MOSP - Macao Scientific Publishers

文章

Post-mortem of the 2007 Plague epidemic in Zambia

Mabvuto Kango

Abstract: Zambia’s Petauke district experienced a plague epidemic in 2007, where there were a total of 425 cases and two deaths. What could have contributed to such a large number of cases? Due to the changing rainfall (and other climatic conditions) patterns, outbreaks of diseases such as plague are likely to recur. Identification and sharing of some of the lessons learned can greatly contribute to reducing morbidity and preventing mortality in future. The article presents a Case study of the 2007 Plague Epidemic in Zambia that highlights what went right and what went wrong in responding to the epidemic.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Zambia, lessons learned, plague, rainfall patterns, outbreak.

Full text

Download：1928

文章

Various manifestations of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and its relationship with HIV-AIDS

Irappa Madabhavi, Swaroop Revannasiddaiah and Priyanka Das

Abstract: Tuberculosis is known from ancient times. Recently HIV and Tuberculosis emerged as an important treatable co-epidemic especially in developing countries. Extra-Pulmonary Tubercular involvement is one of the important manifestations of Tuberculosis especially in HIV co-infected patients. But the extra-pulmonary manifestations vary between patients of Tuberculosis with HIV and without HIV co infection. In HIV subgroup lymph node tuberculosis (58.1%) was commonest extra pulmonary presentation with cervical lymph nodes (35.5%) as commonest site. Neurological tuberculosis (32.3%) was second common followed by pleural effusion (29%). Abdominal tuberculosis (19%) was at fourth place with hepatomegaly and omental mass as commonest clinical finding. Ascites was not seen in any of the patient. None of patients with HIV co infection had skeletal and pericardial involvement. EPTB most commonly affects the younger economically productive section of the society. Co-infection with HIV is an important risk factor. The site of organ involvement in EPTB is different in HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected persons. There is higher frequency of disseminated disease among HIV – TB co-infected patients.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, HIV, extra pulmonary TB (EPTB) manifestations, co- infection, epidemics.

Full text

Download：2552

文章

Prevalence of pathogenic protozoa infection in humans and their associated risk factors in Benue State, Nigeria

Bernard Ortwer Atu, Ifeoma Nancy I. Obijiaku* and Sabo Ezemuel Yakubu

Abstract: Pathogenic intestinal protozoa have been associated with human gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. This study was designed to determine the prevalence & associated risk factors of Cryptosporidium parvum (CP), Entamoeba histolytica (EH) and Giardia lamblia (GL) infections in people living in the senatorial districts of Benue state (zones A, B and C). A cross-sectional study was designed in which 733 stool samples were collected from out-patients and apparently healthy individuals from homes. Ethical consent was sought and approved before sample collection. Samples were analyzed using the Rida® Quick immunochromatographic method. A structured questionnaire was administered to subjects to obtain information on their socio-demographic characteristics. The results showed a total prevalence rate of 47.8, 31.5 and 43.9% in zones A, B and C respectively. While source of drinking water was positively associated with protozoa infections in zones A and C, age, hand washing habit and source of food were statistically significant only in zone A (p < 0.05). In zone B, literacy level, household toilet facility and care of fruits significantly increased infection rates (p < 0.05). This study has identified specific risk factors responsible for pathogenic protozoa infections in humans in Benue state.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, risk factors, Benue State, Nigeria.

Full text

Download：4763

文章

Self-reported adherence to antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa: A meta-analysis

Full Length Research Paper

Abstract: As treatment of HIV infection with antiretroviral medications becomes a reality in sub-Saharan Africa, adherence to treatment regimen becomes a challenge. A meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the reported adherence rate in sub-Saharan Africa. Forest plot was used to visualize the extent of heterogeneity among studies. Following the random effect model, the combined adherence percent was 84.31% (95% CI = 79.48% - 88.60%). The Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis provided an alternative statistical method to evaluate pooled proportion and the analysis was similar to the random effect analysis. Identified barriers to adherence include: depression, centralized ART clinic, interruption in drug supply/procurement, stigma, absence of social support, cost of ART, complacency, forgetfulness and medication related problems. Cost of ART (OR = 2.19; 95% CI= 1.65 – 2.90), Complacency (OR = 5.25; 95% CI = 2.89 – 10.80), and medication related problems (OR = 1.68; 95%CI = 1.28 – 2.22) were the strongest barriers to adherence. This study showed a good level of adherence in sub-Saharan Africa. However, barriers to adherence identified in this study could be employed to improve adherence to a near perfect level.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Adherence, antiretroviral, Sub-Saharan Africa, HIV/AIDS, self-reported, meta-analysis.

Full text

Download：3126

文章

Frequency of the sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait in Heglig Area-Sudan

Full Length Research Paper

Abstract: Sickle cell disease is a genetic, hereditary and chronic disease that affects the health of its carriers and might impair their health-related quality of life. The aim of the current study was to determine the sickle cell trait frequency in Sudanese patient living in Heglig area in Western of Southern Kordofan state from November 2008 to February 2009. An analytical, descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted for one hundred participants who had confirmed patient diagnosed as (Hb S disease) homozygosis patient,2-5 mL of venous blood was collected for the measurements of complete blood count, sickling test and Hb electrophoresis. Demographic data and family history were collected in a pre designed questionnaire with written consent all participants. In this study the frequency of sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease were (52%) and (14%) respectively and 34% were normal. The sickling test showed that 71 % of the study population were negative sickling test, the remaining 29 % were positive. The total erythrocytes was significantly decreased in sickle cell disease (p< 0.000) compared with normal and sickle cell trait, also the hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume were significantly lower than that of normal individuals and sickle cell trait patients. The frequencies of sickle cell trait was higher among the participants and patients of sickle disease showed lower values of red blood cells parameters , but higher values of white blood cells and platelets compared to haemoglobin phenotype AA control participants.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Sickle cell disease, Frequencies, Haematological values, Heglig , Sudan.

Full text

Download：3814

文章

Epidemiology of sickle cell disorder: The urban scenario in Maharashtra, India

*A. U. Deore and S. B. Zade

Full text

Download：6205

文章

Disclosure of parental HIV status: Are parents telling their children and what are some factors influencing disclosure- A study from South India

Beena E Thomas, Chandra Suresh, Sujatha V, Vijayalakshmi R, Basilea Watson and Soumya Swaminathan

Abstract: In the era of accessible antiretroviral treatment where HIV becomes a chronic disease, disclosure of parental HIV status to children is fraught with challenges. This study seeks to understand if parents disclose their HIV status to their children, and gain insight into some factors that influence disclosure. This is a cross sectional descriptive study on 115 of 136 HIV positive patients attending the outpatient clinic of the National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) situated in Chennai, South India. Disclosure was reported by twenty eight respondents (24%) of the respondents with 11(39%) who reported that it was done by them, the rest being unplanned or done by health providers. The most significant variables which influenced disclosure were age of the parents, (Adjusted OR = 14.7 C.I (3.2, 68), p-value: 0.001), divorced /widowed (Adjusted OR = 4.8, C.I (1.1, 22.1), p-value: 0.041) and having children ≥15 years (Adjusted OR = 3.1, C.I :( 1.1, 15.6), p-value: 0.043). It was also found that disclosure was more likely when both parents were positive. (c2 =7.481,p[...] Read More.

Keywords: Disclosure, Parents, HIV Status, children, Challenges.

Full text

Download：2633

文章

Pattern of condom use and perceived risk of HIV infection among female sex workers in selected Brothels in Ogun State, Nigeria

Adeneye A.K., Adeneye A.A., Mafe M.A., Adeiga A.A.

Abstract: In view of the paucity of empirical data on condom use among female sex workers (FSWs) with their clients and regular/trusted sex partners in Nigeria, particularly Ogun State, this study was conducted to examine FSWs’ knowledge and perception about HIV/AIDS and find out their pattern of condom use with their clients and regular/trusted sex partners. One hundred and thirty-one FSWs were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria. Results showed pervasive consistent condom use (95.4%) with high (74.8%) incidence of condom breakage with clients, inconsistent condom use with regular/trusted partners (75.6%), drug/substance abuse as post-exposure prophylaxis, recent STI experiences, and low self-perceived risk of HIV infection among the FSWs studied. A few (1.5%) respondents who were not using condoms with their clients at all were also not using with their regular/trusted sex partners. Results showed the need for urgent educational interventions on proper condom use particularly targeting FSWs who use no condom or often experience condom breakage with clients and deemed it less imperative to use condom with their regular/trusted sex partners. The programmatic response should emphasise the dangers of substance abuse, their vulnerability to STIs and HIV and becoming vessels of spreading such infections. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, perceived risk, condom use, female sex workers, Nigeria.[...] Read More.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, perceived risk, condom use, female sex workers, Nigeria.

Full text

Download：3028

文章

Cardiovascular risk among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University

*Johnson O.E, Adedoyin R.A, Awotidebe T.O, Mbada C.E, Otolorin O.A and Owoseni I

Abstract: This study assessed the cardiovascular (CV) risk profile of undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Seven hundred and ninety five copies of Framingham Heart study questionnaire were used to obtain information on CV risk factors; including smoking habit, sedentary lifestyle, diet, personality trait, age and gender. Participant’s blood pressure was obtained in sitting observing standard precautions. Weights and heights were obtained and body mass indices (BMI) and CV risk levels calculated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics at 0.05 α-level. The mean age, weight, height and BMI of participants were 27.65±6.49years, 62.10±11.78kg, 1.65±0.86m, 22.91±4.29kg/m2 respectively. Participants were mostly in the low and moderate risk categories with only 15 (1.9%) of the 795 participants in high level of CV risk. Participants in high CV risk level were mostly in year 4. There was significant difference in age, weight and BMI of participants in the different faculties studied (p0.05). The study concluded that the majority of participants were mostly at low CV risk level. An awareness of CV disease is therefore strongly warranted so as to maintain such low levels of CV risk. Keywords: Young adults, cardiovascular risk, CVD, Nigerian University, Framingham questionnaire, BMI.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Young adults, cardiovascular risk, CVD, Nigerian University, Framingham questionnaire, BMI.

Full text

Download：5102

文章

Malnutrition among rural Indian children: An assessment using web of indices

Fahmina Anwar, Manoj Kumar Gupta, C.Prabha and R.K.Srivastava

Abstract: Childhood malnutrition is an enduring problem in developing countries. Cases with mild-to-moderate malnutrition are likely to remain unrecognized because conventional measures of under nutrition may be missing out a considerable proportion of undernourished children present in the population. With this background, a community based study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of under nutrition among children by using various available indicators. It is a community based on cross sectional study carried out in the rural area of Varanasi, India. A total of 483 children aged 0-36 months were examined that were selected by adopting appropriate sampling methodology. They were subjected to anthropometry (weight, height and Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)) measurements following standard technique.BMI and other parameters were also assessed, the data thus obtained was analysed using SPSSv16.0. Prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting were 43.1%, 35.2% and 31.5%, respectively. The Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) shows 62.5% of children suffering from anthropometric failure. As much as 88 (42.9%) children were suffering from malnutrition according to MUAC criteria (< 13.5 cm). Nearly two thirds of the children were in the zone of anthropometric failure. There is a need and scope to construct an alternative indicator to provide a single, aggregated figure of the number of undernourished children in a population.[...] Read More.

Keywords:

Full text

Download：7972

Search Filter