Public Health articles list

Women are multi taskers in their lives- mother, wife, daughter, sister and a lot more. And hence are exposed to a lot of emotions. A working woman is exposed to many other more roles- boss, subordinates. A working woman has to develop skills of self awareness, self management, be motivated, feelings of optimism, positivity and internality, empathy and social skills (collectively called as emotional intelligence) to perform her multiple roles, both at home and at, work place efficiently so as to meet the expectations of both the family members and their organization. Current study focuses on investigating the influence of demographic factors on the level of emotional intelligence among the respondents in Coimbatore city. These factors tested against being determined by their age, job profile, marital status.

Nandini

Poor water quality and lack of access to improved sanitation continue to pose a significant threat to human health. The burden of disease analysis suggests that lack of access to safe water supply, sanitation and hygiene is the third most significant risk factor for poor health in developing countries with high mortality rates. Diarrhoea is the leading disease associated with unsafe water supply, sanitation and hygiene and is responsible for the deaths. The study observed that out of the 150 respondents, 37% are 31-40 years, followed by 20-30 years with 32%. 130 (86.7%) respondents have got married, and 61% of the respondents are female. 85% adopted the nuclear family system, and 50% of respondents are illiterates in the study areas. 85% of respondents are daily wage earners, 37% are earnings rupees between 2000-2500 per month. 27% of respondents are landless labours, and 37% of households possess below 2 acres of land. 40% of respondents suffer from health problems, and 44% consume rice as their staple food. 62% of respondents have debts, and 33% got from money lenders. 62% of respondents do not have toilet facilities and go open defecation. 92% of respondents stated that toilet makes dignity, saves time and energy, saves their children school days, makes adolescent girls privacy, save wage loss, and toilet makes quality life.

B Suresh Lal

This paper found that 35% of Adivasis have health problems, and 73% said that they are getting treatment with RMP. 87% have toilet facility and more than 12% still defecate openly. 18.3% said that they faced different problems at open defecation, and 50% of women not using sanitary napkins. Nearly 90% of respondents wash their hands after toilets and coming from outside of the home. Ten per cent of respondents said that they do not have an awareness of sanitation. Therefore, the study confirmed that the sanitation facilities considerably made the women's dignity and quality of life better in the study area. Moreover, four case studies also focused on open defecation problems in the study area.

B Suresh Lal

Background: To assess the awareness, knowledge about refractive errors and strabismus among the general public in southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Methods: A cross sectional population-based survey used a semi structured questionnaire on awareness, knowledge on refractive errors and strabismus done as part of knowledge, attitude and practices study (KAP). Stratified multistage cluster random sampling method was used with a sample size of 867 adults- ≥16 years. Having heard of refractive error and strabismus was defined as awareness and having knowledge of the type of error for which spectacles were worn, was considered as knowledge. A pilot study was conducted to validate the questions used in the main study. Statistical package SPSS (version 19) was used for analysis to calculate logistic regression and odds ratios for gender, age, education and urban-rural areas. Results: A total of 782/867 (90.1%) subjects participated in the survey with females 47.4%. 581 subjects (74.3%) were aware of refractive error. 690 subjects (88.2%) were aware of squint. With multiple logistic regression about awareness of refractive error to various variables, subjects who were educated 11th class to degree had a higher awareness (OR: 2.40; CI: 1.25-4.60). With multiple logistic regression about awareness of squint to various variables, females had a higher awareness of squint (OR: 1.98; CI: 1.19-3.31). Conclusions: Awareness of squint and refractive error was high among the general public, but the knowledge of it was limited.

Srinivasa reddy pallerla

This report on Mortality in Libya, with a particular emphasis on causes of death in the country for two years, 2016 - 2017, comes when there is a shortage of mortality studies in this country and in the developing world. The importance of death studies lies on the fact that they map out the hidden features of a community's health program. Unfortunately, there are no robust death studies in most developing countries, most of which are descriptive studies of statistical report or public survey. This study aims to read and review this report scientifically and impartially critically and to shed more light on this report. This report is the first of its kind in Libya. It discusses the causes of death in Libya for two years, 2016 - 2017. The report issued in English and Arabic languages. The report relied basically on medically documented death certificate for the death cases in hospital or home in Libya. The report indicated that there were 25 478 deaths in Libya in 2016 and 27 167 deaths in 2017, with crude death rate of 4.0 / 1000 of the population for 2016 and 4.1 / 1000 inhabitants for the year 2017. Furthermore, cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death at all ages and sexes during the two years covered by the study. There is an urgent need for well-designed meta-analytical studies on mortality in Libya.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

To describe the methodology used to investigate the impact of blindness control activities in the southern Indian State of Andhra Pradesh. The blindness control activities in Andhra Pradesh have been implemented since 1976 through the National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB) by the Government of India through District Blindness Control Societies (DBCS). Besides Government eye care facilities, many local, national, international Non Governme*ntal Organizations (NGOs) and private sector eye care facilities are active in controlling blindness in the state. In the year 2002 Andhra Pradesh Right to Sight Society (APRTSS) was established as part of a global initiative of VISION 2020 The Right to Sight to coordinate the efforts of various stakeholders in eye care. The present study investigated the impact of blindness control activities in the state of AP in general and with special reference to the activities of APRTSS The study was based on the six building blocks of the health care system for all the stakeholders in eye care. The baseline data for the year 2002-03 were collected from sources such as State Blindness Control Society, District Blindness Control Societies and major stakeholders in eye care in the state and also by questionnaire to managers of eye care facilities and eye care professionals. The current data are being collected for the year 2012-2013. Interviews based on Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat (SWOT) analysis were conducted with policy makers in the Government, Managers of the eye care facilities and NGOs. The outcomes of the study will provide information regarding the trends in blinding eye diseases, human resources and infrastructure facilities in the last decade and information on the deficiencies in eye care service delivery that may provide the basis to formulate strategies for implementation of the VISION 2020 program in the state for coming years.

Srinivasa reddy pallerla

Background: To assess the awareness, knowledge about refractive errors and strabismus among the general public in southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Methods: A cross sectional population-based survey used a semi structured questionnaire on awareness, knowledge on refractive errors and strabismus done as part of knowledge, attitude and practices study (KAP). Stratified multistage cluster random sampling method was used with a sample size of 867 adults- ≥16 years. Having heard of refractive error and strabismus was defined as awareness and having knowledge of the type of error for which spectacles were worn, was considered as knowledge. A pilot study was conducted to validate the questions used in the main study. Statistical package SPSS (version 19) was used for analysis to calculate logistic regression and odds ratios for gender, age, education and urban-rural areas. Results: A total of 782/867 (90.1%) subjects participated in the survey with females 47.4%. 581 subjects (74.3%) were aware of refractive error. 690 subjects (88.2%) were aware of squint. With multiple logistic regression about awareness of refractive error to various variables, subjects who were educated 11th class to degree had a higher awareness (OR: 2.40; CI: 1.25-4.60). With multiple logistic regression about awareness of squint to various variables, females had a higher awareness of squint (OR: 1.98; CI: 1.19-3.31). Conclusions: Awareness of squint and refractive error was high among the general public, but the knowledge of it was limited.

Srinivasa reddy pallerla

Background: This study was conducted to determine the level of the public knowledge, attitudes and practices related to common eye diseases in the southern Indian population. Methods: A cross sectional population-based survey used a semi structured questionnaire on awareness, knowledge, attitude and practices related to eye diseases. Stratified multistage cluster random sampling method was used with a sample size of 867 adults >16 years based on, estimated awareness of cataract 70%, assuming an expected rate of 85%, design effect of 1.5, margin of error 4% with 95% confidence interval with 25% from urban areas and 75% from rural areas. A pilot study was conducted to validate the questions used in the main study. SPSS (version 19) used for analysis. Results: A total of 782/867 (90.1%) subjects participated in the survey, with females 47.4%. Awareness of major eye diseases for cataract 81.5%, glaucoma 47.8%, refractive error 74.3%, squint 89.0%, diabetic retinopathy 65.0% and age-related macular degeneration 36.7% respectively. 41.8% subjects reported wearing glasses either for distance, near or for both. Of the 777 subjects only 294 people underwent an eye examination by an ophthalmologist in the last two years (37.8%). 57.5% subjects had knowledge of the nearest eye care facility within five kilometers of their residence. Electronic media were the major source of information on eye health. Conclusions: Though the awareness levels of common eye diseases were quite high, the knowledge of cataract (10.4%) was poor. There is a need to increase the level of awareness for eye diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

Srinivasa reddy pallerla

Before the start of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, the whole environment around us had been deemed very toxic to breathe in due to the amount of greenhouse gases that had been emitted over the centuries. The Earth faced rising temperatures, which in turn led to the melting of glaciers and rising of sea levels. Environmental degradation was happening fast due to the depletion of resources such as air, water and soil. But after the coronavirus lockdown (Talabandi) commenced, there have been changes in the environment. The lockdown still has a huge impact on people in India too. The halt of industrial production and traffic resulted in cleaner air and rivers. In India the first phase of the nationwide lockdown that began on March 24 followed by enforcement of a series of regulations had some evidences that the COVID-19 curve is flattening in the country's COVID-19 affected regions. There was a good chance Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the lockdown (Talabandi) four times that ended on (Phase 1 (24 March-14 April)., Phase 2 (15 April-3 May)., Phase 3 (4 May-17 May) & Phase 4 (18 May-31 May). The paper focuses on different aspects of environmental impact due to SARS-CoV-2 in India.

Rina Kumari

Before the start of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, the whole environment around us had been deemed very toxic to breathe in due to the amount of greenhouse gases that had been emitted over the centuries. The Earth faced rising temperatures, which in turn led to the melting of glaciers and rising of sea levels. Environmental degradation was happening fast due to the depletion of resources such as air, water and soil. But after the coronavirus lockdown (Talabandi) commenced, there have been changes in the environment. The lockdown still has a huge impact on people in India too. The halt of industrial production and traffic resulted in cleaner air and rivers. In India the first phase of the nationwide lockdown that began on March 24 followed by enforcement of a series of regulations had some evidences that the COVID-19 curve is flattening in the country's COVID-19 affected regions. There was a good chance Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the lockdown (Talabandi) four times that ended on (Phase 1 (24 March-14 April)., Phase 2 (15 April-3 May)., Phase 3 (4 May-17 May) & Phase 4 (18 May-31 May). The paper focuses on different aspects of environmental impact due to SARS-CoV-2 in India.

Rina Kumari

The valuable effects of regular exercise for promotion of health and therapy of diseases were obviously evaluated. The notion that exercise can be considered as a medication has been hypothesized. The growing problems of obesity and non-communicable diseases have placed a great burden on public health experts to promote physical literacy and physical activity among the modern day population. Physical literacy and physical activity have become the cornerstones of women’s health. Women have certain special needs that includes reproductive health. Increased physical activity and maintaining normal body image and body weight will help a woman attain physical, mental and spiritual development. With the growing number of women with obesity and the implication of obesity as one of the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, stroke and osteoarthritis, a knowledge and awareness about physical activity is essential. Thus, physical activity is a fundamental aspect of the improvement of motor skills and work performance, allowing a better healthy lifestyle. Physical exercise is effective to be measured as a drug, however, more care should be considered to the dosing and individual variations between genders.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that approximately 4.2 million premature deaths world wide were attributable to exposure to particulate matter 2.5 μm (PM2.5). This study assessed the environmental burden of disease attributable to PM2.5 at the national level in Malaysia. We estimated the population-weighted exposure level (PWEL) of PM10 concentrations in Malaysia for 2000, 2008, and 2013 using aerosol optical density (AOD) data from publicly available remote sensing satellite data (MODIS Terra). The PWEL was then converted to PM2.5 using Malaysia's WHO ambient air conversion factor. We used AirQ+ 2.0 software to calculate all-cause (natural), ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer (LC), and acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) excess deaths from the National Burden of Disease data for 2000, 2008 and 2013. The averagePWELs for annual PM2.5 for 2000, 2008, and 2013 were 22 μg m-3, 18 μg m-3 and 24 μg m-3, respectively. Using the WHO 2005 Air Quality Guideline cut-off point of PM2.5 of 10 μg m-3, the estimated excess deaths for 2000, 2008, and 2013 from all-cause (natural) mortality were between 5893 and 9781 (95 % CI: 3347–12,791), COPD was between 164 and 957 (95 % CI: 95–1411), lung cancer was between 109 and 307 (95 % CI: 63–437), IHD was between 3 and 163 deaths, according to age groups (95 % CI: 2–394) and stroke was between 6 and 155 deaths, ac-cording to age groups (95 % CI: 3–261). An increase in estimated health endpoints was associated with increased estimated PWEL PM2.5 for 2013 compared to 2000 and 2008. Adhering the ambient PM2.5 level to the Malaysian AirQuality Standard IT-2 would reduce the national health endpoints mortality

Mohamad Iqbal Mazeli

Background Type 2 diabetes and obesity are serious public health concerns globally and a growing burden in Africa. Both conditions have serious repercussions on health when they co-occur, yet the extent of their co-occurrence in Africa remains unknown. Therefore, this review aimed to identify the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity among persons with type 2 diabetes in Africa. Method A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, African Index Medicus (AIM), and African Journals Online (AJOL) for observational studies that reported the prevalence of overweight and/or obesity among type 2 diabetes patients in Africa. The prevalence data from individual studies were aggregated through a random-effects meta-analysis. The I2 statistic was used to evaluate between-studies heterogeneity, while subgroup analysis and mixed-effects meta-regression were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity. We assessed publication bias using funnel plots and Egger’s test. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results Of 1753 records retrieved, 80 articles were eligible for this review, with 74 cross-sectional studies included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of overweight and obesity was 35.6% and 25.6% respectively, while the overall prevalence of both overweight and obesity was 61.4%. Also, the pooled prevalence of both overweight and obesity across the five geographical areas in Africa ranged from 56.9% in East Africa to 88.5% in Southern Africa. Nineteen factors were significantly associated with overweight and obesity among patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusion The high prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients with type 2 diabetes is a significant public health concern that transcends geographical boundaries within Africa. The findings from this review highlight the need for innovative weight management interventions that are tailored to the cultural context of the African setting

Emmanuel Ekpor

Background Type 2 diabetes and obesity are serious public health concerns globally and a growing burden in Africa. Both conditions have serious repercussions on health when they co-occur, yet the extent of their co-occurrence in Africa remains unknown. Therefore, this review aimed to identify the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity among persons with type 2 diabetes in Africa. Method A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, African Index Medicus (AIM), and African Journals Online (AJOL) for observational studies that reported the prevalence of overweight and/or obesity among type 2 diabetes patients in Africa. The prevalence data from individual studies were aggregated through a random-effects meta-analysis. The I2 statistic was used to evaluate between-studies heterogeneity, while subgroup analysis and mixed-effects meta-regression were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity. We assessed publication bias using funnel plots and Egger’s test. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results Of 1753 records retrieved, 80 articles were eligible for this review, with 74 cross-sectional studies included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of overweight and obesity was 35.6% and 25.6% respectively, while the overall prevalence of both overweight and obesity was 61.4%. Also, the pooled prevalence of both overweight and obesity across the five geographical areas in Africa ranged from 56.9% in East Africa to 88.5% in Southern Africa. Nineteen factors were significantly associated with overweight and obesity among patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusion The high prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients with type 2 diabetes is a significant public health concern that transcends geographical boundaries within Africa. The findings from this review highlight the need for innovative weight management interventions that are tailored to the cultural context of the African setting

Emmanuel Ekpor

Avian influenza has impacted negatively on poultry production in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the status of avian influenza virus (AIV) antibodies in wild birds to provide early warning of an outbreak. One hundred and forty-six sera from five different species of wild birds were tested for antibodies to avian influenza A viruses (H5 and H9) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. An overall seroprevalence of 3.4% (5/146) was recorded in the study area. Seroprevalence of 6.67% (2/30) was recorded in speckled pigeons (Columba guinea) and Village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) respectively and 3.33% (1/30) in Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis). No antibodies were detected in laughing doves (Spilolepia senegalensis) and African silver bill (Euodice cantans). The serological detection of AIV subtypes H5 and H9 by HI showed the exposure of these birds to the two subtypes. The result from this study indicates evidence of the presence of H5 and H9 AI viruses in wild birds in Zaria, Kaduna State. Therefore, comprehensive surveillance of influenza A involving wild birds’ population and H5 as well as H9 subtype is recommended. This is necessary in order to know the actual status of these strains in the poultry population in Nigeria in view of their zoonotic and economic importance.

Bitrus Inuwa

Background Covid-19 pandemic has hit many countries and put the majority of the public health system to test globally. Mandatory use of face mask was among policies set by the government to contain the spread of the novel disease. But citizens’ attitudes and compliance with these policies are important in controlling the pandemic. We assessed gender-based compliance to Covid-19 protocol (use of face mask) in Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods Perception regarding Covid-19 and the use of face masks were assessed among participants using a questionnaire-based survey. In a cross-sectional study, ninety (n=90) questionnaires were administered to willing participants directly. A Chi-square test was used to determine the descriptive analysis of all responses, P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result Out of 90 participants, 55.6% (50/90) were male and 44.4%(40/90) were female. Forty-two (84%) males deny the existence of the pandemic while in females, 14 (35%) deny that Covid-19 exist. Thirty-seven (74%) of the male respondents do not comply with to use of the face mask and use a single face mask multiple times without decontamination. In females, 28 (70%) comply with the use of the face mask. Unlike the men, 20 (50%) of the females always decontaminate the face mask. The middle-aged adult (26-45 years) uses the face mask more than the young (18-25 years). There was a significant association of gender in relation to the perception of Covid-19 and the use of facemask (p< 0.05). Conclusion Male respondents showed an irresponsible attitude complying to Covid-19 protocol than the females, therefore, enlisting them as a risk factor for the continued spread of the virus. We recommend that public health awareness and campaigns should focus and employ greater influence on men and young adults in their compliance with the preventive protocols.

Bitrus Inuwa

Since 2006, multiple outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) have been reported in Nigeria involving different subtypes. Surveillance and molecular epidemiology have revealed the vital role of live bird markets (LBMs) in the dissemination of AI virus to commercial poultry farms. To better understand the ecology and epidemiology of AI in Nigeria, we performed whole-genome sequencing of nineteen H9N2 viruses recovered, from apparently healthy poultry species, during active surveillance conducted in nine LBMs across Nigeria in 2019. Analyses of the HA gene segment of these viruses showed that the H9N2 strains belong to the G1 lineage, which has zoonotic potential, and are clustered with contemporary H9N2 identified in Africa between 2016 and 2020. We observed two distinct clusters of H9N2 viruses in Nigeria, suggesting different introductions into the country. In view of the zoonotic potential of H9N2 and the co-circulation of multiple subtypes of AI virus in Nigeria, continuous monitoring of the LBMs across the country and molecular characterization of AIVs identified is advocated to mitigate economic losses and public health threats.

Bitrus Inuwa

Influenza A virus presents a significant public health burden worldwide, with the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic being the most dramatic example. Swine influenza viruses can be transmitted to humans through occupational exposures and in live pig markets. Novel variants can emerge in pigs because they can be infected by human, avian and swine strains. This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence and serotypes of swine influenza in pigs from a major slaughter slab in southern Kaduna. Using competitive ELISA and haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) assays, 305 swine sera were analysed. The result showed an overall seroprevalence of 28.20% (n=86), with H3N2 7.87% (n=24) emerging as the most dominant subtype in circulation. Concurrent antibody detection of H1N1 in 5.26% (n=16) was also detected in boar 2.62% (n=8) and sows 2.62% (n=8). This study revealed swine Influenza H1N1 and H3N2 serotypes are in circulation in pigs in Kaduna State, and that reassortment in the instance of co-infection of swine host is possible.

Bitrus Inuwa

Reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is used worldwide to test and trace the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2). “Extraction-less” or “direct” real time–reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a transparent and accessible qualitative method for SARS-CoV-2 detection from nasopharyngeal or oral pharyngeal samples with the potential to generate actionable data more quickly, at a lower cost, and with fewer experimental resources than full RT-qPCR. This study engaged 10 global testing sites, including laboratories currently experiencing testing limitations due to reagent or equipment shortages, in an international interlaboratory ring trial. Participating laboratories were provided a common protocol, common reagents, aliquots of identical pooled clinical samples, and purified nucleic acids and used their existing in-house equipment. We observed 100% concordance across laboratories in the correct identification of all positive and negative samples, with highly similar cycle threshold values. The test also performed well when applied to locally collected patient nasopharyngeal samples, provided the viral transport media did not contain charcoal or guanidine, both of which appeared to potently inhibit the RT-PCR reaction. Our results suggest that direct RT-PCR assay methods can be clearly translated across sites utilizing readily available equipment and expertise and are thus a feasible option for more efficient COVID-19 coronavirus disease testing as demanded by the continuing pandemic.

Bitrus Inuwa

The control of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Nigeria from inception is predicated on effective biosecurity by stamping out policy but outbreaks of the disease continued to re-occur with altered clinico-pathologic manifestations. This study undertook the qualitative assessment of the clinico- pathological features of HPAI H5N1 during the 2021/2022 outbreaks in commercial poultry and peri-domestic birds in northern Nigeria. A total of 22 commercial poultry farms with 53,932 laying chickens and 3 households with 120 backyard broiler chickens, 18 indigenous chickens, 10 peafowls and 9 geese were investigated for HPAI. The clinico-pathologic manifestations observed in commercial poultry were subtle compared to previous presentations of the disease except in the peafowls, geese, broilers and indigenous chickens. The interspecies mortality rates significantly varied from 1.6% to 19.6% for laying chickens and 33.3% to 100% for broilers, indigenous chickens, geese and peafowls. Based on the history of sudden and high mortality, clinical signs and post mortem lesions observed, three diseases; HPAI, very virulent Newcastle disease and fowl cholera were drawn out as differential diagnoses. However, a tentative diagnosis of HPAI was made and samples were sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria for confirmatory diagnosis. Results of the laboratory tests conducted on the samples using one step flu A screening and duplex real time RT-PCR and virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs confirmed HPAI H5N1 in twenty-five farms. It is concluded that the continuous though, irregular outbreaks of HPAI and emerging clinico-pathologic manifestations are pointers to failure of control and that the disease may become endemic. It is recommended that government should review its policy on the control of HPAI to include the adoption of zoned vaccination with close monitoring.

Bitrus Inuwa