Journal of Public Health in Africa最新文献

{"title":"COVID-19 vaccine uptake, barriers and associated factors among healthcare workers in Malawi.","authors":"Clara Sambani, Tonny Muwonge, Liness Chinyamunyamu, Amon Dembo, Mosoka P Fallah, Victor Chikwapulo, Mavuto Thomas, Charity Gondwe, Regina Mankhamba, Leah Mbabazi, Suzan Nakasendwa, Rodgers R Ayebare, Collins Mitambo, Matthew Kagoli, Dzinkambani Kambalame, Clement Seven, Tadala Mwale, Edna Mandala, Abigail Kazembe, McWilliam Kalua, Senga Sembuche, Elizabeth Gonese, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Evelyn C Banda, Tajudeen Raji, Mitch Matoga","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.676","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.676","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic led to an urgent need for a global vaccine. Despite being a priority group, the vaccine uptake among healthcare workers (HCWs) remains low.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This article assessed the COVID-19 vaccine uptake and its associated barriers in Malawi.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in Malawi's Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu districts from 11 April 2023 to 14 April 2023.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Proportionally distributed among various cadres, 200 participants were randomly selected. A structured questionnaire was administered, assessing HCWs' uptake, willingness, attitudes and barriers to COVID-19 vaccines. Data were managed in REDCap and analysed using STATA version 14. Frequencies and percentages were computed. Variables with <i>p</i>-value ≤ 0.25 were included in the multivariable modified passion model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 175 (88%) participants received a single-dose vaccine, while only 11.5% received a booster. Vaccine uptake was associated with age groups 25-34 years (aPR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.60) and 35-44 years (aPR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.18, 4.50), being a nurse/midwife (aPR = 0.86, CI: 0.74, 0.99) and laboratory personnel (aPR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74, 0.99). Unvaccinated HCWs were concerned about vaccine side effects and lacked trust in the development process.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Issues of vaccine safety, side effects and lack of trust in the vaccine should be addressed. Promoting awareness of vaccine development and benefits, targeting all age groups and cadres, is required among HCWs.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings can be utilised to develop specific interventions on age and cadre to promote vaccine acceptance among HCWs, in countries with similar contextual settings to Malawi.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"676"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905167/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143626433","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":"Determinants of immunisation in children with sickle cell disease in Libreville.","authors":"Edgard B Ngoungou, Ulrick J Bisvigou, Jean Engohang-Ndong, Valessa Anguezomo, Maghendji N Sydney, Euloge Ibinga","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.663","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.663","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Infectious diseases are frequent and sometimes deadly in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Some of these infectious diseases could be avoided through immunisation, but an immunisation schedule for children with SCD is not available in Gabon.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study looked into the determinants of immunisation in children with SCD in Libreville.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This work was performed in five healthcare facilities in Libreville.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitudes, and practices was conducted from February 2019 to September 2019 in Libreville healthcare facilities, targeting children under 18 years with SCD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 172 parents of children with SCD participated. The average age of children was 7.1 ± 4.2 years, with a sex ratio of 1:36. Immunisation status was considered complete for 87.9% (95% CI = 79.8-93.1) according to the Expanded Programme of Immunisation (EPI) schedule. Only 49 (28.5%) parents understood SCD complications, and 39 (22.7%) knew how to prevent them. Immunisation coverage was better for children near public health centres (<i>p</i> = 0.008). For non-EPI vaccines, coverage improved for children of married parents (<i>p</i> = 0.041) and those seen by paediatricians in private facilities (<i>p</i> = 0.046). Multivariate analysis indicated that marital status, a lack of knowledge, facility access, and high vaccine costs predicted immunisation coverage.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Immunisation coverage of children with SCD was better than the national immunisation coverage in Gabon.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study unravels the need for Gabon to improve its immunisation programmes in public healthcare facilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"663"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905189/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143626436","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":"Acceptability of the social uses of the COVID-19 screening test among women in southern Benin.","authors":"Mingnimon A Affo","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.810","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.810","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Screening tests are some of the essential measures in the fight against all diseases with epidemic potential. The refusal to use it is the major challenge that hinders this fight.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This article aims to highlight the factors for the rejection of the COVID-19 screening test among women in the informal sector in Benin.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The data were collected in southern Benin.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional approach was used to collect data in two areas (intervention area and buffer zone). The sample was drawn using a two-stage random sampling design. In the first stage, primary sampling units or clusters or villages or neighbourhoods were drawn, and in the second stage, 40 households were selected by primary sampling units. Overall, 2500 households per area in which about 2500 women aged 15-64 years were interviewed. Descriptive and explanatory analyses were carried out.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results show that a strong majority (84.2%) of respondents showed aversion to the COVID-19 screening test. Individual factors (age, level of education, religion) and contextual factors (sectors and types of activities of the respondents) are the main reasons behind this refusal.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Insufficient consideration of local contexts around health emergencies, infodemia and social inequalities in health have contributed to aversion to the COVID-19 screening test.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The results call on public authorities to support a constant improvement of knowledge on COVID-19 taking into account local approaches to facilitate the adherence of populations to the screening test.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"810"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905202/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143626428","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":"Bacteraemia in a Nigerian hospital: Implementing antimicrobial resistance surveillance.","authors":"Adewale A Amupitan, Adeyemi T Adeyemo, Adefunke O Amupitan, Temitope O Obadare, Aaron O Aboderin","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.655","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.655","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Surveillance of drug-resistant infections is crucial for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control. Implementing surveillance in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is challenging.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate bacteraemia and describe AMR surveillance.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Tertiary healthcare facility.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Case finding was by WHO Global AMR and Use Surveillance System (GLASS). Blood samples were processed between May 2017 and June 2018, using BACTEC blood culture system. Bacterial identification, antibiotic susceptibility testing and detection of AMR genes followed standard protocols.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Aerobic blood cultures were conducted in a third of clinical sepsis cases (<i>n</i> = 601/1851), of which 114 (19.0%) were true positives, with a 2.2% contamination rate. Pathogens recovered included six priority blood pathogens reportable to WHO GLASS. Sixteen (30.2%) of 53 Gram-negative isolates were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers, predominantly harbouring <i>bla</i> _CTX-M, three (5.7%) were AmpC beta-lactamase producers, and 20 (37.7%) were carbapenem-resistant, predominantly harbouring <i>bla</i> _KPC. Twenty-nine (50.9%) of 57 <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> isolates were methicillin-resistant; 17 (58.6%) of these harboured <i>mec</i>A genes. Hospital-acquired infection (odds ratio [OR] = 0.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.1-0.7, <i>p</i> = 0.004) was identified as a predisposing factor for the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteraemia. Bacteraemia with MDR organisms was significantly associated with mortality (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.6-9.1, <i>p</i> = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A wide variety of bacteria are responsible for bacteraemia in our setting, with more than half being multidrug-resistant. Bacteraemia with multidrug-resistant organisms was significantly associated with mortality, hence, the need for this AMR surveillance initiative.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Implementing healthcare facility-based surveillance of AMR in LMICs is achievable despite limited microbiological laboratory capacity.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"655"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905166/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143626430","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":"Military personnel's satisfaction with antiretroviral services in Namibia: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Nestor P N Tomas, Nabot P Kandjimi","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.742","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.742","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Patient satisfaction is an indicator of healthcare quality and may affect treatment adherence. It is particularly relevant for military personnel living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) because of their increased risks to deployment. However, this phenomenon remains understudied.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess satisfaction among military personnel at an antiretroviral clinic in Namibia.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Military's antiretroviral clinic in Namibia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a validated third-generation short version of the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18). Data were collected between June 2022 and August 2022 from 166 participants through convenience sampling. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a <i>p</i>-value of 0.05 were used to determine significance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One hundred and sixty-six participants participated in this study. Significant factors influencing satisfaction included sex, age, marital status and place of residence. Individuals aged 31-44 years were 40 times more likely to be satisfied (AOR: 40.64; 95% CI: 14.16-116.60), while females (AOR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.16-0.40), divorced individuals (AOR: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02-0.12) and those residing in urban areas (AOR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.17-0.62) were less likely to report satisfaction.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study found a high overall level of patient satisfaction. Based on the results, the study recommends using the Namibia case study to develop and tailor initiatives that improve patient satisfaction with antiretroviral therapy (ART) services among military personnel in other settings.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>To add to the literature on patient satisfaction with antiretroviral therapy services among military individuals in Namibia.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"742"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12138665/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235423","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":"Adapting the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist: A collaborative study in West Africa.","authors":"Kadidiatou R Kourouma, Tieba Millogo, Aissatou Diallo, Wambi M E Yaméogo, Marie L Agbré-Yacé, Mamadou D Baldé, Issaka Tiembré, Alexandre Delamou, Séni Kouanda","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.630","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.630","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The World Health Organization Safe Childbirth Checklist (WHO SCC) was developed to increase the uptake of essential birth practices; however, only a few studies have adopted this process in French West African countries.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to describe the WHO SCC adaptation process across Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Guinea, and the lessons learned.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Adaptation processes were conducted in the above-mentioned countries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From May 2022 to November 2022, a cross-country adaptation of the WHO SCC was carried out using a co-creation approach following a modified Delphi process. This process included the contextual adaptation of the tool by local technical advisory groups in each country based on national guidelines, the harmonisation and production of a single modified SCC by the Cross-Country Technical Advisory Group, a pre-test of the modified SCC, and adoption.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Minor modifications were made on 27 items. No items were deleted. Two items related to hand hygiene and the use of protective equipment were added at the 'just before pushing' pause point. The modified SCC implemented in each country consisted of 31 items, with variations observed in the timing of the monitoring signs when plotting the partograph. The tool was introduced following the A3 and kakemono formats.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study emphasised the importance of engaging all stakeholders and end users in the adaptation process for a sustainable use of the tool.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This collaborative effort between countries to develop a unified SCC highlights the importance of adaptation based on national guidelines and local contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"630"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12138632/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235421","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 photovoice in research with adolescents living with HIV in Africa: A scoping review.","authors":"Yolanda R Mayman, Brian van Wyk","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.625","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.625","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Research involving adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) is challenging, as adolescents often struggle with articulating their experiences, a difficulty further compounded by HIV-related stigma, particularly in African contexts. Photovoice methods offer a valuable participatory approach, engaging and allowing participants to express and share their stories through visual representation, amplifying their voices in research.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this review is to map out and synthesise evidence on the use of photovoice methods in research with ALHIV in African contexts.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>All countries in the African region were included.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Eight electronic databases (ERIC, Ebscohost, PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHAL, PsycINFO, CABI Direct and Africa Index Medicus) were searched to identify articles that used photovoice methods with ALHIV in Africa to publish between 2000 and 2024. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) flowchart guided the screening and reporting of articles, with a narrative synthesis conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three key themes emerged in this review: resilience, personal challenges and environmental factors faced by ALHIV. Despite its strengths as a participatory approach, photovoice methods remain underutilised in research involving ALHIV in African contexts.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review demonstrates that high-quality photovoice studies can be effectively implemented in research with ALHIV in resource-constrained African settings with high HIV prevalence and stigma. Photovoice offers valuable insights to inform interventions aimed at improving the treatment outcomes and mental well-being of ALHIV, enhancing the relevance of such initiatives in these contexts.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>These findings can further inform policies and interventions aimed at the care, well-being and treatment outcomes of ALHIV within African countries.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"625"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12138667/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235498","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 and factors associated with delays in the first prenatal consultation in Guinea.","authors":"Tiany Sidibe, Mamadou Dioulde Balde, Sadan Camara, Ramata Diallo, Bienvenu Salim Camara, Karifa Kourouma, Madeleine Toure, Kaba Saran Keita, Fanta Barry, Maimouna Balde","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.502","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.502","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The first antenatal care (ANC1) is considered late if it is performed after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In Guinea, this phenomenon remains under-analysed.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The objective of this study is to analyse the trends and factors associated with the delay in performing the ANC1 in Guinea from 2007 to 2018.<b>Setting</b>: This study was conducted in Guinea.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A secondary analysis of the 2012 and 2018 Demographic and Health Surveys in Guinea was conducted. The study included women aged 15-49 years who gave birth in the five years prior to the surveys and had at least one ANC visit for their last child. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors using Stata 17.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study shows that in Guinea, out of 14 546 women, the overall proportion of the delay in performing the ANC1 between 2007 and 2018 was 73%. The trend of this proportion decreased from 86% in 2007 to 61% in 2010, from 85% in 2013 to 61% in 2016; however, it increased from 61% in 2010 to 85% in 2013 and from 66% in 2016 to 76% in 2018. The factors associated with the delay in performing the ANC1 were: being aged 35-49 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.69); Living in a poor household (AOR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.64-2.13), living in Boké (AOR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.58-2.87), and N'zerekore (AOR: 4.97; 95% CI: 3.58-6.91).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We recommend stepping up door-to-door awareness-raising activities by community relays and ensuring that the policy of free antenatal care in Guinea is effective.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study shows a very high prevalence of delay in the ANC1 in Guinea influenced by many factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"502"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12138634/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235499","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":"Soap and water cleaning versus bleach-based cleaners for eliminating SARS-CoV-2 infection.","authors":"Ekong E Udoh, Ubong A Udoh, Abiodun Egwuenu, Ekpereonne B Esu, Aruk Eteng, Faithman E Ovat, Uduak Okomo, Olabisi Oduwole, Joseph Okebe, Martin Meremikwu","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i2.612","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i2.612","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Households and community settings are important hubs for the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As understanding of viral transmission improves, infection prevention and control (IPC) policies need to be updated.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To compare the effectiveness of soap and water alone to bleach-based cleaners in eliminating SARS-CoV-2 infection in households and community settings.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>We conducted a virtual search through the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cochrane database of systematic reviews, PubMed, EMBASE, and Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We assessed studies which compared the effect of soap and water cleaning on SARS-CoV-2 among humans to that of bleach-based cleaning, both in households and communities. We prioritised systematic reviews and randomised studies and only included other study designs, such as laboratory studies, which had interventions of relevant interest.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We retrieved 1192 articles from the search. We summarised evidence from three laboratory studies as there were no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or comparative effectiveness studies that met our inclusion criteria. Indirect evidence suggests that soap and bleach-based cleaners were effective at different concentrations. Substantial heterogeneity between the cited studies precludes any inference on effectiveness in reducing risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. Both interventions remain important components of IPC measures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was no evidence for comparison of soap and water versus bleach-based cleaners against SARS-CoV-2 in humans in household and community settings. Indirect evidence shows both interventions to be effective against the virus.</p><p><strong>Contributions: </strong>Primary studies addressing this critical question are required to guide public health recommendations and policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 2","pages":"612"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12138657/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235500","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":"Perspectives of healthcare stakeholders in Nigeria on the impact of COVID-19 on health services.","authors":"Adeponle O Adeoye, Yewande Tolulope Nejo, Chinwe Lucia Ochu, Josephine Bayigga, Rodgers Rodriguez Ayebare, Adedayo Omotayo Faneye, Charles Olaosebikan Adewemimo, Oluwaseun Emmanuel Falayi, Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe, Prosper Okonkwo, Adewale Victor Opayele, Gloria Ogochukwu Nwiyi, Sunday Obiajunwa Eziechina, Ikemefule Rex Uzoma, Priscilla Ibekwe, Tamrat Shaweno, Nebiyu Dereje, Francis Kakooza, Mosoka Papa Fallah, Georgina Njideka Odaibo","doi":"10.4102/jphia.v16i1.674","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.674","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>COVID-19 disrupted critical public health services globally. It is important to understand how the pandemic affected healthcare service delivery and utilisation in Nigeria to guide planning for future public health crises in the country.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affected health service delivery and utilisation in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in Abuja, and Oyo State, Nigeria, in 2023.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional qualitative study that adopted an exploratory study design. Key Informant Interviews were used to elicit information from twenty-eight healthcare stakeholders in relevant government health Ministries and Agencies as well as partners of the government on health. The selection of the stakeholders was done through purposive sampling. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, and analysed using an inductive qualitative data analysis method to generate themes. The data were further organized and analysed using NVivo software version 14.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed that COVID-19 negatively affected healthcare service delivery and utilisation in Nigeria. This was due to various factors such as healthcare workers' unwillingness to provide services, exposed healthcare system gaps that affected service delivery, and the shift of attention and resources to COVID-19. However, the pandemic also presented an opportunity to improve public health infrastructure and health service delivery.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Government needs to maximise the gains from the pandemic to build a resilient health system.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This article provides insights for public health policy and planning aimed at enhancing resilience and optimising service delivery during future health crises.</p>","PeriodicalId":44723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health in Africa","volume":"16 1","pages":"502"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12138629/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235496","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}