nurses, patients, and carers were integral to the process, which aimed to identify the top ten unanswered questions to inform community nursing practice. The Priority Setting Partnership process utilised a coproduction, mixed-methods approach. It involved consultation meetings with stakeholder partners and nested quantitative surveys. The study ran from March 2020 until September 2021, and numerous unanswered evidence uncertainties were identified. The top ten priority questions included nursing and patient focussed issues, which reflect the complexity of care delivered to patients and the workforce pressures community nurses face. Findings reflect the views of community nurses, patients, and carers and highlight areas that need attention to ensure research is embedded within community nursing settings. Identification of the top ten priorities has provided an international platform for community nursing research. This must be sustained through engagement, collaboration, funding, and innovation and has widespread implications for developing the community nursing workforce and optimising the safety and quality of patient care. PubDate: Thu, 24 Nov 2022 15:05:00 +000
Abstract: Background. Quality of life (QoL) and HIV/AIDS serostatus disclosure are vital HIV outcome indicators. This study examined factors associated with QoL, HIV status disclosure, and the relationship between QoL and disclosure among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Methods. We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional survey among 311 PLWHIV. The World Health Organization WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire was used to measure QoL. A semistructured questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-demographics and HIV serostatus disclosure. Multivariate logistic and multiple linear regressions were used to determine predictors of HIV serostatus disclosure and QoL in six domains, respectively. Results. Overall, 88.7% of participants disclosed their HIV status to a significant relation. The majority (98.1%) presented with good QoL, high (83.3%) among participants who disclosed their HIV seropositive status. Patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for more than a year were 8.64 times more likely to disclose their HIV status as compared to those on ART for less than a year (AOR = 8.64 (95% CI: 2.00–37.27), ). Increasing years on ART (β = 0.37) and being employed (β = 1.31) positively predicted good QoL in the physical domain, whereas higher educational level positively predicted good QoL in the social domain (β = 0.66). QoL was not associated with HIV serostatus disclosure. Conclusion. HIV status disclosure was high. Increasing years on ART increased the odds of disclosure. Although there was no significant relationship between QoL and disclosure, good QoL was high among those who disclosed their HIV status. Increasing years on ART, higher education, and being employed predicted good QoL. PubDate: Thu, 24 Nov 2022 13:20:00 +000
Abstract: Background. Healthcare-seeking behavior is referred to as any action taken by individuals who believe they have a health problem or are ill in order to find an appropriate remedy. The aim of this is to assess healthcare-seeking behavior on newborn danger signs and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months in the Anlemo district. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Anlemo district from June 15th, 2019 to July 16th, 2019. Data were collected from 421 randomly selected mothers through a face-to-face interview. Data were cleaned and entered into Epi-Data version 3.1, and then, exported to SPSS version 22.0 for analysis. Binary logistic regression with values less than 0.25 was entered into a multivariable logistic regression for analysis. Finally, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals at a value of PubDate: Sat, 19 Nov 2022 06:50:00 +000
Abstract: Introduction. Uncontrolled hypertension is a state of systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg even though the patients are on antihypertension. The WHO states that it is the most prevalent risk factor for death and disability worldwide, particularly in developing nations. The goal of the current study was to investigate behavioral risk factors for uncontrolled hypertension among adult hypertensive patients in Ethiopia. Methods. From October to November 2020, a cross-sectional study design was carried out in the hypertension follow-up clinic at Saint Paul’s Hospital, Millennium Medical College. The choice of 474 study participants was made using a straightforward random sampling method. A semistructured questionnaire was used to obtain data through a chart review as well as an interview. The data were coded before being imported into Epi-data version 7.0 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. To determine the factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension, a multivariate logistic regression model (AOR, 95% CI, and value 0.05) was used. Result. This study found that 52.1% of hypertensive patients had uncontrolled hypertension. Among hypertensive patients who are alcoholics, smokers, or salt consumers, the odds of having uncontrolled hypertension are AOR = 16.7, 95% CI = (8.13–34.346); AOR = 7.4, 95% CI = (1.211–45.29); and AOR = 13.4, 95% CI = (7.355–25.098), respectively. Uncontrolled hypertension is 3 (AOR and 95% CI) and 1.5 (AOR and 95% CI) times more prevalent in illiterates and obese people, correspondingly. Hypertensive patients from urban areas, those who did not engage in physical activity, and those who were overweight had uncontrolled hypertension odds that were 0.55, 0.43, and 0.25 (AOR and 95% CI) times lower, respectively. Conclusion. Uncontrolled hypertension is very common among adult hypertensive patients at the hospital. Behavioral practices and lifestyles factors have a strong association with uncontrolled hypertension. Health education and awareness are on the effect of poor behavior practices and lifestyles to increase adherence to hypertension-controlling medical advice. PubDate: Wed, 16 Nov 2022 07:05:00 +000
Abstract: Background. An effective designation of health facilities improves the facility’s ability to respond to patients’ legitimate expectations. Limited evidence exists regarding the association between health system responsiveness and financial fairness in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. The purpose of the study was, therefore to evaluate the health system responsiveness among insured and uninsured outpatients in primary healthcare facilities and determine the association between health insurance and health system responsiveness among outpatients. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between March 30 and April 30,2021. The study sampled 423 participants using a systematic random sampling technique, and the data was collected with structured and pretested questionnaires administered by interviewers. Responsiveness was measured using the short version of the World Health Organization’s multicountry responsiveness survey, which has seven dimensions including autonomy, communication, confidentiality, attention, dignity, choice, and amenities. Using quantile regression, a specific association between health insurance and the health system responsiveness index was examined, adjusting for sociodemographic, quality, and satisfaction-related factors. Results. Of a total of 417 outpatients, 70.74% had health insurance. There was no statistical difference in health system responsiveness among insured and uninsured outpatients. Possession of health insurance was not associated with responsiveness (−0.67; 95%CI: −1.59, 0.25). There was a statistically significant negative relationship between age and responsiveness (−1.33; 95% CI: −2.47, −0.19) among 30–39 year olds and (−1.66; 95% CI: −3.02, −0.32) among 40–49 year olds. However, there was a positive statistical association between responsiveness with urban residence (+1.33; 95%CI: 0.37, 2.29), perceived quality of healthcare (+2.96; 95%CI: 1.95, 4.05), and patient satisfaction (3; 95%CI: 1.94, 4.07). Conclusions. There was no difference in the responsiveness of the health system between insured and uninsured outpatients. All domains need further improvement, particularly those more closely related to patients’ concerns, such as waiting time to get service and choices of healthcare providers. Furthermore, health facility administrators and the government should enhance responsive healthcare services in parallel with quality improvement and patient satisfaction, based on feedback from service users for better performance. PubDate: Fri, 11 Nov 2022 11:50:01 +000
Abstract: Background. Patient satisfaction, the concept continues to become a crucial and commonly used indicator in the sector of health care delivery for determining the quality of health care services. Satisfaction is a highly desirable outcome of clinical care and may even be an element of health status itself. Therefore, a patient’s expression of satisfaction or dissatisfaction can be considered as a judgement on the quality of care in all of its aspects, whatever its strengths and weakness. Objective. The aim of the study is to determine patient satisfaction on the quality of care and associated factors among patients admitted in Gambella General Hospital, Gambella region, southwest Ethiopia, 2020. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted, and a consecutive sampling technique was used to recruit 271 study subjects among patients admitted to Gambella General Hospital. All patients who stayed at least for five days and were discharged from inpatient wards were considered for this study. A semistructured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were entered to Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS V21 for analysis. Binary logistic regression models were fitted to determine statistically significant associations between dependent and independent variables, and multivariable logistic regression with an AOR with a 95% confidence interval was fitted for candidate variables in binary logistic regression, and statistical significance was declared at value PubDate: Fri, 04 Nov 2022 15:35:00 +000
Abstract: Canada has a rapidly growing refugee population, yet, there are limited research studies on the physical health of working-age refugees in comparison to the health of immigrants and Canadian-born individuals. Investigating social capital and acculturation measures may provide important insights into the factors associated with good self-reported health and this may help to inform health promotion strategies for refugees in Canada. A secondary analysis was conducted on data collected from the Canadian General Social Survey 27 (GSS-27) comparing a sample of refugees (n = 753), immigrants (n = 5,063), and Canadian-born (n = 11,266) respondents between the ages of 15 and 64. Both bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Self-reported physical health, dichotomized into poor versus good, was the outcome of interest. The self-reported physical health status of refugees, immigrants, and Canadian-born respondents was comparable. Visible minority status was not significantly associated with self-reported health status. Among refugees, the likelihood of reporting good health was associated with being a woman, being married/common-law, being involved in a social group/organization, and having more than half of one’s friends who spoke a different mother tongue than the respondent. Refugees, however, were less likely to have a confidant and be involved in social groups/organizations as compared to immigrants or those born in Canada. The odds of reporting good health were significantly lower among those who had experienced discrimination within the last five years. Social capital and acculturation may be protective of the self-reported health of refugees in Canada. Initiatives to support refugees’ social connections are therefore warranted. PubDate: Thu, 13 Oct 2022 11:50:00 +000
Abstract: Introduction. Bystanders at overdose events often hesitate to call 911 due to fear of police involvement. To address this, in 2016, British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) introduced a policy to not routinely inform police of overdose events. This study explores change in police attended overdose events after the policy was implemented. Methods. Data on police attended overdose events were derived from naloxone administration forms in BC’s Take-Home Naloxone (THN) kits returned before and after the policy change. Segmented regression was conducted to quantify change in police attended overdose events. Results. The average proportion of police attended overdose events pre-policy was 55.6% compared to 37.9% post-policy. The segmented regression model demonstrated a 0.98% (95% CI: (−1.70 to −0.26)) decline () in police attended overdose events each month following the policy. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that the BCEHS policy contributed to a decrease in police attended overdose events. PubDate: Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:20:01 +000
Abstract: Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a highly contagious virus, is a circular partial double-stranded DNA virus. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus with a major blood-borne infection worldwide. Infection of HBV and HCV among blood donors is an important public health problem. Objective. To assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and associated factors among blood donors at Bahir Dar Blood Bank, Northwest Ethiopia. Method. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Bahir Dar Blood Bank from May 18, 2020 to July 27, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 426 participants. Variables having a value of PubDate: Thu, 29 Sep 2022 08:05:00 +000
Abstract: This study assessed the magnitude of hidden hunger (micronutrient deficiencies) and cognitive deficits of 130 school-aged children (6–13 years old) living in three selected orphanages in Kumasi, Ghana. Sociodemographic data assessment, anthropometric assessment (BMI for age and height for age), dietary assessment (3-day repeated 24-hour dietary recall), urinary iodine level assessment, and cognitive performance assessment (Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices) were performed. Boys formed 50.8% of the study population, while girls formed 49.2%. The median age of participants was 10.50 years. About 12.3%, 7%, and 10.0% of participants were stunted, thin, and overweight/obese, respectively. The prevalence of mild iodine deficiency (i.e., 50–99 μg/L) was 16.2%. Iodine deficiency was significantly higher (23.6%) in participants who had lived for at least 7 years in the orphanage compared to those who had lived less than 7 years (10.7%) (). About 17% of the participants performed poorly ( PubDate: Wed, 28 Sep 2022 05:50:00 +000
Abstract: Background. The goal of Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance is to comprehensively investigate and report any case of a child below 15 years with a floppy weakness. This is essential for the poliovirus eradication initiative. Objective. In this study, we analyzed the results of nine-year surveillance (2010–2018) of AFP in Morocco. Method. This was a descriptive, retrospective study of cases with AFP routinely documented at the National Referral Laboratory of Polio (NRLP) from 2010 to 2018. Results. Among the 884 AFP cases identified and analyzed, we identified 11 polioviruses as Sabin-like vaccine strains (PSL). PSL were isolated in 11 samples of AFP cases received at the laboratory, including one PSL1, three PSL2 + PSL3, one PSL1 + PSL2, and one PSL1 + 2 + 3. The annualized nonpolio AFP rate per 100,000 children under 15 years ranged from 0.84 during 2011–2015 to 2.29 in 2018. The stool adequacy indicator was poor and may be improved with better delivery times and maintaining the cold chain. The incidence of isolated nonpolio enteroviruses (NPEV) varied between 2.27% and 12.6%, with the average not exceeding 6.35%; the incidence remained low compared to the indicator set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Conclusion. Morocco was certified polio-free by WHO in 2015, and since then no cases of wild poliovirus have been reported. Overall, although the nonpolio AFP rate has risen to the WHO standard, stool adequacy and the proportion of nonpolio enteroviruses need to be improved. The laboratory can adopt alternative techniques, independent of cell culture, to ensure that imported cases of poliovirus are not missed, especially in this era of eradication. PubDate: Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:50:00 +000
Abstract: Introduction. Human activities create waste, and the improper ways that waste is handled, stored, collected, and disposed of can pose risks to public health. The highest proportion of households practice their solid waste improperly in many developing countries, and the household’s status of solid waste management practices and its association with sociodemographic, knowledge, and institutional-related factors have never been clearly understood in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the status of solid waste management practice and its associated factors among households in Gessa town, Dawro Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 686 study participants from April 30 to June 15, 2021. Study participants were selected by using a computer-generated simple random sampling technique. The interviewer administered a semistructured questionnaire that comprised sociodemographic, household-related, and institutional-related factors were used for data collection. All collected data were entered into epi data version 4.6 and then exported to STATA version 14.0 for further analysis. Each independent variable with a value PubDate: Mon, 19 Sep 2022 11:50:00 +000
Abstract: Rich literature abounds concerning the clinical effectiveness of programs aiming to produce weight gain/obesity prevention outcomes. However, there is very little evidence on how these outcomes are produced, and what interplay of factors made those programs effective (or not) in the environment that produced those effects. This study aims to describe the application of realistic evaluation in the field of obesity prevention, as an approach to unravel those components that influence the capacity of a program to produce its effects and to examine its significance in an effort to understand those components. The concepts of critical realism have informed the development of an interview topic guide, while three European programs were selected as case studies after a rigorous selection process. In total, 26 in-depth semi-structured interviews were taken, paired with personal observation and secondary data research. Several grounded context-mechanisms-outcomes (CMO) configurations were described within the respective context of each location, with the mechanisms introduced from each project resulting in distinctive outcomes. This study highlights the potential of realistic evaluation as a comprehensive framework to explain in which contextual circumstances of each program’s effects are produced, how certain underlying mechanisms produce those effects, and how to explicitly connect the context and the acting mechanisms into distinct outcome patterns, which will ultimately form unique configuration sets for each of the analyzed projects. PubDate: Tue, 30 Aug 2022 17:20:00 +000
Abstract: Background. Traditional medicine (TM) is widely used in both developing and developed countries to assist in the attempt to curtail the prevalence and increase in diabetes mellitus. Approximately 53% of South Africans use TM to prevent and treat their diseases. There is no conclusive evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of TM versus prescribed medicine. The most common therapies used by diabetics in Africa include herbal treatments, nutritional products, spiritual healing, and relaxation techniques. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of TM in patients with T2DM who are on chronic therapy and living in KwaZulu-Natal. Method. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a district hospital, in which purposive sampling was used to recruit participants and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Information collected included demographic data, information pertaining to home remedies/TM, and self-care practices employed by participants while using TM. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-squared test, t-test, and multivariate logistic regressions to determine predictors of TM usage. Results. Only 92 (27%) of 340 participants reported using TM, with Indians being the most frequent users (58.24%). Approximately, 83.72% (n = 72) used TM in conjunction with prescribed medication. Most participants (56.32%) acquired TM knowledge from family. The most frequently used TM was lemon and honey, Aloe vera, bitter gourd, green tea, and cinnamon. Traditional medicine use among African participants was 0.56 times (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.34, 0.93) lower than Indian participants. There were no significant predictors for TM usage among the variables tested. Conclusion. A low prevalence rate of TM usage in T2DM patients was found. A significant correlation was noted between ethnicity and TM use. Large-scale studies are required to determine the additive and synergistic effects of TM in health care. Consideration should also be given to integrating TM into mainstream health care. PubDate: Mon, 22 Aug 2022 10:35:00 +000
Abstract: Background. Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in various localities of Ethiopia. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of pneumonia and its associated factors among under-five children who were visiting Ginde Woyin health center, Goncha Siso Enesie District, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A health center-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 participants by a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires and sputum diagnosis. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze the risk variables, and values PubDate: Thu, 04 Aug 2022 03:05:00 +000
Abstract: Introduction. Public perceptions of pandemic risk and prevention measures influence adherence to COVID-19 prevention efforts. Even though several factors influence public perceptions, there has been no research on the predictors of COVID-19-related perception in Ethiopia and there are few articles among academic staff worldwide. Thus, this study aims to assess predictors of COVID-19-related perception among Gondar University academic staff. Method. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 10 to May 10, 2021. Daniel Soper’s calculator was used to determine the sample size. A simple random sampling technique was employed. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using Stata V14. Structural equation modeling was performed to identify determinants of COVID-19 related perception. A value less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval of β were used to declare the statistical significance of the variables. Result. A total of 602 academic staff participated. Mean age of participants was 32.38 (±5.83) years. Family size (β = 0.12), chronic illness (β = −0.19), knowledge (β = 0.11), and cues to action (β = 0.43) were significantly associated with perceived susceptibility. Similarly, educational status (β = −0.11), perceived susceptibility (β = 0.61), and cues to action (β = 0.13) were significantly associated with perceived severity. Likewise, knowledge (β = 0.11) and cues to action (β = 0.62) were significant predictors of self-efficacy. Correspondingly, knowledge (β = 0.23), chronic illness (β = 0.09), profession (β = −0.09), perceived susceptibility (β = 0.19), perceived severity (β = 0.23), and self-efficacy (β = 0.29) were significant predictors of perceived benefit. Similarly, age (β = −0.18), profession (β = 0.10), and perceived susceptibility (β = −0.39) were significantly associated with perceived barriers. Conclusion. Several sociodemographic and other factors affect COVID-19 related perceptions. Intervention should consider those factors to improve COVID-19 prevention practice. PubDate: Fri, 22 Jul 2022 01:50:01 +000
Abstract: Background. Client satisfaction with seeking healthcare is generally regarded as one of the core outcomes of the health system. Various efforts are underway to provide hospitals with the necessary manpower, medical equipment, and other services to suit the demands of their patients. The goal of this study was to determine the level of client satisfaction with outpatient department services and the factors that influence it at Dilla Referral Hospital in Ethiopia. Methodology. A cross-sectional investigation was undertaken in a hospital setting. An interviewer-administered quantitative data were collected on socio demographic characteristics of respondents and their satisfaction level with the different components of the outpatient services. SPSS version 20 was used to conduct the analysis. The connection between independent and dependent variables was evaluated using bivariate analysis (). To discover the determinants of client satisfaction and control cofounding, multivariate logistic regression was performed ().Result. The study enrolled a total of 419 individuals, with a response rate of 98.3%. Overall, 52.2 percent of clients were satisfied with the health services provided by the hospitals’ outpatient departments. Client satisfaction was significantly predicted by the cleanliness of the consultation room (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.06–3.95), payment status (AOD = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.08–2.63), and telling clients about the etiology of sickness (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.34–0.87). Conclusion. The general satisfaction of outpatients with Dilla referral hospital’s OPD clinics healthcare services was low. The cleanliness of the consultation room, payment status, and readiness to suggest the service to others were all linked to a positive outcome. PubDate: Tue, 14 Jun 2022 05:05:00 +000
Abstract: Background. Disclosure of HIV-seropositive status is important for HIV prevention and maintenance of health for people living with HIV and the community at large. Most of the disclosure in our country and elsewhere were after putting the partner at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to assess prompt HIV-seropositive status disclosure to partner and its associated factors among people living with HIV and attending care and treatment at a health center, in central Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out from September 15, 2019, to March 15, 2020, among 438 people living with HIV who were more than 18 years old and had sexual partner attending ART clinic at Holeta Health Center, central Ethiopia. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the magnitude of prompt HIV seropositive status disclosure to partner and multivariable logistic regression analysis was computed to identify factors associated with prompt HIV seropositive status disclosure. Results. A total of 434 study participants took part in this study giving a response rate of 99%. Three hundred thirteen (72.1%) respondents disclosed their seropositive status to their partners promptly. Being married (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.09–8.21), less than 24-months duration on treatment (AOR = 0.185, 95% CI = 0.076–0.454), discouraging response of partner about the test (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.0149–0.780), knowing serostatus of one’s own partner (AOR = 10.42, 95% CI = 4.19–25.19), and using condom always with a partner (AOR = 11.44, 95% CI = 3.37–38.79) were factors significantly associated with prompt HIV seropositive status disclosure to partner. Conclusion. The proportion of prompt disclosure of HIV seropositive status to partner was low when compared to the overall partner disclosure rate. Being in marriage, less than 24 months duration on treatment, discouraging response of partner about the test, knowing serostatus of one’s partner, and using condom always with a partner were identified as predictors of prompt HIV seropositive status disclosure to partner. PubDate: Fri, 13 May 2022 07:35:00 +000
Abstract: Background. Despite the implementation of various interventions towards the reduction of breast cancer prevalence, many women still report late symptoms to health facilities, and this decreases their chances of survival. Breast self-examination (BSE) is the most convenient form of examination to detect the development of breast cancer. We examined the factors that influence the practice of breast self-examination among female tertiary students in Ho, Volta Region of Ghana. Methods. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that recruited 506 female students from four tertiary institutions in the Ho Municipality in Ghana using questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics comprising frequency, percentage, Chi-square, and binary logistic regression were used in analyzing the data. Results. About 73% of the respondents had ever practised BSE. Out of the respondents who have ever practiced BSE, 79% were practising it at the time of the study. Students in their fourth year were above 4 times more likely (95% CI = 1.73–9.29, ) to practise BSE than those in their first year. Also, students with good knowledge of BSE were 4 times more likely to practice BSE [(95% CI = 1.1–13.46), ] and students with good perception about BSE were 12 times more likely to practice BSE [(95% CI = 1.21–122.73), ]. Conclusion. The study found that 27% of the female students had never practised BSE. Those who practice BSE did not practice regularly and appropriately. Also, good knowledge and perception are associated with the practice of BSE. The implication of this result is the late presentation of breast cancer cases to health facilities and increases in breast cancer-related deaths in the country. Therefore, it is recommended that the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and other stakeholders in Ghana’s healthcare should develop and implement innovative approaches and policies such as peer and support groups’ learning, and mass media BSE awareness aimed at ensuring better understanding and access to BSE education. This should be intensified during the foundation years such as the secondary and tertiary education levels to ensure the adoption of breast self-examination practice. It is also recommended that another study must be done using a qualitative approach to get an in-depth understanding of the steps and ways, by which female students practice BSE. PubDate: Mon, 02 May 2022 06:20:00 +000
Abstract: Timely attendance of the first antenatal care (ANC) is the period in which pregnant women visit ANC less than four months of pregnancy. There is a paucity of data on timely first ANC attendance and its associated factors among pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Juba. The aim of this study was to investigate timely attendance of the first ANC visit among pregnant women living with HIV. Institutional cross-sectional study was conducted in three public health facilities in Juba by convenience sampling from January 2019 to December 2019. Pearson’s chi-squared test was conducted for bivariate analysis and variables with probability values ( values) less than 5% were considered as statistically significant for multivariable analyses using Fisher’s exact test. At the multivariate level, binary logistic regression analysis was conducted. Out of the 192 participants studied, 27 (14.1%) had timely first ANC attendance as recommended and 165 (85.9%) attended first ANC at four months and above. Distances (adjusted risk ratio [aOR], 7.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–36.68), ANC card (aOR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.17–10.40), waiting time ([aOR], 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01–0.75), and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services (aOR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03–0.56) were the factors associated with timely first ANC attendance. Health education interventions targeting pregnant women attending ANC at health facilities should focus on increasing knowledge and awareness of the importance of timely first ANC attendance. PubDate: Mon, 25 Apr 2022 11:20:00 +000
Abstract: Toward 2019, Uganda experienced an extensive outbreak of measles and rubella. The Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunization implemented a mass measles-rubella vaccination campaign aimed at halting the ongoing transmission. This study determined the changes in the disease burden thereafter. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on measles-rubella positivity and its associated factors in Uganda using 1697 case-based surveillance data for 2019 and 2020 stratified into two dispensations: prevaccination and postvaccination campaigns. Statistical tests employed in STATA 15 included chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and binomial tests. Measles positivity rates in the period before and after the mass immunization campaign were 41.88% (95% CI: 39.30–44.51) and 37.96% (95% CI: 32.81–43.40), respectively. For rubella, the positivity rate in the precampaign season was 21.73% (95% CI: 19.61–23.99) and in the postvaccination season was 6.65% (95% CI: 4.36–10.00). Binomial tests indicated that postcampaign positivity rates were significantly lower than the precampaign rate for measles () and rubella (). Generally, age (χ2 = 58.94, /χ2 = 51.91, ) and vaccination status (χ2 = 60.48, /χ2 = 16.90, ) were associated with the measles positivity rate in both pre/postcampaign periods. Rubella positivity rate was associated with vaccination status (χ2 = 32.97, /) in both periods and age in the precampaign season (). The measles-rubella mass campaign lessened rubella burden remarkably, but barely adequate change was observed in the extent of spread of measles. Children aged less than 9 months are at higher chances of testing positive amidst low vaccination levels among the eligible. The immunization programme must attain and maintain routine immunization coverage at 95% or more and roll out a second-dose measles-rubella vaccination to sustain the reduced disease burden. PubDate: Wed, 13 Apr 2022 06:20:00 +000
Abstract: Background. The average duration of recovery from COVID-19 and influencing factors, which would help inform optimal control strategies, remain unclear. Moreover, studies regarding this issue are limited in Ethiopia, and no region-wise studies were conducted. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the median recovery time from COVID-19, and its predictors among patients admitted to Amhara regional state COVID-19 treatment centers, Ethiopia. Methods. A facility-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted at Amhara regional state COVID-19 treatment centers from 13 March 2020 through 30 March 2021. Data were entered using EpiData version 3.1, and STATA version 14 was used for analysis. A Kaplan–Meier curve was used to estimate survival time, and the Cox regression model was fitted to identify independent predictors. value with 95% CI for the hazard ratio was used for testing the significance at alpha 0.05. Results. Six hundred twenty-two cases followed, and 540 observations developed an event at the end of the follow-up. The median time to recovery was 11 days with an interquartile range of 9–14 days. Most of the patients were recovered from COVID-19 between days seven and fourteen. In the first six days of admission, only 4.2% of cases had recovered, but by day 14, 73.8% had recovered. Patients without comorbid illness/s were faster to recover than their counterparts (AHR = 1.44 : 95% CI: 1.10, 1.91) and those who have signs and symptoms on admission (AHR = 0.42 : 95% CI: 0.30, 0.60) and old-aged (AHR = 0.988; 95% CI: 0.982, 0.994) took longer to recover. Conclusion. In conclusion, a relatively short median recovery time was found in this study. Significant predictors for delayed recovery from COVID-19 were older age, presence of symptoms at admission, and having at least one comorbid condition. These factors should be placed under consideration while developing a strategy for quarantining and treating COVID-19 patients. PubDate: Tue, 12 Apr 2022 02:50:00 +000
Abstract: Background. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the challenges and impact of vaccine hesitancy and the role of health care institutions in mounting an effective pandemic response. The study objective was to determine the prevalence and predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health care workers in tertiary health care institutions in Nigeria. Methods. A cross-sectional analytical design that used convenience and snowballing techniques to enroll 347 health care workers from tertiary health care institutions in Imo State, Nigeria, from September 28 to October 14, 2021. Data was collected using a structured online questionnaire and bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using SPSS at a level of significance set at .Result. The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 35.4%. HCWs of the Pentecostal faith (aOR: 2.52) and males (aOR: 2.72) were significantly more likely to be COVID-19 vaccine hesitant. About 30% of the respondents reported that they trusted information from the Internet and social media relating to COVID-19 and its vaccine. However, respondents who felt there was enough information about the vaccine and its safety were more than two and a half times more likely to be vaccine-hesitant (aOR: 2.77). About 20% and 31% of the respondents, respectively, stated that the government has an ulterior motive and that they did not trust the vaccine manufacturers. However, respondents who do not trust the government were more than two and a half times more likely to be COVID-19 vaccine hesitant (aOR: 2.69). Conclusion. The issues of vaccine hesitancy among health care workers in a developing country appear to be fundamental and very challenging to resolve. Therefore, the approach of instituting government vaccine uptake mandates for health care workers may be the solution for tackling vaccine hesitancy in health care institutions. PubDate: Tue, 22 Mar 2022 03:50:00 +000
Abstract: This study aims at validating the Staff Satisfaction Index (SSI) and the Happy Career (HC) scale for in-service firefighters. The SSI consists of two dimensions, namely, protection against hazards at work and welfare, with 16 subdimensions. A total of 6970 data points were collected via the Internet. Both dimensions of the SSI were regressed on the HC scale using partial least square structural equation modelling. The dimensions satisfied all measurements and structural model assessments. Protection against hazards at work (β = 0.370, ) and welfare (β = 0.375, ) explained 46.6% of the happiness variance. Both dimensions displayed small-to-medium effect sizes and relevance to predicting happiness (Q2 = 0.339). Implications of the findings are discussed further. PubDate: Tue, 08 Mar 2022 02:50:01 +000
Abstract: Background. Community-based health insurance is widely recognized as the most effective way to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) with adequate financial protection against healthcare costs, to promote equal access to high-quality healthcare, increase financial security, and enhance social cohesion and solidarity. Objective. The objective of this study was to determine community-based health insurance utilization and its associated factors among rural households in Akaki District, Oromia special zone surrounding Finfinnee, Oromia, Ethiopia, in May 2021. Methods and Materials. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 households in May 2021. A multistage sampling technique was used to select households. Data were collected using pretested and standardized questionnaires entered into Epi Info version 7.2.4 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were computed to identify the factors associated with community-based health insurance utilization. A value PubDate: Sun, 27 Feb 2022 08:05:00 +000
Abstract: Background. Low birth weight and preterm delivery are birth outcomes that can predict newborns’ survival, development, and long-term health outcomes. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. Methods. This retrospective, cross-sectional study analysed data from 680 birth records between October and December 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models predicted low birth weight and preterm delivery factors. Results. The prevalence of low birth weight and preterm delivery was 12.9% and 14.1%, respectively. Increasing maternal age (AOR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.28–0.98), multiparity (AOR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.30–0.94) and increasing doses of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.22–0.84) significantly reduced the odds of low birth weight. However, caesarean section (AOR: 1.94; 95% CI: 0.1.16–3.27) and hypertension (AOR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.27–03.33) significantly increased the likelihood of low birth weight. An increasing number of antenatal care visits (AOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.18–0.80) and doses of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19–0.97) were significantly associated with decreased odds of preterm delivery, while caesarean section increased the odds of preterm delivery by two folds (AOR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.15–3.99). Conclusion. This study shows that maternal age, parity, number of antenatal care visits, hypertension, SP/IPTp, and caesarean section were independently associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery. Education and interventions should be prioritised as vitally important on these factors to reduce the risk and complications associated with these birth outcomes. PubDate: Wed, 23 Feb 2022 04:05:01 +000
Abstract: Tannery effluent plays a significant role in increasing pollution in the environment; in particular, it contains toxic heavy metals which cause toxic effects on plant genetic materials. Among tannery effluent chemicals, chromium and lead have cytotoxicity and genotoxicity potentials on Allium cepa. This investigation was undertaken to assess the physicochemical properties of tannery wastewater and their effect on the genetic materials of A. cepa. Effluent’s physicochemical characteristics were investigated using digital instruments for direct measurement and standard methods of atomic absorption spectrophotometer colorimetric analysis. A series of six onion bulbs were grown in 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% concentrations of wastewater (v/v) ratio, and root tips from each onion bulb were cut and processed for analysis by aceto-orcein squash technique. Most of effluent components were above the discharge limit standards set by Federal Environmental Protection Agency and Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority. The cytotoxicity effect on the root growth showed a significant reduction at high concentration. Simple regression analysis showed that the results of mitotic index were statistically significant (P PubDate: Tue, 15 Feb 2022 13:35:00 +000
Abstract: Background. Community HIV testing helps to increase access to high-risk groups who are less likely to visit a clinic for a test. A large proportion of people identified with HIV following community-based testing are not easily linked to care compared to facility-based identified cases. There is a paucity of literature on linkage to HIV care and its predictors particularly following community-based testing in a rural setting. We assessed the level of linkage to the care of HIV-positive individuals and associated factors following community-level identification in Lira district. Method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Lira district employing mixed methods among HIV-positive adults identified in the communities. Quantitative data were collected from 329 randomly selected study participants using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Key informant interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. The data were double entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Odds ratios and confidence intervals were used to assess the association between predictors of linkage with HIV care. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results. The respondents were aged between 18 and 85 years with a mean age of 42.9 (SD = 11.6). The level of linkage to HIV care following community-level identification of HIV testing in Lira district was 98% (95% CI 96.07–99.33). Clients who self-initiated the HIV testing were more likely to link to HIV care than their counterparts (AOR = 9.03; 95% CI 1.271–64.218, ). Key informants identified factors influencing linkage to care as health education, counseling, follow-up, and family support. Fear of stigma, disclosure, denial, and distance to facility were reported as barriers to linkage. Conclusion/Recommendation. The level of linkage to HIV care following community identification was found to be excellent (98%). Predictors to linkage to care included self-initiated testing, positive perception of distance, and waiting time at health facilities. We recommend health education, counseling, follow-up, and family support as interventions to strengthen successfully linking to care. PubDate: Fri, 04 Feb 2022 03:20:01 +000
Abstract: Background. According to the WHO STEPS survey 2013 in Nepal, 17% of the surveyed population had consumed alcohol within the last 30 days. Alcohol consumption in Nepal is socially and culturally accepted in many ethnic groups. The purpose of this study was to determine various factors associated with problematic alcohol consumption among adults in Putalibazar Municipality of Syangja district. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2020 and January 2021 among 300 adults between ages of 18–64 years in Putalibazar Municipality of Syangja district of Nepal. Using a pretested semistructure questionnaire, a face-to-face interview was performed for collecting the data. An Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) was used as a guiding tool to determine the audit-risk level category among adults according to their drinking status. Respondents with scores 0–7 in AUDIT scores were considered as nonproblematic drinkers, while respondents scoring 8–40 in the AUDIT scores were considered as problematic drinkers. Bivariate and multivariable analysis was performed to find out the association between dependent and independent variables. Variables which were found statistically significant at 95% CI ( ≤ 0.05) during bivariate analysis were further analyzed using the logistic regression model in multivariable analysis to identify determinants associated with problematic alcohol consumption among adults. Results. The mean age of participants was 36.72 years with a ±10.81 standard deviation. A total of 56.3% of adults were problematic drinkers. The multivariable regression analysis model identified adults within the age group of 25–34 years and 35–44 years along with males significantly associated with problematic alcohol consumption. Adults within the age group of 25–34 years and 35–44 years were 7.4 times (AOR = 7.4, CI: 1.97–27.60) and 5.7 times (AOR = 5.7, CI: 1.58–20.56) more likely to be problematic drinkers than their counterparts who were from the age group of 55–64 years. Males were 6.9 times more likely to be (AOR = 6.9, CI: 3.35–14.26) problematic drinkers than females. Conclusion. Problematic alcohol consumption among males was common and significantly associated within the age group of 25–34 years and 35–44 years. This study concerns the need for policy makers to launch awareness programs and community-based interventional programs considering identified factors associated with excessive drinking. PubDate: Wed, 02 Feb 2022 11:20:01 +000
Abstract: Introduction. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic disease characterized by debilitating bone pains which commonly necessitate the use of analgesic drugs including opioids and psychotropic substances such as pentazocine which are controlled medicines in Nigeria. Opioid misuse including dependence and addiction is an increasing trend among SCD patients, and it has serious adverse implications on their social, economic, and physical well-being. The role of lack of implementation of existent regulation on the dispensing of opioids by pharmacies has not been adequately investigated. Objective. The primary objective of this study is to define the sociodemographic and clinical implications of pentazocine misuse among patients with SCD and to describe the contributions of lack of enforcement of opioid dispensing regulations to this menace. Materials and Methods. The study was a descriptive observational study. A 29-item pretested and prevalidated questionnaire was administered to 21 SCD patients with an established history of pentazocine misuse and addiction to establish their demographics, details of opioid use, and their clinical effects. Nine community pharmacies were interviewed to ascertain their knowledge of controlled medicines and their compliance to existent regulations on the dispensation of opioids. Results. The median (interquartile range) age of the SCD subjects was 24 years. The majority of subjects (14, 66.7%) had tertiary education. Fifteen (71.4%) of them had a history of pentazocine misuse for over two years. All subjects source pentazocine injection from local pharmacies and patent medicine shops without prescription, while 19.0% get home deliveries. Seventeen (80.9%) of the SCD subjects desired to discontinue the habit; however, inadequate medical support was reported to contribute to their inability to overcome this practice in 14 (54.3%) patients. Most of the local pharmacies/drug shop proprietors are aware of drug laws guiding controlled medicines in Nigeria. However, about 77.9% of pharmacies interviewed retail pentazocine without prescription. A lack of enforcement by the state and federal taskforce was reported to contribute to this practice. Conclusion. Pentazocine misuse is a serious problem in patients with SCD. Inadequate medical support and lack of enforcement of regulations on dispensing opioids by community pharmacies are contributors to this menace. PubDate: Sun, 30 Jan 2022 10:20:00 +000
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