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COVID-19 Disease and Risk Perception Among Healthcare Professionals in Guinea
Alexandre Delamou,
Fassou Mathias Grovogui,
Delphin Kolie,
Thierno Oumar Fofana,
Karifa Kourouma,
Sidikiba Sidibe,
Graziella Ghesquiere
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, March 2021
Pages:
32-38
Received:
14 February 2021
Accepted:
1 March 2021
Published:
9 March 2021
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic represents a public health challenge for health systems in the developing world. The objective of this study was to assess, among healthcare professionals in Guinea, the factors associated with COVID-19 perceived susceptibility and severity. We conducted a cross-sectional study in April 2020 among 1058 healthcare professionals as part of the rapid assessment of the Guinean health system preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The median level of perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 among healthcare professionals was 6 (IQR: 6-10). About 74.57% of participants said that the COVID-19 was more severe in the elderly than in other age groups. Overall, 41.97% of participants said that healthcare professionals were more prone to get COVID-19 than other professionals, and 67.58% said that the risk of contracting COVID-19 in healthcare facilities was higher than anywhere else. Being a woman (β=0.37 [0.02; 0.73]), an allied healthcare professional (β=0.64 [0.23; 1.06]), perceiving the elderly as more likely to contract COVID-19 (β=0.48 [0.11; 0.86]) and accepting the closure of places of worship (β=0.47 [0.00; 0.93]) were predictors of higher perceived level of susceptibility to COVID-19. The level of perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 was very high among health professionals in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea. Strategies to empower and improve health professionals' knowledge are needed to balance their provision of good quality care to patients with their responsibility and ability to protect themselves and their families.
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic represents a public health challenge for health systems in the developing world. The objective of this study was to assess, among healthcare professionals in Guinea, the factors associated with COVID-19 perceived susceptibility and severity. We conducted a cross-sectional study in April 2020 among 1058 healthcare professionals...
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Age, Obesity, Family History, Previous Gestational Diabetes Are Major Risk Factors for Hyperglycemia in Pregnant Bulgarian Women
Anna-Maria Borissov,
Boyana Trifonova,
Lilia Dakovska,
Eugenia Michaylova,
Mircho Vukov
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, March 2021
Pages:
39-45
Received:
20 February 2021
Accepted:
8 March 2021
Published:
22 March 2021
Abstract: The frequency of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) ranges from 5.2% to 40.4% in different countries. This wide variability is due to numerous risk factors. The aim of the present study was to analyze the frequency and role of some risk factors for the development of Hyperglycemia regarding the Bulgarian population of pregnant women. Material: We screened 547 pregnant women, mean age 30.49±5.12 years, divided into two groups: up to 24 gestational week – g.w. (n-386, 70.6%) and after 24 g.w. (n-161, 29.4%). Methods: BMI before pregnancy and the current one at the time of the study were calculated. A two-hour, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Plasma glucose was quantitatively determined using enzymatic reference method with hexokinase (Roche reagent) on Cobas e501 analyzer, in one Central laboratory on the day of the blood sampling. The results were in mmol / l. The statistical analysis was performed using standard SPSS 13.0 for Windows. Results: We showed that 14.4% (n-79/547) of the screened pregnant women have Hyperglycemia in fasted state or during the OGTT test – 7.5% in group up to 24 g.w. versus 31% in group after 24 g.w, P<0.01. The age of the group of pregnant women with Hyperglycemia (n-79) versus the others with Normoglycemia (n-468) was significantly higher - 32.18±5.26 years v.s. 30.21±5.05 years, Р<0.005. The women with a higher BMI before and during pregnancy are significantly at risk of developing glucose tolerance disorders during pregnancy, P<0.0001. Family history of diabetes occurred in 29.1% (n-23/79) of the pregnant women with Hyperglycemia, versus 13.5% (n-63/468) of those with Normoglycemia, P<0.001. There was a significant difference between the incidence of Hyperglycemia in pregnant women with previous GDM compared with those without - 3/79 (3.8%) versus 3/468 (0.6%), Р<0.04. Conclusion: Considering the main significant risk factors for the development of Hyperglycemia during pregnancy, identified in our population in the current screening - advanced maternal age, obesity, family history of diabetes, previous GDM or High blood sugar before pregnancy, verbal screening would be very helpful and would direct us immediately to screening each pregnant woman with any of these risk factors.
Abstract: The frequency of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) ranges from 5.2% to 40.4% in different countries. This wide variability is due to numerous risk factors. The aim of the present study was to analyze the frequency and role of some risk factors for the development of Hyperglycemia regarding the Bulgarian population of pregnant women. Material: We ...
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Blood Pressure-to-height Ratios Can Identify Hypertension in Bantu Young Adults from Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of Congo
Danny Mafuta-Munganga,
Benjamin Lupenzi-Masikini,
Pascal Bayauli-Mwasa,
Jean Bosco Kasiam-Lasi-On'Kin,
Joseph Bidingija-Mabika,
Symphorien Ditu-Mpandamadi,
Remy Kapongo,
Magloire Atantama,
Dominique Mupepe-Mayuku,
Jean-Marie Kayembe-Ntumba,
Blaise Makoso-Nimi,
Benjamin Longo-Mbenza
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, March 2021
Pages:
46-50
Received:
14 February 2021
Accepted:
27 February 2021
Published:
1 April 2021
Abstract: Background: The diagnosis of hypertension in children and adolescents is not always easy. The blood pressure-to-height ratios (BPHR) have been proposed as a screening tool for diagnosing hypertension. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of BPHR for detecting hypertension in young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 12621 healthy young adults aged of 18-25 years in Kinshasa, from July 2018 to February 2019. Systolic blood pressure-to-height ratio (SBPHR) was calculated as systolic blood pressure (SBP) in mmHg devised by height in centimeter. Diastolic blood pressure-to-height ratio (DBPHR) was calculated as diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in mmHg devised by height in centimeter. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis had allowed determining the cut-off points of SBPHR and DBPHR to detect hypertension. Results: The prevalence of hypertension, prehypertension, obesity and overweight were 10.5%, 9.2%, 3.0% and 22.4% respectively. The median values of SBPHR were 0.75 (0.69-0.79) mmHg/cm and 0.77 (0.67-0.80) mmHg/cm respectively in men and in women. The median values of DBPHR were 0.48 (0.44-0.53) mmHg/cm and 0.51 (0.49-0.56) mmHg/cm respectively in men and in women. Optimal cutoff points of SBPHR to identify hypertensionwere0.81mmHg/cm and 0.89 mmHg/cm respectively in men and in women. The threshold of DBPHR to detect hypertension was 0.54 mmHg/cm in both men and women. SBPHR and DBPHR had high sensitivity and specificity for identifying hypertension. Conclusion: SBPHR and DBPHR can be used to detect hypertension in Bantu young adults in Kinshasa.
Abstract: Background: The diagnosis of hypertension in children and adolescents is not always easy. The blood pressure-to-height ratios (BPHR) have been proposed as a screening tool for diagnosing hypertension. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of BPHR for detecting hypertension in young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among ...
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Effects of Lifestyle and Stress on the State of Defecation
Fumihiro Omasu,
Yuuka Yanai,
Ayame Yamaguchi,
Miyu Yoshino
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, March 2021
Pages:
51-57
Received:
15 March 2021
Accepted:
30 March 2021
Published:
13 April 2021
Abstract: This study looks at constipation, which tends to appear as a physical symptom in daily life, among various health problems caused by turbulent eating habits and changes in social environment. In addition to these relationships between constipation and lifestyle, this study focused on the relationship between constipation and mental stress. Although there are few studies on how mental stress can cause constipation, it can be said that stress has some effect on the state of defecation. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the state of defecation, lifestyle, and stress among female college students. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 294 female college students used as subjects. Regarding lifestyle, it was revealed that the constipation group tended to lack sleep in comparison to the good condition group, and many in the constipation group tended to skip breakfast in comparison to the good condition group. It was also found that the constipation group tended to drink alcohol more frequently than the good condition group. There was no difference in the exercise category between the two groups. Regarding the relationship between the state of defecation and stress, it was found that the constipation group had a higher relationship than the good condition group in terms of both interpersonal relationships and achievement items when it came to negative life events. Furthermore, regarding positive life events, both interpersonal and achievement items were higher in the good condition group. It is considered that interpersonal relationships likely affect the state of defecation among female college students.
Abstract: This study looks at constipation, which tends to appear as a physical symptom in daily life, among various health problems caused by turbulent eating habits and changes in social environment. In addition to these relationships between constipation and lifestyle, this study focused on the relationship between constipation and mental stress. Although...
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Management of Cancer Patients During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic, in a County in Romania
Mihaela Leşe,
Raul Micu-Chiş,
Ioana Leşe
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, March 2021
Pages:
58-62
Received:
2 April 2021
Accepted:
13 April 2021
Published:
20 April 2021
Abstract: Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has profoundly affected health systems by relocating resources, enforcing restrictive measures and burdening health care workers. The study aims to assess the changes in the treatment and the evolution of cancer patients in a county in Romania, with a population of over a half million inhabitants. Patients and method. Patients with breast, gastric, colorectal, and lung cancer were studied over a two-year period: 14 months before the onset of the pandemic and 10 months after its beginning. The number of new cases of cancer, the number of chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions, the number of surgeries and deaths from these four types of cancer were recorded. Results. During the pandemic, fewer chemotherapy sessions were administered for all cancers (p<0.0001). The number of radiotherapy sessions for breast (p<0.007) and colorectal cancer (p<0.002) increased by banning patients from going to university hospitals and decreased for lung cancer (p<0.03) which has symptoms similar to those of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Conclusions. Cancer patients had limited access to chemotherapy. Their diagnosis and treatment were included in the same category as non-life-threatening diseases. Testing, quarantine and travel limitation were not accompanied by additional safe medical services for the oncological patients. The death rate is inconclusive because the time since the onset of the pandemic is shorter than the natural evolution of the types of cancers studied.
Abstract: Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has profoundly affected health systems by relocating resources, enforcing restrictive measures and burdening health care workers. The study aims to assess the changes in the treatment and the evolution of cancer patients in a county in Romania, with a population of over a half million inhabitants. Patients and ...
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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Genotype Screening Among Undergraduate Students of the University of Abuja, Nigeria
Ramsey Msheliza Yalma,
Mary Mayowa Awodiji
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, March 2021
Pages:
63-70
Received:
23 October 2020
Accepted:
3 November 2020
Published:
26 April 2021
Abstract: The knowledge, attitude and practice of genotype screening for sickle cell are very important in the control and prevention of sickle cell disease (SCD). The objectives of this study therefore are to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of genotype screening among undergraduate students of the University of Abuja, Nigeria. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A sample size of 256 was studied and multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the faculties, departments and participants. Data was collected by using self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Associations between variables and proportions were ascertained using Chi-square tests at 5% level of statistical significance. Most of the respondents were males (51.1%) and majority belong to age group of 21-25 years. About 98% of the students have good knowledge of genotype screening for sickle cell. Also, 93.8% of the students had positive attitude to genotype screening and 76.6% of the participants had ever had a genotype screening with 52.7% having AA genotype, 18.4% AS and 5.5% with SS genotype. In addition, the study revealed a statistically significant association between good knowledge of genotype screening and the practice (98.0% vs. 58.2%; p value <0.003). Since the students have good knowledge and positive attitude to genotype screening, increased awareness on genotype screening should be encouraged so as to increase the uptake of screening and reduce the burden of sickle cell disease.
Abstract: The knowledge, attitude and practice of genotype screening for sickle cell are very important in the control and prevention of sickle cell disease (SCD). The objectives of this study therefore are to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of genotype screening among undergraduate students of the University of Abuja, Nigeria. The study was a...
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Factors of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers of Children Aged 0-6 Months in Brazzaville: The Case of Talangai Health District in 2018
Arkadit Jeandria Nkodia,
Euld Noelien Iviga Doufouilou,
Hermann Brunel Ngatseke,
Gertrude Ndeko,
Nicodeme Okobo,
Ange Clauvel Niama,
Gilbert Ndziessi,
Ange Antoine Abena
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, March 2021
Pages:
71-74
Received:
27 March 2021
Accepted:
12 April 2021
Published:
26 April 2021
Abstract: Background: Poor nutrition during a child's early years can have irreversible consequences for their health. The objective of our study was to identify the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among mothers of children 0 to 6 months in the Talangai Health District (THD). Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study carried out from April 17 to July 17, 2018 in the THD. Our study involved 256 mothers of children 0-6 months old in THD Health Facilities (HF). The logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with EBF. Epi Info software version 3.5.4 was used for data entry and the STATA 14 program for data analysis. Results: The average age of the mothers was 27 years old. More than half of the mothers were between 15-25 years old or 53.9%. The majority of mothers were housewives (63.3%) and more than half had a secondary education (60.9%). There was a predominance of separated or divorced mothers, 71.1% and the third rank of the child, 38.3%. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 36.7%. Being a middle or senior manager was significantly associated with breastfeeding, AOR=2.9 [1.5, 5.3], p-value <0.0001. Conclusion: The practice of breastfeeding among mothers of children aged 0 to 6 months is still low and few determinants influence it. In order to promote the health of mothers and children, efforts still need to be made to strengthen breastfeeding for mothers of children 0-6 months.
Abstract: Background: Poor nutrition during a child's early years can have irreversible consequences for their health. The objective of our study was to identify the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among mothers of children 0 to 6 months in the Talangai Health District (THD). Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study carried ...
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