Journal of Public Health in Africa最新文献

{"title":"COVID-19 and ethics in action: Insights from African research committees.","authors":"Alemseged Abdissa, Solomon M Abay, Akililu Alemu Ashuro, Derbew Fikadu Berhe, Tseday Tilahun Degafa, Nchangwi Syntia Munung, Godfrey B Tangwa, Juntra Karbwang, Yimtubezinash Woldeamanuel","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1540","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1540","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Research ethics committees (RECs) in Africa face challenges, including inadequate institutional support, low member engagement, and limited ethical review capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of pressure on RECs.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To delineate the activities of African RECs and pinpoint challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted across multiple RECs in various African countries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted across multiple African countries to provide an overview of the functioning of RECs during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Chairs reported a substantial increase in protocol reviews, from 5860 in 2019 to a 12% (<i>n</i> = 744) increment in 2020. Amid the pandemic, there was a noticeable rise in research protocol amendments (79%, <i>n</i> = 38) and deviations. The vast majority of RECs (96%, <i>n</i> = 46) adhered to COVID-19 prevention institutional policies and limited face-to-face meetings. Challenges encountered in reviewing COVID-19-related proposals were linked to risk and/or benefit assessments and scientific designs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study underscores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on REC functioning in Africa, marked by a surge in proposal volumes and the emergence of new ethical challenges. To address these challenges, there is a pressing need to nurture RECs in the region through diverse strategies, including capacity-building initiatives such as the Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review (SIDCER) recognition programme. Additionally, establishing periodic training opportunities through suitable platforms can further enhance the resilience and effectiveness of RECs.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study contributes to understanding how RECs in African countries adapted their review processes during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for establishing periodic training opportunities through suitable platforms.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"17 1","pages":"1540"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969500/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436405","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":"Evaluation of perception towards brain health in Nigeria: Results from a nationwide awareness survey.","authors":"Temitope Farombi, Agustin Ibanez, Olajoke Akinyemi, Olufisayo Elugbadebo, Oluwagbemiga Oyinlola, Gabriel Ogunde, Joaquín Migeot, Chinedu Udeh-Momoh, Rufus Akinyemi","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1270","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Brain health involves the continuous functioning of mental, cognitive, motor and physical abilities driven by brain processes. Despite high levels of brain health risk in Nigeria, there is a lack of data on the public perception of brain health.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The authors investigated the perception of brain health and explored the interplay between demographic factors and brain health awareness.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The research was carried out among the Nigerian population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 570 participants responded to a cross-sectional survey conducted using Google Form link shared through WhatsApp and Facebook and convenience sampling between April 2023 and August 2023. Brain health perceptions were assessed across key domains. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 29.0 was used for analysis. Bivariate correlations and logistic regression explored the relationships between socio-demographics and brain health perception.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Substance use was rated by 67% of participants as influencing factor for brain health. All life stages were considered important for brain care. Men were less likely than women to attribute family income, substance use and sleep as key influences. Remarkably, only 43.9%, 19.5% and 19.5% of participants agreed that an association exists between hypertension, diabetes and arthritis with brain health.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study's findings suggest that there are notable gaps and gender differences in perceptions, underscoring the need for targeted health education. Addressing these gaps could improve the understanding of factors influencing brain health and support policy efforts in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides unique insight into the gaps in the public perception of brain health in Nigeria, serving as a baseline study for future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"17 1","pages":"1270"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969513/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436423","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":"Obstetric fistula awareness in The Gambia, Côte d'Ivoire, Madagascar and Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys data.","authors":"Hayley Pierce, Emily Leclerc, Nicole Peterson","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1531","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1531","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Obstetric fistulas represent a frequently overlooked consequence of inadequate maternal health care and are largely preventable and treatable, with fistula awareness playing a key role in these efforts. This article aimed to understand the levels of fistula awareness and socioeconomic factors that aid or hinder that awareness in four African countries.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The intent was to increase knowledge of the importance of fistula awareness and propose possible pathways to further increase this awareness in the region.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This research used cross-sectional data from the 2019-2021 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in The Gambia, Côte d'Ivoire, Madagascar and Sierra Leone.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We noted the prevalence of fistulas in these populations and used weighted logistic regression (<i>n</i> = 60 128) to examine the relationships between key factors and fistula awareness overall and by country.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 0.01% of respondents report having a fistula, and 33% of women are aware of fistulas, ranging from a low of 13% to a high of 57% in The Gambia and Sierra Leone, respectively. Marital status, age, media and internet use, level of education, sexual activity, employment and health knowledge were all discovered to be significant factors in shaping a woman's awareness of obstetric fistulas.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Increasing efforts to improve educational attainment, media access, workplace opportunities for women and health knowledge may have the potential to further increase fistula awareness in these and neighbouring countries. Addressing inadequate maternal health care and increasing women's rights in these countries can reduce the rates of childbirth injuries like obstetric fistulas.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This article provides insights to the importance of targeting awareness initiatives through education, media, and community engagement, particularly among women who are younger, less educated, or socially marginalised.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"17 1","pages":"1531"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969570/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436350","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":"PrEP and choice counselling - Insights into implementation.","authors":"Melanie Pleaner, Faith Musvipwa, Siphokazi Dada, Fatima A Cholo, Catherine E Martin, Alison Kutywayo, Vusile Butler, Saiqa Mullick","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1458","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1458","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The introduction of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was a game-changer in HIV prevention. In 2023, the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR) was introduced in select implementation research sites in South Africa, introducing a new dimension into HIV prevention service delivery - people were now able to choose their PrEP method and switch between methods. As new PrEP products are introduced, choice has taken centre stage in HIV prevention service delivery. In these field notes, we describe an iterative, participative process to gain insight into choice counselling training and implementation. Healthcare providers were trained on both DVR and PrEP choice counselling. Guided by the Transfer of Learning Matrix, we embarked on a process with the aim of assessing how choice counselling was being implemented at site level to identify gaps and inform future training and mentoring in relation to effective choice counselling. Healthcare providers involved in delivering DVR in the three implementing clusters were purposefully invited to participate in interviews. A total of 42 interviews were conducted with both clinical and non-clinical providers between December 2023 and January 2024. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Findings include the importance of healthcare providers communicating in a balanced manner and not letting personal bias interfere, and that one-off trainings and job aids for choice counselling are not enough and need to be supplemented by active engagement with healthcare providers on the ground to identify gaps and inform ongoing in-service training and mentoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"17 1","pages":"1458"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969582/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436428","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":"Migration corridors in Africa and access to health services: Current challenges and a path forward for research and practice.","authors":"Edward Kirumira, Muhammad H Zaman, Helen E Lindsay, Julia Pettengill","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1626","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1626","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This commentary discusses migration corridors on the African continent and access to health services. It stems from a workshop on migration corridors held in South Africa and reflects the interdisciplinary collaborative dialogue on migration journeys and healthcare, incorporating physical and mental well-being. We must reimagine migration narratives and healthcare accessibility and call for new methods of knowledge generation and service provision. By framing the migration journey as corridors that take many directions, beyond the 'Global South' to 'Global North' paradigm, we propose that the healthcare sector can more effectively utilise interdisciplinary research methods centring the well-being of migrants. Considering this reframing, we call for reimagined funding structures, ethical technology use and new methods of knowledge generation and service provision.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"17 1","pages":"1626"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969516/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436425","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":"Addressing the need for an operational research framework for Africa.","authors":"Isaac A Choge, Neema W Kamara, Merawi T Aragaw, Nicaise Ndembi, Landry D Tsague","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1491","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1491","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which supports all 55 member states (MS) in Africa, was established to strengthen the capacity and capability of Africa's public health institutions to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks based on science, policy, and data-driven interventions and programmes. This function is drawn from the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which adopted the statute of the Africa CDC in January 2016 and implemented it in mid-2017. Africa desperately needs an operational research (OR) framework for all 55 MS. The OR framework's strategic aim is to strengthen the capacity to initiate, design and implement OR during disease outbreaks and emergencies. The framework, with support from the Africa CDC, will therefore provide a concise guide to institutional structures, procedures and standards, as well as an outline of methodologies and tools for conducting OR that is context-specific, while promoting the use of generated evidence for policy and decision makers. Drawing on expert reviews, we present here the need for the OR framework and the process of its development for research during public health emergencies in Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"17 1","pages":"1491"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969581/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436392","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":"Integrating a single-dose intravenous iron therapy (ferric carboxymaltose) for maternal anaemia in Nigeria: Insights from stakeholder engagement.","authors":"Rachel A Thompson, Uchenna Gwacham-Anisiobi, Chisom Obi-Jeff, Mobolanle Balogun, Opeyemi R Akinajo, Esther Oluwole, Yusuf Adelabu, Temitope Audu, Bosede B Afolabi, Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1672","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1672","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Maternal anaemia contributes to high maternal morbidity and adverse birth outcomes in Nigeria. Oral iron supplementation is common but limited by poor adherence, side effects and systemic barriers. Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), a single-dose intravenous iron formulation, offers a promising alternative, yet its routine use in Nigeria remains limited. Policymakers, providers and community leaders influence adoption of health services, making their perspectives key to successful integration.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To explore stakeholder perspectives on integrating FCM for maternal anaemia into routine maternal health services.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in Lagos State, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Thirty-three purposively selected stakeholders participated, representing government agencies, healthcare providers, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations, professional associations and community leaders. Participants were grouped by affiliation and roles to encourage open dialogue. Discussions followed a semi-structured guide, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using an inductive approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three interrelated themes emerged: (1) health workers are not sufficiently prepared for intravenous iron delivery but could be through sensitisation, reorientation and resourcing; (2) sociocultural and religious influences, alongside misconceptions, require targeted community engagement and (3) affordability is a barrier but could be addressed through strategic policy levers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Successful integration of FCM requires investment in health system capacity, sustained community engagement and alignment with financing and policy frameworks.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings illustrate how stakeholder-informed analysis can reveal the practical, cultural and financial conditions necessary for sustainable uptake of FCM, advancing understanding of how maternal health innovations can be integrated within fragmented health systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"17 ","pages":"1672"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969697/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436361","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":"Burden of group A rotavirus infection among children with acute diarrhoea in Lambaréné, Gabon.","authors":"Bayode Romeo Adegbite, Jeannot Fréjus Zinsou, Jean Claude Dejon-Agobé, Jean Ronald Edoa, Yabo Josiane Honkpéhèdji, Michele Marion Ntsame Owono, Fabrice Beral M'Baidiguim, Gédéon Prince Manouana, Andréa Rosine Oméra Obele Ndong, Ayôla Akim Adegnika","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1617","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1617","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rotaviruses are among the most common causal pathogens of severe dehydrating diarrhoea in children. Little is known about the burden of rotavirus diarrhoea in Gabon.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to determine the proportion of rotavirus infection in children under 5 years with diarrhoea in Lambaréné and seen at the hospital and factors associated with rotavirus infection.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The data used in this study were collected between February 2020 and February 2021 in children presenting with acute diarrhoea in the Albert Schweitzer Hospital paediatric ward.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was carried out. Stool samples were tested for rotavirus antigens using the rotavirus Standard Diagnostic (SD) BIOLINE Rota and Adeno enzyme immunoassay detection kit.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 178 children were included in the study. The proportion of rotavirus infection was 22% (<i>n</i> = 39/178; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 16% - 29%). In the multivariate analysis, the rotavirus was independently associated with dehydration (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.09-6.86), vomiting (aOR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.29-8.25), lethargy (aOR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.16-8.71) and hospitalisation (aOR = 4.63; 95% CI: 1.7-13.65).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Rotavirus infection was associated with severe diarrhoea and hospitalisation. This study shows the need to integrate and support free rotavirus vaccination into the expanded vaccination programme in Gabon.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides evidence that could guide public health strategies and inform vaccine policies that could ultimately reduce the burden of rotavirus-associated diarrhoea in children.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"17 1","pages":"1617"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12973255/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436349","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":"Family planning in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District: A follow-up on attitudes and practices.","authors":"Alexa J Henrie, Mariam Atobiloye, Bryan Radmall, Quincy N Sorensen, Andy Yanagihara, Daniel Ansong, Eric Sarpong, Lowell S Benson, Ty Dickerson","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1285","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1285","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In 2010, the Barekuma Collaborative Community Development Project demonstrated concerning evidence of unmet family planning needs in the Barkese sub-district in the Ashanti region of Ghana. In 2023, Ghana Health Services requested the study be repeated to understand how the prevalence of abortions, family planning perceptions and methods used by women in this region had changed since 2010.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study is to understand how the region's attitudes and behaviours associated with contraception have changed since 2010.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Survey participants were from 10 communities in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>One hundred and ninety-eight women participated in a survey with questions adapted from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Once responses were collected, descriptive analysis was performed to determine trends in the use of contraceptives and reasons against the use of family planning.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seventy-six point 5 per cent of women had used at least one family planning method. Emergency contraception was the most used method ever. One hundred and forty-seven had reproductive potential. Of these women, 47.6% were currently using a method to prevent pregnancy, most commonly the rhythm (calendar) method. When asked about their latest pregnancy, 65.7% were not trying to get pregnant at that time. Fear of side effects was a common reason for avoiding use of contraceptives.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Compared to the 2010 study, emergency contraception replaced oral contraceptives as the most ever used method. Fewer women were currently using a method to prevent pregnancy, and unintended pregnancies occurred more frequently. The fear of adverse side effects identified in the 2010 study continues to be a major barrier today.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study affirms the persistence of unplanned pregnancies and limited knowledge of contraceptive side effects, indicating the need for comprehensive family planning education.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"17 1","pages":"1285"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969543/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436358","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":"Effect of intervention on preventive practices of hypertension and diabetes among teachers.","authors":"Victoria O Rotimi-Oyedepo, Patience E Samson-Akpan, Mary A Olofin-Samuel","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1418","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1418","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study addressed the critical gap in teachers' preventive practices regarding hypertension and diabetes, highlighting the need for workplace health interventions to improve disease prevention.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to examine the effect of an educational intervention on self-reported preventive practices of hypertension and diabetes among teachers in selected schools in Lagos State.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The research setting comprised Lagos Island and Yaba Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State, Nigeria, both of which are historically significant and serve as key centres for education and commerce.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental research design was adopted, involving an experimental group that received the intervention and a control group that did not. The study population comprised public secondary school teachers, with a total of 176 participants, selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was no significant difference in self-reported preventive practices between the experimental and control groups before the intervention (Cohen's <i>d</i> = -0.0072, <i>p</i> = 0.953). However, post-intervention results showed a significant improvement in the experimental group compared to the control group (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 12.41, <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The educational intervention implemented in this study significantly enhanced teachers' preventive practices regarding hypertension and diabetes. It recommends that schools should collaborate with health agencies to conduct routine health screenings and awareness programmes.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provided empirical evidence that the educational intervention significantly improved teachers' self-reported preventive practices for hypertension and diabetes, reinforcing the need for workplace-based health promotion.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"17 1","pages":"1418"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12973254/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436346","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}