F. Wirsiy, D. Nsagha, O. Njajou, Joseph Besong Besong
Background: The sexo-reproductive health of adolescent girls is a public health issue. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with comprehensive categories of adolescent girls’ sexo-reproductive health needs. Methods: This was a cross sectional study among adolescent girls (target population) carried out from April to May 2018 in the Kumbo West Health District. We used a two-stage cluster sampling design followed by a systematic random sampling technique to select participants. Results: A total of 1525 adolescent girls with mean age 15.6 (SD=2.20) participated in the study. Participants relied on school teachers (66.6%), mothers (27.3%), and sisters (25.1%) for information on sexo-reproductive health. The odds of reporting ever having had sex were lower among participants who had a higher number of years expected to continue schooling (AOR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.34-0.95), not being job seekers (AOR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.29-0.97), being Muslims (AOR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.01-0.07) and living with nuclear family (AOR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17-0.70). Mean age of sexual debut was significantly lower among participants who had never worked for payment (t=2.931, p=0.004), living in a nuclear family (t=3.94, p<0.001) and having consumed alcohol in the last 30 days (t=-4.77, p<0.001). Proportion of participants who reported been sexually attracted to persons of the same sex was 10.82% (95% CI: 8.4-14.5) with 6.48% (95% CI: 3.9-8.2) reported having had sexual contact with persons of the same sex. Those who have had <2 sexual partner in the past 12 months were 0.17 times less likely to have correct knowledge on contraceptive methods compared to those with ≥ 2 sexual partners. The proportion of participants reporting ever been forced to have sex was 13.06% (95% CI: 10.95-15.52). Also, participants reporting ever having a “one night stand” and having sex in exchange of gift and money were 1.9% (95% CI: 1.17-3.08) and 1.19% (95% CI: 0.64 2.19) respectively. Conclusion: This study has explored current sexo-reproductive health determinants among adolescent girls and to address any barriers, a Mhealth sexo-reproductive health scheme that takes into account local socio-cultural contexts is urgently needed.
{"title":"Determinants of Sexo-Reproductive Health Needs of Adolescent Girls in the Kumbo West Health District of Cameroon","authors":"F. Wirsiy, D. Nsagha, O. Njajou, Joseph Besong Besong","doi":"10.26502/JESPH.96120057","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26502/JESPH.96120057","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The sexo-reproductive health of adolescent girls is a public health issue. \u0000Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with comprehensive categories of adolescent girls’ sexo-reproductive health needs. \u0000Methods: This was a cross sectional study among adolescent girls (target population) carried out from April to May 2018 in the Kumbo West Health District. We used a two-stage cluster sampling design followed by a systematic random sampling technique to select participants. \u0000Results: A total of 1525 adolescent girls with mean age 15.6 (SD=2.20) participated in the study. Participants relied on school teachers (66.6%), mothers (27.3%), and sisters (25.1%) for information on sexo-reproductive health. The odds of reporting ever having had sex were lower among participants who had a higher number of years expected to continue schooling (AOR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.34-0.95), not being job seekers (AOR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.29-0.97), being Muslims (AOR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.01-0.07) and living with nuclear family (AOR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17-0.70). Mean age of sexual debut was significantly lower among participants who had never worked for payment (t=2.931, p=0.004), living in a nuclear family (t=3.94, p<0.001) and having consumed alcohol in the last 30 days (t=-4.77, p<0.001). Proportion of participants who reported been sexually attracted to persons of the same sex was 10.82% (95% CI: 8.4-14.5) with 6.48% (95% CI: 3.9-8.2) reported having had sexual contact with persons of the same sex. Those who have had <2 sexual partner in the past 12 months were 0.17 times less likely to have correct knowledge on contraceptive methods compared to those with ≥ 2 sexual partners. The proportion of participants reporting ever been forced to have sex was 13.06% (95% CI: 10.95-15.52). Also, participants reporting ever having a “one night stand” and having sex in exchange of gift and money were 1.9% (95% CI: 1.17-3.08) and 1.19% (95% CI: 0.64 2.19) respectively. \u0000Conclusion: This study has explored current sexo-reproductive health determinants among adolescent girls and to address any barriers, a Mhealth sexo-reproductive health scheme that takes into account local socio-cultural contexts is urgently needed.","PeriodicalId":73740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental science and public health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41822576","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":"Concept Development Housing and Settlement of Coastal Areas based on Eco-Green: Case Study-Coastal Areas Babelan and Tarumajaya District Bekasi West Java, Indonesia","authors":"Z. ., Nurwahyi .","doi":"10.26502/jesph.96120076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26502/jesph.96120076","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental science and public health","volume":"53 22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69349211","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}
E. Shu, N. Onyemelukwe, Emmanuel S Nwodo, Fred C Otuu, L. Ilouno
Background: The public health implications associated with consumption of unwholesome herbal medicines, food substances and water are well documented. This study brought forth the case of heavy metal and microbial contamination as well as phyto-chemical composition of some herbal medicines marketed in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. Methods: Ten herbal medicines were randomly purchased from herbal medicine vendors in the streets and markets in Enugu, Nigeria. The samples were labeled A-J, and were in triplicates. The heavy metal contents (Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cr, Fe, Hg, As, Se) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The bacterial load was determined by the agar dilution technique and the phyto-chemical constituents of the medicines were determined following standard methods. Results: Lead and cadmium were present in all the medicine samples at concentrations significantly higher (p<0.05) than the recommended standards of American Herbal Products Association, AHPA/WHO standards. The Cr, Fe, and Ni concentrations in 70%, 50% and 40% of the samples respectively, were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the AHPA/WHO standards. Bacteria and fungi were present in the herbal medicines in varying concentrations. The phyto-chemical constituents of the herbal medicines were carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponnins, steroids, terpernoids, proteins, and glycosides in varying quantitative compositions across the herbal medicines. Interpretation: The phyto-constituents identified have medicinal values to justify for the ethno-medicinal uses claimed by the manufacturers. However, the heavy metals and microbial contaminants of all the medicines pose serious public health challenges and require the attention of the national drug regulatory authorities.
{"title":"Unwholesome Herbal Medicines Marketed in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria: Public Health Implications","authors":"E. Shu, N. Onyemelukwe, Emmanuel S Nwodo, Fred C Otuu, L. Ilouno","doi":"10.26502/JESPH.96120053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26502/JESPH.96120053","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The public health implications associated with consumption of unwholesome herbal medicines, food substances and water are well documented. This study brought forth the case of heavy metal and microbial contamination as well as phyto-chemical composition of some herbal medicines marketed in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. Methods: Ten herbal medicines were randomly purchased from herbal medicine vendors in the streets and markets in Enugu, Nigeria. The samples were labeled A-J, and were in triplicates. The heavy metal contents (Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cr, Fe, Hg, As, Se) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The bacterial load was determined by the agar dilution technique and the phyto-chemical constituents of the medicines were determined following standard methods. Results: Lead and cadmium were present in all the medicine samples at concentrations significantly higher (p<0.05) than the recommended standards of American Herbal Products Association, AHPA/WHO standards. The Cr, Fe, and Ni concentrations in 70%, 50% and 40% of the samples respectively, were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the AHPA/WHO standards. Bacteria and fungi were present in the herbal medicines in varying concentrations. The phyto-chemical constituents of the herbal medicines were carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponnins, steroids, terpernoids, proteins, and glycosides in varying quantitative compositions across the herbal medicines. Interpretation: The phyto-constituents identified have medicinal values to justify for the ethno-medicinal uses claimed by the manufacturers. However, the heavy metals and microbial contaminants of all the medicines pose serious public health challenges and require the attention of the national drug regulatory authorities.","PeriodicalId":73740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental science and public health","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69348761","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}
F. Wirsiy, D. Nsagha, O. Njajou, Joseph Besong Besong
Background: In Cameroon, adolescent girls’ knowledge on sexo-reproductive health and access to reproductive health services is important for their physical and psychosocial wellbeing. It has been established that, the lack of knowledge about the consequences of unprotected premarital sex among adolescent girls predisposed them to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortion and its complications, future reproductive health problems and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine predictive factors associated with comprehensive categories of adolescent girl’s sexo-reproductive health, including sources of information and knowledge on sexo-reproductive health, sexual development, risky sexual behaviors, utility and perception of sexo-reproductive health services. Methods: This was a qualitative study which adopted a narrative approach to qualitative enquiry and made use of the social ecological model. Eight focus group discussions (n=80) were conducted among both in-school and out-of-school adolescent girls aged 10-19 years. The discussions were stratified by sex, studentship and health area. In addition, fourteen in-depth interviews were conducted with various stakeholders in sexo-reproductive health services and community opinion leaders. Both the focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using NVivo 11. Thematic analysis was employed in analysing data. Results: The study found that knowledge on sexo-reproductive health issues was low among respondents with majority of them getting information on sexo-reproductive health from their peers. The issue of lack/insufficient sexo-reproductive health education in schools was reported. Having a sexual partner(s) and engaging in premarital sex was common. Adolescents engaged in unprotected sexual practices as a way of making money and for livelihood. Drinking dry marijuana mixed with water, concoctions and sachet whisky were identified as local methods employed by adolescent girls to induce abortion. Sexo-reproductive health services were available in the community but received low utilization because of perceived negative attitude and intrusiveness of the community health workers, confidentiality and social norms. Conclusions: Adolescents in this study generally engaged in risky sexo-reproductive health behaviours that can negatively affect their reproductive health. Adolescent girls in this part of Cameroon have challenges utilizing available sexo-reproductive health services because of socio-cultural and health system barriers.
{"title":"A Qualitative Analysis of Predictors of Sexo-Reproductive Health Needs of Adolescent Girls in the Kumbo West Health District of Cameroon","authors":"F. Wirsiy, D. Nsagha, O. Njajou, Joseph Besong Besong","doi":"10.26502/jesph.96120056","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26502/jesph.96120056","url":null,"abstract":"Background: In Cameroon, adolescent girls’ knowledge on sexo-reproductive health and access to reproductive health services is important for their physical and psychosocial wellbeing. It has been established that, the lack of knowledge about the consequences of unprotected premarital sex among adolescent girls predisposed them to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortion and its complications, future reproductive health problems and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine predictive factors associated with comprehensive categories of adolescent girl’s sexo-reproductive health, including sources of information and knowledge on sexo-reproductive health, sexual development, risky sexual behaviors, utility and perception of sexo-reproductive health services. Methods: This was a qualitative study which adopted a narrative approach to qualitative enquiry and made use of the social ecological model. Eight focus group discussions (n=80) were conducted among both in-school and out-of-school adolescent girls aged 10-19 years. The discussions were stratified by sex, studentship and health area. In addition, fourteen in-depth interviews were conducted with various stakeholders in sexo-reproductive health services and community opinion leaders. Both the focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using NVivo 11. Thematic analysis was employed in analysing data. Results: The study found that knowledge on sexo-reproductive health issues was low among respondents with majority of them getting information on sexo-reproductive health from their peers. The issue of lack/insufficient sexo-reproductive health education in schools was reported. Having a sexual partner(s) and engaging in premarital sex was common. Adolescents engaged in unprotected sexual practices as a way of making money and for livelihood. Drinking dry marijuana mixed with water, concoctions and sachet whisky were identified as local methods employed by adolescent girls to induce abortion. Sexo-reproductive health services were available in the community but received low utilization because of perceived negative attitude and intrusiveness of the community health workers, confidentiality and social norms. Conclusions: Adolescents in this study generally engaged in risky sexo-reproductive health behaviours that can negatively affect their reproductive health. Adolescent girls in this part of Cameroon have challenges utilizing available sexo-reproductive health services because of socio-cultural and health system barriers.","PeriodicalId":73740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental science and public health","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69348794","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}
Meritxell Notari Llorens, F. Fabregat, Á. Martínez-Poveda, M. Vidal
Since the early sixties, national and international organizations have increased their efforts to provide better environmental education and ecological consciousness, although despite these efforts, a lack of attitudes and concepts was detected among students from secondary education of Spain. This lack of attitudes among students may be due to deficient concepts passed on from their teachers. Within this framework, the objective of this study is to evaluate the ecological consciousness level possessed by the teachers. The results of this study show that over 97% of the teachers possess enough knowledge on ecological consciousness concepts related to the syllabus from secondary education. It is essential to facilitate the evolution of society and its future generations, those on which the future and the development of nature and the world depend.
{"title":"Degree of Knowledge on Ecological Consciousness Among Secondary Education Teachers in the Northeast of Spain","authors":"Meritxell Notari Llorens, F. Fabregat, Á. Martínez-Poveda, M. Vidal","doi":"10.26502/jesph.96120060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26502/jesph.96120060","url":null,"abstract":"Since the early sixties, national and international organizations have increased their efforts to provide better environmental education and ecological consciousness, although despite these efforts, a lack of attitudes and concepts was detected among students from secondary education of Spain. This lack of attitudes among students may be due to deficient concepts passed on from their teachers. Within this framework, the objective of this study is to evaluate the ecological consciousness level possessed by the teachers. The results of this study show that over 97% of the teachers possess enough knowledge on ecological consciousness concepts related to the syllabus from secondary education. It is essential to facilitate the evolution of society and its future generations, those on which the future and the development of nature and the world depend.","PeriodicalId":73740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental science and public health","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69348812","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":"Nigeria’s Fulani Herdsmen-Farmers Conflict and Peace Building","authors":"Ningxin Li","doi":"10.26502/jesph.96120049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26502/jesph.96120049","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental science and public health","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69348754","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}
Predator-prey interactions are influenced by environmental condition changes, such as increased turbidity and acidification caused by human disturbance. These anthropogenic factors can affect trophic interactions from pisciovorous fish, invertivorous fish, and shredder invertebrates to leaf litter leaching. In this study, we investigated effects of increased turbidity and acidification on predator-prey interaction through a four-level detritus-based food chain, which are top predator (pisciovorous fish), intermediate predator (invertivorous fish), shredder invertebrates, and allochthonous leaf litter. The experiment had a top predator-snakehead (Channa argus), an intermediate predator-black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), shredder prey-a freshwater crustacean isopods (Asellus sp.), and allochthonous leaf litter sakura (Cerasus sp.). The pisciovorous snakehead was caged, providing non-lethal predation effect on black carp. The effects of turbidity condition changes with different Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (high level: 60 NTU, and low: 10 NTU) and acidic condition changes (weakly acidic: pH 6.0 and normal: pH 7.5) on leaf litter weight loss. The experiment measured shredder density change and leaf litter weight change that was caused by both leaf litter leaching and shredder’s foraging processes. Results indicated that: the high turbid treatment (60 NTU) reduced the black carp’s antipredator defense to snakehead, so that the black carp’s foraging caused the high mortality of isopod shredders, which reduced leaf litter weight loss. By contrast, the weakly acidic treatment (pH=6.0) did not influence black carp’s top-predator avoidance, but induced the loss of predator avoidance of isopod Asellus sp. shredders that caused isopod high mortality. The acidic treatment did not influence litter weight change. Our study highlights that increased turbidity can influence predator-prey interactions and affect leaf litter weight change that caused by both shredder foraging and litter leaching processes in freshwater systems. The increased acidic condition also had a significant effect on predator-prey interaction. With intensified urbanization and increased climate change, such anthropogenic impacts with multiple stressors on predator-prey interaction should be further investigated for understanding their ecological mechanisms.
{"title":"Effects of Turbidity and Acidity on Predator-Prey Interactions","authors":"Shixu Zhang","doi":"10.26502/JESPH.96120061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26502/JESPH.96120061","url":null,"abstract":"Predator-prey interactions are influenced by environmental condition changes, such as increased turbidity and acidification caused by human disturbance. These anthropogenic factors can affect trophic interactions from pisciovorous fish, invertivorous fish, and shredder invertebrates to leaf litter leaching. In this study, we investigated effects of increased turbidity and acidification on predator-prey interaction through a four-level detritus-based food chain, which are top predator (pisciovorous fish), intermediate predator (invertivorous fish), shredder invertebrates, and allochthonous leaf litter. The experiment had a top predator-snakehead (Channa argus), an intermediate predator-black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), shredder prey-a freshwater crustacean isopods (Asellus sp.), and allochthonous leaf litter sakura (Cerasus sp.). The pisciovorous snakehead was caged, providing non-lethal predation effect on black carp. The effects of turbidity condition changes with different Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (high level: 60 NTU, and low: 10 NTU) and acidic condition changes (weakly acidic: pH 6.0 and normal: pH 7.5) on leaf litter weight loss. The experiment measured shredder density change and leaf litter weight change that was caused by both leaf litter leaching and shredder’s foraging processes. Results indicated that: the high turbid treatment (60 NTU) reduced the black carp’s antipredator defense to snakehead, so that the black carp’s foraging caused the high mortality of isopod shredders, which reduced leaf litter weight loss. By contrast, the weakly acidic treatment (pH=6.0) did not influence black carp’s top-predator avoidance, but induced the loss of predator avoidance of isopod Asellus sp. shredders that caused isopod high mortality. The acidic treatment did not influence litter weight change. Our study highlights that increased turbidity can influence predator-prey interactions and affect leaf litter weight change that caused by both shredder foraging and litter leaching processes in freshwater systems. The increased acidic condition also had a significant effect on predator-prey interaction. With intensified urbanization and increased climate change, such anthropogenic impacts with multiple stressors on predator-prey interaction should be further investigated for understanding their ecological mechanisms.","PeriodicalId":73740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental science and public health","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69348818","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}
P. Njukeng, D. Ako-Arrey, E. T. Amin, Charles Njumkeng, F. Wirsiy
Background: The impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has placed it among one of the top public health problems worldwide. AMR has increased the global infectious disease burden and put a greater strain on health systems. This review sought to contribute more evidence on this issue of AMR in the Central African Region, by determining the overall bacterial pathogens resistance rate and pathogen specific resistance rate with respect to antimicrobial agents common in the region. Methods: Pubmed and other relevant databases were searched using the Boolean strategy. We reviewed articles from 2008 to 2018 and in accordance with an adapted PRISMA guideline. Article retrieval and screening were done using a structured search inclusion/exclusion criteria. Median and interquartile ranges of percentage resistance were calculated for each antibiotic-bacterium combination. Results: Limited AMR data was available for Central African countries with no reported data for Burundi. A total of 30 articles were included in the final analysis. The most commonly reported bacterium was Salmonella spp that has been reported from 16 studies with median resistance rate of 45.5 (IQR 9.1-81.0). It was also observed that bacterium Staphylococcus aureus had the highest resistance rate with a median resistance of 90 (IQR 86.4-95.2). In general, median resistance rate higher above 50% were observed for the following bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella spp, Klebsiella spp, Enterococci, E. Coli and Acinetobacter spp. Conclusion: The review highlights two important findings: first, there is a huge gap of data regarding Antimicrobial resistance in the Central African Region. Second, a high level of drug resistance exists for commonly prescribed Antimicrobial drugs in the Central African region. We recommend the standardization and quality of microbiological identification and susceptibility/resistance testing methods as well as surveillance of AMR to be improved to allow national and international organizations, to monitor the extent of the AMR problem. All of the identified areas of concern need urgent attention by the global health community in order to halt the public health threat associated with spreading AMR.
{"title":"Antimicrobial Resistance in the Central African Region: A Review","authors":"P. Njukeng, D. Ako-Arrey, E. T. Amin, Charles Njumkeng, F. Wirsiy","doi":"10.26502/jesph.96120069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26502/jesph.96120069","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has placed it among one of the top public health problems worldwide. AMR has increased the global infectious disease burden and put a greater strain on health systems. This review sought to contribute more evidence on this issue of AMR in the Central African Region, by determining the overall bacterial pathogens resistance rate and pathogen specific resistance rate with respect to antimicrobial agents common in the region. Methods: Pubmed and other relevant databases were searched using the Boolean strategy. We reviewed articles from 2008 to 2018 and in accordance with an adapted PRISMA guideline. Article retrieval and screening were done using a structured search inclusion/exclusion criteria. Median and interquartile ranges of percentage resistance were calculated for each antibiotic-bacterium combination. Results: Limited AMR data was available for Central African countries with no reported data for Burundi. A total of 30 articles were included in the final analysis. The most commonly reported bacterium was Salmonella spp that has been reported from 16 studies with median resistance rate of 45.5 (IQR 9.1-81.0). It was also observed that bacterium Staphylococcus aureus had the highest resistance rate with a median resistance of 90 (IQR 86.4-95.2). In general, median resistance rate higher above 50% were observed for the following bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella spp, Klebsiella spp, Enterococci, E. Coli and Acinetobacter spp. Conclusion: The review highlights two important findings: first, there is a huge gap of data regarding Antimicrobial resistance in the Central African Region. Second, a high level of drug resistance exists for commonly prescribed Antimicrobial drugs in the Central African region. We recommend the standardization and quality of microbiological identification and susceptibility/resistance testing methods as well as surveillance of AMR to be improved to allow national and international organizations, to monitor the extent of the AMR problem. All of the identified areas of concern need urgent attention by the global health community in order to halt the public health threat associated with spreading AMR.","PeriodicalId":73740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental science and public health","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69349131","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}
Fungi are found everywhere and can cause infections when inhaled. In view of this, fungal flora of some eating places on the University of Lagos campus was investigated within two seasons. Ten eating places were chosen at various parts of the Akoka-campus of the University. Air mycoflora of these eating places was carried out by sedimentation method with Potato Dextrose Agar and Dichloran Glycerol-18 plates exposed for ten minutes. The air sampling was carried out in Five months within the dry and wet seasons (February, March, June, July, and August). The results of the investigation reveal that a total of 814 spores were obtained from the ten locations during the five months of study. The fungi obtained are of the genera, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Curvularia, Rhizopus, Neurospora and Trichoderma. From the results, the Aspergillus spp were the most frequent observed fungi while Fusarium spp and Curvularia spp were the least frequently sampled. Culture Media comparison was carried out throughout the study months. Meteorological data was also obtained from The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Lagos, Nigeria, to determine the relationship between weather parameters and the growth and distribution of fungi spores. Some of the fungi isolated are opportunistic in nature and are allergens which cause various diseases, irritations and allergic reactions to human.
{"title":"Air-Mycoflora of Some Eating Places on University of Lagos Campus, Nigeria","authors":"A. Odebode, Ajikobi Omodolapo, A. Adekunle","doi":"10.26502/jesph.96120072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26502/jesph.96120072","url":null,"abstract":"Fungi are found everywhere and can cause infections when inhaled. In view of this, fungal flora of some eating places on the University of Lagos campus was investigated within two seasons. Ten eating places were chosen at various parts of the Akoka-campus of the University. Air mycoflora of these eating places was carried out by sedimentation method with Potato Dextrose Agar and Dichloran Glycerol-18 plates exposed for ten minutes. The air sampling was carried out in Five months within the dry and wet seasons (February, March, June, July, and August). The results of the investigation reveal that a total of 814 spores were obtained from the ten locations during the five months of study. The fungi obtained are of the genera, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Curvularia, Rhizopus, Neurospora and Trichoderma. From the results, the Aspergillus spp were the most frequent observed fungi while Fusarium spp and Curvularia spp were the least frequently sampled. Culture Media comparison was carried out throughout the study months. Meteorological data was also obtained from The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Lagos, Nigeria, to determine the relationship between weather parameters and the growth and distribution of fungi spores. Some of the fungi isolated are opportunistic in nature and are allergens which cause various diseases, irritations and allergic reactions to human.","PeriodicalId":73740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental science and public health","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69349140","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. V. Hinson, Yolande Affo, Rose Mikponhoue, Mènonli Adjobime, M. Houénassi, B. Fayomi
Introduction: Due to the heavy burden of morbidity, mortality, and inability to work, hypertension is a major challenge in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to identify the epidemiological characteristics of hypertension among bank employees in Cotonou. Methodology: This was a descriptive and transversal study of bank workers in Cotonou (Benin). The data were collected using the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise questionnaire adapted to our context, as well as blood pressure (BP), weight and abdominal perimeter measurement. Using bivariate and multivariate analysis, we analyzed the risk factor of the HBP. Results: The average age was 37.9 ± 8.6 years; the predominance was with men (52.0%). The prevalence of hypertension was 25.3%. The multivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between the occurrence of hypertension and age (OR=1.08), lack of knowledge about preventive measures against hypertension (OR=4.15), work under pressure (OR=8.01) and obesity (OR=3.12). There is a significant relationship between hypertension and workstation (p=0.0113). Conclusion: Our results should help the bank’s decision-makers to develop a prevention program against hypertension by risk factors.
{"title":"Epidemiological Aspects of the High Blood Pressure in Occupational Environment-Case of a Bank in Cotonou (Benin)","authors":"A. V. Hinson, Yolande Affo, Rose Mikponhoue, Mènonli Adjobime, M. Houénassi, B. Fayomi","doi":"10.26502/jesph.96120074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26502/jesph.96120074","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Due to the heavy burden of morbidity, mortality, and inability to work, hypertension is a major challenge in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to identify the epidemiological characteristics of hypertension among bank employees in Cotonou. Methodology: This was a descriptive and transversal study of bank workers in Cotonou (Benin). The data were collected using the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise questionnaire adapted to our context, as well as blood pressure (BP), weight and abdominal perimeter measurement. Using bivariate and multivariate analysis, we analyzed the risk factor of the HBP. Results: The average age was 37.9 ± 8.6 years; the predominance was with men (52.0%). The prevalence of hypertension was 25.3%. The multivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between the occurrence of hypertension and age (OR=1.08), lack of knowledge about preventive measures against hypertension (OR=4.15), work under pressure (OR=8.01) and obesity (OR=3.12). There is a significant relationship between hypertension and workstation (p=0.0113). Conclusion: Our results should help the bank’s decision-makers to develop a prevention program against hypertension by risk factors.","PeriodicalId":73740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental science and public health","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69349192","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}