The COVID-19 pandemic represented a big challenge not only for the health systems but also for the working world that has been characterized by the spread of telework. The aim of this review is to resume the knowledge about the effects of telework on the health and safety of teleworkers, and to point out these implications in the light of the growing development and diffusion of it after COVID-19 pandemic. A literature research on the main scientific research engines (Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Review) has been performed. No restrictions were applied for language or publication type. All the articles not concerned with the health effects of telework have been excluded. That kind of work arrangement can take advantages to both employers and workers by improving productivity and work-life balance. However, it has some potential disadvantages, represented by the possible negative implications on worker’s health. The main hazards for the health of teleworkers are: the unavailability of ergonomic work equipment and a dedicated working area, the risk of overwork, and psychosocial implications of working from home. Performing telework can affect both physical and psychosocial health but some authors also described potential health benefits.
{"title":"Health and Telework: New Challenges after COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":"G. Buomprisco, S. Ricci, R. Perri, S. De Sio","doi":"10.21601/EJEPH/9705","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21601/EJEPH/9705","url":null,"abstract":"The COVID-19 pandemic represented a big challenge not only for the health systems but also for the working world that has been characterized by the spread of telework. The aim of this review is to resume the knowledge about the effects of telework on the health and safety of teleworkers, and to point out these implications in the light of the growing development and diffusion of it after COVID-19 pandemic. A literature research on the main scientific research engines (Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Review) has been performed. No restrictions were applied for language or publication type. All the articles not concerned with the health effects of telework have been excluded. That kind of work arrangement can take advantages to both employers and workers by improving productivity and work-life balance. However, it has some potential disadvantages, represented by the possible negative implications on worker’s health. The main hazards for the health of teleworkers are: the unavailability of ergonomic work equipment and a dedicated working area, the risk of overwork, and psychosocial implications of working from home. Performing telework can affect both physical and psychosocial health but some authors also described potential health benefits.","PeriodicalId":72973,"journal":{"name":"European journal of environment and public health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41937311","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}
Objective: The study aims to assess the level of Saudi Hospital Disaster Preparedness (HDP). Methods: This study has utilized exploratory quantitative design with a structured self-administered questionnaire. It has adopted a convenient sampling technique, which has included nine hospitals within three Saudi Cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam). The questionnaire contains 48 indicators in six HDP domains: planning, structural, non-structural, management, functional, and human resource competency capacities. Results: The level of Saudi HDP was 69.8%. The domain of management capacity had the highest level of preparedness, at 83.6%, while human resources competency capacity was the least prepared, at 63%. The Spearman correlation revealed a positive significant relationship between preparing to respond to a disaster when occur and all HDP capacity indicators, r (46) = 0.424, p = < .001. A one-way ANOVA test showed a significant difference in HDP between the three cities; Riyadh hospitals were the most prepared, F (2, 313) = 4.343, p < .05. It also showed that there were significant differences in preparedness between the MOH, other governmental, and university hospitals; university hospitals were the most prepared, F (2, 313) = 5.087, p < .05. Conclusion: Overall, Saudi hospitals have a high level of HDP, which indicates that they are likely to function well in the eventuality of disasters. There is a great opportunity to strengthen HDP capacities to improve hospital readiness in the medium-long term. The implemented HDP assessment tool should be built into hospitals’ systems and coordinated among involved governmental sectors.
目的:本研究旨在评估沙特医院备灾(HDP)水平。方法:本研究采用探索性定量设计，采用结构化自填问卷。它采用了一种方便的抽样技术，包括沙特三个城市(利雅得、吉达和达曼)内的9家医院。问卷包含六个HDP领域的48个指标:规划、结构、非结构、管理、职能和人力资源胜任能力。结果:沙特HDP水平为69.8%。管理能力领域的准备程度最高，为83.6%，而人力资源能力领域的准备程度最低，为63%。Spearman相关揭示灾难发生时的应对准备与所有HDP能力指标之间存在显著正相关，r (46) = 0.424, p = < .001。单因素方差分析显示，三个城市的HDP存在显著差异;利雅得医院准备程度最高，F (2,313) = 4.343, p < 0.05。它还表明，卫生部、其他政府医院和大学医院之间的准备工作存在显著差异;高校医院准备程度最高，F (2,313) = 5.087, p < 0.05。结论:总体而言，沙特医院的HDP水平较高，这表明他们可能在灾难发生时发挥良好的作用。从中长期来看，加强HDP能力以改善医院准备状况的机会很大。实施的HDP评估工具应纳入医院系统，并在相关政府部门之间进行协调。
{"title":"An Assessment of Saudi Hospitals’ Disaster Preparedness","authors":"Majed Mohammed Alsalem, S. Alghanim","doi":"10.21601/EJEPH/9663","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21601/EJEPH/9663","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: The study aims to assess the level of Saudi Hospital Disaster Preparedness (HDP).\u0000Methods: This study has utilized exploratory quantitative design with a structured self-administered questionnaire. It has adopted a convenient sampling technique, which has included nine hospitals within three Saudi Cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam). The questionnaire contains 48 indicators in six HDP domains: planning, structural, non-structural, management, functional, and human resource competency capacities.\u0000Results: The level of Saudi HDP was 69.8%. The domain of management capacity had the highest level of preparedness, at 83.6%, while human resources competency capacity was the least prepared, at 63%. The Spearman correlation revealed a positive significant relationship between preparing to respond to a disaster when occur and all HDP capacity indicators, r (46) = 0.424, p = < .001. A one-way ANOVA test showed a significant difference in HDP between the three cities; Riyadh hospitals were the most prepared, F (2, 313) = 4.343, p < .05. It also showed that there were significant differences in preparedness between the MOH, other governmental, and university hospitals; university hospitals were the most prepared, F (2, 313) = 5.087, p < .05.\u0000Conclusion: Overall, Saudi hospitals have a high level of HDP, which indicates that they are likely to function well in the eventuality of disasters. There is a great opportunity to strengthen HDP capacities to improve hospital readiness in the medium-long term. The implemented HDP assessment tool should be built into hospitals’ systems and coordinated among involved governmental sectors.","PeriodicalId":72973,"journal":{"name":"European journal of environment and public health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48086193","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}
Jaimie M. McMullen, Katie L. Hodgin, Jennifer Krause, Brian Dauenhauer, R. Carson
Abstract. Children are not achieving recommended levels of physical activity (PA), and a comprehensive school PA program (CSPAP) has been suggested as a way to address this within the school environment (CDC, 2017). Purpose: The purpose of this study, was to explore multiple stakeholders’ perceptions (i.e., students, teachers, principal) of PA in the school environment. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted; students in Kindergarten through grade two (N = 31) participated in focus group interviews, while teachers (N = 9) and the principal (N = 1) participated in individual interviews. Data were analyzed inductively using open and axial coding (Corbin & Strauss, 2008). Results: Teachers and the principal had favorable perceptions of PA in school, identified barriers and needed supports (teachers). Students liked PA, believed it was good for them, and wanted more PA opportunities at school. Conclusion: These results provide multi-level stakeholder support for PA promotion within the school environment; and are important to consider within the CSPAP framework.
{"title":"“It Makes you Fly to the Moon” - Stakeholder Perceptions of Physical Activity in the School Environment","authors":"Jaimie M. McMullen, Katie L. Hodgin, Jennifer Krause, Brian Dauenhauer, R. Carson","doi":"10.21601/ejeph/9372","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21601/ejeph/9372","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. Children are not achieving recommended levels of physical activity (PA), and a comprehensive school PA program (CSPAP) has been suggested as a way to address this within the school environment (CDC, 2017). Purpose: The purpose of this study, was to explore multiple stakeholders’ perceptions (i.e., students, teachers, principal) of PA in the school environment. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted; students in Kindergarten through grade two (N = 31) participated in focus group interviews, while teachers (N = 9) and the principal (N = 1) participated in individual interviews. Data were analyzed inductively using open and axial coding (Corbin & Strauss, 2008). Results: Teachers and the principal had favorable perceptions of PA in school, identified barriers and needed supports (teachers). Students liked PA, believed it was good for them, and wanted more PA opportunities at school. Conclusion: These results provide multi-level stakeholder support for PA promotion within the school environment; and are important to consider within the CSPAP framework.","PeriodicalId":72973,"journal":{"name":"European journal of environment and public health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68371930","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}
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends human resource development as a key strategy to promote global mental health. The optimal approach to building capacity in global mental health care requires partnerships between professional resources in high-income countries and promising health-related institutions in low- and middle-income countries. In this paper, we briefly describe the objectives of one of such initiatives, the Australia Awards Short Course titled, ‘Mental Health Care in a Public Health Context’, sponsored by the Australian Government, share our experience and reflections as participants in the program, and highlight key lessons relevant for scale-up of mental health care in low-middle income countries in Africa.
{"title":"Review of the Lessons from the Mental Health Care in a Public Health Context Short Course: Australia Awards Africa","authors":"B. Maila, D. Jato","doi":"10.21601/ejeph/9369","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21601/ejeph/9369","url":null,"abstract":"The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends human resource development as a key strategy to promote global mental health. The optimal approach to building capacity in global mental health care requires partnerships between professional resources in high-income countries and promising health-related institutions in low- and middle-income countries. In this paper, we briefly describe the objectives of one of such initiatives, the Australia Awards Short Course titled, ‘Mental Health Care in a Public Health Context’, sponsored by the Australian Government, share our experience and reflections as participants in the program, and highlight key lessons relevant for scale-up of mental health care in low-middle income countries in Africa.","PeriodicalId":72973,"journal":{"name":"European journal of environment and public health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45961904","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}
A. Abdullah, M. Waqas, M. Haris, N. Asim, Hanif ul Islam, A. Khan, Huma Khattak, Sarfaraz Ali
Increase of plastics accumulation in the environment cause ecological threats and has been one of the serious issue worldwide. In the current study, two bacterial isolated strains Bacillus safensis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens were used for their plastic degradation capabilities. The biodegradation of low density polyethylene thermoplastic was assessed by weight reduction, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and by culture media pH alteration. The results shows that Bacillus safensis was more efficient and degrade 18.6% LDPE than Bacillus amyloliquefaciens that degrade 18% of LDPE after incubation period of 30 days. Moreover, it was also noted that longer incubation periods results in higher biodegradation of low density polyethylene thermoplastic. It is concluded that the biodegrading ability of Bacillus safensis is more than Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as confirm from weight reduction of low density polyethylene thermoplastic.
{"title":"Biodegradable Potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus safensis Using Low Density Polyethylene Thermoplastic (LDPE) Substrate","authors":"A. Abdullah, M. Waqas, M. Haris, N. Asim, Hanif ul Islam, A. Khan, Huma Khattak, Sarfaraz Ali","doi":"10.21601/ejeph/9370","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21601/ejeph/9370","url":null,"abstract":"Increase of plastics accumulation in the environment cause ecological threats and has been one of the serious issue worldwide. In the current study, two bacterial isolated strains Bacillus safensis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens were used for their plastic degradation capabilities. The biodegradation of low density polyethylene thermoplastic was assessed by weight reduction, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and by culture media pH alteration. The results shows that Bacillus safensis was more efficient and degrade 18.6% LDPE than Bacillus amyloliquefaciens that degrade 18% of LDPE after incubation period of 30 days. Moreover, it was also noted that longer incubation periods results in higher biodegradation of low density polyethylene thermoplastic. It is concluded that the biodegrading ability of Bacillus safensis is more than Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as confirm from weight reduction of low density polyethylene thermoplastic.","PeriodicalId":72973,"journal":{"name":"European journal of environment and public health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48767625","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}
Background: Decarbonisation refers to the process by which countries, individuals or other entities aim to achieve zero fossil carbon emissions through reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including procurement, energy and buildings, pharmaceuticals, transport, and waste which impacts public health. Preliminary findings on decarbonisation in healthcare systems suggest that further research is required. Aims: This research was undertaken to explore the opportunities and barriers of decarbonisation of public hospitals within the ‘climate health’ planetary health boundary in the Republic of Ireland. Methodology: A literature review was used in conjunction with semi-structured qualitative interviews to explore barriers and opportunities of decarbonisation of Irish healthcare sector. The purposive sampling for the qualitative interviews resulted in the selection of five key decision-makers within cross-sector fields including environmental, public health, management and transport. Results: Themes emerged which reflected the cross-cutting planetary health principle. Barriers such as financial incentives and the requirement for a transdisciplinary approach were raised. The need for preparing the healthcare sector through adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change was also highlighted, as was the importance of leadership within the hospital from all sectors. Recommendations: The findings emerging from this novel research through a planetary health lens can be used to further inform the ‘Climate Action Plan’ in the Republic of Ireland, with adaption to other healthcare sectors internationally, in order to ensure investment within the health sector in preparation for climate change.
{"title":"A Planetary Health Perspective to Decarbonising Public Hospitals in Ireland: A Health Policy Report","authors":"A. Kirk, P. Grenfell, P. Murage","doi":"10.21601/ejeph/9368","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21601/ejeph/9368","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Decarbonisation refers to the process by which countries, individuals or other entities aim to achieve zero fossil carbon emissions through reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including procurement, energy and buildings, pharmaceuticals, transport, and waste which impacts public health. Preliminary findings on decarbonisation in healthcare systems suggest that further research is required.\u0000Aims: This research was undertaken to explore the opportunities and barriers of decarbonisation of public hospitals within the ‘climate health’ planetary health boundary in the Republic of Ireland.\u0000Methodology: A literature review was used in conjunction with semi-structured qualitative interviews to explore barriers and opportunities of decarbonisation of Irish healthcare sector. The purposive sampling for the qualitative interviews resulted in the selection of five key decision-makers within cross-sector fields including environmental, public health, management and transport.\u0000Results: Themes emerged which reflected the cross-cutting planetary health principle. Barriers such as financial incentives and the requirement for a transdisciplinary approach were raised. The need for preparing the healthcare sector through adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change was also highlighted, as was the importance of leadership within the hospital from all sectors.\u0000Recommendations: The findings emerging from this novel research through a planetary health lens can be used to further inform the ‘Climate Action Plan’ in the Republic of Ireland, with adaption to other healthcare sectors internationally, in order to ensure investment within the health sector in preparation for climate change.","PeriodicalId":72973,"journal":{"name":"European journal of environment and public health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46025598","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}
Pub Date : 2021-01-01Epub Date: 2021-07-18DOI: 10.21601/ejeph/11096
Alan Becker, Rima Tawk, Gebre Kiros, Sandra Suther, Aaron Hilliard, Richard Gragg, Fran Close, Cynthia M Harris
Physicians do not receive formal environmental health training in medical schools. The objectives of this study were to provide health care providers with basic environmental medicine training to better advise, treat or refer patients in the community and to observe any differences in the environmental medicine learning gains pre/post- test assessment. To rectify the problem of the lack of physicians' training related to environmental hazards, we conducted an environmental health workshop which targeted physicians living near Health Zone 1, Superfund ash sites. Fifty health care providers from both St. Vincent Family Medicine and Department of Health, Duval County Health Department (DOH-Duval) participated in a pre-test survey before the training and a post-test survey following the training. We used a non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test to compare pre- and post- knowledge of training participants. At the 10% level of significance, the number of incorrect answers significantly declined in the post-training survey compared to the pre-training survey for all participants from both facilities combined (p=0.083). Site-specific analysis show, while a significant difference was found for participants from the St. Vincent's site (p=0.084), the difference for participants from the DOH-Duval site was not significant (p = 0.102), although the number of incorrect answers declined. The training resulted in learning gains for the 50 participants and the evaluations were very positive with 100% of physicians recommending this training to other health care providers. Additionally, training participants gave a high mark for the environmental medicine pocket guide. In 2019, the ash sites are 90% remediated and cleanup is expected to be completed in 2022. There is still a need for additional training for physicians due to other active sites (i.e., Kerr-McGee) in the community. This study highlights the importance of providing environmental hazards training to physicians and the approach by which it could be delivered effectively.
{"title":"Physician Training Related to Environmental Hazards near Ash Superfund Sites.","authors":"Alan Becker, Rima Tawk, Gebre Kiros, Sandra Suther, Aaron Hilliard, Richard Gragg, Fran Close, Cynthia M Harris","doi":"10.21601/ejeph/11096","DOIUrl":"10.21601/ejeph/11096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Physicians do not receive formal environmental health training in medical schools. The objectives of this study were to provide health care providers with basic environmental medicine training to better advise, treat or refer patients in the community and to observe any differences in the environmental medicine learning gains pre/post- test assessment. To rectify the problem of the lack of physicians' training related to environmental hazards, we conducted an environmental health workshop which targeted physicians living near Health Zone 1, Superfund ash sites. Fifty health care providers from both St. Vincent Family Medicine and Department of Health, Duval County Health Department (DOH-Duval) participated in a pre-test survey before the training and a post-test survey following the training. We used a non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test to compare pre- and post- knowledge of training participants. At the 10% level of significance, the number of incorrect answers significantly declined in the post-training survey compared to the pre-training survey for all participants from both facilities combined (p=0.083). Site-specific analysis show, while a significant difference was found for participants from the St. Vincent's site (p=0.084), the difference for participants from the DOH-Duval site was not significant (p = 0.102), although the number of incorrect answers declined. The training resulted in learning gains for the 50 participants and the evaluations were very positive with 100% of physicians recommending this training to other health care providers. Additionally, training participants gave a high mark for the environmental medicine pocket guide. In 2019, the ash sites are 90% remediated and cleanup is expected to be completed in 2022. There is still a need for additional training for physicians due to other active sites (i.e., Kerr-McGee) in the community. This study highlights the importance of providing environmental hazards training to physicians and the approach by which it could be delivered effectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":72973,"journal":{"name":"European journal of environment and public health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8568049/pdf/nihms-1725995.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39865722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Mudenda, B. Witika, M. Sadiq, M. Banda, R. Mfune, V. Daka, Damaless Kalui, M. N. Phiri, M. Kasanga, F. Mudenda, W. Mufwambi
(COVID-19) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection that emerged from China in December 2019 and is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Due to the airborne nature of its transmission, COVID-19 spread to the rest of the world rapidly. Thus, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. This paper evaluated the factors that lead to self-medication in people suffering from respiratory tract infections such as COVID-19, and the consequences of practicing self-medication using antimicrobial agents. Most of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are also seen in infections such as malaria, flu, and the common cold. For this reason, and also due to poor healthcare-seeking behaviour, most people tend to self-medicate using medicines that are known to be effective against malaria, common cold, and COVID-19. Among the commonly used medicines in the practice of self-medication include antibacterials, antimalarials, and antivirals. Some vitamins such as vitamin C boost the immune system enabling it to provide effective defence mechanisms against microbes. However, self-medication may pose consequences such as the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, hypersensitivity reactions as well as dose-dependent toxicities viz dermatoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and hepatoxicity. Infectious diseases caused by antimicrobial-resistant microbes are difficult and, in some instances, impossible to treat thereby leading to increased morbidity and mortality among infected people. Consequently, antimicrobial resistance poses another global public health problem and requires a multisectoral approach to curb. It is our recommendation that all governments ensure that there are adequate medicines and efficient human resources in healthcare facilities as well as sufficient public awareness to prevent people from seeking self-medication.
{"title":"Self-medication and its Consequences during & after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Global Health Problem","authors":"S. Mudenda, B. Witika, M. Sadiq, M. Banda, R. Mfune, V. Daka, Damaless Kalui, M. N. Phiri, M. Kasanga, F. Mudenda, W. Mufwambi","doi":"10.29333/ejeph/9308","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29333/ejeph/9308","url":null,"abstract":"(COVID-19) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection that emerged from China in December 2019 and is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Due to the airborne nature of its transmission, COVID-19 spread to the rest of the world rapidly. Thus, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. This paper evaluated the factors that lead to self-medication in people suffering from respiratory tract infections such as COVID-19, and the consequences of practicing self-medication using antimicrobial agents. Most of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are also seen in infections such as malaria, flu, and the common cold. For this reason, and also due to poor healthcare-seeking behaviour, most people tend to self-medicate using medicines that are known to be effective against malaria, common cold, and COVID-19. Among the commonly used medicines in the practice of self-medication include antibacterials, antimalarials, and antivirals. Some vitamins such as vitamin C boost the immune system enabling it to provide effective defence mechanisms against microbes. However, self-medication may pose consequences such as the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, hypersensitivity reactions as well as dose-dependent toxicities viz dermatoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and hepatoxicity. Infectious diseases caused by antimicrobial-resistant microbes are difficult and, in some instances, impossible to treat thereby leading to increased morbidity and mortality among infected people. Consequently, antimicrobial resistance poses another global public health problem and requires a multisectoral approach to curb. It is our recommendation that all governments ensure that there are adequate medicines and efficient human resources in healthcare facilities as well as sufficient public awareness to prevent people from seeking self-medication.","PeriodicalId":72973,"journal":{"name":"European journal of environment and public health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43792546","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}
B. Chaka, Atuna Titus Gitari, O. Aloys, Bulitia Godrick
Health Impacts of a Traditional Illicit Brew (Kaanga) Consumed in ABSTRACT Kaanga brew is a common illicit liquor from Meru county in Kenya. Popularity of this brew has been growing and is religiously passed down from one generation to the next. The substrates, preparation process and additives used in making it are unhygienic and toxic. As a result, numerous social and health effects have stemmed from its consumption. This study aimed at analyzing the health impacts arising from consumption of Kaanga brew in Meru county, Kenya. A cross-sectional design of study was employed. The research tools used included questionnaires, interviews and observations. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze and present the findings. The results indicated that popularity of this brew was mainly because it was cheaper than other alcoholic beverages. Its consumption was projected to continue for a long period, if strict intervention measures are not taken. The additives used, such as battery acid, methanol and dry cells were indeed toxic for human consumption. Several social effects which had public health effects (such as irresponsible sex activities), by extension were experienced from the consumers. Kaanga brew had significantly more chances (P > 0.05) of causing health effects compared to the other brews. Some of the direct health conditions arising from its consumption include loss of vision, memory and appetite, inflammation and regular stomach upsets. 80% of the respondents had witnessed or heard of a death case caused by the brew.
{"title":"Health Impacts of a Traditional Illicit Brew (Kaanga) Consumed in Meru County, Kenya","authors":"B. Chaka, Atuna Titus Gitari, O. Aloys, Bulitia Godrick","doi":"10.29333/ejeph/9146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29333/ejeph/9146","url":null,"abstract":"Health Impacts of a Traditional Illicit Brew (Kaanga) Consumed in ABSTRACT Kaanga brew is a common illicit liquor from Meru county in Kenya. Popularity of this brew has been growing and is religiously passed down from one generation to the next. The substrates, preparation process and additives used in making it are unhygienic and toxic. As a result, numerous social and health effects have stemmed from its consumption. This study aimed at analyzing the health impacts arising from consumption of Kaanga brew in Meru county, Kenya. A cross-sectional design of study was employed. The research tools used included questionnaires, interviews and observations. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze and present the findings. The results indicated that popularity of this brew was mainly because it was cheaper than other alcoholic beverages. Its consumption was projected to continue for a long period, if strict intervention measures are not taken. The additives used, such as battery acid, methanol and dry cells were indeed toxic for human consumption. Several social effects which had public health effects (such as irresponsible sex activities), by extension were experienced from the consumers. Kaanga brew had significantly more chances (P > 0.05) of causing health effects compared to the other brews. Some of the direct health conditions arising from its consumption include loss of vision, memory and appetite, inflammation and regular stomach upsets. 80% of the respondents had witnessed or heard of a death case caused by the brew.","PeriodicalId":72973,"journal":{"name":"European journal of environment and public health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44948504","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}
Abass A Ohilebo, Samuel Olarewaju Ogunsola, A. Aborode, A. Aiyenuro
SARS-CoV-2 (novel coronavirus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019) is a beta (β-) sub-class of the coronavirus which has caused more harm to live than expected. SARS-CoV-2 which was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020, has caused governments globally to declare and implement the “lock down” policy for its citizen, including Nigeria with a large population in Africa. The country National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made it known the testing methods adopted by them are not effective at curtaining the large population of her citizens. Our main goal in this review is to focus on the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and new diagnostic techniques approaches that can be adopted in Nigeria. A total of 88,432 testing has been carried out by the NCDC, with 14,554 confirmed cases in 200 million populations. Although the SARS-CoV-2 test adopted by the NCDC has been on the molecular testing using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antibody tests using blood, which has many demerits. We therefore recommend the NCDC should approach new diagnostic techniques like use of saliva samples and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Conclusively, when these methods are considered, testing rates will greatly improve.
{"title":"Knowledge on the Pathogenesis and New Diagnosing Techniques Approach for Low SARS-CoV-2 Testing Rates: A Case Study of Nigeria","authors":"Abass A Ohilebo, Samuel Olarewaju Ogunsola, A. Aborode, A. Aiyenuro","doi":"10.29333/ejeph/9145","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29333/ejeph/9145","url":null,"abstract":"SARS-CoV-2 (novel coronavirus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019) is a beta (β-) sub-class of the coronavirus which has caused more harm to live than expected. SARS-CoV-2 which was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020, has caused governments globally to declare and implement the “lock down” policy for its citizen, including Nigeria with a large population in Africa. The country National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made it known the testing methods adopted by them are not effective at curtaining the large population of her citizens. Our main goal in this review is to focus on the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and new diagnostic techniques approaches that can be adopted in Nigeria. A total of 88,432 testing has been carried out by the NCDC, with 14,554 confirmed cases in 200 million populations. Although the SARS-CoV-2 test adopted by the NCDC has been on the molecular testing using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antibody tests using blood, which has many demerits. We therefore recommend the NCDC should approach new diagnostic techniques like use of saliva samples and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Conclusively, when these methods are considered, testing rates will greatly improve.","PeriodicalId":72973,"journal":{"name":"European journal of environment and public health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49628099","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}
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