Abstract:

Down syndrome (DS) is defined as trisomy chromosome 21, which is observed to be the most prevalent autosomal genetic anomaly. Salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) plays an important role in defence mechanism against the microbial pathogens that can invade the surface of mucosa. In children with DS, raised sIgA levels cause an increase in immune mechanism against dental caries. The evidence about the salivary IgA levels in children suffering from Down syndrome is contradictory and limited in the literature. Thus, there is a terrible requirement to conduct more longitudinal prospective studies on saliva of DS patients taking large sample sizes to assess the molecular interactions. The present review is aimed to evaluate the association of Dental caries and salivary immunoglobulin A in Down syndrome individuals. The sources were searched from a database of PubMed from 2004 to 2023 (last 19 years). The inclusion criteria included key words of microdontia, delayed eruption, dental anomalies, retained teeth, anodontia, fissured lip and tongue, macroglossia, hypodontia in Down syndrome. The 22 articles that met the selection criteria (most of them were review article and some observational studies) were included to this review, of which some of the studies have been conducted to assess the role of sIgA in relation to dental caries and observed that increased sIgA levels decrease the rate of incidence of dental caries. The present review revealed that patients suffering with Down syndrome are at an increased risk of dental caries because of impaired motor activities, malocclusion and affected quality of life.

References:

[1] Martins, M., Mascarenhas, P., Evangelista, J. G., Barahona, I., Tavares, V., The Incidence of Dental Caries in Children with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Dent J. 2022;10(11):205.

[2] Hamid, H., Adanir, N., Asiri, F. Y. I., Abid, K., Zafar, M. S., Khurshid, Z., Salivary IgA as a useful biomarker for dental caries in down's syndrome patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Eur J Dent., 2020, 14(4), 665-71.

[3] Human Genomics in Global Health. Genes and human diseases Available at: https://www.who.int/genomics/public/geneticdiseases/en/index1.html. Accessed October 12, 2023

[4] Descamps, I., Fernandez, C., Van Cleynenbreugel, D., Van Hoecke, Y., Marks, L., Dental care in children with down syndrome: A questionnaire for belgian dentists, Med Oral Patol.Oral Cirugía Bucal, 2019, 24(3), e385-e391.

[5] Araújo, D. L., Brito, M. V. D. S., Felipe, L. C. S., Pacientes com síndrome de Down na odontologia: Revisão de literature, Facit Bus Technol J., 2022, 36(2), 145.

[6] Meyer, F., Enax, J., Early childhood caries: epidemiology, aetiology, and prevention, Int J Dent., 2018, 2018, 1415873.

[7] Pereira, C. M., Santos, N. S., Carlos, L. A., Neto, O. A. T., Andrade, L. A., Avaliação de doença periodontal e cárie em pacientes com síndrome Down: Incidência, características e conduta preventive, Espec Med Saúde, 2022, 22(7), 136-46.

[8] Silva, M. C. P. M. D., Lyra, M. C. A., Almeida, H. C. R., Alencar Filho, A. V., Heimer, M. V., Rosenblatt, A., Caries experience in children and adolescents with Down Syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Arch Oral Biol. 2020, 115, 104715.

[9] Deps, T. D., Angelo, G. L., Martins, C. C., Paiva, S. M., Pordeus, I. A., Borges-Oliveira, A. C., Association between Dental Caries and Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, PLoS ONE, 2015, 10, e0127484.

[10] Hashizume, L. N., Schwertner, C., Moreira, M. J. S., Coitinho, A. S., Faccini, L. S., Salivary secretory IgA concentration and dental caries in children with Down syndrome, Spec Care Dentist., 2017, 37(03), 115-19.

[11] Shazam, H., Shaikh, F., Hussain, Z., Majeed, M. M., Khan, S., Khurshid, Z., Evaluation of osteocalcin levels in saliva of periodontitis patients and their correlation with the disease severity: a cross-sectional study. Eur J Dent., 2020, 14(03), 352-9.

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[14] Alzughaibi, O. S., Filimban, L. A., Arafa, A. A., Assessment of Salivary -amylase, pH and flow-rate effects on dental caries experience of down’saImmunoglobulin A, syndrome children in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Int J Health Sci Res., 2017, 7(3), 143-9.

[15] Nogueira, R. D., Alves, A. C., Napimoga, M. H., Smith, D. J., Mattos-Graner, R. O., Characterization of salivary immunoglobulin A responses in children heavily exposed to the oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans: influence of specific antigen recognition in infection, Infect Immun., 2005, 73(09), 5675-84.

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[19] Hashizume, L. N., Moreira, M. J. S., Hilgert, J. B., Dental caries in children with Down syndrome and associated factors, RGO, Rev Gaúch Odontol., 2021, 69, e20210044, http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1981-863720200004420200072.

[20] Rosdiana, R., Rizal, M. F., The relation between salivary sIgA level and caries incidence in Down syndrome children, Dent J 2012, 45(2), 79-83

[21] Radhi, N. J., El-Samarrai, S. K., Alkhafaji, J. T., Dental caries in relation to salivary parameters and immunoglobulins among Down's syndrome children in comparison to normal children, J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2009, 21(4), 118-24.

[22] Abou El-Yazeed, M., Taha, S., El shehaby, F., Salem, G., Relationship between salivary composition and dental caries among a group of Egyptian down syndrome children, Aus J Basic Applied Sci, 2009, 3(2), 720-30.

Abstract:

This paper assesses Health Workers' perception of precautionary measures, knowledge and practices in selected Secondary hospitals and Isolation centres for COVID-19 preventive measures in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted a mixed-method research design. A sample of 302 respondents was obtained from Isolation Centres and Selected Secondary Health Facilities in Lagos State. The researcher used purposive and simple random sampling techniques to obtain data from the health workers. Through the administration of questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews, data for the study was obtained. The study found that about 201 (69.4%) of 290 respondents agreed that the information provided by the National Centre for Disease Control was adequate for the prevention of the COVID-19 Virus. guidelines: also revealed that all the Isolation centres studied had well-trained medical personnel and IPC guidelines on standard precautions, hand hygiene, and waste management guidelines; similarly, all facilities studied had guidelines for transmission–based precautions contained therein. The study therefore recommended amongst others that There should be adequate and efficient collaborations among all stakeholders in the fight against COVID-19 disease.

References:

Abstract:

The aim of this article was to describe the nutritional knowledge of women in charge of household food and household food consumption. A two-stage cross-sectional cluster sample of women (n=780) was carried out in the Uvira territory, examining knowledge of current dietary recommendations, nutrient sources, healthy food choices and diet diseases relationship. Weekly consumption frequency of seven food groups was assessed. The association between food consumption score and independent variables were tested with a 95% confidence interval. The overall nutrition knowledge score was low (45.1%); of its components, the least known was the use of food information to make dietary choices (49.1%); but women appeared to be familiar with current dietary recommendations (60.8%), the relationship between diet and disease (59.9%) and nutrient sources (56.3%). Significant differences were noticed between nutritional knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics such as city living (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.74-3.37) and female education (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.14-2.21). Fat and oil; roots and tubers and flesh-based foods were the most frequently consumed food groups. The food consumption score was, however, good, and was associated with nutrition knowledge (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.34-3.26); area of residence (AOR = 9.4, 95% CI: 5.80-15.30); knowledge of daily food choices (AOR = 1.7, 95 CI: 1. In this study, households had poor nutritional knowledge and adequate food consumption scores were associated with demographic variables. Nutritional education programs are required to raise awareness.

References:

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[17] VAM, 2008, Food consumption analysis-Calculation and use of the food consumption score in food security analysis. WPF-FAO, Rome.

[18] Swindale, A., Bilinsky, P., 2006, Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) for Measurement of Household Food Access: Indicator Guide (v.2). Washington, D.C.: FHI 360/FANTA.

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[37] Yannakoulia, M., Panagiotakos, D., Pitsavos, C., Skoumas, Y., Stafanadis, C., 2008, Eating patterns may mediate the association between marital status, body mass index, and blood cholesterol levels in apparently healthy men and women from the ATTICA study, Social Science and Medicine, 66(11), 2230–223

Abstract:

Background: Optimal breastfeeding practices have been undermined by unregulated marketing of breastmilk substitutes worldwide, resulting in about 820, 000 preventable deaths per year among children under five years globally. The International Code (thereafter called the Code) of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes was developed by the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Emergency Fund and stakeholders to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Member states are expected to domesticate the Code. Zambia enacted Statutory Instrument No. 48 of 2006, Regulations on marketing of breastmilk substitutes. Successful implementation calls for a good level of knowledge among health workers. However, we found no study, in Zambia on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes Regulations. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of health workers on Zambia’s Regulations on marketing breastmilk substitutes. Study design and methods: A mixed-method cross-sectional study. Data was collected online and in person. Probability proportional to size calculation yielded an estimated sample size of 384. A sample size of 410 after adjusting upwards assumed non-response rate, 401 participants responded. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Social Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Knowledge results were described by frequencies and percentages. Tests were conducted using univariable linear and multivariable regression analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data analysis. Results: The mean overall level of good knowledge of health workers was 0.339 or 34% [SE: 0.0221; 95%CI: (0.2959, 0.3828)]. Conclusion: The level of knowledge among health workers in hospitals of Southern Province, Zambia was poor.

References:

[1] Piwoz and Huffman, 2015, The Impact of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes on WHO-Recommended Breastfeeding Practices. Food Nutr. Bull. 36, 373–386. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0379572115602174.

[2] Hernandez-Cordero, S., Lozada‐Tequeanes, A. L., Shamah-Levy, T., Lutter, C., González de Cosio, T., Saturno-Hernández, P., dommarco, J. R., Grummewr-Strawn, L., 2018, Violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes in Mexico. Matern. Child Nutr., 15(1), Article e12682 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7199041/pdf/MCN-15-e12682.pdf.

[3] WHO and UNICEF, 2022, How the Marketing of Formula Milk influences our decisions on Infant Feeding. https://www.unicef.org/media/115916/file/Multicountry%20study%20examining%20the%20impact%20of%20BMS%20marketing%20on%20inf ant%20feeding%20decisions%20and%20practices,%20UNICEF,%20WHO%202022.pdf.

[4] Victoria, C.G., Bahl, R., Barros, A.J.D., França, G.V.A., Horton, S., 2016, Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet. 387(10017):475–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(1 5)01024-7.

[5] WHO, 1981, International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes. https://breastfeedingcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TheCode-En.pdf.

[6] WHO, 2020, The International Code of Marketing of breast-milk substitutes-Frequently asked questions https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240005990.

[7] Brady, J.P., 2012, Marketing breast milk substitutes: problems and perils throughout the world. Arch Dis Child (97): 529–532. https://adc.bmj.com/content/archdischild/97/6/529.full.pdf.

[8] Becker, G., Paul, Z., Constance, C., Jennifer, C., Allison, B., Eva, P., Janice. D. and Roger, M., 2021, Global evidence of persistent violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes: A systematic scoping review. Matern Child Nutr. 18(S3): e13335. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/mcn.13335.

[9] Salasibew, M., Ayyaz, K., Brian, F., Paul, G., 2008, Awareness and reported violations of the WHO International Code and Pakistan's national breastfeeding legislation; A descriptive crosssectional survey. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8800076/.

[10] Hidayana, I., Februhartantly, J., & Parady, V., 2017, Violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes: Indonesia context. Public Health Nutrition 20(1), 165-173. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27323845/.

[11] Velasco. A. C. C. F., Maria. I. C. O, Cristiano. S. B., 2022, Harassment of health professionals by the infant food industry at scientific events. https://www.scielosp.org/article/rsp/2022.v56/70/https://www.scielosp.org/article/rsp/2022.v56/70/.

[12] Čatipović, M., Zrink, P., Drita, P., Paula, C., and Josip, G., 2022, Behaviour, attitudes and knowledge of healthcare workers on Breastfeeding. Children (9): 1173. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9406792/pdf/children-09-01173.pdf.

[13] Doherty, T., Catherine, J. P., Silondile, L., Lyn, H., Gillian. K., Sithembile, D., Gilbert. T., Chistiane, H., 2022, They push their products through me: Health Professionals’ perspectives on and exposure to marketing of commercial milk formula in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa – a qualitative study. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/bmjopen/12/4/e055872.full.pdf.

[14] Champeny, M., Pereira, C., Sweet, L., Khin, M., Coly, N., Gueye, E., … Huffman, S., 2016, Point-of-sale Promotion of Breastmilk Substitutes and Commercially Produced Complementary Foods in Cambodia, Nepal. Senegal and Tanzania: Maternal & Child Nutrition. Matern Child Nutri. 12(2): 126–139. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5071702/.

[15] Aguayo, V. M., Jay, S. R., Souleyman, Ander, N.O., 2003, Monitoring compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes in West Africa: Multisite cross-sectional survey in Togo and Burkina Faso. BMJ 236(7381):127. doi: 10.1136/bmj.326.7381.127 i: 10.1136/bmj.326.7381.127.

[16] Emerson, J., Kouassi, F., Kouamé, r. O., Damey, F. N., Cissel, A. S., Tharaney, M., 2021, Mothers' and Health workers' exposure to breastmilk substitutes promotions in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Matern. Child Nutr., 7, Article e13230. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8476441/pdf/MCN-17-e13230.pdf.

[17] Government of Zambia, 2006, Statutory Instrument No. 48 of 2006. The Food and Drug Act (Laws, Volume 17, Cap 303) Food and Drugs (Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes) Regulations, 2006. http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/zam66935.pdf.

[18] Government of Zambia, 2010, Monitoring Compliance and Enforcement of Breastmilk Substitutes Regulations: A Manual for Environmental Health Officers; A Guide for Administration of Food and Drugs (Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes') Regulations, 2006 (Statutory 48 of 2006). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315669425_Marketing_of_breast-milk_substitutes_in_Zambia_Evaluation_of_compliance_to_the_international_regulatory_code/link/5bbd0c14299bf1049b78623e/download.

[19] Funduluka, P., Bosomprah, S., Chilengi, R., Mugode, R. H., Bwembya, P. A., Mudenda, B., 2017, Marketing of breast-milk substitutes in Zambia: evaluation of compliance to the international regulatory code, Journal of Public Health, 40(1), e1–e7, https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdx023.

[20] Nyaboke, C., 2021, Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices on Kenya’s breast milk substitutes Act (2012) among nurses in Mbagathi and Pumwani Hospitals, Kenya http://repository.kemu.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/123456789/1265/Clement%20thesis%20Clearance%20%281%29.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.

Abstract:

Periodontitis (PD) is a severe oral inflammation that tends to decay alveolar bone and loss of periodontal ligament. Also, ruptures of gingival tissues and pocket formation take place which can also impact various systematic health conditions. The present study was carried out to evaluate the impact of fasting and other treatment interventions in the prevention of ligature-induced periodontitis as well as the impact of these interventions in systemic inflammation in mice. Periodontitis was induced in mice through 3.0 silk ligature wire by passing between incisor teeth.  In this study, bacterial accumulation, bone loss, inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and C-reactive protein as well as oxidative stress i.e., TBARS, and antioxidant enzymes viz. GSH and catalase in dental tissue were measured. Additionally, mitochondrial enzyme complexes activity was significantly decreased in the periodontitis model which is significantly restored by the interventions applied in the study. Further histopathological analysis was also carried out in dental tissue. In periodontitis, there was a rise in bacterial accumulation and bone loss, as well as an increase in inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and a decrease in mitochondrial enzyme complexes in gum tissue and antioxidative enzymes. Further, in ligature-induced periodontitis, infiltration of inflammatory cells along with the destruction of the cementum and the alveolar process was observed. However, these parameters were reversed after fasting and other treatment interventions. The current study reveals the following ligature removal and subsequent interventions including the impact of fasting to regenerate periodontal tissue.

References:

[1] Hoare, A., Soto, C., Rojas-Celis, V., Bravo, D., 2019, Chronic Inflammation as a Link between Periodontitis and Carcinogenesis, Mediators Inflamm., 1029857, doi: 10.1155/2019/1029857.

[2] Wulansari, L.K., Kaboosaya, B., Khan, M., Takahashi, M., Nakata, H., Kuroda, S., Aoki, K., Kasugai, S., 2018, Beneficial effects of fasting regimens on periodontal tissues in experimental periodontitis mice model, J. Int. Dent. Med. Res., 11(2), 362-369.

[3] Hajishengallis, G., Kajikawa, T., Hajishengallis, E., Maekawa, T., Reis, E.S., Mastellos, D.C., Yancopoulou, D., Hasturk, H., Lambris, J.D., 2019, Complement-Dependent Mechanisms and Interventions in Periodontal Disease, Front. Immunol., 10, 406. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00406.

[4] Janakiram, C., Mehta, A., Venkitachalam, R., 2020, Prevalence of periodontal disease among adults in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis, J. Oral Biol. Craniofac. Res., 10(4), 800-806. doi: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2020.10.016.

[5] Nazir, M.A., 2017, Prevalence of periodontal disease, its association with systemic diseases and prevention, Int. J. Health Sci (Qassim), 11(2),72-80.

[6] Eke, P.I., Borgnakke, W.S., Genco, R.J., 2020, Recent epidemiologic trends in periodontitis in the USA, Periodontol 2000, 82(1), 257-67. doi: 10.1111/prd.12323.

[7] Sanz, M., MarcoDelCastillo, A., Jepsen, S., Gonzalez-Juanatey, J.R., D'Aiuto, F., Bouchard, P., Chapple, I., Dietrich, T., Gotsman, I., Graziani, F., Herrera, D., Loos, B., Madianos, P., Michel, J.B., Perel, P., Pieske, B., Shapira, L., Shechter, M., Tonetti, M., Vlachopoulos, C., Wimmer, G., 2020, Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report, J. Clin. Periodontol., 47(3), 268-288. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13189.

[8] Relvas, M., López-Jarana, P., Monteiro, L., Pacheco, J.J., Braga, A.C., Salazar, F., 2022, Study of Prevalence, Severity and Risk Factors of Periodontal Disease in a Portuguese Population, J. Clin. Med., 11(13), 3728. doi: 10.3390/jcm11133728.

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Abstract:

Hypertension is a major public health challenge worldwide. It is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Hypertension is noted pathological conditions that predispose individuals to cardiovascular diseases and burdens in Nigeria and Africa. Hence this study aimed to assess the gender difference in the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among Oyo State civil servants at the Secretariat Clinic. Proper surveillance of morbidity of hypertension in the Oyo state labour workforce helped in assessing the health strength of the Oyo state labour force and also helped in the formulation of health policy targeted at management and enhancing the performance of civil servants in Oyo state. A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed for this study among civil servants in Oyo state Ministries using both quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative study involved the use of an improvised register during the routine service at the clinic and free health mission. Qualitative data was obtained from 20 selected key informants for exit interviews. Any civil servant who comes for any complaint shall be tested for hypertension reading. The trained record officer was used to collect and collate the data from the register. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used to enter data and analyze using descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical approval was received from the Oyo State Ministry of Health Ethical Review Committee. The outcome showed that the most prevalent form of hypertension was concluded to be the Stage 1 hypertensive form, making up 48.8% of females and 46.4% of males among the cases examined.

References:

Abstract:

HIV testing stands out as a pivotal HIV preventive measure in the face of increasing HIV transmission risk behaviors. This study examined the relationship between HIV transmission risk behaviors and HIV testing among men aged 15 to 64 years in Cameroon. The dataset from the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey (N=6978) were utilized. Chi-square tests examined the prevalence and association between HIV testing and HIV transmission risk behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression was fitted to predict the odds of HIV testing. About 58.7% had tested for HIV. Specifically, 55.8% of men who never tested for HIV were aged 15 and 24 years and 73% who never tested for HIV did not use a condom during their most recent sex. Remarkably, 27.3% of men aged 15-64 years who have never been tested for HIV also had multiple sexual partners, while 26.7% that never tested for HIV also did not use condom when engaging in paid sex. Regression results indicated that men aged 15-59 years who had multiple sexual partners (AOR=1.83, 95% CI=1.57-2.14, p<.001), a recent STI (AOR=1.40, 95% CI=1.18-1.66, p<.001), condom use during sex (AOR=1.30, 95% CI=1.10-1.53, p=.022) and paid for sex (AOR=1.19, 95% CI=1.01-1.41, p=.037), were associated with higher odds of testing for HIV compared to those who did not. HIV prevention efforts should focus on addressing the public health implications of unsafe sexual practices among men, devising innovative strategies for scaling up HIV testing among the vulnerable younger age groups and regions with lower HIV testing rates in Cameroon.

References:

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[11] Marks, G., et al., 2005, Meta-analysis of high-risk sexual behavior in persons aware and unaware they are infected with HIV in the United States: implications for HIV prevention programs, JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 39(4): p. 446-453.

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[14] Ossomba, J., et al., 2023, De-medicalized and decentralized HIV testing: a strategy to test hard-to-reach men who have sex with men in Cameroon. Front Public Health, 11: p. 1180813.

[15] The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS UNAIDS. Global HIV & AIDS statistics — Fact sheet. 2023 December 25, 2023]; Available from: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet.

[16] Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Cameroon country profile. 2021 December 25, 2023]; Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/globalhivtb/where-we-work/cameroon/cameroon.html.

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[19] Defo, D., E.A. Kouotou, and J.R. Nansseu, 2017, Failure to return to receive HIV-test results: the Cameroon experience, BMC Research Notes, 10(1): p. 1-5.

[20] Ngangue, P., M.-P. Gagnon, and E. Bedard, 2017, Challenges in the delivery of public HIV testing and counselling (HTC) in Douala, Cameroon: providers perspectives and implications on quality of HTC services, BMC International Health and Human Rights, 17(1): p. 9.

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[22] Katirayi, L., et al., 2023, Changing attitudes towards HIV testing and treatment among three generations of men in Cameroon: a qualitative analysis using the Fogg Behavior Model, BMC Public Health, 23(1): p. 501.

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[24] Hadish, M., et al., 2017, Predictors of high HIV/AIDS risk sexual behaviours: comparison study among Cameroonian and Gabonese youth aged 15-24 years. J HIV Retrovirus, 3: p. 1.

[25] Kouanfack, C., et al., 2021, Use of Trained Non-Medical Staff to Improve Access to HIV Testing Services in Africa: Implementation of the World Health Organization Opt-out Approach in Cameroon, International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS, 10(1): p. 119.

[26]  Agaba, P.A., et al., 2016, Sexual behavior and risk factors for HIV infection among young people aged 15-24 years in North-Central Nigeria, Journal of Medicine in the Tropics, 18(2): p. 60-67.

[27] Siu, G.E., D. Wight, and J.A. Seeley, 2014, Masculinity, social context and HIV testing: an ethnographic study of men in Busia district, rural eastern Uganda, BMC Public Health, 14(1): p. 1-11.

[28] Denison, J.A., et al., 2008, The HIV testing experiences of adolescents in Ndola, Zambia: do families and friends matter? AIDS care, 20(1): p. 101-105.

[29] Valente, T.W., 2010, Social networks and health: Models, methods, and applications, Oxford University Press.

[30] Babalola, S., 2007, Readiness for HIV testing among young people in northern Nigeria: the roles of social norm and perceived stigma, AIDS and Behavior, 11: p. 759-769.

[31] Pettifor, A., et al., 2010, Factors associated with HIV testing among public sector clinic attendees in Johannesburg, South Africa, AIDS and Behavior, 14: p. 913-921.

[32] Ajuwon, A.J., 2005, Benefits of sexuality education for young people in Nigeria. in Understanding human sexuality seminar series, African Regional Sexuality Resource Centre Lagos.

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Abstract:

Despite evidence of high interest and willingness to use PrEP by key populations behaviorally vulnerable to HIV infection, a lack of comprehensive PrEP knowledge and low HIV testing currently undermine HIV prevention efforts in Cote d’Ivoire. Given that HIV testing is the initial phase in the HIV prevention care continuum, this study examined the prevalence and association between HIV PrEP knowledge and HIV testing among sexually experienced men aged 15-59 years using the dataset from the 2021 Cote d’Ivoire Demographic and Health Survey (N=7,591). Prevalence estimates were obtained using frequencies and proportions. A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to examine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables within the population. The findings reveal that merely 8.3% of the participants were aware of and endorsed PrEP, and 23.7% have undergone HIV testing. Yet, 83.8% of the participants reported being sexually active, with 32.8% involved in multiple sexual partnerships. Knowledge and approval of PrEP was a poor predictor of sexual activity (AOR=1.11, 95% CI=.81-1.53, p=.524), unlike HIV testing was strongly associated with higher odds of being sexually active (AOR=6.74, 95% CI=4.94-9.21, p<.001) in those who have undergone HIV testing. Knowledge of HIV test kits and anti-retroviral treatment were both strongly associated with higher odds of sexual activity and multiple sexual partnerships. To stem the tide of new HIV transmission, HIV Prevention initiatives should be prioritized among sexually active men by developing innovative approaches to scale up HIV testing and optimize comprehensive knowledge of PrEP in Cote d’Ivoire.

References:

[1] Phiri, M., et al., 2022, Examining differentials in HIV transmission risk behaviour and its associated factors among men in Southern African countries, Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 9(1), p. 295.

[2] The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS UNAIDS. Global HIV & AIDS statistics — Fact sheet, 2023 December 25, 2023; Available from: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet.

[3] Irungu, E.M. and J.M. Baeten, 2020, PrEP rollout in Africa: status and opportunity, Nature Medicine, 26(5), p. 655-664.

[4] Ssuna, B., et al., 2022, Factors associated with willingness to use oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a fisher-folk community in peri-urban Kampala, Uganda, BMC public health, 22(1), p. 468.

[5] Allan-Blitz, L.T., L.A. Mena, and K.H. Mayer, 2021, The ongoing HIV epidemic in American youth: challenges and opportunities, Mhealth, 7, p. 33.

[6] Eaton, L.A., et al., 2015, Minimal Awareness and Stalled Uptake of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among at Risk, HIV-Negative, Black Men Who Have Sex with Men, AIDS Patient Care & STDs, 29(8), p. 423-429.

[7] Koss, C.A., et al., 2021, HIV incidence after pre-exposure prophylaxis initiation among women and men at elevated HIV risk: A population-based study in rural Kenya and Uganda, PLoS medicine, 18(2), p. e1003492.

[8] Ayieko, J., et al., 2021, Uptake and outcomes of a novel community‐based HIV post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) programme in rural Kenya and Uganda, Journal of the International AIDS Society, 24(6), p. e25670.

[9] Celum, C., et al., 2021, PrEP uptake, persistence, adherence, and effect of retrospective drug level feedback on PrEP adherence among young women in southern Africa: Results from HPTN 082, a randomized controlled trial, PLoS medicine, 18(6), p. e1003670.

[10] Matambanadzo, P., et al., 2021, “It went through the roof”: an observation study exploring the rise in PrEP uptake among Zimbabwean female sex workers in response to adaptations during Covid‐19, Journal of the International AIDS Society, 24, p. e25813.

[11] Becquet, V., et al., 2020, Sexual health needs of female sex workers in Côte d’Ivoire: a mixed-methods study to prepare the future implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, BMJ open, 10(1), p. e028508.

[12] Nouaman, M.N., et al., 2022, Incidence of HIV infection and associated factors among female sex workers in Côte d’Ivoire, results of the ANRS 12361 PrEP-CI study using recent infection assays, Plos one, 17(11), p. e0271988.

[13] Ahouada, C., et al., 2020, Acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Benin: A qualitative study, AIDS Care, 32(2), p. 242-248.

[14] Hill, L.M., et al., 2020, HIV risk, risk perception, and PrEP interest among adolescent girls and young women in Lilongwe, Malawi: operationalizing the PrEP cascade, Journal of the International AIDS Society, 23, p. e25502.

[15] Jackson-Gibson, M., et al., 2021, Facilitators and barriers to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake through a community-based intervention strategy among adolescent girls and young women in Seme Sub-County, Kisumu, Kenya, BMC public health, 21, p. 1-13.

[16] Duby, Z., et al., 2023, “These Girls Have a Chance to be the Future Generation of HIV Negative”: Experiences of Implementing a PrEP Programme for Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa, AIDS and Behavior, 27(1), p. 134-149.

[17] Pasipanodya, E.C., et al., 2021, “PrEP” ing for a PrEP demonstration project: understanding PrEP knowledge and attitudes among cisgender women, BMC women's health, 21(1), p. 220.

[18] Malone, J., et al., 2021, Perceived HIV acquisition risk and low uptake of PrEP among a cohort of transgender women with PrEP indication in the eastern and southern United States, JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 88(1), p. 10-18.

[19] Musheke, M., et al., 2013, A systematic review of qualitative findings on factors enabling and deterring uptake of HIV testing in Sub-Saharan Africa, BMC public health, 13(1), p. 1-16.

[20] Chikwari, C.D., S. Dringus, and R.A. Ferrand, 2018, Barriers to, and emerging strategies for, HIV testing among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS, 13(3), p. 257-264.

[21] Hlongwa, M., et al., 2020, Barriers to HIV testing uptake among men in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review, African Journal of AIDS Research, 19(1), p. 13-23.

[22] Giguère, K., et al., 2021, Trends in knowledge of HIV status and efficiency of HIV testing services in sub-Saharan Africa, 2000–20: a modelling study using survey and HIV testing programme data, The Lancet HIV, 8(5), p. e284-e293.

[23] Kumwenda, M., et al., 2014, Factors shaping initial decision-making to self-test amongst cohabiting couples in urban Blantyre, Malawi, AIDS and Behavior, 18, p. 396-404.

[24] Guanira, J.V., et al., 2015, Streamlining HIV Testing for HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis, Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 53(1), p. 179-183.

[25] Smith, D.K., et al., 2012, Interim guidance for clinicians considering the use of preexposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection in heterosexually active adults.

[26] Grov, C., et al., 2021, How Has HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Changed Sex? A Review of Research in a New Era of Bio-behavioral HIV Prevention, The Journal of Sex Research, 58(7), p. 891-913.

[27] Cote d'Ivoire population-based HIV impact assessment CIPHIA. Results from National HIV Survey Indicate HIV Treatment Progress in Côte d’Ivoire and Identify Gaps in Testing Services. 2021 December 30, 2023]; Available from: https://phia.icap.columbia.edu/results-from-national-hiv-survey-indicate-hiv-treatment-progress-in-cote-divoire-and-identify-gaps-in-testing-services/.

[28] PrEP Watch. CÔTE D’IVOIRE Country Operational Plan (COP/ROP) 2022 Strategic Direction Summary. 2022 December 30, 2023]; Available from: https://www.prepwatch.org/resources/cote-divoire-cop-2022/.

[29] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexual Risk Behaviors. 2023 June 25, 2023]; Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/sexualbehaviors/index.htm.

[30] Demographic and Health Survey. 2021 Cote d'Ivoire Demographic and Health Survey. 2022  December 30, 2023]; Available from: https://www.dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR385-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm.

[31] Kayesu, I., et al., 2022, Uptake of and adherence to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among adolescent girls and young women at high risk of HIV-infection in Kampala, Uganda: A qualitative study of experiences, facilitators and barriers, BMC Women's Health, 22(1), p. 440.

[32] Jackson-Gibson, M., et al., 2021, Facilitators and barriers to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake through a community-based intervention strategy among adolescent girls and young women in Seme Sub-County, Kisumu, Kenya, BMC Public Health, 21(1), p. 1284.

[33] Laurent, C., et al., 2021, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for men who have sex with men in west Africa: a multicountry demonstration study, The Lancet HIV, 8(7), p. e420-e428.

[34] Fee, N., Youssef M., 1993, Young people, AIDS and STD prevention: experiences of pee approaches in developing countries.

[35] Ajuwon, A.J., 2005, Benefits of sexuality education for young people in Nigeria. in Understanding human sexuality seminar series, African Regional Sexuality Resource Centre Lagos.

[36] Diabaté, S., et al., 2021, Pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in Côte d’Ivoire: a quantitative study of acceptability, AIDS Care, 33(9), p. 1228-1236.

[37] Reyniers, T., et al., 2023, Strategies to improve PrEP uptake among West African men who have sex with men: a multi-country qualitative study, Frontiers in Public Health, 11, p. 1165327.

[38] Chandler, R., et al., 2020, The pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) consciousness of black college women and the perceived hesitancy of public health institutions to curtail HIV in black women, BMC Public Health, 20(1).

[39] Eubanks, A., et al., 2022, Rate and Predictors of Ineffective HIV Protection in African Men Who Have Sex with Men Taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, AIDS and Behavior, 26(11), p. 3524-3537.

[40] Stutts, L.A., et al., 2022, Lost in translation: College students’ knowledge of HIV and PrEP in relation to their sexual health behaviors, Journal of American College Health, 70(2), p. 561-567.

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Abstract:

The use of mobile phones for health interventions has become increasingly popular in low-income settings, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability of a smartphone intervention to provide maternal and child health messages for women living in slum settings in Uganda. The study utilized a mixed-methods design, comprising a survey and interviews. A total of 200 women participated in the survey, and 23 women participated in the interview sessions. The results indicated a high level of acceptability of the smartphone intervention, with the majority of women expressing their willingness to receive maternal and child health messages via their mobile phones. The women reported that the messages were informative, relevant, and useful for their daily lives. They also appreciated the privacy and convenience of receiving messages on their phones. However, some women expressed concern about the cost of receiving the messages and the need for support to access and use the technology. The study findings suggest that mobile phone interventions for maternal and child health promotion are acceptable to women living in slum settings in Uganda. The findings also highlight the need for equitable access to mobile phones and support for technology use in these settings.

References:

[1] WHO, 2023, mHealth: New horizons for health through mobile technologies. World Health Organization.

[2] Smith, A., 2022, Mobile Technology and Maternal Health in East Africa, Journal of Health Communication.

[3] Johnson, D., & Juma, O., 2021, mHealth innovations in East Africa: Bridging the gap in maternal health, African Health Review.

[4] Kazi, A. M., & Qazi, S. A., 2023, Utilizing mobile health applications for improving antenatal care in low-resource settings, Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare.

[5] Mwangi, R., et al., 2022, Mobile health (mHealth) for maternal health in Sub-Saharan Africa: A review, Journal of Maternal and Child Health.

[6] Patel, A. & Sharma, P., 2023, The Impact of Mobile Health Interventions on Maternal Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology.

[7] Kim, Y., et al. (2021), Efficacy of mHealth interventions for maternal and child health in developing countries: A systematic review, Journal of Global Health.

[8] Oyeyemi, S. O., & Wynn, R., 2022, The use of mobile apps in maternal health care in Sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review, Public Health Nursing. eight citations in the body of the work?

[9] UNICEF, 2020, Maternal and newborn health. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/uganda/maternal-and-newborn-health [Report, proceedings, and unpublished literature (a)].

[10] Lund, S., Hemed, M., Nielsen, B. B., Said, A., Said, K., Makungu, M. H., & Rasch, V., 2018a, Mobile Phones as a health communication tool to improve maternal and child health access and outcomes in Northern Tanzania: a mixed-methods study, Health promotion international, 33(2), 250-259.

[11] Musiimenta, A. Tumuhimbise, W., Pinkwart, N. Katusiime, J. Godfrey Mugyenyi, G.  & Atukunda, C.E., 2021, A mobile phone-based multimedia intervention to support maternal health is acceptable and feasible among illiterate pregnant women in Uganda: Qualitative findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial, Digital Health, Vol. 7: 1–10, DOI: 10.1177/2055207620986296.

[12] Kaplan, W. A., et al., 2016, User-centered design of mobile health: Emerging mHealth interventions for maternal and child health in Africa. Technical Report, World Health Organization.

[13] Mbonye, A. K., et al., 2012, Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Uganda: Progress and challenges, Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 61(1), 136-145.

[14] Larson, E., et al., 2015, A behavior change intervention to improve maternal and child health services in Uganda, Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 47(3), 248-256.

[15] Konde-Lule, J., et al., 2013, Mobile health clinics for antenatal care in rural Uganda: A potential model for increasing access to maternal and child health services in resource-limited settings, Global Health: Science and Practice, 1(2), 249-255.

[16] Tulenko, K., et al., 2014, Community health workers for universal health-care coverage: From fragmentation to synergy, Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 92(11), 847-852.

[17] Awor, P., Nabiryo, M., & Manderson, L., 2020, Innovations in maternal and child health: case studies from Uganda, Infectious Diseases of Poverty, 9(36), https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-020-00651-0.

[18] World Health Organization, 2019, MHealth: New Horizons for Health through Mobile Technologies

[19] Lund, S., Hemed, M., Nielsen, B. B., Said, A., Said, K., Makungu, M. H., ... & Rasch, V., 2018b, Mobile phones as a health communication tool to improve skilled attendance at delivery in Zanzibar: a cluster-randomized controlled trial, BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 125(8), 1098-1105.

[20] Okop, K. J., Mukumbang, F. C., Mathole, T., & Levitt, N., 2017, Exploring views on long term health system sustainability in South Africa using the scenario development approach. BMC Health Services Research, 17(1), 729.

Abstract:

Telehealth, a rapidly evolving facet of modern healthcare, is revolutionising the way medical services are delivered. Implementing telehealth involves careful planning, coordination, and consideration of various factors. Despite the promotion of telehealth by the World Health Organisation and key health professionals, several implementation failures have been reported. Previous studies have reported failures related to a lack of well-structured frameworks that provide guidance and standardisation, efficiency, integration, and compliance. This study was part of a multi-phase study aimed at developing a framework to improve the uptake and utilisation of telehealth in HIV care in Harare, Zimbabwe. A mixed-methods approach which includes both qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. Three separate studies of this multi-phase study have been published. Guided by the findings of the previous three studies, and the Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread and Sustainability framework, a consolidation process was undertaken using an iterative inductive approach to design a framework that demonstrated relationships between the identified key elements and their role in improving telehealth uptake and utilisation in HIV care services. The designed framework highlights separate and distinct sections: current telehealth status; strategies to enhance telehealth implementation, utilisation and scale-up; and recommended actions. Suggested strategies include an improvement of existing infrastructure, increased funding, development of guiding policies, and partnerships. The framework could guide policy formulation and decision-making among stakeholders. Careful consideration of the framework could also ensure the successful future implementation of telehealth across the whole country. However, significant hurdles to telehealth utilisation and scale-up exist and should be addressed to realise the full potential.

References:

Abstract:

Orthodontic treatment is associated with pain, difficulty in plaque control, caries incidence, and slow movement of teeth. Authors hypothesize that the answer to these questions may lie in phytochemicals which are a huge unexplored area. Due to previous reports on Adhathoda vasica about its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, its use in orthodontics is explored in the dry lab scenario. This can be considered as a preliminary step to study the herb in great detail for use in orthodontic therapy. Computational algorithms from Auto Dock version 4 were used in the study. Vasicine, Vasinone, Vasicoline and Anisotine were analysed against Glucosyltransferase (GFT) of Streptococcus mutans, Gingipain K - Porphyromonas gingivalis, FIM A of Porphyromonas gingivalis, TNF ALPHA and Prostaglandin H synthases. Compounds exerted promising inhibiting action against Streptococcus mutans, Gingipain K, FimA, TNF-alpha and prostaglandin E2. The said phytochemicals - Vasicine, Vasicinone, Vasicoline and Anisotine can further be explored for proper delivery to saliva, periodontal region and to bone for effective use during and after orthodontic treatment.

References:

[1] Strauss, F. J., Espinoza, I., Stähli, A., Baeza, M., Cortés, R., Morales, A., & Gamonal, J., 2019, Dental caries is associated with severe periodontitis in Chilean adults: A cross-sectional study, BMC Oral Health, 19(1), 278. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-019-0975-2.

[2] Manji, F., Dahlen, G., & Fejerskov, O., 2018, Caries and periodontitis: Contesting the conventional wisdom on their aetiology, Caries Research, 52(6), 548–564. https://doi.org/10.1159/000488948.

[3] Worthington, H. V., MacDonald, L., Poklepovic Pericic, T., Sambunjak, D., Johnson, T. M., Imai, P., & Clarkson, J. E., 2019, Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling periodontal diseases and dental caries, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4(4), CD012018. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012018.pub2.

[4] Tartaglia, G. M., Tadakamadla, S. K., Connelly, S. T., Sforza, C., & Martín, C., 2019, Adverse events associated with home use of mouthrinses: A systematic review, Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety, 10, 2042098619854881. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042098619854881.

[5] Kazancı, F., Aydoğan, C., & Alkan, Ö., 2016, Patients’ and parents’ concerns and decisions about orthodontic treatment, Korean Journal of Orthodontics, 46(1), 20–26. https://doi.org/10.4041/kjod.2016.46.1.20.

[6] Monk, A. B., Harrison, J. E., Worthington, H. V., & Teague, A., 2017, Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 11(11), CD003976. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003976.pub2.

[7] Trott, O., & Olson, A. J., 2010, AutoDock Vina: Improving the speed and accuracy of docking with a new scoring function, efficient optimization, and multithreading, Journal of Computational Chemistry, 31(2), 455–461. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcc.21334.

[8] Forli, S., Huey, R., Pique, M. E., Sanner, M. F., Goodsell, D. S., & Olson, A. J., 2016, Computational protein-ligand docking and virtual drug screening with the AutoDock suite. Nature Protocols, 11(5), 905–919. https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2016.051.

[9] Osterberg, F., Morris, G. M., Sanner, M. F., Olson, A. J., & Goodsell, D. S., 2002, Automated docking to multiple target structures: Incorporation of protein mobility and structural water heterogeneity in AutoDock. Proteins, 46(1), 34–40. https://doi.org/10.1002/prot.10028.

[10] Morris, G. M., Goodsell, D. S., Halliday, R. S., Huey, R., Hart, W. E., Belew, R. K., & Olson, A. J., 1998, Automated docking using a Lamarckian genetic algorithm and an empirical binding free energy function, Journal of Computational Chemistry, 19(14), 1639–1662. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1096 987X(19981115)19:14<1639::AID JCC10>3.0.CO;2-B.

[11] Zhang, Q., Nijampatnam, B., Hua, Z., Nguyen, T., Zou, J., Cai, X., Michalek, S. M., Velu, S. E., & Wu, H., 2017, Structure-based discovery of small molecule inhibitors of cariogenic virulence. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 5974. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-06168-1.

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[14] Halgren, T. A., 1998, Merck molecular force field. I. Basis, form, scope, parametrization, and performance of MMFF94, Journal of Computational Chemistry, 17(5–6), 490–519.

[15] Sivaraman, D., Pradeep, P. S., Manoharan, S. S., Ramachandra Bhat, C., Leela, K. V., & Venugopal, V., 2020, Revealing potential binding affinity of FDA approved therapeutics targeting Main protease (3CLpro) in impairing novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) replication that causes COVID-19. Coronaviruses, 1, 1–9.

[16] Morris, G. M., Huey, R., Lindstrom, W., Sanner, M. F., Belew, R. K., Goodsell, D. S., & Olson, A. J., 2009, AutoDock4 and AutoDockTools4: Automated docking with selective receptor flexibility. Journal of Computational Chemistry, 30(16), 2785–2791. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcc.21256.

[17] Ren, Z., Chen, L., Li, J., & Li, Y., 2016, Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans polysaccharide synthesis by molecules targeting glycosyltransferase activity, Journal of Oral Microbiology, 8, 31095. https://doi.org/10.3402/jom.v8.31095.

[18] Guevara, T., Rodríguez-Banqueri, A., Lasica, A. M., Ksiazek, M., Potempa, B. A., Potempa, J., & Gomis-Rüth, F. X., 2019, Structural determinants of inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipain K by KYT-36, a potent, selective, and bioavailable peptidase inhibitor, Scientific Reports, 9(1), 4935. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-41354-3.

[19] Rodrigues, R. S., Silveira, V. R., & Rego, R. O., 2020, Analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotypes in severe periodontitis patients, Brazilian Oral Research, 34, e090. https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-2020.vol34.0090.

[20] K versus S., 2014, The effect of scaling and root planing on glycaemic control, periodontal status and gingival crevicular fluid TNF-α levels in an Indian population- to reveal the ambivalent link, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 8(11), ZC22–ZC26. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2014/9490.5115.

[21] Båge, T., 2011, Prostaglandin E synthases in periodontitis-affected gingival tissue and in gingival fibroblasts, Karolinska Institutet.

Abstract:

Hypertension, a pervasive cardiovascular condition, remains a significant public health concern globally. There is strong evidence to suggest that hypertension and its associated complications are major health challenges of the 21st century. This is a disease that imposes on multi-systems. Failure to control hypertension leads to end up with unavoidable complications, including deaths. Understanding the knowledge base is crucial for developing targeted interventions to enhance awareness and promote preventive measures within this specific demographic group. This research paper aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge about hypertension among civil servants in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining the use of clinic registers and interviews, to comprehensively assess hypertension awareness, risk factors, and preventive measures among civil servants. A total of 1124 participants visited the clinic from various Ministries /Departments/Agencies /Parastatals and sectional units within the Secretariat. This approach proved to be highly efficient in terms of time and resources, allowing for the rapid surveying of a large number of participants. However, level of education and knowledge of risk factors significantly influenced awareness of complications at 0.05 using SPSS. The findings of this research have contributed valuable insights for policymakers, and public healthcare professionals and facilitated the development of tailored strategies to mitigate the impact of hypertension within the State workforce. The majority of the respondents knew about hypertension but refused to control the hypertension. On-the-job screening and educative programmes are fundamental ways to improve knowledge about hypertension in the workplace.

References:

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[2] Ayogu, R. N. B., Ezeh, M. G., Okafor, A. M., 2021, Prevalence and predictors of different patterns of hypertension among adults aged 20-60 years in rural communities of Southeast Nigeria: a cross–sectional study, Arch Public Health of National Library of Medicine, 2021 Nov 25; 79(1); 210. Doi 10.1186/s13690-021-000724-y.

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[11] Kusuma, Y. S., 2009b, Perceptions on Hypertension among Migrants in Delhi, India: a Qualitative Study, BMC Public Health, 9, 267.

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[15] Oliveria, S. A., Chen, R. S., McCarthy, B. D., Davis, C. C., Hill, M. N., 2005, Hypertension Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes in a Hypertensive Population, J. Gen. Int. Med., 20(3), 219-225.

[16] Viera, A. J., Cohen, L. W., Mitchell, C. M., Sloane, P. D., 2008, High Blood Pressure Knowledge among Primary Care Patients with Known Hypertension: A North Carolina Family Medicine Research Network (NC-FM-RN) Study, JABFM, 21(4), 300-308.

[17] Egan, B. M., Lackland, D. T., Cutler, N. E., 2003, Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Older Americans about High Blood Pressure: Implications for Health Care Policy, Education and Research, Arch. Int. Med., 163, 681-687.

[18] Samal, D., Greisenegger, S., Auff, E., Lang, W., Lalouschek, W., 2007, The Relation between Knowledge about Hypertension and Education in Hospitalized Patients with Stroke in Vienna, Stroke, 38, 1304-1308.

[19] Dawes, M. G., Kaczorowskib, J., Swansonc, G., Hickeyd, J., Karwalajtysc, T., 2010, The Effect of a patient Education Booklet and BP Tracker on Knowledge about Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Family Pract., 27, 472-478.

[20] Abdulahi, A.A, Amsat J., 2020, knowledge of hypertension among the staff of University of Ibadan, Nigeria International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology, ISSN 2326-7291, Vol. 9 (3), pp. 001-006, March, 2020. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Abstract:

Considering the diverse socio-cultural norms, sexual attitudes, and mental and emotional immaturity that generally exist among young adults, Black college students are behaviorally vulnerable to acquiring new HIV infections before requisite exposure to HIV prevention education. Black college students (aged 18 to 34) fall within the description of one of the highest priority populations at risk for new HIV infection given the overall under-utilization and racial disparities in the HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) coverage among Black people in the United States (U.S). Yet, research addressing sexuality and HIV PrEP amongst Black college students are limited. This systematic review undertakes a comprehensive exploratory search of eight databases and includes four studies that have been conducted regarding Black college students HIV PrEP knowledge, attitudes and PrEP utilization in the U.S. Our findings suggest a high rate of sexual activity and hesitancy to initiate PrEP due to fear, exacerbated by low comprehensive knowledge of PrEP, low self-perceived HIV risk, and low HIV testing before any PrEP educational intervention. Positive PrEP utilization was closely associated with high self-perceived HIV risk following PrEP education, particularly when individual and structural factors were satisfactorily addressed. Current evidence suggests that PrEP is grossly under-utilized by Black college students who may benefit from it, and attitudes are driven by multiple determinants informed by psycho-social and structural barriers to PrEP access or acceptability in the U.S. Therefore, PrEP education is a potent tool for improving sexual health behaviour and attitude among Black college students.

References:

Abstract:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) anti-stigma and discrimination policies are aimed at protecting the rights of persons living with HIV (PLHIV). In response to the stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV in the state, Akwa Ibom State, like many states in Nigeria, enacted the HIV in the Workplace policy (HIV_WPP). Despite its adoption, many PLHIV still experience stigma and discrimination in workplaces in the state. This study was undertaken to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of the HIV_WPP and related organizational policies in Akwa Ibom State across the private and public sectors. A cross-sectional study using a mixed methods approach was conducted for 591 consecutively recruited employees and 43 employers/ decision-makers across 23 organizations in the State. Data was collected from October 2022 to February 2023. Results were analyzed using SPSS 15.1 for quantitative and NVivo 10 for qualitative data. The study showed that 464 (78.5%) employees and 42 (95.3%) of employers/decision-makers, were unaware of the Akwa Ibom State HIV in the workplace policy (AKS_HIV_WPP). Also, 560 (94.8%) employees had poor knowledge of this policy. A larger proportion of respondents knew more about their organizational policies than the AKS_HIV_WPP. Older respondents (41.1% versus 37.5%, p=0.026) had significantly higher levels of knowledge of the policy. Three hundred and twenty-four (45.2%) respondents had good knowledge of their organizational policies. The awareness and knowledge of the AKS_HIV_WPP was suboptimal. It is recommended that relevant state agencies create awareness of the AKS_HIV_WPP in all public and private organizations through public-private collaboration.

References:

Abstract:

Despite considerable progress in the scale-up of antiretroviral therapy programs in Cameroon, disparities persist between urban and rural settings. Understanding the characteristics of rural populations is crucial for designing effective, context-specific interventions that address barriers to early HIV care engagement. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all HIV infected adults who initiated ART at 10 rural ART clinics in the Centre Region of Cameroon between June 2020 and May 2021. Patients’ medical records were reviewed for data collection. Of the 2 591 HIV infected adults included in the analysis, 983 (37.9%) were males and 1 608 (62.1%) females. Mean age at initiation was 38.91 ± 11.41 years with statistically significant difference between genders (p = 0.0002). A higher percentage of females (34.8%) initiated care in the 21-30 years age group than males (18.6%) (χ² = 87.163, p < 0.0001). More females initiating ART had no formal education (10.3%) or primary education (42.3%) compared to their male counterparts (8.1% and 40.7%, respectively) (χ² = 13.213, p=0.021).  Females (56.7%) were more likely not to disclose their HIV status to their partners than males (53.2%) (χ² = 9.380, p = 0.009*). Moreover, more females (71.1%) compared to males (41.1%) initiated ART with TDF/3TC/DTG (χ² = 35.509, p < 0.0001*). The findings from the study show the complexity of demographic, behavioural and clinical factors influencing ART engagement emphasising the importance of tailored interventions to address the unique challenges faced by both males and females during this critical phase of care.

References:

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[2] HIV/AIDS Key facts. 2023, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids.

[3] Ministry of Public Health. Cameroon Country Operational Plan COP 2022: Strategic Direction Summary, Yaoundé. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Cameroon-COP22-SDS.pdf.

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[6] Makambo, M. T., Schuster, R. C., Allies, E., Decroo, T., Ford, N., Luong, D. H., Nhan, P., Van Damme, W., 2017, Falling through the cracks: a qualitative study of HIV risks among women who use drugs and alcohol in Northeast India. BMC Int Health Hum Rights, 17(1), 10. https://bmcinthealthhumrights.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-698x-13-9.

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[9] Boyer, S., Protopopescu, C., Marcellin, F., Carrieri, M. P., Koulla-Shiro, S., Moatti, J. P., Spire, B., 2018, Performance of HIV care decentralization from the patient's perspective: health-related quality of life and perceived quality of services in Cameroon. Health Policy Plann, 33(3), 314–324. https://academic.oup.com/heapol/article/27/4/301/604418?login=false.

[10] Julien, A., Anthierens, S., Van Rie, A., West, R., Maritze, M., Twine, R., Kahn, K., Lippman, S. A., Pettifor, A., & Leslie, H. H., 2021, Health Care Providers' Challenges to High-Quality HIV Care and Antiretroviral Treatment Retention in Rural South Africa. Qualitative Health Research, 31(4), 722–735. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33570470/.

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[12] World Health Organization (WHO)., 2019, Consolidated guidelines on HIV testing services. Geneva. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/978-92-4-155058-1.

[13] Bassett, I. V., Regan, S., Mbonambi, H., Blossom, J., Bogan, S., Bearnot, B., et al., 2019, Finding HIV in hard-to-reach populations: mobile HIV testing and geospatial mapping in Umlazi township, Durban, South Africa. AIDS Behav, 23(7), 1874-1882. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10461-015-1012-3.

[14] Sharma, M., Ying, R., Tarr, G., Barnabas, R., 2015, Systematic review and meta-analysis of community and facility-based HIV testing to address linkage to care gaps in sub-Saharan Africa. Nature, 528(7580), S77-S85. https://www.nature.com/articles/nature16044.

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[17] Loubiere, S., Peretti-Watel, P., Boyer, S., Blanche, J., Abega, S. C., Spire, B., 2013, HIV disclosure and unsafe sex among HIV-infected women in Cameroon: results from the ANRS-EVAL study. Soc Sci Med, 97, 29-35. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953609003414.

[18] DHS, 2018, Demographic and Health Survey, Cameroon. https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/SR266/SR266.pdf.

[19] Mills, E. J., Beyrer, C., Birungi, J., Dybul, M. R., Geng, E., Hogg, R. S., et al., 2019, Engaging men in prevention and care for HIV/AIDS in Africa. PLoS Med, 16(2), e1002751. https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001167.

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[22] Lockwood, N. M., Lypen, K., Shalabi, F., Kumar, M., Ngugi, E., & Harper, G. W., 2019, 'Know that You are not Alone.' Influences of Social Support on Youth Newly Diagnosed with HIV in Kibera, Kenya: A Qualitative Study Informing Intervention Development. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(5), 775. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/5/775.

[23] Nachega, J. B., Uthman, O. A., Peltzer, K., Richardson, L. A., Mills, E. J., Amekudzi, K., et al., 2012, Association between antiretroviral therapy adherence and employment status: systematic review and meta-analysis. Bull World Health Organ, 90(1), 73-82. https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/65653/.

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[27] Li, X. M., Yuan, X. Q., Rasooly, A., Bussell, S., Wang, J. J., & Zhang, W. Y., 2018, An evaluation of impact of social support and care-giving on medication adherence of people living with HIV/AIDS: A nonrandomized community intervention study. Medicine, 97(28), e11488. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29995812/.

Deribe, K., Woldemichael, K., Wondafrash, M., Haile, A., Amberbir, A., Njau, B. J., 2008, Gender differences regarding barriers and motivators of HIV status disclosure among HIV-positive service users. SAHARA J, 5(4), 176-185. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/saharaj/article/view/67720.

Abstract:

Health status of a nation is closely linked to the health seeking behavior and its economic growth. Therefore, this study aims to examine the health status and health-seeking behaviour of household heads in urban and rural areas of Abia State, Nigeria using a mixed model approach. An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed where the quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire to compare the health status and health-seeking behaviour of urban (n=450) and rural household heads (n=447). For the qualitative arm of the study, data was collected through focus group discussions using an interview guide. The results show that a significantly higher percentage of rural household heads (10.3%) perceive their health status as ‘very good’ compared to their urban counterparts (4.2%), p-value <0.05. Additionally, urban household heads reported a higher incidence of illness (85.2% vs. 36.2%), where malaria (70.9% vs. 9.9%) and typhoid (34.3% vs. 4.3%)ranked highest. Regarding their health seeking behavior, urban household heads were first sought care from to private hospitals (n=102, 26.6%) followed by chemist shops (n=212, 55.2%), while their rural counterpart first sought treatment from primary health centres. To conclude, these findings suggest that although urban household heads have seemingly better health-seeking behaviour than the rural, the effect of urbanization has negatively affected their health status. Therefore, more concerted efforts should be geared at designing health promotion campaigns to improve the health status of the population whilst addressing barriers to seeking health care such as financial constraint and cost of transportation.

References:

[1] Sujatha, V., 2017, What Is the Sociology behind Health Status and Health-seeking Behaviour? Sociological Bulletin, 66(3), 286–301. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/0038022917727076.

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[3] Latunji, O.O. and Akinyemi, O.O., 2018, Factors influencing health-seeking behaviour among civil servants in Ibadan, Nigeria. Annals of Ibadan Postgraduate Medicine, 16(1), 52–60. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6143883/.

[4] Adam, V.Y. and Aigbokhaode, A.Q., 2018, Sociodemographic factors associated with the healthcare-seeking behavior of heads of households in a rural community in Southern Nigeria. Sahel Medical Journal, 21(1), 31–36. Available at: https://www.smjonline.org/article.asp?issn=1118-8561;year=2018;volume=21;issue=1;spage=31;epage=36;aulast=Adam

[5] Bamgboye, Elijah A., Odutsote, T., Olusanmi, I. et al., 2020, A comparison of male and female-headed households of orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria. Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology, 12(3), 193–201. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5897/JPHE2019.1177.

[6] Oberoi, S., Chaudhary, N., Patnaik, S. et al., 2016, Understanding health-seeking behaviour, Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 5(2), 463–464. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4103/2249-4863.192376.

[7] Van Der Hoeven, M., Kruger, A. and Greeff, M., 2012, Differences in health care seeking behaviour between rural and urban communities in South Africa. International Journal for Equity in Health, 11(1), 31. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-9276-11-31.

[8] Onyeonoro, U.U., Ogah, O. S., Ukegbu A. U. et al., 2016, Urban–Rural Differences in Health-Care-Seeking Pattern of Residents of Abia State, Nigeria, and the Implication in the Control of NCDs. Health Services Insights, 9, 29–36. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4137/HSI.S31865.

[9] Adam, V.Y. and Aigbokhaode, A.Q., 2015, Healthcare seeking behaviour of heads of households in an urban community in south-south Nigeria. Annals of Biomedical Sciences, 14(1), 121–130. Available at: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/abs/article/view/113747.

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[13] De Silva, P.M. and Marshall, J.M., 2012, Factors Contributing to Urban Malaria Transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review. Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2012, e819563. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/819563.

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[19] Uzochukwu, B.S.C., Onwujekwe, E., Onoka, C. et al., 2008, Rural-Urban Differences in Maternal Responses to Childhood Fever in South East Nigeria. PLOS ONE, 3(3), e1788. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0001788.

[20] Jordan, H., Roderick, P., Onoka, C. et al., 2004, Distance, rurality and the need for care: access to health services in South West England. International Journal of Health Geographics, 3(1), 21. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-072X-3-21.

[21] Oldenburg, C.E., Sie, A., Ouattara, M. et al., 2021, Distance to primary care facilities and healthcare utilization for preschool children in rural northwestern Burkina Faso: results from a surveillance cohort. BMC Health Services Research, 21(1), 212. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06226-5.

[22] Shao, Q., Tao, R. and Luca, M.M., 2022, The Effect of Urbanization on Health Care Expenditure: Evidence From China. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 850872. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.850872.

Ibirongbe, D., Durowade, D.O., Ibirongbe, A. T. et al., 2022, Health Care Financing and Financial Hardship among Rural and Urban Households in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Journal of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care, 34(3), 126–139. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4314/jcmphc.v34i3.10

Abstract:

Background: Childhood immunization remains one of the most cost-effective preventive strategies against mortality and morbidity among children. The study sought to identify determinants of full vaccination status among children aged 12 to 23 months in Calabar South LGA, Cross River State. The study was a community-based cross-sectional study among 460 children in the 12 to 23 months age bracket, and information about them was obtained from their caregivers. The sample size of 460 was calculated using the Cochran formula. The study is a quantitative component of a bigger mixed-method study conducted from October to December 2023 among 5 wards selected from the 12 wards in Calabar South through a 2-stage cluster sampling. SPSS was used for data entry and analysis, and ethical approval was obtained from the CRS ethical committee (CRSMOH/RP/HREC/2023/401). The prevalence of full vaccination was presented as a pie chart. Bivariate analysis was carried out using Chi-square test statistics while significant variables at 5% were subjected to multivariable regression to identify independent determinants of full vaccination at a 95% confidence interval. The proportion with full vaccination status was 67%, factors associated with full vaccination included the child's sex/age, caregiver's age, education, occupation, relationship to the child, knowledge, and attitude towards vaccination. Independent determinants of full vaccination included caregivers' age, education, occupation, knowledge, attitude, and the occurrence of missed opportunities. Understanding these variations is crucial for policymakers and healthcare professionals to tailor interventions effectively, addressing region-specific challenges and enhancing overall vaccination coverage.

References:

[1]    World Health Organization. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Global Immunization data. Geneva:WHO;2014.Availablefrom:http://www.who.int/immunization/monitoring_surveillance/global_immunization_data.pdf. 

[2]    Tefera, Y.A., Wagner, A.L., Mekonen, E.B., Carlson, B.F. & Boulton, M.L. (2018). Predictors and Barriers to Full Vaccination among Children in Ethiopia. Vaccines (Basel);6(2):22. doi: 10.3390/vaccines6020022. PMID: 29642596; PMCID: PMC6027055.

[3]    World Health Organization. Immunization Coverage. Available online: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs378/en/ (accessed on 30 January 2024).

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[6]    World Health Organization. (2021). COVID-19 weekly epidemiological update. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2021-DON365

[7]    Mbengue, M. A. S., Sarr, M., Faye, A., Badiane, O., Camara, F. B. N., Mboup, S., Dieye, T. N., Determinants of complete immunization among senegalese children aged 12-23 months: evidence from the demographic and health survey. BMC Public Health. 2017 Jul 6;17(1):630. doi: 10.1186/s12889-017-4493-3. PMID: 28683781; PMCID: PMC5501441.

[8]    Tauil, M.C., Sato, A.P. & Waldman, E.A. (2016). Factors associated with incomplete or delayed vaccination across countries: A systematic review. Vaccine, 34(24):2635-43. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.04.016. Epub 2016 Apr 22. PMID: 27109562.

[9]    Eze, P., Agu, U. J., Aniebo, C. L., Agu, S. A., Lawani, L. O. & Acharya, Y. (2021). Factors associated with incomplete immunisation in children aged 12-23 months at subnational level, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study. British Medical Journal, 11(6), e047445.

[10]   Adedire, E. B., Ajayi, I., Fawole, O. I., Ajumobi, O., Kasasa, S., Wasswa, P. & Nguku, P. (2016). Immunisation coverage and its determinants among children aged 12-23 months in Atakumosa-west district, Osun State Nigeria: A cross-sectional study. British Medical Centre of Public Health, 16(1), 905.

[11]   Muluye, M., Oljira, L., Eyeberu, A., Getachew, T., Debella, A., Deressa, A. & Dheresa M. (2022). Partial vaccination and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months in eastern Ethiopia. BMC Pediatr. 22(1), 268.

[12]   Oyo-Ita, A., Oduwole, O., Arikpo, D., Effa, E. E., Esu, E. B., Balakrishna, Y., Chibuzor M. T., Oringanje, C. M., Nwachukwu, C. E., Wiysonge, C. S. & Meremikwu, M. M. (2023). Interventions for improving coverage of childhood immunisation in low- and middle-income countries. Cochrane Database System Review, 12(12), CD008145.

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[14]   Oladokun, R.E., Lawoyin, T.O., Adedokun, B.O. (2009). Immunization status and its determinants among children of female traders in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria. Afr J Med Med Sci. 38(1):9-15. PMID: 19722422.

[15]   Fatiregun, A.A., Adebowale, A.S., Ayoka, R.O., Fagbamigbe, A.F. (2013). Assessing full immunisation coverage using lot quality assurance sampling in urban and rural districts of southwest Nigeria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Nov;107(11):731-40. Doi: 10.1093/trstmh/trt079. Epub. PMID: 24062523.

[16]   Muluye, M., Oljira, L., Eyeberu, A., Getachew, T., Debella, A., Deressa, A. & Dheresa M. (2022). Partial vaccination and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months in eastern Ethiopia. BMC Pediatr. 22(1), 268.

[17]   Matta, P., Mouallem, R. & Akel, M. (2020). Parents’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards children’s vaccination in Lebanon: role of the parent-physician communication. BMC Public Health 20, 1439

[18]   Adedire, E.B., Ajayi, I., Fawole, O.I., Ajumobi, O., Kasasa, S., Wasswa, P.& Nguku, P. (2016). Immunisation coverage and its determinants among children aged 12-23 months in Atakumosa-west district, Osun State Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health;16(1):905. Doi: 10.1186/s12889-016-3531-x. PMID: 27578303; PMCID: PMC5006522.

[19]   Tefera, Y.A., Wagner, A.L., Mekonen, E.B., Carlson, B.F. & Boulton, M.L. (2018). Predictors and Barriers to Full Vaccination among Children in Ethiopia. Vaccines (Basel); 6(2):22. Doi: 10.3390/vaccines6020022. PMID: 29642596; PMCID: PMC6027055.

[20]   Tauil, M.C., Sato, A.P. & Waldman, E.A. (2016). Factors associated with incomplete or delayed vaccination across countries: A systematic review. Vaccine. 2016 May 23;34(24):2635-43. Doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.04.016. Epub. PMID: 27109562.

[21]   Barrow, A., Afape, A.O, Cham, D. & Azubuike, P.C. (2023). Uptake and determinants of childhood vaccination status among children aged 0-12 months in three West African countries. BMC Public Health.; 23(1):1093. Doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-15863-w. PMID: 37280553; PMCID: PMC10246109.

[22]   Tesema, G.A., Tessema, Z.T., Tamirat, K.S. & Teshale, A.B. (2020).  Complete basic childhood vaccination and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months in East Africa: a multilevel analysis of recent demographic and health surveys. BMC Public Health; 20(1):1837. Doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-09965-y. PMID: 33256701; PMCID: PMC7708214.

[23]   Patel, P.N., Hada, M., Carlson, B.F. & Boulton, M.L. (2021). Immunization status of children in Nepal and associated factors, 2016. Vaccine;39(40):5831-5838. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.08.059. Epub 2021 Aug 26. PMID: 34456076.

[24]   Deressa, A.T., Desta, M.S. & Belihu, T.M. (2020). Vaccination Status and Associated Factors among Street Children 9-24 Months Old in Sidama Region, Ethiopia. Ann Glob Health;86(1):4. doi: 10.5334/aogh.2650. PMID: 31934551; PMCID: PMC6952879.

[25]   Yadita, Z.S. & Ayehubizu, L.M. (2021). Full immunization coverage and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months in Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia. PLoS One; 16(12):e0260258. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260258. PMID: 34874949; PMCID: PMC8651113.

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[30]   Riaz, A., Husain, S., Yousafzai, M. T., Nisar, I., Shaheen, F., Mahesar, W., Dal, S. M., Omer, S. B., Zaidi, S. & Ali, A. (2018). Reasons for non-vaccination and incomplete vaccinations among children in Pakistan. Vaccine, 36(35), 5288-5293.

Abstract:

Anatomical variations in sella turcica are associated with various types of syndromes, craniofacial, and dental abnormalities. The one of interest to orthodontists is palatal impaction of canine. It has been advocated that the dental progenitor cells and anterior wall of the sella-turcica share a common embryological origin, and neural crest cells play an important role in the development of both. The early diagnosis and intervention for impacted canines can reduce the duration, expense, and complexity of treatment in the permanent dentition. A proper knowledge of normal variants and pathologies that are associated with sella turcica bridging is required. Lateral cephalograms and CBCT should be studied thoroughly to observe the presence of STB and its association with PCI. The present review aimed at getting a much clearer association of bridging of sella turcica with palatal impaction of canine.

References:

Abstract:

Fixed appliances used in orthodontics can alter the oral microbiota, leading to an increase in aggressive gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial species. These bacteria are strongly associated with enamel and dentin caries and periodontal disease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain control during orthodontic treatment which can affect tooth movement and lengthen treatment time. The study evaluated the use of Adhatoda vasica in various aspects of orthodontics. The study involved the extraction of plant material, qualitative phytochemical analysis, GC-MS analysis, antibacterial activity testing, and in vitro toxicity testing on bone cell lines. The results showed that Adhatoda vasica extracts had antimicrobial activity against various pathogens and demonstrated cytocompatibility with bone cell lines. The hydroalcoholic and pet ether extracts showed the most promising results. The study highlights the impact of fixed appliances on oral microbiota, the potential role of Adhatoda vasica in orthodontics, and the need for further research in this area.

References:

Abstract:

Climate change in Malaysia has led to the occurrence of flooding disasters that have a negative impact on all parties, especially the vulnerable groups, including the community in Pantai Johor Village, Kedah. Climate change refers to significant changes in average climate conditions or its variability over a long period (usually near or more). The flooding disasters have caused the Malaysian government to incur significant expenses to assist flood victims. Therefore, a qualitative study was conducted on ten respondents in Pantai Johor Village, Kedah, who were heads of households selected through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted to obtain the necessary information. All collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis methods. The study findings indicate that flooding disasters have an impact on the community's life in Pantai Johor Village, Alor Setar, Kedah. The study found that all respondents stated that climate change has an impact on their lives. Climate change in this village has led to flooding disasters, affecting the community. For the first objective of the study, the researcher successfully answered it through discussions of the study findings. The conclusions that can be drawn by the researcher based on the study's objective, which is to examine the impact of climate change on the community in Pantai Johor Village, Kedah, are that climate change brings various negative effects on the community's life in the village. The climate change that occurs has caused economic problems and disrupted the well-being of the community.

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Lateh, N., Osman, M. R., & Din, G., 2017, Isu-isu kotemporari dalam zakat, wakaf, dan filantropi islam. shah alam, malaysia: Akademi pengajian islam kotemporari UITM

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to identify critical success factors and their impact on implementation of quality management system at selected Public Health Laboratories in Botswana. The study population was from the targeted seven accredited Public Health Laboratories in Botswana. Data on critical success factors was collected using a questionnaire. The questions were based on the critical success factors for implementation of total quality management identified during the literature review. Ten Critical Success Factors for successful implementation of the quality management system were rated by a group of questions using a five point Likert scale method. The 5-point Likert scale includes the items: strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree. Strongly agree was assigned a score of 5, agree is assigned a score of 4, neutral is assigned a score of 3, disagree is assigned a score of 2 and strongly disagree a score of 1. The mean of the assigned ratings is 3.0. Critical success factors which score mean greater than 3.0 will be classified as agree while those mean less than 3.0 will be classified as disagree. All the ten critical success factors had a mean above of 3.0, with a range of 4.77 to 3.57. All the ten success factors were deemed critical; Employee empowerment Strategic quality planning, Process management, Performance management, Quality culture, Management and leadership, Training, Supplier Management, Customer focus, Information analysis.

References:

Abstract:

Several medical models have consistently shown that infectious diseases will continuously evade the human race. With the recent outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria and beyond, there is the need for every nation to upscale their level of preparedness. It is against this backdrop that this paper sought to assess level of health workers’ awareness of Infection Prevention and Control Preparedness levels in the Isolation centers and secondary hospitals. A mixed method research design was utilized. The study made use of questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews as the main sources of data collection. The study found out that 42% of the facilities were found to be at “basic readiness level”, another 41% of the facilities whose healthcare workers were found to be at “intermediate readiness level, while the remaining 16% facilities were at “advanced readiness level of awareness of Infection Prevention and Control preparedness. Furthermore, the study also confirmed that appropriate practices of COVID-19 preventive measures impact positively on the control and spread of COVID -19. The results also indicated that there were gaps in the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). The study recommends amongst others that Infection, Prevention and Control team and other stakeholders should have the capacity and knowledge to deal with infectious diseases.

References:

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Abstract:

Mental health and well-being are crucial for a fulfilling life. Work related stress negatively impacts health care providers' professionalism, quality of care delivery, efficiency, and overall quality of life. It is important to identify and mitigate these work-related risk factors to protect the mental health well-being of healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to assess the provision, demand and awareness of need for mental health care services amongst nursing care staff stationed in dispensaries within Mombasa County, Kenya. This is a cross-sectional study that targeted nurses at the dispensary level, facility in-charges, and County health personnel. Quantitative data was collected using GAD-7 to measure anxiety, PHQ 9 to measure depression and PCL 5 to measure PTSD. Qualitative data was collected through IDI and key informant interviews with the facility in charges and the Sub-County County nurse officials. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively while qualitative data was analyzed following Creswell six steps. The research discovered the proportion of nurses in Mombasa County affected by PTSD severe anxiety and severe depression as 12.6%, 22.6% and 3.2% respectively. These conditions have their origin in work and personal matters with work-related matters being the main contributors. Fear of stigmatization from colleagues and the community negatively affected care seeking behavior. Nine county facilities offered mental health services although understaffed with only 9 specialized staff. The county has made some investment in mental health service provision, this investment is however focused on service provision to the general public as opposed to health care workers.

References:

Abstract:

The covid-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented impact on employee engagement and performance. The changing workplace environment has triggered psychological pressure and uncertainty and caused negative consequences for employees. In light of this unplanned situation that affect employees and the predictive closed relationship between employee engagement and performance, this study was developed to identify the key drivers of staff engagement and performance and its impact on organizational performance in the current context. The literature review showed different ways that researchers, organizations, and scholars perceive employee engagement. Several models and theories explained the concept of Employee engagement and performance and provided a context that directs the impact of COVID-19 on staff engagement and performance. The primary source of data collection was the online questionnaire. A random sampling of 339 staff was selected from a population of 1,700 employees in the different departments in MTN Nigeria out of which 306 respondents provided their feedback and this constituted the sample size while no response from 33 employees. Five hypotheses were formulated, and a conclusion was drawn from them. The calculation and analysis were obtained using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to get the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient while regression analysis was used to analyse the stated hypotheses. The result summary was analyzed considering the key objectives, it was evident that the majority of the employees felt alienated and disengaged due to the prolonged work-from-home, no informal meetings and socializations even though they still felt engaged while working for the organization.

References:

Abstract:

Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is a key public health intervention to reduce child mortality and morbidity. In Madagascar, the VAS program has transitioned from a vertical program to integration into the routine health system (RHS). This study assesses the coverage of VAS and its associated factors during the last campaign mode and first implementation into routine. A national cross-sectional household survey selected 4410 households using multistage random sampling. After consent, mothers of children aged 6–59 months were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. In addition to socioeconomic and program information from selected communities, 2,972 children aged 6-59 months were verified for vitamin A capsule uptake within the six months before the survey and during the April 2019 campaign. Bivariate analysis and multilevel mixed logistic regression were used to estimate VAS coverage and its associated factors. Overall, VAS coverage was 79.1% (CI 95%: 76.6%-82.0%) in the campaign and 50.6% (CI 95%: 47.7%-53.5%) in routine mode. In regression analysis adjusted for confounders, community exposure to mass media campaigns on VAS, Vitamin A knowledge, Antenatal care visits, household wealth index, and urban residence were positively associated with VAS uptake in routine mode. In contrast, the number of children under 5 per household and age was negatively associated. This study suggests that VAS coverage in Madagascar is suboptimal and that improving the identified socioeconomic and programmatic factors associated with VAS uptake is recommended. These findings can inform strategies to increase VAS coverage during the transition to the RHS.

References:

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the trends of the HIV pandemic in North Eastern Uganda to assess the current status and guide future programs aimed at ending HIV as a public health threat in this region by 2030. The study established that awareness about HIV was at 75% among the adolescents in the region and that only 63% of the population in the region had tested for HIV. These levels are below the desired target of 95%. Overall HIV prevalence was found to be 3.7%, which is below the national average of 5.8%. ART coverage was 53.6% among men and 69.9% among women living with HIV in the region; this too is below the desired target of 95%. Viral Load Suppression was found to be at an average of 78%, which is significantly lower than the target of at least 95%. 36% of the people living with HIV felt significant levels of stigma and discrimination, thus reducing their quality of life. Overall, the study found that most of the key HIV indicators had stagnated in the region, with some heading away from, rather than towards the targets for HIV epidemic control. Recommendations for improvement include reviving HIV prevention and awareness programming for young people, as well as addressing the multiple obstacles hampering HIV control efforts in the region.

References:

Abstract:

Asymptomatic malaria is prevalent in highly endemic areas of Africa, with only a small percentage of individuals exhibiting clinical symptoms. The clinical consequence of asymptomatic malaria is not fully understood. Some researchers are of the view that asymptomatic parasitaemia is involved in the development of partial immunity and may protect against clinical disease from new infections. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of malaria reservoir of plasmodium falciparum among adult people of Nasarawa state of Nigeria and to identify the factors associated with malaria in this category of people. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among selected local government areas of the state. The outcome variable was the presence or absence of malaria in which its asscoiation with demographic information, knowledge and awareness, measures and control, environmental factors are tested. The local government areas were observed to have reported the highest positivity rate of malaria between 2017 to 2022. The study was conducted from August 2022 to April 2023. A semi-structured questionnaire was employed to collect socio-demographic data and other associated risk factors by trained health professionals. Body temperature and other clinical manifestations were examined to identify the asymptomatic individuals. This examination was carried out after selection of individuals from households before mRDT is conducted. Data entry and analysis was carried out using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 20 software. The results obtained are very desirable.

References:

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to assess the alignment of HIV/AIDS programming in North Eastern Uganda to the current program goals of ending HIV as a public health threat in this region by 2030, achieving 95-95-95, and eliminating HIV/AIDS stigma in the community. The study found that the state of program implementation is not well aligned to and is not on track to achieve these program goals. The region had not achieved the desired level of performance in any of the 95 targets. The first 95 (proportion of people living with HIV who their HIV status) was found to be at approximately 75%. The second 95 (proportion of those living with HIV who are on Anti-Retroviral Therapy - ART) was found to be approximately 63% and the third 95 (Viral Load Suppression among those on treatment) was at approximately 70%. This made the cascade 75-63-70, which was significantly below the 95-95-95 targets. 36% percent of the people living with HIV report feeling significant levels of stigma, which is far from the target of 0%. The study documented the key challenges that are hindering progress towards the current program goals. These include limited funding, siloed programming, insufficient coordination, lack of prioritization of HIV programs by local leaders, frequent stockouts of essential commodities, shortage of personnel, and insufficient skills among some of the existing personnel. Urgent action is needed by all stakeholders to revamp HIV programming in the region and put it on track to achieve the desired goals.

References:

[1] CDC, MMWR, June 5, 1981. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/1261

[2] UNAIDS 2020: Forty years into the HIV epidemic, AIDS remains the leading cause of death of women of reproductive age — UNAIDS calls for bold action https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2020/march/20200305_weve-got-the-power

[3] WHO 2017, President of Uganda Launches Fast Track Initiative Ending HIV AIDS in Uganda by 2030 https://www.afro.who.int/news/president-uganda-launches-fast-track-initiative-ending-hiv-aids-uganda-2030

[4] Ssenkaaba John - 2015: The Changing Livelihood of the Karamoja people of North Eastern Uganda and Its Impact on the Survival of Their Traditional Gender Roles. – The Artic University of Norway. https://munin.uit.no/bitstream/handle/10037/7782/thesis.pdf?sequence=2

[5] Emunyu Ocan Charles and Ocan Charles - Pastoral resources and conflicts in North-Eastern Uganda: the Karimojong case - Nomadic Peoples - https://www.jstor.org/stable/43124077

[6] ICAP Columbia University, 2022, Uganda Summary Sheet 2020-2021 PHIA Project: Retrieved from https://phia.icap.columbia.edu/uganda-summary-sheet-2020-2021/

[7] AMICAALL, 2016, Baseline survey on HIV/AIDs Among Young People in Karamoja sub-region December 2016.

[8] UNAIDS Indicator Registry: https://indicatorregistry.unaids.org/indicator/people-living-hiv-who-know-their-status

[9] UNFPA 2018: Leaving no one behind in Karamoja, Issue brief 07, August 2018. https://uganda.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub pdf/Issue%20Brief%207.%20Leaving%20no%20one%20behind%20in%20Karamoja.pdf

[10] UNAIDS Understanding FAST-TRACK 95:95:95 https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/201506_JC2743_Understanding_FastTrack_en.pdf

[11] Ministry of Health et al, 2019, Uganda Population-Based Impact Assessment - UPHIA 2016-2017 Final Report.

[12] Ssebunya Rogers, N., Rhoda K Wanyenze, Leticia Namale, Heather Lukolyo, Grace P Kisitu, Patricia Nahirya-Ntege, Adeodata Kekitiinwa, 2018, Prevalence and correlates of HIV testing among adolescents 10-19 years in a post-conflict pastoralist community of Karamoja region, Uganda. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-018-5544-0

[13] NAFOPHANU, 2019, People Living with HIV Stigma Index Survey 2019, Uganda Country Assessment. https://www.stigmaindex.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019/11/PLHIV-Stigma-Index-Report-Uganda-2019.pdf

[14] Ssenkaaba John - 2015: The Changing Livelihood of the Karamoja people of North Eastern Uganda and Its Impact on the Survival of Their Traditional Gender Roles. – The Artic University of Norway. https://munin.uit.no/bitstream/handle/10037/7782/thesis.pdf?sequence=2

[15] Uganda AIDS Commission, 2017: The Uganda HIV/AIDS Country Progress Report July 2016-June 2017 https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents/UGA_2018_countryreport.pdf

AMICAALL, 2016, Baseline survey on HIV/AIDs Among Young People in Karamoja sub-region December 2016

Abstract:

To assess gender differences in response to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS attending ART Clinic in Federal Medical Center (FMC), Abuja. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 595 HIV-positive adult patients attending HIV clinic in FMC Abuja between January 2021 and December 2022. Data was retrieved from the database of ART Clinic, FMC Abuja, for patients who have been on TDF/3TC/DTG regimen for at least six months before viral load testing. A total of 1,150 registered People Living with HIV Aids (PLWHA) received care between January 2021 and December 2022 in FMC Abuja. Only 595 had viral load test within the study period, comprising of 205 (34%) males and 390 (66%) females in a ratio of 1:1.9. The viral load of the study participants ranged from 0 to 3,970,000.00 copies/ml with a standard deviation of 310,099.63 copies/ml. 571 (96%) of the total study participants had viral load less than 1,000 copies/ml, and 200 (35%) of them were males whereas 371 (65%) were females. The remaining 24 (4%) of the study participants who had viral load greater than 1,000 copies/ml were 8 (34%) males and 16 (66%) females. The dif­ferences in the means of viral load between males and females were not statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.054. This study found a very high viral suppression and females were equally virally suppressed as the males.

References:

Abstract:

Traditionally, immunity has been defined as a defence against, or as a resistance to, contagious and infectious diseases. However, in modern understanding, it has become apparent that the immune system's mechanisms that protect against disease can also react against harmless substances. In some instances of severe infection, it's important to be aware that the immune response generated may have unintended adverse consequences. These conditions are associated with sepsis and may even turn out to be life-threatening in certain cases. Sepsis is a whole spectrum of diseases with a systemic and dysregulated host response to an infection. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to investigate and understand the level of awareness among the general public regarding this condition. This study aimed to understand the level of awareness about sepsis among the general population and to compare the perspectives of urban and rural populations. This study revealed that the awareness among both populations is low. Efforts should be made to increase awareness in India.

References:

Abstract:

White spot lesions are a regrettable but frequent side effect of orthodontic treatment that can be avoided by using dentifrices that encourage enamel remineralization. To evaluate the remineralising efficacy of an indigenously developed dentifrice containing green synthesised strontium fluorapatite nanoparticles (SrFAp NPs). SrFAp NPs were green synthesised using plant extracts of Equisetum arvense and Laminariales along with fluorine and hydroxyapatite precursors. Characterisation and cytotoxicity evaluation of the SrFAp NPs was done. Remineralising efficacy was evaluated on 30 extracted non carious teeth separated into 1 control group and 5 test groups of 5 teeth each. All samples underwent demineralisation and remineralisation. The test groups were exposed to the corresponding concentration of SrFAp NPs dentifrice. The pre and post treatment Vickers hardness test and Energy dispersive x-ray analysis were performed. Statistical analysis done using SPSS software. Characterisation and cytotoxicity tests revealed successful formation of SrFAp NPs with good cell viability. Increase in enamel hardness values seen in all test groups post treatment. Highly significant difference in enamel hardness values seen in 0.1%, 0.8% and 1% SrFAp dentifrices. EDAX analysis shows strontium uptake in all the test groups. 0.1 Wt%, 0.2 Wt%, 0.1 Wt%, 0.5 Wt%, 0.2 Wt% of Sr uptake seen in 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8% and 1% SrFAp dentifrices respectively. SrFAp NPs containing dentifrices have successfully remineralised enamel leading to increased enamel hardness. EDAX shows successful uptake of strontium of highest 0.5 Wt% seen with 0.8% SrFAp NP dentifrice.

References: