‘Twas Ever Thus: How the Public Health Measures to Combat COVID-19 Are Rooted in the Past
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, May 2022
Pages:
69-75
Received:
7 April 2022
Accepted:
27 April 2022
Published:
10 May 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.ejpm.20221003.11
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Abstract: Background: Scientific advances have ensured that when a clinical syndrome caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was detected at the end of 2019, the full genomic sequence of the virus was deciphered and a test for its detection manufactured within weeks. As infection with the virus spread worldwide public health measures had to be introduced to reduce person to person transmission. Even after vaccines effective against the virus were developed, these measures continued to be required. Method: A literature search was performed to identify public health measures that had been implemented throughout history from the arrival of the plague in Europe in the sixth century CE. Results: Quarantine was introduced throughout Mediterranean states in the 14th century CE to minimise the spread of the plague. The regulations imposed during the Great Plague of London in the 17th century reveal elements of case detection, lockdown, isolation, social distancing, the restriction of large gatherings and the use a form of personal protective equipment. The plague led to the realisation among physicians that some diseases could spread from person to person and smallpox became recognised as being highly contagious. However, the contagionist view was strongly opposed by those who believed in the miasmic theory of disease and was hotly contested during the sanitary reform of the 19th century. After mid-century public health measures to prevent the spread of disease concentrated on the management of infected individuals including compulsory isolation for sufferers of smallpox and compulsory removal infected people to hospital. During the smallpox epidemic in Birmingham, UK in the 1870s patients admitted to the workhouse were kept in total isolation and visiting by relatives and friends was strictly prohibited, even when the patient was dying. The erection of extra buildings and the creation of temporary fever wards was necessary to accommodate patients during outbreaks of infectious disease. The technique of introducing smallpox pus into a scratch in the skin was practised in 10th century China becoming the standard method of inoculation until Jenner introduced the safer method of vaccination using cowpox or vaccinia virus in the early 18th century. A strong anti-vaccination movement arose at this time and the arguments put forward by the anti-vaxxers were strikingly similar to those of modern-day vaccine opponents. Conclusion: None of the public health measures used to combat COVID-19 are novel and all have their roots in the past.
Abstract: Background: Scientific advances have ensured that when a clinical syndrome caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was detected at the end of 2019, the full genomic sequence of the virus was deciphered and a test for its detection manufactured within weeks. As infection with the virus spread worldwide public health measures had to be introduced ...
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Determinants of Stunting and Wasting Among Under-Five Children of Ethiopia: Analysis of Mini-demographic and Health Survey 2019 of Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, May 2022
Pages:
76-83
Received:
18 May 2022
Accepted:
28 June 2022
Published:
13 July 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.ejpm.20221003.12
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Views:
Abstract: In Ethiopia stunting and wasting is long term year round health problem, which makes difficult to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. But, there were progresses in the reduction of under nutrition level among under five children. The aim of this study therefore is, to identify determinants of stunting and wasting among under-five children in Ethiopia. Cross-sectional data from the 2019 mini demographic and health survey was used. A total of 5279 and 5408 under-five children were involved for the analysis of stunting and wasting respectively. According to a multivariate logistic regression, the odds of being stunted for a child 36-47 months was three times higher (aOR=3.47; 95% CI: 2.15, 5.59) compared to less-than six months child. The odd of stunting (aOR =0.72; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.89) and wasting (aOR =0.59; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.81) was lower for female sex children. Children born richest family had lower risk of being stunted (aOR=0.43; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.79). In conclusion there were higher prevalence of stunting and wasting among under- five children in Ethiopia when referencing the global and national target of nutrition. Male sex was the associated factors for both stunting and wasting. Creating awareness for the proper and optimal feeding of male sex and older age children are recommended.
Abstract: In Ethiopia stunting and wasting is long term year round health problem, which makes difficult to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. But, there were progresses in the reduction of under nutrition level among under five children. The aim of this study therefore is, to identify determinants of stunting and wasting among under-five children in Eth...
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