-
Research Article
Customer-Care Initiatives of Service Providers and the Uptake of Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Services in Mutare, Zimbabwe
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
57-72
Received:
10 April 2024
Accepted:
24 April 2024
Published:
10 May 2024
Abstract: Social marketing globally promotes social mobilization to increase uptake of recommended health services. The Ministry of Health and Child Care in Zimbabwe markets breast and cervical cancer screening for reproductive-age women. Despite efforts, uptake remains low, particularly in Mutare district. To address this, an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Dangamvura suburb to explore the relationship between service providers' customer-care initiatives and screening uptake. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected via interviews with 96 women aged 18 to 49, randomly selected from Dangamvura Poly-Clinic departments. Of these women, 13.5% were screened for breast cancer, 30.3% for cervical cancer, and 78.8% expressed intent to screen. 90.3% had accurate knowledge of breast and cervical cancer, but only 30.3% could identify screening sites. Among those screened, 75.8% intended to retest. Primary motivations for screening included a desire for health status knowledge (39.2%) and reproductive system issues (32.1%). Main barriers for non-screened women were lack of motivation (56%) and fear of positive results (16.7%). Logistic regression indicated protective factors for screening uptake: history of reproductive issues (AOR: 9.0678, p: 0.0029), prior breast cancer screening (AOR: 21.4347, p: 0.0006), and age 31 to 49 (AOR: 0.1754, p: 0.0066). Overall, uptake was low, influenced by customer factors (age, reproductive issues, prior breast cancer screening) and cost factors (perceived wait times, screening duration, perceived costs). Future interventions aimed at improving uptake of screening services should be tailored to address fears, misconceptions, and lack of motivation to screen among women of reproductive age.
Abstract: Social marketing globally promotes social mobilization to increase uptake of recommended health services. The Ministry of Health and Child Care in Zimbabwe markets breast and cervical cancer screening for reproductive-age women. Despite efforts, uptake remains low, particularly in Mutare district. To address this, an analytical cross-sectional stud...
Show More
-
Research Article
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Sterilization and Disinfection of Health Care Professionals in Bangladesh
Abdur Rab Akanda*,
Sohel Rana Sumon,
Mohammad Motiur Rahman,
Marzuk Ahamed,
Mohammad Ripon Sikder,
Mohammad Salehin Abedin,
Mohammad Mojibur Rahman
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
73-78
Received:
1 November 2023
Accepted:
27 November 2023
Published:
24 May 2024
Abstract: Background: Healthcare professionals face a constant risk of acquiring infections from patients. Exposure to blood, saliva, and sharp instruments increases their susceptibility to various infectious diseases. Proper sterilization and disinfection procedures are crucial for protecting both healthcare workers and patients. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding sterilization and disinfection among healthcare professionals in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases & Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to June 2023. A total of 81 healthcare professionals were randomly selected and participated in the study after providing verbal consent. Data collection involved a pre-structured questionnaire focusing on knowledge, attitude, and practices related to sterilization and disinfection. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, and results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Ethical clearance was obtained before the study commenced. Results: The study included healthcare professionals from various backgrounds, with the majority being young adults (21-25 years old). Knowledge assessment revealed a good understanding of sterilization methods, disinfection procedures, post-sterilization instrument management, and waste disposal practices. Additionally, most participants were aware of the hospital's sterilization protocols and infection prevention policies. Regarding attitudes, a positive response was observed towards regular training for staff, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to sterilization and disinfection guidelines. However, a minority expressed concerns about reusing disposable items. Practices reflected the positive knowledge and attitudes, with a high percentage of participants following hand hygiene protocols, using PPE, and opting for disposable equipment. However, a small number reported experiencing needle-stick injuries, highlighting a potential gap between knowledge and practice. Conclusions: the study found that a majority of healthcare professionals in this setting demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes, and appropriate practices regarding sterilization and disinfection. However, a small knowledge, attitude, and practice gap was identified, particularly concerning needle-stick injuries. These findings suggest a need for ongoing education and reinforcement of safe practices to ensure optimal infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities.
Abstract: Background: Healthcare professionals face a constant risk of acquiring infections from patients. Exposure to blood, saliva, and sharp instruments increases their susceptibility to various infectious diseases. Proper sterilization and disinfection procedures are crucial for protecting both healthcare workers and patients. Objective: This study aimed...
Show More
-
Research Article
Exploration of the Effects of Agarwood Extract on the Inflammtory Microbiota in the Oral-Gut Axis
Lin-Yi Li,
Jie Zhou,
Cun-Hao Mao,
Diwas Sunchuri,
Zhuo-Da Yang,
Xu-Dong Tian,
Zi-Nan Zhan,
Zhu-Ling Guo*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
79-82
Received:
22 April 2024
Accepted:
9 May 2024
Published:
24 May 2024
Abstract: Agarwood, as a precious medicinal material with distinctive characteristics from Hainan, has been shown in recent studies to possess significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. With the rapid growth in public recognition of health concepts, oral health has garnered increased attention. The main focus of this study is the impact of agarwood extracts on the oral-gut axis microbiota. The relationship between the oral and gut microbiota is closely intertwined, where oral microbiota can directly colonize the intestine via saliva and other means, altering the original microbial composition of the gut and leading to dysbiosis. For instance, Porphyromonas gingivalis significantly increases in patients with gingivitis and periodontitis, as it can tolerate the acidic environment of the stomach and colonize the intestines through the gastric barrier. Therefore, oral health can affect intestinal health. Additionally, oral lesions are evident in patients with intestinal inflammation; such patients, like those with IBD, exhibit a significant accumulation of oral bacteria in the intestines. Although IBD primarily affects the intestines, its extraintestinal symptoms, often prominently displayed, include oral manifestations. Hence, intestinal health can also influence oral health. Agarwood extracts inhibit pathogenic oral microbiota, impedes their colonization in the intestine, and consequently reduces the likelihood of inflammatory bowel disease.. This article, by introducing the microbiota of periodontitis and the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease, along with extraintestinal symptoms, the preventive and inhibitory mechanisms of agarwood extract on the associated microbiota are analyzed, providing new insights for the treatment of such patients. It underscores the importance of maintaining oral hygiene and preventing oral diseases as well.
Abstract: Agarwood, as a precious medicinal material with distinctive characteristics from Hainan, has been shown in recent studies to possess significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. With the rapid growth in public recognition of health concepts, oral health has garnered increased attention. The main focus of this study is the impact of a...
Show More
-
Research Article
Maternal Depression and Associated Factors Among South Sudanese Refugee Mothers in Gambella's Tierkidi Refugee Camp: A Cross-Sectional Study
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
83-91
Received:
28 February 2024
Accepted:
13 March 2024
Published:
30 May 2024
Abstract: Background: Maternal depression stands out as the prevailing psychiatric condition during pregnancy, with its detrimental impacts posing significant consequences for both the mother and the fetus. Nearly a quarter of women will encounter depression at some stage in their lives, with the majority experiencing it during their childbearing years. Refugee women face elevated susceptibility to mental health disorders, with rates surpassing those of host populations. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of maternal depression and the associated factors with it among South Sudanese refugee women living in the Gambella region, in the Tierkidi refugee camp in 2023. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted within the Gambella region's Tierkidi refugee camp in Ethiopia involved 452 randomly selected participants who were pregnant and had given birth within the past 12 months. Data collection utilized a pretested structured questionnaire administered through interviews. Data coding and entry were performed using Epi-Info version 7.2, with subsequent analysis conducted in SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were employed to identify associations between the outcome variable and explanatory variables. The strength of association was assessed using odds ratios at a 95% confidence interval, and associations were deemed significant at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: In this study, the prevalence of maternal depression was found to be 31.5% (95% CI: 27.4-37.8). Significant associations were observed between maternal depression and unmarried marital status (AOR = 13.39, 95% CI: 3.11-57.7), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 6.76, 95% CI: 2.13-21.4), intimate partner violence (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.32-12.4), number of pregnancies (AOR = 4.85, 95% CI: 2.56-9.17), and history of abortion (AOR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.07-14.7). Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of maternal depression among pregnant mothers with infants less than 12 months old. Factors such as being unmarried, experiencing unplanned pregnancy, having a history of abortion, a higher number of pregnancies, lack of social support, and a history of intimate partner violence were found to be significantly associated with maternal depression.
Abstract: Background: Maternal depression stands out as the prevailing psychiatric condition during pregnancy, with its detrimental impacts posing significant consequences for both the mother and the fetus. Nearly a quarter of women will encounter depression at some stage in their lives, with the majority experiencing it during their childbearing years. Refu...
Show More
-
Research Article
How Much Physical Activity Is Needed for 75 Year and Older Adults: Using NHANES Datasets
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, June 2024
Pages:
92-102
Received:
24 February 2024
Accepted:
11 June 2024
Published:
26 June 2024
Abstract: Targets: To examine the amount/level of Physical Activity (PA) needed to generate the most health benefits in noninstitutionalized 75 year and older U.S. resident adults. Intervention description: A total of 598 sample participants aged 75 year and above from National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006 datasets were included. Actigraph-monitored daily step counts, self-reported PA duration (time spent in weekly PA) and weekly energy expenditure were used to describe PA level/amount. Functional ability was expressed using the total levels of difficulties in doing twenty-one types of daily activities. PRISM Dose-response Curves Stimulation Variable slope model was applied to examine the needed PA level/amount in the population. Mechanisms of action: PA benefits functional health in 75 year and older adults. Older females aged 75- 84 year need at least 150 mins/ 800 kcal energy expenditure per week or 5,800 daily steps to reach the most functional benefits. Older men aged 75-84 year need walk about 5,800 steps/day to achieve higher level of functionality. Older adults aged 85 years and above need to spend about 240 minutes/week on PA to gain health benefits. Outcomes: Older males generally need/engage in more amount of PA compared to their female counterparts. Between 75-84 year old male and female adults, PA intensity is more important/reflective in male for expressing PA amount, while time spent in PA is more meaningful to older females. There is no difference in needed PA amount between different genders in 85 year and older adults.
Abstract: Targets: To examine the amount/level of Physical Activity (PA) needed to generate the most health benefits in noninstitutionalized 75 year and older U.S. resident adults. Intervention description: A total of 598 sample participants aged 75 year and above from National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006 datasets were included...
Show More
,
Alex Mushonga,
Thomas Masese
