Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine最新文献

{"title":"The Perception and Practices of Black African Subjects Toward Hemorrhoidal Disease: The Relevant Effects of Beliefs and Misconceptions in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa.","authors":"Alassan Kouame Mahassadi, Hyacinthe Chepig Motcheyo, Dimitri Hatrydt Kouame, Fulgence Mamert Yao-Bathaix","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S498009","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S498009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The perception of black African subjects toward hemorrhoidal disease is surrounded by myths and misconceptions in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of black African subjects toward hemorrhoidal disease and the impact of knowledge on their attitudes and practices.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional KAP survey was conducted through convenience sampling of 735 participants (mean age, 38.8 years; men, 59.2%) from urban and rural areas in Côte d'Ivoire. They received an auto questionnaire of 25 items on Likert scales depicting their KAP toward hemorrhoidal disease. A mean score of KAP < 50 points was considered low. Logistic and linear regression models were used to determine the factors associated with self-reported hemorrhoidal disease and the impact of knowledge on attitudes and practices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall Cronbach score was 0.75, and the sample proportions of self-reported or symptom-based hemorrhoidal disease were 44.4% (9% CI: 41-48) and 21.2% [95% CI: 18.4-24.4], respectively. The overall mean (SD) scores of KAP were low: 49 (34.4), 43.4 (18.7), and 33.6 (21.7), respectively. The attitudes and practices of the participants remained unchanged regardless of their knowledge. Hemorrhoidal disease was negatively associated with attitudes (beta = -3.1, p = 0.02) or practices (beta = -3.4, p < 0.05). Overall, the participants agreed that hemorrhoidal disease led to sexual dysfunction (85.2%) and infertility (67.1%). They preferred indigenous (52.4%) over modern treatments (30.2%) and perceived surgery for hemorrhoidal disease to be dangerous (24.4%) and not recommended (56.6%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Knowledge did not change the attitudes and practices of black African subjects toward hemorrhoidal disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"11-23"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11928437/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143693137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Subclinical <i>Plasmodium</i> spp. Infections in a Community Setting in Bangui, Central African Republic.","authors":"Romaric Nzoumbou-Boko, Mireille Cornelia Ingrid Denissio Morissi Nalingbo, Brice Martial Yambiyo, Roger Detol, Ermeland Rock Feller Moussa, Didita Nalinga, Lydie Joella-Venus de la Grace Namsenei-Dankpea, Alexandre Manirakiza, Lawrence Ayong, Yap Boum Ii","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S495282","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S495282","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria is a major public health problem in the Central African Republic (CAR). Data on malaria epidemiology are often derived from confirmed cases of symptomatic malaria using passive detection approaches, with very limited knowledge of the extent of subclinical and submicroscopic infections.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangui, the capital of the CAR, to assess the prevalence of subclinical malaria parasitaemia. Proportions of positive tests for malaria parasites were determined by combining the results of antigen-based malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT), thick blood smear microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 638 participants (mean age, 26.44 years (range, [1-75] years) with a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.22) were tested for malaria using all three detection methods. Proportions of positives were 32.45% by PCR, 27.59% by mRDT, and 23.51% by Giemsa-based thick blood smear microscopy, representing the burden of subclinical malaria. In addition, a 9.56% prevalence of submicroscopic infections was observed. Subclinical malaria was more common in individuals aged 15-49 years, and microspatial heterogeneity in positivity was observed, with the majority of cases occurring in semi-urban areas by mRDT and microscopy, respectively. Approximately, 80% of microscopy-positive subjects had a low parasite density (<1000 parasites/µL whole blood). Although <i>P. falciparum</i> was the most common species (98.55%), the transmission of <i>P. ovale</i> appears to be well-established in the area, occurring either as mono-infection (1.45%) or co-infection (1.93%) with <i>P. falciparum</i>.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study of community malaria in Bangui highlights the high burden of subclinical malaria in the community and provides essential baseline data to guide future research on malaria parasites in the CAR, particularly regarding the circulating parasite species. The high prevalence of community malaria demonstrates its persistence as a major public health challenge in the country, highlighting the need to intensify its ongoing control using new tools such as the upcoming malaria vaccine.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11762253/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143053469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation of Mass Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filariasis in Madagascar: The Progress, Effectiveness and Financial Savings of Integrating into an Existing Polio Campaign.","authors":"Vatsiharizandry Mandrosovololona, Patricia Rasoamihanta, Kpandja Djawe, Denise Mupfasoni, Brusa Andriamino, Rivomalala Rakotonavalona, Didier Bakajika, Arsène Claude Ratsimbasoa, Joses Kirigia, Laurent Musango","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S487163","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S487163","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This paper presents (a) the progress made towards achieving the 2023 Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign goals, (b) the estimated financial savings resulting from integrating LF MDA into Polio immunization campaigns, and (c) the best practices, challenges, and recommendations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In 2023, 21,336,057 people in 83 districts were affected by LF and required Preventive Chemotherapy (PC). The National NTD Control Programme (NTDCP) conducted three phases of LF MDA campaigns in those districts. In the first phase, 24 districts received triple therapy of Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine, and Albendazole (IDA), while the remaining 59 districts continued to receive dual therapy of Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole (DA) as before. The first phase (15 districts) was not integrated, while the second phase (61 districts) was conducted simultaneously with the Polio Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIA) fourth round. The third phase (7 districts) was combined with periodic intensification of routine immunization (PIRI) and vitamin A supplementation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In Phases 2 and 3, the campaign covered 99.97% of the targeted 12,208 villages, meaning only three villages remained untreated. In contrast, Phase 1 covered all the targeted 2,847 villages, attaining 100% geographic coverage. The 68 districts (Phase 2 and 3) that implemented an integrated approach attained an average therapeutic coverage of 76.6% (STDEV=8.3) compared to 73.2% (STDEV=6.7) among the 15 districts (Phase 1) that conducted MDA for LF without integration. The p-values for geographical and therapeutic coverage were below the significance level of 0.05, leading to the conclusion that the average geographic and therapeutic coverages for districts implementing LF MDA with and without integration into Polio immunization campaigns differed significantly. Integrating the LF MDA campaign into the Polio SIA and PIRI campaigns saved US$1,431,203.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Incorporating LF MDA into polio immunization campaigns can improve financial efficiency and effectiveness in meeting the objectives of LF programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"123-147"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11687289/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142915060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Spectrum of Ocular Diseases in the Onchocerciasis-Endemic Focus of Raga in South Sudan.","authors":"Kenneth Lado Sube, Joseph Daniel Wani Lako, Justin Bruno Tongun, Tatjana Gerber, Jurel Payii Mamur, Sekonjo Juliano Hamid Moto, Stephen Raimon Legge Jada, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Adrian Dennis Hopkins, Charles D Mackenzie, Robert Colebunders","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S481554","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S481554","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Raga County is an onchocerciasis-endemic area in the Western Bahr El Ghazal state of South Sudan, known to have a high prevalence of blindness. The objective of this study was to determine the causes of eye disease and blindness in Raga County as well as to assess the relationship of eye diseases with other prevalent conditions like onchocerciasis and epilepsy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We reviewed unpublished pre-community directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) data about eye disease and onchocerciasis in Western Bahr El Ghazal including Raga. In addition, a cross-sectional study was conducted from 21^st March to 2^nd April 2023 in 11 villages in Raga County. Participants were persons with blindness or other eye/vision problems, recruited via a community-based approach. Two senior ophthalmic clinical officers, supervised by an experienced ophthalmologist, performed the following assessments on participants: visual acuity measurement with Snellen Charts, anterior chamber examination with a loupe, and fundoscopy to assess the posterior segment with direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pre-CDTI data showed that the most severe vision problems in villages with a high prevalence of <i>O. volvulus</i> infection were caused by onchocerciasis eye disease. During the 2023 survey, in total, 1559 persons (3,118 eyes) were examined (mean age: 47 ± 19.2 years, 58.4% male). The most frequent eye diagnosis was allergic conjunctivitis, observed in 1453 (46.6%) eyes of the participants. The main causes of blindness were onchocerciasis-related blindness (22.6%, caused by onchocerciasis chorioretinitis (9.4%), sclerosing keratitis, punctate keratitis (5.6%), and onchocerciasis optic neuropathy (7.6%)), and cataract (9.3%). A significantly higher proportion of persons with epilepsy presented with clinical signs of onchocerciasis including blindness (53.2%), compared to persons without epilepsy (32.5%) (p = 0.0007).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite years of CDTI, the main causes of blindness in Raga County remain onchocerciasis-related blindness observed in 22.6% and cataract observed in 9.3% of the study participants. The study confirmed an epidemiological association between onchocerciasis and epilepsy.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"111-121"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11681775/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142903446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Hearing Loss and Restricted Access to Care on the Karen People Living in a Conflict Setting Near the Thai-Burma Border.","authors":"Samuel J Martin, Phaibun Chiraphatthakun, Anan Samson Keereemalee, Wirachat Chiraphatthakun, Robert W Arnold","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S476701","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S476701","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The rate of moderate-to-severe hearing loss in Southeast Asia is 5.8%, among the world's most prevalent. However, it is difficult to measure for people whose healthcare access is limited by the ongoing civil war. Therefore, a cross-sectional study of the impacts of hearing loss was incorporated with ongoing vision/cataract clinics along the Thai-Burma border.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional observational study, culturally sensitive informed consent was obtained from patients presenting to a regionally promoted hearing clinic in Karen State, Burma (Myanmar) with a chief complaint of hearing loss. They were then administered a standardized survey derived from the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults/Elderly (HHI), then assessed based on history, otoscopy, Weber and Rinne testing, and portable audiometry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-two adults and children presented with a chief complaint of hearing loss, and 26 others came seeking vision care needing cataract surgery. HHI survey showed 41% had mild-to-moderate, and 34% had moderate-to-severe hearing impairment. On a 0-4 Likert scale, prominent complaints due to hearing loss were feeling upset (2.4 ± 1.8), limited social life (2.2 ± 1.6), using the phone less (2.1 ± 1.8) and needing to be warned of the danger by others (2.1 ± 1.9). Seventy-three percent had no prior hearing care. Access was limited due to financial (59%), limited travel (50%), and military conflict (41%). Pure-tone averages were 55.3 + 22.1 dB and 67.9 + 14.5 dB for the right and left ears, respectively. Pure tone averages are negatively correlated with HHI survey score (R = -0.53). Chicken feathers were a common mechanism of ear drum trauma. Twenty patients received Solar Ear hearing aids.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ongoing military conflict in the Karen State leaves the internally displaced people with high prevalence of hearing loss and fear of additional injury due to inability to hear danger. Surveys such as this appear more useful to assess the individual impact of hearing loss rather than severity. Efforts by regional medics to provide hearing care should be supported.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"99-109"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11577431/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142682658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"HHV8-Associated Multicentric Castleman Disease: A Case Report on a Rare Complication of HIV in a Low-Income Setting.","authors":"Marcus Ground, Thijmen Veenendaal, Daniel Rexie Chiluzi, Geoffrey Nkhonjera, Arie C Glas, Lisanne Glas-van Dijk","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S483426","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S483426","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present the case of an HIV-positive man diagnosed with multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) infection, complicated by renal failure. This subtype of an otherwise rare disease is a complication of HIV and HHV8 infection. The diagnosis and management of HHV8-MCD in the developing world is challenging-in part due to its rarity, but largely due to the limited access to histology and other laboratory services. Our case presented with a confusing constellation of symptoms and was diagnosed with MCD on histology. Here we discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of HHV8-MCD in the context of HIV infection in a resource-limited setting, in the hope that greater awareness will lead to more prompt recognition.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"91-97"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11490239/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142473606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Demographic, Clinical, Radiological, and Surgical Outcome of Patients with Intestinal Tuberculosis: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.","authors":"Saif Ghabisha, Faisal Ahmed, Abdullatif Mothanna Almohtadi, Khairalah Abdulkarem Alghazali, Mohamed Badheeb, Saleh Al-Wageeh","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S465571","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/RRTM.S465571","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intestinal tuberculosis (iTB) represents a potentially underrecognized clinical entity with limited clinical and radiological differentiating features. This study aims to assess the patterns of iTB clinical and radiological findings, along with the treatment approaches and the overall outcome.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients with histopathologically confirmed iTB who presented with acute abdomen and were surgically managed between September 2005 and October 2023. Clinical and sociodemographic variables, imaging features, surgical treatments, and overall outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>96 patients with iTB were included, with a mean age of 36.1 ± 11.5 years and a relatively proportionate gender distribution. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom (45.8%). The radiological features varied by the modality. Plain imaging showed non-specific findings, while ultrasonography showed loculated ascites (25%), and lymphadenopathy (22%). In computed tomography scans, multi-segmental symmetric intestinal thickening (53.1%) was the most prevalent finding. The most commonly performed surgical procedure was adhesiolysis (29.2%), with the ileocecal junction being the most commonly involved structure (39.6%). Histopathological examination of all the tissue biopsies revealed epithelioid granulomas. Postoperative complications occurred in 19 patients (19.8%), with surgical site infection being the most common complication (10.4%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Intestinal obstruction is an underrecognized manifestation of tuberculosis, particularly in endemic regions. The non-specific clinical presentation, coupled with the limited utility of laboratory and radiological tests, often leads to delayed recognition and treatment. Maintaining a high index of suspicion is essential, especially in younger patients, inhabitants of endemic areas, or those with laboratory findings indicative of chronic inflammation. Prompt recognition is crucial to ensure the timely initiation of anti-tuberculosis therapy and to optimize patient outcomes through appropriate follow-up.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"79-90"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11382657/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142294125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unusual Presentation of Pleural Space Ascariasis Infection from Eastern Sudan: A Case Report.","authors":"Nader Ahmed Mohammed, Abdulrahman O E Adam, Monzir Ahmed Hassan Osman, Hibatallah M A Abass, Awad M A Salih, Ameer A M Abaker, Alamin Mustafa, Mamoun Magoub","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S468422","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S468422","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> is a common infectious parasite of the gastrointestinal tract worldwide, but the invasion of the pleural cavity is rare.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>A 45-year-old man from Eastern Sudan presented to the emergency department complaining of breathlessness, cough stained with blood, and chest pain one month before his presentation. Also, he complained of high-grade fever for two weeks associated with sweating. Diagnosis of hydropneumothorax was made and a chest tube was inserted, two days later we found three adult <i>A. lumbricoides</i> worms in the chest drain.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The patient was treated with Albendazole 200 mg, orally twice, daily for seven days, he improved and was referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon for more assessment. Our study highlights that internal medicine specialists should know about pleural ascariasis when patients present with respiratory signs and symptoms, especially in <i>A. lumbricoides endemic</i> regions like Eastern Sudan.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"73-78"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11277899/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141788879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the Role of Community Involvement in Reducing the Burden of Schistosomiasis and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases in Malawi: Where are We in the Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases?","authors":"Adriano Focus Lubanga, Akim Nelson Bwanali, Leonard Eston Munthali, Mzati Mphepo, Gertrude Diana Chumbi, Melina Kangoma, Yankho Matola, Byenala Kaonga, Chitemwa Sithando Moyo","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S448425","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S448425","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Schistosomiasis has been endemic in Malawi since 1947. Despite the longevity of endemicity of the disease, it still maintains a high burden in Malawi. This could be attributed to insufficient coverage of preventive and therapeutic mass drug administration (MDA) which mainly targets school-aged children, leaving out adults who also bear a high burden of the disease. Additionally, despite well documented impact of community involvement in boosting up the effectiveness of health programmes, there is minimal community involvement in schistosomiasis control and prevention programmes. Therefore, this perspective seeks to discuss the historical background of schistosomiasis in Malawi, gaps in community engagement and participation and suggest ways of enhancing the role of the community in prevention and control programmes. Amongst other challenges, the control programmes are centralised, leading to minimal input at the district and community level as well as low awareness of schistosomiasis control and prevention methods at the community level. It is of utmost significance therefore to provide comprehensive schistosomiasis health education to the communities and devise a thorough outline of the specific roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders including community members in the fight against schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"51-58"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10909323/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140022541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Burden and Risk Factors of <i>Helicobacter Pylori</i> Infection Among Government Employees Who Clinically Complain of Indigestion but Allergic Diseases in Southeastern Ethiopia: A Multi-Institution Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Taye Kebede, Hagos Ashenafi","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S447203","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/RRTM.S447203","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Helicobacter pylori</i> (<i>H. pylori</i>) is believed to have spread from East Africa, but its burden is still unknown in less privileged regions of Ethiopia. Indigestion is an upset stomach, upper abdomen discomfort, heartburn, and bloating. This study evaluated the burden and risk factors for <i>H. pylori</i> infection among government employees who clinically complained of indigestion but allergic diseases in five public health institutions in Southeastern Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A health facilities-based cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Southeastern Ethiopia from March to November 2022, employing cluster sampling. Blood specimens, clinical data, and semi-structured questionnaires about risk factors were collected. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression in STATA software, Windows version 16.1.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of infection was found to be 77.6%. The sampled health institution (<i>ρ</i>-value < 0.05), engagement in sideline business (<i>ρ</i>-value < 0.05), sharing local spoon on meal [AOR = 39.30; CI:19.52 -78.31; <i>ρ</i>-value < 0.001], admitting \"Gursha\" during meal [AOR = 71.48; CI:3.99 -1279.77; <i>ρ</i>-value < 0.05], the toilet type [AOR = 1410.98; CI:121.16 -16,431.19; <i>ρ</i>-value < 0.001], alcohol drinking [AOR = 15.15; CI:1.90 -120.62; <i>ρ</i>-value < 0.05], sleeping hours length [AOR = 15.01; CI:13.48-55.96; <i>ρ</i>-value < 0.001], chewing Khat [AOR = 76.73; CI:8.57-687.07; <i>ρ</i>-value < 0.001], and regular hand washing before eating [AOR = 0.15; CI:0.12-0.19; <i>ρ</i>-value < 0.05] were the independent predictors of <i>H. pylori</i> infection.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prevalence rate of <i>H. pylori</i> infection in Southeastern Ethiopia is agonizingly high, exceeding the world average by 27.6%, the first report, and seems to be one of the neglected infectious diseases. Hence, the Oromia Region Health Bureau should reinvigorate the basic infectious disease control methods, establish routine laboratory diagnostic platforms, and intervene in selected societal practices spreading infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"25-49"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10885702/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139973266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}