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Research Article
Investigating the Role of Socio-Demographic Factors in Shaping Consumer Attitudes Towards Food Safety in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Md. Abdullah Al Mamun Hridoy*
,
Md. Hafijul Islam,
Andleeb Masood,
Zulfaqar Sa'adi,
Niraj Bohora,
Md. Saiful Islam,
Monoara Akter Lima,
Md. Khalid Hasan,
Dewan Hasan Al Mostakim,
Asif Al Jami Rajin,
Mominul Haque,
Md. Mahdi Hasan Munna,
Md. Musfikur Rahman,
Nusrat Bahar,
Anik Sarker,
Pritam Kummer Barmon,
Md. Mehedi Hasan,
Kazi Rafsan Zaman,
Munni Begum
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
77-87
Received:
17 February 2025
Accepted:
3 March 2025
Published:
21 March 2025
Abstract: Background: Food safety remains a major public health concern globally, with foodborne illnesses resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. In Bangladesh, food safety is compounded by challenges such as poor infrastructure, weak regulatory systems, and low public awareness. The increase in foodborne diseases, especially in urban areas, calls for an investigation into consumer attitudes and practices regarding food safety. Objectives: This study aims to examine the influence of socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education, income, occupation, household size) on consumer attitudes toward food safety and to assess the level of knowledge and awareness about food safety practices among consumers in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October to December 2024 across 19 districts in Bangladesh, involving 511 food consumers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. Analysis in RStudio 4.3.2 included descriptive statistics, and multivariate, and multinomial logistic regression to assess predictors of food safety attitudes and knowledge. Results: The study found that education level significantly influenced food safety attitudes (p = 0.002). However, factors like age, gender, and income had no significant impact. Respondents also lacked knowledge about foodborne pathogens, such as Hepatitis A, highlighting gaps in food safety awareness. Conclusion: Consumer education is crucial for improving food safety practices. Policy interventions should focus on enhancing public knowledge, particularly among vulnerable populations, to reduce foodborne diseases in Bangladesh.
Abstract: Background: Food safety remains a major public health concern globally, with foodborne illnesses resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. In Bangladesh, food safety is compounded by challenges such as poor infrastructure, weak regulatory systems, and low public awareness. The increase in foodborne diseases, especially in urban areas, calls...
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Research Article
Knowledge and Practices of Healthcare Providers Regarding Healthcare-Associated Infections in a Semi-Urban Health Center in Senegal, 2024
Ibrahima Ndiaye*,
Mamadou Makhtar Mbacke Leye,
Mame Diarra Ndour,
Ibrahima Seck
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
88-100
Received:
23 March 2025
Accepted:
31 March 2025
Published:
30 April 2025
Abstract: Given the scale of healthcare-associated infections worldwide, particularly in Senegal, and the key role played by healthcare personnel in preventing them, it is necessary to study the factors associated with healthcare providers' knowledge and practices regarding healthcare-associated infections (HAI). A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among nursing staff at Semi-Urban Health center (Keur Massar) in 2024. An exhaustive recruitment was carried out and data were collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using R 4.4.2 software. Qualitative variables were described by absolute and relative frequencies and quantitative variables by mean, standard deviation and extremes. The binary logistic regression method was used for the multivariate analysis. The adjusted Odds Ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were determined for each variable retained in the final model. A total of 90 people were surveyed. The average age of those surveyed was 35 ± 9.37 years, with extremes of 19 and 64 years. Women predominated, accounting for 74.4% of respondents. Only 22.2% of staff had a good knowledge of healthcare-associated infections. In all, 56.7% of those surveyed had good preventive practices with regard to healthcare-associated infections. Doctors (aOR = 19.30 [4.07 - 126]) and people with more than 10 years' professional experience (aOR = 5.88 [1.15-33.33]) were more likely to have good knowledge of HAIs. Paramedics (nurses, midwives) were more likely to have good HAI prevention practices (aOR= 5 [1.37- 20]). The knowledge and practices of healthcare providers in relation to HAIs were found to be inadequate. Professional experience of more than 10 years and the profession of doctor were positively associated with knowledge; the professions of nurse and midwife were associated with good HAI prevention practices. Ongoing training and the availability of the necessary guidelines can help to improve the knowledge and practices of healthcare personnel in the prevention of HAIs.
Abstract: Given the scale of healthcare-associated infections worldwide, particularly in Senegal, and the key role played by healthcare personnel in preventing them, it is necessary to study the factors associated with healthcare providers' knowledge and practices regarding healthcare-associated infections (HAI). A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional ...
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Research Article
Overview of HTS: The Road Map to Achieving and Sustaining the USAID Target for 2030
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
101-105
Received:
1 April 2025
Accepted:
17 April 2025
Published:
14 May 2025
Abstract: The burden of HIV around the world especially in developing countries in West Africa is heavy, with a prevalence of 1.4% in Nigeria. The degree of new HIV infection among people in Nigeria should be exponential since the NAIIS survey that was conducted in 2018. This is one of the reason USAID intensified the 95:95:95 target to ensure that 95% of the population knows their status by screening for HIV, 95% of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are linked to treatment and remain on treatment while maintaining 95% viral suppression. To achieve this target, HTS, which covers the first 95% target needs to be understood because, every other 95 goal is dependent on it. Apart from initiation of treatment for HIV positive clients after testing, HTS also have other outcome for clients whose HIV result is negative which can be categorized as preventive services, which is usually offered at the point of care. Healthcare workers and other relevant stakeholders in the HIV eco space needs a full grasp of this important first 95 to ensure proper viral load suppression and reduction of new infections. Hence, this synoptic review focuses on an overview of HTS as the road map to achieve and sustain the USAID goal for 2030 which include stakeholder collaboration, community engagement and outreaches, training of community testers, Index Case Testing, health promotion, embrace research breakthroughs, among others which are elicited in this paper.
Abstract: The burden of HIV around the world especially in developing countries in West Africa is heavy, with a prevalence of 1.4% in Nigeria. The degree of new HIV infection among people in Nigeria should be exponential since the NAIIS survey that was conducted in 2018. This is one of the reason USAID intensified the 95:95:95 target to ensure that 95% of th...
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Research Article
Availability of Health Services and Preparedness for Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care in Togo
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
106-119
Received:
7 April 2025
Accepted:
22 April 2025
Published:
26 May 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20251002.14
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Abstract: Introduction: Togo, like many low-income countries, faces critical challenges in reducing maternal mortality, including limited access to care, inconsistent service quality, and regional disparities in healthcare availability. Improving the accessibility and readiness of health facilities is essential to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by ensuring timely and adequate care. This study aims to assess the preparedness and availability of services necessary to deliver Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC), focusing on the seven essential functions defined by WHO. Using data from the 2021 Harmonized Health Facility Assessment (HHFA) a national cross-sectional survey the study evaluates service availability and readiness across healthcare facilities. Availability was measured based on the presence of the seven BEmONC signal functions, while preparedness was assessed using a composite index that includes three key criteria: trained staff, essential diagnostic equipment, and access to necessary medications. This methodological framework offers a comprehensive evaluation of the capacity of healthcare facilities to manage obstetric and neonatal emergencies in a resource-limited setting, providing critical insights for strengthening maternal and neonatal healthcare systems. Results: An analysis of 200 healthcare facilities in Togo revealed that 76 (38%) of these facilities offer BEmONC services. Hospitals demonstrate superior availability of the seven essential functions and exhibit a higher average preparedness score in comparison to medical-social centres and dispensaries (p<0.05). The study identified that higher preparedness is associated with the geographical location of facilities, the regular undertaking of maternal and neonatal death reviews, and the evaluation of patient feedback. However, disparities persist, particularly in the availability of certain essential interventions, such as manual removal of retained products of conception and neonatal resuscitation. The paucity of ongoing staff training has also been identified as a barrier to the enhancement of services. Conclusion: This study highlights significant disparities in the availability and preparedness of healthcare facilities in Togo to provide BEmONC services. To address this, it is crucial for the Ministry of Health to strengthen quality assurance and implement systematic maternal and neonatal death audits in healthcare centers. An equitable distribution of clinical guidelines, essential medications, equipment, and continuous training is also necessary to improve access to and the quality of BEmONC services. These measures will strengthen facility preparedness and ensure the provision of quality emergency obstetric and neonatal care, especially in resource-limited areas.
Abstract: Introduction: Togo, like many low-income countries, faces critical challenges in reducing maternal mortality, including limited access to care, inconsistent service quality, and regional disparities in healthcare availability. Improving the accessibility and readiness of health facilities is essential to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by ensur...
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Research Article
Population-Based Stimulant Toxicity Death Rate in Newfoundland and Labrador: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Cindy Whitten*,
Shane Randell,
Nash Denic,
Khadija Ibrahim
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
120-128
Received:
8 April 2025
Accepted:
18 April 2025
Published:
26 May 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20251002.15
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Abstract: Objective: Substance use is a growing concern in Canada that is characterized by a multitude of contributing factors. Subsequently, there has been a rise in both the harms associated with substance use as well as substance-related acute toxicity deaths. This study will quantify stimulant toxicity deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador. Methods: This study used a retrospective cohort design to characterize the sample of patients who died via stimulant toxicity in NL from January 1st, 2020 to December 31st, 2023. Results: Stimulant-related deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador increased between 2020 (n=10) and 2023 (n=31); this increase is generally in line with national trends. Males consistently surpassed females for all stimulant-related drug toxicity deaths throughout our period of observation by large ratios. Both sexes have seen upward trends in total stimulant-related drug toxicity deaths for each year of observation. Stimulants were frequently used in conjunction with opioids. We were interested in the role of polysubstances within our sample and found that almost half (48.5%) of the substances involved in stimulant-related deaths contained opioids. Conclusion: Significant increases in stimulant-related mortality warrant further study of stimulant use in the country and reinforce the need to identify effective policy solutions. Almost all (96%) stimulant-related deaths reported in NL from 2020-2023 were accidental, further justifying the need for the identification of relevant risk factors and effective initiatives aimed at reducing stimulant misuse.
Abstract: Objective: Substance use is a growing concern in Canada that is characterized by a multitude of contributing factors. Subsequently, there has been a rise in both the harms associated with substance use as well as substance-related acute toxicity deaths. This study will quantify stimulant toxicity deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador. Methods: This s...
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Research Article
Factors Associated with Complete HPV Vaccination Among Girls Aged 11-13 Years in Diakhao Health District in 2021
Fatoumata Binetou Diongue*,
Ablaye Touré,
Oumar Bassoum,
Amadou Diallo,
Adama Sow,
Ibrahima Ndiaye,
Jean Augustin Diégane Tine,
Ndeye Marème Sougou,
Maty Diagne Camara,
Lamine Gaye,
Mayacine Diongue,
Mamadou MM Leye,
Ibrahima Seck,
Adama Faye
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
129-139
Received:
19 January 2025
Accepted:
13 February 2025
Published:
29 May 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20251002.16
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Abstract: Introduction: In 2021, (88.6%) of Senegal's 79 districts had not reached the full Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage target of (90%). The Diakhao health district had full vaccination coverage of (10%) in the same year. This study aimed to identify factors associated with full vaccination coverage among girls aged 11-13 in Diakhao health district. Method: This was a descriptive and analytical study conducted in Diakhao health district among 228 custodial mothers of young girls aged 11-13 years. Data were collected using a questionnaire assessing the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and satisfaction of custodial mothers of young girls aged 11-13 years about HPV vaccination. Descriptive, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression were performed at 5% alpha. Results: The majority (74.12%) of mothers and guardians had heard of cervical cancer, and 81.58% had heard of HPV vaccination. According to the mothers and guardians of young girls, there was complete coverage (17.54%). According to the vaccination card, complete coverage was (15.79%). Factors associated with complete coverage were: the girl's schooling (ORa = 3.56 (1.12-11.29); having heard about cervical cancer vaccination (ORa = 0.09 (0.02, 0.32)]); rural residence (ORa = 0.13 (0.04-0. 44); agreement with vaccination for reasons of protection against certain communicable diseases (ORa = 8.95 (1.27-63.11) or reasons of vaccination of neighbors' children (ORa = 3.25 (1.24-8.55), satisfaction with counseling (ORa = 6.49 (1.63-25.8). Conclusion: Information to mothers or guardians of young girls is crucial to achieving the goal of full immunization coverage. It could be significantly improved by an acceleration plan focusing on interpersonal communication.
Abstract: Introduction: In 2021, (88.6%) of Senegal's 79 districts had not reached the full Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage target of (90%). The Diakhao health district had full vaccination coverage of (10%) in the same year. This study aimed to identify factors associated with full vaccination coverage among girls aged 11-13 in Diakhao healt...
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