Journal of Public Health in Africa最新文献

{"title":"Factors associated with infibulation among girls who underwent female genital mutilation in Guinea: Analysis DHS 2018.","authors":"Kaba S Keita, Tiany Sidibe, Alpha O Sall, Sadan Camara, Fanta Barry, Ramata Diallo, Madeleine Toure, Aissatou Diallo, Mamadou D Balde, Alexandre Delamou","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1280","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Female genital mutilation (FGM), especially infibulation, is a significant public health issue that poses numerous health risks for young girls. Despite its severity, this phenomenon remains under-documented.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aims to identify the factors associated with infibulation among girls who underwent FGM in Guinea.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This study was conducted in Guinea.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A secondary analysis of data from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Guinea included 3950 women whose daughters had undergone female genital mutilation or excision (FGM/E). A multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with infibulation using the Stata software version 17.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of infibulation among girls who underwent female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) in Guinea was 16%. This prevalence was higher at 17% (95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.1-0.2]) among girls aged 0 years to 4 years. Statistically significant individual and contextual factors included: maternal age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4, 95% CI: [1.1-2.6]), maternal employment status (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: [1.3-2.2]), maternal religion (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: [1.2-5.8]), maternal infibulation status (OR = 22.1, 95% CI: [16.6-29.4]) and region of residence (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: [1.6-4.8]).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the need for educational, socio-economic and public health strategies to eradicate infibulation in Guinea and promote sustainable change.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This research revealed the influence of individual and contextual factors on infibulation and highlighted the emergency of targeted strategies, such as awareness raising, community dialogue and education about its risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1280"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12421448/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145041558","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":"Anthrax outbreak surveillance and response in Arba Minch, Ethiopia: After-action review.","authors":"Yaregal Fufa, Tsion A Desalegn, Negash Abera, Abel Getu, Yonas A Tufa, Yeshambel W Demlie, Ammar Barba, Mesgana Befekadu, Moti Edosa, Anteneh D Aliyu, Zerihun D Doffana, Ermias Wolde, Yoseph Nigussie Feleke, Melkamu M Mengesha, Dessalegn Ajema, Muluneh G Garedew, Temesgen Kabeta Chala, Tolera H Wakjira, Tigist Belete, Fekadu Adugna, Nebiyu Dereje, Raji Tajudeen, Melkamu Abte","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1293","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1293","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anthrax is a serious infectious disease affecting animals and humans and remains a public health issue in developing countries.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study assessed the overall anthrax outbreak response and identified strengths, challenges, and best practices during surveillance, preparedness, and response in Ethiopia from May 2022 to July 2022.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Conducted in Arba Minch Town, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An after-action review (AAR) using qualitative methods was performed. Experts included clinicians, public health professionals, and government officials were involved in the outbreak response. Data were collected via focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations, recorded digitally. Thematic analysis was used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Strong stakeholder engagement and coordination were evident, with mass vaccinations aiding control. However, gaps included unprepared logistics, poor communication, and insufficient training. Despite anthrax being immediately notifiable, weaknesses in surveillance detection and reporting were found. Coordination was effective with intersectoral collaboration and commitment, leading to a commendable, lifesaving response once initiated.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study revealed effective engagement and coordination but identified gaps in preparedness and communication. Addressing these through capacity-building and stronger preparedness is crucial for future outbreak management.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides valuable evidence-based insights to improve health preparedness and response in the African context.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1293"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12421464/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145041532","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 use of lateral flow lipoarabinomannan for diagnosis of TB in advanced HIV disease in Abia State, Nigeria.","authors":"George Ikpe, Chukwuebuka Ugwu, Chukwuemeka Amuta, Chibueze Oparaocha, Chika J Anyigor, Peter I Omoniyi, Okwudili Chukwudinma","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1265","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1265","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lateral flow lipoarabinomannan (LF-LAM) test used in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB) among patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease remains a relatively new approach in the diagnosis of TB in Nigeria. This study focused on the use of LF-LAM assay Alere Determine™ in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis among patients with advanced HIV disease in Abia State.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study was carried out to identify potential gaps that could be missed along the LF-LAM implementation cascade, which can be strengthened to improve quality of patients' care, while gaining insight into health workers' understanding of the test.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This study was carried out in Abia State, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Electronic data were extracted through a query run on health facility electronic databases, while manual chart abstraction was performed in facilities without and incomplete electronic medical records. In addition, qualitative interviews were conducted among health workers to gain insight.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 1249 newly enrolled patients who were eligible for the test, only 605 (48.4%) were tested, and 644 (51.6%) were missed within the study period (October 2022 - September 2023). Out of this number, 159 (26.3%) were positive for the test, and only 68 (42%) were sent for further testing with GeneXpert, while 30 (18.9%) had no testing with GeneXpert and 61 (38.9%) had no documentation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Low awareness and capacity among health workers including poor documentation practices contributed to missed opportunities for the patients who could have benefitted from this test.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study recommends comprehensive training of healthcare workers on the utilisation of LF-LAM test and improvement of documentation practices in Abia State and Nigeria.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1265"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12421520/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145041671","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":"Comparison of two polymerase chain reaction assays, DaAn Gene (DaAn Gene 2019-ncov) and Cepheid (Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2) for Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 detection in Yaoundé, Cameroon.","authors":"Martin Maidadi-Foudi, Marie Atsama-Amougou, Celestin Godwe, Emilande Guichet, Nadine L Boutgam, Guy Roland Awoundza Metomo, Oumarou Goni Hamadama, Gilles-Fils Woguia, Yannick F Ngoume, Dowbiss Meta Djomsi, Roméo Brice D Djounda, Modeste Ngamaleu, Hillary Tene, Livo Esemu, Joseph Fokam, Marie-Claire Okomo, Boyomo Onana, Wilfred Mbacham, Marcel Tongo, Eric Delaporte, Martine Peeters, Ahidjo Ayouba, Charles Kouanfack","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1282","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1282","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>New severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants may affect diagnostic test accuracy.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the performance of two reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays, DaAn Gene and Cepheid, for detecting Delta and Omicron variants.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Nasopharyngeal samples were collected in Yaoundé, Cameroon, between October 2021 and December 2022.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Nasopharyngeal samples were tested with both assays. Samples with a cycle threshold (CT) ≤ 28 were sequenced. Cohen's kappa coefficient assessed assay agreement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We compared 294 samples. At CT ≤ 40, DaAn Gene showed a 59.2% (<i>n</i> = 174/294) positivity rate versus 57.8% (<i>n</i> = 170/294) for Cepheid (χ² = 0.695, <i>p</i> = 0.4044). Agreement was 95.91% (<i>n</i> = 282/294) with κ = 0.95. DaAn Gene showed a 58.2% (<i>n</i> = 171/294) positivity rate versus 54.4% (<i>n</i> = 160/294) for Cepheid at CT ≤ 37 (<i>p</i> = 0.5058), with 95.6% agreement (κ = 0.95). At CT ≤ 33, DaAn Gene was 56.5% (<i>n</i> = 166/294) positive versus 54.1% (<i>n</i> = 159/294) for Cepheid (<i>p</i> = 0.6187), with 96.93% agreement (κ = 0.938). For 167 samples with CT ≤ 28, agreement was 97.0% (κ = 0.97) across variants. These RT-PCR assays effectively detected Delta and Omicron variants.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The emergence of Delta and Omicron variants did not significantly impact the diagnostic performance of these routine RT-PCR assays.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study confirms their continued effectiveness in detecting these variants in this setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1282"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339865/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144838084","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":"Prevalence and causes of vision impairment in East Africa: A narrative review.","authors":"Benedict Ayobi, Rekha Hansraj, Nishanee Rampersad, Gerard Urimubenshi","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1273","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1273","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vision impairment (VI) affects the quality of life of individuals; it negatively impacts education, mobility and socioeconomic life, leading to dependency. Increased life expectancy is expected to drive a corresponding rise in the prevalence of VI. Timely and effective efforts are required to reduce the burden of VI. Accurate and up-to-date data regarding the prevalence and causes of VI are essential for practical planning to address its challenges and impact. This review therefore presents the prevalence of VI in East Africa.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This review sought to report the prevalence of VI in East Africa.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted using findings of studies on VI from East Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A search of published literature was conducted using online databases including PubMed, Ovid, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Embase and Medline. The search was restricted to sources published in English and in peer-reviewed journals from January 2010 to November 2023. Only studies that stated the prevalence and causes of VI among the general population during the period in question were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The prevalence of VI reported in East Africa by the studies reviewed ranged from 1.6% to 42.1%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The reported prevalence of VI in East Africa is higher than that reported in other regions of Africa and globally.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The review highlights the need for adequate strategies and support to be channelled towards making eye care accessible and affordable in East Africa including the training of more eye health personnel.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1273"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339884/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144838112","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":"Overview of antimicrobial resistance mitigation efforts in Benin 2024.","authors":"Alain K Aissi, Tokpanou E C Koudjo, Filémon T Tokponnon, Al Fattah Onifade, Akpeedje A C Wadagni, Géraud S R Padonou, Hervé A Gbegnide, Léopold A Azakpa, Adrien M Hodonou, Roch C Johnson, Francis M Dossou","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1332","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1332","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global public health threat that undermines sustainable development. In Benin, high AMR rates to common antibiotics, including last-resort treatments, exacerbate infection outcomes and healthcare costs. Inappropriate antibiotic use worsens this challenge. To address these issues, Benin implemented its National Multisectoral AMR Action Plan 2019-2024.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aims to assess the implementation of Benin's National AMR Action Plan 2019-2024 and identify critical gaps for future updates.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The evaluation covered six of Benin's 12 departments, engaging stakeholders from human, animal and environmental health sectors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cross-sectional evaluation was performed from 05 August 2024 to 30 September 2024. Data were collected through a documentary review, standardised questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and group discussions. An executed scoring grid and a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 224 planned activities, 40.18% were not initiated, 31.25% had started, 19.64% were partially executed, 5.36% were nearly completed and only 3.57% were fully implemented. Critical gaps included the lack of a fully operational multisectoral coordination group, limited financial resources, inadequate surveillance systems, insufficient communication and education initiatives and the absence of infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite progress in regulatory frameworks, gaps in coordination, resources, surveillance and IPC hinder effective AMR control in Benin. Strengthening governance, communication and addressing other identified gaps are critical for future success.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This evaluation provides evidence-based recommendations to update Benin's AMR strategy within a 'One Health' framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1332"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339761/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144838111","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":"Trends in reproductive and maternal healthcare indicators, Côte d'Ivoire, 2018 to 2020.","authors":"Denise O D Kpebo, Marie-Dorothée Mélèdje Koffi-Koumi, Marie-Laurette Agbré-Yacé, Jean-Ernest D Kamenan, Odile S Aké-Tano, William Yavo, Gouda R M Mady, Diarra B Senghor, Cheikh M Faye","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1301","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1301","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite some improvement, there are still persistent challenges in the area of reproductive and maternal health in Côte d'Ivoire.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>Analysing subnational trends of key indicators of reproductive and maternal healthcare from 2018 to 2020, regarding the targets of the investment case of 2023.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>All 33 health regions and 113 health districts (HDs).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The analysis was concerned with four indicators: the modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR), the proportion of first antenatal care (ANC1) during the first trimester, the coverage of four antenatal care (ANC4), and the coverage of delivery with a skilled birth attendant (SBA). Using data from the national health information system, we analysed the evolutive trends of each indicator at district level, assessed the performance regarding the 2023 targets, and identified the disparities at districts and regions level. Data were processed using Microsoft Excel, QGIS 3.16 and Stata 15.0 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was a lack of significant progress for mCPR and ANC1 during the first trimester. In 2020, more than two out of three of the HDs were still far from the 2023 target for both indicators. In contrast, there was a clear progression for ANC4 and SBA, with more than 40% of districts having already reached the 2023 target. These evolutive trends were associated with high disparities across HDs and regions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In spite of positive evolutive trends for some indicators, there are still high disparities at subnational levels.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Interventions need to be fully implemented, and progress monitoring should be reinforced and pursued for timely adjustments.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1301"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339891/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144838113","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":"Integrated HIV and STIs response: Trends in syphilis incidence and uptake of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis in Zambia.","authors":"Kutha Banda, Nicholus C Sande, Chipwaila C Chunga, Belia Longwe, Kayawe Nkumbwa, Madaliso Silondwa, Nsanzya Maambo, Japhet Michelo, Prudence Haimbe, Trevor Mwamba, Hilda Shakwelele, Sandra Chilengi-Sakala, Ireen Bwalya","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1306","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1306","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was introduced in Zambia to prevent transmission, but it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis. Globally, STIs have risen alongside PrEP rollout, posing significant public health concerns that require urgent attention and targeted intervention strategies.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>We examined trends in syphilis incidence and assessed its association with PrEP use, given the increasing global burden of STIs, including among PrEP users between 2021 and 2023.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Among individuals in Zambia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective database analysis of secondary data was conducted using District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2), the Ministry of Health's primary data system. Microsoft^® Excel and Stata were used for descriptive statistics and regression analysis to examine potential associations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 2021 to 2023, syphilis cases (199 273) and PrEP initiation (436 460) increased annually. Syphilis cases rose from 22% to 46%, while PrEP initiation grew from 22% to 48%. We found a positive association between syphilis incidence and PrEP initiation, with each unit increase in PrEP initiation corresponding to a 0.33-unit rise in syphilis cases (<i>p</i> < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25-0.4), underscoring this relationship.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This analysis found a significant positive link between syphilis incidence and PrEP initiation, emphasising the need for integrated HIV and STI management to enhance public health interventions.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides valuable insights for policy and programme implications; it highlights the importance of integrating STI prevention into HIV prevention service delivery; an integrated approach is critical to ensure that the country does not regress the achievements made towards HIV epidemic control.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1306"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339763/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144838110","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":"Community leaders' experiences of hepatitis E in a Namibian informal settlement: A qualitative study.","authors":"Abraham V Nghikevali, Talitha Crowley","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1359","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1359","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major global health concern, with an estimated one-third of the human population infected. It is particularly prevalent in developing countries, especially in informal settlements where inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water contribute to its spread.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study aimed to explore and describe community leaders' experiences regarding the spread of HEV in the Havana informal settlement, Khomas region, Namibia.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This study focused on Havana informal settlement in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, which is in the Khomas region. The Havana informal settlement is predominantly populated with unemployed people.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 community leaders, aged 24 years to 65 years, who were knowledgeable of the spread of HEV in the informal settlement. Thematic qualitative analysis was used to analyse data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The themes identified included HEV risk awareness, contextual factors influencing the spread of HEV, action drivers for change and actions taken to activate change. Overall, there was a good understanding of HEV, although some individuals in the community held incorrect information and harboured myths and misconceptions about HEV. Inadequate access to water, sanitation facilities and unhygienic cultural practices were identified as primary routes of transmission, fuelled by overcrowding.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlighted the importance of government-private sector cooperation, community health education, access to clean water and improved infrastructure in preventing the spread of HEV. Addressing these factors is essential for overcoming health challenges in informal settlements.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This research underscores the critical role of community engagement in mitigating HEV outbreaks in informal settlements.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1359"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339867/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144838083","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":"Coping with stillbirth: Insights from parents in rural Limpopo, South Africa.","authors":"Lunghile Shivambo, Dumile Gumede","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1250","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stillbirth continues to be a significant global public health issue. Effective coping mechanisms are essential for parents to process their grief and heal after a stillbirth. However, research on how South African parents, particularly in rural areas, cope with stillbirth is limited.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study explored the coping mechanisms used by parents following stillbirth, using the Transactional Model.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in the Mopani District, Limpopo province, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative exploratory design was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 12 purposively selected parents. Data were collected in the participants' preferred language, Xitsonga, then transcribed, translated into English and thematically analysed using Atlas.ti.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Emotion-focused coping strategies centred on acceptance, avoidance, reframing the loss, sharing experiences of stillbirth, receiving support from healthcare professionals and seeking prayer and spiritual guidance. In contrast, the problem-focused coping strategy involved distraction through meaningful activities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite employing all these strategies, unresolved grief may still impede effective coping.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study emphasises the significance of multidisciplinary care that integrates psychological, social, and spiritual support to address the complex emotional needs of grieving parents.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"1250"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339885/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144838109","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}