MOSP - Macao Scientific Publishers

Research Article

Prevalence and risk factors of obesity and overweight among Taif University Students, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Lotfi Fahmi Issa

Abstract: Obesity and overweight are considered the most rapidly growing form of malnutrition in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and some risk factors of obesity and overweight among Taif university students. A cross-sectional approach was conducted and 1473 male students were selected. A self administered questionnaire included socio-demographic data, different forms of activities, sedentary behaviors, smoking, dietary habits and family history was used for data collection. Body mass index was calculated and categorized according to WHO classification. Prevalence of obesity and overweight were 16.1% and 28.5%, respectively. However, higher prevalence was observed in older students (p=0.00). Higher prevalence was found among students with high family incomemonth (p=0.02), less daily active (p=0.00) and physically inactive students (p=0.03). Moreover, prevalence was more among students consuming non-healthy diet (p=0.00), sleeping less than 8 hoursday (p=0.00) and with family history of obesity (p=0.00). Prevalence was significant among students with highly educated fathers (p=0.01) and low educated mothers (p=0.01). In conclusion, high prevalence of obesity and overweight were recorded among University students. Further studies of large samples representing both sexes as well as health education program on obesity and overweight are highly recommended to the students and their families.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Prevalence, obesity, overweight, students, University, Saudi Arabia.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Risk of typical rabies in dog meat-eating human population, in Enugu, Nigeria

Eze UU, Anene BM, Chukwu CC, Ogunkoya AB, George SO, Eze JI, Animoke PC and Nwosuh CI*

Abstract: This study was designed to ascertain if the rabies virus antigen found among apparently healthy dogs were viable and to which genotype they belong. One hundred and fifty two dog heads were randomly collected from markets and restaurants where dogs are slaughtered and consumed as delicacy in Enugu State, Nigeria. The brain samples from the heads were examined for the presence of rabies virus antigen by direct fluorescent antibody technique, while positive ones were isolated by the mice inoculation test. Viral genotypes of the positive samples were determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Out of the one hundred and fifty two dog brain samples examined, six (4) were positive by direct fluorescent antibody technique and mice inoculation test. All the isolates belong to genotype 1 rabies virus. The result of this study showed that some of the apparently healthy dogs slaughtered for meat in Enugu state have classical rabies virus and possibly shed the virus in their saliva without showing obvious clinical signs. This has a serious public health implication and thus calls for a re-evaluation of rabies endemicity in Nigeria.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Rabies virus, Slaughtered dogs, DFAT, MIT, RT-PCR, Genotyping.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Seroprevalence of Zika virus infection specific IgG in Western and North-Western Provinces of Zambia

Olusegun Ayorinde Babaniyi, Peter Mwaba, Peter Songolo*, Mazyanga Lucy Mazaba-Liwewe, Idah Mweene-Ndumba, Freddie Masaninga, Emmanuel Rudatsikira andSeterSiziya

Abstract: Zika virus infection is an emerging public health problem in Africa and Asia with potential for global spread. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and correlates for Zika virus infection in Western and North-Western provinces of Zambia. A cross sectional study was conducted in which serum samples were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies against Zika virus. Odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the magnitude of association. Altogether, 3625 participants were recruited of which 46.7% were male and 9.4% were aged[...] Read More.

Keywords: Arboviruses, zika virus infection, seroprevalence, correlates, Zambia.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Prevalence and risk factors of lower reproductive tract infections among women in an Urban Area of China

Shenghui Wu*, Zhong Liu, Zhaomin Liu and Lap Ah Tse*

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of lower reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and the influential risk factors among Chinese women from the poorest families. A face-to-face interview and a gynecological examination were performed for 848 Chinese women from the poorest families. The prevalence of lower RTIs among the poorest women was 53.80%, and cervix presented the most prevalent cite of lower RTIs (46.93%). Women with lower education level [odds ratio (OR) = 1.49, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.09-2.04] and under unemployment (1.47, 1.07-2.01) were associated with significantly increased risk of lower RTIs after adjustment for other covariates. High prevalence of RTIs was associated with low education and unemployment status and perceived poverty was the main reason for not seeking medical consultation for reproductive problems. Specific reproductive health educational promotion programs and adequate services should be offered to this group of disadvantaged women from the lowest socioeconomic class.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Reproductive tract infection, poverty, women, prevalence, risk factors.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Exposure, protection and self-reported health problems among solid waste handlers in a Coastal Peri-urban community in Ghana

James-Paul Kretchy* Mawuli Dzodzomenyo, Thilde Rheinlӓnder, Irene Ayi, Flemming Konradsen, Julius N. Fobil and Anders Dalsgaard

Abstract: Mixed method design was used to investigate exposure to waste, use of personal protective gear (PPG), and self-reported health problems among 280 solid waste handlers in a peri-urban township of southern Ghana. From the survey, the most commonly reported health problems were bodily pains (56.4%), headache (38.6%) and fever (35.7%). In-depth interviews highlighted eye problems, stomach pains and non-specific symptoms such as stress and tiredness. Waste handlers whose bare hands were exposed to waste had a higher likelihood to report fever [odds ratio (OR) = 1.89 (95% C.I 1.37 – 2.56), p < 0.0001] and diarrhoea [OR = 6.25 (95% C.I 4.17 – 10.00), p < 0.0001] compared with those who used rubber gloves. Similarly, waste handlers with uncovered mouth/nose had higher likelihood to report cough than those who used mouth/nose cover [OR = 7.69 (95% C.I 4.00 – 14.29), p < 0.0001]. Waste handlers who did not use PPGs consistently cited reasons including physical discomforts, impracticalities of wearing them in hot/humid conditions, inability of employers to supply or to finance PPGs. Waste handlers need affordable and suitable protective gear to reduce risk to health as well as the provision of water and soap to promote personal hygiene at work. Employers must educate and train waste handlers on disease preventive purposes of using PPGs. [...] Read More.

Keywords: Solid waste handlers, mixed method, exposure, protection, health problem, Peri-urban.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Sporadic preventive treatment of pregnancy affected with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine in Ibadan, Nigeria

*Olofujana B. Tolu, Sanjuma D. Prudence and Dimeji E. O

Abstract: Malaria in pregnancy (MIP) remains a major public health concern, inspite of the adoption of WHO recommended sporadic preventive treatment (IPTp) with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for its control in Nigeria. Using interviewer administered questionnaires, information on knowledge of the burden, consequences and the use of SP for malaria control in pregnancy was obtained from 800 mothers within 24 h after delivery at two health centres in Ibadan. Women who attended antenatal care (ANC) at the secondary facility were less likely to demonstrate poor knowledge of causes (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.08, 0.38), consequences (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.24, 0.55) and control strategies (OR = 0.32, 95% = 0.18, 0.59) compared with tertiary facility. Only 56.4% of all the mothers were aware of IPTp SP as government policy for prevention of MIP out of which 16.9% used IPTp SP in index pregnancy. Overall, only 18.4% of all mothers used IPTp SP. Being unaware of the existing government policy and educational attainment of 9 years independently predicted non-usage of IPTp SP. This study revealed that the uptake of IPTp SP in pregnancy is poor in spite of good knowledge of burden of malaria in pregnancy and underscores the need to scale up awareness campaign and monitor implementation at all levels of health care.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Malaria in pregnancy, sporadic preventive treatment, sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Reduced Concentration of cyanotoxins synthesized by Cyanobacteria in a public water supply source

*Ayrton E. Fernando, Morena V. Gisele and Daniel Campos Santoro

Abstract: Current analysis, involving measurements of biotic and abiotic factors, determined which factor favored cyanobacteria with subsequent concentrations of microcystins in water collected from a public water supply source during the dry and rainy periods and which received residual water from agricultural production systems. Since no microcystins were detected, waters fitted within the maximum limits of 1g.L-1 for MC-LR. Nevertheless, if aquiculture production systems are not properly administered, especially for the diet factor, great risks will exist in the contamination and pollution of fresh water. This fact may cause intoxication to the population that use the water and to the aquatic plants and animals which make it their habitat.[...] Read More.

Keywords: HPLC, nitrogen, organic matter, microcystins, phosphorus.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Urban-rural differentials about AIDS: knowledge and awareness

Fazle Zahid Nazrul

Abstract: This study utilized data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2004 to identify the determinants of knowledge about AIDS for women of urban and rural areas of Bangladesh, bi-variate and multivariate logistic regression methods were employed in analyzing data. This study found that a wider gap exists between urban and rural areas regarding knowledge about AIDS, where every 8 out of 10 urban women know about AIDS but almost half of the rural women still do not know about AIDS. Mass media play a major role for growing awareness about AIDS in both of these areas. In the urban area 61.6 percent women knew at least one correct way to avoid AIDS but rural women are in miserable condition because the corresponding figure for rural women was only 31.3% that means 37.7 and 67.7% among urban and rural women respectively still did not know how to avoid AIDS. Binary logistic regression method shows that education, occupation, ever use of contraception, currently using condom, permission to go to hospital/health center, mass media exposure, region of residence and wealth index significantly influence the knowledge about AIDS among rural women, whereas, in the urban areas except occupation and currently using condom all these remaining variables appear as the significant predictors of knowledge about AIDS.[...] Read More.

Keywords: AIDS, mass media, Bangladesh, logistic regression analysis.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Routine checkup on overweight amongst urban school children in Tunisia

*Habib Hend Azria, Malek M. Dadi and Oussama W. Jaidi

Abstract: Our objective was to examine tracking patterns of body mass index (BMI) as well as their predictors between childhood and adolescence. A cohort of 452 Tunisian children aged 13 - 15 years was followed for 4 years (1999 - 2003). Tracking of BMI was defined as in individual maintaining a certain status or relative position (relative BMI quartile) overtime. After 4 years, almost 50% of the subjects had maintained their relative positions, but 25% had moved into a lower or higher quartile. The BMIs of thin and fat were more likely to track: 61.9 and 66.7% remained in the bottom and upper quartiles, respectively. Overweight children were 2.6 times as likely as all other children to become overweight adolescents. Individual’s initial BMIs, sex and socioeconomic status helped to predict tracking and change in BMI. Predictors of overweight tracking found in this study would be useful to select children at risk for preventive intervention.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Obesity, adolescents, cardiovascular risk factor.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Rapid epidemiological mapping of cholera outbreak in parts of Abeokuta metropolis: A GIS-supported post-epidemic assessment

*Oyedepo, J. A., Shittu, O.B., Popoola, T.O.S. and Ogunshola, E.O.

Abstract: The paper presents the outcome of a GIS-supported post-epidemic survey of cholera in pipe-borne water of parts of Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria. Utility pipelines were digitized and superimposed with analyzed water samples and geo-ecological features of the area. Water samples were then collected from various locations along with the corresponding geographical coordinates. Water samples were collected from Ogun River (abstraction point), from the water board treatment tank and from various faucets within the affected communities. The samples were analyzed for the presence of Vibrio cholera (V. cholera). Results revealed a high load (>180 MPN/1000 ml) of cholera bacteria at the abstraction point, which reduced to[...] Read More.

Keywords: GIS, utility board, geo-ecological characteristics, cholera, post-epidemic assessment.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Prevalence of cognitive impairment varied with sex and education in an elderly population 60 years and over living in the commune of Diourbel, Senegal

Touré K., *, Coumé M., Sow A., Basse A., Diagne N.S., Sarr Moustapha. , Ndao A.K., Diop M. S., Seck L.B., Ndiaye M., Tal Dia A., Diop A.G. and Ndiaye M.M.

Abstract: With the aging of the population, cognitive impairment is becoming frequent. Thus, a study was conducted to estimate its prevalence in a Senegalese elderly population 60 years and over living in the commune of Diourbel, Senegal. A cross sectional study was conducted from July to august 2007 in a population of elderly aged 60 years and over living in the commune of Diourbel, Senegal to screen for cognitive impairment. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyles, physical activity, social network, medical history, familial history of dementia were collected with a structured questionnaire. Interviews were completed with a clinical exam and neuropsychological testing with the Test of Senegal. Cognitive impairment was defined as a score of ≤ 28/39 with the Test of Senegal. The population (584 elderly) had a mean age of 69.5 years (±7.3), was mostly female (54%), married (74.6%), and illiterated (80.1%). Social network was poor, alcohol and smoking rare. Hypertension (58%), arthritis (45.9%), gastro-intestinal diseases (38.2%), anemia (29.5%) and cataract (22.9%) were the main health conditions reported. History of dementia was reported by 26.2%. Prevalence of cognitive impairment was 20.7% (95% CI: 17.7%-23.7%). This prevalence was more frequent among female and illiterated elderly persons. Prevalence of cognitive impairment was high and more frequent in female and illiterated elderly population living in the commune of Diourbel, Senegal.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Cognitive Impairment, Prevalence, Elderly population, Diourbel, Senegal.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Climate change impact on the health of African women and adaptation strategies

*Nwoke E.A and Ibe S.N.O

Abstract: Climate change is now compromising the sustainability of human development on the planet because it threatens human health and the ecological support systems on which life depends. Health impact of climate change is grouped into direct and indirect effects depending on whether they occur predominantly via the impact of climate variables upon human biology or are mediated by climate-induced changes on biological and biogeochemical systems. Direct impacts stem from extreme events such as heat waves, floods, droughts, windstorms and wildfires. Indirect effects of climate change on health may arise from the disruption of natural systems, causing infectious diseases, malnutrition, food and water-borne illnesses and increased air pollution. These effects of climate change are more and expected to be experienced more in Africa. African women whether as resident or migrants are most vulnerable group because of their social role as managers of household resources (water, fuel, food and so on) and care givers. In addition, because of their biological and social disposition, African women are confronted with greater risk of these emerging health challenges due to climate change. This paper therefore discusses the climate change impact on the health of African women and the need for this most vulnerable group, to adapt strategically to these emerging health challenges due to climate change.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Climate change, impact, health, Africa women, adaptation strategies.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Review

Review on global warming and disease dynamics

Gebawo Tibesso Bedasso

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to elaborate the concept of global warming and to highlight the impact of global warming on animal and human vector borne disease. Global Warming is defined as the increase of the average temperature on Earth. Global warming is a gradual process that threatens to have serious consequence over time, including elevated sea level, crop failure, famine, change in global rain fall pattern, changes to animals and plant populations and serious health effect. The diseases are global entities that depend dynamically on interaction between the host populations and the existing regional climate and thus global warming result in considerable shift of the spectrum of the diseases. Global warming accelerate the spread of disease primarily because warmer global temperature enlarge the geographic range in which disease carrying animals, insect and microorganism and germs and viruses they carry can survive. Global warming can influence the emergence and reemergence of vector borne disease such as malaria, trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis and viral disease like West Nile fever. Generally, climate plays an important role in the seasonal pattern or temporal distribution of diseases that are carried and transmitted through vectors because the vector animals often thrive in particular climate conditions. Therefore, factor that results in global warming should be reduced.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Global warming, disease dynamics, vectors, disease, transmission.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Prevalence of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis among patients visiting Bahir Dar health center, Northwest Ethiopia

Awoke Derbie* and Daniel Mekonnen

Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) remains the world’s deadliest communicable diseases, responsible for ill-health among millions of people each year. Early detection and management of the disease is crucial to reduce associated burdens. Cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2014 to February 2015 at Bahir Dar health centre. Sputum samples were collected stained with Ziehl Neelsen staining technique and examined microscopically. Data were analysed by using SPSS for Windows and descriptive statistics was used to present figures. Of 103 study subjects, the majority 70(67.9%) were males. The mean age of the participants was 36.1 years. The overall prevalence of smear positive tuberculosis was 7 (6.8%). Relatively higher smear positive tuberculosis was observed among males, illiterates, older age groups, family size 5-10, cigarette smokers and alcohol drinkers. Although the numbers of study subjects were quite limited to draw strong conclusions, the observed prevalence calls up the stakeholders to undertake prevention and control measures.[...] Read More.

Keywords:

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Epidemiology of brainstem haemorrhage in a population of patients admitted at the Department of Neurology, Fann Teaching Hospital, Dakar-Senegal

Touré K., *, Sarr M., Soumah D., Sow A., Basse/Faye A., Diagne N.S., Ndao A.K., Diop/Sene M., Seck L.B., Ndiaye M., Diop A.G., Tal Dia A., Ndiaye M.M.

Abstract: Brainstem haemorrhage is a low but lethal health condition and few studies have been conducted about it in Africa. The objective of this study was to assess the epidemiology of brainstem haemorrhage among patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurology, Fann University, Dakar-Senegal. During a cohort study, patients hospitalized from February to July 2009 for brainstem haemorrhage were followed at days 1, 3, 7, 15 and 90. Sociodemographic characteristics of the patient, medical history, clinical, biological, radiological and prognostic data were collected. In a population of 711 patients, 288 cases of stroke were reported, of which 91 were haemorrhagic. The number of brainstem haemorrhage cases was 10 representing a frequency of 10.98% of the total cases of haemorrhagic stroke and 1.49% of the total population. The patients had a mean age of 54.6 years. They were mostly male (6 cases), admitted for coma (4 cases). Hypertension was the main past medical history (5 cases). The mean time of admission was 26.9 hours. The haemorrhage was mainly located at the pons and peduncle (4 cases) and all the brainstem (3 cases). Lethality rate was 70% with 10% on day 3, 33.3% at day 7, 16.7% at day 15 and 60% at day 90. It is necessary to sensitize the community about the primary prevention of stroke.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Cerebral haemorrhage, brainstem haemorrhage, epidemiology, stroke, Senegal.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Review

Maternal Mortality in India: Problems and strategies

Debalina Datta and Pratyay Pratim Datta

Abstract: Any health or health related problem which affects a vast majority of people and hampers the progress of an area or nation or which damages normal lifestyle of people and moreover which is preventable at least to a certain extent, can be called a public health problem. In developing country like India, in the patriarchal society the social position of a vast majority of women is not up to the mark. This creates a dreadful public health problem as a result of high Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).[...] Read More.

Keywords: Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), women, pregnancy, maternal mortality, health.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Prevalence of malaria parasitaemia and related anaemia among pregnant women in a semi-urban community in Nigeria

Akpan M. O. Edet, Ahmed M. S and Nathan B. Vincent

Abstract: The study was carried out to ascertain the incidence of malaria parasitaemia and associated anaemia among pregnant women in a semi-urban community nine years after commencement of roll back malaria (RBM) initiative. The study was hospital-based among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at a central hospital. Structured questionnaires were administered containing relevant information on age, educational level, number of previous pregnancies and methods used for malaria control. Thick and thin blood films from capillary blood were stained with Giema’s stain and examined microscopically for malaria parasites. Packed cell volume (PCV) and blood groups were also carried out while body temperatures were measured using mercurial thermometers. Ethical clearance and informed consents were appropriately obtained. Data was analysed using Epi info 6 statistical software. The incidence of malaria parasitaemia was found to be 308 (42.4%); Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium malariae accounted for 302 (98%) and 6 (2%) of the isolates respectively. Anaemia was detected in 221 (71.6%) of the subjects with malaria parasites (P< 0.001). The rate of use of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs) was 165 (22.7%) with a significantly lower rate of infection (22.2%) among them compared to other control methods (P< 0.001); there was a corresponding significantly higher rate of infection 253 (67.1%) among the uneducated compared to the educated (P< 0.001). Malaria is still a major health problem among pregnant women in Otukpo. Efforts should be intensified towards provision of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs) and provision of adequate facilities for formal and informal adult education.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Malaria, parasitaemia, insecticide treated bed nets, pregnant women, Nigeria.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

The socioeconomic patterning of perceived stress and hair cortisol in Dutch 10-12 year olds

Hans Bosma, Bart Golsteyn, Danielle Groffen, Trudie Schils, Tobias Stalder, Elena Syurina, Lex Borghansand Frans Feron

Abstract: The relation between low socioeconomic status and stress in 10 to 12 year olds was examined, using both subjective (self-reports) and objective (hair cortisol concentration) measures of stress. From 33 Dutch 10-12 year olds, data were collected (in April 2014) on the socioeconomic status of the parents (education of the father and mother, mean house value and mean income in the postal area of the child’s residence) and stress (reports of stress and self-efficacy and hair cortisol concentration in two segments of individual hair strands). Pearson (partial) correlation and linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations. Most correlations were in the expected direction. Adverse socioeconomic scores correlated with higher stress reports, lower self-efficacy, and higher cortisol levels. Due to the small sample, only two correlations were significant: low education of the mother and reports of both more stress and less self-efficacy in the child (Pearson correlation: 0.44 and–0.43, respectively (p-value = 0.01 for both correlations)). Although the sample was small, the findings clearly suggest a socioeconomic patterning of stress in Dutch 10 to 12 year olds. Adverse socioeconomic conditions, particularly related to the mother’s educational level, might predispose children to a heightened susceptibility to stress.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Children, hair cortisol, mother’s education, socio-economic background, stress.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Theory of Planned Behavior and how they predict Lebanese medical studentsâ€™ behavioral intention to advise patients to quit smoking

Full Length Research Paper

Abstract: Objectives of this study were to examine the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior and determine how they predict Lebanese medical students’ behavioral intention to advise patients to quit smoking. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 191 medical students from 6 medical schools in Lebanon. The instrument contained scales that measured attitudes toward the behavior, behavioral beliefs, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Psychometric properties of the scale were examined. Item to total scale score correlations were determined and linear regression conducted to predict the intention to advise smokers to quit. Respondents had a positive, but not very high, intention to deliver smoking cessation advice. Students reported a positive attitude toward advising patients to quit cigarette smoking and a strong belief in the physician’s obligations in smoking cessation advising. The majority reported lack of time to provide smoking cessation advice, insufficient knowledge of pharmacological aids, and the lack of openness of the patient to receive the advice. The attitude scale was the only variable that yielded a significant prediction of the intended behavior. The construct of attitude toward the behavior appeared to be the most predictive of intention to deliver advice to quit smoking among Lebanese medical students. Focusing training efforts on this construct could improve the rate of delivery of brief cessation counseling.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Medical students, lebanon, smoking cessation, theory of planned behavior, tobacco, physicians, beliefs.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Effect of meteorological variables on malaria incidence in Ogun State, Nigeria

Babajide Sadiq MPH, DrPH, Perry Brown MSPH, DrPH, Fred W. Huffer PhD,

Abstract: This study aimed to examine the impact of climatic variation on malaria in Ogun state, Nigeria. A 10-year time-series analysis from 2004 to 2013 was conducted to evaluate the relationship between climatic variables (i.e. rainfall, humidity, minimum and maximum temperature) and malaria cases in Ogun State, Nigeria. Cross-correlation analysis was performed to know the association between meteorological variable at lag 0 to 4 and the number of malaria cases. The ARIMAX model was then used to measure the relationship between them using the significant climatic variables. The results from this study indicated that for every one degree centigrade rise in maximum temperature, the number of malaria cases will decrease between 90.8 and 97.8 percent and a one degree rise in minimum temperature may be related to a decrease in the number of malaria cases between 93.4 and 99.4 percent and one degree rise in minimum temperature may be related to an increase in the number of malaria cases between 0.25 and 6.47 percent. In conclusion, temperature plays a significant role in malaria transmission in Ogun State, Nigeria. Keywords: Meteorological variables, malaria, Ogun State, ARIMAX, ARIMA, Time series analysis.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Meteorological variables, malaria, Ogun State, ARIMAX, ARIMA, Time series analysis.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Morbidity risk in an Italian cohort of HCV and HBV patients

Cristina Stasi*, Caterina Silvestri*, Stefano Bravi, Fabio Voller and Francesco Cipriani

Abstract: We aimed at evaluating the HBV and HCV epidemiology and the corresponding hospital admissions, as well as morbidity risk. We analysed one Hospital’s database, located in a city with a population of 57,891 foreign residents out of 378,376 as at 12.31.2012. We evaluated the HBV and HCV hospital admissions from 2000 until 2012 for liver cirrhosis using the International Classification of Diseases. 2,697 hepatitis cases were reported (1,237 HBsAg and 1,460 HCV RNA positive patients). HBV and HCV occurred more often in males (63% and 59%) than in females (37% and 41%). 1,270 (87%) in the HCV group and 492 (40%) in the HBV group had at least one hospital admission. HBV hospital admission was detected in 1% of people aged 15-30; 10% in those aged 31-45; 50% among those aged 46-60; 39% in people over 61; HCV hospital admission was detected in 1% of people aged 15-30; 6% among those aged 31-45; 48% among those aged 46-60; 45% among those over 61 . We found a high rate of hospital admissions for HBsAg and HCV RNA positive patients. This suggests that in the next future chronic hepatitis will have a high impact on health care costs. Keywords: HBV, HCV, epidemiology, hospital admissions, chronic hepatitis, International Classification of Disease. [...] Read More.

Keywords: HBV, HCV, epidemiology, hospital admissions, chronic hepatitis, International Classification of Disease.

2015, 4(1), 1-6;

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