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Research Article
Gender Dynamics and the Socioeconomic Implications of Infertility in Sierra Leone: A Study on Health, Social Stigmatization, and Economic Impact
Safuan Muckson Sesay*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
313-321
Received:
13 September 2024
Accepted:
29 September 2024
Published:
18 October 2024
Abstract: Gender Dynamics and the Socioeconomic Implications of Infertility in Sierra Leone delves profoundly into the intricate effects of infertility on persons and broader society. Infertility in Sierra Leone surpasses medical confines, interweaving fundamentally with cultural, communal, and economic factors. Women disproportionately bear the consequences, suffering from social exclusion, economic hardship, and psychological distress. Societal expectation that ties femininity to motherhood increase these stresses. This societal expectation places immense anxiety on women who are unable to conceive, regularly resulting in discrimination, stigmatization, and isolation from family and social life. Financially, families expend considerable amounts on fertility treatments, which frequently lead to monetary instability, especially in lower-income families. Infertile women, already marginalized, face compounded challenges due to reduced inheritance rights, limited economic possibilities, and societal exclusion. Psychologically, the emotional toll is severe, with many experiencing depression, anxiety, and isolation. The research calls for comprehensive policies that address the multifaceted character of infertility. It advocates for gender-sensitive reproductive wellness initiatives and societal efforts to decrease the stigma associated with infertility. By promoting equitable access to healthcare, improving mental health services, and tackling cultural stigmatization, the study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to mitigate the socioeconomic and health-related impacts of infertility in Sierra Leone. Ultimately, the findings highlight the urgency of policy reforms that integrate medical, social, and economic viewpoints to better support those affected by infertility.
Abstract: Gender Dynamics and the Socioeconomic Implications of Infertility in Sierra Leone delves profoundly into the intricate effects of infertility on persons and broader society. Infertility in Sierra Leone surpasses medical confines, interweaving fundamentally with cultural, communal, and economic factors. Women disproportionately bear the consequences...
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Research Article
Exploring Information Sources on Malaria Prevention and Their Impact on Knowledge Among Pregnant Women in Urban Ghana
Akua Kumi Yeboah,
Richmond Bediako Nsiah*,
Lynna Naa Adade Obeng,
Priscilla Sarkodie,
Dominic Nyarko,
Jonathan Mawutor Gmanyami,
Isaac Ayirebi,
Charlotte Yeboah Domfeh,
Isaac Morrison,
Margaret Morrison,
Florence Owusuaa Peprah,
Geoffrey Akungoe Ayambire,
Patrick Larbi-Debrah,
Obed Atsu-Ofori,
Frank Prempeh,
Kwame Kusi Agyemang,
Samuel Malogae Badiekang,
Daniel Ike Adinkrah,
Gilbert Elara Dagoe,
Gabriel Tchatchouang Mabou
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
322-334
Received:
21 September 2024
Accepted:
11 October 2024
Published:
31 October 2024
Abstract: Background: Adequate knowledge of malaria prevention among pregnant women is crucial for mitigating the associated risks. This study aimed to explore the various information sources on malaria preventive measures and assess their impact on the knowledge of malaria prevention among pregnant women in an urban district of Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 300 pregnant women was conducted to evaluate their knowledge of malaria prevention. Chi-square tests were utilized to assess the relationships between these educational sources and levels of knowledge. To quantify the influence of each educational source on knowledge, logistic regression models were employed, providing adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Microsoft Excel version 2026. Results: Overall, 88.7% of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge of malaria prevention. Education at health posts by trained workers was linked to higher knowledge (AOR = 7.82, 95% CI [1.26, 48.35], p = 0.027). In contrast, education from family or friends was associated with lower knowledge levels (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI [0.15, 0.76], p = 0.008). Media and written materials did not significantly affect knowledge levels (χ² (1, N = 300) = 0.44, p = 0.51). Conclusion: The findings highlight the pivotal role of health posts and health workers in enhancing malaria prevention knowledge among pregnant women. Strategies aimed at strengthening health facility-based education could significantly improve maternal health outcomes in malaria-endemic regions. Further research is recommended to explore effective approaches for augmenting education from family networks and media to complement health facility-based efforts.
Abstract: Background: Adequate knowledge of malaria prevention among pregnant women is crucial for mitigating the associated risks. This study aimed to explore the various information sources on malaria preventive measures and assess their impact on the knowledge of malaria prevention among pregnant women in an urban district of Ghana. Methods: A cross-secti...
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Research Article
Mechanical Ventilator Development During COVID-19 Crisis: Preclinical Data Analysis from Porcine Bio-model
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
335-342
Received:
5 August 2024
Accepted:
2 September 2024
Published:
31 October 2024
Abstract: This paper describes a mechanical ventilator prototype with preclinical test performed on 10 bioporcine models, where tests were performed for eight hours for each individuals, giving the respective life support on different scenarios inducing stress and evaluating that each subject physiological parameters remain and return swiftly to the normal values. The results have shown the capabilities to maintain physiological parameters for each subject under test and present also the capability of monitoring the pulmonary parameter, compliance (C), computed from the pressure-volume hysteresis loop measured by the prototype, so that this is the unique proposed prototype to present this capability at this extended subject samples. The ventilator prototype was designed following the Medicine & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) from United Kingdom (UK), that was the first guidelines for manufactured ventilator system in the pandemic of COVID-19 emergency. Finally the components used in the mechanical ventilator comes from different industrial applications, that its performances were tested for years and its supply were no affected by the surge of the acquisition of critical electro-mechanical components used by the commercial ventilator factories under pandemic situation as COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract: This paper describes a mechanical ventilator prototype with preclinical test performed on 10 bioporcine models, where tests were performed for eight hours for each individuals, giving the respective life support on different scenarios inducing stress and evaluating that each subject physiological parameters remain and return swiftly to the normal v...
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Research Article
Prevalence and Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in a Healthcare Setting in Bauchi State, Northeastern Nigeria: Outcome of a Cross-Sectional Study
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
343-353
Received:
4 October 2024
Accepted:
28 October 2024
Published:
20 November 2024
Abstract: Background: COVID-19 has been a deadly disease in the last three-four years with huge economic impact globally. Although it does not seem to be severe in our environment, but the aftermath is devastating. Public health preventing measures like limiting social gatherings, maintaining social distance, isolating infected persons, and lately vaccines were promising in controlling the spread of the infection and pandemic. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to select samples of healthcare professionals who made the inclusion criteria. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select samples of 226 healthcare workers present at the clinics and offices. Data extracted were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and chi-square test at 95% CI and a level of significance of 0.05. Result: The finding showed; the prevalence rate of vaccine acceptance is 82.3% and the chi-square tests analysis revealed a statistically significant association between vaccine acceptance and age (p-value=0.034), professionalism (p-value= <0.001), educational level (p-value=0.047) and year of working experience (p-value= 0.023). Conclusion: Prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination is generally high. However, a significant number of healthcare workers were hesitant to take it if not for government command. Sociodemographic factors were statistically associated with vaccine acceptance. We recommend healthcare workers across the state to be exposed to training on immunization and how to improve vaccine acceptance in the community.
Abstract: Background: COVID-19 has been a deadly disease in the last three-four years with huge economic impact globally. Although it does not seem to be severe in our environment, but the aftermath is devastating. Public health preventing measures like limiting social gatherings, maintaining social distance, isolating infected persons, and lately vaccines w...
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Research Article
Knowledge of Non-Communicable Diseases Among Adolescents in Public and Private Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
354-365
Received:
13 September 2024
Accepted:
14 October 2024
Published:
22 November 2024
Abstract: Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of poor health and early death globally. Although NCDs are most common in middle to late adulthood, many lifestyle habits that contribute to these diseases begin during adolescence. This research evaluated the knowledge of non-communicable diseases among adolescents in public and private secondary schools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Methods: The study used a comparative cross-sectional design to collect research data from 640 adolescents. Participants were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique and data was analysed using IBM Statistical Product for the Service Solution version 29. Results: Few respondents from private (6.3%) and public (5.3%) schools had good knowledge, majority from private (75%) and public (66.9) schools had fair knowledge, while 18.8% (private) and 27.8% (public) had poor knowledge on non-communicable diseases. Socioeconomic status and knowledge level were statistically significant (p<0.05). The prevalence of NCDs (asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure) was 3.4% and 2.5% among private and public school adolescents. Conclusion: There is need for continuous health education on NCDs risk factors among adolescents to ensure they adopt healthy lifestyles through informed choices to foster good and quality health into adulthood.
Abstract: Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of poor health and early death globally. Although NCDs are most common in middle to late adulthood, many lifestyle habits that contribute to these diseases begin during adolescence. This research evaluated the knowledge of non-communicable diseases among adolescents in public and p...
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Research Article
Risk and Determinants of Non-communicable Diseases Among Adolescents in Public and Private Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
366-379
Received:
13 September 2024
Accepted:
14 October 2024
Published:
22 November 2024
Abstract: Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of poor health and premature mortality worldwide. Although NCDs are majorly prevalent in middle to late adulthood, most lifestyle habits are started during adolescence a significant period of development. This research evaluated the risk and determinants of non-communicable diseases among adolescents in public and private secondary schools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Methods: The study used a comparative cross-sectional design to collect research data from 640 adolescents. Participants were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique and data was analysed with IBM Statistical Product for the Service Solution version 29. Results: Private and public school respondents report on NCDs (asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure) was 3.4% and 2.5% respectively. NCDs behavioural and metabolic risk factors were prevalent among both private and public school adolescents. Private school students exhibited higher prevalence of physical activity (75% vs. 61.6%), soft drink consumption (96.3% vs. 92.5%), alcohol consumption (45.6% vs. 36.9%), overweight (17.3% vs. 7.5%), obesity (5.9% vs. 1.6%), prehypertension (12.8% vs. 5%) and hypertension (6.6% vs. 1.6%). Conversely, public school students had higher prevalence of daily fruit intake (19.4% vs. 8.8%) and tobacco use (7.5% vs. 2.2%). Socioeconomic status, behavioural risk factors and metabolic risk factors were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study identified NCDs risk factors among adolescents that can lead to development of NCDs in adulthood, hence there is need for preventive measures that are targeted and data-driven to ensure adolescents adopt healthy lifestyles.
Abstract: Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of poor health and premature mortality worldwide. Although NCDs are majorly prevalent in middle to late adulthood, most lifestyle habits are started during adolescence a significant period of development. This research evaluated the risk and determinants of non-communicable disease...
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Case Report
A Unique Case of Pretonamid Resistance on MDR TB Patient: A Case Report
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
380-385
Received:
12 October 2024
Accepted:
14 November 2024
Published:
28 November 2024
Abstract: Background: Pretomanid is a novel medication that belongs to the class of nitroimid-azooxazines. The development of resistance to this novel agent not only complicates clinical management but also poses a threat to public health efforts aimed at controlling TB. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and therapeutic implications associated with a patient exhibiting pretonamid resistance. Through this examination, we aim to enhance understanding of resistance mechanisms, underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance, and advocate for refined treatment strategies in the context of MDR-TB management understanding the mechanism of this resistance is crucial for developing effective treatment strategy and improving patient outcome. Case presentation: a sixteen-year-old male patient diagnosed with rifampicin-resistant PTB (RR-PTB) after he presented with a cough of two weeks duration and he is on treatment for RR-PTB, and he is on BpaLM regimen. The third-month second-line phenotypic DST result revealed pretomanid (Pa) resistance. [Stm, INH, RIF, EMB, Pa are resistant, and Bdq, Clf, Dlm, Lfx, Lzd, and Mfx are sensitive]. Clinical Discussion: Following the hospital’s clinical panel team and national TB program expert’s discussion we changed the regimen to individualized (Lfx, Cs, Bdq, Dlm, Cfz and Lzd). Conclusion: Pretomanid resistance in humans reveals a low prevalence but highlight the need for vigilance. And since it’s the incorporated in BPaL regimine and its among the backbone of the regimen we should have to follow the resistance pattern. While facing Pretomanid resistance Consult experts, engage a physician experienced in drug-resistant TB for treatment planning and management, monitor adverse effects closely observe patients for signs of myelosuppression, peripheral neuropathy, and hepatotoxicity during treatment with the BPaL regimen. And also ensure timely susceptibility testing for all components of the BPaL regimen to guide effective treatment adjustments then go for alternative regimen.
Abstract: Background: Pretomanid is a novel medication that belongs to the class of nitroimid-azooxazines. The development of resistance to this novel agent not only complicates clinical management but also poses a threat to public health efforts aimed at controlling TB. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and therapeu...
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Research Article
Dietary Quality and Its Impact on Maternal Nutritional Status in Ondo State, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
386-395
Received:
22 July 2024
Accepted:
12 September 2024
Published:
10 December 2024
Abstract: Background: Malnutrition is one of the major problems that have bewildered human health in developing countries Objective: The study aimed to assess maternal diet quality and nutritional status of in Ondo state. Methods: This was a community based descriptive and cross-sectional study that consisted of 420 respondents (mothers). Respondents were drawn using multistage sampling procedure. Pre-test, semi-structured Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents while anthropometric indices such as height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference were measurement and Waist hip ratio, mid upper arm circumference were computed according to standard. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from weight and height measurements and classified into underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5-24.9), overweight (25.0-29.9) and obesity (≥30.0). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while level of significant was set P (<0.05). Results: The nutritional status of the women shows that there was a double burden of malnutrition indicating 10.7% under nutrition, 29.0% overweight and 4.8% obese. BMI was significantly associated with mothers’ age (p= 0.000), place of residence (p= 0.009), marital status (p= 0.017), mothers’ occupation (p= 0.026), occupation of spouse (p= 0.009), and monthly income (p = 0.008). Conclusion: There were existence of a double burden of malnutrition and high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the study area. Household food insecurity contributed greatly to the malnutrition observed in many mothers in the study. Nutrition and health promotion education intervention is recommended in the study area.
Abstract: Background: Malnutrition is one of the major problems that have bewildered human health in developing countries Objective: The study aimed to assess maternal diet quality and nutritional status of in Ondo state. Methods: This was a community based descriptive and cross-sectional study that consisted of 420 respondents (mothers). Respondents were dr...
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Research Article
The Prevalence and Predictors of MetS Among Commercial Long Distance Bus Drivers (CLDBDs) in Cape Coast, Ghana
Heckel Amoabeng Abban,
Jacob Setorglo*,
Christiana Nsiah-Asamoah,
Samuel Acquah,
Matilda Steiner-Asiedu
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
396-405
Received:
10 October 2024
Accepted:
22 November 2024
Published:
19 December 2024
Abstract: Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a foremost risk consideration for the development of cardiovascular disease which is a major cause of mortality around the globe. Objective: This study determined the prevalence and predictors of MetS amongst Commercial Long Distance Bus Drivers (CLDBDs) in Cape Coast, Ghana. Methods: A cross sectional study design that conveniently enrolled 170 registered male CLDBDs from five bus Unions. We included in the study long distance bus drivers registered at the unions, with a valid drivers’ license C. Obesity was determined using the WHO cut-offs. We determined blood pressure among the drivers through diastolic and systolic readings of arterial blood pressures and categorized based on the WHO cut offs. Fasting blood glucose level was reached through laboratory analysis. The MetS was determined based on ATP III NCEP criteria. Percentages were presented for socio-demographic and lifestyle variables. Chi-square statistics was performed on socio-demographic, occupational and lifestyle factors associated with MetS. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the factors that predicted the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome at 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results: The average age and duration of commercial long-distance driving were 41± 8 years and 18± 8 hours respectively. About 14.2% were obese. A total of 22.4% had diastolic blood pressure 90 mmHg or higher and 21.2% had systolic blood pressure 140 mmHg or higher. About 2.2% of respondents had high levels of LDL-c and 8.8% had high HDL-c levels. Whilst 2.2% had high levels of triglyceride, 4.4% had high levels of total cholesterol (TC). About 82.6% had fasting blood glucose level > 6.1 mmol/L. The prevalence of MetS was 44% alcohol intake was statistically associated with metabolic syndrome (p< 0.01). Alcohol intake predicted MetS [OR=5.17; 95% CI: 1.75-15.2; P=0.03]. Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was high among this group. Out of the five symptoms used for MetS classification, fasting blood glucose proportion was highest and alcohol intake placed drivers at about five times at risk of development of MetS compared with drivers who do not.
Abstract: Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a foremost risk consideration for the development of cardiovascular disease which is a major cause of mortality around the globe. Objective: This study determined the prevalence and predictors of MetS amongst Commercial Long Distance Bus Drivers (CLDBDs) in Cape Coast, Ghana. Methods: A cross sectional study...
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