East African journal of health & science最新文献

{"title":"Nutritional Status and Lifestyle Patterns among Primary School Pupils in Edo State, Nigeria: Implications for Health Promotion","authors":"Esohe Olivia Ogboghodo, Isoken Ihensekhien, Lilian Imuentiyan Salami","doi":"10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1567","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1567","url":null,"abstract":"Childhood nutrition and lifestyle patterns play a critical role in shaping the health and development of individuals, laying the foundation for a healthy adulthood. In Nigeria, Edo State faces a dual burden of malnutrition, with pockets of undernutrition coexisting with the rising prevalence of childhood obesity. This cross-sectional study assessed the nutritional status of primary school pupils in the State and explored lifestyle factors such as dietary habits and physical activity. Data were collected on 1805 pupils from sixteen randomly selected schools through anthropometric measurements and Administration Food Consumption Pattern Questionnaires. These data were analysed using SPSS version 23 and presented using frequency distributions, percentage distributions, mean, standard deviations, and chi-square. The study revealed that 77.0% of the respondents exhibited normal nutritional status, indicating a satisfactory outcome for a significant proportion of the school-age population. However, there was a worrisome prevalence of over-nutrition, with 14% of the pupils classified as obese 10.0% extreme tallness. Regarding dietary habits, most pupils reported consuming three meals a day, but a significant proportion relied on carbohydrate-rich foods, raising concerns about the nutritional adequacy of their diets. Regarding physical activity, a higher proportion of respondents engaged in activities during school hours, but participation was low after the school period. The study underscored the importance of addressing over-nutrition and promoting balanced diets and physical activity among primary school pupils in Edo State, Nigeria. Effective health promotion strategies must consider lifestyle preferences to improve the health and well-being of this vulnerable population to ensure a healthier future for Edo State's children","PeriodicalId":491753,"journal":{"name":"East African journal of health & science","volume":"11 15","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135138071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk Factors and Urogenital Schistomiasis Prevalence among Primary School Children in Makurdi, Nigeria","authors":"Faith Odije Okita, B. F. Agber, G. O. Enenche, Olega Theresa Aladi, Ode Hannah Omeje, O. A. Ogwuche, Tyoker Moses Luper, Aperaga Grace Kwaghdoo, T. Best, V. K. Apuu, Okwoli Amali, Elizabeth Une Amuta, Terwase Fabian Ikpa","doi":"10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1542","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1542","url":null,"abstract":"Urogenital schistosomiasis in humans is an infection of public health importance caused by infection with Schistosoma heamatobium. The study investigated the risk factors and intensity of urogenital schistosomiasis among primary school pupils in Makurdi, Nigeria. Eight hundred (800) school pupils consisting of 200 per school, aged 5 – 20 years in Angwan Jukun, Angwan Reke, Agbo and Ijaha communities, respectively were enrolled for the study. Suitably designed questionnaire was used to document data on the demographics as well as relevant information of the participants. Urine samples were collected from consented participants between 10 am – 2 pm, into pre-labelled plastic sample bottles following aseptic techniques. The samples were subjected to standard parasitological techniques for determination and quantification of parasite in the zoology laboratory of Benue State University, Makurdi. Research data was subjected to chi square analysis to ascertain association of the research variables with schistosomiasis prevalence in the study area. The study filed an overall prevalence of 23.75% (190/800). Infection rates were significantly associated with age as age group 16-20 years had the highest prevalence (P<0.000). Males 25.42% (122/800) were slightly more infected than females 21.25% (68/800) (P>0.05). Water contact pattern of participants revealed a highly significant association with schistosomiasis prevalence (p<0.001)). Grazing activity 50% (1/2) displayed higher infection prevalence followed by > 1 activity 34.65% (79/228) while no infection was seen in snail hunters. The association between the presence and type of livestock sharing open water sources with the communities was statistically significant (P<0.05). Makurdi is endemic for urogenital schistosomiasis and related risk factors. The roles of other definitive hosts in ensuring continual disease transmission and possible zoonosis should be investigated","PeriodicalId":491753,"journal":{"name":"East African journal of health & science","volume":"60 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136157081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Administrative Decentralisation and Health Service Delivery in Ibanda District Local Government, Uganda","authors":"Happy Herbert Mayanja, Doreen Akunda","doi":"10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1519","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1519","url":null,"abstract":"While research on public service delivery in the Ibanda administrative area is abundant, there is a notable dearth of studies addressing the shortcomings in public health services. This investigation is specifically concerned with examining the influence of governance on the quality and accessibility of public health services in Ibanda District, as well as the impact of administrative decentralization on these services. A cross-sectional research design was employed for this study, involving data collection from 574 participants through self-administered surveys and interviews. Quantitative data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, while qualitative data underwent content analysis. The study's findings and conclusions reveal a positive correlation between governance and the quality of public health services, as well as a favorable association between governance management and these services. Additionally, administrative management was found to have a positive impact on public health services. Consequently, the study offers recommendations for the central government, urging consistent vigilance in supporting district performance and allocating adequate resources for drug distribution and medical equipment to bolster healthcare within the district. Furthermore, the study advocates for a continued emphasis on effective administration, encouraging public involvement in decision-making processes, open communication through public hearings, and grassroots participation in financial planning, all aimed at enhancing public health services. In conclusion, this study underscores the need for greater attention to public health services within the Ibanda administrative area, as it contributes to the existing body of research on public service delivery","PeriodicalId":491753,"journal":{"name":"East African journal of health & science","volume":"58 12","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135267753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceptions on Drug Use and Behavioural Change Approach: Kanyanga in Rwanda","authors":"Pierre Celestin Bimenyimana, Gerald Bikorimana, Umuhoza Karemera Noella Josiane, Jerome Ndayisenga, Jean Pierre Bugingo","doi":"10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1508","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1508","url":null,"abstract":"The newspapers and media as well as scientific papers reveal that alcohol and illicit drug abuse is of major concern in rural and urban areas of Rwanda. Especially in the areas nearing the borders of the country, the illicit gin known as Kanyanga is being consumed. The government of Rwanda has tried to take various measures to stop its use but seems to need more efforts because the local population has not stopped its use, and its smugglers and users increase day to day. The use of Kanyanga was found to bring some consequences that can even lead to death. With this background, the research was conducted to investigate people’s perceptions of its use and how a behavioural approach can be used to change them. To achieve the objective of the paper, a quantitative exploratory study was conducted where data were collected via an online survey, and respondents were citizens of Rwanda from six districts of the northern part where the gin is common. The data analysis was done through visualisation and explained using the prospect theory. The findings have shown that what people expect to get from the use of Kanyanga is the opposite of what they get from it because of bad consequences including death, poverty, and domestic conflicts. From these findings, the paper recommended counselling services along with nudging a behavioural perspective to deal sustainably with this illicit gin","PeriodicalId":491753,"journal":{"name":"East African journal of health & science","volume":"8 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135804194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Parametric Versus Non-Parametric Models for Predicting Infant Mortality within Communities in Uganda using the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey Data","authors":"Benard Odur, Elizabeth Nansubuga, Jonathan Odwee, Leonard Atuhaire","doi":"10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1454","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1454","url":null,"abstract":"Machine learning techniques have been infrequently used to identify community-based infant mortality risks. Achieving SDG 3 Targets 3.2 and 3.3 could be expedited by early detection of at-risk infants within communities. This study aimed to devise a community-centric algorithm for predicting infant mortality. We analysed UDHS 2016 data containing birth records for 22,635 children born within the five years preceding the survey, excluding those born within a year of the interview date. Twelve machine learning models were evaluated for their predictive capabilities using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC) in Python. Data subsets were divided into training and testing sets in a 2:1 ratio. Among the evaluated models, CatBoost showed superior performance with an AUC ROC of 74.9%. The five most influential variables for the CatBoost model were postnatal care utilisation, paternal age, household size, preceding birth interval, and maternal age. While the algorithm’s best performance was achieved using 28 variables, it still exhibited robust predictive power when limited to the top 8 or 10 variables. Hence, CatBoost stands out as an effective tool for identifying community-based infant mortality risks","PeriodicalId":491753,"journal":{"name":"East African journal of health & science","volume":"32 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134961186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Medical Research Oversight and Conduct During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of the Kenya Medical Research Institute","authors":"Timothy Kiplagat, Daisy Cheruiyot, Enock Kipchirchir Kebenei, Gideon Cornel Msee, James Nguya, Elizabeth Bukusi","doi":"10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1453","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1453","url":null,"abstract":"The containment measures introduced by the government of Kenya to minimise the spread and impact of SARS-CoV-2 inadvertently disrupted both the conduct of research and research oversight. At the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Scientific and Ethics Review Unit (SERU), submission of paper-based research protocols for review and in-person committee meetings were disrupted. In response, the KEMRI SERU changed operations from in-person to virtual meetings and from paper-based to e-mail submission of research protocols. This paper examines the continuity of research conduct and oversight during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional study that utilised a qualitative approach. We successfully conducted 50 in-depth interviews with the following: KEMRI SERU committee members (18), KEMRI SERU-based research administrators (8), principal investigators affiliated with KEMRI (18) and principal investigators from other research institutes who utilise KEMRI SERU for review (NON-KEMRI affiliated PIs) (6). The participants were purposively sampled. Data was analysed thematically using Dedoose, with selected quotations chosen to illustrate key themes and sub-themes presented in text form. The study found that the adoption of e-mail submission of research protocols and virtual meetings ensured continuity of research conduct and oversight during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual meetings increased members’ attendance at the KEMRI SERU committee meetings, reduced travel and saved time and other costs related to in-person meetings. The email submission eliminated the need for physical storage of paper documents, enhanced flexibility, and saved resources like printing and handling bulky paper documents. The challenges included unstable internet connectivity and unfamiliarity with online platforms during virtual meetings. Despite some challenges, the transition to email submission and virtual meetings enabled research conduct and oversight continuity","PeriodicalId":491753,"journal":{"name":"East African journal of health & science","volume":"37 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134961040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nursing Staff Practices Towards Computerization and Computer Use in a Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nairobi Kenya","authors":"Christine Mwikali Musee, Peter Kiteywo Sisimwo, Judith Mutindi Mweu, Philemona Maina, Philemona Maina, Rosemary Mutua, Grace Omulogoli","doi":"10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1342","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1342","url":null,"abstract":"The use and dependence on information technology have recently become increasingly widespread in healthcare and nursing care delivery. The purpose of this study was to assess practices among nursing staff in relation to computerisation and computer use in a tertiary referral hospital. This was a cross-sectional study comprising qualified nurses from all departments. A sample size of 291(100%) nurses participated in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires. Data were analysed using a statistical package for social sciences software version 22. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The majority of the respondent’s age were in the category 40-49 years 112(38.5%); senior nursing officers were 132(45.4%); majority participants used computers for ordering supplies 160(55%), nursing notes 41(14.1%), billing 64(22%) and communication 26(8.9%). Two hundred and fifty-nine (89%) had the ability to type using the computer keyboard, while 32(11%) had difficulties. Use of a computer mouse, typing on the keyboard, use of a word processor, having an email, ability to prepare power-point presentations, and formal training were statistically significant (p-value <0.0001). Regarding communication, 50(17.2%) used electronic mails while 241(82.8%) did not. Evidently, nurses’ practices on computerisation and computer use have an important bearing on the uptake and utilisation of computer systems in the workplace","PeriodicalId":491753,"journal":{"name":"East African journal of health & science","volume":"41 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135155392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the History-Taking Process of Sexual Reproductive Health Problems in Tanzania: Lessons from a Study of Health Students and Practitioners","authors":"Ever Mkonyi, Maria Trent, Dorkasi L. Mwakawanga, Agnes Fredrick Massae, Michael W. Ross, Zobeida E. Bonilla, Inari S. Mohammed, Gift Gadiel Lukumay, Stella Emmanuel Mushy, Lucy Raphael Mgopa, James Wadley, Dickson Ally Mkoka, Brian Robert Simon Rosser","doi":"10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1239","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajhs.6.1.1239","url":null,"abstract":"Building trust and therapeutic relationships between healthcare providers and patients is crucial for delivering high-quality, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Yet, while patients face substantial SRH disparities in Tanzania, little is known about health care professionals’ [HCPs] SRH history-taking practices and experiences. This paper describes HCPs’ interdisciplinary practices, experience in conducting SRH taking, and the critical lessons learned to optimize quality SRH care. We conducted 18 focus group discussions in June 2019 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with 60 healthcare practitioners and 61 students in midwifery, nursing, and medicine. We implemented a purposive, stratified sampling design to explore the experiences and perspectives of HCPs regarding providing sexual health services. We employed a grounded theory approach to perform the analysis. We provided seven scenarios to participants to discuss how they would manage SRH health problems. The scenarios helped us evaluate the practice and experience of SRH in Tanzania. Four broad themes and sub-themes emerged during the discussion; 1) SRH history-taking practices and experiences in the health care facilities; 2) the perceived benefit of effective SRH history-taking; 3) Factors hindering the SRH history-taking process; 4) The power of confidence. These findings have implications for strengthening a sexual health curriculum for medical students and continuing education programs for practising health professionals designed to address the observed health disparities in Tanzania. These findings affirm that proper SRH history-taking requires a conducive environment, knowledge of relevant SRH-related laws and regulations, application of evidence-based techniques, and giving patients autonomy to make decisions for their health while making recommendations regarding standard care. Comprehensive SRH history-taking identifies critical data for illness diagnosis, provides foundational information for risk-reduction behavioural change counselling, and reduces medical costs. Therefore, the primary goal is to optimize health professional training on SRH issues and history-taking skills within the medical interview&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;","PeriodicalId":491753,"journal":{"name":"East African journal of health & science","volume":"74 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135703224","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}