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Research Article
Knowledge and Attitude of Congolese Women of Childbearing Age Regarding the Risks and Consequences of Self-Medication: A Cross-Sectional Study
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
163-175
Received:
20 May 2024
Accepted:
18 June 2024
Published:
29 July 2024
Abstract: Introduction: Regulations on the sell and use of medicines in the Democratic Republic of Congo are at a rudimentary level. Self-medication is frequently used and it practice in all country, and in all social categories. It is the first therapeutic remedy used by the Congolese, before going to a hospital institution, if and only if the disease persists or worsens. The concern lies in the practice of self-medication among women of childbearing age. Hence the objective of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of Congolese women of childbearing age regarding the risks and consequences of self-medication. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, with an analytical aim, carried out among women of childbearing age, in Kinshasa town, during the period from March 15 to November 30, 2022. The selection of participants was made in the 4 districts of the Town, by taking women who met our criteria of selection. Study parameters included sociodemographics, prevalence, and determinants of self-medication. Results: In total, 402 subjects have been enroled (mean age 27.3 ±8.4), women in the age group of 25-34 years (53.5%), singles (56.0%), with a high level of education (76.4%) and having a profession (59.2%). The majority of women knew the person authorized to prescribe the medications (78.6%), knew of the existence of self-medication (77.4%), and even practiced it (76.4%); but the majority (78.1%) were unaware of the dangers resulting from the practice of self-medication. The majority of them (64.4%) are victims of complications from self-medication. Civil status and religion remain therisk factors independently associated withself-medication. Conclusion: The Congolese woman of childbearing age, single and with a high level of education, knows the role of the Doctor in medical prescription, knows the existence and practice of self-medication, while ignoring the dangers that can result from it, despite She herself is a victim of complications from self-medication. This practice had as risk factors, marital status and religion.
Abstract: Introduction: Regulations on the sell and use of medicines in the Democratic Republic of Congo are at a rudimentary level. Self-medication is frequently used and it practice in all country, and in all social categories. It is the first therapeutic remedy used by the Congolese, before going to a hospital institution, if and only if the disease persi...
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Research Article
Factors Associated with Family Planning: A Secondary Analysis of Senegal's DHS 2019
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
176-182
Received:
13 June 2024
Accepted:
16 July 2024
Published:
29 July 2024
Abstract: Background. In Senegal, despite numerous interventions, the family planning rate has stagnated since 2016. The aim of this study is to analyze the determinants of modern contraceptive use in Senegal in 2019. Methods. This study is a secondary analysis of data from the 2019 Senegal Demographic and Health Survey. The sample consisted of 8998 women aged 15 to 49 years. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The dependent variable was the use of a modern contraceptive method (yes/no). STATA.15 software was used. Results. Women using any method of contraception accounted for 18.8%. Those using long-acting methods were more numerous, with implants (37.4%) and injections (29.6%) respectively. Women using the pill were 14.8%. The majority of women had received information about family planning from television (46%) and radio (42.2%). The factors associated with modern contraception were age, women's education (ORaj 1.48 [1.21-1.81]), marital status (ORaj 7.18 [5.29-9.74]), average (ORaj 1.58 [1.18-2.12]) and high (1.62 [1.15-2.27]) socioeconomic status, and receipt of information by radio (ORaj 1.31 [1.08-1.58]). Conclusion. This study has shown that, as part of a multisectoral approach, decision-makers should strengthen women's empowerment (education and income-generating activities). Radio should also be given priority as a means of promoting family planning in Senegal.
Abstract: Background. In Senegal, despite numerous interventions, the family planning rate has stagnated since 2016. The aim of this study is to analyze the determinants of modern contraceptive use in Senegal in 2019. Methods. This study is a secondary analysis of data from the 2019 Senegal Demographic and Health Survey. The sample consisted of 8998 women ag...
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Review Article
Application of the Health Belief Model (HBM) in Buruli Ulcer Education: A Literature Review
Atubiga Alobit Baba*
,
Ataari Abdulai Elvis,
Maambo Cynthia,
Alexander Atiah Anyagre,
Mahama Wayo Smith,
Stanley Cowther,
Michael Adjabeng
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
183-187
Received:
26 June 2024
Accepted:
22 July 2024
Published:
30 August 2024
Abstract: Introduction: The basic principles of the Health Belief Model as a theoretical foundation were employed to examine Buruli ulcer education. The study employed various strategies to obtain relevant studies about the constructs of the Health Belief Model which were relevant in the context of Buruli ulcer education. Method: The strategies used sought to uncover studies that have applied the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework or theoretical foundation in Buruli ulcer education especially within Ghana and found none. Review of studies was carried out through electronic databases searches, grey materials and electronic books. Search strategy with key terms related to Health Belief Model and Buruli ulcer were employed to retrieve relevant documents. The study considered only references that were relevant to the constructs of the theory and could be used to explain Buruli ulcer education. Results: The study considered the six constructs of the theory and these included (people perceived susceptibility to Buruli ulcer, perceived severity of Buruli ulcer, perceived benefit of not contracting Buruli ulcer, perceived barriers to Buruli ulcer healthcare, cues to action for Buruli ulcer and Buruli ulcer knowledge self-efficacy), and modifying factors. The theory has been used in health education for health related events and hence was considered the appropriate theory in the context of Buruli ulcer education. Conclusion: The fundamental idea of the theory is based on the individual personal belief about the disease and the methods that exist to be used to help in the reduction of risk factors. Hence public health workers could employ the theory to help in reduction of risk factors exposures among the population especially in endemic communities in Africa.
Abstract: Introduction: The basic principles of the Health Belief Model as a theoretical foundation were employed to examine Buruli ulcer education. The study employed various strategies to obtain relevant studies about the constructs of the Health Belief Model which were relevant in the context of Buruli ulcer education. Method: The strategies used sought t...
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Research Article
Effect of Comprehensive HIV Prevention Information Package on Syphilis Infection Levels Among Youths in Kakamega and Kericho Counties, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
188-195
Received:
28 July 2024
Accepted:
20 August 2024
Published:
30 August 2024
Abstract: The world's biggest threat to development and public health is HIV. Youth in sub-Saharan Africa are primarily affected by the HIV epidemic. Despite the availability of HIV prevention options, new infections among youth in Kenya only reduced by 56% between 2015 and 2021. Various HIV prevention interventions have been implemented among youth with little or no assessment of their effectiveness in reducing new HIV infections. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect comprehensive HIV prevention information package of the package on syphilis infections levels among the youths in Kakamega and Kericho counties, Kenya. A non-randomized control trial was conducted with Kakamega as intervention and Kericho as Comparison County. The pretest questionnaire was administered in both intervention and control counties in December 2001. The posttest questionnaire was administered in both intervention and control counties after nine months of providing HIV prevention information package. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was transcribed and analyzed thematically. There was significant increase in knowledge of sexually transmitted infections in intervention county (t = 3.340, P = 0.021). There was significant number of youth in Kakamega county who reported unusual sores in genital area at endline (t = 2.035, P = 0.043). Similarly, more youths sought treatment after experiencing the syphilis symptoms (t = 1.931, P = 0.054) at endline in Kakamega county. There were no significant differences in the number of youths in Kericho county at endline who experienced unusual symptoms, sought treatment and informed their sexual partners (P > 0.05). The findings from the study will inform national rollout of the intervention to contribute to safer sexual behaviors among youth.
Abstract: The world's biggest threat to development and public health is HIV. Youth in sub-Saharan Africa are primarily affected by the HIV epidemic. Despite the availability of HIV prevention options, new infections among youth in Kenya only reduced by 56% between 2015 and 2021. Various HIV prevention interventions have been implemented among youth with lit...
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