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Changes in Rates of Measles Transmission and Force of Infection in Gweru City, Zimbabwe: A Retrospective Study
Tawanda Marufu,
Willard Tinago,
Seter Siziya
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 2, March 2016
Pages:
28-31
Received:
4 February 2016
Accepted:
16 February 2016
Published:
2 March 2016
Abstract: Introduction A study compared rates of measles transmission and force of infection in pre-vaccination era (1967), and at measles vaccine coverage rates of 50-80% (1978-84) and > 90% (1989). Using measles surveillance data cumulative proportions of measles cases by age were determined for the years 1967, 1978-89 (pooled) and 1989. From the cumulative curves estimates of the age dependent rate of infection with measles (force of infection) was determined for the years 1967, 1978-84 and 1989. Results In 1967 and 1978-84 some 75% of all measles cases occurred by age group 36-47 months while in 1989 this occurred by age group 72-83 months thus measles transmission was most rapid in 1967 and least rapid in 1989. Variation of force of infection between years 1967, 1978-84 and 1967 showed that force of infection was not significantly different between the years for age groups 24-35, 36-47 and 48-59 months. Meanwhile, the force of infection varied between the years in the rest of the age groups, with a significant reduction in force of infection over the years for age groups < 11, and 12-23 months; and significant increases in force of infection were observed in the age groups 60-71, 72-83, 84-95, 96-107 and 108-119 months. Conclusion Measles transmission rates in the community were highest in pre-vaccination era and least at vaccination coverage rates of > 90% most likely due to effect of herd immunity. From pre-vaccination era (1967) to vaccine coverage rates of > 90% (1989) there was a shift in force of infection from young age groups < 23 months to older age groups of 60-119 months most likely due to accumulation of susceptibles in these older age groups. Shift in force of infection to older age groups would have been responsible for the shift in age at infection to these older age groups.
Abstract: Introduction A study compared rates of measles transmission and force of infection in pre-vaccination era (1967), and at measles vaccine coverage rates of 50-80% (1978-84) and > 90% (1989). Using measles surveillance data cumulative proportions of measles cases by age were determined for the years 1967, 1978-89 (pooled) and 1989. From the cumulativ...
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Assessment of Magnitude and Factors Associated with Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic of Adama Town Health Facilities, Central Ethiopia
Abel Girmay Mekuaninte,
Alemayehu Worku,
Dawit Jember Tesfaye
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 2, March 2016
Pages:
32-38
Received:
20 December 2015
Accepted:
27 December 2015
Published:
16 March 2016
Abstract: Maternal mortality is a substantial public health burden in developing countries. Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a safe motherhood strategy which addresses delays that could increase the risk of dying in pregnancy, child birth and the immediate postpartum period. The main aim of this study was to assess magnitude and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in Adama town government health facilities, central Ethiopia, 2015. A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 642 pregnant mothers from December 2014 to January 2015 in ANC clinic of Adama town government health facilities. Systematic random sampling was employed to select the study subject. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness practice. P-value < 0.05 was used as cut of value for statistical significance. Out of 642 mothers only 29.1% (95% C/I: 25.9, 32.7) of the respondents were prepared for birth and its complications. Preparation for birth and its complication was associated with respondent who attended secondary and above educational level (AOR=2.76, 95%C/I: 1.41, 5.41). Women who had experience of one still birth (AOR=2.3, 95%C/I: 1.20, 4.63) and those pregnant women who heard the term birth preparedness (AOR=1.56, 95%C/I: 1.03, 2.38) were found to be factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness practice. The magnitude of birth preparedness and complication readiness was low in the study area. Knowledge on birth preparedness and complication readiness was identified as low as danger sign. Counseling related to knowledge on birth preparedness and complication readiness with especial emphasis to danger sign during pregnancy, labour and delivery needs due attention.
Abstract: Maternal mortality is a substantial public health burden in developing countries. Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a safe motherhood strategy which addresses delays that could increase the risk of dying in pregnancy, child birth and the immediate postpartum period. The main aim of this study was to assess magnitude and factors assoc...
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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers Attending an Infant Welfare Clinic in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
Sola Odu,
Samson Ayo Deji,
Eyitope Amu,
Victor Aduayi
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 2, March 2016
Pages:
39-43
Received:
26 January 2016
Accepted:
16 February 2016
Published:
23 March 2016
Abstract: There is much concerns that despite the “Innocenti Declaration” and all efforts to promote Exclusive Breastfeeding in Nigeria, the prevalence of malnutrition and infant mortality is high. The study determined the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of nursing mothers in Osogbo, Nigeria. The study design was cross sectional. A total of 328 nursing mothers attending infant welfare clinics were recruited from selected four health centres in Osogbo Local Government Area by convenience sampling method. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of respondents. Data were analyzed using Statistics Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 16. About 97.6% of the respondents were aware of EBF, but only 64.6% had adequate knowledge. Majority of the respondents (92.7%) learnt about EBF from health workers. Attitude to EBF was good as reported by 75.6% of respondents who practiced EBF on demand. About 73.8% of respondents practiced EBF. The respondents have good knowledge and attitude of EBF. The practice of EBF was equally good however less than one third used either water or herbs during EBF before six months.
Abstract: There is much concerns that despite the “Innocenti Declaration” and all efforts to promote Exclusive Breastfeeding in Nigeria, the prevalence of malnutrition and infant mortality is high. The study determined the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of nursing mothers in Osogbo, Nigeria. The study design was cross sectional. A total of 328 nurs...
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Analysis of Antibacterial Activity of Antibiotics to Anaerobes of Female Genital Tract in Vitro
Xuejun Zhan,
Daze Xie,
Xiangrong Shu,
You Tang,
Nanjin Zhou,
Ge Dai
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 2, March 2016
Pages:
44-49
Received:
14 February 2016
Accepted:
10 March 2016
Published:
24 March 2016
Abstract: This study to investigate predominant anaerobic bacteria and their sensitivity spectrum to antibiotics in female patients with genital tract infections from the local and thus to provide scientific basis for the appropriate use of antibiotics. Anaerobic culture method was used to culture and isolate anaerobes in female patients with genital tract infections. Anaerobes were identified by using micro-biochemistry reacting technique and antibiotic-disc susceptibility test. Antibacterial activity of antibiotics to anaerobes was analyzed by means of Kirby-Bauer testing and broth micro-dilution method. The experiment results showed that 72 strains of obligate anaerobes were isolated from 103 samples, positive rate of 69.90%. The predominant anaerobic bacterial were Gram-negative non-spore bacteroides (28 strains, 38.89%) and anaerobic peptostreptococcus (18 strains, 25%). Sensitivity rate of anaerobic cocci, bacteroides and veillonella to metronidazole was 90.91%, 85.71% and 80% respectively. The drug resistance rates of the three isolated anaerobes were all higher than 60% to amikacin, erythromycin and clindamycin. Comparing the MIC50 and MIC90 values of metronidazole (MTZ), penicillin G (PCG) and lincomycin (LCM) on the isolated anaerobes, MTZ had the lowest MIC50 and MIC90 value. The study suggested that anaerobic infection has become a major pathogenic bacterium of infectious diseases in obstetrics and gynecology. Although MTZ has shown strong antibacterial activity in vitro, a few drug resistant strains appeared in the clinically isolated anaerobes and there is an upward trend of the MIC values of MTZ at different rates.
Abstract: This study to investigate predominant anaerobic bacteria and their sensitivity spectrum to antibiotics in female patients with genital tract infections from the local and thus to provide scientific basis for the appropriate use of antibiotics. Anaerobic culture method was used to culture and isolate anaerobes in female patients with genital tract i...
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Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori Associated Iron Deficiency Anemia: Does Iron Supplementation Make Difference
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 2, March 2016
Pages:
50-55
Received:
14 March 2016
Accepted:
21 March 2016
Published:
1 April 2016
Abstract: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Eradication of H. pylori is associated with improvement of IDA. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of H. pylori eradication with and without the use of iron supplementation on IDA among patients with H. pylori infection. It was a prospective therapeutic study on 36 patients tested positive 14C-urea breath test on screening for H. pylori infection, and had chronic mild to moderate IDA. Patients were divided randomly into two groups each of 18 patients. Groups A patients were given anti-H. pylori eradication therapy plus oral iron supplementation for 2 months. Group B patients were given the same anti-H. pylori therapy but without the iron supplement. Hemoglobin, serum iron and serum ferritin were assessed and compared between the two groups at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months of therapy. Results were expressed as mean ± SD. Paired t-test was used to compare quantitative values. P value significant if < 0.05. It has been found that both groups showed significant increase in mean levels of hemoglobin, serum iron and serum ferritin at 1, and 2 months after successful H. pylori eradication (p<0.001), However, the increase was more significant in Group A patients compared with group B patients (p<0.05). At the end of the study, both groups showed normal mean levels of all these parameters. This study concluded that eradication of H. pylori infection plus simultaneous iron supplementation was associated with a faster and greater recovery from IDA as compared with eradication without iron supplement. However, H. pylori eradication without iron supplementation was also associated with significantly increased iron absorption and recovery from IDA.
Abstract: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Eradication of H. pylori is associated with improvement of IDA. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of H. pylori eradication with and without the use of iron supplementation on IDA among patients with H. pylori infection. I...
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