-
Hygiene Practices Among Food Vendors in Hohoe Township
George Edward Ntow,
Mavis Pearl Kwabla,
Joyce Der
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, December 2016
Pages:
43-50
Received:
2 September 2016
Accepted:
23 September 2016
Published:
17 October 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160202.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background: Street food vending has become a very lucrative business across all parts of the globe. However, little attention has been given to the safety of such foods thus, becoming a great challenge to public health. This study was conducted to examine the hygiene practices observe by food vendors at sites where food is prepared and sold in the Hohoe Township. Method: This was a cross-sectional study which employed simple random sampling technique to select 187 respondents over the period of July to December, 2015. Chi square test was used to test for association between some selected variables at a significant level of 0.05. Data was entered into epi data version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 11 for analysis. Result: Of the 187 respondents, majority of 181(96.79%) were female with 113(60.43%) attaining the basic school education. About 35(18.7%) used their bare hands in picking food for customers with 149(78.92%) been medically screened. A little more than half (55.08%) did not cover their hair when selling and only 72(38.50%) wore apron during sales of food. One hundred and sixty (86.89%) sold food very close to open gutters but only 29(27.36%) paid attention to the cleanliness of such gutters. An association existed between level of education and knowledge on hygiene practices among respondents but was not significant [Chi square=1.3024, p value=0.729]. Also, an association existed between type of food vendor and knowledge on hygiene but not significant [Chi square=2.8331, p value=0.418]. Conclusion: Most food vendors in Hohoe have some fundamental knowledge on hygiene but this does not reflect in their routine practices. Periodic training and education of food vendors on hygiene and its standards can help ameliorate their practice on food hygiene.
Abstract: Background: Street food vending has become a very lucrative business across all parts of the globe. However, little attention has been given to the safety of such foods thus, becoming a great challenge to public health. This study was conducted to examine the hygiene practices observe by food vendors at sites where food is prepared and sold in the ...
Show More
-
Epidemiology of Dengue Fever in Ethiopian Somali Region: Retrospective Health Facility Based Study
Yusuf Mohammed Ahmed,
Ali Abdi Salah
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, December 2016
Pages:
51-56
Received:
27 August 2016
Accepted:
12 October 2016
Published:
19 October 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160202.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Dengue fever (DF) is globally emerging mosquito born viral disease. In Ethiopia, DF is newly emerged since 2013. The existing outbreak data was not compiled which is important for the provision of epidemiological information as a base for the health care systems, and to make possible preventive and curative measures for the coming dengue fever outbreak. We conducted retrospective descriptive study on three years outbreak of DF during 2014, 2015, and 2016. We collected line lists of outbreak over past three years on main epidemiological parameter. We entered, cleaned, and analyzed collected data by using Microsoft Excel 2007. Four hundred forty suspected Dengue cases reported from 1/21/2014 to 3/3/2016 with no deaths. Male constitute majority 58% of cases. Age of patients ranged from 2 months to 82 years with median age of 26 years. Age group ranging from 15 to 45 constitute majority 305(69.3%) of the cases, followed by >45(12.5%). About 18.2% of cases were those <15 years old, while >15 constitute 81.8% of cases. High percentages (37%) of cases reported in February. During 2014 and 2016, outbreak happened in the same months (Jan, Feb, and March). High percentages of cases (43.2 %) reported in 2015. Majority 368(83.6%) of cases reported from Godey Council. In 2014 and 2015 outbreak confined to Godey council only, while in 2016 dengue reported from Dollo Ado town. About 98.6% of cases reported from urban. Two hundred ninety two (66%) of cases were managed at outpatient department (OPD). From all collected 57 blood samples, 33(57.9%) was positive for dengue virus by RT-PCR technique. Dengue fever is a serious public health problem and is newly emerging threat in affected town of Ethiopian Somali region. Our study highlights as dengue appearing cyclic every year mainly affecting adult population of reproductive age group. It also shows the sign of expanding to other town of region, there is an urgent need to enhance dengue surveillance, and control, especially for the high-risk populations in high-risk areas in dengue affected areas of the region.
Abstract: Dengue fever (DF) is globally emerging mosquito born viral disease. In Ethiopia, DF is newly emerged since 2013. The existing outbreak data was not compiled which is important for the provision of epidemiological information as a base for the health care systems, and to make possible preventive and curative measures for the coming dengue fever outb...
Show More
-
Assessing the Utilization and Implementation Challenges of Prevention of Mother-to-Child-Transmission of HIV Programme in a Secondary Care Hospital, Ghana
Eric Osei,
Williams Amankwaa Fosu,
Joyce Der
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, December 2016
Pages:
57-65
Received:
11 August 2016
Accepted:
23 September 2016
Published:
28 October 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160202.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV continues to be a major public health problem and accounts for a considerable share of new HIV infections among young children. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) has been recognised as vital to reducing infant and child mortality associated with HIV infection. This study assessed the utilization and implementation challenges of PMTCT of HIV programme in a secondary care hospital in Ghana. Methods: We conducted an institution based cross-sectional survey in April 2015 using exit interviews with 135 pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) clinic of Bolgatanga Regional hospital of Upper East Region, Ghana. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about MTCT of HIV, and HIV counselling and testing practice. Six in-depth interviews with service providers were conducted to assess PMTCT programme implementation challenges. Antenatal and PMTCT records were reviewed to evaluate PMTCT utilization. Stata version 11 was used to analyse quantitative data. Chi-square test was performed to test for differences between proportions for the cross tabulated variables. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Fifty-six (41.5%) of participants made up to four or more ANC visits. The majority (62; 45.9%) were in the third trimester of gestation, 75 (56%) were primigravida and 12 (9%) ever had four or more pregnancies. About 96% (129) visited the health facility for ANC check-up. Only 3 (2.2%) visited the health facility for HIV counselling and testing. The majority (112; 83%) were aware of the PMTCT programme though, 12 (11%) of them were not aware of its benefits. Almost all (134; 99.3%) of them reported that they were tested for HIV in the current pregnancy, and 131 (97%) of them reported adequacy of privacy and confidentiality during counselling. Of the 1,283 pregnant women registered between January and December, 2013, 1,282 (99.9%) were tested for HIV. CD4 cell count was done for 12 (85%) out of 15 women who tested HIV positive, 14 (93%) of the 15 HIV-positive women received antiretroviral prophylaxis (including infant prophylaxis). Early infant diagnosis was universal (100%) for all HIV-exposed infants. Inadequately trained personnel coupled with high workload, erratic supply of logistics and low male involvement were mentioned as barriers to PMTCT implementation. Conclusion: PMTCT of HIV service up-take and knowledge regarding MTCT and PMTCT was quite high; however efforts should be made to address the barriers to successful implementation of PMTCT interventions.
Abstract: Background: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV continues to be a major public health problem and accounts for a considerable share of new HIV infections among young children. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) has been recognised as vital to reducing infant and child mortality associated with HIV infection. This study assess...
Show More
-
Hypertensive Patients’ Knowledge and Attitude in Kasr al Ainy Hospitals
Muhammed H. Meslam,
Marwa Abdel Rahman Amer,
Lubna Muhammad Bekhiet,
Mohamed A. K.,
Galal Eldin A. Abdelazim,
Doaa M. Hassan,
Haytham Soliman Ghareeb,
Soliman Ghareeb
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, December 2016
Pages:
66-70
Received:
16 July 2016
Accepted:
18 October 2016
Published:
3 November 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160202.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Introduction: Hypertension is a major public health problem affecting 26.3% of Egyptians. In Egypt, there was no data yield yet showing the effect of awareness about hypertension on hypertensive patients. So we evoked a question: does being hypertensive affect knowledge about hypertension or not? Methods: The study is a comparative cross-sectional descriptive study. A convenient sample of 500 subjects was selected. The questionnaire was intended to evaluate hypertension knowledge regarding symptoms, risk factors, complications and general knowledge. Results: There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between both groups. 25% of the subjects were unaware whether hypertension is contagious or not; 45% of the subjects confirmed the hereditary factors owing to hypertension, 60% of the subjects said that hypertension could lead to arthritis. Excess salt consumption was the most recognized risk factor (84%). 60% stated that a hypertensive patient always suffers from symptoms. 39% thought treatment should be started after more than one blood pressure reading. Conclusion: It is essential to perform further screening on hypertension awareness levels on a larger scale of population.
Abstract: Introduction: Hypertension is a major public health problem affecting 26.3% of Egyptians. In Egypt, there was no data yield yet showing the effect of awareness about hypertension on hypertensive patients. So we evoked a question: does being hypertensive affect knowledge about hypertension or not? Methods: The study is a comparative cross-sectional ...
Show More
-
Influence of Maternal Education on Child Stunting in SNNPR, Ethiopia
Eliyas Musbah,
Amare Worku
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, December 2016
Pages:
71-82
Received:
27 August 2016
Accepted:
17 October 2016
Published:
23 November 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160202.15
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Stunting indicates a failure to achieve one’s genetic potential for height and thought to be the result of chronic under nutrition originating from infancy. Objective of study to assess magnitude of stunting among children less than five years of age and to explore its association with maternal education in SNNPR, Ethiopia. Based on data from Alive and Thrive initiative end line evaluation study in Ethiopia conducted in SNNPR from August 01 - September 05,2014. Pre-tested standardized questionnaire and trained data collectors were used. Across sectional with internal comparison study design was used. Double data entry was done by independent data clerks. Descriptive, binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 (SPSS Illinois, Chicago). The prevalence of child stunting was 39.1% in SNNPR. Child age, maternal educations, household wealth index, maternal autonomy, maternal BMI, mother’s height were independent predicators of child stunting. Mother who completed secondary and above schooling were 52% less likely to have stunted child than mothers who had never attended any formal schooling (AOR=0.48;95%CI:0.252,0.914). Child stunting still goes public health problem of the region. Consequently women empowerments, promotion of maternal education, multi sector approach were recommended.
Abstract: Stunting indicates a failure to achieve one’s genetic potential for height and thought to be the result of chronic under nutrition originating from infancy. Objective of study to assess magnitude of stunting among children less than five years of age and to explore its association with maternal education in SNNPR, Ethiopia. Based on data from Alive...
Show More
-
A Status on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review
Alzzaqani Ahmad Hasan A.,
Alzemily Mohammed Abdulkareem M.,
Alshahrani Homood Saeed A.
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, December 2016
Pages:
83-88
Received:
28 September 2016
Accepted:
19 October 2016
Published:
25 November 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160202.16
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Removed all headings and made it as one paragraph as suggested by reviewer. Impaired glucose tolerance is the most common complication during pregnancy. The prevalence of gestational has increased all over the world recently and especially in Saudi Arabia. The gestational diabetes causes many problems to both mother and the fetus. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the GDM prevalence rate, its risk factors and its outcome in Saudi Arabia. One electronic data base called PubMed was searched by using appropriate key words and filters were applied in all possible ways to find the relevant literature. The language was limited only to English. The database identified 113 records out of which only 29 were relevant and unable to find full text in 6 articles. Only 9 articles were included in the systematic review. The prevalence of gestational diabetes ranges from 10.5% to as high as 51% and risk factors for gestational diabetes were increased maternal age, higher body weight & BMI, Previous history of GDM and Macrosomia. Most studies reported GDM increased the risk of cesarean section in mothers and hypoglycemia, higher birth weight, hyperbilirubinaemia and NICU admissions in fetus. The gestational diabetes remains a major public health problem in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and it highlights the need for further research. Considering the burden of GDM early screening of pregnant women is highly recommend to reduce the maternal and neonatal complications.
Abstract: Removed all headings and made it as one paragraph as suggested by reviewer. Impaired glucose tolerance is the most common complication during pregnancy. The prevalence of gestational has increased all over the world recently and especially in Saudi Arabia. The gestational diabetes causes many problems to both mother and the fetus. The objective of ...
Show More
-
Vitamin a Supplementation Coverage and Correlates of Uptake Among Children 6-59 Months in the South Dayi District, Ghana
Doris Hadzi,
Geoffrey Adebayo Asalu,
Hayford Mawuli Avedzi,
Prince Kubi Appiah,
Elvis E. Tarkang
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, December 2016
Pages:
89-98
Received:
13 September 2016
Accepted:
20 October 2016
Published:
9 December 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.cajph.20160202.17
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Introduction: Vitamin A is essential for immune function, vision, reproduction, and cellular communication. Insufficient amounts of vitamin A decreases children’s ability to resist diseases and increases risks for childhood deaths, hospital stay, and missed school days. Two annual doses of vitamin A supplementation (VAS) for children 6-59 months, with a coverage threshold of 70% as recommended by UNICEF in settings with high deficiency. Methodology: For this cross-sectional study, we assessed nutrition knowledge of vitamin A among caregivers with children 6-59 months and coverage of VAS in the South Dayi District, Volta Region, Ghana, using structured questionnaires. Child health records were reviewed to determine immunization and vitamin A supplementation status of the children. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS (version 20.0) at 95% confidence intervals. Result: A total of 418 caregiver-child pairs participated in this study and health records of all children (49% female, ages 6-59 months) were examined for VAS coverage. Overall, VAS coverage in the 12 months preceding the study was 64.3%. Among caregivers with mean age ± SD (30.4 ± 7.4 years), 65% had inadequate nutrition knowledge of vitamin A food sources and 62% did not know deficiency symptoms or diseases linked to vitamin A. Caregiver knowledge (OR: 1.7) age of child (OR: 1.2) and being a female child (OR: 2.3) were significantly associated with receipt of vitamin A supplementation among children (p<0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin A supplementation coverage was below the WHO recommended threshold and caregiver knowledge was inadequate in the South Dayi District. Caregiver-centered approaches are needed for improving vitamin A nutrition and supplementation among children in the district.
Abstract: Introduction: Vitamin A is essential for immune function, vision, reproduction, and cellular communication. Insufficient amounts of vitamin A decreases children’s ability to resist diseases and increases risks for childhood deaths, hospital stay, and missed school days. Two annual doses of vitamin A supplementation (VAS) for children 6-59 months, w...
Show More
