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Review of Determinants of Low Insecticide Treated Net Utilization and Interventions to Improve Utilization Among Under-Fives in Ghana: An In-depth Review
Dina Barffo,
Roland Kuuzagr Nuotol,
Raouf Alebshehy,
Nura Musa Shuaib,
Jato Denis Mbako
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, February 2021
Pages:
1-10
Received:
9 October 2020
Accepted:
19 December 2020
Published:
12 January 2021
Abstract: Malaria continues to be a public health challenge in Ghana, especially among children under five years. World Health Organization recommends 80% usage of insecticide treated nets as it is one of the most effectiveness means of preventing malaria. However, usage of insecticide treated nets is only 47% among this vulnerable group in Ghana, which is below the recommended rate. This in-depth review aims to explore factors contributing to low net utilization among under-fives in Ghana and analyze interventions that have improved utilization in countries of similar context and discuss their applicability in Ghana. This review was based on secondary data. Using a conceptual framework, factors leading to low net usage among under-fives and interventions that have proved to increase usage in other countries were obtained from databases such as Global Health, Medline, PubMed and Web of Science and websites of organisations such as Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Education and World Health Organization. A feasibility assessment tool was applied in analysing each intervention identified and appraised based on their feasibility in Ghana. Increasing age of a child, lack of mechanisms for monitoring net usage at home, large family size, negative perception and attitude towards its usage and lack of education on its correct usage emerged as factors contributing to low net usage among children under five in Ghana. Having analysed these factors, in addition to feasible interventions in addressing low usage, malaria stakeholders in Ghana need to evaluate these interventions to assess how appropriate and applicable they are in Ghana to increase net usage among under-fives.
Abstract: Malaria continues to be a public health challenge in Ghana, especially among children under five years. World Health Organization recommends 80% usage of insecticide treated nets as it is one of the most effectiveness means of preventing malaria. However, usage of insecticide treated nets is only 47% among this vulnerable group in Ghana, which is b...
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Prevalence and Pattern of Depression among Women of Polygamous and Monogamous Family Settings in Rural Areas of Sokoto State, Nigeria
Habibullah Adamu,
Oche Mansur Oche,
Iye Ruth Abel,
Kasimu Alhaji Garba,
Bashar Bala Zubairu
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, February 2021
Pages:
11-22
Received:
6 December 2020
Accepted:
14 December 2020
Published:
15 January 2021
Abstract: World Health Organization recognizes depression as one of the leading mental illnesses of public health concern, with estimated 300 million people affected. This study assessed the prevalence, pattern and risk factors associated with depression among women in rural areas of Sokoto state. A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out and using a multistage sampling technique, 383 respondents (monogamous 193, polygamous 185) were recruited into the study. A set of structured questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) version 23. The mean age of the respondents was 33.91±6.8 years in monogamous setting and 35.27±8.3 years in polygamous setting (t=1.189, p=0.235). In both settings, majority of the women were married (monogamous 92.2%, polygamous 89.2%, P>0.05) and all were Muslims. The overall prevalence of depression in both groups was 51.2% (n=197). With respect to family type, prevalence was higher among women in monogamous setting (54.2%) as compared to those from polygamous setting (49.7%) (P=0.578). In both groups, mild depression was the most common type of depression (43.1% among monogamous vs 54.3% among polygamous). Depressive symptoms experienced nearly everyday by respondents in both groups include feeling hopeless and down, having difficulty falling asleep and feeling tired. Significant predictors of depression were marital status and feeling sad for a long time. In conclusion, the overall prevalence of depression was high in this study and the prevalence was slightly higher in monogamous group than polygamous; most respondents in both groups had mild depression. Significant predictors of depression include marital status and being sad for long time. There is need for government health agencies and other partners to strengthen mental health services at community levels to enable early detection and proper management of depression among couples.
Abstract: World Health Organization recognizes depression as one of the leading mental illnesses of public health concern, with estimated 300 million people affected. This study assessed the prevalence, pattern and risk factors associated with depression among women in rural areas of Sokoto state. A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out and using...
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Modeling of Communication Strategies for Reducing Public Road Accidents Involving Two-Wheel Motorized Vehicles in Urban Areas: Case of Cotonou and Parakou Cities in Benin
François Agossou,
Jacques Saizonou,
Castro Hounmenou,
Blasselle Houssou,
Assumption Hounsa,
Gyslain Mahoutin Zannou,
Cyriaque Ahodekon,
Patrick Makoutode,
Virginie Mongbo,
Edgard-Marius Ouendo
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, February 2021
Pages:
23-31
Received:
25 November 2020
Accepted:
10 December 2020
Published:
22 January 2021
Abstract: Introduction: Road accidents are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. To reduce their scale, some approaches have been favored, such as communication actions. This work aimed to propose an integrated model for the effective reduction of road accidents among motorized two-wheeled vehicle drivers (2WD) in urban areas in Benin. Method: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study of road users (n=1497) in Cotonou and Parakou. The data was collected on a mobile phone using CSPro software and analyzed in three stages: descriptive analysis, multivariate analysis for the selection of variables significantly affecting the variable to be explained, and the development of the integrated model using the Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network. Results: The study showed that communication actions, advocacy, contextual interventions, belief, certain individual characteristics of users, were significantly associated with the reduction of road accidents. The communication model that emerges from this is akin to "persuasive engaging" communication. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the importance of using an integrated national communication program to strengthen road safety. To do so, they need to promote respect for the Highway Code by emphasizing the sanctity of human life must be combined with relevant accompanying measures.
Abstract: Introduction: Road accidents are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. To reduce their scale, some approaches have been favored, such as communication actions. This work aimed to propose an integrated model for the effective reduction of road accidents among motorized two-wheeled vehicle drivers (2WD) in urban areas in ...
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HIV-Exposed Children: Determinants of Early Diagnosis and Survival in the Kongo Central Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Lukanu Ngwala Philippe,
Musiti Ngolo Jean Robert,
Nlandu Niati Jean Destin,
Metamonika Adolphine,
Matondo Luzunga Guy Roger,
Situakibanza Hypolite
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, February 2021
Pages:
32-39
Received:
25 December 2020
Accepted:
7 January 2021
Published:
22 January 2021
Abstract: Introduction. Successful prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) requires early diagnosis, consistent access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and regular health care during and after pregnancy. This study assessed the determinants of early HIV diagnosis by children born to HIV-positive (HIV+) mothers in the Kongo Central Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methodology. Data from 230 HIV+ mothers screened under the PMTCT program between July 2015 and December 2017 were extracted from the databases of 31 Health Zones (HZ) of Kongo Central province. Data detailing laboratory and anthropometric findings, morbidity, and mortality were collected from each exposed child. The determinants of inaccessibility to early diagnosis were identified using logistic regression. Results. The mothers' mean age was 32.4 years, and 90.9% were on ART; 68.8% of children were older than 12 months at diagnosis. Diagnosis during the first 6 months of the child’s life was critical. Malnutrition was found in almost 90% of the children. Determinants of non-access to an early diagnosis were mothers who attained a primary education level and did not disclose their HIV status. Conclusion. All possible interventions should be considered to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission. To ensure a child’s survival to their first birthday, early diagnosis should be performed soon after birth to an HIV+ mother and ART should be initiated.
Abstract: Introduction. Successful prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) requires early diagnosis, consistent access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and regular health care during and after pregnancy. This study assessed the determinants of early HIV diagnosis by children born to HIV-positive (HIV+) mot...
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Social Status as Predictor of Pregnant Women Attendance at Antenatal Care
Agonnoudé Togbédji Maurice,
Assogba Abdul Koudous,
Ahouignan-Hounkponou Fanny,
Houéto Sègbégnon David,
Sossa Jérôme Charles,
Zannou Gbènoukpo Sébastien
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, February 2021
Pages:
40-46
Received:
30 December 2020
Accepted:
9 January 2021
Published:
25 January 2021
Abstract: Objectives: to assess the influence of social status of women on their attendance at antenatal care (ANC) in North Benin context in 2016. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 17th to December 16th, 2016 on a sample of 465 women who had delivered in the past few days before the survey. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information concerning their socio-demographic, socio-cultural, individual and community resources, and pregnancy complications. Results: Factors influencing the attendance at ANC in both univariate and multivariate analysis were number of pregnancy, the parity, the existence of a pathological obstetric history, the relationship with the head of household, the decision-making power to attend ANC, profession, income, woman's knowledge of ANC and some organizational factors (appropriateness of appointment days and waiting time). So, controlling for others factors and relative to women with the first pregnancy, women with the fifth pregnancy had 51.572 fold (95%IC=[7.93 – 335.28]) higher odd to be non attendance to antenatal care. Conclusion: Sociocultural, political and institutional factors should be taken into account in order to improve women’s attendance at antenatal care in North Benin.
Abstract: Objectives: to assess the influence of social status of women on their attendance at antenatal care (ANC) in North Benin context in 2016. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 17th to December 16th, 2016 on a sample of 465 women who had delivered in the past few days before the survey. A structured and pre-tested questionnair...
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