Journal of Public Health in Africa最新文献

{"title":"COVID-19 severity and vaccine effectiveness in Malawi: A test-negative case-control study.","authors":"Clara Sambani, Victor Chikwapulo, Regina Mankhamba, Tonny Muwonge, Mavuto Thomas, Baxter Salatiel, Edna Mandala, Leah Mbabazi, Suzan Nakasendwa, Rodgers R Ayebare, Collins Mitambo, Matthew Kagoli, Mabvuto Chiwaula, Dzinkambani Kambalame, Triza Chirwa, Liness Chinyamunyamu, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Tajudeen Raji, Francis Kakooza, Mosoka P Fallah, Evelyn C Banda, Abigail Kazembe, Mitch Matoga","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.758","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.758","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>COVID-19 vaccines were administered globally, and Malawi commenced vaccination on 11 March 2021.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study assessed the real-world effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and factors associated with disease severity and mortality in Malawi.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A facility-based case-control study within the largest referral hospitals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Cases (COVID-19 positive) were matched 1:1 with controls based on age, sex and testing date. Interviews via phone focused on COVID-19 testing and vaccination, underlying conditions and disease outcomes. Analysed using STATA 17, the exposure of interest was vaccination status. For vaccine effectiveness (VE), conditional logistic regression modelling was used, while disease severity and management were analysed using binary logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The unvaccinated were at 53.3%, and 35.8% were fully vaccinated and/or received a booster. The VE among the fully and partially vaccinated was 10% (95% CI: -26.2, 35.81) and 31.8% (95% CI: -9.91, 57.72), respectively compared to the unvaccinated. Most of the COVID-19 patients (87.8%) were not hospitalised. Underlying chronic conditions and a previous positive COVID-19 test were associated with severe disease (aOR: 3.54, 95% CI: 1.65, 7.61 and aOR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.13, 7.61, respectively); however, these odds were not different by vaccination status.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The VE was low and severe disease was linked with chronic illnesses and previous positive COVID-19 tests. Efforts to promote vaccination through education and access should be enhanced, particularly for those with underlying chronic conditions.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings can inform strategies on prioritisation for disease vaccination and improving patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"758"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067548/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051559","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":"Vaccine uptake, barriers and enhancers of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers from high-burden cities in Ethiopia.","authors":"Gutema B Tura, Derbachew A Teni, Saro Abdella, Jaleta B Tura, Yakob Wondarad, Getahun Fetensa, Tesfaye Gelanew, Alemseged Abdissa, Senga Sembuche, Elizabeth Gonese, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Mosoka P Fallah, Leah Mbabazi, Rodgers R Ayebare, Agnes Kiragga, Francis Kakooza, Mesay Hailu, Getachew Tollera, Raji Tajudeen, Aster Tsegaye","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.673","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.673","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is crucial for healthcare workers (HCWs) to protect themselves and promote public health.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study assessed COVID-19 vaccination uptake, barriers and enhancers among HCWs in high-burden cities in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A cross-sectional survey among 600 randomly selected HCWs from 30 health facilities (May 2023 to July 2023).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Interviewer-administered questionnaires assessed vaccination status, concerns and motivators. Descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression identified factors associated with vaccination.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 70.3% (<i>n</i> = 422) received at least one dose, and 39.2% (<i>n</i> = 235) were fully vaccinated. Safety concerns (51.9%) were the main barrier. More information on safety and efficacy (53.1%) and regulatory approval (27.3%) were key motivators. Those not recommending vaccination were less likely to be vaccinated (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41-0.85). Professionals such as radiographers (PR = 0.78), pharmacists (PR = 0.79) and laboratory personnel (PR = 0.85) were less likely compared to physicians. Older HCWs (> 25 years) were twice as likely to be vaccinated. HCWs in health centres were more likely to be vaccinated than those in hospitals (PR = 1.201, 95% CI: 1.076-1.341).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A significant proportion of HCWs were not fully vaccinated. Targeting hospital workers and younger age groups and improving HCWs confidence in recommending vaccination can increase uptake.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study reveals COVID-19 vaccine safety, efficacy and confidence concerns of HCWs, highlighting the need for targeted awareness to strengthen national vaccination efforts against pandemics.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"673"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067571/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144005227","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":"Perceptions about COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in Rwanda: A mixed-methods study.","authors":"Erigene Rutayisire, François X Ndayambaje, Sembuche Senga, Raji Tajudeen, Darius Uzabakiriho, Solange Nikwigize, Marie F Muremba, Eric Remera, Tonny Muwonge, Leah Mbabazi, Rodgers R Ayebare, Francis Kakooza, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Elizabeth Gonese, Mosoka P Fallah, Ayman Ahmed, Jean Claude S Ngabonziza","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.668","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.668","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare workers (HCWs) are crucial for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programmes, but their perceptions of the vaccine, particularly in low-income countries, are underexplored. This study investigated HCWs perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccination in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to understand HCWs' perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted in 45 purposively selected health facilities in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A sample of 230 HCWs was purposively calculated to include 45 health facilities from both rural and urban districts across Rwanda to participate in this study. Healthcare workers were selected conveniently ensuring representation of the different cadres. Furthermore, one participant per facility underwent an in-depth interview. Data were analysed using STATA 17 (quantitative) and Dedoose (qualitative) software. Descriptive analysis was applied and findings presented frequencies and graphical representations. Inductive thematic analysis was performed to identify key themes in the qualitative data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most participants were female, 183 (89%), and median age was 39 years. Most were nurses and/or midwives, 98 (42.6%) and all were fully vaccinated. A total of 59 (25.7%) HCWs had little or no confidence in answering patients' questions about COVID-19 and the vaccine. Despite this, 91.3% would recommend Ministry or World Health Organization (WHO)-approved vaccines and had a positive overall perception about COVID-19 vaccine.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The positive perception of the COVID-19 vaccine among Rwandan HCWs aligns with the country's successful vaccination programme. This potentially reflects effective national strategies. Further research into Rwanda's COVID-19 response is however, warranted.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study reveals discrepancies in HCWs vaccine confidence in Rwanda, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions to strengthen national COVID-19 response efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"668"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067494/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144023688","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":"Knowledge and perception of COVID-19 vaccination in two districts of Yaoundé.","authors":"Michelle S Djuidje Kamguia, Yves Le Grand Napa Tchuedji, Albert Ze","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.860","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.860","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused considerable problems throughout the world, with an impact on both public health and economic development. The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has led researchers to progressively develop vaccines.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to assess the perceptions and knowledge of the population of two health districts in Cameroon about vaccination against COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This study was conducted in Cameroon from November 2021 to July 2022, targeting any Cameroonian citizen over 18 years residing in Yaoundé.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study in two health districts of Yaoundé (Nkolndongo and Cité verte) targeting residents of each selected district who were over 18 years. The minimum sample size was calculated using the vaccination coverage rate in each district. The sampling was systematic and the questionnaire included knowledge and perceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine. The data were processed using Graphpad 8.0.1 and Microsoft Excel 2016.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 100 participants, 59% were women. Ninety per cent of the participants had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and 80% of those vaccinated had received one dose of the vaccine. Participants showed poor adherence to the COVID-19 vaccine, except for hairdressers (<i>p</i> = 0.158) and students from secondary education (<i>p</i> = 0.158). Vaccination was the least known preventive method (3%). Most people were obliged to take the vaccine (80%) and most religions (75%) were associated with vaccine refusal (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.0005).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccination were low and were influenced by the socio-cultural environment. It is necessary to develop a national policy for the promotion of vaccination adapted to the socio-cultural environment when planning the introduction of a vaccine.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study demonstrates the importance of socio -anthropological, religious and scientific indicators during the planification of introduction of new vaccine in the event of pandemic or new outbreak.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"860"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067608/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144045117","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":"Strengthening Africa's resilience to Mpox: Preparedness and response initiatives of the Pasteur network.","authors":"Delia D Djuicy, Benjamin Selekon, Christian Malaka, Aboubacar Soumah, Edgar Adjogoua, Hervé Kadjo, Offianan A Toure, Pierre Roques, Solène Grayo, Noël Tordo, Ousmane Faye, Abdourahmane Sow, François-Xavier Berthet, Vincent Lacoste, Soa Fy Andriamandimby, Hamidou L Ramatoulaye, Adamou Lagare, Haoua S Sabo, Ella Farra, Sandra G Ouangole, Gide Martial Yonga Wansi, Dieudonne G Essima, Jules Landry Mounchili Mouliem, Herman Philipe Nfombouot Njitoyap, Sandrine O Nkoum Kyane, Syndou Meite, Sara I Eyangoh, Mirdad Kazanji, Yap Boum, Rebecca Grais, Emmanuel Nakoune, Richard Njouom, Amadou A Sall","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1026","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1026","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1026"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966699/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781472","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":"Mpox after COVID-19 in Africa: Different epidemic, similar challenges.","authors":"Gloria P Gómez-Pérez, Shem O O Sam, Nicaise Ndembi, Tobias F Rinke de Wit","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.874","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.874","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Africa faces again a new outbreak of mpox, heavily burdening the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Factors such as biological and ecological changes in the virus, waning of immunity to smallpox, socio-economic challenges, and global economic strain are fueling this epidemic. To analyse the drivers of the mpox outbreak in DRC, review the international and local response, and draw lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to propose strategies for building epidemic-resilient healthcare systems in the region. The focus is on the DRC, where the mpox epidemic is concentrated, and the broader African region, assessing both rural and urban healthcare contexts. This study synthesises epidemiological data, global health policies, and local health system responses. Key insights are drawn from COVID-19 case studies, and assessment of access to diagnostics and vaccines. The DRC hosts over 95% of Africa's mpox cases, with significant challenges in human-wildlife interactions, poverty, and weakened healthcare systems exacerbated by COVID-19. Vaccine shortages, diagnostic delays, and uneven international support reflect a repeat of challenges seen during COVID-19. Localised vaccine and diagnostics production, improved risk communication, and digital health tools are highlighted as critical interventions. An epidemic-resilient healthcare framework, leveraging local production of medical products, regulatory empowerment, and real-time data collection, is essential for controlling mpox and future outbreaks. This study underscores the need for African-led solutions, addressing socio-economic drivers, enhancing local capacities, and fostering international solidarity to mitigate future epidemic threats.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"874"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781446","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":"Case management of mpox: Where we are and where we desire to be.","authors":"Solomon F Woldetsadik, Ebenezer O Daniel, John Masina, Joseph C Okeibunor, Samuel Boland, Hilary K Njenge, Nicaise Ndembi, Ngashi Ngongo, Otim P C Ramadan, Fiona Braka, Abdou S Gueye","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1228","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1228","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1228"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966660/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781419","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":"Unified continental approach to mpox preparedness and response: A model for Africa's future outbreaks.","authors":"Ngashi Ngongo, Nicaise Ndembi, Mosoka Fallah, Wessam Mankoula, Merawi A Tegegne, Moréniké Oluwátóyìn Foláyan, Jean Kaseya","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.877","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.877","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"877"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966668/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781475","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":"Building systems' resilience in the mpox outbreak response in Africa.","authors":"Ngashi Ngongo, Nicaise Ndembi, Tajudeen Raji, Mosoka Fallah, Wessam Mankoula, Jean-Marie Vianny Yameogo, Fiona Braka, Abdou Salam Gueye, Matshidiso R Moeti, Jean Kaseya","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.875","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.875","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"875"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966670/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781418","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 artificial intelligence into African health systems and emergency response: Need for an ethical framework and guidelines.","authors":"Nicaise Ndembi, Bethanie Rammer, Joseph Fokam, Uttam Dinodia, Sofonias K Tessema, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Sarah Mwangi, Edem Adzogenu, Landry Tsague Dongmo, Bleddyn Rees, Brian O'Connor, Trevor A Crowell, Wilmot James, Vittorio Colizzi, Ngashi Ngongo, Jean Kaseya","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.876","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.876","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"876"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966719/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781439","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}