Showing papers in "Public Health Research in 2012"

Elderly Well-being in a Rural Community in North Central Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract: Globally, the population of elderly is increasing and their well-being is becoming a public health concern In Nigeria, poverty is widespread and elderly persons are at higher risk Unfortunately, Nigerian Government does not provide social security to elderly and the supports from the family are fading out Therefore, the well-being of elderly is compromised This study was designed to determine the prevalence and identify predictors of elderly well-being in a rural community in Nigeria The study was cross-sectional in design and adopted multi-stage sampling procedures to select 1217 elderly aged 65+ Well-being was captured using scores from four domains; social, psychological, physical and environmental Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and logistic regression models Mean age of the elderly was 723±84years and 652% were females About 491% of the respondents have poor well-being Poor well-being increases with age, but reduces as level of education increases The identified predictors of poor well-being were; age (β=0208;SE=0056), children ever born (β=0672;SE=0079), children alive (β=-0596;SE=0275), marital status (β=0260;SE=0112), financial support from children (β=0208;SE=0056), children visit by gender (CV) (β=-0545;SE=0095), children living with elderly (β=-0508;SE=0169) and having enough money to meet daily needs (HDHN) (-1357;SE=0179) Elderly who; do not receive any financial assistance from their children (FAC) (OR=24;CI=17-32) and those who were separated (OR=62;CI=13-300) were more likely to experience poor well-being than those who receive and those who never married respectively The likelihood of poor well-being was lower among elderly who HDHN (OR=02;CI=01-03) and those who don’t have any of their children living with them (OR=07;CI=05-09) Multiple logistic regression models were generated at 8th iterations High proportion of the elderly in the community has poor well-being While developing policies aim at improving elderly well-being in Nigeria, government should include; age, marital status, FAC, CV, children living with elderly and HDHN as part of their key variables

Breast Cancer and Mammography: Current Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Female Health Workers in a Tertiary Health Institution in Northern Nigeria

Abstract: Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer related deaths among women world wide, accounting for 31% of cancers among wo men and 19% of deaths among wo men are due to cancer. Early detection of breast cancer and early presentation for management has been shown to reduce mortality rates. This descriptive cross-sectional study involving 100 female health workers made up of 30 doctors and 70 nurses was carried out at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching hospital, So koto .The study is aimed at assessing the knowledge of female health workers about breast cancer and their attitude and practice o f mammography. A total of 67% of the study subjects had adequate knowledge of breast cancer and its risk factors with 80% of the female doctors having better knowledge co mpared to the nurses. Majority, (84%) of the respondents were aware of mammog raphy as a way of detecting early cancer o f the breast and only 9% of them had undergone the procedure in the last one year. The commonest reason for not undergoing the procedure was that they were not aware of the procedure being carried out in the study centre. The low mammographic screening rate recorded in the study portrays a bad omen for the fight against cancer of the breast and this reinforces the need for educational intervention to increase the awareness and uptake of mammog raphic screening among the study population.

Breeding Sites of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) during the Rainy Season in Rural Lowland Rainforest, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: Breeding sites of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) were investigated during a World Bank Assisted Project on Integrated Vector Management (IVM ) for malaria control at 5 v illages (Ipo, Ozuaha, Oman wa, Omademe, Ub ima) in the Ikwerre Local Govern ment Area (LGA ). The study was in the rainy season, June-September, 2009, in ru ral lowland rain- forest, Rivers State, Nigeria. Samp ling was undertaken daily in a randomly selected (100 m x 100 m) grid in each village. Nu mber of Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say) immatures was appro ximately 6-fold that of An. gambiae s.l. Nearly 80% of Cx. quinquefasciatus immatures were fro m container-type breeding sites (metal, p lastic containers, "calabashes", tyres) and least fro m phytotelmata. The differences were significant (FCal=35695636; FTab=39.86; d f 1, 1; p 0.01). In the phytotelmata breeding site-types, about 67% of Cx. quinquefasciatus immatures were fro m depressions on trees; the difference in total numbers among site-types was significant (FCal=2.47x10 8 ; FTab=39.86; df 1,1; p<0.01). The container-type breeding sites yielded approximately 90% of immatures at Omanwa, but decreased to 60% at Omademe. In contrast, nearly 70% of immatures were fro m pools at Ozuaha and 80% fro m phytotelmata at Ub ima. These variat ions were significant (FCal=4305.94; F Tab=39.86; df 1,1; p<0.01). The results indicate that Cx. quinquefasciatus had invaded rural areas and their breed ing sites ubiquitous and variable among villages, highlighting the needs for studies locally, prior to larviciding.

A Comparative Analysis of Condom Use Among Unmarried Youths in Rural Community in Nigeria

Abstract: Globally, youths are more sexually active than any subgroup of the population. In Nigeria, the prevalence of condom use among youths is low. This study explored and compared condom use among in-school youths and out-of-school youths in south western Nigeria. This population based study used multistage random sampling technique to select eligible 600 youths aged 15-24 years which included 300 high school students and 300 out-of-school youths in Ekiti West Local Government area of Ekiti state, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics, t-test, chi square test and logistic regression were used for analysis. The mean age of in-school youths and out of school youths were 18.1±2.2 years and 19.0±2.7 years respectively. Overall, 35.5% of all sexually active respondents, 29.8% in-school and 40.8% out-of-school youths reported to have ever used condom during sexual intercourse (p<0.05). Regular condom use was recorded among 10.7% in-school youths or their partners and 20.6% among the out-of-school youths. Out-of-school youths are about one and half times more likely to use condom than in-school youths, (p<0.05). The study concluded that although, condom use is low across the study population, but higher among out-of-school youths. Youths aged 15-24 should be given free access to condom particularly the in-school youths.

Temperature Modifies the Effects of Particulate Matter on Non-Accidental Mortality: A Comparative Study of Beijing, China and Brisbane, Australia

Abstract: The interactive effect between temperature and ambient particulate matter on mortality has attracted attention world-wide, but the results of studies investigating this interaction have been inconsistent. This comparative study aims to further clarify this important public health issue. The present study used two separate time-series analyses to explore whether the mean temperature modified the impact of ambient particulate matter of less than 10 µm in diameter (PM10) on daily non-accidental mortality in Beijing, China (2005-2009) and Brisbane, Australia (2004-2007). A bivariate response model and a stratification parametric model were used. The results show statistically significant interactive effects between PM10 and temperature on non-accidental mortality at various time lags. PM10 had a greater adverse effect on non-accidental mortality from cardiovascular disease on high temperature days. The interactive term coefficients per interquartile range increase in PM10 concentration and in high temperature levels were 1.95% (0.08%, 3.83%) in Brisbane, Australia on the current day and 0.25% (0.05%, 0.45%) in Beijing, China 2 days before the current day. The implications of this result indicate that it is important to reduce the emission of air particles on high temperature days in both cities, especially in Brisbane, Australia.

The Relationship between Bacteriological Quality of Dug-Wells & Pit Latrine Siting in an Unplanned Peri-Urban Settlement: A Case Study of Langas – Eldoret Municipality, Western Kenya

Abstract: This study was carried out in Langas, an unplanned peri-urban settlement in Eldoret municipality in western Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine the bacteriological quality of dug-wells vis -a-vis pit lat rine siting. Water samples were collected fro m each dug-well and the distance between each dug-well to the nearest pit latrine was measured. The MPN technique was used to determine nu mber o f faecal colifo rms. The mean d istance between dug-wells and pit latrines was 19.664m. 34% of samples had total coliform counts ranging fro m 0-99TC/100ml and 14% had over 1100TC/ 100ml. 82% of dug-wells had faecal colifo rms ranging fro m 0-99FC/100ml wh ile only 2% had 1100FC/ 100ml. A significant but weak indirect (negative) association between pit latrine distance and level of faecal contamination was detected using the chi square test. That is, as distance between pit latrine and dug-well increases, the Faecal Coliform count decreases. This could be interpreted as decreasing distance increases the chances/risk for dug-well contamination to occur. Using the Linear Regression model, the minimu m d istance for dug-well contamination not to occur through latrine seepage was found to be not less than 38m.

Community Attitudes Towards People with Down's Syndrome: A Sample From Iraq

Abstract: Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most common congenital d isorders associated with intellectual d isability and social stigma. Co mmunity attitudes and knowledge of this condition are important for inclusion of people with DS into the community and improving their quality of lives. Results from surveys from the world showed that people still hold negative attitudes towards inclusion of people with DS. Studies in the Arab world are sparse and there are no data exp loring these attitudes in Iraq in the absence of formal awareness programs; hence, this study was done to report and analyse the Iraqi co mmun ity attitudes towards people with Down syndrome. A survey questionnaire of the attitudes from a samp le fro m the co mmunity was done. Results showed that Iraqis still hold negative thoughts towards inclusion of people with DS, however they are less negative than their counterparts in Europe and United States. Female gender was the most common factor associated with positive attitudes. The results of this study underscore the importance for organized campaigns and programs to increase awareness towards DS and inclusion in the co mmunity. Further research is required to exp lore the factors underlying these attitudes.

Quantitative Analysis of Nutrition and Health Messages in Indian Print Media

Abstract: Mass media should be considered as a tool that may influence behaviour of the community. How far mass media, particularly the print media in India is catering the needs of the readers with health and nutrition information? Is the quantity of the health and nutrition information is same or varies between English and regional newspapers? To answer these ques- tions, a quantitative analysis was conducted on English (The Hindu) and Telugu (Eenadu) newspapers pertaining to nutrition and health messages during the month of February, 2010. The percentage of space occupied by health topics in both the newspapers put together was 2.30%. For nutrition topics even less than 1% space was provided. Indian print media's con- tribution in dissemination of health and nutrition information is meager. Quantity of health and nutrition information catered by regional language daily is less than the English newspaper. Regional language newspaper readers are mostly consist of economically backward and prone to undernutrition. This segment was not supplied with adequate amount of information on nutrition. Regularity to be followed in publishing health and nutrition news in regional newspapers.

Time Course of Apparent Temperature Effects on Cardiovascular Mortality: A Comparative Study of Beijing, China and Brisbane, Australia

Abstract: This comparative study aimed to clarify the different characteristics of time course of apparent temperature and their effect on cardiovascular mortality in Beijing, China, and Brisbane, Australia. The present study used polynomial dis- tributed lag models to explore the lagged effects of apparent temperature on daily cardiovascular mortality up to 27 days in Beijing, China (2005-2009), and Brisbane, Australia (2004-2007). The results show a longer lagged effect on cold days and a shorter lagged effect on hot days. The cut-off points in Beijing and Brisbane were 22℃ and 27℃, respectively. In Beijing, a statistically significant association was observed for lags of 0-3 days and lags of 3-18 days on hot and cold days, respectively. In Brisbane, a significant association was found for lags of 3-4 days and lags of 10-21 days on hot and cold days, respectively. The lagged effects extended longer for cold apparent temperature but were immediate for hot apparent temperature. Though the cut-off point in Brisbane was higher than in Beijing, the population in Beijing was more resistant to high temperature above the cut-off point than the population in Brisbane.

Diabetes Management in Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted to describe how diabetes was being managed in health facilities in Jimma zone, Southwest Ethiopia. We analysed data fro m 174 people with d iabetes collected as part of a previous study on the quality of Chronic Non-Co mmunicable Diseases that had presented findings as aggregated scores. At the time of diagnosis, Fasting Plasma Glucose test was conducted for 85.6% of the cases. During fo llow-up, none of the patients received HbA1c test and only 31% of them had at least a bimonthly Fasting Blood Sugar test. Urinalysis, dilated eye examination, and feet examination were only rarely conducted during follow up visits. About one-third of the cases (32.2%) had at least one dosage change in their treatment reg imen during the one year review period. On most recent assessment, desired level of glycemic control was achieved only for 32.8% of study subjects. Despite a relat ively better access to health facilit ies, a huge gap exists in the provision of recommended components of diabetes care and the level of achievement of glycemic control among people with diabetes in Ethiopia. There is an urgent need to improve the quality of diabetes services to ensure achievement of maximu m health benefits to patients.

Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Prevention in Russian Federation (RF)

Abstract: In the Soviet Union, there was one of the most developed medical systems all over the world with the main accent to preventive medicine The main component of chronic disease prevention was named "dispanserization" It includes nurses, doctor's control, clinic and laboratory methods of investigation one time a year and dynamic control during the year (if it was needed) Perestroika resulted in breakup of the medicine In 2006, the Ministry of Public Health decided to recon- struct the system of prevention medicine, but it does not work For example, in Russia, the average duration of life is the lowest in Europe, it does not rank in first hundred of the most development countries anymore; it is on average 12-15 years lower than in Scandinavia RF is the country with most smokers from all over the world In 2006, the Ministry of Public Health decided to reconstruct the system of dispanserization Some of methods of health observation are not supported by evidence-based-medicine In 2009, the Ministry of Public Health organized the "center for health" But also this system does not work

General Practitioners Knowledge of Breastfeeding Management: a Review of the Literature

Abstract: Breastmilk and breastfeeding are known to have significant advantages and benefits over the use of artificial formula for infants and young children(1-4). These benefits are reflected in the increased costs related to preventable illnesses as well as the actual costs of artificial formulas(5). Both the World Health Organization(3) and the National Health and Medical Research Council(1) Guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life, with the gradual introduction of appropriate, complementary foods and continuing to breastfeed for two or more years. Pregnant and breastfeeding women seek support from a variety of sources, and in particular, health professionals. The medical practitioner or general practitioner (GP) is commonly the first health professional women encounter during pregnancy. The GP will continue to provide care for mother and then mother and baby after discharge from hospital. This literature review seeks to determine what is known about medical practitioners' attitudes to and levels of knowledge about, breastfeeding and human lactation. The review also considers how they initially learn and then maintain their knowledge once in general practice.

Behavior Changesin Older PersonsCaused byUsing Wood Products in Assisted Living

Abstract: The purpose of this studywas to clarify the effects of using wood products in older persons' environment by means of an intervention study. The participants were 44 older persons in a single assisted-living facility. Evaluators ob- served the participants' behavior at 5 points: (1) not using any products (baseline), (2) using plastic tables and chairs, (3) using wood tables and chairs, (4) using wood tableware, (5) continually using wood products for 5 weeks. Health care pro- fessionals evaluated the older persons' health status and activities of daily liv ing through regular observation.The results indicated that regular use of wood products significantly increased the social interactionand activity levels of the elder. Thus, use of wood products may enhance the possibility of preventing mental and physical decline in the frail elderly.

Analysing of Medical Schemes Complaints by Means of Parametric Proportional Hazard Frailty Models

Abstract: The objective of the current study was to assess factors that affect the response time to complaints by members of medical schemes. In order to assess these factors, survival analysis techniques were employed, in particular the frailty models. Parametric proportional hazards frailty models controlled for factors such medical scheme type, nature of complaint and analyst effect. The model revealed that scheme type (p<0.0001), nature of complaint (p<0.0001) and the analyst effect (p=0.0004) were significant factors in response time to complaints. The study also revealed that parametric proportional hazards frailty models provide a viable ways to study relationships of factors that affect resolution or response time. Fur- thermore, this research work emphasizes the importance of studying the root cause or nature of complaints as it relates to resolution time and understanding business processes that cause complaints. Lastly, results obtained in this work highlight the need for better understanding of the relations between the complaints handling staff characteristics and response time to complaints, as the latter is critical in deploying appropriate resources to effectively improve on response time.

Awareness of Viral Hepatitis B and C Infection among First Year Medical Sciences Students in Jazan University

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge level of v iral hepatitis B and C among the first year male and female students of medical sciences, at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia during the period from September, 18 to October, 25 of 2010. Data was analyzed by SPSS. 17. by the Pearson's coefficient Ch i-Square test and p value < 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 824 students participated with 612 (74.3%) males and 216 (25.7%) females. It was found that more than half of the students (64.4%) had basic awareness about hepatitis B and C infection as well as about symptoms. The knowledge of mode of transmission among our students was a moderate number (57.1%). The mean of the percentage of positive beliefs and attitudes which obtained fro m our responders was only (40.4%). The students had moderate awareness regarding treatments and vaccinations as prevention and control of infection with Hepatitis B and C (58.9%). The mean knowledge of females and males was comparable, whoever; females depicted higher base knowledge regarding mode of transmission, treatment and vaccination awareness.

Value of Serum Glycated Albumin in Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major vascular complication of diabetes mellitus and reveals high mortality. Up to 30 % of diabetic patients with myocardial ischemia remain asymptomatic and are associated with worse prognosis compared to non-diabetic counterpart, which warrants routine screening for CAD in diabetic population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of serum glycated albumin level in predicting the presence of CAD in patients with type 2 diabetes. Ninety patients with type 2 diabetes were divided into four groups having the coronary artery disease with lumen diameter narrowing 70 %. Serum levels of glycated albumin was determined using ELISA as well as serum concentrations of glucose, lipids, were taken in questionnaire in all groups. Serum glycated albumin levels were significantly increased in diabetic patients with CAD.

Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices on Antiretroviral Therapy in Farming Communities in Ghana: A Study of HIV Positive Women

Abstract: Low levels of knowledge of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and Prevention of Mother-To-Child-Trans mission (MTCT) among persons living with HIV present an unwanted window for transmission within the general population. The purpose of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of HIV positive wo men on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and Prevention of Mother-To-Ch ild-Transmission (MTCT). The study surveyed 211 HIV positive wo men fro m A RT centres in two districts in Ashanti region of Ghana. Data was collected through interviews using structured questionnaires and focus group discussion using interview guides. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that about 15% of the wo men exh ibited no knowledge about the possibility of transmission of HIV fro m mother to child whilst 36% had no knowledge on the mode of MTCT of HIV. Those who had knowledge of MTCT indicated that this could be intrauterine (88%), delivery (69%) and through breastfeeding (82 %).Mothers with inco mprehensive knowledge on ART were 2.5 t imes more likely to defau lt A RT (OR=2.5, p=0.002). Co mprehensive knowledge was positively influenced by high education level (OR=1.9; p =0.003). Social marketing campaigns should be developed and targeted at improving wo men literacy on their health issues and getting more wo men to test for HIV in order to incorporate them into PMTCT programmes. Further research however needs to be conducted to ascertain the facility and community based factors that influence the women's knowledge on ART and PMTCT.

Fluoride Content in Bottled Water in Fiji

Abstract: Object ives: The aims o f this study was to evaluate the fluoride content of bottled drinking water co mmercially available in Fiji in March 2006; and to report on the labelling of fluoride concentrations. Methods and Materials: Co mmercially available bottled water in Fiji, in March 2006 was purchased fro m supermarkets. Three bottles of 11 brands were purchased. Ten millilitres of each water sample was mixed with 2 millilit res of spands reagent; these were then tested for fluoride concentrations using photo spectrometry at wavelength of 580 nano metres. The fluoride concentrations listed on the sample labels were also noted and compared with the results obtained fro m the spectrometry test. Results: The mean (±standard deviation) of fluoride was 0.09 (±0.05) pp m. None of the brands tested labelled the fluoride concentration in the bottled water. The range of fluoride concentration was between 0.02 to 0.34 pp m. There was also a vast variation of fluoride concentrations within the same brand of product. Conclusions: Co mmercially available bottled drin king waters in Fiji contain a wide range of concentrations of fluoride and none of the manufacturers labelled the content of fluoride on the bottle. It was also noted that none of the brands contained optimal levels of fluoride.

Challenges in Managing Diffusion of Telemedicine Technology in South Africa

Abstract: . Technological progresses in the information, communication and telecommunication (ICT) industries and innovations telemedia industry have made telemedicine an increasingly viable health care delivery choice for emerging economies like South Africa. Simply stated telemedicine is the use of ICT technologies in conjunction with telemedia systems to provide health care services when distance separates the health professionals and patients. The study examines the constraints of utilisation of telemedicine in the broader health care delivery value chain. This paper discusses the challenges of managing diffusion of telemedicine technology in the rural areas of South Africa. Specific telemedicine project installations are discussed and recommendations provided to guide policy makers and health planners in South Africa.

Effects of Core-stability Training on Balance and Postural Control in the Stroke Patients

Abstract: Objectives: To investigate the effect of core-stability training to improve balance and postural control ability for stroke patients. Methods: Subjects were 20 Stroke patients attending to a rehabilitation hospital in Gyeonggi-do. They were divided into the two groups; 10 interventional (case) and 10 control, and treated for 30 minutes a session, 5 times a week for 8 weeks period. The case group were treated with core-stability training and control group with the traditional training, and they were evaluated balance and postural control ability. BBS (Berg balance scale) and PASS (postural assessment scale for stroke) were used to assess balance and postural control ability, respectively. Results: In case group both the score of BBS and PASS showed significant differences between at pre and post treatment(p<0.01). Instead, in control group only BBS showed difference(p<0.05). That means, more improvement showed in case than control group. Conclusion: This core-stability training considered to be effective to improve postural balance and integration ability for stroke patients.

Genetic Susceptibility and Risk Factors Associated with Familial Lung Cancer

Abstract: Familial lung cancer is the lung cancer that recurs in families due to some genetic predisposition. Although environmental factors play the main role in causing lung cancer but genetic susceptibility to lung cancer has also been con- firmed. The work on familial lung cancer started 46 years before and is still going on. Various case control and cohort studies of the relationship between family history and risk of lung cancer have provided some evidence of familial aggregation of lung cancer. Genetic modeling studies have also suggested that familial aggregation of lung cancer may be due to inheritance of only a few genetic factors and established evidence for inheritance of a rare major autosomal gene that acts in conjunction with cigarette smoking to produce an earlier age at onset of the cancer. A major susceptibility locus influencing lung cancer risk has been localized to 6q23-25 by genome wide linkage analysis. This locus was further refined to identify a single candidate gene and it was concluded that RGS17 is a major candidate for the familial lung cancer susceptibility locus on chromosome 6q23-25. Some linkage has been found between familial lung cancer and some loci on chromosome 12 and 15. Susceptibility to lung cancer is also affected by polymorphism shown by some DNA repair genes and in genes coding for enzymes that metabolize tobacco carcinogens. Accepting and understanding risk associated with family history of lung cancer is essential in the clinical setting. The lung cancer community would benefit from a risk prediction model based on age, race, sex, family history, smoking history, and pulmonary function. Family history should be tested as another marker of "high risk" for lung cancer in spiral CT screening studies and chemoprevention trials.