International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health最新文献

{"title":"Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection among Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Patients Attending the Gynaecology Clinic of a Private Tertiary Hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria","authors":"T. Ajani, C. Elikwu, Olufunmilola Makanjuola, Chika Okangba, T. Oluwasola, C. Anaedobe","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i71572","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i71572","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is one of the very serious complications arising from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Chlamydia trachomatis has been implicated as one of the commonest causes of STI. Considering the adverse sequelae of PID, there is a need for locally relevant data which will guide preventive and therapeutic efforts. Detection of a combination of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) has been described as an indicator of an actively chronic infection \u0000Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection by the use of IgA and IgG and evaluate the associated risk factors among females that presented with Pelvic inflammatory disease at the gynaecology clinic of Babcock University Teaching Hospital. Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. (BUTH) \u0000Materials and Methods: This was a hospital–based, case-controlled study involving 44 patients diagnosed with PID and 44 age-matched controls at the gynaecology clinic of BUTHI. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, and risk factors for PID, from consenting participants. Blood samples were collected from each participant and analysed, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, for Chlamydia trachomatis type‑specific for IgA and IgG. Analysis was done by SPSS, IBM version 23.0 \u0000Results: Both IgG and IgA were present in 15 cases (34.1%) as compared to none of the controls. The difference between Chlamydia IgG, IgA and (IgG+IgA) among the cases and the controls were statistically significant. Majority of the participants positive for the immunoglobulins were aged 25 years or younger (11, 73.3%), number of lifetime sex partners and age of first sexual intercourse being 18 years or younger were statistically associated with Chlamydia trachomatis causing PID. \u0000Conclusion: Chlamydia trachomatis remains an important causative pathogen of PID and more prevalent among the young people. Screening is advocated among the young in resource limited countries.","PeriodicalId":503781,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health","volume":"44 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141809518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Evaluation of Diabetes Complication Using Liver Function Parameters as Indices between Male and Female Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats","authors":"Iwuji Joy Chidinma, Nwanjo Harrison Ugochukwu, Nwosu Dennis C, Onuoha Chisom Precious, Emerole Chinwe Nelly, Ohaeri Evangelina Ozoemena","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i71571","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i71571","url":null,"abstract":"It is known that diabetes causes liver damage. On the other hand, because most cases of liver damage have been investigated in males, examining the relationship of this disease in both sexes is of great importance. This study was aimed at, comparatively evaluating diabetic complications using histopathological examination and liver function parameters as indices in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. A total of 24 male and female rats divided into four groups of six animals each were used for the experiment. Group A were female control, Group B were male control while group C and D were alloxan induced diabetic female and male rats respectively. Groups A and B were non diabetic rats fed with rat diet all through the experiment. Group C and D were diabetes induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120mg/kg). At the end of the inducement period, the rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed. Blood was collected by ocular puncture for the determination of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) using spectrophotometric method. Histology of the liver was determined by H and E technique. The results showed the experimental group C (365.83±43.6mg/dl) and D (368.94±43.93mg/dl) had significantly elevated levels of FPG when compared with the controls group A (116.00±9.11mg/dl) and B (108.33±5.5mg/dl) confirming the induction of diabetes (P=0.000). The liver of both male and female diabetic rats showed ballooning degeneration. In the males, these were arranged in normal sheets and cord around central vein in some areas of the center, on the other hand, the central vein of the female diabetic rats appears slightly enlarged containing blood clots and the arrangement of the hepatocytes in sheets or cords around the central vein was completely distorted. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the mean serum levels of ALP, AST, ALT, DB, TP and ALB in female diabetics when compared to male diabetic rats. The mean serum level of TB was significantly reduced (p=0.004) in female diabetics (0.53±0.05) than in the male diabetic albino rats (0.69±0.09). This study showed the liver histology and function are variably altered in diabetes mellitus. Further research on the causes of liver damage will help us to unravel the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications.  ","PeriodicalId":503781,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health","volume":"33 24","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141814139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sero-Prevalence of HBV and HIV Co-Infection in the Senatorial Districts of Ekiti State, Southwest, Nigeria","authors":"Famoni O. P, Oyinloye J. M. A, Okiki P. A, Daramola G. O, Ojerinde A. O, Ajayi O. D, Esan C. O","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i71570","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i71570","url":null,"abstract":"Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver which can be acute or chronic. It can be caused by viruses (viral hepatitis), certain chemicals, drugs, prolonged or excessive consumption of alcohol (alcoholic hepatitis), some genetic abnormalities or a dysfunctional immune system (autoimmune hepatitis). And of the five types of viral hepatitis, HBV infection is the most virulent and infectious. According to a CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) estimate, nearly 300 million people are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), globally. It is a major public health challenge in most countries of the world, particularly in endemic areas. If HBV infection is bad for the general (healthy) populace, it is worse for the people living with HIV (PLWH). While HIV in PLWH helps to weaken or wreck the immune system, HBV attacks the liver- the most important organs in the body as far metabolism of drugs and related substances are concerned. This thus makes an already bad situation for the PLWH complicated and difficult to manage. It is critical and vital to screen all PLWH for HBV infection or assess their risks of contracting HBV infection. In the light of this, this study was designed to determine the sero-prevalence of HIV- HBV co-infection among PLWH/suspected PLWH in the three senatorial districts in Ekiti State (southwest, Nigeria).To do this, 209 PLWH/suspected PLWH were consecutively enrolled in the study population. The PLWH/suspected PLWH attending anti-retroviral (ARV) various clinics in the districts were re-screened with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to establish that they were truly HIV positive. They were also screened for HBV using a rapid test kit and ELISA. Self-administered questionnaires were served on the subjects in order to collect their demographic data and investigate likely predisposing factors. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were carried out using different statistical techniques with the aid of SPSS. The results of the study indicated that 29 of the subjects had HIV- HBV co-infection, thus representing an overall co-infection prevalence of 13.9%. One hundred and sixty-two of the subjects were HIV positive, representing 78% of the study population.  Twelve (5.4%) were negative to both HIV and HBV, while 6 (2.9%) were positive to HBV but negative to HIV. The study investigated the association between certain demographic variables and HBV, viz; age, gender, marital status, religion, tribe and occupation and some risk factors like smoking, use of sharp objects in initiation procedures. Subjects within the 26-35years age bracket had the highest HBV rate (6.3%), while 56-65 had the least (0.5%), female subjects had higher rate (11.7%) than the male subjects No significant association was established between HBV and any of the demographic variable or suspected risk factors. The findings of this study have shown that the prevalence of HIV-HBV co-infection among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ek","PeriodicalId":503781,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health","volume":" 425","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141823683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Bacteria Isolated from Pharmacy Technicians' Hands in Ghana","authors":"E. U. Osisiogu, Hamidu Tampuori Abdul-Razak, Clement Wepia Abosum, Genevive Afia Amoakoa Agyapong, F. K. Bawa, Emmanuel Mawuli Nattah, R. E. Amemo, Ngmennasong Antoanette","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i71569","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i71569","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in healthcare delivery, particularly in developing countries like Ghana. However, there is limited knowledge about the microbial contamination of their hands and the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of these microbes. This study aimed at investigating the presence of bacteria on the hands of pharmacy technicians in the Upper West region of Ghana and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolated organisms. \u0000Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2019. Hand swabs were collected from pharmacy technicians working in hospital pharmacies, community pharmacies, and over-the-counter medicine shops. Samples were cultured, and isolated bacteria were identified using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. \u0000Results: Thirty samples were collected across the three pharmacy categories. The study identified Bacillus species, Staphylococcus species, and Enterobacter species on the hands of pharmacy technicians. Bacillus species were the most prevalent and were generally sensitive to most antibiotics tested. Staphylococcus species, however, showed resistance to multiple antibiotics. Enterobacter species demonstrated mixed susceptibility patterns. \u0000Conclusion: The study revealed significant microbial contamination on the hands of pharmacy technicians, with some isolates showing alarming antimicrobial resistance patterns. These findings emphasize the need for improved hand hygiene practices and regular antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance among pharmacy technicians to prevent the spread of potentially harmful bacteria in healthcare settings.","PeriodicalId":503781,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health","volume":" 54","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141825457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Retrospective Medical Record Review on the Outcome of Enhanced Adherence Counseling among Unsuppressed HIV Clients in Benue State, Nigeria","authors":"Orsar Orhemba-ga Dennis, Daniel Eje Ukpabi, Victor Orih, Doofan Ortese Ayatse, Stella Ngusuur Haanongon, E. Ejimkaraonye, Gabriel Alobo, G. Anefu, Jude Zugu, Tule, Terver Zua","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i61549","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i61549","url":null,"abstract":"Background: According to the WHO estimation, up to 70 % of patients with an initial high viral load will achieve viral load suppression following an adherence intervention. In Benue State, very limited studies have been done that show viral load suppression following enhanced adherence counselling (EAC). This study assesses viral suppression after enhanced adherence counselling and its predictors among unsuppressed HIV seropositive people in the State, the time to commence EAC after the unsuppressed VL result, and to estimate the time to repeat the viral load test after EAC.\u0000Methods: This was a retrospective review of electronic medical records of all HIV-infected people with a viral load greater than 1000 copies/ml after six months on HAART as of December 2022, in Benue State. Patients with VL ≥ 1000 copies/ml were expected to receive EAC and have a repeat VL after three months of good adherence. Six months following the documented unsuppressed result, we determined: the viral load suppression rate after EAC, the time to commencement of EAC, the time to repeat the viral load test after EAC, and the predictors of viral load suppression among clients with unsuppressed viral load.\u0000Result: Of the 234,185 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART between December 2022 and July 2023, up to 210, 514 (89.9%) did viral load testing and 9194 (3.9%) had VL >1000 copies/ml. Of these 9,194 unsuppressed PLHIV, EAC uptake was 90.3% (n=8,307), EAC completion rate was 62.5% (n=5,220), and viral suppression rate following EAC was 93.8% (4897/5220). PLHIV who have been on treatment for less than five years were more likely to achieve viral load suppression.\u0000Conclusion: The study demonstrated a post-EAC viral load re-suppression rate of 93.8%, indicating significant effectiveness. Nonetheless, notable deficiencies were observed in both EAC enrollment and completion. It is imperative to identify and address the underlying reasons for these gaps to fully optimize the benefits of Enhanced Adherence Counseling (EAC).","PeriodicalId":503781,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health","volume":"57 26","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140983536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adolescent Morbidity Pattern in Nigeria: Is the Pattern Changing?","authors":"W. Wonodi, T. Okari","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i61548","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i61548","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Adolescents make up a large and growing percentage of populations in the world, especially in the developing nations. They have peculiar health needs which are often neglected due to paucity of data from our health institutions and non-implementation of existing adolescent health policies.\u0000Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the morbidity pattern among adolescents attending the Paediatric outpatient clinic of a tertiary health facility.\u0000Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of adolescents aged 10-17 years seen at the Paediatric Outpatient Clinic (POPC) from first of July to 31st of December 2022. Consent was obtained from parents/caregivers and assent from the adolescents. The socio-demographic data obtained from them as well as the clinical details and diagnoses made by attending physicians were recorded in the study proforma. Data was analyzed with IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23 and data presented in tables and charts.\u0000Results: A total of 136 adolescents were enrolled in the study with a male: female ratio of 1:1.6. Most 90 (66.2%) were early adolescents, attended private secondary schools and belonged to the middle socioeconomic class. The commonest presenting complaints were body pains 24 (17.6%), convulsion 22 (16.2%) and cough 17 (12.5%). The three commonest diagnoses made were epilepsy 25(18.4%), respiratory tract infections 15 (11%), and sickle cell disease (9.6%).  Non-communicable diseases (61%) were more prevalent, but there was no statistical difference in its prevalence among their socio-demographic characteristics. Eleven (8.1%) had surgical diagnoses such as appendicitis, inguino-scrotal hernia and ganglion.\u0000Conclusion: The morbidity pattern of adolescents in the study consisted of medical and surgical diagnoses. There appears to be a shift in morbidity pattern from communicable to non-communicable diseases among adolescents in the locality and this may be put into consideration in policy formulation for adolescents.","PeriodicalId":503781,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health","volume":"8 13","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140988287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Study on Anti-Diabetic Activity of Momordica charantia and Psidium guajava","authors":"Pillalamarri Madhavi, D. Niharika, B. Niharika, Marfat Ali, Saidul Islam, C. Ramya","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i61546","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i61546","url":null,"abstract":"Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterised by decreased insulin signalling and persistent hyperglycaemia. The most frequent progression of diabetes is known as diabetes mellitus which is defined as persistent hyperglycaemia brought on by either peripheral insulin resistance or impaired pancreatic β cell production of insulin. This condition is caused by the disruptions in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins which are caused by defects in the production, release and regulation of insulin. The breakdown of carbohydrates is significantly aided by the intestinal digestive enzymes α-glucosidase and α-amylase. One type of antidiabetic treatment is to lower the blood glucose levels after a meal by blocking the enzymes α-glucosidase and α-amylase. This could be a key tactic in blood glucose control. When compared to other commercial pharmaceuticals used to treat diabetes, herbal treatments are thought to be more in harmony with the human body and to have less harmful side effects. This herbal remedy is reasonably priced as well. The aim of the  current study is to compare the anti- diabetic activity of the methanolic extracts of Momordica charantia and Psidium guajava. The methods used in the determination of invitro antidiabetic activity are alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory assays. In the current study, when compared the individual inhibition activity of Momordica charantia and Psidium guajava on the intestinal enzymes (alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase), Momordica charantia has the highest inhibition that is 79.83% at 0.8 mL concentration while the Psidium guajava has shown only 70.58% inhibition at 0.8 mL concentration. Which suggests that the presence of bio active compounds may be responsible for the plants many medicinal uses, including the treatment of diabetes.","PeriodicalId":503781,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health","volume":" 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140998074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Production and Risks of Consumption of Artisanal Refreshing Drinks (Bissap, Gnamankoudji) in Haut Sassandra (Daloa-Côte d'Ivoire)","authors":"K. Christelle, K. Clément, Kouassi Kra Athanase, Konaté Ibrahim","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i61547","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i61547","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The production and consumption of artisanal refreshing drinks (Bissap, Gnamankoudji) in the Haut Sassandra region are anchored in local culture. These artisanal drinks are experiencing considerable growth despite their artisanal and unstable production.\u0000Objective: The objective of this study is to diagnose the production of these artisanal drinks and to assess the potential risks associated with their consumption in the Haut Sassandra region.\u0000Methodology: A cross-sectional and retrospective survey was carried out with producers to make the diagnosis and with consumers to identify some main conditions linked to the consumption of these drinks. 52 producers were investigated, and 780 consumers were submitted to a questionnaire, for a total of 832 people audited.\u0000Results: Bissap and Gnamankoudji have many similar unit operations. In addition, Bissap undergoes heat treatment. The drinks are mostly packaged in used pots. The main conditions encountered were diarrhea (8.3% and 8.7%), belly bloating (2.4% and 2.8%), fever (1.80% and 2.30%), nausea (1.80% and 1.90%), vomiting (0.90% and 1%) respectively after consumption of Gnamankoudji and Bissap.\u0000Conclusion: The study collected data on the production of artisanal drinks and the risks incurred by consumers. The consumption of these drinks represents a major risk for public health.","PeriodicalId":503781,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health","volume":" 17","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140998715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Umbilical Cord Care Knowledge and Practice among Caregivers in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria","authors":"Chinelo Juliana Ozigbo, Okemena Esther Onotume","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i41524","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i41524","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: To assess the knowledge and practice of current cord care recommendations among care givers in Yenagoa, and to identify gaps to be addressed to prevent neonatal sepsis. \u0000Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. \u0000Place and Duration of Study:  The study was carried out at the well-child clinics (WCC) of 3 major healthcare facilities in Yenagoa namely, Agudama Primary Health Centre, Yenizue-gene Comprehensive Health Centre, and Diete Koki Memorial Hospital, from August to September 2023. \u0000Methodology: The study was conducted among 285 caregivers in the study sites. Data on cord care knowledge and practices was collected using self-administered structured questionnaires administered proportionately across the study sites. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23, from which descriptive statistics were generated. All necessary ethical considerations were upheld. \u0000Results: In this study, 268 (97.1%) of the respondents had antenatal care, over 77% delivered in healthcare facilities, 252 (88.4%) indicated that they knew how to properly care for their children’s cord and 244 (85.6%) had been taught cord care. While 269 (94.4%) respondents were aware of the use of methylated spirit for cord care, only 96 (33.8%) were aware of the use of chlorhexidine gel. Good umbilical cord care knowledge score of 51.6% was obtained while good umbilical cord care practice score was 32.7%. \u0000Conclusion and Recommendation: Modest umbilical cord care knowledge gap and huge practice gap were found in this study. The knowledge gaps were mainly with the use of chlorhexidine gel, dry cord care, and application of substances to the cord, and these reflected remarkably in their practice. There is urgent need for improvement in umbilical cord care knowledge and practice among caregivers, a review of cord care knowledge of frontline health educators and the contents of their cord care education.","PeriodicalId":503781,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health","volume":"24 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140077245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Malaria and Helminth Infections and Their Link to Knowledge on Preventive Strategies among Asymptomatic Pupils in Rural-urban Cameroon","authors":"J. Ebogo-Belobo, Rodrigue Roman Dongang-Nana, Lucie Josiane Ojong, E. Ndzi, Nathalie Amvongo-Adjia, L. Ngum, G. Kame-Ngasse, Ngwene Hycentha Diengou, E. Atembeh-Noura, Ousmanou Djabidatou, Salioh Mbuh, Valerie Makoge","doi":"10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i31519","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ijtdh/2024/v45i31519","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of malaria and helminth infection among asymptomatic primary school children in rural and urban Yaoundé-Cameroon, to assess pupils’ knowledge about malaria and STH infection, and to evaluate the association between this knowledge and actual disease prevalence. \u0000Study Design: This study was a cross-sectional and was carried out between October 2019 and December 2019 in six primary schools in the Centre region of Cameroon. \u0000Methodology:Pupils in classes 3 to six were recruited for the study. Blood and stool samples were collected and analysed to determine pupils’ disease prevalence. Questionnaires following the KAP and health belief model frameworks were administered to evaluate pupils’ health literacy in malaria and helminths. \u0000Results: 457 pupils from rural and urban zones participated in this study. 245 (53.6 %) were female and 212 (46.4 %) were male. The prevalence of anaemia was higher in urban than rural zones. Total malaria prevalence was 17.7%. Malaria parasitaemia prevalence classified according to settings revealed rural zones at 28.6% and urban zones at 13.9%. STH infection showed a total prevalence of 4.8% and 7.9% and 3.7% in rural and urban zones respectively. The prevalence of co-infection was 1.2%. Health-literacy gaps in malaria and helminths were identified. Schooling in rural settings and being older were predictors for having a good knowledge of the diseases. However, having good knowledge was not significantly associated to actual malaria parasitaemia or STH prevalence. \u0000Conclusion: Insights from this study are essential for the implementation of successful, sustainable and targeted health-promotion strategies to improve the health and well-being of pupils.","PeriodicalId":503781,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139958198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}