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Family Circumstances Forcing Children to Run Away from Home in Cameroon
Samuel Nambile Cumber,
Joyce Mahlako Tsoka-Gwegweni,
Rosaline Yumumkah Kanjo-Cumber
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2017
Pages:
1-9
Received:
10 August 2016
Accepted:
1 September 2016
Published:
8 December 2016
Abstract: Home background plays a very significant role in the lives of children. The love, respect and attention given to a child at home greatly influences his/her belonging to that home. Knowing the conditions of children at home is imperative if we wish to tackle the problems of street children in Cameroon. This study was to identify and assess the factors associated with the phenomenon of urban street adolescents in 3 cities in Cameroon by looking at the family conditions regarding children’s decision to run away from home. This cross sectional study was carried out on a non-probability snow-ball sample of 399 street children aged 12 to 17, with selection based on their availability and inclusion criteria. Data was collected through interpersonal administration of questionnaires then analysed by univariate and bivariate calculation of frequencies as well as cross tables and chi-square (at what level of significance?). After data collection and cleaning, data was captured in Microsoft Excel (2010) spreadsheet and imported into SPSS statistical package version 19 for windows (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA, for analysis). The study results showed that 75.2% of the participants could not meet their needs while at home, due to the poor status of their parents/guardians as confirmed by 84.5% of them. It should also be noted that 74.7% of participants reported not able to have sufficient meals while at home. Additionally, 70% of participants lived with troublesome (use a different word) parents/guardians such as drunkard or those who are mentally unstable and consequently they had neither respect nor affection for them. The study concluded that the participants experienced unfavourable home circumstances which contributed to them leaving/running from home to dwell on the streets. The Cameroon government should therefore play a major role in assisting street children to ensure that their rights and basic needs are met.
Abstract: Home background plays a very significant role in the lives of children. The love, respect and attention given to a child at home greatly influences his/her belonging to that home. Knowing the conditions of children at home is imperative if we wish to tackle the problems of street children in Cameroon. This study was to identify and assess the facto...
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Improvement of Community Health Outcomes in Kitgum District: Contributions of a Maternal Newborn and Child Health Project from June 2011 to July 2016
Babughirana Geoffrey,
Saul Onyango,
Lorna Muhirwe Barungi,
Irene Mbugua,
Benon Musasizi,
Edgar Twinomujuni Rukambura
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2017
Pages:
10-19
Received:
17 November 2016
Accepted:
1 December 2016
Published:
26 December 2016
Abstract: The East African Maternal Newborn and Child Health (EAMNCH) project implemented in Kitgum District of Uganda with a goal to improve MNCH. The evaluation was conducted as a cross-sectional assessment that utilised both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The projects contribution to the goal included a 4% reduction in stunting levels, 5.9% increase in the number of women delivered by a skilled Birth attendant, 12.6% increment in pregnant women accessing Iron folic supplements and a 7% increment in utilization of ITN during pregnancy. Evidence from the quantitative household survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussions supported the contribution of project interventions to the reduction in infant and under-five child morbidity, reduction in maternal morbidity as well as mortality within the project areas.
Abstract: The East African Maternal Newborn and Child Health (EAMNCH) project implemented in Kitgum District of Uganda with a goal to improve MNCH. The evaluation was conducted as a cross-sectional assessment that utilised both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The projects contribution to the goal included a 4% reduction in stunting leve...
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Caregivers Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Child Growth Monitoring and Promotion Activities in Lawra District, Upper West Region of Ghana
Debora Tuobom Debuo,
Prince Kubi Appiah,
Margaret Kweku,
Geoffrey Adebayo Asalu,
Seth Yao Ahiabor,
Wisdom Kwami Takramah,
Abdulai Bonchel Duut
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2017
Pages:
20-30
Received:
17 November 2016
Accepted:
5 December 2016
Published:
4 January 2017
Abstract: Background: Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) activities serve as an important platform for the implementation of child survival interventions to reduce malnutrition, infectious diseases and death among children. In recent times, there has been a steady decline in GMP outcome indicators in the Lawra district. The appropriate practices of GMP help in improving knowledge, attitudes and practices of caregivers towards child nutrition and health. Therefore, this study seeks to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of growth monitoring and promotion and associated factors among caregivers. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to study 300 caregivers’. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the participants. A semi-structured questionnaire applying face to face interview approach was used to collect data from participants. Descriptive statistics and associations between dependent and independent variables were done using Pearson chi-square and logistic regression analysis. Results: The results indicated 53% of the caregivers’ with good (high) knowledge in Growth Monitoring and Promotion (GMP) activities, 98% with good (high) attitudes towards GMP activities and 70% with good (high) practices in GMP. Also, 16.2% of caregivers’ children had faltered in growth. Occupation was associated with knowledge (p=.013), and attitude (p=.014). Again, educational status (p=.026) was associated with knowledge in GMP, marital status (p=.009) and child relation with caregiver (p=.021) were associated with attitude in GMP. Also tribe (p=.019) and child relation with caregiver (p=.019) were significantly associated with practices in GMP. Conclusions: Notwithstanding the achievement in the coverage of GMP, implementation of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) program and Information, Education and Communication (IE&C) activities in district, the findings on GMP outcome (knowledge and practice) is not satisfactorily. District Health Directorate need to intensify and strengthen IYCF activities, home visits, health education, and growth monitoring and promotion services.
Abstract: Background: Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) activities serve as an important platform for the implementation of child survival interventions to reduce malnutrition, infectious diseases and death among children. In recent times, there has been a steady decline in GMP outcome indicators in the Lawra district. The appropriate practices of GMP he...
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Household Solid Waste Generation Rate and Onsite Handling Practices in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia
Asmamaw Abera Kebede,
Tadesse Lelago Ermolo,
Takele Gezahegn Demie,
Tufa Kolola Huluka,
Wendwesen Dibekulu Tsega
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2017
Pages:
31-34
Received:
10 November 2016
Accepted:
26 November 2016
Published:
7 January 2017
Abstract: Solid waste management is one of the public health problems in Ethiopia. Accurate and reliable information on solid waste generation rate and onsite handling practice are very important elements to plan and implement solid waste management system. This study aimed to assess solid waste generation rate and onsite handling practices among the households of Debre Berhan town. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 211 households, and systematic sampling technique was used to select those households. Data was collected through face to face interview using pre-tested and structured questionnaire for onsite handling practices. The amount of solid waste generated per day was weighed to determine generation rate. Data entry and cleaning were done using Epi Info version 3.5.4, and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Solid waste generation rate from the households of Debre Berhan town was 0.253Kg/capita/day. Majority of the households (85.8%) in our study area had onsite storage, but only 8.5% of them had practiced appropriate onsite handling. Solid waste handling at household level was mainly the responsibility of the women (72%) compared with others family members. Poor onsite solid waste segregation was observed from the present study as 90% of households store all types of wastes in a single container. In conclusion, onsite solid waste handling practice was poor in our study area with less shared responsibility among the family members.
Abstract: Solid waste management is one of the public health problems in Ethiopia. Accurate and reliable information on solid waste generation rate and onsite handling practice are very important elements to plan and implement solid waste management system. This study aimed to assess solid waste generation rate and onsite handling practices among the househo...
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Motivation for Cessation of Smoking and Its Associated Factors Among Patients Who Smoke Admitted to A Tertiary Hospital in North Kerala
Usha Karunakaran,
Binoo Divakaran,
Suma Harindramohan,
Ganesh Mallar,
Jayasree Anandabhavan Kumaran
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2017
Pages:
35-40
Received:
21 November 2016
Accepted:
6 December 2016
Published:
12 January 2017
Abstract: Use of tobacco is associated with significant morbidity and mortality globally. It is one of the leading risk factors of several diseases including cardiovascular pulmonary diseases and cancers. Stopping smoking has immediate and major health benefits. A major opportunity to promote health and well being exists in hospitals when smokers get admitted as patients. Doctors and paramedical staff have the authoritative power to ask patients to stop smoking. Thus this study was conducted to find out the percentage of smoker patients who were motivated by doctors to quit smoking. In addition the socio demographic characteristics and smoking habits were studied and also factors that were associated with attitude for quitting smoking were assessed. A hospital based cross sectional study with quantitative method of data collection was done among patients who are smokers admitted to this hospital for smoking related diseases like coronary vascular disease (CVD), lung and any other diseases apparently not related to smoking. Quantitative data was collected through face to face interview using a pre tested questionnaire. Analysis was done with descriptive statistics and chi square using epi info. Out of 179 patients who participated 177 were males. The mean age of patients was 54.8 with a standard deviation of 14.6 years. More than 85% belonged to the lower and lower middle class. More than 50% of patients smoked cigarettes. The mean age of initiation of smoking was 16 years and peer pressure was the most common reason for initiation. In this study 64% of the total smoker patients were motivated by doctors to quit smoking while only 26% of smoker patients admitted for non related diseases were motivated by doctors Brief advice by doctors and the smoking related diseases namely lung and CVD’s were factors associated with motivation to stop smoking while social class was not associated with motivation for cessation. Simply addressing the topic of smoking is a crucial first step in a medical consultation. Patients with tobacco-related complaints should be told that their problem is related to tobacco use and they should consider quitting. With patients who do not have tobacco related diseases the subject of tobacco usage will have to be addressed in a general way. Introducing the smoking topic can initiate a structured intervention tailored to the patient's needs.
Abstract: Use of tobacco is associated with significant morbidity and mortality globally. It is one of the leading risk factors of several diseases including cardiovascular pulmonary diseases and cancers. Stopping smoking has immediate and major health benefits. A major opportunity to promote health and well being exists in hospitals when smokers get admitte...
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Impact of Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Acquiring HBV Infection Among Village Midwives in Khartoum State, Sudan, 2014
Taha Ahmed Elmukashfi Elsheikh,
Siham Ahmed Balla,
Asma Abdelaal Abdalla,
Yosra Mohammed Osman Abu Swait,
Abdelgadir Ali Bashir
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2017
Pages:
41-44
Received:
11 December 2016
Accepted:
20 December 2016
Published:
14 January 2017
Abstract: Background: WHO estimated that 500 000–700 000 people died due to HBV related diseases per year. Objective: To determine the impact of socio demographic characteristics on occurrence of HBV markers among Village Midwifes in Khartoum State, Sudan, 2014.Method:It is a cross-sectional survey. Three hundred thirty five village midwives were studied. Demographic data were collected through a close end questionnaire. Sera were examined, using Eliza, for HBV markers. Statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version (16) and Chi-Square test were used. Selected level of P value is 0.05Result: Marital status was: married (61.8%), widow (16.4%), divorced (11.3%) and single (4.8%). Level of education: university graduate (0.9%), secondary certificate (9.8%), intermediate (14.2%), primary (50.2%), Quranic School (1.9%) and illiterate (23%). About 65.8% of participants were in age group (30-49), 29.5% in age group of more than 50 years, and 4.6% in age group <30 years. One hundred and thirteen (34%) were positive Anti-HBcore (IgG) reflecting past or on going infection. Fifty seven (57%) of infected respondents were positive HBsAg indicating carrier rate. The overall immunity measured by HBsAb was 8.4%.The tested samples were negative for both HBeAg and Anti-HBcore (lgM). With an exception of the statistical association of duration of work to HBsAb, there is no statistical association between socio-demographic and seroprevalence of HBV markers. Conclusion: Apart from the statistical relation of duration of work to HBsAb, there is no statistical association between seroprevalence of HBV markers and socio-demographic of village midwives in Khartoum State, Sudan.
Abstract: Background: WHO estimated that 500 000–700 000 people died due to HBV related diseases per year. Objective: To determine the impact of socio demographic characteristics on occurrence of HBV markers among Village Midwifes in Khartoum State, Sudan, 2014.Method:It is a cross-sectional survey. Three hundred thirty five village midwives were studied. De...
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Sporotrichosis in the Baixada Fluminense Region, Province of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Guilherme Barros Saiter,
Claudia Carreira de Barros,
Antonio Neres Norberg,
Fabiano Guerra Sanches
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2017
Pages:
45-48
Received:
3 October 2016
Accepted:
6 December 2016
Published:
18 January 2017
Abstract: Sporotrichosis is a polymorphic disease caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, which manifests mainly in the lymphocutaneous form, skin-fixed form, skin-disseminated form and sometimes with extra-skin form, affecting bones, joints, lungs and central nervous system. Objective: Investigate the occurrence of the disease in the population of Baixada Fluminense region. Material and methods: the lesion’s material suggestive of sporotrichosis of 13 patients was collected and sent to a clinical pathology laboratory where it was grown in Petri dishes containing Sabouraud dextrose agar medium. The dishes were sealed and stored at room temperature. The obtained fungal growth was identified by analysis of the morphological characters. Result: The results confirmed the identity of S. schenckii of the 13 samples. Conclusions: lymphocutaneous form was the most frequent with lesions on the face and upper limbs. The contact with infected cats was considered the main mechanism of transmission of the etiologic agent among the studied patients. Treatment with itraconazole and potassium iodide was effective and well tolerated.
Abstract: Sporotrichosis is a polymorphic disease caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, which manifests mainly in the lymphocutaneous form, skin-fixed form, skin-disseminated form and sometimes with extra-skin form, affecting bones, joints, lungs and central nervous system. Objective: Investigate the occurrence of the disease in the population of Baixad...
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The Roles of Infrastructure and Resources on Implementation of Free Maternal Healthcare Services in Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Machakos County, Kenya
Otundo Denis Orare,
Wangombe Ann,
Muchiri Francis,
Chimbevo Mwagambo,
Ooga Westley
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, January 2017
Pages:
49-55
Received:
6 December 2016
Accepted:
27 December 2016
Published:
20 January 2017
Abstract: Free maternal health care services in Kenya was introduced on 1st June, 2013 and has increased the number of skilled deliveries significantly. In this paper an attempt is made to examine the factors associated with the utilization of free maternal health care services in Kenya on the basis of data collected from Machakos Level 5 hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Using both probability and non-probability sampling techniques; purposive sampling and stratified sampling techniques, a sample of 398 participants who received free maternal services at Machakos level 5 were recruited. A survey questionnaire and interview schedule were administered to women who had delivered in the hospital and interview scheduled was administered to health workers. The findings of the study showed that there is a recognizable relationship between hospital infrastructure and implementation of free maternity services in public hospitals. The study established that there is a positive and significant relationship between patient level of awareness and utilization of free maternal healthcare services. Awareness was sighted as a major structural variable that could influence decision of women to deliver in public hospitals, such knowledge should highlight on requirement and various point of service delivery all of which determined to a great extent the quality of free maternal health services in Kenya.
Abstract: Free maternal health care services in Kenya was introduced on 1st June, 2013 and has increased the number of skilled deliveries significantly. In this paper an attempt is made to examine the factors associated with the utilization of free maternal health care services in Kenya on the basis of data collected from Machakos Level 5 hospital. A descrip...
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