Journal of Public Health in Africa最新文献

{"title":"COVID-19 vaccine utilisation among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe.","authors":"Talent Tapera, Clifford Odimegwu, Tatenda Makoni, Waraidzo Mukuwapasi, Vivian Chitiyo, Gilton Kadziyanike, Abigail Mutsinze, Nicola Willis, Garikayi Chemhaka, Million Phiri","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.664","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.664","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Several studies have now highlighted COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in the public. However, not much is known about COVID-19 vaccination amoung people living with HIV (PLHIV).</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to examine the predisposition of PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy to utilise the COVID-19 vaccine.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was done in urban and rural communities of Zimbabwe.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study utilised a concurrent triangulation design of which only one data collection phase was used. The quantitative data were collected from 2157 PLHIV on antiretroviral viral therapy through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. On the other hand, qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study found a higher proportion of COVID-19 vaccine utilisation among adults in comparison to adolescents and young people. Fear of side effects contributed to the most common reason for not getting vaccinated. Adolescents aged 15-19 years were significantly less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.41-0.83). Being a previous contact of a COVID-19 case was significantly associated with higher odds of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR = 3.43; 95% CI: 1.92-6.10). Additionally, living in a rural area was associated with higher odds of COVID-19 vaccination among PLHIV (aOR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.05-1.83).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is need to broaden to speak to the role of families, communities and healthcare workers ensuring adolescent and youth-friendly information and support for vaccinations.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The COVID-19 vaccination rates were lower among adolescents and young people compared to adults living with HIV. Adolescents and young people face challenges in accessing adolescent-friendly health services.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"664"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966655/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781421","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":"Mapping healthcare leadership interventions and their performance in sub-Saharan Africa.","authors":"Magome A Masike, Ozayr Mahomed","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.754","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.754","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare leadership development programmes (LDPs) are gaining recognition globally as enablers for competent leadership. Sub-Saharan Africa countries are also implementing healthcare leadership development initiatives.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This scoping review sought to map healthcare leadership interventions and their performance in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A search of relevant articles was performed in PubMed, Semantic Scholar, and Academia, for articles written in English and published between 2003 and 2023. The Arksey and O'Malley framework was used to map the published studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews were used to report the results (PRISMA-ScR).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One hundred and ten articles were retrieved. Twenty-eight articles were included in the review. Twenty-one per cent (<i>n</i> = 6) of the studies on LDPs were conducted in South Africa. Twenty-one per cent (<i>n</i> = 6) used the 'case study' design, 18% mixed-method (<i>n</i> = 5) and 14% (<i>n</i> = 4) used qualitative study designs. Twenty-three of the 46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa conducted LDPs. Four programmes are postgraduate university degrees with entry requirements, while two programmes do not have any formal entry requirements.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Healthcare LDPs exist in sub-Saharan Africa. However, they are marketed as 'healthcare leadership development', while their content is management development.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This article summarises the research on the state and contributions of the healthcare LDPs in sub-Saharan Africa. Development of all future healthcare LDPs must consider applicable policies and be based on curricula that are focused on healthcare leadership competency development across all functional areas in the healthcare service delivery value chain.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"754"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966659/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781441","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":"Screening for monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance: A prospective study.","authors":"Aissam El Maataoui, Sofia Farhat","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.714","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.714","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Several studies have reported an increase in the incidence of multiple myeloma among farmers following pesticide use.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to seek an association between pesticide exposure and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in young pesticide applicators.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The setting for this study was the Souss Massa region of the Kingdom of Morocco.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a case-control study among 239 young male pesticide applicators with known exposure to pesticides (male pesticide applicators = exposed group) and 157 males with no direct exposure to pesticides (unexposed group). Serum protein electrophoresis was performed on all sera, and when monoclonal proteins were detected, they were characterised by serum protein immunofixation electrophoresis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We found that the prevalence of MGUS was significantly higher in the exposed group older than 40 years 4.03% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49-9.62) compared with the control group 0.91% (95% CI: 0.16-4.97), with no cases reported before this age. However, the odds ratio did not reach statistical significance 3.33 (95% CI: 0.39-28.78), which can be explained by the size of the population and the mean age ± s.d. of the pesticide applicators of 39.54 ± 11.51. In contrast, the international studies found the same results with all recruited patients over 50 years. This selection was made at the beginning of the study. Monoclonal proteins in the exposed group were characterised as follows: immunoglobulin Gλ 3 (1.25%), IgGκ 1 (0.41%) and biclonal IgGκ + IgGκ 1 (0.41%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We recommend mandatory screening for monoclonal gammopathy in pesticide applicators over the age of 40 years. Further studies are needed to investigate the association between pesticide molecules and MGUS.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The results of this study can be used by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture to provide baseline data to help develop appropriate prevention measures and awareness programmes against the misuse of pesticides.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"714"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966678/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781469","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":"Tolerability of facemask during physical exercises during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review.","authors":"Akwagiobe F Odey, Iwara I Arikpo, Joshua Meremikwu, Mavis A Otonkue, Nkwachukwu N Chukwu, Freedman Ita-Lincoln","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.610","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.610","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Available evidence supports the use of facemasks by all groups to prevent respiratory infections, particularly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, it is not clear whether these masks can be used safely during various intensities of physical exercise.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the impact of different types of facemasks on oxygen saturation, oxygen uptake, rate of perceived exertion and performance during different physical exercises.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Healthcare databases.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We searched for articles published between 2020 to 05 September 2022. There was no restriction in age, language or setting. Electronic databases including The Cochrane Library - Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of systematic review and EPOC; MEDLINE; EMBASE were searched for articles for the period stated above. Risk of Bias in included studies was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCTs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-four randomised control trials with cross-over design were included. There was a total of 617 participants (373 males and 244 females). None of studies reported on prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection by mask. The pooled effect estimate shows that wearing surgical mask did not affect oxygen saturation and oxygen uptake. Masks are tolerated during mild and moderate exercise, but reduce maximal exercise capacity. Children tolerate masks for submaximal exercise better than adults.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>During physical exercises, masks should be used with caution by healthy adults and children but should be avoided by elderly and ill patients.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This review offers current evidence on tolerability of facemask during physical exercises.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 2","pages":"610"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966696/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781477","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":"Implications of COVID-19 pandemic and response approaches in Uganda: Stakeholder perspectives.","authors":"Moses Ocan, Josephine Bayigga, Adelline Twimukye, Hellen Nansiiro, Daphine Sanger, Mordecai Tayebwa, Boniconsilli Tusiime, Maureen Katusiime, Daniel Kyabayinze, Benon Kwesiga, Henry K Bosa, Leah Mbabazi, Tonny Muwonge, Brenda N Simbwa, Francis Kakooza, Mosoka P Fallah, Alex R Ario","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.697","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.697","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly impacted health systems worldwide.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study explored the effects of the COVID-19 cascade on health programmes in Uganda.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This study conducted in-depth interviews with key informants involved in Uganda's national COVID-19 response.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional exploratory study using qualitative approaches was carried out. A purposive sample of 30 key informants from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and implementing partners were interviewed (May 2023 - June 2023). Interviews were audio recorded and analysed using inductive thematic analysis with NVivo 14 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes emerged: (1) approaches and opportunities for successful COVID-19 response, (2) negative impacts of the pandemic on health services, (3) barriers to implementing response strategies and (4) suggestions for preparedness for future epidemics.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While the pandemic disrupted health programmes and access to care, it also revealed opportunities to strengthen healthcare delivery. Strengthening the dedicated Ministry of Health department for epidemic preparedness and response is recommended.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study identifies areas for improvement in Uganda's health system exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It informs public health preparedness efforts in Uganda and other African countries, aligning with the Journal's focus on strengthening health systems in Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"697"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966707/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781435","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":"Analysing dengue fever spread in Kenya using the Zero-Inflated Poisson model.","authors":"Lameck Ondieki Agasa, Faith Thuita, Thomas Achia, Antony Karanja","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.781","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.781","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dengue fever (DF), transmitted by <i>Aedes</i> mosquitoes, remains a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions. Understanding the influence of climatic variables on DF incidence is essential for improving outbreak prediction and control measures.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study analysed the impact of climatic factors on DF incidence in Kenya using a Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) model.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study focused on DF cases in Kenya from 2019 to 2021.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A ZIP model was applied to monthly dengue case data and associated climatic variables, such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity. The model addresses over-dispersion and excess zeros in the data, providing a more accurate depiction of DF dynamics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The ZIP model revealed significant associations between climatic variables and DF incidence. Humidity (β = 0.0578, standard error [s.e.] = 0.0024, <i>z</i> = 24.157, <i>p</i> < 2e-16) and temperature (β = 0.0558, s.e. = 0.0053, <i>z</i> = 10.497, <i>p</i> < 0.01) showed a positive relationship with dengue cases, while rainfall (β = -0.0045, s.e. = 0.0003, <i>z</i> = -16.523, <i>p</i> < 0.01) had a significant negative effect. The over-dispersion test confirmed excess variability in the data (O statistic = 456.3, <i>p</i> = 0.004), and the Vuong test supported the use of the ZIP model over a standard Poisson model. Model comparison indicated superior fit for the ZIP model (akaike information criterion [AIC] = 5230.959 vs. 27061.367 for Poisson), effectively accounting for zero-inflation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results suggest that higher humidity and temperature favor dengue transmission, while heavy rainfall may disrupt mosquito breeding, reducing cases. These findings provide a basis for targeted public health interventions.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study enhances understanding of DF-climate interactions in Kenya, supporting the application of ZIP modelling for improved disease surveillance and control strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"781"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905199/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143626429","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":"Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation for surface cleaning of COVID-19 in healthcare settings: A review.","authors":"Chioma M Oringanje, Sidney K Oparah, Chukwudi Oringanje, Chibuike M Meremikwu, David Olatunji, Alice A Uzuta, Chinwe L Ochu","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.572","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.572","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of additional infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. In healthcare settings, the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections remains high for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has been explored as a potential alternative for surface disinfection within healthcare facilities and hospitals.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study evaluates the effectiveness of UVGI as a surface cleaning method for COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Healthcare settings.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched from 01 January 2020 to 31 August 2022, included Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), with no language restrictions. Two independent researchers screened and extracted data. Proportions and relative risk were calculated, and the evidence quality was assessed using the GRADE approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three studies were included, all focusing on terminal disinfection of patient rooms. None directly assessed the effect of UVGI on hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections. One study found UVGI reduced viral contamination post-regular cleaning in healthcare settings (RR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.02-3.31). Other studies reported complete viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) clearance after 15 min of irradiation at 254 nm and 15 s at 222 nm, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The evidence on UVGI reducing SARS-CoV-2 contamination on surfaces is of very low certainty.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The very low certainty prevents a definitive conclusion on its effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 in healthcare settings. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 2","pages":"572"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905184/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143625986","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":"COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated factors among health workers in Kampala city, Uganda.","authors":"Moses Ocan, Maureen Katusiime, Daniel Kyabayinze, Benon Kwesiga, Rodgers Ayebare, Suzan Nakasendwa, Leah Mbabazi, Henry K Bosa, Hellen Nansiiro, Daphine Sanger, Mordecai Tayebwa, Boniconsilli Tusiime, Agnes Kiragga, Francis Kakooza, Elizabeth Gonese, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Mosoka P Fallah, Alex R Ario","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.720","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.720","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is crucial for healthcare workers (HCWs) and understanding their perspectives is vital for promoting vaccine uptake in communities.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study assessed factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among HCWs in Kampala, Uganda.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A cross-sectional study was done in seven high-volume health facilities in Kampala.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A questionnaire based on the Behavioural and Social Drivers Model was administered to 200 HCWs. Data were analysed using STATA version 17 to identify associations with vaccination status.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall vaccination uptake was 65.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.1, 71.8), with 17.7% (95% CI: 12.6, 23.7) having received a booster dose. Concerns about safety and side effects were the primary reasons for vaccine hesitancy. While HCWs generally believed that getting vaccinated for diseases such as measles and tuberculosis can help prevent sickness or death, with 70.5% (<i>n</i> = 141/200) strongly agreeing, only 48% (<i>n</i> = 96/200) of HCWs strongly agreed that vaccination against COVID-19 can reduce the risk of illness or death. Age, profession and facility type were associated with vaccination status.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Healthcare workers in Kampala had high vaccine uptake, but safety concerns remain. Targeted communication strategies from the Ministry of Health are needed to address these concerns and further increase vaccine confidence.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study reveals specific reasons for vaccine hesitancy among HCWs in an African urban setting. These insights inform interventions to improve vaccine uptake in this key population.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"720"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905182/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143626432","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":"Disinfection methods for preventing COVID-19 infections in healthcare settings: A rapid review.","authors":"Joseph Okebe, Atana Ewa, Ememobong Aquaisua, Obasesam A Ikpi, Ella Olughu, Ebere C Chukwuemelie, Chukwudi Oringanje, Tochi Okwor, Martin Meremikwu","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.588","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.588","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Disinfectant sprays and wipes reduce the risk of infection from contaminated surfaces and materials in healthcare facilities. To support guideline updates, evidence on surface disinfection against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are needed.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aims to compare the effect of disinfection by spraying or wiping on the risk of human infections in healthcare facilities providing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) services.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Healthcare settings providing care for patients with COVID-19 or where exposure risk to COVID-19 is high.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We searched the Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Cochrane Database of systematic review; PubMed, EMBASE and EPOC databases from 01 January 2020 to 31 August 2022. Results were screened for eligibility, the risk of bias in included studies assessed, and the certainty of evidence defined using GRADE^®.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three observational studies were included. Two studies reporting proportion of surfaces with residual contamination, showed contrasting results with spraying more effective (0%, [<i>n</i> = 0/39] vs. 25.6% [<i>n</i> = 23/90]) in one study but less effective (25.0% [<i>n</i> = 12/48] vs. 48.2% [<i>n</i> = 13/27]) in the other. The third study reported higher reductions from wiping (88.0%) compared to spraying (15.1%). The risk of bias ranged from moderate to serious and the certainty of the evidence was very low. No study reported a direct effect on the risk of infection in humans.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both spraying and wiping methods may protect against SARS-CoV-2 infections indirectly by reducing residual surface contamination.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The use of both methods of disinfection in cleaning protocols indirectly reduces residual surface contamination.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 2","pages":"588"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905173/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143625745","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":"Increased HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in two health facilities in Northern Cameroon between 2021 and 2022.","authors":"Patrice Djataou, Marceline D Ngounoue, Georges Nguefack-Tsague, Jean de Dieu Anoubissi, Joséphine J K Kadji, Tiga A Aline, Elise Elong, Moussa Djaouda, Alexis Ndjolo, Celine N Nkenfou","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.690","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.690","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remain a global public health problem. Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are aggravating factors.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify new cases of HIV and STIs, as well as their associated risk factors.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Political insecurity in the northern regions of Cameroon has led to population displacement, weakening an already fragile health system.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cohort of 684 consenting participants from the north and far north were enrolled in 2021 and followed up in 2022. Socio-demographic variables and risk behaviours were collected. Anti-HIV Ab, hepatitis B surface antigen, <i>Treponema pallidum</i> haemagglutination tests were performed. The data were analysed using Epi Info 7.5.2. The associations between variables were evaluated using the Chi-square test with a 95% confidence interval.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The new cases of HIV rate and overall prevalence were 1.63% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83% - 2.41%) and 3.8% (95% CI: 2.01% - 3.97%), respectively. New HIV cases increased from 0.27% (2017, Demographic and Health Survey [DHS]) to 1.63%. The prevalence of syphilis and hepatitis B was 1.03% (95% CI: 0.98% - 1.09%) and 4.56% (95% CI: 4.51% - 4.66%), respectively. Factors associated with HIV included religion (<i>p</i> = 0.027), unprotected sex (<i>p</i> = 0.006), sex with a sex worker (<i>p</i> = 0.00009), and co-infection with syphilis and hepatitis B (<i>p</i> = 0.033). New HIV infections may also be associated with population displacement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>HIV infection, syphilis and hepatitis B are on the rise in the Northern Cameroon.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Future HIV prevention strategies should consider population displacement and HIV-associated infections such as hepatitis B and syphilis in order to secure achievements in HIV programme and further curb the burden of these infections in the country.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"690"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905195/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143624670","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}